Courtyard House: Starting in a Ceramics Factory

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Jiang Dashan's gaze sharpened, and he began to speak to Li Feng: "You may not know this, but since the first phase of your ceramics factory's technological upgrade was successful, the profits you've turned over have increased many times over. It's no exaggeration to say that your factory is now equivalent to several factories in the past! The Ministry's Finance Department has calculated this very clearly."

"You have created such great value for the country, so it is only right and entirely worthwhile for us to take a portion of it to support your research and development of more advanced technologies!"

He paused, then his tone became even more firm: "After you get back, have Comrade Wu Na take the lead in preparing a detailed budget plan based on your report, and submit it directly to Zheng Guowei. Then, the Planning Department and the Finance Department will jointly approve it."

"Let me be clear with you: as long as it's a reasonable and compliant necessary expense, the department will do its utmost to guarantee it! If we don't have enough money, I'll try to get donations from other departments to make up the difference!"

These words were like a reassuring pill, putting Li Feng's mind at ease.

With Minister Jiang's promise, the funding issue can be considered resolved.

"Thank you, Leader Jiang! Thank you, Director Zheng!" Li Feng said sincerely.

"No need for thanks. Providing tangible results is the best way to thank us." Jiang Dashan waved his hand, then changed the subject, asking, "Now that the funding issue is resolved, let's talk about another important matter. How's the progress at the West Suburbs Research Institute?"

This is the core topic of today's meeting.

The fully automated production line in the ceramics factory is just an "application example," while the core computer technology research and development being carried out by the West Suburbs Research Institute is the real "root."

Li Feng immediately sat up straight and recounted in more detail the content he had previously reported to Zheng Guowei to Jiang Dashan.

"...Currently, the institute's core theoretical research and basic architecture design have been basically completed, and it has entered the final experimental verification stage."

“I have left them with a detailed list of follow-up tasks and a technology roadmap.”

"At the current pace, as long as the experimental data fully meet the standards, we can immediately apply this more mature and complete control system to the second phase of the ceramics factory project."

After listening to Li Feng's report, Jiang Dashan's face showed a satisfied expression.

"Good, very good!" He nodded approvingly. "The ceramics factory is the production base, and the research institute is the research and development center. We must manage both well and make sure both are strong."

"Xiao Li, I know that this will make your burden even heavier and it may be very hard for you."

Zheng Guowei added, "Yes, Li Feng, you're juggling multiple roles now. One minute you're doing research and development at the research institute in the city, and the next you're running around to the factory in the suburbs to guide production. It's really not easy."

Jiang Dashan looked at Li Feng, a genuine concern in his eyes: "Little Li, you've done so much for the country, we can't just let you dedicate yourself without considering your personal life. You need to think about your personal situation now."

"What are your requests to the ministry? Whether they are work-related or personal, just tell us and we will try our best to meet them."

These words can be described as full of sincerity.

At Jiang Dashan's level, a single sentence carries immense weight.

As long as Li Feng speaks up, issues such as rank and benefits, housing, and household registration can probably be resolved immediately.

Zheng Guowei looked at Li Feng with encouraging eyes, signaling him not to be polite. However, to their surprise, after a brief moment of thought, Li Feng shook his head.

"Thank you, Leader Jiang, and thank you, Director Zheng, for your concern." He said with a smile, "I don't have any special requests right now. The country is still facing difficulties, and I mainly want to focus my energy on my work. My biggest wish is to complete the project as soon as possible."

There was a brief moment of silence in the office.

Jiang Dashan and Zheng Guowei were both stunned.

They had seen too many officials making demands, and they had also seen those who put on airs and used retreat as a tactic to advance, but they hadn't seen a young man like Li Feng in a long time, with clear eyes and such frank and sincere answers.

This is not just politeness, nor is it hypocrisy; it comes from the bottom of my heart.

This young man truly has his country and his career on his mind.

After a brief moment of surprise, the look of admiration on Jiang Dashan's face deepened.

He stood up, walked around the desk, and stood in front of Li Feng, extending his broad hand to pat him heavily on the shoulder.

"Good! Well done!" Jiang Dashan's voice was full of satisfaction and emotion: "Xiao Li, it's been a long time since I've seen a young person like you with such a pure heart! Having a comrade like you is our country's good fortune and the pride of our light industry front!"

He looked at Li Feng and solemnly promised, "I've remembered what you said. But my words still stand. From now on, no matter what difficulties you encounter, whether at work or in life, you can come to me or to Xiao Zheng anytime. We'll definitely help you solve anything we can!"

After speaking, Jiang Dashan glanced at his watch, seemingly feeling a bit pressed for time.

He turned to Zheng Guowei and said, "Xiao Zheng, alright, I have to go to a meeting in Jingjihai right away. You take Xiao Li to rest for a bit and let him relax."

“Yes, Leader Jiang.” Zheng Guowei immediately stood up.

Li Feng also stood up and said respectfully, "Leader Jiang, you are busy, we will not disturb you any longer."

"Mm." Jiang Dashan nodded and watched the two leave the office.

……

As Zheng Guowei walked out of Jiang Dashan's office and into the quiet corridor, the emotions in his heart remained unsettled for a long time.

He turned his head to look at the young man beside him, who was nearly twenty years younger than him, and couldn't help but ask, "Li Feng, what happened just now? Leader Jiang's words were law, such a good opportunity, why didn't you make any requests?"

In his view, Li Feng could have easily raised his rank and benefits, or helped his family with some practical difficulties; these were all perfectly reasonable and human nature.

Upon hearing this, Li Feng simply smiled faintly, his steps remaining steady.

"Zheng Si, I really don't have any special requests," he answered frankly. "I'm already very satisfied with what I have: enough to eat, enough to wear, a place to live, and the ability to do what I like and what I consider meaningful. As for salary and rank, I believe that as long as I achieve results, the organization will naturally make arrangements. The project is currently at a critical stage, and I don't want to be distracted by personal matters."

These words, spoken casually, once again sent a profound shock through Zheng Guowei's heart. (End of Chapter)