Courtyard House: I Have Countless Bodyguards

Liu Jianguo lowered his voice, his tone carrying a hint of secrecy:

"Through special channels, we got a fat pig, probably weighing 150 or 160 pounds, and a few hens that are laying eggs. The rationing is starting now. Although this little bit of stuff won't affect us much, in these times, these things are real hard currency when given away, especially that pig."

Upon hearing this, Li Huaide's eyes lit up immediately. Pork was a rare commodity at this time, hard to buy even with money and ration coupons! His smile widened, but he deliberately put on airs to emphasize his status:

"Well done, Jianguo! You've got some connections! What's the price? Just have it delivered to my house."

Liu Jianguo immediately waved his hand, feigning displeasure:

"Old Li, you're being too polite! With our relationship, talking about money would be a slap in my face. This is just a small token of my appreciation for your continued care and support. If you bring up money, I'll just give it away to someone else!"

This was a well-chosen statement. It both elevated Li Huaide's status and highlighted the "heartfelt intention" rather than a transaction. It also subtly applied pressure by saying "giving it to someone else," indicating the value and scarcity of the gift.

Li Huaide laughed heartily and pointed at Liu Jianguo with his finger:

"You sly fox! Fine, then I'll accept this generous gift!"

By accepting this generous gift, he essentially accepted all of Liu Jianguo's arrangements regarding Ding Qiunan and her father, and tacitly approved any potential future needs.

"If you need anything in the future, just say so!"

In this environment, this promise is more effective than any written guarantee. Power dynamics are solidified and upgraded through these seemingly casual gift exchanges and tacit promises.

Emerging from Li Huaide's office, Liu Jianguo felt refreshed and walked with a light step. Back in his own office, he immediately pressed the call button, his voice regaining its usual authoritative tone: "Have Section Chief Li Bing come to my office."

Li Bing arrived quickly and stood at attention to receive orders.

Liu Jianguo gave him instructions in person, his tone leaving no room for doubt:

"Take two reliable people to the personnel department of the machine repair shop immediately and, under the pretext of reviewing the files of trainees, retrieve Ding Qiunan's file."

He lowered his voice and gave instructions on the core task: "Then, you need to go and meet Ding Qiunan's father, Ding Zhiyuan, in person. Be sincere. Tell him that the organization cares about the old expert and wants to understand whether he did anything beneficial for our cause during that special period in the past, even if it was just providing medical assistance or protecting progressive students. Have her mother be there as a witness."

This is to "help" Ding Zhiyuan "remember" and "create" his highlights. With family members as witnesses, this "new material" will appear more authentic.

"After you've understood everything, bring Ding Qiunan over to see me as well."

As evening fell, Ding Qiunan followed Li Bing into Liu Jianguo's office again. She still maintained a cold and aloof demeanor, but a barely perceptible hint of anticipation and fear lurked deep within her eyes. Liu Jianguo gave Li Bing a wink, and Li Bing, understanding, withdrew, gently closing the door behind him.

"Close the door."

Liu Jianguo spoke calmly, yet with an unquestionable air of command.

Ding Qiunan locked the door as instructed, and the office immediately became a closed and oppressive space.

Liu Jianguo looked at her and bluntly stated the result, his tone devoid of any warmth, only a naked statement of the transaction:

"Your father's case is basically settled. I've sent people to reinvestigate, focusing on whether he has ever helped the organization in the past. As long as he knows what's good for him and doesn't say anything reckless, his past issues won't be such a major problem anymore."

He paused, extinguishing the other person's unrealistic fantasy: "Of course, it's impossible to completely clear your name and pretend nothing happened."

Although the outcome was compromised, the words "no longer a major problem" were a lifeline for Ding Qiunan.

Her eyes instantly welled up with tears, a mixture of excitement, grievance, and gratitude causing her body to tremble slightly.

Looking at her emotionally distraught state, Liu Jianguo admired her like a collectible he was about to acquire. He spoke indifferently, his words like the sharp edge of a cold blade:

"I've done what I promised you. Now, it's your turn to fulfill your promise. What are you waiting for?" These words completely tore away all the pretense of warmth and affection.

Ding Qiunan's face flushed crimson instantly. She was at a loss, her voice barely audible, carrying a final shred of shame and struggle:

"It's...it's daytime now...in...in the office...isn't that...not a good idea..."

Liu Jianguo did not answer, but stared at her with his cold, sharp, and emotionless gaze, and said, "I have resolved the annihilation of your family. The price you paid is that from now on, your body and soul belong to me completely. You have no right to negotiate. You only need to obey absolutely. Do you understand that?"

Silent oppression is more powerful than any words.

Ding Qiunan closed her eyes in despair, tears silently streaming down her face. Her hands trembled as she checked the lock again, instead of opening the door.

Then, she turned around, her back to Liu Jianguo, and her fingers trembling as she unbuttoned her faded blue overalls one by one... Liu Jianguo leaned back in his chair, calmly watching all of this. He did indeed experience a cruel sense of satisfaction from this process of crushing pride and subduing aloofness, a sense of control over everything.

If you don't want to see the process, I'll omit it...

After the storm, an atmosphere of ambiguity and humiliation permeated the office.

Ding Qiunan huddled on the sofa in the corner, her clothes disheveled, her eyes vacant. Her former aloofness was gone, replaced by a brokenness and numbness after being completely conquered.

Liu Jianguo straightened his clothes, glanced at the distraught Ding Qiunan, and said with a hint of comfort in his voice, "Lie down there for a while and rest."

The storm subsided, and only the slightly rapid breathing of the two people remained in the office.

Liu Jianguo looked at Ding Qiunan, who was curled up on the sofa with a vacant look in her eyes and her body still trembling slightly, but did not leave immediately.

He sat quietly for a moment, letting the atmosphere warm up slightly, then got up and walked over, picking her up in his arms without saying a word. He sat back in his office chair, placing her on his lap, his actions carrying an undeniable possessiveness.

He looked down at the flushed cheeks and evasive eyes of the person in his arms, his tone sounding like concern, but actually full of amusement after gaining control:

"How are you feeling? Can you still handle it?"

This statement is less of an inquiry and more of a victor's inspection of the spoils of war.

Ding Qiunan was no longer the aloof person she usually was. Her face was flushed, even her ears were pink, and her body was stiff. She dared not move and could only turn her head away in embarrassment and indignation.

Looking at her shy demeanor, which she had never shown in front of others before, Liu Jianguo felt his desire to conquer her was greatly satisfied.