Courtyard House: Starting in a Ceramics Factory

Two days later, Monday.

The ceramics branch factory officially entered the Li Feng era, and the atmosphere of the entire factory area exuded a new vibe.

Li Feng arrived at the office early in the morning, processed two urgent documents, and had a brief meeting with the heads of several departments to learn about the weekend's production situation. The time quickly approached 10:00 AM.

There was a gentle knock on the office door.

"Please come in," Li Feng replied without looking up, his gaze still focused on a production report in his hand.

The door opened, and Jin Youfa, the director of the factory office, walked in.

Behind his signature large black-rimmed glasses, his eyes narrowed into slits with a smile, and he was holding a thick folder in his hands.

"Factory Manager, I've brought you the list of welfare housing allocations you requested." Director Jin gently placed the folder on Li Feng's large desk, adopting a very humble posture.

Li Feng put down his pen, rubbed his temples, and looked up at Jin Youfa: "Oh? It's finished so quickly? Thank you for your hard work, Director Jin."

"It's not hard work, it's all part of my job." Jin Youfa quickly waved his hand, a smile plastered on his face. "This matter concerns the vital interests of our factory's employees, so I dare not neglect it."

"After the list was drafted, I had it reviewed by several other factory leaders, and they all signed it. Now we are just waiting for your final approval."

Li Feng nodded, reached out and took the folder, and opened the first page.

The list was neatly prepared, with clear and legible printing. It was categorized by workshop and department, and each name was accompanied by key information such as length of service, position, and family situation, making it easy to understand at a glance.

Li Feng's gaze slowly swept across the list.

He saw many familiar names, the names of the veteran workers who had silently dedicated themselves to the production line for decades. Almost all of their names were on the list.

Li Feng has the deepest respect for these elderly people who have dedicated half their youth to the factory, and it is only right that they be provided with a welfare house to live out their old age in peace.

The list also includes most of the key personnel who came with him from the old factory.

Li Feng's gaze lingered briefly on a few names.

Zhou Jianjun, his good brother who entered the factory with him and supported each other all the way, was prominently listed.

A smile involuntarily crept onto Li Feng's lips. He could imagine Zhou Jianjun's excited, wide-eyed grin when he received the housing allocation notice.

And then there's Wang Liu, the senior apprentice in the potter's wheel workshop. He's a skilled but somewhat reserved man who's now a master craftsman.

Qian Fusheng, a fellow worker in the pottery workshop, although he was the slowest learner in pottery throwing, is now a father and has finally bought his own house.

Li Feng flipped through the pages one by one, looking at them very carefully.

He wasn't just looking at names; he was examining the fairness and public sentiment behind the list. Welfare housing allocation isn't just about providing housing; it's also about winning hearts and minds.

If this matter is handled well, it will greatly enhance the cohesion and sense of belonging of all the factory's employees. Jin Youfa stood aside, not daring to breathe, only secretly observing Li Feng's expression out of the corner of his eye.

He was actually a little uneasy. Although he had led the drafting of the list and it had been countersigned by other leaders, the final decision was made by the young acting factory director in front of him.

He knew very well that although Li Feng was young, his skills and courage far surpassed those of his peers, and he always saw things incisively.

If he overlooks something and Li Feng points out a flaw, then he'll have done his job perfectly.

After a long while, Li Feng finally turned to the last page and closed the folder.

"Hmm, the list is well-prepared." Li Feng looked up at Jin Youfa and said calmly, "It's very comprehensive, basically taking into account everyone who needs to be taken care of, and we haven't found any obvious omissions."

Hearing this, Jin Youfa finally felt relieved. He let out a long sigh of relief, and his smile became much more sincere: "I'm glad you're satisfied, Factory Director. We are strictly following the principles you set beforehand, giving priority to veteran employees and technical backbones who have long service, made great contributions, and have housing difficulties."

Li Feng picked up the pen on the table, removed the cap, and without the slightest hesitation, signed his name—Li Feng—at the end of the signature column in a flamboyant style.

With the final stroke of the pen, the list of welfare housing allocations, which had been on the minds of hundreds of families across the factory, officially came into effect.

"Alright." Li Feng handed the signed folder back to Jin Youfa. "Let's publish the list as soon as possible, so everyone can be happy and put their minds at ease."

"Yes, yes, I'll take care of it right away!" Jin Youfa took the folder as if it were a treasure, carefully holding it in his arms. This was the best proof of his work performance.

"By the way," Li Feng called out to Jin Youfa, who was about to turn and leave, "how's the construction progress on the welfare housing project? How much longer will it take?"

Jin Youfa immediately stopped and turned around to respectfully reply, "Factory Director, I was just about to report this to you."

“I went to the construction site last week and met with Section Chief Liu from the construction company.”

"The main construction has been completed, and interior decoration and water and electricity pipeline installation are underway. The progress is going smoothly. According to Section Chief Liu, it will be completed and ready for delivery in three weeks at most."

“Three weeks…” Li Feng hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “That’s enough time.”

He then raised his voice and his expression became serious: "Director Jin, we need to keep track of the project's progress, but we need to keep track of the quality even more! These houses are being built for our own factory workers, not for show. There absolutely cannot be any problems with the quality, not even the slightest flaw! Do you understand what I mean?"

Li Feng's gaze was as sharp as an eagle's, making Jin Youfa's heart skip a beat.

He immediately straightened his back, patted his chest, and assured, "Factory Manager, don't worry! I've emphasized this point to Section Chief Liu and me countless times! I assure you, Section Chief Liu and I will personally oversee the construction site and strictly control the quality! From every brick and tile to every electrical wire, we will strictly inspect everything according to the standards. If there are any quality problems with the house, you can hold me responsible!"

Seeing Jin Youfa's confident expression, Li Feng's serious expression softened, and he nodded in satisfaction: "Good, I'm relieved to hear that."

"I'm entrusting you with full responsibility for this matter. You must handle it perfectly."

"I guarantee I'll complete the mission!" Jin Youfa shouted in response, then picked up the folder and left the office, satisfied.

Silence returned to the office. (End of Chapter)