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

Team leader Yu from the Institute of Atomic Energy led his team in a meticulous information gathering effort, reviewing numerous publicly available reports from overseas newspapers in an attempt to glean any useful clues. Unfortunately, all these efforts were like searching for a spring in the desert—utterly futile.

Precisely because the road ahead was uncertain, after Director Deng's team completed the theoretical design of the first nuclear missile, they did not hesitate to head to this desolate northwestern base. The two teams converged here and began intensive and in-depth exchanges on nuclear theory.

The blackboard was covered with formulas and derivations, and the pages were filled with calculations and conjectures. Every discussion, every attempt, whether successful or not, embodied the researchers' hard work and wisdom. The days flew by in their busy work, and in the blink of an eye, 1962 became history, and 1963 quietly arrived.

On New Year's Day, the base's canteen was unusually filled with the aroma of stewed meat. The rich scent of oil and spices permeated the air, seemingly temporarily dispelling the harshness of the Gobi Desert. This extra meal was a reward for all those who persevered, and also carried a simple hope for the new year.

The sandstorm seemed to have taken a breather that day. Scattered around the camp, handmade red paper lanterns hung, their edges still dusted with fine sand, simple yet warm, adding a touch of brightness to this gray-yellow land.

In the canteens, large pots of stewed meat simmered and bubbled, chunks of lean and fatty meat rolling in the rich broth, while steamed white buns in bamboo steamers were fluffy and snow-white, exuding the unique sweetness of grain. The researchers took off their heavy coats and sat around long tables, holding enamel bowls filled with tender meat and broken buns.

Liu Guangqi sat at a table with Director Deng and Team Leader Yu. Team Leader Yu took a bite of his steamed bun, a peaceful smile on his face. Despite the lack of breakthroughs in hydrogen bomb research, his tone remained calm: "This white flour bun tastes better than New Year's." He turned to Director Deng, his tone relaxed: "Your institute can finally breathe a sigh of relief this year. The theoretical plan is finalized; you can start practical testing in the spring, right?"

Director Deng nodded, a glint of light flashing in his eyes, and then said calmly, "Eat more. This meat is specially approved and brought in from out of town. The tasks ahead will be heavy, so you have to take care of your health." As he spoke, he added some more meat to everyone's bowls.

As Liu Guangqi listened to the two seniors' calm yet solid conversation, an indescribable sense of weight welled up in his heart, as if he himself were personally stepping into this solemn era.

The atmosphere was lively. Some people talked about the Lunar New Year in their hometowns, while others hoped to go home and spend time with their families after "that loud noise." Their words were filled with simple yet bright longing.

Liu Guangqi instructed his guards to distribute some of the food to the soldiers on guard duty, sending them several bowls of meat and steamed buns. A warm, albeit bittersweet, atmosphere permeated the research institute—after all, the road ahead was long, but people continued to move forward.

The third New Year on the Gobi Desert was marked by a chill mingled with the smoke from cooking fires, creating a thin wisp of warmth above the research institute. The clinking of bowls and spoons in the canteen was particularly crisp. Team Leader Yu, carrying an enamel mug, sat down at the long table, deliberately sitting next to Liu Guangqi.

He picked a piece of glistening stewed meat from his own bowl and pressed it directly into Liu Guangqi's bowl: "Comrade Guangqi, are you settled in at home?"

"I'm relieved." Liu Guangqi took a bite of his steamed bun, a smile spreading across his eyes. "I have a son and a daughter, born on the same day, month, and year."

He said this with a touch of self-satisfaction—in front of these two academic giants, all he could share was this ordinary, down-to-earth charm.

Team Leader Yu was taken aback for a moment upon hearing this, then burst out laughing: "Good heavens! You're even trying to make childbirth as efficient as possible?"

Director Deng turned around, his gaze gentle as he looked at the young man: "So, this is the first time you haven't spent New Year's Eve with your family?"

Do you miss them?

Liu Guangqi nodded and answered frankly, "Of course I want to. But since the organization sent me here, it is my responsibility and my honor."

These words were spoken sincerely, but the feeling of longing and worry was not lessened in the slightest.

The smile in Director Deng's eyes deepened, and his voice softened: "I haven't stepped into my home for three years. I'm afraid my youngest daughter wouldn't even recognize me as her father if she saw me."

Liu Guangqi continued, "Director, although you are living in anonymity now, I believe that one day in the future, if this past can be brought to light, your families will be proud of you."

Team Leader Yu reached out and patted Liu Guangqi on the shoulder, his tone carrying a sense of wisdom honed over the years: "You're right. How can we, in our line of work, live a life confined to the kitchen? But if our children can grow up with their heads held high in this world, free from the humiliation of outsiders—that's better than anything else."

Director Deng gestured with his chin towards the window. The transport team's trucks were unloading supplies, the dust gleaming golden in the setting sun. "Look," he said, "the country has never forgotten us. We must do our job even better." He turned to Liu Guangqi, "The calculation method you brought allowed the theoretical plan to be implemented six months ahead of schedule; that's your achievement. Your wife and children will hold you up high from now on."

Liu Guangqi smiled but didn't reply.

Just as the three were about to get up, a series of crisp footsteps suddenly came from the entrance of the cafeteria—the heels of boots tapping on the cement ground, each sound clear and distinct.

A sentry walked in with his back straight and saluted Liu Guangqi: "Chief Engineer Liu, someone outside is looking for you."

Liu Guangqi stood there, stunned.

Looking for him? That's utterly absurd. This is the heart of the Northwest Gobi Desert; aside from this research institute, he's never had any contact with the outside world. He doesn't even know all the people here, so why would anyone specifically come looking for him?

Director Deng and Team Leader Yu, who were sitting at the same table, exchanged a wary glance.

"Comrade Guangqi," Director Deng frowned slightly, lowering his voice, "you here...do you recognize anyone else?"

The base's secrecy rules are almost stringent, with different zones operating like complete strangers. Even married couples working in different units might not know each other's whereabouts, let alone meet. How long has Liu Guangqi been here?

Liu Guangqi put down his chopsticks and walked outside, full of doubts. Director Deng and Team Leader Yu exchanged a glance and followed him.

Outside the research institute's gate, a military green jeep was parked quietly. Standing by the door was a middle-aged woman in a military overcoat, her short hair neatly combed, a few strands of which were blown about by the wind, but this did not diminish her capable and upright demeanor.

As the figure drew closer, the face became clearer in the twilight—time had worn away the sharp edges, but it could not erase the decisive and efficient spirit in the eyes.

Liu Guangqi's footsteps suddenly froze on the ground.

Liu Guangqi's steps suddenly stopped in the wind and sand of the Gobi Desert.

Director Deng and Team Leader Yu behind him stopped simultaneously, exchanging a puzzled look. They had never seen the person approaching before, but that crisp, green military overcoat—the style, the texture—instantly brought back memories. In the entire base, only the Commander-in-Chief had ever worn an overcoat of the same specifications.

Liu Guangqi felt a moment of disorientation.

He never expected that he would meet his mother-in-law in this desolate, sandy, and barren northwestern wilderness.

After a brief moment of surprise, a subtle problem arose in my mind: what should I call them here and now?

This wasn't a traditional courtyard house, nor was it a casual dinner table. Calling her "Mom" seemed to carry too much personal weight; yet addressing her by her official title would feel stiff and odd. He was considering whether to address her as "Political Commissar Wu" when the other person spoke first.

"What's wrong?"

Wu Shuang's voice wasn't loud, but it was like a thin blade, cutting through the howling wind. There was a certain habitual, undeniable quality in her tone.

"It's only been a few months, and you've forgotten how to say 'Mom'?"

These words were like a boulder thrown into a silent, deep pool.

Director Deng and Team Leader Yu were both stunned. The two scholars, who were used to working with precision instruments in the laboratory, stared wide-eyed, their gazes shifting back and forth between the imposing figure and the perpetually silent technical advisor beside them.

--mom?

Comrade Guangqi... is he supposed to call this leader "Mom"?

Upon hearing this, Liu Guangqi breathed a sigh of relief, a helpless smile appearing on his lips.

Yes, this was the Wu Shuang he knew. No matter the occasion, she always carried a protective, almost domineering aura. The hesitation he had felt earlier vanished instantly, replaced by a warm feeling that welled up from the bottom of his heart.

"Mom," he called out, his voice filled with natural intimacy, "what brings you here?"

Wu Shuang's sharp features softened, and the commanding presence of a commander faded away, revealing a tender expression unique to an elder.

"Why am I here? The base's logistical supplies for this season need to be coordinated from the General Logistics Department, and I'm in charge of escorting them." She paused, her gaze falling on his dust-covered collar. "And also... to see you. I know you're spending the holiday here alone."

A hint of surprise flashed across Liu Guangqi's eyes.

His mother-in-law's methods always seemed to exceed the boundaries of his imagination.

Transporting supplies makes perfect sense—the Northwest base is like a behemoth, consuming enormous amounts of resources daily; without support from the rear, this Gobi Desert simply cannot hold its people. But how would she know exactly which research institute she was in? He hadn't even revealed a word about his coming to the Northwest to his wife, Zhao Mengyun.

His mother-in-law, however, found him with remarkable accuracy.

The power network behind this is truly chilling when you think about it. No wonder later legends say that she could reach the front lines of war with a single phone call and evacuate people from danger before the shells fell.

"Stop thinking about it," Wu Shuang said, as if she could read his thoughts, cutting off his speculations. "Xiao Yun doesn't know you're here."

"It was quite a coincidence. The commander-in-chief of your base used to be your father's superior. I only found out you were seconded here when I was talking to my old leader about the logistics coordination."

Her gaze lingered on his face, where she could not suppress her admiration.

"We chatted a bit more earlier, and the old leader was very impressed with you, saying you—have done something meritorious again?"

"Well done."

Liu Guangqi suddenly realized.

So that's how it is. The base's secrecy regulations were like an iron wall, yet his mother-in-law was able to reach the core through another thread—those old relationships and connections. The last bit of doubt in his heart was also resolved.

Director Deng and Team Leader Yu, who were standing to the side, had fallen into a long silence.

Good, very good. This young man is usually quiet and unassuming, spending all his time buried in blueprints and data. Who would have thought that such a powerful figure stands behind him?

Everyone had agreed to work hard together in this wasteland, but he quietly dropped this bombshell.

At this moment, Wu Shuang's inner turmoil was far more intense than it appeared on the surface.

This son-in-law really made her look good.

She still vividly remembers how, when Liu Guangqi's name first appeared in the newspaper, she and her husband spread the newspaper on the table and read those passages over and over again. For several days in a row, joy enveloped their home like a halo.

In those days, whenever I met old friends or sisters from the military, the conversation would inevitably veer off to that name.

That pride was burning hot, welling up from the bottom of her heart, and it made her feel more fulfilled than any medal she had ever received.

But she didn't expect that it was just the beginning.

In the blink of an eye, he had arrived here—this land forged by wind and sand, a place bearing a heavy mission. And his path seemed to stretch even further into the distance.

Liu Guangqi's name appeared in newspapers time and again, and commendations from ministries followed one after another. He was hailed as a national model worker and regarded as a pioneer in the industrial field. At this time, he led his team to successfully develop the second-generation transistor computer, and his academic achievements earned him a place among the academicians, making him a top figure in the domestic engineering and technology community.

The string of honors brought his mother-in-law even greater joy. She had long known her son-in-law had a bright future and had never interfered with her daughter's choices. However, she hadn't anticipated Liu Guangqi's rapid rise. At just over twenty years old, he had already become a leading figure in the industry. After being transferred to the Northwest Base, he made crucial breakthroughs in nuclear theory research, propelling the progress of important projects. Even high-ranking leaders and the base's commander-in-chief praised him highly.

Wu Shuang, the mother-in-law who is known for protecting her own, was filled with joy and pride at this moment.

"Mom," Liu Guangqi said gently, "How long are you staying this time? Don't stand outside, come inside and sit down." He stepped aside, preparing to lead his mother-in-law into the research institute.