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

Director Tian picked up the receiver and said "feed" once, and his slightly furrowed brows immediately relaxed.

"What? Say that again!"

He sprang back up from the chair, his voice brimming with uncontainable joy.

Li Huaide was immediately intrigued.

He put aside another document he was supposed to report and quietly began to listen.

I could faintly hear voices coming from the other end of the phone.

Director Tian's usually tense face broke into a rare smile in an instant, and in the end he couldn't help but slap the table and burst into laughter.

"Good! Good lad, you've got some talent!"

The hearty laughter echoed through the office, making Li Huaide's heart itch.

"Given away for free? Really?"

"A Model 2654 precision machine tool? When did those Russians become so generous?"

"Comrade Guangqi..."

"Haha, so it was Comrade Guangqi's doing! Well done!"

Comrade Guangqi?

Li Huaide astutely grasped this title.

Who else could it be but Chief Engineer Liu, the project manager at Hongxing Factory, who would be mentioned in such an intimate and admiring tone by a ministerial leader like Director Tian?

Thinking of this, he unconsciously softened his breathing.

Only after Director Tian hung up the phone with satisfaction, his smile still lingering, did Li Huaide seize the opportunity to feign curiosity and lean closer to ask:

"Director, what wonderful news has happened? You look so happy."

Director Tian picked up the large tea mug on the table, blew away the floating tea foam with a delightful gesture, and took a big gulp.

Then, with a face full of emotion, he sighed:

"Our Chief Engineer Liu, Comrade Liu Guangqi, has presented us with an incredibly generous gift today!"

He tapped the table with his knuckles, emphasizing his words:

"The Russian delegation's foreign affairs activities today were arranged at the Hongxing Factory. He not only won over those technical experts, but also persuaded them to willingly and voluntarily gift us a brand-new Model 2654 precision machine tool!"

"This thing is a top-secret piece of equipment that the Russians keep strictly under wraps. It's a treasure we couldn't buy even if we had the money!"

"Comrade Guangqi has done a great service this time!"

So that's what happened!

Li Huaide's eyes suddenly lit up.

He smoothly took over the conversation, his tone incorporating just the right amount of laughter:

"Comrade Guangqi is indeed exceptionally capable."

"I had dealings with him when he was doing research at our factory earlier. This young man is truly a rare talent!"

As a leader of a ministry, Director Tian is extremely insightful.

He saw through Li Huaide's thoughts at a glance, but didn't point it out, only smiled and nodded:

"Yes, you're right."

"Old Li, we've known each other for so many years, so there are some things I'll leave unsaid."

Director Tian leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice:

"Comrade Guangqi is a promising talent, and not only I, but also several other ministries and even several leaders at higher levels are keeping a close eye on him."

"It won't do your steel mill any harm to get closer to him."

Just a few words!

It was like a thunderclap exploding in Li Huaide's mind.

He instantly grasped the profound meaning behind the director's words.

This is no longer a hint, but a clear and explicit suggestion.

A person with keen insight often understands things immediately.

Li Huaide quickly agreed with a smile:

"The vision of our leaders... has always stood the test of time!"

"Comrade Guangqi is young and promising, and he is also humble and approachable. Our steel rolling mill and Hongxing Factory have always had a pleasant cooperation."

"From now on, I will definitely invite Chief Engineer Liu to visit the factory more often!"

Afterwards, Li Huaide chatted with Director Tian for a while, finished reporting the remaining work, and then took his leave.

As he stepped out of the Ministry of Metallurgical building, his heart was filled with a sense of clarity.

The hot wind rushed towards him, but Li Huaide's thoughts became exceptionally clear amidst the scorching heat.

That young man who was frequently mentioned by leaders of several ministries—

How could his future be ordinary?

Over the years, Li Huaide has climbed the ranks step by step from logistics director to deputy director of the steel rolling mill...

If we didn't even have this much insight, how could we have gotten to where we are today?

Comrade Liu Guangqi—

This is not just a talented individual, it is clearly a giant ship that has already set sail!

If the mooring lines are not thrown and the ship is not tied in time, it may not even be able to touch the splashing waves before it breaks through the waves and sails far away.

This matter must be resolved quickly!

Li Huaide's mind raced, and his pace quickened accordingly.

We need to return to the factory immediately to make plans.

Back in the deputy director's office at the steel rolling mill, Li Huaide sat down in a chair, lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, and closed his eyes to concentrate.

Every detail he had reported to the Ministry of Metallurgy that morning kept replaying in his mind.

This trip was worthwhile.

Too much crucial information has been captured.

"I never expected this..."

"Liu Guangqi has such abilities; his future is bound to be limitless."

Even with Li Huaide's broad perspective, he had to admit:

This young man's abilities are truly outstanding; he has won the favor of directors from various ministries and commissions, and even he secretly envies his connections.

Li Huaide was able to rise to his current position because

They relied on their social skills and ability to cultivate relationships.

But now, compared to...

The difference between myself and this young man is far more than just a tiny bit.

Last year when we ate at the same table

The other party was only a deputy section chief.

How long has it been?

In just one year, he has become a full-fledged deputy division-level cadre!

Not to mention—

Judging from Director Tian's tone, Liu Guangqi had already firmly established himself in the ministry, and even the Russian expert had been subdued by him.

Such a person,

If you don't befriend them early on, once they rise to prominence, you might not even be able to find your way to get closer.

Liu Guangqi is now a rising star in the eyes of the ministries.

The steel mill also has important cooperation with him, so both for public and private reasons, he must find a way to get closer to it.

Approaching someone directly to establish a connection would be too deliberate.

It's also too eye-catching.

Li Huaide's gaze swept around the office and finally landed on the list of retirees on the corner of the desk.

His eyes suddenly lit up, and the corners of his mouth silently lifted.

Have it.

A short while later, there was a gentle knock on the office door.

"Come in."

Half of his body peeked through the crack in the door—Deng Aiguo, the forging workshop director, had a cautious smile on his face.

"Director Li, I hope I haven't bothered you? I heard you were looking for me."

"Old Deng, come in and have a seat!"

Li Huaide's expression instantly warmed, and he stood up to welcome Deng Aiguo to the sofa for guests:

"Sit down and talk."

He took out an unopened box of Daqianmen cigarettes from the drawer, unwrapped it, and handed one to me.

"I've just been promoted to deputy factory manager. Come visit me anytime you have time; I'll always make sure you get some good tea and cigarettes!"

Deng Aiguo had never been treated like this before.

He accepted the cigarette, flattered, and waved his hand repeatedly, saying, "Factory manager, you're too kind. Please don't hesitate to ask for my help, and I'll definitely take care of it!"

"Relax, don't be so reserved."

Li Huaide picked up the thermos and personally poured him a cup of tea.

The sound of rushing water

Deng Aiguo's back stiffened, and he hurriedly got up to take it, but Li Huaide gently pressed him back onto the sofa.

"Just sit down."

Deng Aiguo had no choice but to sit down, holding the scalding hot teacup, only daring to sit on half of the sofa.

He understood perfectly:

As a mere workshop director, I rarely even get to see the factory director. The fact that the deputy factory director is treating me with such courtesy today must mean something important.

really--

Li Huaide took a sip of tea and slowly began to speak:

"Old Deng,"

"Is Deputy Director Wang from your workshop retiring at the end of this month?"

Deng Aiguo's heart tightened; he knew the real issue was about to be addressed.

He nodded quickly: "Yes, I'll submit the paperwork at the end of the month."

"Um."

Li Huaide nodded: "The higher-ups attach great importance to the collaborative project between the factory and Hongxing Factory. Your forging workshop is a crucial link, and there must be no mistakes in production."

"The position of deputy director cannot remain vacant."

Having said this, he turned to look at Deng Aiguo:

"In your opinion, who in the workshop is suitable for this position?"

Upon hearing this, Deng Aiguo's mind raced.

Old Deng narrowed his eyes, a meaningful smile playing on his lips, and slowly began, "When it comes to experienced and highly skilled master craftsmen, there are quite a few in this work area." "Master Liu Haizhong is one of them..."

"After them are Master Zhang and Master Li, who are both level seven workers who have worked their way up through the ranks. Their skills are impeccable."

He deliberately revealed Liu Haizhong's reputation first, but his eyes secretly glanced at Li Huaide sitting opposite him.

Li Huaide tapped his fingertip lightly twice on the table, as if suddenly remembering something: "Liu Haizhong?"

"Oh...is he the one who was recognized as an outstanding employee in the factory last year?"

"I vaguely heard people mention him; he's a solid worker, and he's also very caring towards the younger people in the workshop, often personally guiding his apprentices in their craft?"

These seemingly casual inquiries immediately enlightened Old Deng.

This is not just hearsay.

He clearly figured out the ins and outs of bangs a long time ago!

Okay.

Today's play wasn't about seeking his advice; it was more about delivering a message.

"Yes, yes, yes! It's this Master Liu!"

Old Deng immediately seized the opportunity, a smile spreading across his face: "Factory Director, you have a sharp eye!"

"This Mr. Liu..."

"Not only is his craftsmanship impeccable, but he's also incredibly reliable. Parts he builds always pass inspection with top marks! Everyone in the workshop is convinced of his abilities. If he were to become the deputy director, I'd be the first to raise my hand!"

"Okay, since it has a good fan base, let's go with Liu Haizhong."

Li Huaide didn't say anything more and made the decision directly: "Go back and prepare the necessary procedures, submit the recommendation materials, and I'll sign them for you here."

"We'll hold a general meeting next Monday to officially announce this."

"Understood! I'll take care of it right away!"

Old Deng hurriedly got up, but his mind was in turmoil—this was something Old Liu had been longing for most of his life, and unexpectedly, as he approached retirement age, it was about to come true thanks to his son!

He turned to leave.

"Wait a minute." Li Huaide's voice came from behind.

Old Deng immediately stopped in his tracks.

Li Huaide watched his retreating figure and added slowly, "Go back and tell Master Liu to work hard and that as long as he performs well, the factory will not treat him unfairly in the future."

***

Inside the forging workshop.

The furnace was burning brightly, and the scorching heat, carrying the smell of iron and coal smoke, swirled in the air.

"Clang! Clang! Clang!"

The heavy forging hammer pounded down on the red-hot iron block one after another, sending up clusters of dazzling golden-red sparks.

Liu Haizhong was shirtless.

His bronze skin was covered in glistening beads of sweat, and his strong muscles tensed and relaxed with each swing of the hammer. He was completely focused, and the hammerhead landed with perfect precision.

These days, blacksmithing is indeed a profession that requires real physical strength.

That's why.

His wife would always secretly fry an extra egg for him and put it at the bottom of his lunchbox.

***

"Old Liu! Master Liu!"

A loud shout drowned out the noise in the workshop. Old Deng was standing by the iron frame not far away, waving at him.

He is the workshop director.

Liu Haizhong paused in his hand movements, his heart skipped a beat.

Old Deng doesn't usually come looking for him unless there's something wrong. Could it be that something went wrong with the job just now?

Or was it a batch of materials that was damaged during forging?

He put down the hammer, tore off the towel draped around his neck and wiped his face haphazardly before walking over there.

"Director, did you need something?"

Old Deng looked him up and down, and the ambiguous smile on his face left Liu Haizhong completely baffled.

"Old Liu, look at your physique, you can work for another ten or eight years without breaking down."

"Director, please don't make fun of me. In our line of work, we might collapse from exhaustion without even realizing it."

Liu Haizhong replied with a forced smile.

But she felt even more uncertain—this opening statement didn't sound like someone was about to be scolded at all.

Old Deng stopped beating around the bush, raised his hand and patted his strong arm, saying with a smile:

"Old Liu, I have a heads-up. Deputy Director Wang is retiring at the end of this month, and I've already submitted your name..."

"You'll take his place!"

***

Liu Haizhong felt a "buzz" in his ears, a sound more shocking than a forging hammer hitting an anvil.