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

Upon hearing this, Yi Zhonghai trembled, his wrist holding the teacup swayed slightly, and a few drops of tea splashed onto his gray sleeve, leaving several dark stains.

That incident remained a thorn in his side.

He used to be a respected elder in the compound and a level-seven master craftsman in the factory. Even the workshop director would politely offer him a cigarette when he saw him.

What about now?

Having been disciplined and becoming a model case in the entire factory, if he doesn't learn his lesson, he might not even be able to keep his job.

If what Liu Guangqi said is true—

If he tries to step forward now, not only will he fail to save the Jia family, but he himself, as the one who initiated the whole thing, will likely be implicated as well.

In an instant, a thin layer of sweat appeared on Yi Zhonghai's forehead, shimmering faintly under the lamplight.

Liu Guangqi didn't give him time to think it over, and continued in a steady voice, "Now let's talk about my side."

"If I were to intervene, I would be representing the ministry. What would the steel mill leaders think? That I'd gone all the way to higher authorities over a little compensation?"

"What's the point of talking about compensation then?"

"They just need to slow down the process and thoroughly investigate the cause and effect of Jia Dongxu's accident—investigate it clearly and thoroughly. At that time, let alone asking for an extra penny, even the money that should be paid according to the rules can be delayed for a year and a half."

"Can the Jia family wait?"

Upon hearing this, Yi Zhonghai's face turned completely pale, his lips trembled, and he couldn't utter a single word.

What Liu Guangqi said was not untrue.

If this stubborn old man were to continue using his "benevolence and morality" to pressure him, he would truly dare to push the situation to this point.

Ultimately, all the trouble will fall back on Yi Zhonghai's own shoulders.

This put him in an awkward position, making it impossible for him to move an inch.

In stark contrast to Yi Zhonghai's dejected state,

Fatty Liu, sitting to the side, secretly cast an approving glance at his son.

Seeing that Liu Guangqi had rendered this habitually didactic old man speechless with just a few words, a barely suppressed smile crept onto his lips.

He then cleared his throat heavily—

It was as if he was deliberately reminding Yi Zhonghai: Did you hear that? Every word my son said made sense.

"Light, light wonder..."

"So... what do you think we should do about this?"

Yi Zhonghai finally lost his composure, and his voice even carried a hint of pleading.

Liu Guangqi's expression softened slightly.

His tone remained calm:

"Uncle, I've been too busy these days to go back to the compound for a meeting to discuss the compensation for Jia Dongxu's death."

After a brief pause, he continued:

"But I can show you the way."

"First of all, the funeral allowance is an ironclad rule. As long as the person passed away while working at the factory, regardless of the reason, the factory must pay this amount."

"The standard is calculated based on the deceased's average salary for the three months prior to death."

"money?"

Yan Bugui, who had been silent all along, suddenly raised his head.

Those little eyes suddenly lit up.

His fingers flew across his knees as he rapidly calculated, muttering to himself:

"Dongxu is a level two fitter, earning forty-two yuan a month, plus subsidies, totaling forty-five yuan and eighteen cents..."

"Three months, that's... 135.54 yuan!"

Regarding Yan Bugui's scheme,

Neither Yi Zhonghai nor Liu Haizhong responded.

Who would care about this money right now?

This is called funeral expenses!

Who wants it? They'd have to risk their lives for it. You, Old Yan, want it? Then go and ask for it.

They would never get involved in that.

……

Liu Guangqi ignored the various expressions on everyone's faces.

He then asked, "Secondly, what are the Jia family's plans regarding Dongxu's death compensation?"

"Are you planning to just collect the factory's monthly pension and slowly get through the days?"

"Let Jia's sister-in-law fill in for Dongxu."

"Should we offer that secure job?"

At this point, Liu Guangqi's choice of address was extremely precise.

She neither called her "Sister Qin, Sister Qin" like Sha Zhu did, nor did she address her by her given name.

The phrase "Sister-in-law Jia"

It both revealed the other person's identity and maintained an appropriate distance.

He has always been very good at maintaining proper boundaries.

The old men in the courtyard might not have noticed, but Liu Guangqi knew perfectly well that some misunderstandings had to be avoided in advance.

In fact,

The so-called death benefit is the compensation given to the spouse of an employee who dies on duty.

If you don't go to fill in for the shift

The spouse can receive 40% of the deceased's monthly salary, and other relatives can each receive 30%, but the total amount cannot exceed the deceased's pre-death salary.

Besides, there is another option—

The subsidy will be received in a lump sum.

State-owned factories typically provide a one-time subsidy to the families of deceased employees, equivalent to six to twelve months' wages.

Jia Dongxu had been doing odd jobs for at least ten years.

If you choose the one-time subsidy, you can receive at least twelve months' salary as a survivor's pension.

Regarding the matter of Qin Huairu taking over Jia Dongxu's position, if she were to do so, the compensation would likely be out of reach. Nobody's stupid in this world, and there's no fool in the factory—why would someone be allowed to cause trouble and get both money and a position?

As soon as Liu Guangqi finished speaking, Yi Zhonghai opened his mouth, his throat tightened, and after a while he managed to squeeze out a voice: "This matter... I really didn't ask the Jia family for their opinion." He was a little embarrassed, feeling that he had miscalculated in playing the role of "big brother".

"So," Liu Guangqi nodded, as if he had expected this reaction. Jia Dongxu had only left yesterday, so it was surprising that they could sort things out today. "Uncle, you need to go back first, close the door and discuss this with Jia's wife and aunt—do you want money or jobs? If you want money, is it for the short term or for the long term? You need to be clear about both. This is the livelihood of the family for the next few decades, not a game."

"As neighbors, we should help if we can. But if the Jia family themselves can't make up their minds, and we just meddle, that's not helping, that's making things worse. In the end, things won't get done, and we'll drag you, my dad, and Uncle San into it all. What's the point?"

He paused briefly, then changed the subject slightly, a meaningful glint in his eyes: "Of course, I appreciate it when you gentlemen come to ask me what I mean today. As for Brother Dongxu's matter... if you want me to step in, it's not that I can't go to the factory and put in a word."

As he spoke, he leaned forward slightly, lowered his voice, and revealed a hidden strength: "But you have to think this through—if I really go, won't the factory leaders think that since this matter has already reached the ministries, everything should be done according to the rules, and no one should try to gain any advantage? It's the most straightforward way to handle things officially."

These words carried considerable weight, and Yi Zhonghai immediately fell silent, finding it difficult to utter the words of advice he had previously been prepared to give.

Just as the atmosphere became tense, Liu Guangqi casually added, "Don't let it end up with Dongxu's matter being settled, but you guys still in the factory ending up with a reputation for being 'good at it,' so the leaders will remember it and 'take care' of you in the future."

What are you referring to? It's the inconvenience, both overt and covert, of course.

A thin layer of sweat beaded on Yi Zhonghai's forehead, and his expression finally betrayed him—yes, how could he not have thought of this? He was so focused on getting Liu Guangqi to go to the factory that he forgot that if things escalated, he, as the person in charge, would also be implicated.

"Oh dear! Guangqi!" His tone suddenly changed, forcing out a few words of praise and lingering fear. "You were so thoughtful. I was so senile! I was so focused on Dongxu that I almost dragged everyone into this mess! You're right, it really wasn't appropriate for you to get involved in this."

He waved his hands repeatedly, his attitude so resolute as if he hadn't just been the one trying so hard to persuade them: "Let Jia Zhangshi and Qin Huairu talk about this at the factory themselves. Don't worry, with me watching over them, I won't let them act impulsively, and I won't let them suffer any losses!"

At this moment, Yi Zhonghai dared not mention asking Liu Guangqi to take the lead again—standing on the shore waving flags and shouting slogans was fine, but he was unwilling to risk dragging himself into the water.

"Yes, yes, that's exactly right!" Father Liu Haizhong quickly echoed, feeling that his son's mind worked incredibly fast, far beyond what he, as the father, could keep up with. With just a few words, he had managed to soften the stubborn old man, Yi Zhonghai, and even take the initiative to take back the matter. After all, he was a cadre from a ministry; his abilities were truly different.

"Guangqi is, after all, a comrade from a ministry," Yan Bugui, who hadn't spoken much until now, chimed in with a smile, "His thinking is far more profound than ours, the old folks in the institute." Of the three, he was the most astute. Though usually calculating every penny, he knew best how to grasp the crux of the matter in crucial moments. He had long understood—Liu Guangqi wasn't afraid of trouble at all. He was clearly using a feigned retreat as a tactic, every word aimed at Yi Zhonghai. You insist I step in? Fine, I agree. But you'll have to weigh the consequences yourself.

If I stand up, you, Yi Zhonghai, and everyone in the factory will have to carefully consider the consequences.

Yan Bugui understood perfectly, and his gaze towards Liu Guangqi became even more respectful. He cleared his throat and, in a perfectly measured tone of emotion, said to Yi Zhonghai and Liu Haizhong:

"See, I told you long ago... We can all see the deep affection Guangqi has for Dongxu. We must convey this sentiment to the Jia family in its entirety when we get back."

Liu Haizhong immediately nodded in agreement. Yi Zhonghai also echoed this, but something still felt off.

Seeing that Yi Zhonghai was stopping him from intervening, Liu Guangqi raised the corners of his mouth slightly and sighed, "Since both the eldest and third uncles feel that I don't need to get involved, then so be it. I won't get involved."

He paused briefly, then added, "However, I can still help a little—I'm fairly familiar with some of the leaders at your steel mill, so I can call them tomorrow and ask them to explain the compensation policy to Sister-in-law Jia. When you get back, remember to remind her to prepare her household registration booklet, Dongxu's work ID, and other necessary documents, so she doesn't miss out on any of the money she's entitled to. I won't concern myself with anything else."

These words were both considerate of others' feelings and clear-cut. The elderly father, Liu Haizhong, almost cheered out loud – look, that's what you call tact!

Although Yi Zhonghai was somewhat disappointed, he understood that Liu Guangqi was right: if using connections really affected his chances of passing the Level 8 worker exam and retiring peacefully, then it would be a loss. Liu Haizhong secretly gave him a look and quickly added, "That's fine, that's fine. Following the rules is the safest way, so as not to cause you any trouble."

Although Yan Bugui loved to join in the fun, he didn't miss any opportunity to curry favor, and replied with a smile: "Guangqi is the most thoughtful. It's good to follow the rules, it's good to follow the rules... We'll definitely make sure the Jia family thanks you properly when we get back."

"No need for that. We're all neighbors in the same courtyard. If Brother Dongxu is in trouble, I'll naturally help if I can," Liu Guangqi said with a calm smile.

The conversation ended there. Liu Guangqi escorted the three to the ministry's entrance, watched their departing figures, and then turned back to his work. To him, it was just a minor incident that left no lasting impression.

He knew better than anyone that the trivial entanglements within the courtyard were like a swamp; once you were trapped, it was difficult to extricate yourself. His focus should be on the mass production of seven-axis machine tools, the compilation of computer textbooks, and the planning of the future semiconductor industry—these were the truly important matters concerning his future. As for the miscellaneous affairs of the courtyard, he had neither interest nor the desire to be a morally obliging but ultimately indecisive person.

Back in the research lab of the First Ministry of Machine Building, Liu Guangqi casually draped his coat over the back of his chair, his gaze falling on the unfinished computer textbook, before immersing himself in his work.

The Jia Dongxu incident was merely another page turned in the old stories of the courtyard house, not even stirring a ripple in his heart. Like a script he'd already read, a supporting character was simply exiting the stage as scheduled. For him, what mattered were the technologies that held the key to the future.

With only two or three months left in the year, his task became increasingly clear: to promote the practical application of the seven-axis five-linkage technology and to follow up on production and technical guidance.

As I was writing, there was a gentle knock on the office door.

Director Lin walked in, carrying a document, his expression a mixture of excitement and solemnity: "Guangqi, did I disturb you?"

"No, Director, please have a seat." Liu Guangqi put down his pen, stood up, and poured himself a glass of water.

Director Lin didn't stand on ceremony and simply placed the documents on the table and pushed them over.