Chapter 104: Isn't it just drawing a few diagrams? What's the big deal?

The two security guards exchanged a look upon hearing this, but neither spoke.

However, their gazes lingered on Jia Zhangshi for a few seconds longer, making her feel inexplicably guilty.

"What, did I say something wrong?" Jia Zhangshi provoked with a thick-skinned attitude, "What's wrong with us common folk speaking the truth?"

The tall security guard glanced at her expressionlessly and still did not speak, but that look made Jia Zhangshi's heart tremble, and she hurriedly lowered her head to wrap dumplings, not daring to say another word.

Yan Bugui sensed the atmosphere was off and hurriedly changed the subject: "Come, come, let's talk about something festive! The Jia Family is adding a new member; it's a great joy!"

Seeing this, the two security guards silently retreated to the side, standing in the corner of the courtyard to continue their guard duty.

The topic at the dining table shifted from the children to the New Year, and then to recent prices; everyone was talking over one another, and it was exceptionally lively.

"I heard pork at the market has gone up in price again," Liu Dama sighed, "It's really getting harder and harder for us ordinary folks."

"What can you do about it?" Yan Bugui shook his head, "The war just ended, everything is waiting to be rebuilt; how could things get better so quickly?"

Jia Zhangshi started complaining again: "In my opinion, it's just that some people are hogging resources! Look at that Li Mingyuan, living in a big house, riding in a small car, and even having people specifically protecting him—what airs! It's hard for us common folk to even get a little more meat!"

The two security guards exchanged a look again, but remained silent.

The training they had received made them understand when to speak and when to remain silent.

"Auntie Jia, you're wrong to say that," He Yuzhu couldn't help but retort, "Uncle Li has made such a huge contribution to the country; the rocket launchers and anti-aircraft guns on the front lines were all designed by him. How many enemies have been killed! What is there that he shouldn't have?"

"Exactly, exactly," Liu Haizhong also chimed in, although he felt a bit jealous of Li Mingyuan in his heart, he still had to maintain the image of this "big shot" on the surface.

"I heard Chief Engineer Li recently came up with some new invention, and the higher-ups even sent a car to pick him up."

Seeing that no one supported her, Jia Zhangshi was so angry her face turned red, but she didn't dare say anything more, so she just buried her head in wrapping dumplings, occasionally glancing at the two security guards from the corner of her eye.

Time passed minute by minute, the New Year's Eve dinner in the courtyard drew to a close, and the dumplings everyone had wrapped were all put into the pot to boil.

"Time to eat dumplings, it's a real pity Chief Engineer Li isn't back yet," Yan Bugui said with a feigned tone of regret, his eyes darting around, "Should we save some for him?"

"Save what? It's already the middle of the night," Jia Zhangshi said impatiently, "If he wants to eat, let him make it himself tomorrow!"

Just then, the courtyard gate was pushed open, and a weary but spirited figure appeared at the entrance—it was none other than Li Mingyuan.

"Happy New Year, neighbors!" Li Mingyuan walked into the courtyard with a beaming smile and cupped his hands in greeting to everyone.

"Uncle Li is back!" He Yuzhu was the first to greet him, "Come and eat dumplings, they're fresh out of the pot, nice and hot!"

The two security guards also immediately stepped forward to ask about the situation in low voices; Li Mingyuan nodded to them, signaling that everything went smoothly.

The atmosphere in the courtyard suddenly became subtle.

The neighbors who had been gossiping behind his back just a moment ago now all put on smiling faces and offered their New Year greetings to Li Mingyuan, as if the previous idle chatter had never happened.

Yan Bugui even stood up to welcome him: "Chief Engineer Li, you've worked hard! Come and try our dumplings, they're delicious!"

Looking at these neighbors who were gossiping about him a second ago and smiling at him the next, Li Mingyuan laughed inwardly, but maintained a cordial expression on the surface:

"Thank you all, I've already eaten at the factory, so I won't disturb everyone's fun."

He turned to the two security guards: "You've worked hard, go get some rest too."

The tall security guard hesitated for a moment: "Chief Engineer Li, should we check the courtyard one more time?"

Li Mingyuan smiled and patted his shoulder: "No need, it's the New Year, everyone wants to rest. It's very safe here."

The two security guards nodded, politely acknowledged the surrounding neighbors, and then returned to the East Wing Room.

Li Mingyuan also wished everyone a "Happy New Year" and turned to return to his room.

Jia Zhangshi watched Li Mingyuan's back, the expression on her face flickering between shadow and light.

She muttered in a low voice: "What's so impressive about him? Isn't it just drawing a few diagrams? What's the big deal!"

However, this time, her voice was so quiet that even the people next to her didn't hear it clearly, let alone the two security guards who had already returned to their room.

Li Mingyuan returned to his room, closed the door, and let out a long sigh of relief.

Although his body was exhausted, his mood was exceptionally joyful.

On this day, he had not only successfully demonstrated the "Longxin-1" Engine but also gained the full support of the Ministry of Industry; it could be called a double blessing.

The first day of the Lunar New Year, the morning light was faint.

The Siheyuan was peaceful; the lingering excitement of last night's New Year's Eve remained, but most residents were still continuing their holiday rest in warm quilts.

Yan Bugui was the first to get up; this was a habit he had cultivated for many years.

Even during the New Year, he did not make an exception.

He put on his clothes, donned his signature skullcap, tucked a hot water bottle under his arm, and shiveringly pushed open the door.

"Ouch, it's really cold on this first day of the New Year!" he complained while rubbing his hands and walking out of the courtyard gate, preparing to go to the breakfast shop at the corner of the street to buy some steamed buns for breakfast.

Just as he reached the entrance of the alley, Yan Bugui froze; his eyes widened like copper bells, his mouth opened involuntarily, and the expression on his face almost solidified.

He saw seven or eight black sedans parked at the entrance of the alley, all of them Advanced Volga models; in this era, each one was worth a fortune.

Several security personnel stood by the cars, whispering to each other with solemn expressions.

"This... this is..." Yan Bugui stammered to himself, his mind unable to process it.

Just as he was stunned, a burly middle-aged man stepped out of the first car, wearing a crisp military uniform, and strode toward the Siheyuan.

Subsequently, the doors of the other vehicles opened one after another, and people dressed in sophisticated clothing filed out, each holding exquisite gift boxes in their hands.

Yan Bugui realized at once that these were all big shots, so he hurriedly lowered his head, clutching his hat in his hands, and stood to the side, not daring to move.

The man in the military uniform walked up to Yan Bugui, his voice low and powerful: "Comrade, is this the Siheyuan where Chief Engineer Li Mingyuan lives?"

Yan Bugui looked up abruptly, saw the insignia on the other man's shoulder straps clearly, and felt a jolt in his heart—this was an Advanced general!

"Y-yes, Chief!" he hurriedly replied, his voice trembling slightly from nervousness, "I live in this courtyard, you're looking for Chief Engineer Li, right? He's home, he just got back last night!"

The man in the military uniform nodded: "Please lead the way for us."