Courtyard House: I Have Countless Bodyguards

The carriage was noisy and crowded, filled with the smells of tobacco, sweat, and an indescribable odor. Most of the passengers looked tired; some were dozing off, while others were talking in hushed tones about work, family, mundane daily life, and their discussions about this new era, which were filled with both hope and a touch of bewilderment.

Liu Jianguo appeared to be gazing at the fleeting scenery outside the window, but his mind was already absorbed in the system interface in his head.

For the past two months, he has kept an unusually low profile in the military. Apart from necessary restorative training and participating in organizational discussions, he has spent most of his time researching his "portable ecological mini-world." He dares not easily use his enhanced physical strength, much less summon assassins, for fear of attracting unnecessary attention. But the mini-world has become his biggest secret base.

All the allowances and subsidies he had accumulated during his three years of military service, plus his disability pension, totaled nearly three thousand yuan. In an era when every penny was precious, this was undoubtedly a staggering sum. He carefully hid this money beside the black soil of Xiaoshijie, wrapped it tightly in oilcloth.

In addition, there were some spoils he had carefully collected on the battlefield, considered "unclaimed"—a few well-preserved Swiss watches, some loose US dollars, and even a small Browning pistol and some bullets—all lying quietly in a corner of the small world. These supplies might play an unexpected role in the future.

"Clang... Clang... Whoosh—!"

The long, drawn-out whistle pulled Liu Jianguo back to reality. The train conductor's heavily accented voice announced over the loudspeaker: "Attention passengers, the next station is Beijing, the capital! Passengers disembarking, please prepare accordingly..."

We've arrived in Beijing.

Liu Jianguo took a deep breath, picked up the worn-out military bag at his feet (it only contained some changes of clothes and daily necessities; all the important things were in the small world), and followed the crowded flow of people off the train.

The platform was bustling with voices, a cacophony of accents. A chilly breeze swept in, yet it carried a long-lost vibrancy and energy characteristic of a big city.

Without delay, following procedure, he first needed to report to the local armed forces department to establish his work and organizational affiliation. After inquiring along the way, he arrived at the district armed forces department. The soldiers at the gate checked his demobilization certificate and letter of introduction. Upon seeing that he was a decorated officer transferred to civilian work at the rank of deputy regimental commander, their expressions immediately became even more solemn, and they gave him a crisp, clean salute.

"Greetings, sir! Please proceed to Director Li's office inside to process your demobilization paperwork!"

After thanking him, Liu Jianguo entered the compound of the Armed Forces Department and, following the instructions, found a room with a sign that read "Director's Office." He straightened his appearance and knocked on the door.

"Please come in!"

A strong, resonant voice came from inside.

Liu Jianguo pushed open the door and entered. The office was simply furnished: a desk, a few chairs, and maps and portraits of great figures hanging on the walls. A cadre in his forties, slightly overweight but with sharp eyes, was working at the desk. He looked up at Liu Jianguo.

Liu Jianguo stands at attention and salutes (though retired, it's still a habit):

"Hello, Director Li! I am Liu Jianguo, a demobilized officer from the 38th Army, here to report for duty!" He said, handing over all his files and certificates with both hands.

Director Li took the document, carefully flipped through it, and a smile gradually appeared on his face:

"Liu Jianguo! I know you! A combat hero! One First-Class Merit, three Second-Class Merits, five Third-Class Merits! Wow, my reputation is truly legendary!" He stood up enthusiastically, walked around the table, and shook hands firmly with Liu Jianguo. "Welcome back to work in the civilian sector! Please sit down, have a seat!"

After some necessary pleasantries and small talk, the two sides got down to business.

Director Li, holding the document, said in a formal tone:

"Comrade Jianguo, based on your rank (deputy regimental level), merits, and the actual needs of the local area, after organizational review, it has been decided to assign you to work at the Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill as the deputy director of the Security Department, with a rank equivalent to deputy division chief. This corresponds to your transfer benefits. What do you think?"

Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill!

Upon hearing those words, Liu Jianguo's heart skipped a beat, as if a lightning bolt had struck his mind! All his previous guesses and premonitions were confirmed at that moment! He suppressed the immense shock in his heart and tried his best to confirm in a calm tone:

"Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill? Excuse me... what is the address?"

"It's in Dongcheng District, not far from Nanluoguxiang," Director Li added casually.

Nanluoguxiang!

It's confirmed! It really is here! The world of "Full House of Love"! Although the name of the steel mill doesn't seem to match the time of the "donation" in his vague memory, and there might be some slight discrepancies in the details of this world, the core location is correct!

In an instant, vivid yet complex images of Sha Zhu, Qin Huairu, Xu Damao, and the three old men flashed through his mind. He had originally thought he had only transmigrated to a parallel 1950s, but he never expected to have directly stumbled into this specific "plot"!

Countless thoughts raced through his mind in an instant, but his face remained calm:

"I will obey the organization's arrangements."

Director Li nodded in satisfaction and then took out another document:

"Considering your rich combat experience and outstanding achievements, and in order to fully utilize your talents and facilitate your future work, with special approval from higher authorities, you are hereby appointed as the Deputy Director of the Dongcheng Branch of the Municipal Public Security Bureau (on temporary assignment), primarily to assist in managing public security and joint defense work. This was personally secured for you by our senior commander to help you handle any complex situations you may encounter."

Liu Jianguo's heart skipped a beat again. A concurrent position as deputy director of the Public Security Bureau? This would undoubtedly provide him with an extra layer of protection, making his actions much easier. His superiors were indeed very thoughtful.

"Thank you for the organization's trust! I will definitely work hard and live up to the organization's expectations!" Liu Jianguo stood up and solemnly stated.

After completing all the formalities and receiving the letters of introduction to report to the Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill and the Public Security Bureau, Liu Jianguo bid farewell to Director Li.

Without lingering, he followed the directions to the Dongcheng Branch of the Municipal Public Security Bureau. The branch was a slightly old two-story building with armed sentries standing guard at the entrance. Liu Jianguo asked an old man in an old cotton-padded coat with his hands tucked into his sleeves for directions.

"A comrade who's been demobilized?" The old man looked him up and down, observing his crisp military uniform and demeanor, and warmly pointed the way, "Go to the second floor, find the political commissar's office."

"Thank you, sir."

Upon reaching the second floor, Liu Jianguo found the room with the sign "Political Commissar's Office" and knocked on the door.

"Please come in."

Liu Jianguo pushed open the door and entered. Inside the office, a man around forty years old, sitting upright, wearing a faded old military uniform (without collar insignia), with bright and sharp eyes, was writing at his desk. He gave off an impression of being clean, efficient, and decisive.