Courtyard House: I Have Countless Bodyguards

As Liu Jianguo followed Tang Yongsheng into the clean and tidy living room, a middle-aged woman wearing an apron, with a kind face and capable eyes, peeked out from the kitchen.

She wiped her hands on her apron, her face beaming with a warm smile, and after glancing at Liu Jianguo, she said with a smile:

"This must be Jianguo, right? Please, have a seat. Jingxian has been talking about you all the time at home. I have two more dishes here, they'll be ready in no time. Jingxian, don't just stand there, quickly pour Jianguo some tea."

His words carried the warmth of an elder looking at a younger person and undisguised satisfaction.

Tang Jingxian readily agreed and hurried off to make tea.

"Auntie, you're too kind. I can do it myself."

Liu Jianguo quickly said something polite, and seeing that Tang's mother had turned and gone back into the kitchen, he stood up and said politely:

"Auntie, shall I lend you a hand?"

He was just being polite. In northern families, especially for a distinguished guest visiting for the first time, it's almost unthinkable to let a guest into the kitchen.

Sure enough, Tang Yongsheng laughed and waved his hand, saying:

"Hey! Jianguo, you're being too polite by calling me that. Make yourself at home here. Besides, it's not right to let a guest do the work. Come, come, sit here and play a couple of games of chess with me. Jingxian, go to the kitchen and help your mother out. You don't need to worry about things here."

His words both brought them closer and, without further ado, sent his daughter away, clearly indicating that he wanted to speak with Liu Jianguo alone.

Tang Jingxian obediently replied "Yes," winked at Liu Jianguo, and went to the kitchen.

Tang Yongsheng led Liu Jianguo to sit down at the octagonal table in the living room, and took out a wooden chess set from under the coffee table. The chessboard was quite old and worn smooth.

"Jianguo, do you know how to play chess?"

Tang Yongsheng asked casually as he set up the chess pieces.

"I know a little bit, but my chess skills are not very good. I just keep Uncle Tang company."

Liu Jianguo responded modestly and helped set up the chess pieces.

Tang Yongsheng laughed and said, "Haha, good, it's a good thing for a young man to be humble. Come on, let's play a couple of rounds and see how good you are."

The pieces are set up, red goes first, then black, the Chu River and Han border are drawn, and the battle begins.

Tang Yongsheng seemingly casually took a step forward, then lowered his voice as if unintentionally and said:

"Jianguo, you should have received the notification. Report to the Municipal Bureau tomorrow."

Without waiting for Liu Jianguo's confirmation, he continued to place his pieces, but his tone became serious:

"This mission is very special. Someone has fled to Hong Kong with an extremely important classified document. The superiors have instructed that if the person cannot be caught, they can be put on hold for the time being."

However, that document must be brought back intact at all costs; this is a direct order.

He spoke softly, but every word struck Liu Jianguo's heart like a hammer blow.

Liu Jianguo paused slightly as he quickly processed the massive amount of information in the command: people can be released, but items must be seized.

This is enough to show that the value of that material far exceeds that of the traitor himself.

Tang Yongsheng observed his reaction, satisfied with his composure, and then said:

"I will personally lead this operation as the team leader. I recommend you for the position of deputy team leader and allow you to bring one absolutely trustworthy key member to the team."

He paused, his voice lower, carrying a hint of a father's worry and entrustment:

"Jingxian insisted on participating in this operation. She is quite capable, but she is still inexperienced and has an impatient temperament."

I've assigned her to your team. Please keep a close eye on her and ensure her safety. This is partly out of personal consideration, but also a sign of my trust in your abilities.

Liu Jianguo immediately put down his chess piece, straightened his back, and looked at Tang Yongsheng with a resolute tone and firm gaze:

"Please rest assured, Director Tang. Liu Jianguo guarantees to complete the mission. He will definitely retrieve the materials and protect Comrade Jingxian's safety." This was both a subordinate's promise to his superior and an implicit response to the entrustment from his elder.

Tang Yongsheng smiled with satisfaction and nodded.

"Okay, I'm relieved to hear that. Come to my office at eight o'clock tomorrow morning for a group meeting."

After the business was finished, the atmosphere relaxed.

Just then, Tang's mother came out of the kitchen carrying two steaming plates of stir-fried dishes, greeting them with a smile:

"Old Tang, Jianguo, stop playing, wash your hands, it's time to eat."

The fierce atmosphere on the chessboard was instantly replaced by the warmth of home.

The meal was served, and it was quite plentiful.

After everyone was seated, Tang's mother, Sun Hongning, formally introduced herself to Liu Jianguo:

"Jianguo, I was so busy just now that I didn't get to formally introduce myself. My name is Sun Hongning, I work at the Municipal Women's Federation, and I'm Jingxian's mother. Jianguo, I really want to thank you. You saved my Jingxian, and our whole family will remember this kindness."

Liu Jianguo quickly picked up his teacup and offered tea instead of wine: "Aunt Sun, you're too kind. This is what I should do. Please don't be so polite, or you'll seem too formal."

Liu Jianguo felt immense pressure during this meal.

Sun Hongning's enthusiasm was beyond imagination; it was almost like conducting a census, with questions coming one after another.

"Jianguo, where is your hometown?"

How old are you this year?

Who else is in the family?

"Are you getting used to working in the steel rolling mill?"

"...Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend?"

The last question, in particular, was quite meaningful, and his eyes kept glancing at Tang Jingxian, who was eating with her head down and whose ears were red.

Liu Jianguo could only give vague answers and deal with the situation cautiously. After the meal, he felt even more tired than when he was leading a team to catch enemy agents.

After finally finishing his meal, he quickly got up to say goodbye.

Tang Yongsheng and Sun Hongning escorted Liu Jianguo to the gate of the courtyard. Tang Yongsheng then instructed the driver to take Liu Jianguo back to Nanluoguxiang in a jeep.

Back at the courtyard house, Liu Jianguo tidied up briefly and also spoke with Li Bing.

The next morning, he took Li Bing directly to the solemn and dignified Municipal Public Security Bureau building to report for duty.

After undergoing strict registration at the entrance, the two followed the instructions to the director's office on the third floor.

Liu Jianguo straightened his clothes and gently knocked on the door.

"Please come in!"

Tang Yongsheng's calm voice came from inside.

Liu Jianguo pushed open the door and entered, with Li Bing following closely behind.

Tang Yongsheng was reviewing documents at his desk when he looked up and saw them. A smile spread across his face.

"Jianguo has arrived, quite punctual. This must be Comrade Li Bing. Well, he looks like a highly capable officer. Please have a seat for a while, and we'll have a short meeting once the other comrades have arrived."

Liu Jianguo responded with a "Yes," and he and Li Bing sat down on the sofa against the wall, waiting quietly.

A short while later, the office door was knocked on again, and relevant personnel arrived one after another.