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

These young people carried a sense of pride inherent in their era. They could accept working with senior engineers from the Ministry of Metallurgy to advance technological innovation—after all, the engineers might possess new knowledge not taught in universities. However, when they learned that the person coming to provide guidance was actually a level-seven engineer from the First Ministry of Machine Building, a sense of dissatisfaction quietly began to grow.

But this slight unpleasantness did not last long.

The head of the factory's technical department then announced that the person in charge of this technological reform was Liu Guangqi, the developer of CNC machine tools.

The doubts vanished instantly.

No one doubted that the section chief would lie about this matter. The title of creator of CNC machine tools was enough to command their respect, even more so than that of a professor on a university podium.

Upon receiving the assignment, the technical department quickly formed two teams of ten people each to work with Liu Guangqi on the machine tool upgrade project. During the approximately one-month training period, if they couldn't grasp the essentials, Liu Guangqi would leave them technical materials for self-study; if they could keep up, he was willing to share his knowledge and guide these young people in their future research and development.

After taking over the technical department, Liu Guangqi did not give a lengthy pep talk, but went straight to the blackboard in front of the workshop and used chalk to draw a clear division of labor diagram.

"Regular technicians," he paused, his pen pausing, "starting today, will be deployed to various workshops to comprehensively review existing parts processing techniques. Optimize what can be optimized, simplify what can be simplified, and record and summarize any problems encountered."

He then turned to the other side: "Technical backbone—follow me to tackle this challenge."

The chalk struck heavily on the words "control system" and "precision calibration": "The core of machine tool upgrades lies here."

A subtle murmur arose from the audience. Some shouted in agreement, "Follow Chief Engineer Liu!" Others whispered in skepticism, "Most of these machine tools in the factory are old equipment left behind by Xiong. They've been used for so many years, how can they possibly be modified?"

Liu Guangqi was not angry upon hearing this, but only smiled faintly: "It is precisely because it is old that we have room to maneuver. New equipment will have to wait, but old machines can be given a second spring."

He said no more, leaving the most difficult task to himself.

In the following three days, Liu Guangqi went straight to the workshop after reporting to the First Ministry of Machine Building. Every afternoon, he would wear his oil-stained work clothes and bend over the cold steel machine, as if he were having a conversation with the machine that had been weathered by time.

On the fourth day, the first upgraded machine tool was started up under everyone's watchful eyes.

There was no harsh friction or violent vibration as expected, only a low and steady hum, like the gentle breathing of a tamed beast. The once raging steel behemoth had now become a steady and efficient ox.

The blade falls, precisely cutting into the steel billet.

Blue-purple iron filings flew out, swirling into smooth spirals, shimmering with the cold gleam of metal under the light. Those in the know would immediately recognize that this level of cutting skill was unparalleled.

In just over ten minutes, the part was processed. The measurement results heralded success: thanks to the technological upgrade, production efficiency increased several times over.

The workshop erupted in a roar of noise, the crowd of onlookers surging like boiling water, the shouts rising higher and higher.

The news spread like wildfire, reaching every corner of the steel rolling mill in the blink of an eye, even alarming the leaders in the office building. Director Yang pushed through the dense crowd, panting heavily, and rushed forward, snatching the newly processed part from the worker's hand. His eyes shone brightly, as if he were holding not steel, but a rare treasure.

He turned abruptly and slammed his hand heavily on Liu Guangqi's shoulder:

"Comrade Liu Guangqi! Well done!"

"This isn't just equipment improvement—it's like giving these old machine tools a brand new heart!"

The workshop fell silent for a moment.

Immediately afterwards, thunderous applause and cheers erupted and lasted for a long time.

The fire of technological innovation has been completely ignited.

***

At the same time, in the office of the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Metallurgical Industry.

Director Tian was holding the latest production report from the steel rolling mill, his back ramrod straight, his tone respectful yet exuding a solid confidence:

"Boss, take a look at this—at this rate, we'll definitely be able to keep up with the demand for special steel parts for the next generation of fighter jets!"

The vice minister took off his pen, the frown lines between his brows easing slightly: "Didn't you say a while ago that there weren't enough level-eight workers, and that production capacity was being held back? How come you're so confident about it in just a few days?"

"The key is that we've borrowed people." Director Tian leaned forward and lowered his voice as if presenting a treasure. "I temporarily transferred Comrade Liu Guangqi from the First Ministry of Machine Building. He's a level seven engineer who's in charge of the CNC machine tool project... Now he's leading the entire factory's technological transformation."

He quickly handed over another document.

"This is the plan he came up with in the last few days: use the modified old machine tools for rough machining, and CNC machine tools for finishing. The old and new equipment are integrated and coordinated, and the entire production process has been re-examined—the results are immediate!"

The vice minister took the plan and quickly flipped through it. He was a technical cadre by training, and his eyes shone brighter as he read, even gesturing with his finger on the table when he reached key points.

"What talent..." he sighed softly, then his expression turned solemn. "Mass production of fighter jets is a heavy responsibility for national defense, and it cannot be delayed in the slightest. CNC machine tools must be allocated to the steel rolling mill first, and everything must give way to national defense."

Director Tian immediately replied, "The Ministry of Machine Building has already agreed to prioritize allocating the next batch of equipment to us. Comrade Liu Guangqi has even made a pledge—to quadruple production capacity by the end of the month!"

The vice minister slammed his hand on the table: "Good! With him here, I feel at ease!"

***

After the official business was reported, the atmosphere in the office eased a little.

The vice minister put the report aside, picked up the enamel mug with the words "Serve the People" printed on it, and slowly sipped his tea.

"Do you know how prestigious the First Ministry of Machine Building was to its superiors last year?"

Director Tian was taken aback. This wasn't a question to be answered lightly. His mind raced, but he showed no sign of it on his face, tentatively replying, "You mean... that Red Star Foreign Exchange Machinery Factory?"

"Yes." The vice minister put down his teacup, his tone tinged with complex emotions. "A factory that was just established last year at the division level, with a scale of only second-rate, but look at the commotion they've made—annual output value exceeding 100 million yuan, a mountain of foreign exchange orders on hand, and profits they've turned over to help the country pay off a large amount of foreign debt."

He shook his head, his voice lowering:

"In the end, this credit doesn't belong to the Ministry of Machine Building at all; it clearly belongs to that young man named Liu Guangqi."

The vice minister couldn't hide his envy: "The First Ministry of Machine Building has really struck gold this time."

"Sir, you think so too?" Upon hearing this, Director Tian's hesitation vanished instantly, and he immediately became more animated. "I've long seen that Comrade Guangqi is extraordinary. Just think, how many people in the whole country can be promoted to Level 7 Engineer in their early twenties? I think his future path will definitely not stop at our ministry level—he'll probably go to the Chinese Academy of Sciences. At that time, this kid might really be able to stand alongside those top scientists."

These words struck a chord with the Vice Minister. The Ministry of Metallurgy and the Ministry of Machinery were like the left and right arms of the heavy industry system. The First Ministry of Machinery had been gaining momentum in recent years, merging the functions of several units and enjoying unparalleled prestige; while the Ministry of Metallurgy controlled the lifeline of the entire industry—without the steel they produced, no heavy industry could be discussed. Even close brothers keep clear accounts; between the two ministries, while cooperation was present, the rivalry never ceased. This was the norm among industrial units: who didn't want to show off to their superiors? Who didn't hope to be singled out for praise during the year-end review and enjoy a moment of glory?

Last year, the First Ministry of Machine Building suddenly unveiled the "Hongxing Chuanghui Machinery Factory," stunning everyone. How could a small factory outperform an entire ministry? During that period, leaders of the First Ministry of Machine Building walked with their backs ramrod straight, practically strutting around. All the other units knew that revitalizing a new factory to this extent was not the work of just a few cadres at Hongxing Factory—especially those highly technical foreign trade orders; nine out of ten credits went to Liu Guangqi.

Why did such a person end up in the Ministry of Machine Building instead of the Ministry of Metallurgy? Every time he thought about this, the vice minister felt a tightness in his chest.

"So," the deputy minister said, not only not refuting his subordinate's words, but also half-jokingly and half-seriously offering advice, "we need to cultivate a good relationship with this Comrade Guangqi. This temporary transfer is an opportunity; you should spend more time with him and see if you can learn anything from him... If we can develop him into a long-term external aid provider, the technical level of our Ministry of Metallurgy is guaranteed to leap forward!"

Director Tian quickly replied, "Don't worry, sir. I've already arranged for the administrative office to provide Comrade Guangqi with a car and to take good care of him in his daily life. I just want him to have a good impression of our Ministry of Metallurgy."

The vice minister nodded with a smile: "Yes, talent is rare, we must try our best to retain it."

At this time, Liu Guangqi was completely unaware of all this. He shuttled daily between the Ministry of Machine Building and the steel rolling mill, unaware that his name had already caught the attention of ministry leaders—even higher-level leaders had casually inquired about it. Although the highest-ranking official hadn't paid much attention, the breakthrough progress in the machine tool industry last year was undeniable. In inter-ministerial meetings, higher-level leaders were well aware of the importance of CNC machine tools. If current production weren't far from meeting national demand, and if the first batch of equipment hadn't been prioritized for the development of various industrial sectors, these machine tools would have long been sent to the Northwest to support national defense research. It's conceivable that Hongxing Chuanghui Machinery Factory will continue to produce CNC machine tools in the future, accelerating scientific research in distant regions—at that time, the savings in manpower and the improvement in R&D and production efficiency will be tangible achievements.

Therefore, Liu Guangqi himself was unaware that he had already quietly come into the sights of his superiors.

Right now, he is fully focused on technological innovation at the steel rolling mill. The results are obvious—the output of special steel has been visibly increasing. Days passed by like this, and Liu Guangqi continued to travel between the Ministry of Machine Building and the steel rolling mill as usual. On his way home from get off work, he would always give his father, Liu Pangpang, a ride.

The steel rolling mill's canteen at lunchtime was always like this: a cacophony of voices and the clatter of lunchboxes, steaming hot. Liu Haizhong, holding his enamel mug, had just sat down on a bench when someone crowded around him, a smile plastered on their face:

"Old Liu, did you get in that car again after get off work yesterday?"

As soon as he spoke, the noise at the surrounding tables subsided. Everyone in the factory knew that the new chief engineer was chauffeured around in a car every day. That car was on par with the factory manager's; ordinary people couldn't even dream of owning one. And that chief engineer was none other than Liu Haizhong's son.

Liu Haizhong lowered his head, ate a mouthful of rice, and waved his hand: "It's on my way, I'll just give you a ride."

But the corners of his mouth were already uncontrollably turned up, and his chin was unconsciously raised half an inch. This appearance made the onlookers even more envious, and someone continued to tease:

"Director Liu, it's only natural for a son to bring his father home, why be so polite?"

Another person chimed in, "Your Guangqi is so young and he's already the chief engineer. His future prospects... tsk tsk, I don't even want to think about it."

These words, like a warm breeze, flowed into Liu Haizhong's ears, making him feel completely comfortable. As a seconded technical backbone, no one could utter a word of objection to Liu Guangqi being provided with a car—his rank and his contributions to foreign exchange earnings over the years were clearly evident. Although the electric ovens hadn't been converted into cash in the neighboring northern countries, they had made a name for themselves in the Western market; the Ministry of Light Industry had acquired the rice cooker technology and was expanding production overseas; not to mention the orders for CNC machine tools, each worth three million. These tangible contributions made any treatment he received from above seem perfectly justified.

The situation was even simpler for the Ministry of Metallurgy: as long as Liu Guangqi could drive technological innovation and increase the steel rolling mill's annual output by tens of thousands of tons, what did it matter if he was given a car? Besides, the car was practically never used except for commuting, and he mostly spent weekends at home with his wife. Giving his father a ride home after get off work was perfectly normal.

As Liu Haizhong was drifting along, listening to the flattery around him, a jarring voice suddenly broke in:

"Hmph, relying on his son to get special privileges, he has the nerve to show off?"

The canteen fell silent for a moment. Liu Haizhong's smile froze and slowly faded. He turned his head and glared at the source of the voice—a middle-aged worker he didn't recognize, thin and with a mean expression.