Courtyard House: Starting with a 28-inch motorcycle

Watching the workers excitedly rush towards the factory, he lowered his voice and said, "Someone has their eye on our toy factory, trying to force me to relinquish control. Xiao Yao has taken care of it—don't tell anyone when you get back, just say it was a misunderstanding."

He neither wanted the scandal to spread throughout the city nor wanted to keep it a secret from his second sister.

Han Chunyan nodded slightly, her heart trembling slightly—this kid Xiao Yao really has a lot of influence. But then she thought about it again, and realized that his father was the director of the Public Security Bureau, so the connection became clear and it was no longer surprising.

……

After Han Chunming and his group left, Xiao Zhiyuan stared at Huang Bo for a long time, his eyes filled with disbelief and astonishment, as well as a deep sense of disappointment.

Huang Bo only said he was "helping Zhang Yun detain people temporarily for three days," seemingly skirting the law, but in reality, he had already crossed the line—this wasn't assistance; it was clearly an abuse of power and interference with law enforcement. The nature of the matter changed, and the authority to handle it naturally no longer belonged to the branch office; it had to be handed over to higher authorities for a thorough investigation and determination.

We can't downplay major issues or let minor issues disappear, pretending everything is calm; those who need to be told must be told, and those who need to take action must take action.

Under intense questioning from the disciplinary inspection team, Zhang Yun finally revealed everything.

The Dongmen branch of the Public Security Bureau received a report from Hongxing Steel Plant alleging that Han Chunming and others had caused trouble by gathering a crowd and had illegally recruited workers, openly defying the official documents issued by the Labor Bureau. According to regulations, such cases require investigation and conclusive evidence before coercive measures can be taken. However, Huang Bo, having accepted two bottles of Fenjiu liquor from the plant and having a close personal relationship with Zhang Yun's father, agreed to allow Zhang Yun to fabricate reasons to forcibly detain Han Chunming and two others for three whole days.

What was Zhang Yun after? He was after Han Chunming's toy factory.

He asked Cheng Jianjun from the Industry and Commerce Bureau to inquire privately and learned that this small factory had already established a presence in foreign trade channels and was earning hard currency; he also heard that the profits were astonishingly high. Although Zhang Yun held a cadre title at the steel factory, he only received a fixed salary, and the factory had been losing money for years, with no more lucrative opportunities. He simply gritted his teeth and resigned, raised enough capital from his parents, and set his sights on Han Chunming—if he could acquire the factory, he could also earn foreign exchange with his head held high.

Cheng Jianjun confidently declared, "Han Chunming is just an ordinary worker with no powerful connections or backing." Only then did Zhang Yun feel reassured and began to press him relentlessly.

After hearing the whole story, Huang Bo broke out in a cold sweat and immediately declared: He would accept the punishment without hesitation and suspend him from his post without any ambiguity.

Xiao Zhiyuan shook his head: "I can't touch this case—it's been put under the supervision of higher authorities. I've submitted all the materials, and we'll wait for your notification regarding the final decision."

He worked through the night to compile the details into a written document and sent it directly to his former boss's office. Upon hearing it, the former boss slammed his hand on the edge of the table, making the teacup jump: "Truly, they're driven by greed! They'll cross any line for personal gain! This is not an isolated case; there are likely many more behind it! We must make an example of them, strike hard enough to show everyone: whoever reaches out will have their hand chopped off!"

"What should we do with Huang Bo and Zhang Yun?"

"Huang Bo is demoted two ranks; Zhang Yun—sentenced according to the law, and sentenced accordingly."

Cheng Family

Cheng Jianjun was accompanying Cai Xiaoli to meet her parents when the doorbell rang suddenly. Three uniformed police officers pushed open the door and entered.

Is Cheng Jianjun here?

"Yes, that's me." He stood up, looking completely bewildered.

"Come with us. Someone reported you for instigating others to break the law."

Before he could finish speaking, a pair of gleaming handcuffs snapped onto his wrists. Three men, one on each side, one on each side, and one behind, escorted him straight to the jeep outside the door.

It turned out that Zhang Yun had betrayed Cheng Jianjun in the detention center, shifting all the blame onto him—insisting that he was the one who came up with the idea and instructed him on how to carry it out, even bringing two colleagues as witnesses. He himself put on a repentant act: "I admit my mistake, but the mastermind cannot go unpunished!"

Thanks to the policy of confessing and making meritorious contributions, Zhang Yun was only sentenced to one and a half years; Cheng Jianjun, however, became a scapegoat and was convicted of "inciting crime" and sentenced to three years.

During the trial, two colleagues recounted his exact words from that day, each one a painful reminder. Cheng Jianjun opened his mouth, but ultimately bowed his head and admitted—those words were indeed spoken by him; that path was indeed pointed out by him.

The judge delivered the verdict in court, leaving no room for argument.

Mr. Cheng was frantic, going door to door begging for help, only to be met with repeated "I can't help you." In just a few days, his temples turned completely white, and his back became hunched.

Upon hearing the verdict, Cai Xiaoli breathed a sigh of relief—thankfully they hadn't gotten married, otherwise she would have been living a life of widowhood for three years. She didn't go to see Han Chunming, nor did she contact Taozi again; instead, she turned around and went back to her own business.

Cheng Jianjun once secretly handed her a list of popular industries. With this "information", she decisively invested money to start a garment factory and then took over two street-front shops, making her business thrive.

After getting off work, Han Chunming rushed to the Xiao family's house carrying a gift box and knocked on the door. Xiao Zhiyuan opened the door, glanced at him, and immediately stepped aside to let him in: "Come in and sit down."

"Uncle, there's something..." Han Chunming said somewhat hesitantly, "Cheng Jianjun's father asked me to come here to inquire about the possibility of bail or a reduced sentence. So I've swallowed my pride and come to ask you for advice."

He was polite on the surface, but in his heart he was churning up old grievances: he really hated him, but when Cheng's father first came to the city, he had given him a bowl of hot rice and a few old clothes—he couldn't leave that kindness unpaid.

Xiao Zhiyuan didn't mince words: "Chunming, the higher-ups are keeping a close eye on this case, I really can't get involved."

Han Chunming understood immediately: Uncle Xiao wasn't unwilling to help, he simply couldn't. As for himself, he had neither the connections nor the willingness to stoop to begging—Zhang Yun had repeatedly set traps for him: humiliating him publicly at the social gathering; and later colluding with Cheng Jianjun to seize the factory; he remembered all these grievances clearly. His visit today was to repay a favor; but to beg for help from his enemy was out of the question. He secretly hoped Cheng Jianjun would remain in prison for another two years.

Just then, Lin Wan came in after get off work.

"Zhiyuan, do we have guests?" she asked as she changed her shoes.

In the years since Xiao Zhiyuan was demobilized and returned to civilian life, he has been constantly approached by people asking for favors. He has mostly declined, and Lin Wan has seen this but hasn't said much—some of them are even relatives or acquaintances.

"Hello, Auntie, I'm Han Chunming, Xiao Yao's friend."

Han Chunming quickly got up to greet him.

Lin Wan thought for a moment and nodded: "Oh... I vaguely remember. I think I saw him when I went to see Xiao Yao at the military compound before."

"Yes, I am the fifth son of the Han family."

"Yes, we live in the same compound as Grandpa Xiao."

Han Chunming began by saying:

"We can't just stand here chatting, sit down and rest for a while. I'll cook you something hot right away." Before Lin Wan finished speaking, she had already turned around and gone into the kitchen.

"Uncle Xiao, my wife is still waiting for dinner at home. I'll definitely pay her a visit another day!"

Han Chunming stood up as he spoke, his tone tinged with apology and urgency.

"You can surely find the time for a meal, right? Let's eat together before you leave, it won't delay your business," Xiao Zhiyuan said with a smile, trying to persuade him to stay.

"Uncle, my family's place is really special—if I don't go back, they're afraid they'll tear the roof off."

Han Chunming scratched the back of his head, his ears turning slightly red, his eyes revealing a slightly guilty yet helpless smile.

Xiao Zhiyuan's heart lit up instantly; he understood immediately: his wife was keeping a close eye on him. He didn't insist on keeping him any longer, personally seeing Han Chunming out of the small building's gate and watching his figure turn past the sycamore tree before turning back.

As soon as he stepped into the living room, Lin Wan greeted him and asked, "What do you need, Zhiyuan?"

"It's the same case, involving quite a few people. He wants to know if it's possible to get bail."

"The red line of discipline cannot be crossed; this loophole must not be opened." Lin Wan frowned, her tone resolute.

"You still don't believe me?" Xiao Zhiyuan spread his hands and smiled bitterly, but a hint of helpless warmth appeared in the corner of his eyes.

……

Two days after Han Chunming's matter was settled, Su Man, who was in charge of project coordination at the research institute, came to talk to each of them and find out their current status: whether they should work on the new projects approved by the institute, or lead their own teams and mentor new people to do original research.

These young people are no longer the greenhorns they were when they first graduated. Their superiors had given clear instructions: special cases, special approvals, and tailored plans for each individual. In terms of foundation, vision, and practical ability, each of them is capable of handling things independently—leading graduate students through experiments and guiding research groups to tackle tough challenges is more than enough for them; of course, if they wish to work closely with senior professors on the front lines, the doors are still open to them.

"The last test flight of our fighter jet was limited by material bottlenecks. I have recently come up with a few new approaches and plan to focus on this direction to improve the high-temperature resistance and fatigue resistance of our fighter jet."

Xiao Yao was the first to speak, his words flowing slowly but with a burning flame in his eyes.

"Materials? What a coincidence, the institute is preparing to set up a special task force, and your idea is exactly what I need." Su Man picked up her pen and jotted it down in her notebook, the pen tip scratching softly.

Now she is the institute director handpicked by Dean Yan, in charge of the introduction of new talent, postdoctoral fellowships, and the application for major projects—holding the first gate for the flow of scientific research talent.

Ji Fengnan smiled gently: "I'm afraid I have to say 'farewell' to everyone for now. The material verification mission for the core module of the space station has started, and Professor Qian personally sent an invitation. Siyue and I have discussed it and decided to go to the Aerospace Academy together and work there for a few years."

"Then I'll draft a transfer report for you right away—Siyue, are you leaving too?" Su Man grabbed Lin Siyue's wrist, her eyes instantly welling up with tears.

"Our dreams are on different paths, so let's each set off on our own journeys. When the wind rises, we'll meet again on the mountaintop." Lin Siyue opened his arms and hugged her tightly, gently wiping away the tears that were about to fall from the corners of her eyes with his fingertips.

"It's all settled with Elder Deng. I'm going to report to their nuclear power laboratory." Wang Yutong pursed her lips, her voice soft but firm. "Xiao Yao, do you know what I've been holding onto for ten years?"

"Back then, we squeezed into the lecture hall to grab front-row seats, hoping that we could roll up our sleeves and get things done today. Everyone has their own mountains and seas to go, this is a happy occasion, not the end." Xiao Yao stood up, his voice clear and bright, like the sound of a bronze bell.

"I'm being transferred to the submarine new reactor project team." Qian Wentao's Adam's apple bobbed, and his eyes suddenly welled up with tears. "Xiao Yao, keep going, don't look back."

"Wenxin and I are preparing to apply for independent laboratory accreditation." Wu Rui didn't say much, but every word was like a rivet driven into the floor. Xu Wenxin nodded beside him, his gaze as calm as a deep pool.