Courtyard House: Starting in a Ceramics Factory

"Director Li! You called me!" Jin Youfa scurried to the desk, bowing and scraping, his posture even more subservient than Han Liye's.

"Director Jin, thank you for your help with the dormitory situation I mentioned to you last time," Li Feng said politely, pointing to the chair opposite him.

"Oh, please don't say that. This is all part of my job! You are the backbone of our factory, and serving you well is the most important task of our factory office!" Jin Youfa said as he carefully sat down, only taking up half of the chair.

His small eyes, hidden behind thick glasses, quickly scanned Li Feng's face and the office, full of shrewdness and calculation.

Li Feng got straight to the point: "I called you here because I have something to ask you to do."

"What are your orders?" Jin Youfa immediately straightened his chest.

"Director Zhu is about to be transferred to a ministry, which is great news. He has worked in our factory for so many years, and even if he hasn't made any great contributions, he has certainly put in a lot of hard work. Shouldn't our factory do something to show our appreciation?"

Upon hearing this, Jin Youfa's eyes lit up immediately, and he slapped his thigh: "Director Li, you are truly farsighted and have thought of everything so thoroughly! I was just thinking about this matter, but I was afraid that you were too busy with work since you have just arrived, and I didn't dare to bother you with such a small matter. Don't worry, I'll take care of it!"

Li Feng knew that when talking to this kind of shrewd person, there was no need to beat around the bush.

"Well, my idea is to hold a farewell party. It doesn't have to be too big, but it must be grand and respectable, so that Director Zhu can feel our factory's respect and gratitude towards him."

"After all, once he gets to the ministry, he'll still be part of our Five Star Ceramics Factory's family."

"Yes, yes, yes! You're absolutely right!" Jin Youfa nodded repeatedly, like a chicken pecking at rice. "This farewell party should not only be held, but it should be a grand affair, a high-level event that shows real affection! We need to make Director Zhu leave happily, and also let the leaders from the ministry see that our Wuxing Factory is a place that understands rules and values ​​relationships!"

As he spoke, he pulled a small notebook and a fountain pen from the pocket of his Zhongshan suit, preparing to take notes with great seriousness.

"Director Li, what do you think about the scale of this farewell party? Should we invite all the middle-level managers in the factory, or expand it to include the workshop team leaders and model workers?"

"Where will it be? In our factory's auditorium, or at a restaurant outside?"

"Also, what's the procedure for the farewell party? Should we have a meeting first, with speeches from the leaders, followed by a dinner? Or should we just have a tea party to make the atmosphere more lively?"

"Also, shouldn't our factory prepare a commemorative gift for Director Zhu? What do you think, should we use our newly released 'Green Mountains After Rain' commemorative porcelain set, or should we ask a master craftsman to make a custom set for him?"

He posed a series of questions, demonstrating that he had considered everything very thoroughly.

Li Feng looked at him and nodded inwardly.

Entrusting the task to Kim Yoo-fat was definitely the right decision.

These details are things that would really require some thought if I were to think about them myself.

But when it came to Jin Youfa, it was as clear and straightforward as number one, two, three, four.

“You handle these specific matters.” Li Feng handed over the initiative to him. “I have only one principle: it should be lively and exciting, but not extravagant or wasteful, and above all, it must not violate discipline. You are in charge of finding the right balance.”

"Yes! I understand! I understand!" Jin Youfa wrote down his notes while readily agreeing, "Don't worry, I guarantee I'll get this 'degree' figured out perfectly! It will make Director Zhu look good, leave no room for criticism from the higher-ups, and make all the comrades in our factory feel comfortable!"

He looked up, a confident smile on his face: "Director Li, I have a preliminary idea, what do you think?"

"tell me the story."

"The farewell party is scheduled for the night after tomorrow."

"As for the location, we'll hold it in the banquet hall on the first floor of our factory's small restaurant. It's a nice place and convenient. Regarding attendees, we'll invite the factory leadership team, all middle-level managers, the union chairpersons from each workshop, and representatives of past model workers and advanced producers. This will ensure both broad representation and strong representativeness." "In terms of the process, we'll start with a brief farewell ceremony. You can say a few words on behalf of the factory's Party Committee and all the employees, and Director Zhu can also say a few words."

"Then, we'll have a banquet in the banquet hall. As for the food, I'll have the chefs in the canteen use their best skills to prepare a few hearty dishes, but the standards will be strictly in accordance with the hospitality regulations, and we won't exceed them. For the drinks, we'll use our local Erguotou, not Moutai or Wuliangye."

"As for souvenirs," Jin Youfa smiled mysteriously, "I have an idea. Instead of sending those ready-made ones, I'll go to the old director of the painting workshop and ask him to personally take a few of his apprentices and paint a large porcelain plate specifically for Director Zhu."

"The painting depicts a panoramic view of our factory, and is inscribed with the eight characters 'A Bright Future, May We Create New Glory,' signed as a gift from all the employees of Wuxing Ceramics Factory."

"Look, this thing is not only commemorative, but also reflects the characteristics and level of our factory. It's not a valuable item, so no one can really say anything about it."

After saying this, Jin Youfa looked at Li Feng expectantly.

After listening, Li Feng couldn't help but admire him.

Pretty!

This arrangement is absolutely flawless.

The timing, location, personnel, procedures, and gifts were all carefully considered, and the word "stability" was evident in every aspect. This not only gave Director Zhu a great deal of face but also completely blocked any potential criticism.

The gift, especially the custom-made large porcelain plate, was a stroke of genius.

This is not only a token of goodwill, but also an excellent demonstration of achievements.

If Director Zhu brings this porcelain plate to the department and puts it in his office, isn't that the same as advertising the Five Star Ceramics Factory every day?
This Kim Yoo-fa is truly a talent!
"Very good." A satisfied smile finally appeared on Li Feng's face. "Director Jin, your plan is very comprehensive, I am very satisfied. Just do it according to your idea. If you need any support, come to me anytime."

"Oh! Thank you for your trust, Director Li!" Jin Youfa was so excited that his face turned red. "Don't worry, I guarantee I'll handle it perfectly!"

"Go ahead," Li Feng waved his hand.

Jin Youfa felt as if he had been granted a pardon, and bowed and scraped as he left, considerately closing the door gently behind him.

The office returned to silence.

Li Feng picked up his teacup and gently blew on the floating tea leaves.

A personnel manager who understands strategic planning, and an office director who understands interpersonal relationships.

As the acting factory manager, things seem to be going quite well so far.

He put down his teacup and picked up the phone again. This time, he dialed the project department's internal line.

"Hello, please help me find Zhou Jianjun."

The voice on the other end of the phone hesitated slightly: "Who...is this?"

"I am Li Feng."

"Ah! Director Li!" The other person's voice instantly became tense. "Please wait a moment, I'll go get him right away!" (End of Chapter)