Courtyard House: Starting in a Ceramics Factory

Without further delay, Zheng Guowei closed the office door and led Li Feng and Wu Na toward the cafeteria.

The ministry's canteen was large, simply decorated but bright and clean, full of the characteristics of the 1960s.

It was lunchtime, and the cafeteria was bustling with people.

The air was filled with the aroma of food, mixed with the hushed conversations of people, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Zheng Guowei was clearly a regular here; people greeted him respectfully along the way, calling him "Director Zheng."

He simply smiled and nodded in acknowledgment, but did not stop walking.

The three of them got their food and found a quiet corner by the window to sit down.

The meal was simple: two meat dishes, two vegetable dishes, and a soup. The white rice was steamed until each grain was distinct.

But for someone who has been starving all day, it is a rare delicacy.

During the meal, Zheng Guowei did not discuss work-related matters. Instead, like an elder, he casually inquired about Li Feng's situation at the ceramics factory and showed concern for his life.

This seemingly casual chat allowed Li Feng to feel Zheng Guowei's heartfelt care, warming his heart.

The meal was finished quickly.

Zheng Guowei put down his chopsticks, wiped his mouth with a napkin, and then looked at Li Feng, saying in a deep voice, "Xiao Li, you've had a hard day. Here, I'll arrange for someone to take you to the guesthouse to rest. Get some rest, because Minister Jiang might have something to say to you this afternoon after he's finished with his business."

With a "buzz," Wu Na felt as if something had hit her head.

She stared wide-eyed at Zheng Guowei in disbelief, then at Li Feng, who remained calm.

what's the situation?
We already met for almost two hours this morning, why do we have to meet again this afternoon?
This...this treatment is way too much!
Wu Na has worked in the department for many years and has seen all sorts of people.

Some came from local governments seeking projects, some from local enterprises requesting policies, and some from other ministries coordinating work.

Being able to meet Minister Jiang and talk for ten or twenty minutes would be enough for them to brag about for half a year.

It's unheard of for someone like Li Feng to talk for two hours in the morning and then continue talking in the afternoon!

This goes beyond simply being described as "important".

This clearly shows that they are treating Li Feng as the most core and trusted expert in the ministry, and even cultivating him as a future backbone!

In an instant, Wu Na's heart was filled with turmoil.

She looked at the young man in front of her, who was a few years younger than her. He had a calm expression, and his brows revealed a composure and confidence beyond his years, as if all of this was a matter of course to him.

At that moment, Wu Na's admiration and curiosity burned even brighter, like dry tinder tossed into a spark. She realized that her previous understanding of Li Feng might have been too superficial.

The energy and potential this man possessed far exceeded her imagination.

Zheng Guowei took in Wu Na's shock, but he said nothing. He simply turned to Wu Na and said, "Xiao Wu, why don't you go and rest for a bit? There might be a meeting with the finance department this afternoon. You can go and attend."

"Oh... okay, okay, Zheng Si." Wu Na finally came to her senses and quickly nodded in response.

Afterwards, Zheng Guowei called his secretary, Xiao Zhang, and asked him to take Li Feng and Wu Na to the ministry's guesthouse to check in.

The ministry's guesthouse is quite nice. Although it can't compare to big hotels outside, it's clean, tidy, and has strict security.

Li Feng was assigned to a single room.

The room wasn't big, but it had a single bed, a desk, and a thermos—everything you'd need.

After seeing Xiao Zhang off and closing the door, the whole world seemed to quiet down. The past few days of running around, coupled with the high level of tension he had been under that morning, left Li Feng feeling a bit tired.

Rarely did he have such a relaxing moment of leisure, so he took off his coat and lay down on the bed fully clothed.

The bed frame was a bit hard, but the bedding was dry and had a mixed smell of sunshine and soap.

Outside the window, the autumn sunlight streamed through the glass and fell on the wooden floor, creating a warm and tranquil atmosphere.

Li Feng closed his eyes, the chaotic thoughts in his mind gradually subsided, and he soon fell into a deep sleep.

In another room, however, Wu Na was wide awake.

She sat on the edge of the bed, her mind replaying the events of the day.

From Li Feng's report that amazed everyone, to Director Zheng's undisguised appreciation, and then to Minister Jiang's extraordinary reception... it all played back in her mind like a movie.

The more she thought about it, the more turbulent her heart became.

In such a short time, he has grown into a key figure who can influence the decision-making of major national projects, and has become a pillar of the country who is regarded differently and entrusted with important responsibilities by even the top leaders of ministries.

This rate of growth is simply terrifying.

Wu Na couldn't help but compare herself to Li Feng.

She came from a privileged background and was always one of the best among her peers. Whether in her studies or work, everything went smoothly for her, and she was seen as a prodigy by others.

She was also proud of it.

But at this moment, in front of Li Feng's dazzling light, she felt for the first time how insignificant her so-called "excellence" was.

In her heart, there was admiration, curiosity, and a touch of something indescribable... a flutter of excitement. She found herself increasingly wanting to understand this man, to know just how much was in his mind, and to know where his limits lay.

……

Time slipped away quietly in slumber and contemplation.

At five o'clock in the afternoon, the clouds on the horizon had been dyed a magnificent orange-red by the setting sun.

Li Feng was awakened by a soft knock on the door.

He opened his eyes, still a little dazed, and sat up, only to realize that he had slept until evening.

"Who?" he called out.

"Director Li, it's me, Xiao Zhang."

"Minister Jiang requests your presence." The voice of Director Zheng's secretary came from outside the door.

Li Feng jolted awake and instantly became clear-headed.

He quickly got out of bed, straightened his slightly wrinkled clothes, washed his face with cold water to make himself look more refreshed, and then hurried over to open the door.

Xiao Zhang displayed a respectful yet capable demeanor, smiling and gesturing for him to proceed.

When I arrived at Jiang Dashan's office again, it was already dark outside, and soft lights were on inside.

Jiang Dashan was sitting behind his desk when he saw Li Feng enter. He rubbed his tired temples and a gentle smile appeared on his face.

After all, Jiang Dashan valued Li Feng highly, so when he saw Li Feng, a smile appeared on his face. (End of Chapter)