Courtyard House: Starting in a Ceramics Factory

Back in his office, he didn't even have time to make himself a cup of hot tea.

The long journey back from the Ministry of Light Industry, and the intense concentration I had during the meeting with the leaders, have now transformed into an even stronger driving force.

He casually placed his briefcase aside, then took out a stack of brand-new manuscript paper from the drawer, unscrewed the cap of his fountain pen, and once again immersed himself in his work.

Although the plan had been approved by Leader Jiang, Li Feng felt that there were still some aspects of the plan that needed to be supplemented.

The real challenge lies in fleshing out this framework and anticipating and resolving every minor issue that may arise during implementation.

At this moment, his pen tip moved quickly across the paper, and lines of clear writing appeared one after another.

"Question 1: Hardware compatibility. Currently, there are many different models of computer hardware abroad, and the standards are not consistent. It is necessary to develop a unified interface protocol to ensure that equipment from different manufacturers can work together. Although we have experience in successfully developing machine tool control systems, this is a fully automated production line. We still need to put in a lot of effort to organize the coordination of these things."

"Question 2: Software development environment. A stable and efficient development and debugging platform needs to be built, which involves the setup of compilers, linkers, and basic function libraries, but these can be solved by myself."

"Question 3: Talent development. In the early stages of the project, top domestic experts are needed, but for long-term operation and maintenance, it is necessary to cultivate a group of our own technical backbone. A training program needs to be established."

"Question 4: There is a shortage of computer software professionals. The technical department within the ceramics factory is almost unable to handle this work, since they are not professionals in this field. They studied mechanical engineering-related majors, and their knowledge of programming and system architecture is almost non-existent. We must bring in core talents from outside."

Thinking of this, Li Feng paused slightly, and a name came to mind—Fei Wei.

Fei Wei from the Computer Research Institute had previously collaborated with us on a machine tool control system project. He was technically proficient, and more importantly, he had a thorough understanding of the distribution of talent in the domestic computer field.

Asking him to recommend a few people is undoubtedly the most efficient way.

Most importantly, Professor Fei is very familiar with his teacher, Professor Xiang. If he can't ask Professor Fei to help, then asking Professor Xiang to intervene should not be a problem.

So Li Feng wrote the four words "Contact Fei Wei" heavily in the margin of the manuscript and drew a circle around them.

He then began to organize the project team's initial ideas.

How many people are needed in each group? What abilities should the person in charge have? Where should backup personnel be selected from?

These questions swirled and collided in his mind, and were then broken down one by one, put on paper, and formed a preliminary personnel structure diagram.

Time slipped by unnoticed, and the sky outside the window gradually changed from bright azure to orange-red sunset, eventually sinking completely into deep inky black.

When Li Feng finally put down his pen and rubbed his slightly sore wrist, the clock on the wall already pointed to eight o'clock.

On the table, several sheets of paper filled with plans have formed a simple personnel arrangement and work plan.

Looking at his achievements, he felt somewhat relieved.

He also considered a deeper issue. This project was extremely technical and its level of secrecy was exceptionally high.

Conducting research in the open production environment of the Five Star Ceramics Factory is clearly impractical. Dust, vibration, and the constant flow of people could all interfere with the delicate computer equipment.

He estimated that Leader Jiang and his team would definitely choose a more suitable location, such as a research institute, or simply establish a special secret base.

However, regardless of the location, he cannot neglect any of the necessary preparations. Only by preparing contingency plans for all conceivable problems in advance can the project get on track as quickly as possible once it starts.

Just as Li Feng was deep in thought about his future plans, there was a gentle knock on the office door.

"Dong dong."

The voice was soft, tinged with a hint of probing. "Please come in." Li Feng was somewhat surprised; at this hour, most of the factory staff had already gone home.

The door was pushed open, and a beautiful figure walked in—it was Wu Na.

She was also holding an enamel mug with the words "Serve the People" printed on it in red.

"Wu Na? It's so late, why haven't you gone home yet?" Li Feng stood up, a look of doubt on his face.

Wu Na gently placed the enamel mug on the corner of Li Feng's table, and a faint aroma of green tea filled the air.

She glanced at the drafts scattered across the table, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

"I just finished compiling the budget, and I noticed your office light was on, so I came over to check on you." Wu Na's voice was gentle, quite different from her usual efficient demeanor at work. "You just got back from the department, and without even taking a breath, you're already back to work?"

"There are some things I need to plan ahead of time." Li Feng smiled, picked up the enamel mug, and felt its warmth against his skin. He said sincerely, "Thank you for bringing me this."

"It's nothing, I just took a bath." Wu Na's gaze fell on Li Feng's slightly tired face. "No matter how important work is, you have to take care of your health. Look at you, you have dark circles under your eyes. Have you eaten?"

"Not hungry yet, I forgot when I got busy." Li Feng took a sip of green tea, which flowed down his throat and into his stomach. He felt much more comfortable. To be honest, Li Feng was really thirsty.

"Food is essential for life, how can you not eat?" Wu Na frowned slightly, her tone carrying an undeniable concern: "Hurry up and pack up and go home. Work is never finished, you can do it tomorrow."

"Okay, I'll leave as soon as I'm done." Li Feng nodded, feeling a warmth in his heart from Wu Na's concern.

"Then I'll be going now. You... should get some rest too." Seeing that he had agreed, Wu Na didn't say anything more and turned to walk towards the door. Her steps were very light, as if she was afraid of disturbing Li Feng's thoughts.

"Be careful on the road," Li Feng said to Wu Na as he looked up.

"Mm." Wu Na nodded in response, then gently closed the office door.

The moment the door closed, the office fell silent again. Li Feng looked at the steaming cup of green tea on the table, a touch of emotion stirring within him. He shook his head, suppressing the feeling, and continued to bury himself in his work.

On the other side, Wu Na walked out of the office building, the evening breeze blowing on her face, carrying a slight chill.

She got into the car parked downstairs. When the driver heard Wu Na's instructions, he did not start the car immediately.

Sitting in her car, she looked out the window at the only light still on in the office building, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

Actually, she stayed to work overtime today specifically so that she could ask Li Feng out after he returned.

She thought that he had handled such an important matter at the ministry and returned safely, so they should celebrate.

In fact, she had already thought of what to say: to thank him for his help recently, she would like to invite him to dinner at Lao Mo.

However, when she actually pushed open that door and saw Li Feng's focused expression and the gleam in his eyes, and saw the mountain of manuscript papers on his desk, she couldn't utter a single word she had prepared.

She knew that Li Feng had a grand vision, one that encompassed the future of the entire factory.

At this time, Li Feng is undoubtedly very busy, so the invitation to go out will have to be postponed.

Wu Na then sighed and immediately told the driver to start the car.

The car left the factory area and disappeared into the night sky of Beijing. (End of Chapter)