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

Wang Jianguo, who was standing to the side, was so anxious that he felt like he was sitting on pins and needles. However, in this situation, it would be inappropriate for a deputy factory director to even breathe loudly. He could only desperately try to signal to Liu Guangqi with his eyes.

However, Liu Guangqi seemed completely unaware.

He held the stack of orders in his hand, his expression showing no sign of anxiety, but rather a deep thoughtfulness.

During the planned economy era, various ministries coordinated and cooperated in a unified manner – this was an ironclad rule.

The First Ministry of Machine Building was in charge of heavy industry and could be considered the backbone of the country; its position was beyond question.

The Ministry of Light Industry, on the other hand, held a wealth of foreign exchange earnings, the nation's coffers for foreign exchange, which no one dared to underestimate.

In previous Canton Fairs, the Ministry of Light Industry pocketed almost the entire share of the foreign exchange earnings.

Now, by involving their factories and increasing shipments, foreign exchange earnings will double, which is a great benefit to both the country and its people.

Liu Guangqi had no reason to refuse.

More importantly, the market behind rice cookers is never a cake that anyone can monopolize.

Hongxing Chuanghui Machinery Factory alone cannot meet all the demand.

Cooperation and mutual benefit are the only way to achieve long-term success.

Thinking about this, Liu Guangqi not only didn't find the addition of the Ministry of Light Industry troublesome, but actually felt...

Things started to get interesting.

This favor is offered to me, so why not accept it?

Besides, the other party is the Ministry of Light Industry, so there will always be a time when it comes in handy.

Liu Guangqi's mind was racing with calculations, but his face remained calm and composed.

He raised his head, meeting the inquiring gazes of the two department heads, a composed smile playing on his lips:

"Boss, this is great news!"

"I completely agree."

Director Chen and Director Lin exchanged a glance, clearly not expecting Liu Guangqi to agree so readily.

My opinion of him rose even higher – this is what you call a good comrade who puts the big picture first.

At this moment, Liu Guangqi's tone changed slightly, and his expression became serious:

"With our existing production lines, it's indeed difficult to handle all the orders. The addition of the electrical appliance factory under the Ministry of Light Industry will help alleviate the pressure."

"Besides, rice cookers aren't exactly high-tech; their manufacturing difficulty is relatively low..."

"The focus should be on future technological iterations and upgrades rather than production."

He shrugged, his tone revealing a frank and realistic attitude:

"Boss, to be honest, this rice cooker is basically just a heating pot that can automatically shut off; it's not exactly high-tech."

"Even if we keep it a secret, other units will figure it out sooner or later."

These words, both humble and slightly humorous, immediately lightened the atmosphere in the office.

Even Director Lin, who always had a serious expression, had a faint smile on his lips.

Liu Guangqi then elaborated on many details from a technical perspective.

After his explanation, Wang Jianguo gradually understood that the core of future competition in the rice cooker industry lies in technological innovation, rather than simply in production capacity.

Trying to do too much at once can lead to problems and may even hinder order delivery, thus affecting the country's foreign exchange earnings.

Instead of clinging to technology, let's join hands, share it, and move forward together.

As the two ministry leaders listened and nodded, exchanging their opinions in hushed tones, the room was so quiet that they could hear each other breathing.

The secretary beside him picked up a pen and wrote down every word of the conversation.

Director Chen and Director Lin then raised many more questions, which Liu Guangqi answered calmly one by one.

"The market isn't something you grab by stealing; it's something you grow by working together."

"The international foreign exchange market is so vast that our machinery factory alone cannot meet the demand."

"Besides, competition drives progress."

"If someone can surpass us, it's actually a good thing—it means that our country's overall industrial level has improved."

"If we're afraid of being overtaken, it just means we're not running fast enough."

"Please rest assured, leaders. We are confident that we will always stay ahead, not only by running ourselves, but also by leading our sister units forward."

Let's run together and climb to even greater heights!

Liu Guangqi's words were powerful and insightful, demonstrating a profound level of thought that is truly admirable.

In front of his superiors, every word he uttered resonated closely with the spirit of the times.

As expected.

His words deeply moved both bureau-level officials.

What an open mind and unwavering belief!

"Great! That's very well said!"

Director Chen laughed heartily, revealing his genuine appreciation: "Comrade Guangqi, your awareness and insight are precisely the qualities we in the foreign trade department value most!"

"Come to our foreign trade department!"

"We desperately need someone like you..."

Director Lin shook his head helplessly at his old friend, who was still unwilling to give up and kept trying to poach people from him.

immediately.

His gaze toward Liu Guangqi was full of affirmation:

"Comrade Guangqi, now that you have this in mind, things will be much easier."

"We will communicate carefully with the light industry department regarding the specific arrangements to come."

"But don't worry, Old Chen and I are here..."

"I will never let you suffer any losses."

"Your contributions cannot be erased by anyone. The Ministry of Light Industry not only needs to appreciate this, but they need to understand and accept it clearly!"

Director Lin's tone was firm and resolute, which was both a guarantee and a clear attitude.

……

After discussing some production details, the matter was temporarily concluded.

Director Lin at this moment.

He then turned his gaze to Wang Jianguo, a smile on his face, and asked, "Comrade Jianguo, did you hear what Comrade Guangqi said clearly? Do you have any further thoughts now?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Jianguo immediately straightened his back and responded.

"How could I dare to have any other ideas? Director, please rest assured, I will do my utmost to ensure production!"

Director Lin nodded in approval: "With Comrade Guangqi, the technical director, fully assisting your factory, you can't afford to make any mistakes."

"Rest assured, Director, we will resolutely complete the mission and will not bring shame to our Ministry of Machine Building!"

After Wang Jianguo finished speaking...

He put on a smile and tentatively asked, "Old leader, Director Chen, it's almost lunchtime, shall we go and have lunch?"

"Today the factory is holding a ceremony to announce that it has specially applied for a batch of meat that is not part of the planned quota."

"I'll shamelessly ask my former leaders to do me the honor of attending this event."

This batch of pork weighed only about 300 jin (150 catties), but he had to use a lot of personal connections and favors to get it.

Things are different now. It's no longer as easy as before, when a workshop could easily bring in several fat pigs to celebrate a successful project. These are truly difficult times!

It was already quite difficult to get this much meat.

Director Chen smiled and agreed.

"Okay, then let's try it at your factory canteen today and see how good the chefs at your new canteen are."

The decision was made with just one sentence from the leader.

Then everyone got up and headed to the cafeteria.

Almost everyone had a smile on their face, after all, it was a happy occasion, and even Liu Guangqi couldn't help but smile.

suddenly.

He looked up at the door and caught sight of that familiar figure, a warm feeling welling up in his heart.

"Yunyun!"

Zhao Mengyun was standing outside the factory.

Hearing the call, she immediately turned around, her eyes clear and bright.

Liu Guangqi quickly stepped forward.

He took her hand in his; it was slightly cool to the touch. He softened his voice and said, "Why didn't you come in to find me? It must be tiring standing outside."

Zhao Mengyun smiled and shook her head.

Gently withdrawing her hand, she straightened his collar:

"I heard you were discussing important matters with the department leaders. How could I possibly go in and disturb you in such an important setting?"

"Waiting outside for a while won't hurt; it's cooler and more ventilated here."

Summer is almost here!

She changed into a dress today.

Her pale blue skirt swayed slightly with her movements, and her arms and legs appeared exceptionally fair in the halo of light from the corridor.

"Xiaoyun, is it that you only have eyes for Comrade Guangqi?"

A cheerful, teasing voice rang out, and Director Chen from the Ministry of Foreign Trade had somehow appeared beside them, smiling as he looked at the two of them.

"Even your Uncle Chen can't see you anymore?"

Zhao Mengyun's cheeks were slightly flushed.

She quickly straightened up and called out shyly, "Uncle Chen!"

Wang Jianguo, who was following behind, stared wide-eyed.

Good guy!

How could Liu Guangqi's partner be so familiar with Director Chen?

Still...still calling me uncle?

He only knew that Liu Guangqi had taken away the "most beautiful woman" from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Little did they know that Zhao Mengyun had such a powerful background!

Director Lin, who was standing to the side, smiled kindly and took over the conversation, saying, "Alright, Old Chen, stop teasing the kids."

"Since Xiaoyun is here, perfect! Why don't you stay and have dinner with us!"

"Uncle Lin, Uncle Chen, this...this isn't appropriate!"

Zhao Mengyun instinctively wanted to decline, but she glanced at Liu Guangqi furtively, her eyes filled with a hint of helplessness.

In front of so many leaders.

As an outsider, she felt somewhat uncomfortable dining with them.

Director Lin's gesture cut off all excuses.

"What's wrong with that? Comrade Guangqi has made a great contribution, and your support from the rear is equally commendable." His tone left no room for argument. "It's decided then, let's go together."

In the canteen cubicle of the Hongxing Chuanghui Machinery Factory, the air was filled with the aroma of rising oil and grains. Six porcelain plates were placed on a round table: braised pork glistened with an amber hue, sea cucumber lay nestled among scallions, gleaming with a dark sheen, and stir-fried green beans had charred edges. There were also peanuts, two dishes of seasonal vegetables, and a bowl of seaweed soup with egg shreds floating on top. By the standards of this year, it was a rare feast.

Of the six people seated around, two department heads from various ministries sat in the center, factory leaders sat on either side, and Liu Guangqi and Zhao Mengyun sat at the end. Director Chen was the first to reach for his chopsticks; the marbled pieces of meat trembled slightly at the tips, then melted into a mouthful of rich flavor as they entered his mouth.

"Perfect timing!" he praised, squinting his eyes. "Even the ministry's canteen isn't this good. Comrade Jianguo, you'd better keep this cooking team."

Wang Jianguo quickly agreed with a smile, and the atmosphere at the table immediately livened up. Director Lin scooped half a spoonful of soup, his gaze sweeping over the rim of the bowl before landing on the young couple opposite him. Zhao Mengyun's back was straight, her earlobes flushed, but a hint of liveliness flashed in her lowered eyelashes—she quietly placed a translucent piece of fatty meat from her bowl into Liu Guangqi's bowl. Liu Guangqi swallowed it with an unperturbed expression, as if he had repeated this action a thousand times.

Director Lin put down the soup bowl, and the porcelain spoon tapped lightly on the table, making a crisp sound.

"Guangqi, Xiaoyun." His gaze shifted between the two of them. "I heard that because Mr. and Mrs. Zhao are simply too busy, the two families haven't had a formal meeting yet?"

Factory Director Li and Wang Jianguo exchanged glances, a knowing smile playing on their lips.

Zhao Mengyun gently put down her chopsticks, her fingertips lingering on the rim of the bowl for a moment. "Uncle Lin, that's true." Her voice held a hint of helplessness. "My parents haven't even been back to their dormitory much lately. The logistical coordination work is too heavy; they're spinning like tops all day long." After a brief pause, she continued, "My mother says that grain transport is the lifeline right now. We have to ensure supplies to the front lines while also coordinating local support; we can't afford to relax for even a moment. The wedding... naturally has to be put on hold for now."

Director Lin's expression turned solemn: "In extraordinary times, the logistical burden is indeed extremely heavy." He suddenly changed the subject, a gentle ripple appearing in his eyes, "But official business is important, and personal matters cannot be postponed indefinitely. If Old Zhao and the others are truly unable to attend to everything—" He looked at his colleague beside him, "Old Chen and I will go in their place. We'll choose a suitable day and formally finalize the engagement."

The moment the words left his mouth, Liu Guangqi felt a slight tremor in his chest.

Two department heads stepped forward on behalf of the female case director? This level of concern far exceeds that of ordinary people.

Before he could respond, Director Chen laughed loudly, "Old Lin is right! Meeting is just a formality. We are both Xiaoyun's uncles and Guangqi's superiors, so naturally we hope you can settle down soon." He glanced at the two young men, "Only when the rear is stable can the front lines fight without distractions."

Zhao Mengyun lowered her head, staring at the seaweed floating in the soup bowl, a blush spreading from her cheeks to her neck. She understood the unmistakable sincerity in her elder's eyes—it wasn't just politeness, but a genuine expectation.

Liu Guangqi's knuckles tightened slightly, and the temperature in his palms slowly rose.

The atmosphere at the luncheon grew increasingly lively, with the two directors inquiring about numerous details of the new factory's production. Liu Guangqi answered calmly and logically. After the meal, the two leaders rose to take their leave—while the foreign exchange earnings task was indeed important, the ministry still had follow-up arrangements and scheduling to handle, so it was inconvenient for them to stay any longer.