Courtyard House: Starting in a Ceramics Factory

Although she had known through various channels that Li Feng had a girlfriend, and even knew that she was a medical student.

But when these words came from Li Feng's mouth, spoken in such a calm and certain tone, the feeling was completely different.

It was a sense of loss... of everything finally settling down.

It's like having a treasure you secretly keep in your heart, something you occasionally take out to admire, only to be suddenly told that it never belonged to you and that it already has a rightful owner.

A hint of resentment, a hint of grievance, and a hint of jealousy that she herself was unwilling to admit quietly spread in her heart.

But her inherent pride wouldn't allow her to show any unusual behavior. She simply lowered her head even further, her long eyelashes drooping down, concealing all the emotions in her eyes, like an outsider detached from the situation.

However, to Li Feng's surprise, Wu Zhenghua, the one who initiated all of this, did not show much surprise on his face.

His expression remained calm and composed, as if Li Feng's answer was entirely within his expectations.

He looked at Li Feng quietly for a few seconds, and a hint of approval appeared in his eyes, which had seen it all.

"Ah."

Wu Zhenghua nodded slowly, picked up his teacup, blew on the tea leaves floating on top, and took a leisurely sip. This action instantly eased the tense atmosphere in the living room.

"Capital Medical University? A very nice girl." Wu Zhenghua put down his teacup, a gentle smile even appearing on his face. "Let me tell you, Xiao Li, at your age, twenty-two is the prime of your life. You're a top student from Tsinghua University and currently the acting factory director of Wuxing Factory. You have a bright future ahead of you."

"If you say you haven't found a partner, then I'll start to question whether there's something wrong with your character."

These words were extremely well-spoken, affirming Ding Qiunan, praising Li Feng, and also explaining the rationale behind his earlier "abrupt" question, as if he were truly just an elder concerned about the personal life of a junior.

Li Feng breathed a slight sigh of relief; it seemed Uncle Wu wasn't trying to force him. He was just about to take this opportunity to say a few polite words and completely let the awkward topic pass.

However, Wu Zhenghua's next words made Li Feng's heart, which had just settled down, jump into his throat again.

Wu Zhenghua suddenly changed the subject; although his voice remained gentle, the meaning behind it became much deeper.

“However, Xiao Li…” He looked at Li Feng, his gaze sharpening slightly, “Young people fall in love based on passion and mutual affection, which is very good and precious.”

"But life is a long journey, and feelings alone are not enough."

“You are a smart kid. You should understand that if a person wants to go higher and further, relying solely on their talent and hard work can sometimes be very difficult, and they may even suffer setbacks.”

Wu Zhenghua's fingers tapped lightly on the mahogany coffee table, making soft "tap, tap" sounds. Each sound seemed to strike a chord in Li Feng's heart.

"This society has its own rules of operation."

"Often, we call connections, background, circles... these intangible things 'resources'."

"These resources can save you a lot of effort and ensure that you have someone to lend a hand or help you open a door at crucial moments."

"Your girlfriend is a good girl, and being a doctor is a highly respected profession. But..."

Wu Zhenghua paused here, not finishing his sentence.

But the implications of his unfinished words were already quite obvious.

A doctor, even one who graduated from Capital Medical University, can only offer you care and support in your daily life.

But she can't give you career support, nor can she provide you with the "resources" to reach higher levels.

And these are things that our Wu family can give you.

Throughout the entire conversation, Wu Zhenghua never mentioned "Wu Na" or the "Wu family," but every word he spoke was like a precise scalpel, dissecting the veil of warmth and revealing the most realistic and direct stakes to Li Feng. This was no longer an implication; it was practically an explicit statement!
The air in the living room felt even more oppressive than before.

Zhang Ying no longer concealed her intentions; her eyes lit up again as she stared intently at Li Feng, as if to say, "Child, do you understand? What a wonderful opportunity this is!"

Wu Na's pretty face, buried in her chest, was now burning hot.

She felt utterly ashamed. She hadn't expected her father to say things like that; it was practically...selling himself.

She felt both ashamed and angry, her heart filled with resentment towards her father, but at the same time, deep in her heart there was a faint hope that she dared not even admit herself.

She couldn't help but secretly lift her eyelids and quickly glance at Li Feng.

What would he choose?
This question lingered in her mind like a curse.

Li Feng's brain was racing at that moment. Wu Zhenghua's words were like bullets, shooting into his mind and stirring up countless thoughts.

He admitted that what Wu Zhenghua said was true.

In this era, and indeed in any era, the importance of resources and background is self-evident. His success today is certainly due to systematic assistance and his own hard work, but it also owes much to the appreciation and support of influential figures like Deputy Director Zheng Guowei and Minister Jiang.

If he could gain the support of the Wu family, his future path would undoubtedly be much smoother, and he might even reach heights he never dared to dream of before.

This is a huge temptation.

A temptation strong enough to sway any ambitious young person.

but……

Ding Qiunan's face reappeared in Li Feng's mind.

That clean, gentle face, always with a faint smile.

I recall the pure, unadulterated joy in her eyes every time she saw me.

I recall the times we spent together walking along the tree-lined paths of Capital Medical University, eating the simplest meals at small restaurants, yet feeling incredibly happy.

That feeling was the most precious thing he had ever cherished in both his lives.

Is it used to exchange for so-called "resources" and "future prospects"?
Li Feng's heart instantly became incredibly resolute.

There are some things that are bottom lines that must never be crossed.

He took a deep breath, and the last trace of hesitation in his eyes disappeared, replaced by clarity and determination.

He had already thought of his words, wanting to clearly refuse without completely severing ties and damaging his relationship with the Wu family.

He looked up, about to speak.

"Uncle Wu, I..."

"Hey,"

Li Feng had barely finished speaking when Wu Zhenghua raised his hand to interrupt him.

Wu Zhenghua waved his hand, his smile remaining gentle, as if those oppressive words from just now were not spoken by him at all.

"Little Li, don't rush to answer me." (End of Chapter)