Courtyard House: Starting in a Ceramics Factory

Beijing, the office of the deputy director of the Planning Department in the building of the Ministry of Light Industry.

Zheng Guowei slowly put down the black bakelite telephone in his hand, leaned back in his chair, and let out a long sigh of relief.

The resolute and powerful voice of Li Feng from the phone receiver still seemed to echo in my ears.

This kid didn't disappoint him.

Faced with such a huge promotion that would throw any peer or even an older person into disarray, his ability to quickly calm down after the initial shock and accurately grasp the responsibility behind the appointment demonstrates a mindset far beyond that of ordinary people.

Zheng Guowei picked up the large enamel mug on the table, blew on the tea leaves floating on the surface, and took a big, satisfying sip.

The scalding hot tea slid down his throat, and a warm feeling spread through his chest and abdomen, making him feel comfortable all over.

Paving the way for Li Feng was a risky move, but it was worth it!
Of course, the story isn't over yet.

When promoting an official, a smooth transition is essential.

Before Li Feng, this promising young man, can take office, he must first settle the current "driver" properly.

Thinking of this, Zheng Guowei slammed the teacup down on the table and picked up the phone again.

This time, he dialed the dedicated line connecting to the office of the director of the Five Star Ceramics Factory.

The phone rang three times before being answered.

"Hello." A deep, mellow middle-aged male voice came through.

"Old Zhu, it's me, Zheng Guowei." Zheng Guowei's tone was somewhat familiar.

……

Inside the factory manager's office at Wuxing Ceramics Factory.

Zhu Hongjie was meticulously reviewing an application report regarding the procurement of a new batch of high-alumina refractory bricks.

As the factory director, he has to deal with mountains of documents every day, from the overall production plan to the purchase of a single screw, all of which require his final signature.

Just as he picked up the red and blue pencils, preparing to write "Agreed" on the report, the bright red telephone on the table suddenly rang.

Zhu Hongjie's movements stopped abruptly.

This red telephone is a dedicated line, directly connected to the ministry. Normally, it might not even ring once a month.

And each time it rings out, it means something big is about to happen.

He quickly put down his pencil, took off his reading glasses, and solemnly picked up the telephone receiver.

"Hello."

When Zhu Hongjie heard the name "Zheng Guowei" on the other end of the phone, her heart jumped, and she straightened her back involuntarily.

"Oh, it's Director Zheng! Hello, hello!" His voice was full of respect. "What instructions do you have?"

"Old Zhu, sit down and talk, don't be nervous." Zheng Guowei chuckled on the phone, then changed the subject and became serious, "I'm calling you to give you a heads-up."

After careful consideration, the Party Committee decided to adjust the leadership team of Wuxing Ceramics Factory.

Leadership reshuffle!

Zhu Hongjie's pupils suddenly contracted, and his palms, which were holding the phone, became slightly sweaty.

He's fifty-three years old this year, and still has several years until retirement. Why is he adjusting the leadership at this crucial juncture? Could it be...?

"The ministry has decided that Comrade Li Feng will serve as the deputy secretary of the Party Committee and acting director of the Wuxing Ceramics Factory, and will be in charge of the factory's work."

Zheng Guowei's words were like a thunderclap, exploding in Zhu Hongjie's mind.

Li...Li Feng?
Wasn't he just promoted to the rank of division chief by Director Zheng?
Now the higher-ups want him to be the factory director?
That's too fast! And the second phase of the project isn't even finished yet.

At this moment, Zhu Hongjie was completely stunned, his mind went blank.

Although Zhu Hongjie knew that Li Feng would be her successor, the speed of this was just too fast.
Now that Li Feng has become the factory director, what about me?
Where am I going? Will I be transferred to some leisurely unit to retire? Wasn't all my hard work pushing forward with this second phase of the project precisely so that I could advance further before retirement?

Moreover, Zhu Hongjie felt that he had worked hard for half his life at the Five Star Ceramics Factory, especially on the second phase of the project, where he devoted himself wholeheartedly.

For a moment, Zhu Hongjie was in a state of utter confusion. His lips moved a few times, but he couldn't utter a single word. He was a smart man and knew that at this time, he absolutely shouldn't ask questions he shouldn't ask; he could only wait for his superior's instructions.

Zheng Guowei on the other end of the phone seemed to have anticipated his reaction. He paused for a moment, giving him some time to process it, before continuing in a gentler tone: "Old Zhu, the ministry has seen and remembered your work at the Five Star Ceramics Factory over the years, especially your outstanding contributions to promoting the full-chain automation project."

"In consideration of your hard work over the years, the Party Group of the Ministry has decided to promote you to the position of Inspector of the Ministry, with the same treatment as a director-general."

This is also an affirmation of your work, and a sign of care for us veteran comrades.

Inspector!
Department-level official!
These words, once they entered his ears, instantly dispelled all the gloom and unease in Zhu Hongjie's mind, replacing them with an unbelievable surge of joy!

He felt as if he had been hit by a giant pie, so happy he was almost dizzy.

He knew exactly what an inspector's position entailed.

That was a truly "idle" job; you didn't have to work regular hours or manage anything, you just held the title and enjoyed the benefits.

Most importantly, the level has been raised!

Zhu Hongjie's current rank is deputy director-general, which is a deputy director-general with real power, but it is still just a "deputy".

He had gone to great lengths to promote the second phase of the project, turning his hair white from exhaustion. What was it all for? It was to add another impressive chapter to his resume before retirement, and to see if he could secure a retirement with the benefits of a department-level official.

But now?

Not only did he achieve his goal ahead of schedule, but he was also directly promoted to the rank of inspector at the provincial level! This was ten times better than the best outcome he had ever imagined!
This isn't just making room for Li Feng; it's an immense favor!

An overwhelming joy washed over him.

He even began to think that having Li Feng take over his job was the best arrangement imaginable.

That kid has ability, courage, and an incredibly powerful background! With him coming up, I can also benefit from it, and look, the benefits have come!
Having figured everything out, Zhu Hongjie's voice trembled with excitement. He gripped the phone tightly and repeatedly said, "Thank you! Thank you for the trust and training from the department!"

"Director Zheng, rest assured! I firmly support the Ministry's decision! Comrade Li Feng is young, promising, and highly capable. It is a blessing for Wuxing Ceramics Factory to have him take over as factory director! I will definitely stand firm at my post until the very end, fully support his work, and ensure that the factory is handed over to him smoothly without causing any trouble for the Ministry!"

This statement came from the bottom of his heart and was sincere.

Upon hearing Zhu Hongjie's words, Zheng Guowei on the other end of the phone finally smiled with satisfaction.

He knew that Zhu Hongjie was a smart man who knew how to weigh the pros and cons. As long as he gave her enough benefits, there wouldn't be any problems with the transition.

"Okay, Lao Zhu, I'm relieved to hear you say that." Zheng Guowei's tone also relaxed. "Tomorrow morning, Director Qiu from the Personnel Department of the Ministry will personally lead a team to announce the appointments. You should also make preparations and hold a meeting for all cadres in the factory."

"Okay, okay! I'll arrange it right away!" Zhu Hongjie agreed repeatedly, his attitude extremely respectful.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Zheng Guowei hung up the phone.

In the office, Zhu Hongjie held the receiver, which was already dialing "busy," for a long time without putting it down. The muscles on his face twitched slightly with extreme excitement, and his mouth was wide open in a big smile.

Inspector at the level of a department director...

He pondered those words repeatedly, feeling as if he had reached the pinnacle of his life at that moment.

He slowly leaned back in his chair, his gaze sweeping over the office he had spent so many years in, with no lingering attachment in his heart.

He picked up the refractory brick procurement report on the table, didn't even look at it, signed his name in a flamboyant manner, and then casually tossed it into the "approved" document basket.

Starting tomorrow, let Li Feng's young people deal with these trivial matters!
And I can finally brew a good cup of tea, pick up a newspaper, and start my leisurely retirement life ahead of schedule.

that's nice!

Now his wish had come true ahead of schedule, and he no longer cared about the arrangements for the other people in the factory.

After all, their personnel arrangements no longer concern them.

These are all things Li Feng needs to do next. (End of Chapter)