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

The significance of intellectuals in the course of history often stems from the fact that they hold the key to unlocking the future.

For a nation to move forward, it must stand tall and proud.

We cannot do without these lamplighters, who transform wisdom into a flame.

But who could have predicted it?

This time, the well-intentioned act became the beginning of a rift.

Rumors about seven-axis technology have been leaked.

The technical backbone of each ministry is disciplined and will naturally not act recklessly.

thus.

The problem can only lie in another kind of environment—those academic ivory towers.

"Before the Lunar New Year, universities jointly held an academic seminar in the field of mechanical engineering, which also invited a few visiting scholars from other countries."

Director Chen took over the conversation, his voice laced with suppressed anger:

"Like that Professor Ji!"

"When giving a report on stage, in order to highlight the value of his research, he repeatedly mentioned that our department had successfully developed a high-end linkage device with precision exceeding five axes."

"He wasn't the only one; several others were the same!"

"It's as if their knowledge and influence wouldn't be apparent unless they interjected with a few comments about these developments during the conversation!"

"And these topics should have been kept within the scope of internal discussions..."

"All of this fell into the ears of the foreign scholars present, and behind many of them, the shadowy figure of the Northern Giant Bear Industrial Intelligence Agency was faintly visible."

Liu Guangqi unfolded the minutes in front of him, which recorded the subsequent events in black and white.

For example, after the conference, a scholar, under the guise of discussion, had an in-depth conversation with several professors, indirectly inquiring about the specific models and applications of machine tools.

These gentlemen, who spent their days buried in their studies, were simple-minded and unguarded, readily revealing almost everything they knew. If pressed for answers, they would simply invoke the excuse of "academic integrity."

The phrase "high-precision linkage" appeared repeatedly during the conversation.

It even mentions its outstanding performance in machining precision components such as integral impellers for aero engines and rocket nozzles.

This information was transferred several times.

Ultimately, it ended up on the desks of the heavy industry sector in the north, attracting their blatant covetousness and probing of the seven-axis technology.

"And there's something even more regrettable."

Director Chen added in a deep voice: "It's not just a verbal exchange; professors from two of the universities have already published some of their research findings in articles."

"Although the name of the seventh axis was not explicitly stated..."

"However, the paragraphs about improving the linkage algorithm mentioned in the article undoubtedly point to a higher-level machine tool architecture in the eyes of experts."

"Researchers in the north will immediately understand the deeper meaning behind it."

"That's why they've come to ask for so-called 'technical exchange' now. To put it bluntly, they just want to take over the seven-axis machine tool directly."

Liu Guangqi closed the file, a heavy sigh rising in his chest—

No further evidence is needed at this point.

The source of the leak must undoubtedly be those universities.

His alma mater had a similar precedent before.

Now it's happening again, a vicious cycle repeating itself. What will happen next?

Will it happen again and again?

When the second-generation transistor computer is invented, will it also be unable to escape this fate?

Suddenly,

Liu Guangqi seemed to have touched upon a cruel thread—why would the storm that swept in a few years later be so violent?

After all,

Perhaps it was these very people, so engrossed in the sanctuary of academia, who themselves planted the fuse.

They dare to spread anything and always say "science knows no borders." Have they never thought that technology is born from the land and grows in their home?

Do you remember,

That grandmaster, hailed as someone capable of contending with an entire powerful force, faced countless obstacles and hardships on his long journey home.

At this point in time,

A bitter taste rose in Liu Guangqi's throat.

He seemed to suddenly understand why the storm that would sweep everything away would arise in the future.

Wasn't everything predetermined?

"A five-year journey home..."

He uttered those words in a low voice, his tone a mixture of helplessness and a hint of sarcasm.

Raise your eyes,

Looking at the two silent directors at the table:

"When that person wanted to return, how did the other side of the ocean try so hard to stop them?"

"Household confinement, coercion, they used every possible means."

"It's a pity that many people still don't understand: science may be flawed, but its feet are always firmly planted on the soil of our motherland."

As soon as he finished speaking,

The air in the office suddenly froze.

Director Lin and Director Chen had solemn expressions, as if covered with a layer of frost.

Yes,

Five years on the road home.

These five characters are an inscription engraved on the history of national science and technology.

It is also a scar that has never healed.

It vividly demonstrates that scholars have a homeland, and talented people have a home—a truth that no amount of words can erase.

Liu Guangqi slowly leaned back in his chair, his eyes filled with a turbulent mix of emotions.

The room was filled with a heavy atmosphere, a silent sigh for the current state of academia, and a complex silence about the leak.

"The fundamental purpose of academic research is to advance the land beneath our feet." The voice paused, then grew even more resolute, "But all of this rests on one unshakeable premise—we must first safeguard the fundamental interests of our own nation!"

"The seven-axis machine tool we painstakingly developed is to fill the gaps in our national defense, to make our rockets fly higher and more stably, and to ensure that the backbone of all our compatriots can truly stand tall!"

Director Lin nodded slowly, and after a moment of silence, said in a low voice:

"You've hit the nail on the head, Guangqi."

"In the past, we were indeed too lenient in our education on confidentiality in universities and research institutions, always assuming that they were cultured people who were well-read and reasonable."

"One should know where the bottom line is, but who could have predicted..."

"Old Lin!"

Director Chen suddenly interrupted him, his tone stern: "This isn't about understanding or not understanding bottom lines!"

"Some people know the truth better than anyone else, but they deliberately pretend to be ignorant. They use the platitude 'science knows no borders' as a facade to glorify themselves and as an excuse to cross ethical boundaries!"

He spoke slowly, but every word carried weight, striking a chord deep within people's hearts.

"They've forgotten where their roots are, forgotten that they are first and foremost people nurtured by this land, and only then do they have any other identity!"

* * *

After venting their emotions, everyone in Director Lin's office quickly regained their composure.

Director Lin's face lit up with a smile again. He pushed a cup of hot tea toward Liu Guangqi and turned to Director Chen, saying:

"See, what did I tell you?"

"Even someone as good-tempered as Comrade Guangqi would inevitably get angry in such a situation."

As he spoke, he turned his gaze to Liu Guangqi and patted his arm.

"Don't let his easygoing and composed demeanor fool you; his inner compass is sharper than anyone else's."

"The things sold to outsiders can't really be top-notch."

Director Lin chuckled as he spoke, then subtly changed the subject.

"Well, that's not entirely accurate."

"It should be said that he would only consider letting Russia or Western countries take back those things that have undergone special treatment."

Upon hearing this, Director Chen couldn't help but chuckle twice.

Only then did the stagnant air in the office finally begin to circulate and ease considerably.

Director Chen looked at Liu Guangqi, his tone softening:

"Comrade Guangqi, don't worry too much about this. This time, the Russians took the initiative to come to us, and the conditions they offered... were quite sincere."

"They're not just going to buy it with money; they've drawn up a long list of things to exchange, and they're willing to give up a lot of hard currency in return."

"To be honest—"

"The Ministry of Foreign Trade initially refused outright, but the list they presented contained some things... sigh."

Director Chen sighed softly, a complex look of difficulty flashing across his face.

"The Russian bear has really emptied its coffers this time!"

"Many of the items on the list are key technologies that we are currently in dire need of, or even that have left us with a serious technological bottleneck."

"Some leaders, after seeing it, really find it hard not to be tempted."

"But don't worry, the majority still hold opposing views."

"Everyone knows what a seven-axis, five-linkage machine tool means to us, and no one dares to treat this lightly."

At this point, Director Chen paused, his eyes becoming exceptionally serious.

"So, the most important reason we invited you here today is to hear your professional opinion. After all, you are the true creator of the seven-axis machine tool."

"I remember you mentioned something like that before..."

"They say it's possible to create a version specifically for export, which would allow us to gain tangible benefits without worrying about our core technology being hollowed out?"

"Yes."

Liu Guangqi didn't hesitate at all; he already had a clear plan in mind.

He gently set down the teacup and leaned forward slightly.

"It's entirely possible."

"Seven-axis, five-linkage CNC machine tools will indeed face bottlenecks in terms of performance improvement before the advent of the next generation of computers."

"But if you want to 'reduce' its power, that's much simpler."

"Reduce the precision of the control system by half, lower the response precision of the servo system by one level, and replace the materials of several key components with slightly inferior alternatives."

"We guarantee that once they get their hands on it, it will seem to work fine for everyday use, but once they want to use it in high-tech core fields, it will immediately prove inadequate and become a useless tool."

Liu Guangqi spoke crisply and decisively, with the kind of certainty unique to a technical leader.

The two directors exchanged a glance, both seeing the smile and admiration in each other's eyes. They admired Liu Guangqi's spirit—no matter how difficult the problem, he could always give a "workable and reliable" answer.

"Okay! That's good!"

Director Chen finally felt relieved, and he visibly relaxed.

"Your words put my mind at ease!"

"We in the foreign trade department will feel more confident reporting this. We will compile the materials and submit them as soon as possible. With your technical solution as a guarantee, it will be much easier to explain the situation to our superiors."

"Wait a minute."

Director Lin, who had been smiling the whole time, suddenly spoke, and the smile on his face faded slightly.

His gaze suddenly sharpened like a knife.

"Old Chen, the Ministry of Foreign Trade must remember this."

"If the higher-ups ultimately reject this plan, then so be it. But if they approve it, you must push the Russians to the brink!"

"The first point is to replace military technology with machine tools."

"And for those large-scale projects that failed back then, all core technologies must be completely transferred according to our standards."

"also……"

Director Lin listed a series of conditions.

After listening, Liu Guangqi and Director Chen exchanged a glance, both secretly alarmed.

But why do these requirements seem vaguely familiar?

As Director Lin spoke, his thinking became increasingly clear. In the end, even he himself realized that selling the seven-axis machine tool to Russia was a brilliant move.

It is entirely beneficial and without any harm.

As for whether the Russian bear will back down?

It's better not to buy it!

As an industrial machine tool, a seven-axis, five-linkage system is not something that can be easily sold.

Moreover, the bear came so eagerly upon hearing the news; if there were no hidden motives, who could believe it?

Logically speaking—

Surely it couldn't be that the head of the other party's heavy industry department just glanced at a piece of intelligence and decided to make a purchase, could it?

Wouldn't that just be like trying to find a horse by following a picture?

If the Russians were truly so naive, the leadership of the red camp should have changed hands long ago.

In any case, Director Lin and Director Chen quickly reached a consensus.

After all, China has just repaid a huge debt to Russia.

If we can use a seven-axis machine tool to extract benefits from the other party, gaining both huge profits and key technologies, why wouldn't this deal work?

Although the conditions were harsh, technological backwardness meant certain defeat.

Now it's our turn to stand tall!

Haven't we suffered enough over the years?

Even today, Western technological blockade remains as impenetrable as an iron wall.

If the seven-axis machine tool had been developed in their hands, China probably wouldn't even have the right to negotiate.

That's just how reality is.

In short, the Russian bear must have encountered difficulties in the arms race to have such a strong desire for seven-axis machine tools.