Courtyard House: Starting with a 28-inch motorcycle

Then he introduced himself by name and instructed Xiao Yao to be sure to address him correctly in front of outsiders.

At this moment, an encrypted telegram is being rapidly transmitted back from overseas intelligence channels:

Although the government has always kept key projects tightly under wraps, clues can't be hidden forever.

For example, the origin of this mobile phone that has swept the international scientific community points to a young Chinese scientist—the information came from him, and although his name was not mentioned, the research and development unit was clearly marked as the Kyoto Fifth Research Institute.

When this device first appeared at the World Science Conference, it made China stand out on the technological landscape; followed by high-efficiency solar panels, high-density lithium batteries, and that voice chip that can understand human speech.

Foreign laboratories are trying their best to catch up, but they are always a step behind.

What made them even more alarmed was that the latest generation of multimedia computer systems was once again led by the mobile phone R&D team from the Kyoto Fifth Research Institute—its computing power, image processing, and real-time interaction all surpassed those of foreign products at the same time.

People with an exceptionally keen sense for these kinds of things would never think that it's just a coincidence.

They immediately made an emergency report to their superiors.

The superiors reacted decisively—they had to win him over.

The offer was quite substantial: a starting annual salary of one million US dollars, direct citizenship, and a detached villa.

If outstanding results are achieved subsequently, there will be additional rewards, special honors, and a series of other preferential treatments.

To ascertain the other party's attitude, they did not rush into direct contact, but instead sent a researcher who had recently been recruited to test the waters.

As a result, the person disappeared without a trace, without even sending back a coded message.

Fortunately, the other side had only recently defected, so they had limited core information and their organizational structure had not yet been exposed, thus preventing a chain reaction of shocks.

What's even more noteworthy is that the protection China provided for this researcher was impeccable—his whereabouts were concealed, his identity was encrypted, and his daily routine was deliberately obscured.

Judging from this level of protection alone, one can infer that what this person possesses is no ordinary achievement.

Now they were even more certain—they had to get there first and take the person away safely.

Such a top talent, who spans multiple fields, is precisely the scarce resource that our country is currently most eager for.

Using force? Of course not. They have always held true researchers in high esteem—a good idea can revolutionize an entire industry; a key technology can reshape the global landscape.

If there is a peaceful path to follow, who would be willing to gamble with their moral bottom line and international reputation?

If it were to be lost by mistake, it wouldn't just destroy a person, but rather cut off a giant leap forward for humanity.

Therefore, they always put the word "voluntary" first.

If gentle persuasion doesn't work, try applying pressure; if even the bottom line can't be maintained, then the only option is to make this person completely "evaporate" from this world.

Xiao Yao's name had long been quietly erased from the list of students in the school's gifted class.

Fortunately, the young students who shone in the previous two competitions have all now found employment, and no one knows that Xiao Yao spearheaded the remote-controlled airplane project. Furthermore, the school has never publicly mentioned the name "Xiao Yao"—this secrecy has kept them completely unaware of the name to this day.

However, the state reacted extremely quickly: it immediately activated protection mechanisms to ensure Xiao Yao's absolute safety; at the same time, it strictly controlled the scope of those who knew about him, preventing any unusual behavior from revealing his special status. The entire arrangement was discreet, meticulous, and flawless.

"Their attack is too fierce; we have to counter their moves accordingly."

The former leader personally directed the operation, quietly strengthening security while precisely eliminating suspicious forces lurking within the country without disturbing diplomatic relations.

Xiao Yao followed Huang Tao, Zhang Jie, Luo Bing, Wang Dingke, and others into Han Chunming's small restaurant.

Han Chunming looked up and almost didn't recognize him—when did Xiao Yao pick up this trendy vibe?

This outfit is still a rarity in the North: a wide-shouldered jacket paired with ripped jeans, a few strands of hair dyed in bright colors, and a pair of sunglasses perched casually on the bridge of the nose. The older generation finds it ostentatious, but young people are eager to buy it.

Han Chunming stepped forward, his eyes wide: "My goodness, Xiao Yao, where did you get this outfit? It's so stylish I almost didn't recognize you! And who are these people?"

……

"They're all my colleagues from the south. We got together for the holiday and came out for a trip. It wouldn't do to just stay cooped up in the guesthouse, so I brought them along—you don't mind, do you?"

Xiao Yao explained with a smile.

"Your friend is my brother! Since you're here, sit down and have a hot meal!"

Han Chunming readily greeted them and led everyone inside.

As soon as Xiao Yao stepped inside, all the diners in the room turned to stare at him—no wonder they were curious.

In the north, aviator sunglasses were still a novelty. Suddenly, five pairs appeared, all wearing the same style of sunglasses. Who wouldn't take a second look?

After they were seated in the private room, Han Chunming called Su Meng and Han Chunyan to keep him company.

"Xiao Yao, don't your aunt and uncle care about your outfit?" Su Meng couldn't help but ask. She liked this style herself, but her family was strict and she didn't dare to wear it out at all.

Han Chunyan nodded. Although she couldn't quite accept such a flamboyant style of dress, she didn't dislike Xiao Yao at all.

"Don't worry, my parents are very open-minded and haven't restricted me for a long time. Besides, I'm just thinking about the business—dressing smartly is a way to promote our brand."

"By the way, where have you been these past two years? We haven't been able to contact you at all. Even Su Man can't say where you are," Su Meng pressed.

"Where else can I go? I'll just stay in the south and trade clothes. The market there is vibrant, and there are plenty of opportunities."

Han Chunming came in carrying a wine pot, and upon hearing this, his heart sank.

If Xiao Yao hadn't relinquished the business back then, this thriving business should have been built by the two of them together. Now, they're incredibly busy, while the hero has quietly retreated to the background.

He feigned anger: "Xiao Yao! You're so unfair! We agreed to split the restaurant's profits equally, but you disappeared and went off to have a good time in the south! From now on, you're stuck here managing the accounts, and you're not allowed to go anywhere!"

Xiao Yao chuckled and replied, "Don't you know me? I've told you before, I can't stay still; I have to travel and see the world. You want me to stay in one place? Even the 'Yao' in my name would protest!"

It was a joke, but the truth must not be revealed at all—telling the truth would only harm the people around you.

"By the way, Su Meng, where were you assigned after graduation?"

Xiao Yao smoothly changed the subject. Han Chunming also calmed down, knowing in his heart that this man was inherently adventurous, and would naturally come back when he wanted to stop; there was no need to rush him.

"I'm starting as a teacher at the First Elementary School next week. Oh right, Chunming and I are getting married in a few days! I've been so busy lately that I haven't had a chance to tell your parents yet—you absolutely have to come! If Chunming doesn't see you at the wedding, he'll nag you for the rest of his life; you two practically grew up together!"

Su Meng took precautions in advance, fearing that Xiao Yao would disappear without a trace again.

"Don't worry, I'll definitely be there! I've also prepared a special gift for you."

Xiao Yao spoke with certainty.

"What gift?" Han Chunming's eyes lit up.

"Heavenly secrets must not be revealed."

Xiao Yao blinked, feigning profundity.

After the meal, Xiao Yao said he had to go to Su Man's house—if he hadn't been held up by Han Chunming's meal, he would have been there long ago.

Zhang Jie and his team were responsible for escorting Xiao Yao throughout the entire process. All of Xiao Yao's relatives and friends had been thoroughly investigated, and Su Man was naturally the first person to be investigated.

They dropped Xiao Yao off at the courtyard gate and stopped. The car slowly drove out of the alley, and the remaining security duties were handed over to a special person in the shadows.

Su Man knew he was coming and even called this morning to confirm.

The two maintained close contact, and she was aware of Xiao Yao's every move. The organization also didn't guard against her—after graduation, she volunteered to become Xiao Yao's personal assistant, just so she could stay by his side and not want to be separated by distance.

The next time Xiao Yao goes to the research institute, she will go with him. The two have already obtained their marriage certificate, but the wedding banquet has been postponed. This vacation is specifically for taking care of personal matters.

Ji Fengnan and Lin Siyue were in the same situation; they got their marriage certificate but didn't even have a proper wedding banquet.

Xiao Yao's situation was rather unique. Director Su's intention was clear: a simple meal between close relatives from both families would suffice, and the wedding could be skipped. However, Xiao Zhiyuan and Lin Wan insisted that even though the newlyweds weren't present, the ceremony couldn't be neglected—the two families would still hold a grand celebration after they returned to their workplaces. After several discussions, this was finally settled.

"This research is probably going to be a real, hands-on affair, isn't it?"

Su Man asked softly, her brow furrowed slightly. She knew that Xiao Yao had joined the nuclear fission project team, and she knew even better that if something went wrong with that thing, it would be difficult to find even the bones.

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing." Xiao Yao smiled, his voice low and steady. "I won't let you shed a single tear."

He started preparing for Han Chunming's wedding in the Su family's courtyard: the wood was bought at the secondhand market yesterday evening, the tools were borrowed, but the craftsmanship was ingrained in his bones—honed through generations of ups and downs, this kind of work was a piece of cake for him.

He made an elm wood walker, a rattan rocking chair, and even carved a rattle drum the size of a walnut, with a small sheepskin stretched over the drumhead, which would make a tinkling sound when shaken.

These items are currently nowhere to be found on the market, and this is precisely the new approach he plans to take in collaboration with Han Chunming—to first use these "rare items" to polish the reputation of the childcare company. As for the details of the collaboration, he hasn't spoken yet, but he trusts Han Chunming's quick wit and ability to understand things immediately.

Su Man squatted beside him, handing him sandpaper and tightening screws. As he bent over, his sleeves rolled up to his forearms, his knuckles covered in sawdust, yet his eyes shone with an astonishing light. She suddenly felt that if her future days were supported by such hands, she would feel grounded and comforted.

On the day of Han Chunming's wedding, the place was packed with people. Now that he has a different status, there are naturally many more people coming to support him. The open space in front of the restaurant was already filled with bicycles, handlebars touching handlebars and bells jingling.