Courtyard House: Starting in a Ceramics Factory

This young man not only possesses technical skills, but also has an extraordinary strategic vision! His insightful perspective and clear thinking make him a truly talented individual!
Although Jiang Dashan, sitting in the main seat, remained expressionless, the slight upturn of his lips betrayed his inner satisfaction.

Zheng Guowei felt honored and glanced at Minister Jiang. The two exchanged a knowing look.

They had already discussed Li Feng's report in depth privately yesterday and reached a high degree of consensus.

Furthermore, they had discussed this with several powerful deputies in the ministry. Having Li Feng speak in person today was simply a formality, a routine step, and also a way for Li Feng to showcase himself to more leaders, paving the way for his future development.

Judging from the current results, Li Feng's performance can be described as perfect.

Jiang Dashan didn't rush to speak. His deep gaze slowly swept across the room, as if soliciting everyone's opinion.

"Comrades, what are your thoughts on Comrade Li Feng's report and his explanation just now? Feel free to share your opinions." His voice was deep and steady.

A low murmur arose in the conference room.

"I think this idea is excellent and very forward-looking!" Director Wang of the Science and Technology Department spoke first. "Our country's industrial base is still relatively weak. The core technologies in many fields are in the hands of foreigners. We have always been in a passive catching-up situation. The idea proposed by Comrade Li Feng solves the problem from the source, and directly leaps from following and keeping pace to leading. I completely agree with this idea!"

"Although this technology is currently being applied to ceramic projects, I believe it will be applicable to other light industrial production lines once it matures."

"This is also to create conditions for our country to go international."

As soon as Director Wang finished speaking, Director Liu of the Production Coordination Department nodded in agreement.

"I agree with Director Wang's opinion."

“In particular, the point about ‘establishing standards’ hits the nail on the head.”

"Whoever controls the standards controls the future. We have suffered too much from the lack of standards in the past."

“The idea is good, but…” A slightly hesitant voice rang out. It was Vice Minister Zhang, who was in charge of finance and project approval: “Such a big project must require a huge investment, right? From equipment research and development to factory renovation and personnel training, where will this money come from? Our department’s budget for this year does not have such a large amount of contingency funds.”

"Moreover, we have already paid the taxes from the ceramics factory to the national treasury."

This is a very real and sensitive issue.

All eyes were once again focused on Li Feng.

Li Feng seemed to have been prepared for this, and he calmly replied, "Thank you for your question, Minister Zhang."

"Regarding the funding issue, I have made preliminary calculations and plans in the appendix of the report. The total investment for the entire project is expected to be between 30 million and 50 million."

"hiss--"

A collective gasp filled the conference room.

Fifty million! In an era where even having ten thousand yuan is considered incredibly wealthy, this is an astronomical figure!
“I don’t recommend that this funding be entirely allocated by the ministry,” Li Feng continued, his words easing the tense atmosphere somewhat.

"My suggestion is to adopt a three-pronged approach: government funding, bank loans, and self-financing by enterprises."

"The ministry can allocate a portion of the start-up funds as the initial research and development expenses for the project. This is both support and a kind of policy endorsement."

"With the ministry's endorsement and the project's promising prospects, we can apply for a long-term, low-interest loan from the national bank." "Five-Star Ceramics Factory itself has accumulated a customer base over the past few years, and sales revenue can be used as self-raised funds for investment."

"At the same time, we can also issue internal corporate bonds to raise funds from all employees of the factory."

As for attracting overseas investment, Li Feng didn't mention it. After all, such an advanced idea was unrealistic in this era and could easily lead to some bad situations, so Li Feng simply didn't mention this method.

After Li Feng finished speaking, the conference room fell silent once again.

The vice minister, who had just looked worried, now had a thoughtful expression on his face, with approval in his eyes.

This young man is so thoughtful! He even came up with such detailed solutions for funding, and his thinking is so broad that he has completely broken away from the traditional model of waiting, relying on others, and asking for handouts.

Jiang Dashan nodded in satisfaction; this was exactly the effect he wanted.

He wanted everyone to see that Li Feng not only had the ability to come up with ideas, but also the ability to bring those ideas to fruition.

He looked around the room again and asked in an unquestionable tone, "Comrades, are there any other questions? If not, we will vote on Comrade Li Feng's proposal by raising our hands. Those who agree, please raise your hands."

As soon as he finished speaking, Zheng Guowei was the first to raise his hand.

Immediately afterwards, Director Wang of the Science and Technology Department, Director Liu of the Production Coordination Department, and so on, raised their hands one after another.

Finally, everyone in the room, including several vice ministers, raised their hands.

There was not a single vote against, and not a single abstention.

It passed unanimously!

A relieved smile appeared on Jiang Dashan's face. He slammed his hand on the table and announced firmly:
"Alright! Since everyone agrees, then it's settled!"

"I hereby announce that the Ministry of Light Industry's 'Fully Automated Ceramic Production Line Demonstration Project' has been officially approved!"

"The project leadership group is established today, with me personally serving as the group leader and Comrade Zheng Guowei serving as the executive deputy group leader."

"Li Feng will serve as the overall person in charge of the project!"

Thunderous applause erupted in the conference room.

This time, the applause was more enthusiastic and heartfelt than ever before.

Standing at the podium, Li Feng looked at the faces before him, some gratified, some excited, and some approving, and listened to the thunderous applause. A surge of indescribable pride welled up in his heart.

He knew that from this moment on, the grand blueprint he had drawn up was no longer just a concept on paper.

He is about to usher in a new era of industrial automation in China!
The applause in the conference room continued for a long time until Jiang Dashan raised his hand and gently pressed it down, which calmed the enthusiastic atmosphere slightly.

He looked at Li Feng with eyes full of appreciation and expectation, like an old general looking at his prized student who was about to go to the battlefield.

"Comrade Li Feng, you have a heavy responsibility." Jiang Dashan's voice carried a serious tone: "This project is not only a matter for our Ministry of Light Industry, but also an important exploration of the national industrial strategic transformation. It can only succeed; failure is not an option. Do you have confidence?" (End of Chapter)