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

At this moment, the Minister of Metallurgy slowly picked up the production target document that would determine the fate of each factory in the second half of the year. His voice was steady and clear, carrying throughout every corner of the meeting room.

"The Third Steel Rolling Mill!"

The moment they were the first to be called out, Director Yang and Li Huaide unconsciously straightened their backs.

"We are responsible for processing twelve types of key components, including fighter jet engine blades and bearing rings, accounting for 45% of the first batch of total tasks!"

Forty-five percent!

As soon as he finished speaking, a low gasp filled the room.

Nearly half!

Factory Director Yang and Li Huaide exchanged a glance; their knuckles, gripping the armrests, were turning white, not because the task was difficult.

It's because they were so excited!

As a key unit supported by the Ministry of Metallurgical Industry, they are fully justified in accepting such treatment!

Moreover, they have real skills!

The factory managers of the surrounding factories almost gleamed with envy, yet none of them could utter a word of objection.

Several factory managers huddled together, talking in hushed tones.

"I'm truly impressed; the steel mill really caught a lucky break this time."

"What opportunity? Didn't you hear? Key components! Those are tough nuts to crack; who would dare take on such a task without real skills?"

"They have Chief Engineer Liu as their powerful backer!"

"Sigh, when will our factory produce someone like that..."

As the Minister of Metallurgy continued reading:

"Shijingshan Metallurgical Machinery Plant is responsible for the frame structure components of the machine, accounting for 15%."

After the meeting ended, the crowd gradually dispersed.

"Please wait, leaders of the steel rolling mill, the No. 2 steel plant, and the Shijingshan steel plant."

The minister asked the leaders of several key units to stay behind, and the group moved into a small conference room next door. The solemn atmosphere that had been in the main hall quietly faded away, replaced by a more intimate atmosphere of communication.

"Comrade Guangqi, please sit here." The minister warmly invited Liu Guangqi to sit down beside him, and casually pushed a freshly brewed cup of hot tea in front of him. The porcelain cup was warm, and the tea aroma was wafting. "I've heard about the results of your factory's machine tool renovation; you've done an excellent job."

He first gave full affirmation, then naturally turned the conversation to the core issue: "The reason I invited you all here today is to discuss whether it's possible to promote this approach to technological innovation in the steel rolling mill to other directly affiliated plants within our metallurgical system?"

The minister's gaze slowly swept over the other factory directors present. They immediately held their breath, their bodies unconsciously leaning forward slightly, all their attention focused on Liu Guangqi. This was a crucial issue—relying entirely on the existing equipment capacity of the Hongxing factory meant waiting in line for an unknown amount of time; but if they could find a way to upgrade themselves, the situation would be completely different.

Under the intense gaze of everyone, Liu Guangqi gave his answer without the slightest hesitation, clearly and concisely:

"Can."

Just two words, but like a boulder falling into water, put everyone's minds at ease in the conference room.

"Great!" The minister's face broke into a relieved smile, and he even stood up happily, patting Liu Guangqi's arm vigorously. "With your words, I feel much more at ease!"

He immediately made arrangements: "I will coordinate and organize the technical backbone teams from each factory to go to your steel rolling mill to learn from your experience." The minister's tone was somewhat relaxed and teasing, but his eyes were very serious: "Comrade Guangqi, you, as a master craftsman, must give us a lot of guidance. Don't hold back! Whether our entire system's technology can take a step forward depends on your role."

He surveyed the room, his expression turning serious: "If you encounter any difficulties, whether it's personnel allocation, funding, or material needs, report directly to the ministry. I'll give you the green light and provide full support!"

Upon hearing this, the eyes of the other factory directors lit up instantly. Director Lei of the Second Steel Plant, the most impatient of them all, jumped to his feet, his hands rubbing together unconsciously, and spoke with fervor:

"Chief Engineer Liu!"

This sound drew everyone's attention.

"The minister has given the instructions, and our Second Steel Company will resolutely respond! We apply to be among the first to go for training! Rest assured, the technicians we send will definitely abide by discipline, humbly learn from others, and absolutely obey all arrangements!"

"Old Lei, you're really fast!" Another factory manager couldn't sit still any longer and hurriedly followed suit. "Chief Engineer Liu, our factory has also signed up! Our factory's technical foundation is relatively weak, and we need an expert like you to lead us to a breakthrough!"

"Yes, Chief Engineer Liu, please count us in! We will definitely cherish this opportunity!"

In a short while, the atmosphere in the small conference room became lively. Several factory directors, who were usually quite authoritative, spoke earnestly and vied with each other to secure the opportunity for priority communication.

Faced with this scene, Liu Guangqi smiled and raised his hand to signal everyone to calm down.

"Minister, esteemed leaders," he said in a steady, clear voice, "it's not a matter of giving instructions; technical experience should naturally be shared. We're all working to advance the nation's industrial development, and our metallurgical system should unite as one. Only through mutual improvement can we achieve true development."

His words were spoken calmly, yet carried a steady strength. The meeting room fell silent; the factory managers listened with admiration—he possessed genuine talent and ability, yet remained humble, pragmatic, and had a long-term vision. This young man was indeed extraordinary.

Liu Guangqi paused briefly before continuing, "Although my secondment to the steel rolling mill is nearing its end, I can still provide technical support through the plant's technical department. The key personnel are all people I trained; they are perfectly capable of handling routine technical upgrades. If you encounter any particularly complex situations, you can always contact me."

Upon hearing this, Director Yang straightened his back even more, his face showing a proud and gratified expression, even more pleased than if he himself had received the award.

He knew it was his turn to speak, so he cleared his throat and took over the conversation with a hearty laugh.

"Haha," he laughed loudly, naturally attracting everyone's attention, "Minister, please rest assured, and comrades from our brother factories, please rest assured as well. Our Third Steel Rolling Mill guarantees to give our all! Comrade Guangqi is right, everything is for the sake of national construction. We dare not boast about anything else, but in terms of overall awareness and teamwork, our steel rolling mill will definitely be at the forefront."

His words were forceful and resounding.

Several factory managers, listening nearby, secretly grimaced, inwardly complaining that Old Yang really knew how to take advantage of others, but on the surface they still had to put on admiring smiles.

Who told them to be the first provincial-level factory to second Liu Guangqi over?

Ultimately, we have to give them that face.

And that was the end of it.

After agreeing on the itinerary for the inspection, the Minister of Metallurgy simply waved his hand and adjourned the meeting.

As they walked out of the Ministry of Metallurgy, Director Yang and Li Huaide walked one after the other, their smiles seemingly etched into their wrinkles, impossible to suppress.

Li Huaide opened his mouth with a smile:

"Old Yang, Comrade Guangqi, today's meeting is like it was prepared specifically for our factory."

They praised us three times in total.

Director Yang was also beaming with joy, his happiness no less than Li Huaide's.

If it weren't for this temporary transfer, the steel rolling mill wouldn't have been able to secure such a prestigious position, let alone take on so many production tasks.

Although they were the "favored sons" of the Ministry of Metallurgy, it was common for sons to be scolded by their fathers—they had been criticized many times in the past.

Now that Liu Guangqi has arrived, he has become a model example, who wouldn't be happy?

To be honest, the two of them held Liu Guangqi in even higher regard and felt a bit grateful to him.

This is what it feels like to be carried away by someone!

What's even more commendable is that this young man knows when to advance and retreat, knows his limits, and doesn't take all the credit, making everyone proud.

The only pity is that such an outstanding talent's secondment period is about to end.

How wonderful it would be if I could stay at the factory?

They would be willing to accept even a position as deputy factory director.

Before my eyes could wander, the car had come to a steady stop in front of the steel rolling mill's office building.

Just then, the end-of-work bell rang throughout the factory area.

Liu Guangqi glanced at the sky, realizing there was nothing he needed to carry, and then bid farewell to Director Yang and Li Huaide.

"Go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."

Once inside his car, he gave the guard some instructions, already planning what to eat for dinner after picking up his wife.

As for the glory of the meeting, it all became a thing of the past once you left the Ministry of Metallurgy.

Perhaps because Liu Guangqi's temporary assignment at the steel rolling mill had only two days left, the factory gate was already packed with black cars early the next morning.

There were Volga vehicles uniformly allocated by the Ministry of Metallurgy, as well as old-fashioned jeeps provided by various factories; each one proclaimed the identity of its owner.

Anyone with a discerning eye can see that those gathered at the steel rolling mill today are all top-tier, provincial-level factories in Beijing's metallurgical system, boasting the largest scale and most established reputation.

Each of them is a factory that affects the livelihoods of tens of thousands of employees.

Factory Director Yang and Li Huaide had been waiting for a long time in front of the factory gate.

Upon seeing this impressive display, the two men stood up straight and radiantly went forward to greet them.

"Welcome to the leaders from the ministry, and welcome to our colleagues from other units! Your visit to our factory to guide our work is truly an honor!"

Director Yang's voice was booming, and his words conveyed a sense of triumphant satisfaction.

Leading the group was Director Tian from the Ministry of Metallurgical Industry, who was representing the minister in overseeing this collective research visit.

Director Tian shook hands with Factory Director Yang, then glanced behind them:

"This time, we'll have to trouble you all, Comrade Weimin, Comrade Huaide, and Comrade Guangqi..."

As he spoke, he glanced out of the corner of his eye and looked directly at Liu Guangqi, who was standing a little distance away:

"Hey kid, what are you doing hiding in the back? Come up here."

Liu Guangqi smiled helplessly.

Even if I wanted to keep a low profile, I couldn't; Director Tian's eyes are really sharp.

As Liu Guangqi approached, Director Tian introduced the heads of the various factories who came to conduct research and learning—a total of six units. The most well-known of them was probably Shijingshan Metallurgical Steel Plant, which was the predecessor of Shougang Group.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the factory directors and deputy directors all greeted Liu Guangqi with smiles. Since they had come to learn from his experience, their attitude was naturally polite.

After exchanging few pleasantries, everyone was eager to get down to business.

They all wanted to see for themselves how the steel rolling mill had transformed itself in such a short time, increasing its production capacity by more than 40%.

Everyone was stunned as soon as they stepped into the production workshop.

The expected deafening roar, oil stains, and piles of iron filings were nowhere to be seen.

Instead, there are bright windows, clean floors, and only a faint smell of engine oil in the air.

Inside the workshop, the modified machine tools were neatly arranged, their deep humming sound continuous, exuding a steady and efficient rhythm. After inspecting the main production areas, the factory directors and deputy directors from various provincial-level units almost had their eyes shining, their faces filled with undisguised envy.

A factory manager approached a machine tool that had just stopped and picked up a still-warm bearing ring. The surface of the part was as smooth as a mirror, clearly reflecting his astonished expression. He turned to Liu Guangqi, his voice urgent:

"This precision... is even higher than the machine tools we imported from the north! Comrade Guangqi, how exactly did you achieve this upgrade plan?"

Liu Guangqi simply smiled slightly and did not answer, his gaze gently shifting to Section Chief Zheng of the Technical Department beside him.

Section Chief Zheng understood immediately, a warm feeling welling up inside him—he knew that Chief Engineer Liu was giving him the opportunity to shine. He straightened his back, took out the prepared blueprints, and spoke loudly:

"Distinguished leaders, the key improvements lie in two aspects: the innovation of the transmission system and the refinement of on-site management."

He unfolded the blueprints, pointed to the area shown in the diagram, and continued to explain:

"Chief Engineer Liu instructed us to replace the original sliding bearings on the main shaft with ball bearings. This single change reduced friction loss by nearly 70%."

"In addition, Chief Engineer Liu also implemented a strict rule: each machine tool must be equipped with a dedicated scrap collection bin, which must be cleaned every three hours and thoroughly cleaned every eight hours."

"Don't underestimate these details; over time, they have significantly improved the efficiency and precision of the entire production line."

Speaking of excitement, Section Chief Zheng dropped another bombshell:

"Currently, our finished product rate for processing special steel has reached 100%, and last month we even exceeded our target for the trial production of fighter jet components."