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

"Director, seven-axis systems require higher spindle precision, right? I've been thinking these past few days about adding two linear or rotary axes to a five-axis system to create a seven-axis motion system. The difficulty would probably increase dramatically."

Liu Guangqi nodded with a smile: "Not entirely."

As soon as Liu Guangqi finished the technical deployment, a burst of excited response erupted in the R&D room—everyone understood that the new project meant brand new opportunities.

The initial excitement of the five-axis success had barely dissipated when the development of the seven-axis was already underway. The entire research department was like a precisely calibrated clock, with gears meshing together in a ceaseless, continuous motion.

Since returning from the Northwest, Liu Guangqi has been like a pebble thrown into still water, creating ripples around himself. All human and material resources have been tilted towards the seven-axis five-linkage technology, and the morale boosted by last year's successful breakthrough still subtly stirs in every laboratory.

That afternoon, Liu Guangqi was locked in his office, sketching out the most crucial collaborative control module for a seven-axis machine tool. As his pencil scratched across the drawing, a knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.

Director Lin's secretary pushed open the door and leaned out: "Director Liu, the director requests your presence."

"Do you know what it is?"

"The people from the Institute of Computing Technology have arrived."

Liu Guangqi's gaze suddenly sharpened. The outline of the 104B computer that he had personally modified flashed through his mind.

"Coming right away."

He carefully rolled up the half-finished drawing and put it away, then quickly walked through the corridor.

As the wooden door to the director's office was pushed open, the aroma of tea wafted through the air. Director Lin sat opposite a scholar with graying temples; it was Professor Lu Hai from the Institute of Computing Technology. Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Liu Guangqi.

"Comrade Guangqi!" Director Lin waved with a beaming smile. "Come and sit down."

Professor Lu had already stood up, scrutinizing the young man before him through his glasses, his gaze filled with admiration and a certain indescribable heat.

"Guangqi, it's been a long time." His voice held a hint of excitement. "I've come today specifically to express my gratitude—we've been working on your improved version of the 104B machine for months, it's truly..."

He paused, as if searching for the most appropriate word.

"Like a divine revelation."

"You're exaggerating," Liu Guangqi shook his head and smiled wryly. "They were just some rudimentary attempts that worked by sheer luck."

"How can this be summed up by the word 'luck'?" Professor Lu's eyes lit up with a smile. "You may not know this, but since your improvement plan was implemented, many computer technology units in Shanghai and Tianjin have sent letters one after another, requesting to share the technical details, hoping to learn from your ideas to upgrade their first-generation vacuum tube computers."

Liu Guangqi nodded slightly. He had anticipated this situation, but he was puzzled: such technical exchanges were usually coordinated internally by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, so why did the professor need to come in person?

Director Lin tapped the table lightly and revealed the answer with a composed expression.

"Guangqi, Professor Lu has another important mission on this trip."

Professor Lu's expression turned solemn as he gazed at Liu Guangqi and said slowly, "To be honest, we have been commissioned by the Chinese Academy of Sciences to invite you to participate in the compilation of computer textbooks."

He leaned forward, speaking slowly but clearly: "Currently, there is a severe shortage of computer teaching materials in China, and most translations are not systematic. The technical ideas and linkage algorithm design you demonstrated in the 104B machine modification are valuable practical experiences. We hope to systematically organize this knowledge and form a complete set of teaching materials."

"In the coming years, the country will undoubtedly invest heavily in cultivating talent in the computer field. The textbooks we have compiled may help those who come after us avoid many detours."

"Writing...textbooks?"

Liu Guangqi stood frozen in place, and when his gaze met Professor Lu's, he even wondered if he had misheard. A mere equipment upgrade had directly propelled him into the ranks of foundational disciplines?

Is this leap too abrupt?

Professor Lu's expression gradually became serious.

He leaned forward slightly, speaking slowly and deliberately, each word as if carefully considered.

"Comrade Guangqi, this is more than just a textbook."

"This is to lay the first foundation for our country's own computer industry."

"You're an expert, you should know that—"

"Much of the materials we use right now are translated from outside sources, and they are outdated and involve detours."

"If we want to catch up with the West in computer technology, we can't always follow behind them. We need to have our own system—a teaching foundation that is built from scratch, systematic, advanced, and truly belongs to us."

After he finished speaking, the room seemed to quiet down a bit.

Liu Guangqi's heart sank as well.

He was well aware of the significance of this, but he simply didn't have the time or resources to deal with it at the moment.

Professor Lu seemed to have seen through his predicament long ago.

His tone shifted, becoming gentle again:

"We know that you are now fully committed to the seven-axis five-linkage project, which is a national priority and cannot be delayed."

"So the institute has discussed it and decided that you won't be required to dedicate yourself to compiling the teaching materials full-time."

"Whenever you have free time, organize and write down the computer knowledge you have."

"The remaining sorting and compilation work will be undertaken by the institute."

Having said that—

They practically laid out the steps hand in hand, just waiting for him to step up.

This sentiment is truly profound.

Looking into Professor Lu's expectant eyes, another image suddenly flashed before Liu Guangqi's eyes:

The northwest wind, carrying sand, rushed into the simple bungalow.

Rows of researchers hunched over long tables, their fingers flying across the beads, creating a continuous clattering sound.

For a single crucial value, they can work for several days and nights in a row, their eyes bloodshot from exhaustion.

Yes, the seven-axis five-linkage is important.

But it is equally important to create better computing tools for these people who work silently, and to train people who can use these tools in the future.

The roots of industry must ultimately be planted in the soil of national defense.

The same applies to computers as to machine tools.

Both paths are essential routes to a prosperous future.

At that moment, the last bit of hesitation in Liu Guangqi's heart dissipated.

He raised his eyes to meet Professor Lu's gaze and nodded solemnly:

"Professor Lu, I'll take this task."

After a slight pause, he truthfully replied, "However, I have been extremely busy lately, and the time I can spare is probably very limited."

Before he could finish speaking, Professor Lu waved his hands repeatedly, and the wrinkles on his face smoothed out:

"No rush, I won't pressure you!"

"As long as we can organize some of the core technologies of computers before the end of the year, that will be fine."

He added another sentence, as if to reassure Liu Guangqi:

Ultimately, this isn't just your problem.

"All the senior engineers in the institute who are qualified will bring out their best skills, and then compile and select the appropriate and useful content into the teaching materials."

Hearing this, Liu Guangqi finally breathed a sigh of relief.

It turns out that it was compiled collectively, and I was only responsible for contributing the computing technology part.

Okay, I can take this job.

By the end of the year, the seven-axis five-linkage project should have been completed long ago, so there is no conflict in terms of timing.

Interestingly, having lived two lives and read countless books, including numerous translations, this is the first time he has ever personally written a textbook.

Having understood this, a smile appeared on Liu Guangqi's face:

"Professor Lu, then everything's settled on my end!"

Director Lin, who was standing to the side, suddenly burst into laughter:

"What did I tell you? Guangqi definitely won't refuse!"

"Very good!"

Professor Lu excitedly grabbed his hand and shook it vigorously.

That strength—

It was as if it was trying to convey all the excitement it had to offer.

"Comrade Guangqi!"

"With you joining us, this textbook is destined to become a foundational work in the field of computer science!"

The old professor stared intently at him.

"Everyone in the institute is aware of your technical skills."

"To be honest, without your participation, this foundational textbook just feels like it's missing that crucial element."

Is that breath missing?

Upon hearing this, Liu Guangqi's lips twitched slightly, but he ultimately remained silent.

What could he say?

Does that mean I don't actually have a formal training in acting?

If you were to say what you were most familiar with in your past life, it would actually be mechanical engineering?

When he mentions computers, it's merely a tool he had to master while pursuing his doctoral degree in his previous life. As for the knowledge in his mind that seems amazing now, it would only be the basic accumulation of an ordinary engineering doctoral student in the future.

If this were to be said aloud, the entire team of engineers at the Institute of Computing Technology would likely waver in their convictions.

However, it must be said that in this era, China's computer industry has only just begun, barely a decade or so old. Most of the books used as teaching materials are translations of older foreign works. Much of their content, even if not outdated, is indeed of little value. Currently, the entire Institute of Computing Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences is still stuck in the era of first-generation vacuum tube computers, dealing with room-sized machines and tedious punched paper tape all day long.

However, Liu Guangqi understood that in just a few years, China's second-generation transistor computer would be unveiled. Its emergence would completely rewrite all the rules. At that time, the development of computers would accelerate dramatically, entering a truly fast track.

Clearly, these predecessors at the Institute of Computing Technology also sensed the impending technological revolution, hence their eagerness to compile a truly domestic set of computer textbooks that could bridge the past and the future. In contrast, at this crucial juncture of learning, weren't the knowledge and concepts in his mind, several generations ahead of their time, like his very soul? A mere glimpse of them would be enough for computer engineers of this era to regard as guiding principles, saving them decades of arduous exploration.

Thinking about this, Liu Guangqi's initial feeling of amusement and exasperation gradually dissipated, replaced by a subtle sense of responsibility.

"Comrade Guangqi!" Professor Lu Hai, seeing him remain silent for a long time, yet his gaze behind his glasses remained as sharp as ever, a slight smile playing on his lips, said, "What's wrong? Are you intimidated by my words? Do you feel the burden is too heavy?"

Liu Guangqi snapped out of his reverie, the brief moment of confusion quickly replaced by his usual gentle smile. "No, Professor Lu," he finally spoke, his tone steady, "I was just considering where to begin with so much content."

"Hahaha!" Professor Lu Hai was taken aback at first, then burst into laughter, "Good lad, I knew I hadn't misjudged you."

As the laughter subsided, he suddenly slapped his forehead. "Oh right, I almost forgot the important matter." Professor Lu Hai's expression turned serious. "The Institute of Computing Technology is organizing an academic seminar on the modification technology of the 104-type computer, to be held at Tsinghua University. This time, we've invited key technical personnel from research institutes across the country."

He paused, then changed the subject: "Someone in your department asked me to pass on a message that they know you are now a talent valued by the ministry and hope to invite you as one of the keynote speakers."

Upon hearing this, Liu Guangqi felt a slight tremor in his heart.

A recruitment presentation? Back at school? Serving as the main speaker?

He looked up at Professor Lu Hai, whose expression was earnest, his smile unchanged, but two clear words had already formed in his mind—

Don't go.

The thought surfaced almost instinctively. From the day he received his diploma, he drew a clear line for himself: no involvement in academia, no participation in academic exchanges, only focus on technical practice. This wasn't affectation, nor was it fear of trouble; rather, it was a clear understanding formed by a transmigrator based on his memories of his previous life.

He was all too aware of the turbulent events to come in the coming years. The entanglements in academia were far more complex than those in industry, and once involved, it was difficult to extricate oneself. The previous leak of CNC machine tool technology to a neighboring country to the north was clear evidence of this. Those engaged in academic exchanges were more or less connected with foreign countries, and the delicate balance they struck was truly difficult to maintain.

After all, both the mathematical giant Hua, from the Institute of Computing Technology, and Director Deng, whom I had met before, obtained their doctoral degrees through Tsinghua University and Yenching University. This is the benefit of academic exchange. However, academia is also a double-edged sword, a place of mixed joys and sorrows, advantages and disadvantages.

In his previous life, Liu Guangqi was a PhD in mechanical engineering, and in this life, he has no intention of venturing into that field again. At least, in this era, he is determined to stay away from the distractions of academia.

"Professor Lu, I'm so sorry."

Liu Guangqi's words were gentle but left no room for negotiation.