Courtyard House: Starting in a Ceramics Factory

When Zheng Guowei heard Mr. Li's question, his heart skipped a beat. The question seemed ordinary, but it felt like a heavy burden, making it hard for him to breathe.

He knew that behind this question lay the gentleman's final consideration of the feasibility of the entire plan.

A person's age often represents their experience, knowledge, and maturity. Li Feng's idea is too grand, almost fantastical. If this idea had been proposed by a seasoned expert, it might have been more readily accepted.

But then, Li Feng…

Zheng Guowei's Adam's apple bobbed, and he replied in as steady a voice as possible, "Reporting to you, sir, Comrade Li Feng... is twenty-one years old this year."

As soon as he finished speaking, he didn't even dare to look up at the gentleman's expression, but instead focused his gaze on the deep red carpet on the floor.

Twenty-one years old!
In the quiet office, this number seemed like a silent bomb.

A subtle emotion flashed across Minister Jiang's face. Although he already knew Li Feng's age, the impact of hearing it from Zheng Guowei in front of Mr. Jiang was still particularly strong.

At 21, while many people are still confused in university classrooms, Li Feng has already drawn up a grand blueprint that will influence the entire country's light industry layout.

Silence fell in the office once again.

Zheng Guowei felt his heartbeat was even louder than when he was giving the report, each beat pounding heavily against his eardrums.

"Ha ha……"

A soft laugh broke the silence.

Zheng Guowei suddenly looked up and saw that Mr. Li had a smile of interest on his face. Instead of questioning, his deep eyes shone with an appreciative light.

"Twenty-one years old..." Mr. Li repeated, lightly tapping his finger on the sofa armrest. "Heroes have always emerged from among the young! Very good, this little kid is quite impressive!"

The simple phrase "very good" seems to contain boundless power.

Zheng Guowei's tense body instantly relaxed, and a tremendous joy and excitement welled up from the bottom of his heart, instantly spreading throughout his body. He felt his eyes even getting hot.

The gentleman did not dismiss Li Feng because of his youth; on the contrary, he gave him high praise!
This was more encouraging to him than any lengthy praise!

Because he knew that this was not only an affirmation of Li Feng, but also an affirmation of Zheng Guowei's vision and courage! Li Feng was someone he had promoted single-handedly, overcoming all opposition.

Li Feng's success is his success; Li Feng's glory is also his glory!

Mr. Li shifted his gaze from the report to Zheng Guowei, his smile carrying a hint of approval.

"Little Zheng."

“Sir!” Zheng Guowei immediately straightened his back.

"You're quite good at judging people," Mr. Li said calmly, as if discussing a trivial matter. "Even a good horse needs a discerning eye to discover it. Without you digging him out of the factory and putting him in this position, even the best ideas will remain just empty talk."

These words filled Zheng Guowei's heart with sweetness. He suppressed his excitement and quickly replied humbly, "It is all thanks to the wise leadership of you, sir and minister, who have shown me the way."

"I just did my job. The main thing is that Comrade Li Feng is really capable. He's a real gem, and he'll shine wherever he is."

Minister Jiang added with a smile, "Sir, Xiao Zheng has put in a lot of effort for the technological upgrade of this ceramics factory. He runs to the factory every few days, and he personally oversaw the drafting of the report word by word. I think he now understands the ceramics production process better than some of the older factory directors."

"Yes, he's willing to put in the effort and delve into things; that's what makes him a good comrade." Mr. Li nodded, said no more, and picked up the thick report again.

He pulled a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, took one out, and Minister Jiang, quick as a flash, immediately stood up, grabbed a match from the table, lit it, and leaned forward. "Whoosh—"

Pale blue smoke rose slowly, swirling around in front of Mr. Li.

The office fell silent again, with only the rustling sound of papers turning.

Mr. Li read the report slowly, but he read it very carefully, reading each page meticulously. Sometimes his brows furrowed slightly, as if he were pondering the technical difficulties, and sometimes his expression relaxed, with a slight smile on his lips.

Zheng Guowei and Minister Jiang held their breath and waited quietly.

When he saw the section on "Computer Central Control System," Mr. Li's fingertips paused on the paper for a moment. He looked up and, through the swirling smoke, gazed at Zheng Guowei.

"Is this young comrade Li Feng confident he can figure out this computer control system?"

Zheng Guowei's heart tightened, knowing that this was the most crucial and forward-thinking part of the entire plan.

He immediately replied, "Sir, Comrade Li Feng assured me that he has completed the relevant theoretical foundation and technical preparations. As long as there is the corresponding equipment and policy support, he is 100% confident that he can turn this system into a reality!"

"Breakthrough results have already been achieved."

"One hundred percent certain?" Upon hearing this, Mr. Li not only showed no doubt but also laughed heartily. "What a boastful tone! I like this tone! When we're running GM projects and undertaking construction, we need to have this kind of bold and ambitious spirit!"

He flicked his cigarette ash and continued reading.

When he saw the report's concept of "full supply chain automation," which forms a complete closed loop from upstream raw material mining to downstream logistics and sales, he nodded approvingly.

"Yes, that's a good idea! We can't always be held back by others! We need to control raw materials, technology, and distribution channels ourselves, so that we can stand tall!"

When Mr. Li saw the report's conclusion regarding product exports, competing with companies in capitalist countries, and the goal of earning foreign exchange for the nation, a piercing glint appeared in his eyes.

He slammed the report shut and placed it on the coffee table with a soft thud.

"Fight our way out! Our things must be fought for!" His voice wasn't loud, but it was firm and resolute, carrying an undeniable authority and spirit. "Let's compare with them and see whose system is superior! Whose people are more creative!"

These words filled Zheng Guowei with fervor, as if he could already see the future of Five Star Ceramics Factory's products on shelves around the world, leaving those who once looked down on us in awe.

Industrialization is the only way forward.

Mr. Li stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray, picked up his teacup, and took a leisurely sip.

The atmosphere in the office, after the passionate exchange, returned to calm.

But Zheng Guowei knew that beneath this calm, a decisive storm was brewing.

He looked at Mr. Li, his heart pounding in his chest, awaiting the final verdict.

Mr. Li put down his teacup, his gentle smile returning to his face. He looked at the somewhat uneasy Zheng Guowei, then at the expectant Minister Jiang, and slowly began to speak.

"This kid named Li Feng has good ideas and is also very capable."

He paused, seemingly organizing his thoughts, but what he said next stunned both Zheng Guowei and Minister Jiang.

"In my opinion, it's a waste of his talents for him to be a deputy director at the Five Star Ceramics Factory." (End of Chapter)