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

He quickly took another half step forward.

His upper body almost reached over the edge of the table, his voice low but fervent:

"Comrade Guangqi! Of all the mechanical engineers I know, you are the most capable. Moreover, you were once seconded to our factory to lead technological innovation."

"You are the most qualified to speak on this matter."

"As for the matters at the Institute of Computing Technology, I've also heard about them. How about this..."

Li Huaide did not sit down, but leaned forward slightly, his voice low and earnest: "Comrade Guangqi, could you please spare some time to design an advanced steel rolling equipment for our factory? Even just a design sketch would be enough to solve my urgent problem. I, Li Huaide, will definitely remember this kindness, and I will never refuse to help you in the future."

He had no other talents, except for his exceptional understanding of interpersonal relationships. To put it bluntly, Li Huaide possessed a shrewd, mercenary nature; he was an absolute egoist. But what was remarkable was that he never went back on his word, as long as it was within his power. This was completely different from Director Yang, who was good at sharing hardship but not prosperity. Precisely because of this, in this turbulent world, people like Li Huaide often thrived.

Liu Guangqi never cared about the character of the people he associated with. Whether it was Xu Damao, Sha Zhu, Jia Dongxu, Yan Jiecheng, or even the shrewish Jia Zhangshi, he maintained a facade of harmony. To him, whether others were good or evil was irrelevant; the key was whether they had ever turned a knife against him. The goodness or badness of people's hearts was never a black-and-white conclusion; it all depended on who bore the consequences.

Dealing with someone like Li Huaide is simply about avoiding obstacles and gaining more options. It's always wiser to have a petty person owe you a favor than to make an enemy out of nowhere. Why not do something so beneficial and cost-effective?

"Director Li, you flatter me." Liu Guangqi waved his hand, his smile gentle. "It's like being in a completely different world. Although I have a basic understanding of mechanics, electromechanical engineering, and computers, I may not be able to fully grasp the intricacies of rolling mills. How about this, let me think about it for a few days, and then we can discuss it in detail once I have a better grasp of it."

Before he finished speaking, Li Huaide's eyes lit up, and he nodded hurriedly, "Good! Good! With Comrade Guangqi's words, I feel at ease. Whether it works out or not, I accept this favor!" He reached out and tightly grasped Liu Guangqi's hand, his palms sweaty, his emotions surging.

Liu Guangqi subtly withdrew his hand, his expression calm: "Director Li, there's no need to be so polite. If it's convenient, could you please send me a copy of the relevant materials on your factory's current steel rolling technology? That way, I can be more targeted in my approach."

"No problem!" Li Huaide answered readily. "I'll send someone over tomorrow or the day after. Although these materials involve factory secrets, Comrade Guangqi, you were our factory's chief technical engineer. I'll just submit a supplementary application to the higher-level ministry, and there will be no procedural issues."

Liu Guangqi smiled and nodded, adding another point to his evaluation of Li Huaide: This man may seem smooth and worldly, but he is meticulous and thorough in his work, and is indeed a character who can stir up trouble.

Li Huaide thanked him several times before taking his leave, satisfied.

The footsteps faded into the distance, and the courtyard returned to silence.

Zhao Mengyun, who had been standing quietly to the side, slowly approached. Her gaze swept over the conspicuous gift bag on the table, and a very faint smile appeared on her lips. She turned to another guard in the courtyard and softly instructed, "Could you please make this trip and take it back to Director Li?"

Seeing that the other person was slightly taken aback, she added gently, "I'll be right back after I deliver it. There's no need for further words or waiting for a reply."

The words had barely left his lips when he finished speaking, and the situation was perfectly clear: not refusing outright was to save face, returning it afterwards was to show his stance, and keeping quiet completely cut off any further room for maneuver. It was decisive, clean, and watertight.

Liu Guangqi sat quietly to the side, a barely perceptible smile flashing across his eyes.

The straightforwardness of Zhao's daughter-in-law is clearly a temperament cultivated in the ** compound.

Not seeking petty gains, nor incurring personal favors.

Open-minded and reasonable!

He upheld his own rules while also saving face for Li Huaide. His actions were thorough and flawless.

This daughter-in-law is so reassuring to look at.

However, in the time it takes to smoke a cigarette, Liu Guangqi's bodyguard returned with steady steps.

"The items have been returned."

"At first, Director Li declined, saying that if you didn't accept it, he would keep it for Director Liu to use."

The guard repeated it word for word:

"I did as you instructed, put the things in his hands, turned around and left, and he didn't stop me."

"Okay, that's settled then."

Zhao Mengyun nodded slightly.

He casually pulled Feng Nian into his arms, a smile spreading across his face: "To avoid future entanglements and giving people something to talk about."

The guards had just left.

Father Liu Haizhong strolled back from the side yard, his face filled with confusion:

"Kuangqi!"

"Director Li did come with gifts, after all. If we refuse them and even return them, won't he think we're heartless?"

"Will this... cause trouble?"

Clearly, his thinking was still stuck in the old ways, always worried that if he offended his superiors, his future would be difficult.

"Dad, don't worry."

Seeing his father's expression, Liu Guangqi couldn't help but smile.

He lifted his youngest daughter, Ruixue, onto his lap, holding her soft little hand, his tone calm:

"Li Huaide is a sensible man; he understands what we mean."

Zhao Mengyun smiled and chimed in:

"Dad, you've misunderstood. He didn't come here today to put on airs; he's here to ask Guangqi for help with the rolling mill issue."

"Now he's the one who needs our help, we're indebted to him..."

"How dare they argue with us?"

This last sentence subtly and cleverly reveals the key point.

After hearing this, Liu Haizhong stood there stunned, his lips moved but he remained silent for a long time.

It took him a while to come to his senses.

Hey!

My mind is still stuck on the old ways of personal relationships at the factory; my son and daughter-in-law's perspectives are on a completely different level from mine.

I wasted so much time worrying about whether I might offend a factory manager.

Thinking of this, Liu Haizhong's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally settled down, and a surge of indescribable pride welled up inside him.

Check it out!

These are my son and daughter-in-law in my bangs.

***

Li Huaide's visit was like a pebble thrown into the calm heart of a lake.

Although the person is gone, the ripples that spread through the courtyard lingered for a long time.

Now, the area under the old locust tree in the courtyard has become lively again.

Families brought small stools, fanned themselves with palm-leaf fans, and gathered under the shade of the trees to cool off and chat.

But today's topic was surprisingly consistent.

"You didn't see how Director Li looked when he left; the smile lines on his face were all piled up like flowers."

"Absolutely! He's a completely different person from when he's scolding people at the factory."

Someone immediately chimed in:

"What's Guangqi's status now? He's a leader in a ministry! Director Li is ultimately under the control of higher-ups, so how can he not be a little more respectful?"

"Looking at it now—"

"Guangqi's position is still the best; he can keep things under control."

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement, and when they looked at the Liu family in the backyard, their gazes held a deeper meaning.

If the neighbors in the courtyard used to think that Liu Guangqi was promising, having become an official in a ministry, they didn't really know how high his position was.

With Li Huaide's visit today, Liu Guangqi's influence within the ministry instantly became crystal clear.

The deputy director of the steel rolling mill was already considered a remarkable figure by everyone.

Even someone as remarkable as him had to bring gifts and treat Liu Guangqi with utmost courtesy and a smile when he visited.

This is a truly substantial amount!

"I see it now, Guangqi is far more capable than Factory Director Li!"

"Of course, they're not even on the same level."

Several wives of workers huddled together, their eyes filled with undisguised envy.

"What I admire most is Guangqi's wife—did you see that? All those things that Factory Director Li brought looked expensive, but what happened?"

"Hey, who didn't see it!"

"She had the guards return it intact to Director Li's car without even blinking an eye!"

"Tsk tsk, that's what you call magnanimity!"

Suddenly, Jia Zhangshi, who had been silent all along, cleared her throat.

"That makes sense—"

Everyone in the courtyard initially thought the old woman was about to make another sarcastic remark, but instead, she smiled unusually and raised her hand towards Zhao Mengyun:

"Don't you guys even consider who Guangqi's wife is? She works in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs!"

"What kind of valuable things haven't I seen? Why would I really care about a gift from a factory manager?"

Her familiar tone suggested that she and Zhao Mengyun had a long-standing friendship.

The courtyard fell silent for a moment as the group exchanged glances, all still somewhat bewildered.

What's going on today? Even Jia Zhangshi, who usually can't stand seeing others have an extra piece of meat in their bowl, is actually speaking politely.

At the same time, in the front yard.

Yan Jiecheng accompanied Yu Li as they slowly walked past the courtyard wall. Yu Li didn't say much, but her eyes were bright and clear, quietly taking in the scene in the courtyard. She had overheard most of the conversation under the locust tree earlier.

The scale in my heart, which had been swaying slightly, finally settled completely.

This courtyard at number 95 is truly a place where hidden talents reside.

Living next to such a family, even if you only benefit from their influence, will give you more confidence when you go out.

Unbeknownst to her, the idea of ​​marrying into this family had taken deeper and deeper root in Yu Li's heart.

As dusk settled over the eaves, she finally nodded and stayed, having dinner at the Yan family's house. This naturally delighted the elderly couple, Yan Bugui and his wife.

Inside the Yan family's house in the front yard, the smoke from cooking oil had not yet dissipated, and the strong aroma of braised pork lingered under the beams, diluting the perennial smell of pickled vegetables.

The food was already laid out on the table: a plate of stir-fried liver tips steaming hot, a small bowl of braised pork belly glistening with oil, fluffy and golden scrambled eggs, and two refreshing cold dishes.

Yan Bugui stared at the dishes on the table, his eyes twitching slightly.

How much oil and how much money will that cost!

This might be ordinary at Liu Guangqi's house, but at Yan's house, it was considered an exceptional hospitality.

Yan Jiecheng chuckled and picked up the largest piece of braised pork, placing it in Yu Li's bowl. The piece of meat was glistening with oil and reddish-brown, making Yan Bugui's heart tighten.

What a waste of money!

He didn't show it on his face, but in his mind he was calculating: this meal would feed the whole family for several days. After the girl left, he would definitely settle this score with his son.

"Xiao Yu, don't be shy, have a bite."

Yan Bugui forced a smile and pointed to the table:

"Try your third aunt's cooking. Although our family isn't rich, we live a stable life—I'm a teacher, and Jie Cheng is working at the Hongxing Factory. Things will definitely get better and better in the future."

Yu Li nodded gently.

She didn't doubt Yan Bugui's words. She had also witnessed Li Huaide's visit during the day; he was the deputy director of the steel rolling mill.

Even someone like that frequents this courtyard; marrying into it would definitely not be a bad thing.

"By the way, Brother Jiecheng," Yu Li suddenly looked up, "do you often see Comrade Liu Guangqi at the factory?"

The air on the table seemed to freeze slightly.

Yan Jiecheng honestly shook his head: "We don't run into each other often."

Seeing Yu Li's eyes flicker slightly, Yan Bugui's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly took over the conversation:

"Guangqi is busy with important matters in the ministry these days, so he naturally doesn't come back to the factory often. But he's frequently seen in the compound—he and his wife often come back to see the children, and we can see each other almost every weekend."

That's not untrue. In his early years, Liu Guangqi did return home less often, but since he started raising Ruixue and Fengnian in the courtyard, they have been coming back more frequently.

Third Aunt Yang Ruihua took Yu Li's hand and continued affectionately:

"Guangqi has a good temper and is very kind to people. He and Jiecheng grew up together and have a very deep friendship."

That last bit of concern vanished.

Yu Li smiled and said, "Brother Jiecheng is so lucky. Auntie, you should eat too. Your cooking is delicious."

Yan Bugui and his wife exchanged a glance, and their smiles finally became genuine.

Their eyes met, and they both read a confident smile in each other's eyes—if someone can praise the dishes at a blind date, the marriage is probably settled.

He turned his head back in the courtyard.