Courtyard House: Starting in a Ceramics Factory

Li Feng quickly took in the expressions on their faces before continuing to speak to them.

"This means that this project is not only an engineering project, but also a political mission."

“Every important position in the project is being scrutinized under the microscope of the department leaders.”

"To be more frank..." Li Feng's voice lowered, "Everyone in your current positions has been working for quite a few years now."

"Whether you want to move up a bit or not, this is your chance."

boom!
Li Feng's seemingly casual remark was like a bombshell, instantly detonating in the hearts of several deputy factory directors and Wu Qing!

Their breathing became rapid at almost the same time.

Should we move it?
These three words hold a fatal allure for veteran cadres who have been hovering between deputy and full division-level positions for many years!

In officialdom, a single step can make all the difference.

Who doesn't want to improve? Who doesn't want to take their career to the next level? But once you reach their level, taking another step forward is incredibly difficult. Besides seniority and ability, opportunity is even more crucial.

Now, Li Feng has laid out a tremendous opportunity right in front of them!

This "fully automated ceramic production line demonstration project" is the road to success that will allow them to leap over the dragon gate!

The deputy factory director's hand unconsciously tightened around the teacup, his knuckles turning slightly white from the force. Deputy Factory Director Liu's Adam's apple bobbed, and an unprecedented glint flashed in his eyes. Even the usually composed Wu Qing's breathing became noticeably heavier, his hands, resting on his knees, quietly clenching into fists.

They all understood the subtext of Li Feng's words: as long as they achieved results in this project and the department leaders saw their abilities and contributions, then future promotions would be a natural outcome.

This is no longer a hint, but almost an explicit promise!

Li Feng took in the reactions of the others and understood what was going on.

This is exactly the effect he wanted. While ideals and sentiments can certainly unite people, a proper alignment of interests is what allows this team to unleash its full fighting power.

He didn't say anything more, but simply picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and gave them time and space to process this shocking news.

The office fell into an eerie silence, broken only by the slightly rapid breathing of a few people and the ticking of the wall clock.

After a long silence, the most senior deputy factory director took a deep breath and broke the silence first. He stood up and solemnly said to Li Feng, "Director Li, thank you for your support of us old guys! From today onwards, I, Xiang Guangming, entrust my life to you and this project! Whatever you ask me to do, I will do without hesitation!"

His words represented the sentiments of everyone.

"Yes! Director Li, we'll all listen to you!"

"Through fire and water, no matter what!"

Wu Qing also stood up, her voice trembling slightly, but her eyes were incredibly firm: "Director Li, on behalf of all the employees of the branch factory, I pledge that we will complete any task you assign us with guaranteed quality and quantity!"

Looking at the excited, determined, and eager faces before him, Li Feng knew that he had completely united them and built a core team that truly belonged to him, ready to be summoned, capable of fighting, and guaranteed to win.

"Great!" Li Feng stood up, a smile spreading across his face. "With you all saying that, I'm relieved! Our business officially sets sail from today onwards!"

The next day, an official document was issued from the Ministry of Light Industry to the Wuxing Ceramics Factory and several related sister units.

The document's title was striking and solemn—"Notice Regarding the Establishment of a Leading Group for the 'Fully Automated Ceramic Production Line Demonstration Project'." The content of the notice caused a huge uproar within the factory.

The document clearly states that, in order to ensure the smooth progress and complete success of the project, the Party Group of the Ministry has decided to establish a special leading group.

The team leader was personally appointed by Comrade Jiang Dashan, Minister of Light Industry.

The list of deputy leaders is even more impressive: Zheng Guowei, Director of the Planning Department; Liu Min, Director; He Guang, Deputy Director; Zhao Yingwei, Deputy Director; and Li Feng, Acting Director of Wuxing Ceramics Factory.

The document also specifically states at the end that Comrade Li Feng will serve as the overall person in charge of the project and will be responsible for all aspects of the project's daily operations.

This notice was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, and the ripples it created quickly spread to every corner of the factory.

"My goodness! Minister Jiang is personally leading the team! This project is on an incredibly high level!"

"Look who the deputy team leaders are! Director Zheng, Director Liu... these are all very important figures in the ministry!"

"The most crucial person is Director Li! Look where his name is listed! It's after several directors and deputy directors! What does that mean?"

"This shows that Director Li is already a key reserve cadre being groomed by the ministry! With this position and this ranking, how far is he from becoming a deputy director-general level official? It's just a step away!"

"Absolutely! And to make him the overall head is an incredible show of trust and reliance! Our factory is about to produce a dragon!"

The factory's cadres and employees were discussing this matter enthusiastically, both in the workshop and in the canteen.

His words were filled with shock, envy, and a sense of pride in sharing in the glory.

The way they looked at Li Feng had completely changed; it was a complex gaze mixed with awe, worship, and boundless expectation.

They all knew that Minister Jiang's personal leadership meant that the project had risen to the highest strategic level within the ministry, and was a political task that absolutely could not be failed.

Li Feng's inclusion in such an important position on this list indicates a bright and limitless political future.

Just as the factory was buzzing with discussion, Jin Youfa, the director of the factory office, called, his voice more respectful than usual.

"Director Li, it's a call from the Planning Department of the Ministry. They want you to be at the Ministry at 9:00 AM tomorrow to attend the project launch meeting."

"Understood, Director Jin." Li Feng hung up the phone, his eyes calm.

All this was within his expectations.

……

The following morning, in the conference room on the third floor of the Ministry of Light Industry.

The long conference table was already full of people. In addition to a few nominal deputy group leaders, the directors and section chiefs of relevant departments such as the Planning Department, Infrastructure Department, and Equipment Department were all present, each with a newly printed project document in hand. The atmosphere in the conference room was serious and solemn.

Li Feng arrived ten minutes early and sat to the left of Director Zheng Guowei.

Zheng Guowei was dressed in a smart Zhongshan suit today and looked very energetic.

He is chairing this meeting today. (End of Chapter)