Courtyard House: Starting in a Ceramics Factory

The black sedan, like a beast lurking in the night, quietly stopped at the foot of the steps of the Ministry of Light Industry building.

The driver, dressed in a sharp uniform, opened the back door without a word, and a unique scent of leather and gasoline, typical of luxury cars, wafted out.

Zheng Guowei's mind was still a little dazed, but his steps had already subconsciously followed that of Elder Jiang.

He got into the car, the soft spring seat making him sink into it, but he felt no comfort at all; his back was straight and his muscles were tense.

The car door slammed shut, shutting out the noise from the outside world.

The driver smoothly started the car and merged into the traffic on Chang'an Avenue.

The car was eerily quiet, with only the engine humming softly.

Old Jiang leaned back in his chair with his eyes closed, seemingly resting, but Zheng Guowei could sense that this usually calm and composed old leader was not completely relaxed at this moment.

Zheng Guowei's heart was pounding, like he was carrying a rabbit, his heart pounding wildly.

where to?
Mr. Jiang used an encrypted line on the phone just now.

How many people in the entire city of Beijing could utilize such a line and report it overnight?

The car wasn't heading home, nor was it going to any government ministry; instead, it headed west.
When the familiar red walls and green tiles flashed past the car window, Zheng Guowei's breath hitched for a beat.

Gyeonggi Sea!
A buzzing sound went through his mind, and in an instant, all the clues were connected.

That report about the "factory of the future"... Li Feng's groundbreaking idea... Old Jiang's mysterious phone call... and this destination...

The answer is already coming.

Fine beads of sweat appeared on Zheng Guowei's palms again; he could even feel that the back of his shirt was soaked with cold sweat. He knew what he was about to face.

That will be the most important and crucial meeting of his entire political career.

He took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down.

He knew that being nervous wouldn't solve anything; in fact, it would only make him make mistakes.

He began to go through the contents of the report in his mind again and again, re-examining every piece of data and every argument to ensure that nothing was wrong.

But the more I thought about it, the more uncertain I felt.

After all, he wrote that report, so it must contain his personal understanding and interpretation.

What if, what if he fails to fully grasp the deeper meaning, or misunderstands a crucial point, then the consequences...

Zheng Guowei dared not think any further.

The atmosphere inside the car was so oppressive that he felt a little suffocated. He looked at Old Jiang, who was resting with his eyes closed beside him, hesitated for a long time, and finally mustered up his courage to ask tentatively in an almost whispered voice.

"Master Jiang...we...we're going to see the Master?"

As he asked that question, he felt his heart leap into his throat.

Old Jiang slowly opened his eyes. His gaze was exceptionally bright in the dimly lit carriage, as if he could see right through people's hearts.

He didn't answer immediately, but calmly looked at Zheng Guowei for a few seconds.

Those few seconds felt like an eternity to Zheng Guowei.

Just as he thought he had asked the wrong question and was about to apologize, Old Master Jiang slowly nodded.

"Yes."

Those two simple words struck Zheng Guowei's heart like two heavy hammer blows. Then, Old Jiang dropped an even bigger bombshell.

"Wait a moment, it's your turn to present. Give the professor a full and detailed account of what you wrote in your report."

"I...I'll speak?" Zheng Guowei's voice changed. He felt dizzy and his blood rushed to his head.

Why should a deputy director-general like him give a report in this setting, in front of Elder Jiang?
This...this is against the rules! And it's beyond all his imagination!

He instinctively wanted to decline: "Mr. Jiang, isn't this inappropriate? I'm not high enough in rank, and besides, you..."

“There’s nothing inappropriate about it.” Old Jiang interrupted him, his tone leaving no room for doubt. “You wrote this report. You have the most thorough understanding of the situation at the Five Star Ceramics Factory and the thoughts of that young man, Li Feng. It will be most effective if you present it.”

Zheng Guowei opened his mouth, but couldn't utter a single word.

He's not stupid. At this point, how could he not understand Old Master Jiang's good intentions?

This was no longer a simple work report; it was Old Jiang paving the way for him, forcibly stuffing a tremendous achievement, a capital that would propel him to the top, into his hands!
An indescribable warm current instantly surged through his entire body.

Looking at Old Jiang's face, which was marked by the passage of time, his eyes welled up with tears.

He knew that his father was highly respected in the State Planning Commission, but time waits for no one, and he would be retiring in two years.

Over the years, although he has worked hard to reach the position of deputy director, in the eyes of outsiders, he has more or less benefited from his father's influence.

He had been holding back his ambition, wanting to prove himself, to truly rely on his own abilities to gain a foothold, and even to reach a higher level, so as not to bring shame to his father.

And today, this opportunity, the opportunity he had been dreaming of, has suddenly come to him!
And the one who gave him this opportunity was none other than the old leader in front of him who had been carefully cultivating him!
Zheng Guowei's lips moved a few times, a thousand words stuck in his throat, ultimately turning into deep gratitude and a barely perceptible sob.

He then nodded vigorously, his voice still trembling slightly, but it was filled with determination.

"Yes! I understand, Elder Jiang! I will definitely... I will definitely live up to your expectations!"

Seeing his tearful gratitude, Old Jiang smiled with satisfaction.

He reached out and gently patted Zheng Guowei's shoulder, his eyes full of encouragement and expectation.

"Xiao Zheng, don't put so much pressure on yourself." His voice was gentle yet firm. "This opportunity wasn't given to you by me; you earned it yourself."

"It was you who discovered Li Feng, this exceptional talent."

"It was you who supported the technological upgrade of Wuxing Ceramics Factory despite the pressure; it was also you who wrote this report so profoundly and thoroughly, completely uncovering the value of Li Feng's idea."

"So, this is all your credit."

Old Jiang withdrew his hand, leaned back in his chair, and gazed at the rapidly receding street scene outside the window. He said leisurely, "I'm old. The future world will ultimately belong to you young people."

"What I can do is, while I'm still able to move, help capable and thoughtful young people like you and Li Feng get on their feet and give them a boost."

"Go ahead and give your report with confidence. Show me your abilities. I believe in you."

"Your father was a brave man, and I believe you are too."

These words stirred Zheng Guowei's blood, and the last trace of trepidation and unease in his heart was completely replaced by a powerful sense of confidence and mission.

He clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging deep into his palms.

He knew that from this day forward, his life trajectory would be completely changed. And the source of all this was that young man named Li Feng.

The car gradually slowed down and finally stopped in front of an ancient gate adorned with red lanterns. Two guards, standing tall and straight like pine trees, carrying steel guns, marched over in perfect unison.

Zheng Guowei straightened his collar, opened the car door, and followed behind Old Jiang.
The night was deep, but the road ahead was brightly lit. (End of Chapter)