Courtyard House: Starting in a Ceramics Factory

With this in mind, Zhang Ying's smile became even more sincere and warm. She grabbed Wu Na, who had just gotten off the bus, and put her other hand affectionately on Li Feng's arm.

She kept saying, "Oh dear, come in quickly, it's windy outside. Little Li, make yourself at my house, don't be shy."

Li Feng was overwhelmed by her enthusiasm and could only follow her lead, walking inside while politely replying, "Auntie, I'm sorry to trouble you."

His gaze passed over Zhang Ying's shoulder and landed on Wu Zhenghua, who was sitting upright on the living room sofa.

That face, which could only be seen occasionally in the newspapers, was trying to project a friendly demeanor, but the imposing aura that came from years of holding a high position was still impossible to ignore.

Li Feng understood immediately, stood up straight, and respectfully greeted, "Greetings, Commander."

The address "Commander" instantly transformed the relaxed family atmosphere in the living room into a more formal setting.

Wu Na, who was listening nearby, couldn't help but quietly purse her lips.

Upon hearing this, Wu Zhenghua's smile faltered slightly before returning to normal. He waved his hand and said half-jokingly, "Little Li, you're being too formal. Last time you came to visit, you called me 'Uncle,' so why are you being so distant today, calling me 'Chief'?"

Li Feng smiled frankly and explained, "Last time I came, I didn't know it was you, so I was a bit presumptuous. Now that I know who you are, I naturally have to follow the proper etiquette."

This statement was neither humble nor arrogant, demonstrating both that the speaker was well-mannered and explaining the reason for the change in address.

Wu Zhenghua gave him a deep look, a hint of approval in his eyes.

It's good that young people know the rules, but at home, he prefers a different atmosphere.

“At work, I have no problem with you calling me ‘Chief,’ but today we’re at home, and Nana brought her friends home for dinner.” Wu Zhenghua’s tone softened, carrying an undeniable warmth.

"If you still consider me an elder, then call me 'Uncle' like last time. Otherwise, I won't feel at ease eating this meal."

These words not only brought them closer but also carried a hint of an elder's "command," making it impossible for the other person to refuse.

“Exactly!” Zhang Ying immediately smiled and smoothed things over, saying, “You two grown men shouldn’t be arguing about what to call each other at the door.”

"Quickly! Xiao Li! Come inside and sit down."

As she spoke, she gestured to her husband with her eyes, signaling him not to be so serious.

Then, she patted Wu Na on the shoulder and turned to Li Feng with a smile, saying, "Xiao Li, why don't you sit and chat with Nana and her dad for a while and watch TV? I still have two dishes to cook, both of which are my specialties. They'll be ready soon, so you have to try Auntie's cooking today."

After saying that, Zhang Ying took off her apron and walked back into the kitchen, humming a cheerful tune, clearly in a very good mood.

Soon, the sizzling sound of stir-frying and the rich aroma of food filled the kitchen again.

In the living room, the atmosphere subtly shifted again after Zhang Ying left.

Wu Zhenghua's gaze fell on Li Feng again, a scrutinizing look, a professionally inquisitive look. He was about to ask some questions about the current development of the Five Star Ceramics Factory; after all, he couldn't help but be curious about such a large operation being handed over to such a young man.

"Dad!" Before Wu Zhenghua could speak, Wu Na spoke first, with a hint of girlish coquettishness, and gently tugged at his sleeve, "You promised Mom that today would be a family dinner and we wouldn't talk about work. If you manage to drive Li Feng away, I won't be responsible."

Wu Zhenghua was interrupted by his daughter, and all the questions he had prepared immediately went back to him. He looked helplessly at his daughter, who always sided with outsiders, and shook his head with a wry smile: "Okay, okay, I won't ask, alright? Girls really are biased towards outsiders. She hasn't even entered the door yet, and she's already starting to protect them."

Although he said that, he felt very pleased.

The daughter's action precisely demonstrates how much she cares about Li Feng.

Wu Na blushed slightly and said reproachfully, "What do you mean! I'm just afraid that if you get carried away with your professional habit, you'll lecture me like a subordinate, which would be so embarrassing."

As she spoke, she pulled Li Feng to sit down on the sofa opposite Wu Zhenghua, and skillfully picked up the thermos on the coffee table to refill the teacups of Li Feng and her father with hot water.

“Li Feng, don’t mind my dad. That’s just how he is. When he sees a capable and promising young person, he can’t help but ask him a few more questions.” Wu Na pushed a steaming cup of tea in front of Li Feng and said softly.

Li Feng picked up the teacup, which was still warm to the touch. He smiled and nodded, "It's alright, I understand. Uncle Wu cares about the country's industrial development and also about us younger generations."

His natural way of calling him "Uncle Wu" made Wu Zhenghua's smile even more genuine.

The living room was simply furnished with a worn-out fabric sofa, an old-fashioned cabinet, and a small radio on top.

Apart from a few family photos on the wall, there were no other decorations. The house exuded a sense of simplicity and rigor, and you would never guess that it was the home of a high-ranking leader.

But for Li Feng, his state of mind at this moment was completely different from when he last came here.

He clearly remembered that when he came last time, although he appeared calm on the surface, he was still somewhat apprehensive and reserved in his heart, given Wu Na's background as a high-ranking official's family.

At that time, he was just a promising deputy director of a ceramics factory, and his future was full of uncertainty.

But now, it's different.

In less than a year, his life trajectory underwent a dramatic change.

He rose from a deputy technical director to a division-level director in charge of tens of thousands of employees and hundreds of millions of yuan in investment.

Previously, he followed Minister Jiang and listened to the strategic planning of the highest level for industrial layout. He worked side by side with Deputy Director Zheng Guowei to promote technological innovation in the entire ceramics industry. On the land of Wuxing Ceramics Factory, he personally created an emerging industrial miracle with one project after another and one technology after another.

With more experience, broader knowledge, and heavier responsibilities, a person's spirit and overall perspective naturally improve.

Now, when facing a leader like Wu Zhenghua, whom he once looked up to, he is still filled with respect, but the tension and fear stemming from the difference in status have been replaced by composure and confidence.

He can sit here with ease, as a junior who has made some achievements on the industrial front, engaging in equal exchanges with a senior leader who cares about the country's development.

This is a transformation in mindset, and also the confidence that comes with strength. (End of Chapter)