Courtyard House: Starting in a Ceramics Factory

Upon hearing Wu Na's words, Director Zheng shook his head at her and then said, "Of course not."

"That's not what I meant."

He then gave instructions to Xiao Zhang, who was not far away.

"Xiao Zhang, go get my best jar of Da Hong Pao tea and brew it for Director Li!" Zheng Guowei instructed the young staff member who was still standing there in a daze at the door.

"Oh, okay, okay, Director!" The young man felt as if he had been granted a pardon and quickly turned around to make tea.

Zheng Guowei then sat down again on the sofa opposite Li Feng. He carefully examined Li Feng, his eyes full of appreciation and satisfaction.

"You kid, you can do that!"

"The high-ranking leader's inspection of the second phase of the ceramics factory project, and the concept of that fully automated production line—Minister Jiang just mentioned you to me, and he spoke very highly of you!"

Zheng Guowei's voice carried a hint of excitement and pride, as if he were showing off his most prized work.

Li Feng smiled modestly: "It's all thanks to the support of the leaders and the joint efforts of my colleagues in the factory. I just offered some immature ideas."

"You're being too modest," Zheng Guowei waved his hand. "What I admire most about you is your boldness and drive! What we need most in our construction projects right now are young people like you who have the skills, ideas, and courage!"

He leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice, saying, "To be honest, I was able to remove the 'deputy' title so quickly thanks to you and the ceramics factory project! I, Zheng Guowei, will remember this favor."

That's a very strong statement.

When a director at the provincial level says such things to a factory director at the division level, it's not just appreciation, but a genuine heartfelt confidant, treating the other person as his trusted confidant and right-hand man.

Wu Na, sitting to the side, was also deeply moved upon hearing these words.

She knew that Li Feng and Director Zheng had a good relationship, but she didn't expect it to be this good.

It seems that Li Feng's future path will only become wider and wider.

Li Feng felt a warmth in his heart. He knew that Zheng Guowei was a man of strong emotions and was speaking from the heart.

"Zheng Si, you're being too polite."

"If it weren't for your strong opposition and the opportunity you gave me back then, I wouldn't be where I am today. I will always remember your kindness and support," Li Feng said sincerely.

"Good! Good!" Zheng Guowei patted Li Feng's knee with satisfaction. "We're all family, no need for formalities. Tell me, did you come to see me today about the fully automated production line? Did you bring the materials?"

“I brought it, along with a summary of all the funds,” Li Feng said, gesturing to Wu Na.

Wu Na immediately understood and handed over the file folder in her hand.

Li Feng took the file bag, pulled out the report that embodied his countless efforts, and handed it to Zheng Guowei with both hands: "Director Zheng, this is our ceramics branch's detailed feasibility report on building the first fully automated computer-controlled ceramics production line in China, as well as related technical specifications and budget plans. Please review it."

Zheng Guowei's eyes sharpened instantly. He solemnly took the report, but instead of opening it immediately, he looked at Li Feng and asked in a deep voice, "Li Feng, let me ask you, how confident are you about this project? Is it really as you reported to Minister Jiang at the ceramics factory last time?"

This is not just a matter of project approval; it is also related to Zheng Guowei's newly secured position as director and the future technological development direction of the entire Ministry of Light Industry.

If successful, it will be a monumental achievement. But if it fails, he, as the director of the planning department who strongly advocated for it, will inevitably bear the main responsibility.

Facing Zheng Guowei's scrutinizing gaze, Li Feng showed no hesitation or retreat. His back was ramrod straight, and his voice was clear and firm:
"Zheng Si, I'm absolutely certain!"

These six resounding words acted like a reassurance, instantly relaxing Zheng Guowei's tense nerves.

He burst into laughter, his voice loud and clear, filled with heartfelt joy and exhilaration.

"Great! A perfect 100% certainty!"

Zheng Guowei patted Li Feng's shoulder forcefully, his eyes practically overflowing with admiration: "I knew you never fight a battle unprepared! You dare to say that to Minister Jiang, and you still dare to say that to me, which means you really have confidence in your abilities!"

He knows Li Feng too well.

Although this young man is not old, he acts with unusual composure, and one could even say he is quite mature.

He never makes empty promises or boasts. If he makes a promise, he will definitely keep it, and often he will do so in a way that exceeds everyone's expectations.

When Li Feng was working on the first phase of the ceramics factory project, he made a solemn pledge despite everyone's skepticism.

The results of it?
Not only did they successfully complete the task, but they also created a model project that attracted the attention of the entire light industry system.

It was precisely because of this trust that Zheng Guowei dared to strongly support Li Feng in front of Minister Jiang and dared to deeply tie his political future to this project.

Li Feng and Wu Na exchanged a smile. Neither of them spoke, but simply sat quietly on the sofa, watching the undisguised excitement on Zheng Guowei's face.

They knew that at this moment, any words were superfluous; they only needed to wait quietly and let their leader process this joy.

After a moment, Zheng Guowei calmed down a bit. He picked up the thick report on the coffee table and began to read it carefully.

The office fell silent instantly, with only the rustling sound of papers turning.

Zheng Guowei read very slowly and carefully, almost word by word.

His expression changed constantly as the report unfolded, sometimes his brows furrowed as if he were pondering a technical detail, and sometimes his expression relaxed, with a faint smile unconsciously appearing at the corners of his mouth; when he saw key technical parameters and data comparisons...

He would even unconsciously tap his fingers lightly on the sofa armrest, his eyes gleaming.

Li Feng and Wu Na appeared to be very patient.

They knew the importance of this report and understood Zheng Guowei's feelings at that moment.

This is not just a project feasibility report; it is more like a blueprint, a grand blueprint depicting the future of China's ceramic industry and even the future of automation in the entire light industry.

Every word and every piece of data here represents the culmination of Li Feng's countless days and nights of hard work.

Xiao Zhang quietly entered, carrying a cup of brewed Da Hong Pao tea. He placed the teacups on the coffee table in front of the three people, then silently withdrew, closing the office door behind him.

The fragrant aroma of tea filled the air, adding a touch of warmth to the somewhat austere office. (End of Chapter)