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

Upon seeing Liu Guangqi, everyone greeted her with smiles: "Xiaoyun, your husband is here to pick you up again? How enviable!"

"Director Liu is quite a celebrity around here now."

"So outstanding, and so considerate to her lover, it's truly rare!"

Zhao Mengyun smiled.

Looking at the envious glances of my colleagues, a faint sense of pride rose in my heart.

The people she chooses are always trustworthy.

After saying goodbye to their colleagues, the young couple walked home side by side along the street.

Subsequently, Liu Guangqi actually bought a serving of roasted chestnuts at the ministry's canteen.

He carefully peeled one open and held it to her lips:

"Try it while it's hot."

Zhao Mengyun opened her mouth and took it; the sweet taste melted on her tongue and went straight to her heart.

"Delicious." She squinted her eyes in satisfaction.

Liu Guangqi gazed at her, his smile deepening. There were no grand vows, only the enduring companionship of everyday life.

The next day, Liu Guangqi, as usual, first dropped off Zhao Mengyun before going to the First Ministry of Machine Building.

These days, he no longer commutes by bicycle.

The main reason is that the city is still quite cold right now, so walking is more comfortable than cycling.

Although Liu Guangqi, with his deputy division-level position, could be provided with a car for transportation, Zhao Mengyun did not enjoy the same treatment.

If he were to drive his wife around every day, it would seem out of touch with normal life and impractical.

In comparison, walking to and from get off work is much more comfortable and convenient.

Inside the research department of the First Ministry of Machine Building, Liu Guangqi inspected the assembly progress of the second CNC machine tool.

The basic outline has been completed.

Liu Guangqi did not intend to do it himself, but instead had his researchers work in groups.

A group of experienced technicians continued to oversee the final assembly of the second machine tool;

Liu Guangqi then stepped back to lead another group of researchers in developing other high-precision CNC machine tools.

After all, assembling the second machine tool was not too difficult.

He no longer needed to operate the machines himself; he only needed to check the progress each day. The freed-up time and energy were then devoted to exploring other types of CNC machine tools.

Here, let's briefly describe the classification and function of machine tools. Based on the machining method, machine tools can be categorized into many types, such as lathes, grinders, planers, milling machines, boring machines, and drilling machines. The machine tools Liu Guangqi previously developed belonged to the category of special-purpose machine tools—designed specifically for particular processes, achieving high precision and automation through program control. In addition, there are general-purpose machine tools, such as universal milling machines and horizontal lathes, which can adapt to the machining needs of various parts. Having established the special-purpose machine tool model, he was determined to capitalize on this momentum and also conquer the high-precision general-purpose machine tool market.

Since Liu Guangqi divided the team into two groups, progress on both sides has been like a race, with everyone giving their all. As the head of the R&D department, he was naturally pleased to see this. Now, he was responsible for overall coordination, not only overseeing the R&D progress but also frequently attending meetings and reporting to ministries, and bearing the responsibility for the operation of the entire department. If he still had to do everything himself, he would have preferred to stay at the Hongxing factory, where at least he could have dinner with his wife every day.

Time flew by, and several days passed in the blink of an eye. During these days, Director Lin and Director Chen of the Ministry of Foreign Trade worked almost day and night, exchanging frequent calls and maintaining constant contact. Meanwhile, Liu Guangqi devoted himself entirely to the research lab, meticulously optimizing and calibrating the various parameters and assembly processes of the second CNC machine tool. At the same time, he continued to accumulate experience through this research and development process, keeping him equally busy.

Soon after, good news came from the Ministry of Foreign Trade—after much coordination and consultation between Directors Lin and Chen, a breakthrough had finally been achieved in the negotiations. That day, Liu Guangqi had just stepped out of the research room when he was summoned by Director Lin's secretary.

Inside the director's office, Director Lin, who was usually serious, was now radiant, as if suppressing surging emotions. Upon seeing Liu Guangqi enter, he suddenly slapped the desk lightly, and as he picked up the document on it, his arm trembled almost imperceptibly.

"It's done!" Director Lin's voice wasn't loud, but it couldn't hide his excitement. "You really made the right bet this time!"

Liu Guangqi approached with a smile and took the document, which was still warm from his body.

"Did they reach an agreement with the Soviet Union?" He quickly unfolded the paper—the contents had been translated into Chinese, though of course, given his level of Russian, he wouldn't have had any trouble even without the translation. His gaze swept over the words, and a sharp glint suddenly appeared in his eyes: "The blueprints and technology for MiG fighters, T-series tanks, and other equipment—did the Soviet Union really agree?"

The name MiG fighter jet might be unfamiliar, but it later gained another name in China: fighter jet. The MiG-17 was the prototype of the "Fifth Master" fighter jet, and the relevant production line technology was already in place. The key figure, however, was the MiG-19—the predecessor to the future "Sixth Master" fighter jet. Due to the sudden withdrawal of the Soviet Union, this technology was incomplete, causing considerable distress to many experts at the Second Ministry of Machine Building and hindering progress for a long time. Now, the documents clearly state: the Soviet Union is willing to exchange these frozen technologies for expedited orders for CNC machine tools, and has even promised to send experts to assist in the technology transfer. This exchange can be described as very fruitful.

"It seems that the Russians do have a very urgent need for high-precision machine tools," Liu Guangqi said with a smile.

Director Lin wholeheartedly agreed: "If we can fully digest the technology of the MiG-19, our fighter jet development can be accelerated by at least six months!" He took a sip of tea, his excitement undiminished: "The Russians initially resisted when they heard that we wanted to exchange their technology. After three days of negotiation, they finally relented."

It should be noted that China's foundation was largely built upon the support of Russia in the past. Since the breakdown of relations between the two countries, the path to independent research and development has been long and arduous, and significant breakthroughs are still scarce in many fields. When Russia withdrew its aid, many key technologies were only partially transferred.

Time slips through our fingers like fine sand.

In those days filled with blueprints and the smell of metal, the First Ministry of Machine Building and the Ministry of Foreign Trade collaborated, using new CNC machine tools as leverage to successfully acquire a batch of crucial defense technology data. This precise move was undoubtedly a shot in the arm for the aviation industry, which desperately needed breakthroughs.

Liu Guangqi knew in his heart that although he had learned a great deal in his previous life, he was not omnipotent. He could not personally handle all cutting-edge fields, but he was already very gratified to be able to open a window for the country's aviation industry with the industrial technology he had mastered.

"Comrade Guangqi, you are a hero of our department." Director Lin placed his hand on his shoulder, his smile full of approval.

Soon after, the news reached the Second Ministry of Machine Building, which was in charge of the defense industry, like a spring breeze. Several engineers in charge of aviation technology rushed over immediately. When they saw the precision CNC machine tool and the complete set of technical drawings that came with it, they could no longer hide the gleam in their eyes.

"Comrade Guangqi, thank you so much! With these, our fighter jet development will definitely be greatly accelerated!"

Liu Guangqi waved his hand, his expression sincere: "This is the result of everyone's joint efforts. If we work together, we will definitely be able to let our warplanes soar into the blue sky as soon as possible."

From then on, his life entered a more intense rhythm. Time was clearly divided: half in the quiet of drawing new blueprints, and half in the buzzing activity of the research room. He became the mobile "problem-solving center" there.

"Director Liu, take a look at this feed mechanism..." Young technicians would often approach with blueprints or parts, looking hesitant.

Liu Guangqi took the tool, quickly scanned it, and then pointed to a spot: "The problem isn't with the guide rail itself. Look, there's a slight misalignment in the control signal connection here, causing the drives to be out of sync. You can adjust it like this..."

His tone was calm, and with just a few words, he dispelled the technical fog. The questioner would often first concentrate, then their brow would relax, their eyes would lighten, and they would turn around and walk briskly back to their workstation.

Such guidance happens almost every day.

As winter faded and spring arrived, the assembly of the second CNC machine tool entered its final sprint. The closer they got to the finish line, the more stagnant the air became in the research lab. Everyone seemed to be holding their breath, their movements meticulous to the extreme. Whenever Liu Guangqi appeared at the door, countless eyes would quietly follow him, filled with reliance, expectation, and a tense fear of making a mistake in their own section.

Liu Guangqi is not a strict supervisor. He is more like a mentor on the front lines, always able to keenly spot those subtle oversights in the assembly process, and then explain the principles and point out the path to improvement in the clearest way possible. He knows that completing the task is important, but allowing this young team to truly grow in practice is crucial so that they can shoulder greater responsibilities in the future.

The lights in the research lab were always on.

"despair."

A crisp click of the wrench slipping through the lock signaled that the preset torque had been reached. The technician responsible for the final tightening slowly straightened up, letting out a long breath he had been holding for a while, only then realizing that his palms and back were already soaked with sweat. He vigorously wiped his forehead, turned to Liu Guangqi, and his voice trembled slightly with excitement:

"Director, the final step is complete!"

In an instant, the entire room fell silent.

All movement ceased, and all eyes were drawn to Liu Guangqi as if by a magnet. Several of the youngest researchers unconsciously clenched their notebooks, their fingertips turning slightly white from the force.

This machine tool, from the sorting and classification of countless scattered parts to the intricate wiring connections, embodies their hard work at every step. It is their first "work" completed in relatively close collaboration.

Liu Guangqi looked around, meeting the gazes that were a mixture of tension, unease, and a hint of pride, and a calm and gentle smile appeared on his lips.

The lab was silent, save for the echoing footsteps of Liu Guangqi. He paced slowly around the newly assembled machine tool, his gaze meticulously examining every joint, his fingers occasionally brushing against the outer casing, listening to the subtle resonances emanating from the metal. The tapping sounds were crisp and even, as steady as a heartbeat.

He finally stopped in front of the control panel. The onlookers held their breath in unison. Liu Guangqi turned around, saw their tense expressions, and a smile appeared on his lips.

"Why are you standing so far away?" he asked gently. "Do you think a machine you assembled yourself will bite you?"

His words were like a gentle breeze, lightly dispelling the heaviness in the air. He reached out and turned on the power, pressing the start button.

A deep hum followed, and the indicator lights on the dial lit up green one after another. Inside the machine tool came a smooth, rhythmic sound, no longer the chaotic clatter of colliding parts, but the distinctive cadence of precision gears meshing—steady, powerful, and orderly.

It's done. Liu Guangqi understood; the assembly precision met all expectations.

He turned to face the team, looked at their faces flushed with excitement, and nodded.

"You did a great job, even better than I expected."

The success of the second machine tool was like a stone thrown into a lake, creating ripples throughout the entire R&D department. The technicians who were originally buried in the blueprints were now gathered around the new equipment, their eyes shining with barely suppressed excitement.

That afternoon, before Liu Guangqi could report, Director Lin had already quietly arrived. He examined the operating machine tool, his eyes revealing approval. Just as Liu Guangqi had said, the assembly efficiency of the second machine had significantly improved, and at this pace, completing the third machine within the month was not impossible.

After offering brief words of encouragement, the director left, his steps more composed than when he arrived. Liu Guangqi then summoned all staff and announced the commencement of the assembly plan for the third machine tool—but this time, he replaced all the personnel involved.

The work was carried out in a group discussion format, led by two senior researchers.

"When you encounter problems, discuss them in small groups first," he clearly instructed at the kickoff meeting. "If you can't solve them, consult the group leader. If you still have questions, come back to me as a last resort. What I want is not simple replication, but a true understanding of the purpose of each component."

This method proved to be highly effective. In just seven days, the main structure of the third machine tool was erected, actually shortening the progress by three days compared to the first one.

At this moment, the first batch of technicians involved in the assembly were working with Liu Guangqi on the improvement and development of general-purpose machine tools. Watching the busy figures of the second batch of colleagues not far away, someone couldn't help but approach and whisper:

"Director, your rotation arrangement is brilliant. Now, not only can we assemble things, but we can also explain the installation logic of each part clearly."

Another person chimed in, "Indeed! A few days ago, a small malfunction occurred during the assembly of the third unit. In the past, we would have been completely helpless. But after a few minutes of discussion, we actually found a solution—the sense of accomplishment was truly exhilarating."