Courtyard House: The Chef's Intelligence System

Minister Wang was satisfied to see that all the team members agreed with his opinion; this was exactly the effect he wanted.

He then looked around, his gaze finally settling on Old Wang. A cold glint flashed in his eyes, followed by a tone of mockery and warning:

"Everyone, we should cherish and nurture young comrades like Li Jiuzhou."

"But I think some comrades' ideological awareness is a bit lacking. I heard they even want to build a building, and they even want to install an elevator!"

"Heh, I'm getting old. I can't keep up with the young people's awareness. I have a damn hard time climbing to the third floor. You old folks might as well enjoy yourselves. How about we install an elevator and use it?"

What do you guys think?

Although Minister Wang's teasing was directed at everyone, it was clearly aimed at Old Master Wang, and everyone present understood that.

Even Old Wang himself was embarrassed, his face turning red and white, as if he were sitting on a wax statue.

Although Minister Wang did not name names directly, who was he referring to?

It's just Yang Ligong, right? You even built a building and installed an elevator. Did you ever think about us old folks when you were doing all this?

Promoting you is worse than promoting a complete idiot!

Old Li made a joke:

"Hahaha, Minister, you're joking. Back in the day, we old guys were practically swimming in a sea of ​​blood. A mere three floors was nothing to us. We could still walk, and we could still show off!"

"Yeah, it's just walking up stairs. I was born a farmer, I can't compare to the high-achieving students from Tsinghua University who know how to enjoy life."

In the meeting room, everyone was making sarcastic remarks about Yang Ligong.

Who told you to be so ignorant? Compared to Li Jiuzhou, the difference in skill is obvious. They won't calm down unless they curse Yang Ligong a few times.

Old Wang didn't refute a single word. If you're wrong, you should admit it and stand up straight when you're punished. Making excuses will only make people look down on you.

After everyone had finished their banter, Old Wang stood up, bowed deeply to his colleagues, his body slightly hunched.

"Old folks, it's my fault for not teaching him well. I'll definitely teach him a lesson later. Please forgive my poor performance..."

The crowd felt a pang of pity for Old Wang. They weren't targeting Old Wang specifically, but rather Yang Ligong's lack of political awareness.

Political awareness is something that can't be taught; it comes from talent and practice. It can only be said that Yang Ligong still has some shortcomings.

For now, all he needs to do is fulfill his role as factory manager.

Want to improve?

Let's talk about it sometime in the future.

Minister Wang smiled:

"Old Wang, sit down. Every family has a hothead. Comrade Ligong is still young. Let him mature a bit more. With more guidance, he might just achieve great things."

"Yes, Minister!" Minister Wang offered an easy way out, and Old Wang readily accepted.

After the meeting, Minister Wang submitted the meeting minutes from Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill, thinking that the higher-ups would like to see them.

Of course, there's another layer of meaning: can we spend the money the steel rolling mill gives to the Ministry of Metallurgy?

By the way, half of it will go to our superiors; our metallurgical department also wants to express our gratitude to our leaders for their cultivation.

In terms of awareness, we are no less than Comrade Li Jiuzhou.

Sure enough, Minister Wang's phone rang just before he was about to leave work.

"Boss, this is Xiao Wang. What are your instructions?"

A sound of aged yet joyful laughter came through the phone:

"Hahaha, Xiao Wang, congratulations on your fortune!"

Minister Wang blushed, and the unpleasant scenes from back then flashed through his mind.

"Uh... Boss, what kind of wealth am I making? It's all contributing to the country's development."

Upon hearing this, the leader on the other end of the phone seemed even happier:

"Hahaha, you're different from other educated soldiers, you're full of mischief."

Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill is doing a great job! We should promote it and use it as a benchmark.

"Factor factories all over the country are complaining about being poor, but only Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill has achieved self-sufficiency and even gives back to its superiors."

"This is the first time I've ever seen anything like this..."

Minister Wang heard the sentiment in the leader's words.

Some are worried about the current difficulties, while others are pleased with what the steel rolling mill has done.

The leader continued speaking:

"We accept the kindness of your Ministry of Metallurgy. After all, the funds at the higher level are also tight. Although a million or so yuan can't do anything big, it can do many small things."

"Xiao Wang, we're very brave!"

Minister Wang stood up straight upon hearing this, his voice loud and firm:

"Use me in the first battle; with me, victory is assured!"

"Good! That's the spirit I've been looking for. You didn't embarrass me by going to the Ministry of Metallurgy. Keep up the good work and achieve results!"

"Our Party believes in correcting mistakes and rewarding merits."

"You should give special attention to cultivating that Comrade Li. He did an excellent job in this incident and should be rewarded."

"How you, the top leader, are rewarded is up to you!"

"Yes, boss. I'll make the arrangements."

"Hmm... let's leave it at that for now!"

At night, in Mr. Wang's residence, the father and son sat facing each other in the study, not saying a word, just silently smoking.

Old Wang raised his head, a hint of helplessness and desolation in his cloudy eyes, and slowly began to speak:

"You've done well! You didn't think things through this time; the Ministry of Metallurgy is really angry!"

Upon hearing this, Yang Ligong gave a bitter smile:

"Dad, I knew I was wrong when Li Jiuzhou said those words."

"But the words have already been spoken, and as a man, there's no reason to take them back. However, I admit my mistake, and it was a very serious one."

"I do need to reflect more, and I'd accept it even if I get relegated again."

Upon hearing Yang Ligong's words, the helplessness and dejection in Old Wang's eyes vanished instantly, and he slammed his hand on the table:

"Good, that's the attitude I want. If you're wrong, admit it, take the punishment, and stand up straight!"

"As the top leader once said, a good comrade is one who can admit his mistakes and correct them."

"Your mistake was in your words, not in your actions. Don't worry, you won't be demoted."

"Besides, although Comrade Li Jiuzhou came up with a good idea, you deserve credit for it."

"As the factory manager in charge of production, without your diligent work, where would the extra money come from to be turned over?"

"So don't overthink it, we all have our own internal scales."

Upon hearing this, Yang Ligong's heart skipped a beat, and he blurted out:

"So, Li Jiuzhou borrowed my flowers to offer as a sacrifice?"

Old Wang looked at Yang Ligong as if he were a fool, and said irritably:

"Otherwise what? Just thinking about it makes me furious. Do you know what Li Jiuzhou gained from this?"

Yang Ligong pursed his chapped lips:

"What did you get?"

Old Wang squinted slightly:

"The benefits are numerous," Old Zhou slammed his fist on the table, immediately proposing to promote Li Jiuzhou to another rank.

"And more than half of the people agree."

"If Lao Li hadn't stopped him, he would have been working with me at the Ministry of Metallurgy tomorrow."

"And... he's caught the attention of higher-ups; they've specifically mentioned him and want to groom him for future success!"

"Boom!" Yang Ligong's mind was about to explode.

Promoting Li Jiuzhou is fine, but the most important thing is his father's last words.

The fact that he was specifically mentioned as someone to be nurtured was an honor for Li Jiuzhou. He might have a bright future because of this statement, which made Yang Ligong so jealous that he wanted to go crazy.

With a slightly trembling hand, Yang Ligong lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, exhaled a long breath, and finally exhaled a thin wisp of smoke. He gritted his teeth and asked again:

"Dad, what if I were to make the suggestion?"

Old Wang chuckled upon hearing this. His son was clearly unwilling to accept it. Well, it wouldn't hurt to tell him.

"If it's your idea, once Nie Wuji advances again or retires, you will definitely be the head of the steel mill."

"Moreover, your political resources are incredibly secure. Starting from now, in less than two years, your dad might be calling you Vice Minister Yang!"

Upon hearing this, Yang Ligong broke down, his expression contorted, and he clutched his chest with his right hand, letting out a pitiful cry:

"Dad, it hurts so much..."

Old Wang gave him a disdainful look:

"Idiot..."