Courtyard House: I Have Countless Bodyguards

Before Liu Jianguo could speak, the political commissar had already raised his head, a hearty smile on his face, and stood up to greet him:

"Comrade Liu Jianguo! Welcome, welcome! I've heard so much about you, combat hero! I never expected you to come to our branch office, this is wonderful!"

Liu Jianguo also stepped forward with a smile and handed over the letter of introduction: "Hello, Political Commissar, this is my letter of introduction."

The political commissar took the letter, glanced at it quickly, and then warmly pulled Liu Jianguo to sit down: "Director Li has already explained the procedures to me. Deputy Director of the Security Department, concurrently Deputy Director of our branch bureau (on temporary assignment), excellent! This arrangement is very appropriate! From now on, we'll have to rely heavily on you for security and stability work in and around the steel mill! If there's anything the branch bureau needs to cooperate with, just let us know!"

"I will fully cooperate with the political commissar and the branch office!" Liu Jianguo stated.

The two exchanged a few words about their future work plans. Afterward, the political commissar personally called Wang, the head of the personnel department, and instructed him to take Liu Jianguo to complete his onboarding procedures.

Accompanied by Section Chief Wang, everything went smoothly. They registered their information and received their work permit, cadre resume, and other materials. Next, they went to the logistics department, registered, and received a set of blue police uniforms (for winter), a specially approved gun license, a well-maintained Type 54 pistol, and two fully loaded magazines.

Holding the cold, heavy pistol, feeling its familiar metallic texture, Liu Jianguo felt completely at ease. With a public identity, this gun, and the hidden system abilities, he finally had a sense of security in the seemingly calm but actually turbulent world of the courtyard house he was about to enter.

Accompanied by Section Chief Wang, Liu Jianguo arrived at the main gate of Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill. The towering brick gatehouse and the iron gate were wide open, with sentries in blue uniforms and red armbands that read "Guard" standing guard at the entrance. Inside the factory area, the roar of machinery could be heard, and wisps of white smoke billowed from the tall chimneys, creating a bustling scene.

Section Chief Wang walked towards the gate and said to a burly man who stood ramrod straight, with sharp eyes, and appeared to be around thirty years old, "Comrade, I'm from the Personnel Section of the Dongcheng Branch of the Municipal Public Security Bureau. This is Comrade Liu Jianguo. We're here to see Secretary Nie to process our onboarding. Is this where we register?"

The burly man's gaze swept over Section Chief Wang's identification, then settled on Liu Jianguo's dark blue cotton military uniform, which, though lacking collar insignia and cap badges, still exuded a military bearing. His eyes held a newfound scrutiny and understanding. He answered crisply:

"This is where you register."

He then picked up the register and had the two sign it, and then said:

"Secretary Nie's office is on the third floor. Let me take you there."

"Thank you for your trouble, comrade." Liu Jianguo nodded his thanks.

The three arrived at a door on the third floor with a sign that read "Party Secretary's Office." The burly man who had led the way knocked on the door.

"Please come in." A deep, steady middle-aged male voice came from inside.

Pushing open the door, the office was simply and neatly furnished, with a large desk behind which sat a middle-aged man wearing glasses, with a refined yet dignified demeanor—it was Secretary Nie.

Upon seeing the visitor, he immediately stood up, a warm smile spreading across his face. He walked around the table and first shook hands with Section Chief Wang: "Section Chief Wang, thank you for making the trip in person." Then, his gaze turned to Liu Jianguo, his eyes filled with admiration: "This must be Comrade Liu Jianguo, right? He's indeed a handsome man, clearly a fine soldier!"

Liu Jianguo immediately straightened his back and gave a standard military salute (although he had been demobilized, this had become an ingrained habit): "Secretary Nie, hello! I am Liu Jianguo, here to report for duty and complete the onboarding procedures!"

Secretary Nie smiled and waved his hand:

"Don't be so formal, please have a seat! Director Li from the Armed Forces Department and the political commissar from the branch bureau both called me earlier, saying they've brought a combat hero to our factory, and they even pressured me to treat them to drinks! Well, I guess I can't avoid the drinks now, but welcoming a hero like you makes it all worthwhile!"

Seeing this, Section Chief Wang knew the handover had gone smoothly, so he took Liu Jianguo's file folder from his briefcase and handed it to Secretary Nie:

"Secretary Nie, Comrade Liu Jianguo's paperwork is complete. I'll finish the handover now. I have other matters to attend to at the bureau, so I won't bother you any longer."

Liu Jianguo quickly stood up: "Section Chief Wang, you've really gone to so much trouble, even personally bringing me here."

Section Chief Wang laughed and said, "It's just my job, what's the trouble? Besides, it's to pick up and drop off our combat heroes, others wouldn't even get a chance to do this job! Secretary Nie, Director Liu, you're busy, I'll head back now." After saying that, he took his leave.

Secretary Nie personally escorted Section Chief Wang to the door before returning to his seat and carefully examining the file. As his gaze moved across the pages, the smile on his face gradually gave way to a solemn expression of respect.

"Liu Jianguo... three years of military service... one first-class merit... three second-class merits... five third-class merits... transferred to civilian work at the deputy regimental level, and appointed as deputy director of the security department..."

Secretary Nie read in a low voice, then looked up at Liu Jianguo with a solemn gaze. "Comrade Jianguo, you are remarkable! In just three years, you have earned a first-class merit and been promoted to deputy regimental commander. This is extremely rare in our army. This is something you have truly earned by risking your life on the battlefield. Your salary level is set at Administrative Level 15, with a monthly salary of 124 yuan. This is just the beginning, and it will be adjusted based on your performance in the future."

His tone was full of emotion, and he then picked up the old-fashioned crank telephone on the table and cranked it a few times:

"Hello, is this the switchboard? Connect me to Director Wu's office in the security department... Old Wu? Yes, it's me, Nie Huaiyuan. If it's convenient for you now, come to my office. I'm bringing you a top-notch general! Yes, come over quickly."

After hanging up the phone, Secretary Nie said to Liu Jianguo:

"Comrade Jianguo, you've come at just the right time. One of our deputy directors in the security department had just retired due to age. Another deputy director, alas, was seriously injured in an operation to capture a hidden enemy agent a few days ago and is still in the hospital. It's estimated that he won't be able to return to work anytime soon."

Old Wu, the section chief, will be graduating in two years. Your arrival, a true hero, has been a shot in the arm for our factory's security. From now on, you'll have to bravely shoulder the heavy responsibilities of the section.”

Liu Jianguo immediately replied, "Please rest assured, Secretary Nie! As a soldier, I dare not say anything else, but obeying orders and resolutely completing tasks are the most basic requirements! I will definitely familiarize myself with the work as soon as possible under Director Wu's leadership, fulfill my duties responsibly, and protect the safety of the factory area and its employees!"

Just then, there was a knock on the office door.

"Come in."

The door was pushed open, and a tall, stern-faced man in his fifties, wearing a faded blue Zhongshan suit, walked in. His sharp eyes and steady gait suggested he was a seasoned veteran police officer or security officer. This man was none other than Wu Tiansheng, the head of the security department.

"Secretary Nie, you wanted to see me?" Director Wu's voice was loud and clear.

"Old Wu, come quick!"

Secretary Nie waved his hand and pointed to Liu Jianguo, introducing him as follows:

"Let me introduce you. This is the tiger general I just told you about on the phone, Comrade Liu Jianguo!"

21 years old, served in the army for three years, transferred to civilian work at the deputy regimental level, received one first-class merit, three second-class merits, and five third-class merits!

I've now been officially assigned to our Security Department as Deputy Director. My rank is 15, and my salary is 124 yuan.

Old Wu, you'd better mentor this young comrade and help him get familiar with the situation as soon as possible so he can shoulder the responsibilities!