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

Even the photographer, who had remained silent throughout, couldn't help but blurt out, "Chief Engineer Liu, what you've described... sounds like a myth. Can it all really come true?"

"Yes."

Liu Guangqi's answer consisted of only two words.

There was no further explanation, but that quiet certainty carried more weight than any lengthy discourse.

He naturally has the confidence to back it up.

At this moment, in that country far across the ocean, as early explorers of computer technology, isn't their second-generation computer still stuck in a stage of simple functions and weak performance?

If it weren't for his existence that transcended time and space, the other party might still be able to call himself the world's number one.

pity.

This title of "number one" was destined not to last long.

Liu Guangqi firmly believes that when China's computer technology breaks through to new heights under his leadership, the world will suddenly realize that the former leader was nothing but a temporary illusion.

He is certainly qualified to make such an assertion.

This confidence stems from the clear and complete trajectory of computer development in his mind, as well as the future technologies that have not yet arrived in the world.

Ultimately, as a scholar who has deeply cultivated the field of mechanical engineering, he possesses the depth to say these words.

The only current limitation is the manufacturing process of integrated chips and other key electronic components—among which integrated chips are particularly critical and the most difficult to overcome.

If he were to shift his focus from large general-purpose computers to tackling the electronic components needed for personal computers, perhaps in just a few years, the "big-headed computer" that should have become widespread in the 1990s could arrive in this era decades ahead of schedule.

By then...

Once such a device is available, it will undoubtedly be a complete dimensional crushing blow to the bulky and crude computers of other countries.

This is research and development.

Research and development often lacks not the technology itself, but the right approach.

Once the direction is wrong, no amount of investment will be of any use.

As a time traveler, Liu Guangqi was most aware of the correct path for the future.

That's what makes him so awe-inspiring.

The interview with the "49 City Daily" came to an end shortly afterward.

Just after seeing off the reporters, the office phone rang again.

Liu Guangqi picked up the receiver, and Li Huaide's hearty laughter immediately came through, unable to conceal his overflowing joy:

"Comrade Guangqi! I've finally gotten in touch with you! A few days ago, during National Day, the radio announced the successful development of the second-generation computer, and I knew immediately—it must be your work!"

"I'm even happier about this than if I'd gotten a promotion!"

The logistics system was once his foundation.

Now, thanks to Liu Guangqi's four-roll mill, he can finally extend his reach into the field of production management. Now, in the factory, he is in charge of both logistics and production, standing tall and confident, and has the ability to rival Director Yang.

Upon hearing that Liu Guangqi had made new moves, Li Huaide immediately made a phone call.

Hearing the congratulatory voices coming from the receiver, Liu Guangqi calmly moved the microphone further away.

He paid no heed to any of the polite words. Knowing Li Huaide as he did, he knew this call was far from just a congratulatory one. This man was always adept at social maneuvering, and this call was most likely an attempt to build a closer relationship.

Sure enough, after some pleasantries, Li Huaide's tone changed:

"Comrade Guangqi, to be honest, I'm now able to stand firm in the factory, and people listen to my opinions on production—all thanks to your machine."

His tone grew increasingly intimate, as if it were a casual remark:

"If you're free this weekend, how about we grab a bite to eat together? I'd like to thank you properly."

Although Li Huaide was an opportunist at heart, he was quick-witted. After being enlightened by his father-in-law, he realized that since he and Liu Guangqi were no longer on the same level, he might as well take advantage of the situation and befriend him. Look at Hongxing Factory; it only needed to establish a connection with Liu to become a prominent provincial-level factory that garnered significant foreign exchange earnings. If he could leverage Liu's influence, wouldn't his future be even brighter?

This meal was just a pretext; his real intention was to prepare a generous gift and solidify the relationship.

Liu Guangqi knew perfectly well what was going on, but only smiled and replied:

"Director Li, you're too kind. I have to take my child to visit my maternal grandparents this weekend, it's really unfortunate."

His tone was gentle and respectful, yet he had subtly drawn a line under the guise of family. He believed that someone as astute as Li Huaide would surely understand the unspoken meaning.

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone.

Before he could continue, Liu Guangqi spoke again, his voice as light as ever:

"Director Li, there's no need for us to stand on ceremony. We worked together at the steel rolling mill back then, so we're old friends."

"The four-roll mill is able to produce results because the factory workers put in the effort; you should thank them."

"If you encounter any technical difficulties in the future, please feel free to contact me."

His words conveyed affection, principles, and distance.

This completely shut down the excuses that Li Huaide had prepared.

There was a three-second silence on the other end of the line, followed by a louder, more open laugh:

"Good! Brother Guangqi's words are true, I understand!"

They're all intelligent people; they understand immediately.

Li Huaide immediately understood—Liu Guangqi didn't accept gifts, but he valued the friendship. The friendship was just right; going any further would have ruined it.

He immediately abandoned his scheming, and his tone revealed a hint of sincerity:

"Alright! Since you consider me a friend, I'll never play games with you again. If I ever need your help, just say the word!"

That's good.

Liu Guangqi smiled slightly, chatted for a few more minutes, and then hung up the phone.

Many people believe that the way to conduct oneself in the world is to be confrontational and never give an inch.

Little did they know that in the world of martial arts, relationships ultimately matter. Having one more friend is always better than having one more enemy—even if that person is nothing more than a villain.

So what if Li Huaide is a villain?

Even if the steel rolling mill were to close down one day, someone as shrewd as him could always make a living by switching to business or finding another way out.

This is enough.

To become sworn brothers with a good man who is destined to fall on hard times.

That was just a lingering thought in my heart.

To maintain a superficial harmony with a smug person who is destined to be triumphant is...

This is how a wise person lives.

Since Li Huaide is also a shrewd and pragmatic person, it's enough for them to maintain a thin veneer of face for each other within the ministries.

After the media frenzy subsided, Liu Guangqi's life returned to its usual rhythm.

In the courtyard, the morning light peeked through, and the faint smell of coal smoke from the previous night lingered in the air, adding a touch of warmth and life to the newly awakened courtyard.

Not long after, Liu Haizhong and Liu Guangtian finished breakfast and pushed their shiny bicycles out of the backyard one after the other, preparing to go to the factory.

This scene was not common in the courtyard—especially for Liu Guangtian, a young man who had just graduated, who had also ridden a bicycle.

"Hey! Look at this!"

Just as Sha Zhu was about to leave with his net bag, he passed by the Central Court and caught a glimpse of the place. His voice immediately rose.

"Wow, that's impressive! You've only been working for a few days and you're already driving a Forever brand car? You're almost as fast as your brother was back then!"

Sha Zhu's voice was loud and clear, and could be heard clearly throughout most of the courtyard.

Upon hearing this, Liu Guangtian couldn't hide his smugness; he grinned and cleared his throat.

"The Hongxing factory is far away, and my brother doesn't ride this bike anymore. It's just sitting there collecting dust. Why don't you let me ride it to work?"

No sooner had he finished speaking than Uncle Yan Bugui, the third uncle, strolled out of the doorway, adjusted his reading glasses, and took a few steps toward the car.

He didn't rush to speak. Instead, he stretched out two fingers and gently brushed them across the gleaming frame of the bicycle, as if touching some precious treasure, his eyes gleaming.

"Tsk tsk, a permanent brand..."

He murmured to himself, as if he were calculating something in his mind.

"Guangtian, your brother really gave you this car? This is no small matter—a new car costs 180 yuan, plus a train ticket or industrial coupons. Look at its condition, it's practically brand new... Even if you went to a trust store, you couldn't get it for less than 150 yuan, right? Guangqi agreed, and your sister-in-law has no objections?"

These days, bicycles are one of the "four essential items," and they're incredibly valuable.

With each number Yan Bugui reported, the envy in his eyes grew stronger, mixed with a hint of sourness.

As soon as he said that, several of his coworkers and neighbors who were about to leave also peeked over, their eyes all falling on the car.

In fact, Yan Bugui had considered taking a liking to the car.

Everyone in the compound knows that Liu Guangqi is now a leader in a ministry, accompanied by guards when he goes out, and drives a Volga sedan. His old bicycle has long been sitting idle at home, gathering dust.

With that thought in mind, Yan Bugui's little calculations were already running wild—he figured that Liu Guangqi's status was different now, and he might not care about such a small amount of money. If he could scrape together a hundred or so yuan and say a few nice words, he might be able to get his hands on this nearly new car.

You can get a nice car without tickets or coupons—that's a huge bargain!

But no matter how meticulously he calculated, how could Liu Guangqi not have foreseen this?

Not to mention anything else, there are two younger brothers, Guangtian and Guangfu, waiting for us.

This incredible benefit shouldn't be left for outsiders to reap.

Of course, Liu Guangqi also had his own way of handling this matter.

There's only one car. If it's given directly to one person, the other person will inevitably have reservations. If it's sold for money, a ministry leader like him doesn't need a hundred or so yuan, and it wouldn't look good if word got out.

Finally, he came up with a comprehensive solution:

The car was given to Liu Guangtian, but not for free—it was discounted according to the secondhand market price of the trust store, and Guangtian was to pay it off monthly from his salary, so that he could experience the feeling of "installment" in advance, without charging interest.

Liu Guangqi didn't keep the money he withheld; he gave it directly to his father, Liu Haizhong, as a supplement to the family income.

In this way, everyone is comfortable and happy.

Liu Guangtian got a bicycle as soon as he graduated, which made him quite the star among his peers, and he felt incredibly grateful to his older brother.

Liu Hai felt at ease – his son could supplement the family income, which made him proud and made life more comfortable.

It was because of Liu Guangqi's arrangement that the bicycle naturally ended up in Liu Guangtian's hands.

Otherwise, according to Liu Haizhong's old idea that "the family business must be passed on to the eldest son," Liu Guangtian probably wouldn't even have touched the handlebars.

As for the third son, Liu Guangfu, Liu Guangqi had already told him: once he graduates from vocational school and starts working, if he wants to buy a bicycle, he will take care of the industrial vouchers and make sure he rides a brand new one.

This bowl of water—

It was truly steady and reliable.

Back then, families had many children, and it was common for the second and third children to wear the eldest child's hand-me-downs. Almost every household did this.

But when it came to Liu Guangqi, he took good care of his two younger brothers, leaving neither of them behind and leaving no one to complain about.

Therefore, Liu Guangtian and Liu Guangfu both respected and trusted this elder brother.

Seeing Yan Bugui's sour look, Liu Guangtian just smiled and didn't explain further. He turned to Liu Haizhong and said, "Dad, I'm going to the factory now."

After leaving the courtyard, the father and son, who did not work in the same factory, nimbly straddled the bicycle seat. The clear bell rang, and amidst the envious glances of the neighbors, he rode out of the courtyard with great spirit.

Yan Bugui remained standing there, watching the departing car, silent for a long time before finally pursing his lips and muttering under his breath:

"This young man is really lucky to have such a great older brother..."

Liu Haizhong already knew Yan Bugui's temperament, so he smiled and went to the steel rolling mill with a few of his coworkers.

As for Sha Zhu, he didn't rush to leave after leaving the courtyard. Instead, he stood at the door like a door god, eagerly waiting for his Sister Qin.

His longing expression suggested that he wasn't waiting for a neighbor in the same courtyard, but rather for his own wife to leave for work together.

That's how it is!

Not to mention Yi Zhonghai, who was about to leave, even the big yellow dog lying at the gate couldn't help but shake its head when it saw him.

In the forging workshop of the steel rolling mill, Liu Haizhong had just walked in with his hands behind his back, intending to take a round as usual, when he was attracted by a commotion.

Inside the workshop, several experienced workers who loved reading newspapers were excitedly waving at him, holding up their newspapers.