Courtyard House: Starting in a Ceramics Factory

Li Feng picked up the enamel mug on the table, took a sip of warm tea, and looked out the window.

The sun was shining brightly, and the faint hum of machines could be heard from the factory area, full of vitality and energy.

With the housing allocation settled, a weight was lifted from his heart.

Next, there's the issue of funding for the second phase of the project, which is the most important and also the most challenging problem right now.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but frown slightly.

……

At midday, sunlight streamed through the gaps in the blinds, casting dappled shadows in the office.

Li Feng had just finished processing the last document of the morning and was about to get up to go to the cafeteria for lunch when there was another knock on his office door.

"Enter."

The door was pushed open, and a beautiful figure walked in, instantly brightening up the somewhat dull office.

The person who came was Wu Na.

Li Feng looked up and his eyes lit up.

Wu Na was clearly dressed up carefully today.

She was wearing a stylish plaid wool coat with a classic black, white, and gray plaid pattern. The well-tailored coat perfectly accentuated her tall and slender figure.

The coat's lapel design accentuated her long, fair neck, making her look like a proud swan.

In an era where everyone generally wears monotonous colors such as blue, gray, and black, such a fashionable coat is undoubtedly extremely eye-catching.

Her face was adorned with delicate, light makeup; her willow-leaf eyebrows were meticulously groomed, making her features appear exquisitely beautiful. A touch of vibrant red lipstick was the perfect finishing touch, giving her a confident and radiant glow. She possessed a fashion sense rarely seen in women of this era, yet retained the dignified elegance of a well-bred lady.

"Director Li, busy?" Wu Na walked gracefully to Li Feng's desk with a slight smile, a faint scent of perfume wafting over with her.

"Section Chief Wu, you're back." Li Feng's gaze lingered on her for only a moment before returning to calm, and he nodded with a smile.

Regarding Wu Na's absence from work these past two days, Section Chief Zhang from the Personnel Department had already informed him of it. He had also personally approved the leave application, following the proper procedures, so he naturally wouldn't ask any further questions.

"Well, something came up at home, so I took two days off," Wu Na explained casually. She pulled out the chair opposite her desk and sat down naturally, her bright eyes looking at Li Feng.

“I heard it from Section Chief Zhang,” Li Feng replied.

Wu Na tucked a strand of hair that was hanging by her ear behind her ear; this unintentional gesture was full of feminine charm.

Then she looked at Li Feng and asked, "I'm back. Does the factory manager have any work for me? I've been resting for two days, and I feel like my bones are rusting."

Her tone was somewhat joking, but her eyes were very serious.

Upon hearing this, Li Feng pondered for a moment.

He was very clear about Wu Na's abilities.

As the head of the finance department for the second phase of the project, she is not only outstanding in her professional skills, but also meticulous and often has her own unique insights into problems.

That just so happens, he needs a capable person to help him sort out the funding issues for the second phase of the project.

Thinking of this, Li Feng nodded, his expression becoming serious: "I really do have something important to entrust to you."

"Please speak, Factory Director." Wu Na immediately sat up straight, looking like she was all ears.

"You need to compile a detailed summary report of all the funds that have flowed in and out of our Phase II project since its inception, as well as all the expenses."

When Li Feng finished speaking, he looked at Wu Na again, and then slowly said, "It needs to be as detailed as possible. The purpose of every payment must be clearly marked." "I need to have the clearest and most intuitive understanding of the financial situation of the entire project."

“No problem.” Wu Na agreed without hesitation. This kind of financial statement work was something she was very familiar with.

Li Feng continued, "This report is very important. After you finish it, I need to take it to the ministry to report to the leaders and try to secure further funding."

Upon hearing that she was to report to the ministry, Wu Na's eyes lit up; she immediately understood the significance of the report.

This is not just a simple financial summary, but a key weapon to persuade the ministry leaders and secure funding for the second phase of the project.

“I understand, Factory Manager.” Wu Na nodded solemnly. “I promise I will put this report on your desk before I leave work today.”

“Okay, I believe in your abilities.” Li Feng had no doubt about her efficiency.

After the work was finished, the atmosphere in the office relaxed a little.

Wu Na scrutinized Li Feng, seemingly hesitating about something.

After a few seconds, she asked casually, "By the way, Director Li... what about that thing my dad told you when we were at my house last time? What have you thought about it?"

She asked the question cleverly, without directly stating what it was about, but both of them knew the answer.

At the family dinner that day, Wu's father half-jokingly and half-seriously suggested that he wanted to introduce Wu Na to Li Feng.

Li Feng paused for a moment in mid-air as he picked up the teacup.

He didn't expect Wu Na to bring this up so directly.

The air in the office seemed to become somewhat subtle at that moment.

Li Feng put down his teacup, looked up, and met Wu Na's expectant eyes.

Her eyes were clear and direct, without the slightest hesitation. She looked at him calmly, as if awaiting a final verdict.

Li Feng remained silent for a moment, organizing his thoughts.

He must handle this matter properly.

We must neither hurt Wu Na's self-esteem, nor leave her with any unrealistic fantasies, nor affect our working relationship.

He looked at Wu Na and said in a gentle but unusually firm tone, "Section Chief Wu, I appreciate your father's kindness."

"But I already have a girlfriend."

There was no hesitation or ambiguity whatsoever.

Li Feng chose the most direct and honest approach.

He knew that for a proud and intelligent girl like Wu Na, any polite refusal or evasive answer would be disrespectful.

When Li Feng uttered the words "girlfriend," the light in Wu Na's eyes visibly dimmed.

Although she had a premonition and was even prepared to be rejected, when the moment actually came, her heart still felt like it had been pricked by a needle, with a subtle yet clear pain.

A fleeting, almost imperceptible look of disappointment and...resentment crossed her face.

But she returned to normal in just a moment.

She is, after all, Wu Na, the Wu Na who can maintain elegance and pride in any situation.

She forced a smile, shrugged casually, and said, "Really? That's such a shame." (End of Chapter)