Courtyard House: I'm an engineer, and a fairy godmother transferred me to a different position.

"The spring force coefficient must be strictly controlled within the tolerance range. For specific standards, please refer to the factory inspection data of Hongxing CNC machine tools."

This is no longer a simple technical manual, but a guidebook that could take a small step forward in the technology of the 104 computer.

…………

The last rays of the setting sun shone through the window, gilding the manuscript paper on the table with a pale golden edge. Liu Guangqi let out a long sigh and finished the last stroke.

He carefully arranged the stack of papers, which embodied his painstaking efforts and thoughts, and stapled them securely into a book. After a moment's thought, he found a piece of kraft paper, made a simple cover, and neatly wrote the title on it—

"Upgrade Plan for Type 104 Computer".

In the bottom right corner of the page was his signature and the date he had just written.

Liu Guangqi put down his pen, his joints cracking slightly as he stretched. Looking at the document on his desk, its ink still damp, a long-held burden finally lifted from his chest. Once delivered, this plan would at least triple the overall computing performance of the domestically deployed Type 104 computers. This gesture was also a way of repaying the kindness shown to the previously seconded technical experts.

The clock on the wall ticked slowly; there was still some time before the end of the workday. Liu Guangqi pondered for a moment and decided to submit the improvement documents to his superiors immediately. The sooner he finished a task, the sooner he could have peace of mind.

He had just stepped out of the research lab when he encountered several ministerial leaders returning from a meeting. Though their faces bore the weariness of a conference, their eyes were exceptionally bright. Upon seeing Liu Guangqi, the leaders all stopped in their tracks.

"Comrade Guangqi, where are you headed?" the leader asked in a friendly tone.

"I'm about to send you the technical materials for Machine 104B," Liu Guangqi replied with a smile.

At this moment, the minister and several deputies came forward, patted his arm lightly, and said with undisguised satisfaction, "Look, this is the pillar of our department. No wonder the higher-ups specifically commended him at today's college committee meeting."

These words carried an unusual weight. Not only did the Minister of the Ministry of Machine Building appear pleased, but leaders from other ministries present also beamed with joy. The implication was clear: the commendation Liu Guangqi received at today's Academy Committee meeting had brought honor to the entire department. Before the specific reasons were even clear, and Liu Guangqi was about to offer a few words of modesty, the leader warmly took his arm.

"Don't rush to submit the materials. Come with us to the conference room for a brief briefing first."

As dusk approached, Liu Guangqi was led to the ministry's conference room. Director Lin and heads of various departments were already seated inside, their upright postures conveying a sense of inquiry. The minister surveyed the room, a smile playing on his lips.

"Just returned from the institute committee meeting, bringing you some good news." He tapped the document in front of him with his fingertips, his tone enthusiastic. "Today, the higher-ups specifically affirmed Comrade Guangqi's and our department's contributions at the meeting! In the past two years, the foreign exchange-earning product development led by our department has boosted downstream state-owned factories, jointly creating excellent export revenue."

The vice minister immediately chimed in with a broad smile: "Previously restricted production targets have now gradually recovered. Many electrical appliances from the Hongxing Factory are in high demand in the international market—these achievements are inseparable from Comrade Guangqi's outstanding contributions."

"Not only that," the minister's voice suddenly rose, "but most importantly, our debt to the North, originally scheduled to be repaid in five years, is now expected to be settled by the end of this year, and at the latest, no later than next year! The original five-year repayment period has been compressed to less than three years!"

These words struck like a thunderbolt into still water, creating ripples throughout the conference room. Everyone present knew that Liu Guangqi's foreign exchange-generating projects had yielded remarkable results, but no one had expected him to shorten the repayment period so drastically. In less than three years, he had abruptly cut short the five-year debt repayment plan. At that moment, all eyes were fixed on Liu Guangqi like spotlights—shock, admiration, and an indescribable surge of emotion silently filled the air.

Liu Guangqi was equally excited.

Liu Guangqi nodded calmly: "It was the department that led everyone to do a good job; I just contributed my share."

"Still trying to dodge the question!" Director Lin laughed loudly, then slammed his hand down on his shoulder. "If it weren't for those novelties you came up with that could earn foreign exchange, how would we pay off our debts? Were we really going to carry two sacks of potatoes? That guy up north doesn't care about that anymore!"

A lighthearted remark instantly eased the tension in the meeting room. Everyone present laughed, their laughter carrying a simple, warm feeling.

Liu Guangqi could feel that every gaze upon him at that moment was pure and fervent, filled with undisguised admiration. People's hearts were so clear in this era—whoever truly brought honor and strength to the country, everyone genuinely respected and admired. Everyone's thoughts were tied to one goal, their efforts directed in one direction, all for the sake of making the land beneath their feet stand tall and making their lives more secure day by day.

Soon, the room was filled with a cacophony of exclamations.

"With the debt paid off, I feel so light and free!"

"From now on, we owe each other nothing, and we can stand taller!"

As they were talking, the Minister of the First Ministry of Machine Building raised his hand and gently pressed it down, immediately silencing the murmurs. Everyone's eyes turned to him as he pulled out another brand-new document from beside him, a barely suppressed smile on his lips.

"And there's more good news—" he raised his voice, "The 'industrial vouchers' jointly proposed by several ministries within our industrial system have been approved by the institute!"

Before he finished speaking, a low gasp rippled through the crowd.

Industrial vouchers? The term is new, but just hearing it makes one's heart flutter.

The minister continued, "Right now, the goods that Hongxing Factory exports to earn foreign exchange are becoming increasingly plentiful, mostly good things that ordinary people can use for daily life. Foreign exchange is important, but now that the foreign debt has been almost paid off, we should also leave some for our own people."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the room before finally settling on Liu Guangqi's face, his voice growing even louder:

"Therefore, from now on, when ordinary people buy industrial goods, in addition to using the special tickets as before, they can also use these 'industrial coupons'!"

The documents were passed around. When it was Liu Guangqi's turn, he reached out and took one. The paper still smelled of fresh ink, and the moment his fingertips touched the writing, a warm feeling suddenly welled up in his chest. He quickly scanned the clauses—

Industrial vouchers will be issued according to the proportion of employee wages, with one voucher issued for every 20 yuan. They can be used to purchase dozens of types of goods such as textiles, daily necessities, and electronic products, with a minimum usage of one voucher.

There was a slight movement in his heart.

According to the original trajectory, this should have appeared at the end of next year. But now it has been implemented more than half a year ahead of schedule - the quota has been restored, the foreign debt is about to be cleared, and the foreign exchange earnings are soaring... A series of ripples spread, giving the veterans in the industrial system confidence. They jointly submitted a petition to their superiors, and actually made it happen.

It was this butterfly, which accidentally flapped its wings, that opened another window for this era.

Isn't this the kind of change we've been hoping for all this time?

Sure enough, after everyone present read the document, they were all beaming with joy.

"This is fantastic news!"

"With it, ordinary people finally have something to look forward to when they want to save up for 'three turns and one sound'—no, now it should be called 'four turns and one sound'."

"What's so great about 'four turns and one sound'? I think a nine-inch black and white TV made in Tianjin is pretty good! I never dared to dream of that before, but now with industrial vouchers, I can slowly save up and maybe I can actually bring one home."

"That's right! The radios and electric fans produced in our factory shouldn't just be for outsiders to use; we should enjoy them ourselves too."

"That makes sense! We need to earn foreign exchange, but we also need to take care of people's livelihoods!"

The buzzing of voices filled the air, and a gleam of light shone on everyone's face.

This thin voucher is more than just a certificate—it signifies that production lines are running, supplies are plentiful, and more importantly, that this land is gradually breaking free from its meager existence and moving towards the light.

And the starting point of all these changes is standing in the light and shadow not far away, as quiet as a young tree.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Liu Guangqi slowly nodded and said, word by word:

"This policy is really good."

The meeting concluded in a harmonious atmosphere. The Minister of the First Ministry of Machine Building laughed heartily, turning his gaze to Liu Guangqi: "This time, we not only stabilized foreign exchange but also brought tangible benefits to the people. The comrades on the industrial front have certainly not worked in vain." He paused, then raised his hand in a gesture of approval, "You deserve a lot of credit for this. Without the technology you brought, without these export products that we can be proud of, where would we get the confidence to discuss industrial vouchers? Going forward, we must focus on both aspects: developing the heavy equipment that the country urgently needs, and also figuring out the good things that the people need for their daily lives."

Several leaders present nodded in agreement, their words revealing their appreciation for Liu Guangqi.

When the meeting ended, it was not long before the usual time to leave work. Liu Guangqi did not linger and handed the technical document about the Type 104B machine to Director Lin before leaving the office on time.

As the workday bell rang, crowds of people streamed out of the gates of various ministries' compounds, heading home. Beside the tall sycamore tree at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zhao Mengyun had been standing quietly for a while. Today, she wore a newly made light blue floral dress, her black hair tied back with a plain ribbon. She looked radiant, her eyes brimming with undisguised joy, attracting the attention of acquaintances passing by.

"Meng Yun, you look radiant. Your husband must be back home, right?" a familiar female colleague teased with a smile.

"Of course, the moment my lover comes back, my energy and spirit are completely different."

The old saying goes that absence makes the heart grow fonder, and it seems that this is indeed true.

They were all married women, and they spoke with particular frankness. Zhao Mengyun was no longer as easily embarrassed as she had been when she first got married. She smiled and replied, "You guys should be more mindful of the occasion when you speak. This isn't our office." Even so, the smile in her eyes was irrepressible.

For the past two months, Liu Guangqi had been completely out of contact. She had been managing everything on her own, juggling her daily work with caring for her child at the courtyard house after get off work. Whenever her in-laws subtly inquired about her son's whereabouts, she could only smile and make up excuses, saying he had an important mission at work, but she always felt uneasy. Now, he's back, and the pillar of the family is finally at ease. Even ordinary days have regained their flavor, which is naturally something to be happy about.

Not long after, a black Volga sedan slowly pulled up to the side of the road. The window rolled down, revealing Liu Guangqi's smiling face. Zhao Mengyun's eyes lit up, she waved to her colleague, and quickly walked over, opened the car door, and got in.

"Finally, we can go back to the hospital together." She said, naturally reaching out to smooth out the fine wrinkles on his collar. Her fingertips touched the warm skin on his neck, and the emptiness in her heart seemed to be filled instantly. "You have no idea," she said, her tone tinged with a hint of reproach, but mostly with relief, "Mom and Dad have been asking me so many questions these past few days, making up stories about what you've been up to every time I go back."

"What did you say?" Liu Guangqi asked with a smile, holding her hand as she adjusted her collar.

"What else can I say?" Zhao Mengyun glanced at him lightly. "Just say you're working overtime at the office, busy with national affairs. If you don't show up soon, our daughter won't even recognize her father anymore."

Liu Guangqi smiled. The two had agreed before leaving home that morning to go to the courtyard house to see the children after get off work. However, he had other plans: "Let's not rush back to the courtyard. A washing machine was delivered from the Hongxing Factory, so we need to go home and settle in first."

As soon as the Volga came to a stop in front of the tenement building, Liu Guangqi saw two experienced workers dressed in Red Star factory uniforms carefully guarding a large wooden crate at the entrance of the ministry compound. The words "Red Star Brand Washing Machine" were prominently displayed in red on the crate.

"Chief Engineer Liu, you're back!" The two drivers immediately broke into simple smiles as they saw him get out of the car.

"Factory Director Wang specifically instructed that this first washing machine must be delivered to your residence personally, and that it must be installed and tested properly!"

Zhao Mengyun stood to the side, her eyes lighting up instantly. She had heard from her colleagues that the Hongxing Factory had launched a new washing machine, touted as having an extra "four turns and one sound" (referring to its four rotations and one sound). This was a rare item, basically supplied to the foreign exchange market, and practically nowhere to be found in state-run stores. Many women longed to have one at home. Unexpectedly, her husband's return had it delivered right to their doorstep.