Courtyard House: Starting in a Ceramics Factory

I've been waiting for you for so long.

The words carried a hint of coquettishness, like a feather gently brushing against Li Feng's heart, causing his nerves, which had been tense from a busy day, to relax slightly.

As the evening sun set, dappled light filtered through the leaves of the tall plane trees in the factory area, casting shadows. One ray of light fell on Wu Na's face, making her already fair skin even more radiant, almost dazzlingly bright.

Li Feng came to his senses and looked at Wu Na, who was poised and even somewhat proactive, with a sense of surprise.

He composed himself and asked with a hint of doubt, "You... you're waiting for me here? Is there something you need?"

Seeing Li Feng's puzzled expression, Wu Na couldn't help but chuckle, her bright eyes curving into beautiful crescent moons: "Director Li, don't be nervous, it's not about work. It's my dad; he wants to invite you... to his house for a casual dinner tonight."

"It's just a casual meal."

"Are you available?"

After Wu Na finished speaking, she began to gaze at Li Feng.

"Your dad wants to invite me to dinner?" Li Feng was genuinely stunned.

This development was somewhat unexpected for him; Wu Na's father had already treated him to a meal last time.

But now that it's this late, Li Feng subconsciously asked, "Why didn't you say so earlier?"

Upon hearing Li Feng's words, Wu Na said helplessly, "My dad said that if he spoke up personally, you might feel pressured and like you were being ordered around by your boss, which would make you uncomfortable."

Wu Na tilted her head, a mischievous smile in her eyes. "Besides, haven't you been talking to people all afternoon? I can't just barge into your office and interrupt your factory leaders' work meeting, can I?"

Her words were reasonable and logical, explaining the reasons and subtly flattering Li Feng, which made him feel much better.

Upon hearing this, Li Feng showed a hint of apology on his face: "It was my oversight that made you wait so long."

He quickly started to calculate in his mind.

Wu Na's father was none other than Chief Wu Zhenghua.

If I were to refuse an invitation of this caliber, I would be ungrateful.

Going to eat this meal is beneficial in every way, from any perspective.

With that in mind, Li Feng no longer hesitated and readily nodded: "Okay! Then... shall we go now?"

"Okay!" When Wu Na saw him agree, her smile became even brighter and she nodded heavily, as if she had completed an important task.

"Wait a moment, I'll call and arrange a car," Li Feng said, turning to walk towards his office.

"No need!" Wu Na quickly followed, pointing to the gate. "My dad left his car with me and had the driver take us there."

Li Feng paused, once again giving Wu Zhenghua a second look of admiration for his thoughtfulness and attentiveness.

He had arranged everything perfectly, even the means of transportation, so that he wouldn't leave himself any room for refusal or inconvenience.

"Alright, let's go." Li Feng smiled, decided to leave empty-handed, and walked side by side with Wu Na toward the factory gate.

The two walked along the empty factory avenue, the setting sun casting long shadows of them.

Wu Na's white leather shoes made a crisp "tap, tap, tap" sound as they stepped on the cement ground, which was particularly clear in the quiet environment.

"Should we just go straight there?" Li Feng asked as they walked. "Wouldn't it be inappropriate for me to go empty-handed?"

“My dad said it’s just a regular meal, and he told you not to bring anything, and you know that!”

"Actually, my family doesn't lack anything."

Li Feng was also well aware of what Wu Na had said.

However, Li Feng should definitely bring something when he goes to Wu Na's house for dinner; it's basic courtesy. If he were to arrive empty-handed, it would be considered impolite of him as a junior.

Especially since the other party was a senior figure like Wu Zhenghua.

"Being polite is one thing, but we still need to show courtesy." Li Feng smiled, turned around, and headed towards the state-run store.

“Perfect timing, I’ll go buy two bottles of wine. Your dad and I should both have a drink.”

After Li Feng finished speaking, he prepared to go to the state-run store to buy alcohol.

Wu Na felt somewhat helpless at this moment, but she still followed him. As she walked, she said to Li Feng, "Li Feng, you really don't need to spend so much money."

"This is nothing," Li Feng waved his hand, his tone very relaxed.

He is now a proper factory director at the division level, and his monthly salary plus various subsidies is quite considerable.

Buying two bottles of good wine is really not a burden for him.

The two entered the state-run store, which wasn't crowded at this time.

The saleswoman in the blue uniform was leaning against the counter, yawning. She only lazily raised her eyelids when she saw someone come in.

"Comrade, what would you like to buy?"

Li Feng's gaze fell directly on the innermost part of the counter, on the glass-locked display case.

"Could you please bring two bottles of Moutai?"

Upon hearing this, the salesperson immediately perked up. This was a big sale.

She deftly took out the key, unlocked the cabinet, and carefully took out two bottles of Maotai liquor with antique packaging, placing them on the counter.

"That's 8 yuan in total," the salesperson announced.

This price is almost half a month's salary for an ordinary worker, enough to deter most people.

Watching from the side, Wu Na couldn't help but mutter again, "It is a bit expensive..."

Li Feng acted as if he hadn't heard, took out his wallet from his pocket, counted out the corresponding banknotes and tickets, and handed them over. The whole process was swift and decisive, without the slightest hesitation.

His current position and status dictate that he must have the vision and scale to match them.

Bringing two bottles of Moutai when dining at Wu Zhenghua's home is the most basic and appropriate gesture. It shows respect without being overly ostentatious.

The sales clerk took the money, and his smile became much more genuine. He even found a red net bag and carefully tied the two bottles of wine together so that it would be easier for him to carry them.

"Here you go."

"Thank you."

Li Feng picked up the wine and walked out of the store with Wu Na.

Looking at the heavy bottle of wine in his hand and then at his calm and composed profile, Wu Na suddenly felt a strange emotion welling up inside her.

She had seen too many young people following their fathers, some cautious and timid, some obsequious, and some pretentious and aloof.

But someone like Li Feng is the first of his kind.

He understands the necessity of social etiquette, yet he maintains his composure and demeanor within it, remaining neither arrogant nor servile, striking just the right balance.

This maturity and composure far exceeded his twenty-one years, possessing a reassuring charm.

Perhaps this is what they call attraction. (End of Chapter)