Courtyard House: I Have Countless Bodyguards

One hand continued to restlessly caress her waist, while the other lifted her chin, forcing her to look at him, a condescending smile on his face: "Alright, enough teasing. Let's get down to business."

His tone was casual, yet it carried a weighty promise: "In the future, if you encounter any problems that you cannot solve at work or in life, you can go directly to Section Chief Li Bing of the Security Department or Section Chief Li Cheng of the Public Security Department."

He paused, then emphasized, "Just say it was my idea. They'll help you sort it out."

This seemingly casual remark was like giving her an invisible talisman within the steel mill, bringing her safety under its protection and completely binding her to this dependent relationship.

After giving his instructions, Liu Jianguo patted her bottom gently, as if dismissing an obedient pet, indicating that she could leave.

Ding Qiunan felt as if she had been granted a pardon, yet also felt a deep sense of loss. She hurriedly got off Liu Jianguo's lap, her steps unsteady as she tidied her disheveled clothes, her face flushed and pale.

In the end, with extremely complicated feelings—both the relief of escaping her current predicament and the confusion and vague fear about the future—she walked out of the office with her head down, in a slightly awkward and uncomfortable posture, as if a ferocious beast was chasing her.

Time flies, and a month has passed in the blink of an eye.

During this month, Liu Jianguo fulfilled his promise. First, he sent Li Bing to deliver a pig and two laying hens to Li Huaide.

Then, Li Bing, carrying "solid" external investigation materials proving that Ding Zhiyuan had "indirectly helped the revolutionary masses," went to the machine repair factory and successfully changed his file status from the deadly "five black categories" to "a technician with historical problems but who can be reformed and used."

While it cannot completely clear their name, it is enough to ensure the safety of the Ding family.

Upon learning the news, Ding Qiunan felt a complex mix of fear, humiliation, and genuine gratitude towards Liu Jianguo, and was deeply grateful.

During this period, Liu Jianguo lived a carefree life. During the day at the factory, Ding Qiunan did whatever she wanted to him and was submissive and dependent on her.

When he returned to the courtyard house in the evening, Qin Huairu would take good care of him. Occasionally, when he was in the mood, he would even invite the two of them to come together.

He found immense satisfaction in his power and desires within this time and space.

That morning, Liu Jianguo had just sat down in his office when an office clerk knocked on the door and announced, "Director Liu, Director Wang requests your presence in his office now, saying it's important."

"Understood." Liu Jianguo's expression remained unchanged, but his heart skipped a beat. Wang Pengfei's initiative to contact him must mean he had important arrangements. He quickly tidied himself up and headed to the director's office.

Entering Wang Pengfei's office, Liu found him sitting behind his desk reviewing documents. Upon seeing him, Wang warmly gestured for him to sit down. After a few pleasantries, Wang leaned forward, placing his hands clasped on the desk, and looked directly at Liu. His tone became more intimate, yet carried an undeniable authority:

"Comrade Jianguo, we've been working together for a while now. Today, since there are no outsiders here, I'll speak from the heart."

He lowered his voice slightly, "I know that when I, an outsider, came here and took this position as section chief, you must have had some thoughts and resentment. That's normal. If I were in your shoes, I would have had the same thoughts." He first used a retreat as a way to advance, pointing out the contradiction and showing his insight.

He abruptly changed the subject, giving clear expectations and terms for the exchange: "But let me be frank with you today. I won't stay in this position for long, three years at most! After three years, I have other plans and will leave. At that time, I, Wang Pengfei, will guarantee with my Party spirit that this position of head of the security department will be yours, Liu Jianguo, recommended to the higher authorities!"

This is a blatant promise of power, both an appeasement and a transaction, demanding that Liu Jianguo assist him wholeheartedly for the next three years without hindering him.

Liu Jianguo sneered inwardly, but showed no sign of it on his face. He even appropriately revealed a hint of embarrassment at being exposed, which quickly transformed into the unique fortitude and obedience of a soldier.

He straightened his back, his voice steady and powerful: "Director Wang, you flatter me. At first, I was indeed a little confused. But after thinking about it carefully, I realized that any arrangement made by the organization is based on the overall situation and must have far-reaching considerations. I, Liu Jianguo, am a soldier by training. I may not know many other principles, but the ironclad rule that 'obeying orders is my duty' is etched in my bones! Please rest assured, you and the organization, I will absolutely obey your arrangements and fully cooperate with your work!"

These words both acknowledged that he had "had complaints," making them seem genuine, and raised the banner of "obeying the organization," making him appear highly conscious. They perfectly responded to Wang Pengfei's probing and gave him ample face.

After listening, Wang Pengfei smiled with satisfaction. This was exactly the attitude Liu Jianguo wanted. As long as Liu Jianguo didn't sabotage things behind the scenes, he could steadily accumulate capital over the next three years and smoothly transition into the new era.

"Great! That's exactly what I wanted to hear!"

Wang Pengfei slammed his hand on the table, and the atmosphere turned serious. "Comrade Jianguo, I've called you here today to entrust you with an extremely important political task!"

He stood up, walked to the national map on the wall, and pointed to Inner Mongolia: "The construction of the Baotou Steel Plant, a key project of the First Five-Year Plan, has been put on the agenda. This is a strategic project related to the lifeline of the nation's steel industry. At present, the preliminary preparations must be accelerated."

He turned around, his gaze sharp as he looked at Liu Jianguo: "After careful consideration, the factory's Party Committee has decided to provide Baogang with one of the few 'precision medium-sized machine tools' independently developed in my country!"

He emphasized, "This machine tool is the 'mother machine' of industry, the source of precision in the manufacturing of all equipment. Whether it can be safely and timely delivered to Baotou directly affects whether Baotou Steel Plant can start production on schedule, and it affects the overall construction situation of the country. The task is arduous and the responsibility is heavy. Comrade Jianguo, the factory's Party Committee and I believe you are the most suitable person to undertake this escort mission. Do you have the confidence to complete this glorious and arduous task?"

Liu Jianguo stood up abruptly, chest out, head held high, his voice booming with the decisiveness and resolve characteristic of a soldier:

"Please rest assured, Director and Factory Party Committee! We guarantee the task will be completed!"

He knew perfectly well that entrusting him with the escort mission of such important strategic materials was both a tremendous trust and a test, a recognition of his abilities by the organization, and a reward and further attempt by Wang Pengfei to win him over for his previous "statement." Success in the mission would allow him to accumulate significant political capital.

"Great! That's the kind of spirit we're looking for."