Courtyard House: Starting in a Ceramics Factory

The atmosphere in the Ministry of Light Industry compound was different from usual the next morning.

The cadres came and went in a hurry, their faces serious. They had all received notice that the ministry would hold an enlarged meeting of the Party Group at nine o'clock this morning, and all Party Group members and heads of relevant departments and bureaus must attend on time.

Inside the conference room, the long conference table was polished to a shine, reflecting the slightly worn chandelier on the ceiling.

The attendees took their seats one after another, each flipping through their notebooks, occasionally exchanging a few words in hushed tones, the air thick with the aroma of strong tea and cigarette smoke.

Zheng Guowei followed Minister Jiang into the conference room. He straightened his back, his eyes sharp. The excitement that had been emanating from his bones yesterday had, after a night of reflection, transformed into a heavy sense of mission.

He knew that today's meeting would be a crucial step for him and the minister to work together to open a new door for Li Feng and the entire ceramics industry.

Minister Jiang walked to the head seat and sat down. He looked around, his weathered face revealing little emotion. But those who knew him well knew that when he placed his enamel teacup, which he had used for more than ten years, steadily on the table, it meant that the next topic was of great importance.

"Comrades, is everyone here?" Minister Jiang cleared his throat, his voice loud and steady. "Today's meeting is time-sensitive and the topics are important, so let's get straight to the point."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over every face present, and then solemnly said, "Yesterday, Comrade Guowei and I went to report to Mr. Li on the 'full industrial chain automation' technical transformation plan of Wuxing Ceramics Factory."

Mr. Li highly praised the proposal.

A slight commotion arose in the conference room. To receive such "high praise" from that gentleman was a very significant honor.

Everyone's spirits lifted, and they unconsciously straightened their backs even more.

"The plan is a good plan, and the blueprint is a good blueprint." Minister Jiang changed the subject, "but even the best blueprint needs a strong executor."

"Mr. Li pointed out that to achieve this grand goal, we must have a leader who understands technology, production, and overall management."

"This person must be able to make decisions, take responsibility, and get this done from start to finish!"

Everyone present nodded in agreement; they all understood this principle. With such a large operation, without a clear leader, the constant chatter and mutual obstruction would inevitably lead to nothing being accomplished.

"Regarding this candidate," Minister Jiang's voice suddenly rose, carrying an unquestionable authority, "after Mr. Li's personal nomination, and after careful consideration by Comrade Guowei and myself, the Party Group of the Ministry has decided to propose the appointment of Comrade Li Feng, the current deputy director of Wuxing Ceramics Factory, as the deputy secretary of the Party Committee and acting director of Wuxing Ceramics Factory!"

"Wow—"

One stone caused a thousand waves!

Even these seasoned bureau-level officials, accustomed to weathering storms, couldn't help but show expressions of shock upon hearing the appointment. A murmur of barely suppressed discussion erupted in the conference room.

"Li Feng? That young man?"

"Acting factory manager? Did I hear that right? How old is he?"

"Twenty-one years old... Is this in accordance with organizational procedures? Promoting him to deputy factory director with the benefits of a division chief was already a huge exception, and now he's directly in charge of the overall work of a deputy bureau-level unit?"

A deputy minister in charge of personnel subconsciously pushed up his reading glasses, his brows furrowing tightly.

He didn't have a problem with Li Feng. In fact, he had seen Li Feng's amazing report and admired him from the bottom of his heart.

While admiration is admirable, rules are rules. A 21-year-old acting factory director is probably unprecedented in the industrial history of the People's Republic of China.

Zheng Guowei took in everyone's reactions and knew it was his turn to step in.

He cleared his throat, stood up, and scanned the room with a piercing gaze: "Comrades, I know you have doubts. In terms of seniority, Comrade Li Feng is indeed very young. However, what we are about to do is a momentous undertaking, unprecedented and groundbreaking!"

His voice was firm and powerful: "'Automation of the entire ceramic industry chain' is a term that everyone here is familiar with. I think everyone has a good grasp of the technical depth and strategic vision of this report."

"I only have one question for everyone: apart from Comrade Li Feng himself, who in our entire light industry system can turn this report from words on paper into the roaring machines in the factory? Who can?"

One question silenced the entire conference room.

Yes, who could?
They had all read the report, and the technical details—CNC machine tools, programming, chip control—were like gibberish to them. Forget about implementing it; very few could even fully understand it. Zheng Guowei pressed his advantage: "We're not doing seniority-based promotions; we're waging a decisive battle in the industrial field! To win a war, you need generals who can win! Comrade Li Feng is the most suitable, and only, 'commander-in-chief' for this battle! He not only drew up the blueprint, but he also has the ability to turn it into reality! Why shouldn't we support him? Why should we restrict him with rules and regulations?"

His words were powerful and thought-provoking.

Those who had just harbored doubts were now deep in thought. Indeed, special times call for special talents and special methods. If they missed an opportunity for the national ceramics industry to leapfrog ahead because of so-called "rules," then they would become sinners in history.

Seeing that the time was right, Minister Jiang took over the conversation at the opportune moment, his tone calm yet containing great strength: "Comrades, Comrade Guowei's words are very well said. Mr. Li also emphasized that we must have the determination and courage to recruit talents without being bound by convention."

"The appointment of Comrade Li Feng as acting factory director was also due to the need for a transition. Let him get started, set things up, and let his achievements speak for themselves."

"Only then will he be able to rightfully become the factory director and gain everyone's trust."

"Let me add something," Minister Jiang said, picking up his teacup and blowing gently on it. "The ministry has also considered the work arrangements for the current factory director, Comrade Zhu Hongjie. Comrade Zhu Hongjie has worked at the Wuxing Ceramics Factory for many years and has made great contributions. He could be promoted half a grade and transferred to the ministry to serve as a production technology consultant, so that he can continue to contribute to our industrial cause."

With these words, the last obstacle was cleared away.

The fact that even the current factory director's future has been arranged, and he's even been promoted and given important responsibilities, shows how determined the ministry is.

Anyone who objects again is going against the core opinion of the Party Group of the Ministry and against the spirit of Mr. Li's instructions.

“I agree.” The vice minister in charge of personnel was the first to speak. He adjusted his glasses and said solemnly, “Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. I support the decision of the Party Committee of the Ministry.”

"agree."

"I agree."

"Seconded."

In an instant, voices of support rose and fell, without the slightest hesitation.

"Alright." Minister Jiang finally smiled. "Since everyone agrees, then this matter is settled."

"After the meeting, the Personnel Department immediately went through the procedures and issued documents to implement the appointments as quickly as possible."

"Planning Department, you must fully cooperate with Comrade Li Feng's work. Provide him with funds and personnel as needed, and absolutely do not hinder his work!"

"Yes!" Zheng Guowei and the director of the Personnel Department stood up at the same time and answered loudly.

A meeting that would determine the fate of the Five Star Ceramics Factory, and even the entire Chinese ceramics industry, concluded swiftly and decisively.

As soon as the meeting ended, the news that Li Feng was about to take over as the acting director of the Five Star Ceramics Factory spread like wildfire within the ministry, causing a minor upheaval.

The instigators of all this, Minister Jiang and Zheng Guowei, returned to the minister's office.

Minister Jiang personally brewed a cup of tea for Zheng Guowei, handed it to him, and said with a smile, "Little Zheng, what you said at the meeting today was very insightful."

Zheng Guowei took the teacup and chuckled, "Minister, I was just telling the truth. I'm genuinely worried that they'll let some old rules hold back Li Feng, such a promising talent."

"Hmm." Minister Jiang nodded, walked to the window, looked at the lush poplar trees in the courtyard, and sighed, "Times have changed, and our thinking must keep up."

“Young people like Li Feng are our hope for the future. What we old guys need to do is set up a platform for them, help them get started, and give them a boost.”

He turned around, looked at Zheng Guowei, his eyes full of expectation: "The appointment has been made. Now it's up to Li Feng. As his mentor, you need to keep a close eye on him and give him a good helping hand."

"Don't worry, Minister!" Zheng Guowei patted his chest and assured him, "I'll risk my life to protect this 'full-chain automation' project! I'll be the first to object to anyone who dares to trip up Li Feng!"

Sunlight streamed through the glass window, casting long shadows on the two of them.

A brand new era is slowly unfolding with this earth-shattering appointment. (End of Chapter)