Courtyard House: Starting in a Ceramics Factory

The conference concluded amidst thunderous applause, but the enthusiasm in the entire conference hall remained undiminished.

The workers gathered in small groups, their faces beaming with barely suppressed excitement, discussing the upcoming wage increase and the new factory manager who was excessively young yet exceptionally capable.

Li Feng did not leave immediately. Surrounded by Director Zhu, Wu Qing, and several deputy directors, he stepped down from the stage and walked straight toward the respected old craftsmen in the first row below the stage.

"Master Wang, Master Lin, Master Deng."

Li Feng's voice was gentle and respectful, showing no airs of a newly appointed official, nor was he overwhelmed by the overwhelming cheers and applause.

He took the initiative to extend his hands and shake hands with each of his mentors.

The first person to greet us was Master Wang from the pottery wheel workshop.

This unassuming old craftsman has spent his entire life working with mud, his hands covered with thick calluses and indelible clay powder.

He gripped Li Feng's hand tightly, his lips trembling with excitement, and his cloudy eyes gleaming.

"Good lad! Good lad! You've really made us workers proud! You've made something of yourself!" Master Wang could only repeat these few simple words over and over, but the pride he felt from the bottom of his heart was more genuine than any fancy words.

Li Feng gripped his hand tightly, feeling the rough yet powerful warmth, and said sincerely, "Master Wang, without your hands-on teaching, I wouldn't even know the basics of pottery throwing. You will always be my master."

Master Lin, a refined and cultured old painter from the painting workshop next door, patted Li Feng on the shoulder with a smile: "Li Feng, you've done more than just make something of yourself. You're leading our Five Star Factory, no! The entire ceramics industry of our country, to take flight! We old folks have witnessed this day, and it's all worth it!"

Li Feng's gaze finally fell on Master Deng.

The old man, who had imparted all his knowledge of Western lottery techniques and given him countless opportunities, was both a teacher and a friend to him.

"Master Deng," Li Feng said, his voice tinged with a hint of filial piety, "thank you."

Master Deng's eyes also became a little moist.

He looked at the young man before him with satisfaction, a man who had grown into a towering tree.

At this moment, he was filled with emotion: "Why thank me? You walked this path step by step on your own."

“I’ve mentored many apprentices in my life, but none have your vision and courage! I didn’t misjudge you, and neither did Director Zheng!”

Li Feng's actions were witnessed by everyone present.

Those older workers who had some doubts about Li Feng's youth now had all their reservations completely dispelled.

"See how much respect Director Li shows to the veteran workers!"

"Of course, they are college students, they understand principles, and they know what it means to respect teachers and value morality."

"That's what it means to not forget your roots! We feel at ease entrusting the factory to someone like this!"

The workers' discussions were not loud, but they were full of approval and conviction.

A person's ability determines how high they can go, but a person's character determines how far they can go and how many people will genuinely support them.

Li Feng's move was undoubtedly more effective at winning people's hearts than any impassioned speech.

After shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries with several mentors and middle-level leaders of the main factory, Li Feng, without a moment's rest, rushed to the branch factory accompanied by Wu Qing.

In the conference room of the branch factory, middle-level managers and worker representatives had been eagerly waiting.

Although they were unable to attend the general meeting at the head office, the news from there had already spread like wildfire.

The entire branch factory, from top to bottom, was also a sea of ​​jubilation.

Li Feng's arrival further heightened the already enthusiastic atmosphere.

He patiently shook hands with everyone, listened attentively to their thoughts and suggestions, and always wore a humble smile.

Wu Na stood quietly in the crowd.

When Li Feng walked up to her, their eyes met, and a subtle change seemed to occur in the air.

In Wu Na's eyes, there was congratulations, appreciation, and a hint of pride that she herself was unaware of.

She watched as this man, in a short period of time, grew from a technical staff member who needed her guidance to the top leader of a large factory with thousands of employees.

This speed startled her, and it also...moved her.

"Congratulations, Director Li," she said softly, her voice carrying a hint of gentleness.

"Thank you." Li Feng's gaze lingered on her face for a moment, then he nodded. Because there were many people waiting behind him, he didn't say much, but simply gestured with his eyes, meaning "we'll talk later."

Wu Na was quick-witted and immediately understood. She nodded slightly and then stepped aside without saying anything more.

She knew that now was not the time for reminiscing; he had more important things to do.

She was happy to stand at a distance that was neither too close nor too far, quietly watching him strategize and command the world.

By the time the matter at the branch factory was resolved, it was already getting dark.

In the factory area, the bell rang to signal the end of the workday, and the workers walked out of the workshop in twos and threes, each with a genuine smile on their face.

The good news of a pay rise is the best remedy for relieving the fatigue of a long day.

"Hey, did you hear? Factory Manager Li said the price will start to rise next quarter!"

"Of course it's true! He personally guaranteed it at the factory-wide meeting!"

"Our lives are getting better and better! Following Director Li was the right decision!"

The light was still on in Li Feng's factory director's office.

This office was several times larger than his previous office in the project department. It had a mahogany desk, heavy bookshelves, and several landscape paintings on the wall, exuding a sense of solemnity and authority.

Li Feng sat behind his desk, looking down at a progress report on the fine porcelain production line. For him, the appointment of the factory director was just the beginning; the real challenges were only just beginning.

"Knock knock knock."

There was a gentle knock on the office door.

"Please come in".

Li Feng said without even looking up.

The door was pushed open, and a faint fragrance wafted in.

Li Feng smelled the familiar scent, looked up, and sure enough, saw that bright and beautiful face.

Wu Na crossed her arms and leaned against the door frame, a mischievous smile playing on her lips as she looked him up and down, and at the office itself.

"Our Director Li, now that he's the head of the entire factory, how come he's still working so hard, neglecting his meals and sleep?"

Li Feng put down the documents in his hand, shook his head with a wry smile, and gestured for her to come in and sit down.

"Having just taken over, I need to get a clear understanding of the situation first."

Wu Na walked in gracefully, but instead of sitting on the sofa for guests, she went straight to the large desk.

She stretched out her slender fingers and gently tapped the table, making a crisp sound.

"How are you feeling?" she asked, tilting her head with interest.

"What do you mean, how?" Li Feng asked, somewhat confused.

“Sitting in this chair, it feels like being the factory manager.” Wu Na’s eyes sparkled, as if they were twinkling with starlight.

Li Feng leaned back in his chair, crossed his arms in front of him, and looked at her calmly. After a moment, he slowly spoke.

"It's alright, but I feel like the burden on my shoulders is heavier."

Wu Na chuckled. She walked around the desk to Li Feng's side, looking down at him with a teasing tone.

"Alright, alright, I'm not kidding you anymore. Seriously though, congratulations, Director Li, you've finally been promoted."

She deliberately emphasized the words "director" and "promoted," with a hint of intimate teasing.

Li Feng simply smiled at Wu Na's teasing.

He knew all too well how powerful the woman in front of him was, and he also understood some of her subtle hints.

He raised his head, meeting Wu Na's eyes that seemed to see right through him, and said half-jokingly and half-seriously, "I don't deserve it, I don't deserve it. Section Chief Wu, please don't flatter me too much. For me, the position of factory director is already my limit."

He paused, then his tone became more sincere: "From now on, I'll basically stay at our ceramics factory. I'll manage the factory well and make sure everyone can live a good life. That will make me very content."

The moment those words were spoken, a subtle tension instantly settled over the atmosphere in the office.

Li Feng spoke very sincerely; these were his true feelings.

His greatest wish upon coming into this world was to use his knowledge and systems to do something practical and change the lives of those around him. He had little interest in higher positions or more complex power struggles.

More importantly, he was expressing his attitude to Wu Na.

Wu Na's smile faded slightly.

She was incredibly clever and immediately understood the subtext in Li Feng's words.

limit?

Staying at the ceramics factory?
She looked at Li Feng's young and composed face, but inwardly she scoffed dismissively.

Others might believe these words, but Wu Na wouldn't.

She witnessed firsthand how Li Feng rose from an unknown ordinary cadre to his current position in just over a year.

Every move he makes is precise and deadly. Whether it's technological innovation or personnel arrangements, he demonstrates a maturity and experience far beyond his years.

Would someone like that be content to spend their entire life as the manager of a ceramics factory?
How could this tiny five-star ceramics factory possibly contain a dragon about to take flight?
In her view, Li Feng's words were either excessive modesty or a test of her, a deliberate attempt to distance himself.

However, she didn't care.

The person Wu Na has set her sights on is certainly not someone to be underestimated.

She thought to herself, "You say this is your limit? I don't believe it."

With your abilities, given a fulcrum, you could move the whole world.

And I am willing to be your support.

If you're willing, the resources behind me are always at your disposal.

Of course, she wouldn't say these words out loud now.

She simply flashed a radiant smile again, a smile that carried an undeniable certainty and a hint of cunning.

"Really? That's a real blessing for all the employees of our Five Star Ceramics Factory." She casually brushed aside the topic, as if she completely believed Li Feng's words.

But Li Feng sensed a different meaning deep in her eyes.

However, there is still a long way to go.

Li Feng thought to himself that he had the confidence and patience to follow his own pace and walk his own path. (End of Chapter)