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

Liu Guangqi enjoyed a rare moment of pure family time: he and Zhao Mengyun took a group photo in the square with their two children, Ruixue and Fengnian, to commemorate the passing of time; and like countless other ordinary families, they celebrated the national ceremony in front of the city gate, feeling the pulse of the times.

As the morning light began to pierce through the ministry's staff quarters on October 3, Liu Guangqi broke his habit that had lasted for more than half a year.

Instead of going to the Institute of Computing Technology, he went straight back to his office at the First Ministry of Machine Building. For him, the development of the second-generation computer had come to a successful conclusion, and it was time for this seconded employee to return to his original post.

However, before he could even settle into his office chair, a figure appeared at the door of the research and development room.

Director Lin stood outside the door, holding a manila folder, and waved to him with a smile: "Guangqi, come with me."

Liu Guangqi paused slightly, then quickly stepped forward, his eyes filled with inquiry: "Director, is there a new mission?"

Director Lin didn't say much, but simply unfolded the folder and placed it in his hands.

Two documents were prominently displayed:

One was an interview invitation letter from the Minzhong Daily with bright red lettering at the top;

The other document was an interview outline from the "49 City Daily".

Both documents conclude with the same interviewee highlighted in bold font—

It was Liu Guangqi himself.

Interview?

The thought suddenly buzzed in his mind, leaving him stunned for a long time. The holiday had just ended, and on his first day back at work, he was already being interviewed? And by a joint invitation from two major authoritative newspapers?

This kind of spectacle is somewhat beyond expectations.

While previous nationwide broadcasts were impressive, they were ultimately just a passing fad; this time, however, it was entirely different. The Minzhong Daily was the mouthpiece of the nation, and the Sijiu City Daily was also a core platform for public opinion—this was not merely an honor, but an effort to raise its banner and establish its benchmark.

Once the report is published, Liu Guangqi will no longer be just an engineer at the First Ministry of Machine Building, but will become a calling card for the industrial front. This weight is so heavy that it takes one's breath away.

Seeing that he hadn't responded for a while, Director Lin said with a gentle smile, "This is an arrangement from higher up."

His tone carried a comforting undertone:

"The Academy Committee knows that you led the development of the four-roll mill and helped to overcome the challenges of the second-generation transistor computer. They have invited two newspapers to interview you in order to promote the talents and achievements of our mechanical industry system."

He paused briefly, then gently patted Liu Guangqi's shoulder:

"The People's Daily has a nationwide influence, and the Sijiu City Daily is also a major publication in the capital, which shows the high level of this interview. You need to prepare carefully."

Liu Guangqi's thoughts finally cleared from the chaos, and his consciousness resumed functioning. He unconsciously raised his hand and waved it, a helpless smile appearing on his lips.

"Comrade Director."

"This arrangement... is probably not appropriate."

"No technological breakthrough is the result of a single person's hard work; it is the culmination of the entire research team and all technical personnel working day and night. The honor belongs to the collective, not the individual."

"Could you ask the leadership to coordinate with the news organization to adjust the interviewees to the entire project team? Only by having all participants appear together can we truly showcase the results of our collective efforts."

"Ha ha--"

After hearing these words, Director Lin let out a loud laugh and pointed his finger in the air a few times.

"I knew you'd react this way!"

His smile faded, and his expression gradually became serious.

"There are clear instructions from above that the focus of this publicity campaign must be on you."

"According to the rules, I shouldn't reveal these things to you, but I know that if I don't explain the reasons clearly, you will always have concerns in your heart."

"Let me be frank with you."

"In recent years, the country's foreign exchange reserves have continued to grow and economic conditions have gradually improved. Going forward, we will inevitably need to expand the depth and breadth of our foreign exchanges."

"Whether it's promoting our high-quality products or introducing advanced foreign technology and equipment, we need a suitable window to the outside world."

At this point, Director Lin's gaze suddenly turned deep, his eyes fixed on Liu Guangqi's face.

"A landmark figure who embodies the nation's leapfrog development in science and technology, and a representative with international persuasiveness."

"And you, Comrade Liu Guangqi, your research achievements and you yourself have already come into the view of high-level leaders."

Director Lin's eyes held both an inquiring look and a hint of approval.

"Now you should understand?"

These words were like the sun breaking through the clouds, allowing Liu Guangqi to instantly understand the cause and effect.

That's it!

He had been wondering why such a high-profile interview was suddenly arranged, especially since two major media outlets had extended invitations to him simultaneously.

The root of the problem lies here.

Historically, it was only after the country had paid off all its foreign debt that it truly shed its economic burden and turned its development vision to the international stage.

Although we are still some distance from that peak period of diplomatic relations, the course of national strategy has already begun to shift.

In this game of chess, it's natural to make a move early.

At present—

What is the most impressive achievement that a country can showcase to the world?

The answer is obvious.

It was Liu Guangqi who spearheaded and created this industrial export miracle!

Unlike Liu Guangqi, those scientists who truly shoulder the heavy responsibilities of the nation are all strategic forces that need to be kept strictly confidential, and are solid foundations that remain hidden from view.

Any public appearance by any of them could trigger the vigilance and containment efforts of international powers.

therefore.

Beyond the pillars of the nation who cannot easily be seen, the most direct indicator of a nation's growing strength and international influence is the breakthrough in industrial exports.

It must be acknowledged that, in the minds of many foreign observers, the impression of this great Eastern power remains stuck in a backward agrarian civilization.

But they never understood.

This land has now given birth to the world's first seven-axis linkage precision machine tool.

It possesses a series of home appliance products that are sold overseas and generate huge amounts of foreign exchange.

even.

In the research and development of second-generation transistor computers, the gap with the international leading level has been gradually narrowed.

All these achievements are linked to a common name—

Liu Guangqi.

For this reason, the higher authorities decided to take this opportunity to mold him into a typical representative of the new era.

The timing was also perfect.

Especially given the current international situation, the original cooperative relationship has changed, and seeking new diplomatic and economic channels has become an inevitable choice.

now.

Liu Guangqi had fully understood Director Lin's intention.

But as they came to understand, a serious problem suddenly emerged—the scientists who could not appear in public did so for security reasons, but security is equally important to everyone.

He also has a family to protect, so what does it mean to become a public figure?

Thinking of this, Liu Guangqi looked troubled:

"lead!"

"Isn't this public exposure tantamount to making oneself a target in the open?"

"Although the infiltration of hostile forces has been effectively curbed in recent years, and things seem calm on the surface, what if there are still lurking individuals who might take extreme measures against me personally?"

"To be honest, I do have some concerns."

These words expressed both genuine concern and a subtle attempt to test the waters.

Liu Guangqi now carries more than just his own life on his shoulders. If it really comes to that, he is not afraid of dying, but how will his wife and children cope? Thinking of this, he still has to fight for what he can.

Seeing his expression, Director Lin couldn't help but smile: "Haven't you noticed anything different about the people around you lately?"

Liu Guangqi paused, then lowered his eyes to think. It seemed that these days, when he went out, he was indeed accompanied by more guards than usual—before, he was only assigned one, but now there were always two, one on the left and one on the right. He had assumed it was just a routine rotation during the National Day holiday, but now that he had been asked this question, he realized something was amiss.

Seeing his expression gradually clear, Director Lin gave a light snort: "Finally figured it out? The higher-ups in the Academy and the ministry have already raised your security level! Now you're always accompanied by two people, around the clock—this was personally approved by the top leader." He paused, his tone revealing a hint of helplessness mixed with a touch of envy, "And this is just the overt arrangement. Whenever you leave your workplace or home and move around the city, there are at least two more people watching you covertly. If you leave Beijing, the number immediately increases to three, and even five if necessary. Are you still worried about enemy agents?"

He found it increasingly amusing as he spoke, and shook his head: "Your security setup is intimidating, even more so than mine as a department head. I can't speak for other places, but in Beijing, the anti-espionage and anti-espionage work over the past decade has been the most rigorous and thorough."

Director Lin paused, his gaze carrying a hint of "not appreciating one's blessings," and continued, "Besides, do you really think the guards assigned to you are ordinary soldiers? Don't you consider who your father-in-law is, and what your mother-in-law is in charge of—a corps commander and a political commissar. Do you think they would allow two useless men to accompany their son-in-law?"

He leaned forward, lowering his voice even further: "To tell you the truth, those guys around you are all tough fighters selected from the elite units. They can take a lot of damage and fight. If it really comes down to it, they're willing to use their own bodies to shield you. With such an impenetrable fortress protecting you, why are you still worried about enemy agents?"

Liu Guangqi listened in silence for a moment. He had always thought of himself as just a ministerial cadre engaged in research and development, at most a technical talent with expertise. He never imagined that he would unknowingly become such a protected figure.

It's true, if Director Lin hadn't pointed it out, he wouldn't have even considered this possibility. It's now 1962, unlike the 1950s when enemy agents were rampant and the city was in turmoil. In the past two years, security in Beijing has been exceptionally tight, with numerous sentry posts around the ministry compounds. Let alone enemy agents, even a stranger without a letter of introduction would be thoroughly investigated. People inside and outside the city, both permanent residents and transients, have already been screened countless times. If there are any remaining spies, it's probably not Liu Guangqi who should be worried, but rather themselves—they could be exposed if they're not careful.

Thinking of this, Liu Guangqi's tension suddenly eased, turning into a feeling of relief that was both funny and exasperating.

He said no more, quickly glancing at the interview outline. It listed practical challenges in the development of the second-generation fighter jet, prospects for future industrial technologies, and other concrete issues—not a single empty word. Liu Guangqi felt reassured—this was the area he could handle with ease.

Looking up to meet Director Lin's questioning gaze, he nodded crisply: "Don't worry, sir, I understand. I will cooperate fully and not let the ministry down."

Director Lin smiled and patted him on the shoulder: "I knew you were a smart man. I've already spoken to the Daily News; the timing will be whatever is convenient for you." He leaned closer and added in a low voice, "After this interview, the ministry is even preparing to nominate you for the National Science and Technology Progress Award. It's your achievement, so don't keep it to yourself anymore."

Liu Guangqi felt a warmth in his heart, nodded, and said nothing more.

He never deliberately concealed his brilliance.

But what he saw was always a much wider territory.

Naturally, no one would turn down the glory that comes their way.

Liu Guangqi ultimately lives in the mundane world.

He nodded solemnly, countless unspoken words frozen in that moment of silence.

After leaving the director's office, he returned to his desk and casually placed the interview notice on the corner of the desk.

His mind was already firmly gripped by something else—the daily newspaper interview was merely a way of putting an end to yesterday's chapter;

The blueprint slowly unfolding from his briefcase was the real battlefield he was heading to, the battlefield that would determine tomorrow.

As the afternoon light slanted across the gate, the guard on duty was checking entry and exit records with his head down, his fingertips pausing lightly next to the three characters "Liu Guangqi".

This morning, my superiors gave instructions that interview teams from the Minzhong Daily and the Sijiu City Daily will be visiting soon, so I need to pay extra attention.

Such a display of force was unprecedented within the ministry's compound. The soldiers on duty thought to themselves: To have two major newspapers visit simultaneously…

This Director Liu is indeed extraordinary.

Just as I was pondering this, I heard a commotion outside the door.

A team of five or six people appeared carrying equipment, clearly belonging to a newspaper. Leading them was a female reporter with short, shoulder-length hair; her steps were swift, her expression clear, exuding the unique boldness and wisdom of women of this era.

She stepped forward first, handing over her identification, her voice clear and bright: