Courtyard House: The Road to an Industrial Power

In the steel rolling mill workshop, the assembly of the eight-cylinder engine is nearing completion. The silver-gray body gleams with a metallic luster, and the pipelines are neatly arranged, resembling a fine work of art.

Lin Weidong, dressed in work clothes with beads of sweat on his forehead, was tightening the last bolt with a wrench. Wang Jianjun and Su Wanqing were assisting him, their eyes filled with anticipation and nervousness.

"Check all parameters again, including the oil system, electrical system, and cooling system. We can't overlook any of them."

Holding the test report, Wang Jianjun reported one by one: "The crankshaft speed calibration is complete. The maximum output power can reach 380 horsepower, and the peak torque is 950 N·m. All indicators meet the design requirements."

Su Wanqing added, "The cooling system pressure test passed, the oil circuit sealing is good, and the ignition system is functioning normally."

Lin Weidong nodded, walked to the control panel, and took a deep breath: "Prepare for a test drive!"

As he pressed the start button, the engine first emitted a low hum, then the speed quickly climbed up, the roar was deafening, but it was unusually smooth, without the slightest noise.

The workers in the workshop all gathered around, their faces beaming with excitement, clapping and cheering.

"It's a success! It's a real success!" Wang Jianjun shouted excitedly.

Li Huaide stood at the back of the crowd, looking at the engine running normally, and grinned widely.

The success of this eight-cylinder engine will not only elevate the steel rolling mill's technological level to a new level, but also provide strong power support for the country's automotive, military, and other industries.

Just then, the door to the test workshop was suddenly pushed open, and Ji Boxiao barged in with two inspectors from the Ministry of Industry, his face frighteningly gloomy.

He clearly hadn't expected Lin Weidong to actually succeed in the test run. The steel mill's approval for raw materials had been blocked, but unexpectedly, the steel mill actually produced special steel.

After receiving news that Lin Weidong was testing the engine today, Ji Boxiao arrived with two inspectors who usually fawned over him.

Upon reaching the engine, Ji Boxiao glared angrily at Lin Weidong: "Who gave you permission to produce special steel without authorization? Did you report your engine production?"

Lin Weidong and Li Huaide immediately knew that this kid was here to cause trouble. Lin Weidong then realized why Li Huaide's application for special steel hadn't been approved; it turned out this guy was the one causing trouble.

Lin Weidong frowned: "Ji Boxiao, what business is it of yours what our steel rolling mill produces? Who do you think you are?"

Ji Boxiao sneered and waved to the inspectors behind him. One of the men, a man with a long face, took out an unstamped notice and said, "This is the document that requires you to stop production. You must stop now."

Lin Weidong snatched the document, glanced at it, and threw it at Ji Boxiao's face.

"Are you brain-dead? Can't you check if it's stamped?"

Ji Boxiao knew, of course, that this was just a pretext to bully others. He dared not ask Liu Jie for a stamp; if Liu Jie knew what he had done, he would probably beat him to death.

Ji Boxiao said stiffly, "You must stop, whether or not it's stamped."

Li Huaide, who was standing to the side, said to Ji Boxiao, "You'd better think carefully about what you're saying. We let the previous matter go for the sake of Minister Liu, but if you continue to make trouble today, don't blame me for calling Minister Liu."

Upon hearing this, Ji Boxiao's expression changed, but his two henchmen, unaware of his thoughts, arrogantly shouted, "Who do you think you are, daring to speak to Ji Boxiao like that?"

Li Huaide's expression changed, and the surrounding workers swarmed around him.

Seeing that things were about to go wrong, Ji Boxiao quickly retreated.

But he still stubbornly insisted: "Lin Weidong, don't think you can bully the few with the many of you."

After holding back for a while, Lin Weidong quickly walked up to Ji Boxiao and kicked him with a side kick, sending Ji Boxiao flying. Then Lin Weidong flashed to his side.

He lifted his foot and stomped down: "Don't wander around here unless it's absolutely necessary next time."

"Crack!" Ji Boxiao lay on the ground and howled wildly.

Wang Jianguo was shocked when he saw this; he hadn't expected his older brother to be such a good fighter.

Li Huaide and the surrounding workers were also stunned by this scene.

Ji Boxiao lay on the ground, convulsing in pain. He felt sharp pain in his ribs and legs, and he knew he must have broken bones.

But he knew in his heart that he was the one who started this whole thing, and that his father and Liu Jie had always warned him not to provoke Lin Weidong, otherwise they would definitely punish him severely.

After lying there for a while, he gritted his teeth and said to his henchman, "Quick... quick, take me to the hospital. Don't let my dad and Uncle Liu know. Tell my mom to come."

The workers nodded hurriedly, carefully helped Ji Boxiao up, and they left the workshop in a disheveled state.

Lin Weidong watched their retreating figures without saying anything more, then turned back to continue monitoring the engine test.

The engine continued to run smoothly, and all data were perfect.

Immediately afterwards, the people in the workshop had an in-depth discussion about the mass production plan for the engine, and it was already dark when they left the workshop.

At this time, the courtyard was shrouded in darkness.

Under the cover of night, a dark figure silently slipped into the courtyard; it was the assassin wearing the dog-skin hat.

Following the middle-aged man's instructions, he planned to sneak into the west wing while Lin Weidong was away and look for an opportunity to strike.

But as soon as he reached the entrance of the west courtyard, he triggered the simple alarm device set up by Lin Weidong, and a piercing ringing sound rang out.

Liu Guangtian and Liu Guangfu, who were resting inside, immediately became alert, grabbed the wooden sticks beside them, and rushed out.

"Who?!" Liu Guangtian shouted, and by the moonlight, he saw the assassin at the door.

Seeing this, the assassin no longer concealed himself, drew the dagger from his waist, and rushed towards Liu Guangtian.

Although Liu Guangtian and Liu Guangfu were young, they had gained some strength after working in the factory for some time. The two joined forces and fought against the assassin.

Sha Zhu and He Daqing heard the commotion and rushed over.

Sha Zhu, holding a kitchen knife, shouted, "Guangtian, Guangfu, don't be afraid, I'm here to help you!"

Although the assassin was skilled, he gradually fell into a disadvantageous position when surrounded by several people. He secretly thought things were going badly and tried to retreat, but Liu Guangtian held him back tightly.