Courtyard House: The Chef's Intelligence System

Li Jiuzhou shrugged indifferently.

"Factory manager, I'm not arguing, I'm just stating the facts. Whether or not to expand, or whether or not to install elevators, is up to the leaders to decide."

"I was just offering my advice."

At this point, other leaders immediately spoke up:

"I think Comrade Jiuzhou is right. It's better not to build it. We all came from hard times."

"Even our superiors haven't started enjoying themselves, how can we possibly do it? How can we allow that?"

"Yes, yes, we won't build it. I also think it's inappropriate."

Immediately, the leaders who had just agreed to expand the office building jumped out and voiced their objections.

Yang Ligong's face was as black as the bottom of a pot. These bastards, they jumped ship as soon as things went wrong, they're really unreliable.

However, Yang Ligong didn't care. He was just someone who offered suggestions and didn't implement anything, so it wasn't a big problem.

However, Yang Ligong did take Li Jiuzhou's words to heart. This matter really cannot be done; it will cause big problems.

He was just a little disappointed that Li Jiuzhou wasn't one of his men; it was a shame that this person was Li Huaide's nephew.

Then, thinking about his nephew Yang Guangming, he really wanted to throw him away.

How can these be compared?

Yang Ligong suddenly had a brilliant idea. He wanted to ask Li Jiuzhou how he planned to spend the money and test his abilities.

There are quite a few leaders eyeing this money, and they all want to spend it. Yang Ligong wanted Li Jiuzhou to offend more people.

Having formed an idea in mind, Yang Ligong asked again:

"Alright, Comrade Jiuzhou, your suggestion is excellent. I can retract my previous proposal."

So another question arises: how should this money be spent? And how should it be spent precisely?

"Comrade Jiuzhou, I think the comrades here would also like to hear your thoughts. You're young, you're quick-witted, so speak your mind!"

Li Jiuzhou lit a cigarette and exhaled smoke as he answered Yang Ligong's questions.

"It's simple, we won't spend any money!"

As soon as he said that, people in the meeting room started whispering.

At this moment, Secretary Nie tapped the table, and his deep voice echoed in the conference room:

"Jiuzhou, don't keep me in suspense. I know you have ideas. Don't be afraid of offending people; I'll give you the inside scoop. Just say what you're thinking." Secretary Nie hesitated for a moment at this point.

"Um... I didn't bring any cigarettes. Could you get me a few?"

"Hey, Secretary, I'm coming right now." Li Jiuzhou quickly got up and went over to light a cigarette for Secretary Nie, leaving the cigarette and matches behind before returning to his seat.

With this little incident, everyone relaxed and lit cigarettes.

Suddenly, smoke filled the air...

After taking a few comfortable puffs of his cigarette, Secretary Nie continued speaking:

"Jiuzhou, what Comrade Ligong just asked you is also what I wanted to ask. Just say it."

Li Jiuzhou, with a cigarette between his fingers, stood up again.

"Distinguished leaders and colleagues, there's a reason why I said we shouldn't spend this money."

"Think about it, everyone, since our factory expanded, the leaders of the Ministry of Metallurgical Industry have taken good care of our factory, haven't they?"

"They supported us despite the pressure. They expanded the facilities as soon as they were told, provided funding as soon as they were told, and gave us priority in all kinds of supplies. Which factory in the capital region, or even across the country, didn't have complaints about us?"

"If it weren't for the leaders holding us back, we would have been attacked long ago."

"Therefore, I think we shouldn't spend this money; we should give it all to the Ministry of Metallurgy, saying it's a small token of our sincerity, a token of our deepest gratitude!"

"This money should be left for the leaders. Their office building is still quite dilapidated. Instead of expanding it ourselves, we should improve their working environment!"

At this point, Li Jiuzhou's voice suddenly grew louder:

"What's this called? This is called returning a favor, and it also lets factories all over the country see that our Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill isn't ungrateful!"

Even crows know to feed their parents, let alone us humans!

"We should thank the country and our leaders for their guidance and support!"

That concludes my remarks, thank you!

After Li Jiuzhou finished speaking, he bowed slightly and then sat down.

Everyone's mouths were agape after hearing Li Jiuzhou's resounding speech!

You could hear a pin drop in the conference room!

Secretary Nie's face flushed red, and he admired Li Jiuzhou even more. This comrade was just exactly to his liking.

Secretary Nie was the first to applaud!

"Slap...slap...slap..."

A burst of enthusiastic applause erupted in the meeting room and lasted for a long time…

"That's so well said!" Yang Ligong felt ashamed and genuinely admired the speaker.

Whether Li Jiuzhou was sincere or just trying to please his superiors, the suggestion was so good that no one present had a single objection.

Even if Li Jiuzhou doesn't have a clear goal or what reward his superiors want, what will Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill get if he does this?

What place will it hold in the hearts of leaders?

They're all seasoned foxes; they know all too well the benefits.

No amount of money can buy a word of appreciation or praise from a leader.

Secretary Nie immediately made the decision: do as Li Jiuzhou said, and anyone who objects can get the hell out of here and not hinder my progress!

That afternoon, the leaders of the Ministry of Metallurgy received the meeting minutes from the steel rolling mill and a sum of money!

Attached to the payment was a letter from Secretary Nie, incorporating the content of Li Jiuzhou's speech at the meeting.

Putting everything else aside, I just want to thank the leaders for their guidance and support!

The leadership of the Ministry of Metallurgy held an emergency meeting to discuss this matter.

Minister Wang passed on Secretary Nie's letter and told everyone to read it.

After a long silence, the leaders who had read the letter were even somewhat at a loss.

They had never encountered anything like this before: over three million yuan, plus a thank-you letter.

This deeply moved these tough old men.

The phrase "gratitude and repaying kindness" sounds simple, but it's not easy to put into practice.

Moreover, his mother did it so openly and honestly, which moved them and made them feel proud!

Look, this is the work they've been doing. This letter proves they didn't misjudge people or do anything wrong!

A leader with a rather fiery temper spoke first:

"I remember that young comrade Jiuzhou was promoted to section chief last month, right? I think we should just transfer him to the ministry and give him a half-rank promotion."

"We should cherish such an outstanding comrade and promote him exceptionally. This old man is not very capable, but I would like to offer him some pointers in person!"

"That makes sense, Old Zhou makes sense!"

"I agree. Wouldn't it be a waste of his talent to keep him in a steel rolling mill? I'd also like to give him some pointers in person."

Old Li was overjoyed. He was very satisfied and pleased with Li Jiuzhou's suggestion and actions.

This is like putting a warm blanket on the leaders' hearts; if we don't cherish them, what are we waiting for?

However, Old Li felt it was too fast. Li Jiuzhou would only be 26 after the New Year, and he was already a deputy director-general. This was a bit like pulling up seedlings to help them grow, and it was too eager for quick success.

It's not that he didn't want to mention it, it's just that it happened too fast. The tallest tree in the forest is bound to be felled by the wind!

So he spoke up too:

"Old folks, this isn't the right thing to do. He's already brought it up fast enough. It's not that I'm trying to put him down, but doing this won't do him any good."

"I hope you will consider this carefully and not act impulsively."

At this moment, Minister Wang spoke up:

"Old Li is right, there's no benefit in moving too fast. So, let's reward the little guy with something."

"He's already a department head, it's inappropriate for him to still ride a bicycle to work. Provide him with a car, and also tell him to keep striving to achieve results!"

The old men present smiled knowingly upon hearing this. What do you mean, it's absurd for a department head to still ride a bicycle to work?

Does that make any sense?