Courtyard House: Starting in a Ceramics Factory

Director Qiu took out an official document with a red heading from his black briefcase.

He gently unfolded and smoothed the documents on the table, each movement carrying an undeniable sense of ritual.

He then cleared his throat, solemnly scanned the entire room, and began to read in a steady and clear tone:
"After deliberation by the Party Committee of the Ministry of Light Industry, the following adjustments are made to the leadership team of Wuxing Ceramics Factory."

"Li Feng is hereby appointed as Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Wuxing Ceramics Factory, acting as Director of Wuxing Ceramics Factory, and presiding over the overall administrative work of the factory. This appointment shall take effect immediately."

"boom!"

This appointment was like a bombshell, causing a stir among all the deputy factory directors in the conference room.

Although they had made various guesses before they came, and even prepared themselves for Li Feng to be promoted, no one expected that it would be such a one-step appointment!

Deputy Party Secretary! Acting Factory Director! In charge of overall operations!

These words together carry a frightening weight.

This means that from today onwards, this young man, only 21 years old, will become the de facto leader of this large factory with thousands of employees.

Wu Qing clenched her fists instinctively, her nails digging deep into her palms.

He looked at the young man beside him who still had a calm expression, and his heart was in turmoil.

He considered himself to have worked diligently and conscientiously for decades before finally climbing to the position of branch factory manager. But what about Li Feng? How long had he been at the factory? His promotion speed was faster than a rocket!
Although Wu Qing knew that Li Feng would definitely become the factory director in the future.

But now that the appointment has been officially issued, he is somewhat at a loss.

The other deputy factory directors looked at each other, their eyes filled with a mixture of emotions that seemed to solidify into a tangible form.

The way they looked at Li Feng was no longer the same as before; it now held a new layer of awe.

However, Director Qiu did not give them much time to process the shock.

He paused, then continued reading the second appointment.

"Comrade Zhu Hongjie is hereby appointed and transferred to the Ministry of Light Industry as an inspector, enjoying the treatment of a department-level official."

If the first appointment was a bomb, then the second appointment is a reassurance and a catalyst.

The atmosphere in the meeting room changed instantly.

A genuine, relieved smile appeared on Zhu Hongjie's face.

Inspector, at the level of a department director! This is the best outcome for him.

Although it's a nominal position, the rank and benefits have improved. You can retire to the second line with dignity and still visit the department from time to time. This is a blessing that many people would rather die for.

Meanwhile, the other deputy factory directors felt their jealousy burn even brighter.

They understand.

This is not a simple promotion of newcomers; it's a power transition that pleases everyone! Li Feng takes over, Zhu Hongjie is promoted, and the department's intention couldn't be clearer—those who obey me prosper! As long as you cooperate with the department's arrangements and support those the department values, you'll be rewarded.

For a moment, their eyes were filled with envy as they looked at Zhu Hongjie.

Director Qiu put down the documents, his expression softening once more. He picked up his teacup, took another sip, and seemed quite pleased with the commotion he had just caused.

"Comrades, this personnel adjustment is an important decision made by the Ministry after careful consideration, based on the long-term development of the Wuxing Ceramics Factory." His gaze lingered on Li Feng for a moment. "In particular, Comrade Li Feng, although young, has outstanding abilities and has made remarkable contributions to the preparation of the first phase of the ceramics factory's technological transformation and the second phase of the project."

"Minister Jiang and Director Zheng of the Planning Department both have high hopes for him."

He specifically mentioned Minister Jiang and Director Zheng, which was a subtle warning to everyone present about who was behind Li Feng.

Although he is the head of the Personnel Department, it would be difficult for him to be promoted to a deputy position, since this is not a business-related field. As for Director Zheng, whom he just mentioned, although he is still a deputy, he has heard that this Deputy Director Zheng will soon be promoted to director once the projects under his supervision are completed.

He knew he'd be promoted to deputy position sooner or later, so he curried favor with Zheng Guowei at this moment. He then cleared his throat and continued speaking to everyone.

"Minister Jiang also specifically instructed me to tell everyone that the second phase of the Five Star Ceramics Factory project, and even the future third and fourth phases, are the top priorities of the Ministry's plan and a key step for our country to catch up with the world's advanced level in the field of special ceramics."

"I hope that under the leadership of Comrade Li Feng and with the concerted efforts of all comrades, Wuxing Ceramics Factory will achieve even greater success and live up to the expectations of the Ministry and the people!"

His words were forceful and resounding, conveying both expectation and command.

After speaking, Director Qiu looked at Li Feng with a smile: "Comrade Li Feng, as the newly appointed acting factory director, why don't you say a few words to everyone?"

In a flash, everyone's attention was once again focused on Li Feng.

This is his first public speech since taking office, and what he says and how he says it will directly determine everyone's future attitude towards him.

Li Feng stood up steadily, first nodding slightly to Director Qiu in the main seat, and then looking around at all the factory leaders present. His posture was neither humble nor arrogant, and his eyes were clear and firm.

"Thank you for the organization's trust, and thank you for the cultivation and kindness of Minister Jiang, Director Zheng, and Director Qiu." His voice was not loud, but his words were clear, carrying a composure beyond his years. "To be where I am today, I must first thank Director Zhu."

He turned to Zhu Hongjie beside him and bowed deeply with great sincerity: "From the moment I joined the factory, Director Zhu has given me tremendous support and invaluable guidance. Whether in work or in life, he has cared for me like an elder. Without your support, the second phase of the project would not have progressed smoothly, and I would not be where I am today. On behalf of myself, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Hongjie's face lit up with a smile, and he waved his hands repeatedly, saying, "Hey, Director Li, you're too kind. This is all thanks to your own hard work. I dare not take credit for it."

That being said, Li Feng's words undoubtedly gave him a huge boost, allowing him to complete the handover of power in a grand and dignified manner in front of everyone.

Li Feng straightened up and faced the other deputy factory directors, his tone becoming increasingly humble: "Secondly, I would like to thank Director Wu and all the other factory leaders and comrades."

"I am young and inexperienced, and I still have much to learn from my senior leaders and colleagues. I hope to continue to receive your support and help in my future work."

He paused, then changed the subject, a sharp glint in his eyes: "Of course, I also assure the organization and everyone here that I will be dedicated to my duties, work tirelessly, and unite and lead all the factory's cadres and workers to execute and complete the second and third phases of the project assigned by the ministry without fail! I will never let down the organization's trust and the expectations of my comrades!"

His words were impeccable, showing both respect and humility towards his seniors, as well as a sense of responsibility and determination for the future.

This both appeased public sentiment and demonstrated our stance.

Director Qiu led the applause, his face beaming with approval. This young man not only possessed exceptional technical skills, but his political acumen and demeanor also far surpassed those of his peers; he was truly a man of great potential!

The applause in the meeting room went from sparse to gradually becoming more enthusiastic.

The deputy factory directors were experiencing extremely complex emotions at that moment. Were they envious? Of course they were! Were they jealous? A little bit! But more than that, they had a clear understanding of the situation.

They clearly saw that Li Feng's rise was unstoppable.

He had the strong support of the highest level in the ministry, a smooth handover from the former factory director Zhu Hongjie, and his own abilities and skills far beyond those of ordinary people.

More importantly, he held the future lifeline of the ceramics factory in his hands—the second and third phases of the project.

If we work with him and the project is successful, that will be a huge achievement, and everyone will benefit from it.

Just like Zhu Hongjie, he was able to take another step forward even as he was about to retire.

But if you go against him and trip him up, the consequences will probably be...

Thinking of this, the deputy factory directors exchanged glances, each seeing a hint of understanding in the other's eyes.

They secretly resolved that from this day forward, they must put aside all their contempt and petty thoughts and fully cooperate with the excessively young "Director Li" in his work.

This is not only for the future of the factory, but also for their own future.

The applause in the conference room was long and enthusiastic. It was a mix of congratulations to Zhu Hongjie on his promotion and expressions of loyalty to the new factory director, Li Feng.

An era belonging to Li Feng has officially begun at the Five Star Ceramics Factory. (End of Chapter)