Courtyard House: The Chef's Intelligence System

On the first day of the second lunar month in 1958, the leaders of the Ministry of Metallurgical Industry visited the Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill.

Apart from Minister Wang who was stationed at headquarters, all the other leaders were present.

The leader was Old Li, a true founding hero, the second-in-command of the Ministry of Metallurgy, a ministerial-level official!

Secretary Nie and his team members personally stood at the factory gate to welcome them.

Then we inspected the workshop, the office, and the newly acquired vacant land.

Finally, I gave a routine speech in the conference room.

Mr. Li affirmed the work done by Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill.

Old Li had a smile on his face:

"You've done a great job, and your ambitions are quite high. You must have put in a lot of effort, right?"

Secretary Nie said modestly:

"Leader, you're joking. I have no ambition whatsoever. I'm just trying to serve the people and contribute to the country's development."

Old Li still had a smiling expression on his face.

"That's right, but what will you do if the Ministry of Metallurgy doesn't approve the expansion of the Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill?"

His words made the leaders present feel a chill run down their spines.

Surely they don't really disagree, otherwise all our efforts would have been in vain.

Although I spoke very eloquently before, and was always prepared, it's better to take the initiative than to sit back and reap the benefits.

But if the higher authorities really disagree, they will still be very sad and upset.

Money spent, connections used, and all that's left is this final push.

But everyone fell silent when faced with Minister Li's question.

Old Li looked around and, seeing their silence, continued speaking:

"What's wrong? Are you all mute?"

"Now that the factory has expanded so much, what will you do to clean up the mess and face the consequences if the expansion fails?"

"Hmm? Since you're not going to say anything, then I'll call on someone."

"Hey you, what the hell are you looking at? It's you, Li Jiuzhou!"

"Me?" Li Jiuzhou pointed to himself blankly.

Old Li nodded:

"Yes, I remember you were the one who suggested being prepared and taking the initiative at the meeting, weren't you?"

"I'm asking you, what will you do if the expansion of the Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill fails and the remaining issues are not resolved?"

Everyone else in the factory wiped the cold sweat from their foreheads.

Although Old Li asked the question with a smile, his imposing presence was undeniable!

Anyway, they couldn't answer that. They were only thinking about rushing in, and nobody cared about the aftermath.

How can one make progress if they are timid and hesitant?

But what Li Jiuzhou said next shocked them!

Li Jiuzhou stood up and said loudly:

"To be honest with the leaders and everyone here, I do have some limited opinions."

"Huh?" Everyone's eyes turned to Li Jiuzhou.

Even Old Li's gaze was filled with surprise and doubt. Suddenly, he smiled, a smile full of meaning:

"Hehehe... Since you have an idea, tell me about it. If you're trying to fool me, you'll be punished for all your crimes, and you'll be sent to the Ministry of Metallurgy as the canteen manager!"

"This is the consensus of Minister Wang and all the leaders of the Ministry of Metallurgical Industry!"

"Damn it! This punishment is too harsh, we fucking disagree!" This was the sentiment of all the leaders at the steel mill!

Li Jiuzhou was speechless. This was supposed to be punishment?

Are you sure you're not trying to promote me?

There was no time to think further before Li Jiuzhou spoke:

"Distinguished leaders and comrades, please remember one thing: although higher-level departments have the authority to decide on the expansion of subordinate units..."

"But it didn't say we couldn't expand independently!"

"boom!"

Li Jiuzhou's words made everyone present, including Li Lao and other leaders from the Ministry of Metallurgy, feel their heads buzz!

Because Li Jiuzhou was right!

Before everyone could react in shock, Li Jiuzhou continued speaking:

"If the higher-ups don't agree to expand Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill again, then we'll do it ourselves."

"We can build a factory first, and continue building when we have more money. You can't get fat in one bite."

"Moreover, doing this doesn't violate our principles; we're also doing it for production."

"Now that we've acquired the land, everything is ready except for the final push. As long as the funding comes in, adding another factory is just a matter of time."

Old Li slowly raised his hands, his gaze towards Li Jiuzhou filled with admiration. He slowly uttered a few words:

"Cluck cluck!"

Thunderous applause erupted in the conference room!

As the applause subsided, Old Li smiled and praised:

"You're a very good young comrade. You think three steps ahead for every one step you take, and five steps ahead for every one step you plan to take. You have a good overall perspective."

Li Jiuzhou blurted it out:

"Thank you for the compliment, leader. I often play chess with an elder in my family, and he taught me all of these skills himself."

"During the Chinese New Year, he also taught me to do my job seriously, to fulfill my duties and responsibilities in my position."

"I will remember it all!"

After hearing Li Jiuzhou's words, Old Li's lips curled up slightly. "Isn't this exactly what I told you during the New Year? You're really on point!"

However, he pretended not to know on the surface:

"Oh? I didn't know you had such a wise old man in your family. I'd like to introduce you to him sometime. I'd also like to play a game of chess with him and have a friendly competition."

"That's an honor, thank you, leader!" Li Jiuzhou replied with a smile.

Below the stage, Li Huaide cursed inwardly:

"Shameless! Shameless old thief!"

"Sparring, my foot! You're sparring with yourself, you son of a bitch!"

"But that kid Jiuzhou is fucking awesome! He's flattering the old man so much he's grinning from ear to ear!"

Secretary Nie was standing next to Old Li. Old Li had just smiled, and it was a genuine smile from the bottom of his heart.

After reflecting on their relationship, Secretary Nie smiled, inwardly screaming:

"Awesome! I've learned something new today. I never imagined flattery could be done like this. It's earth-shattering, absolutely earth-shattering!"

The others quickly understood and inwardly exclaimed how awesome it was!

This flattery hit the nail on the head, both quietly and dramatically!

This art of speaking is amazing! How the hell is Li Jiuzhou's head shaped?

Yang Ligong's mind was completely blank, but he seemed to understand, muttering to himself:

"Wow, that's awesome..."

Old Li's mood brightened considerably, and he spoke again:

"Alright, as for whether Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill should be expanded again, I think we shouldn't make a decision right away."

"The Ministry of Metallurgy will discuss this, and your job is to be prepared at all times!"

"yes!"

Old Li nodded, and smiled again:

"Great, it's getting late. Will you provide meals?"

Secretary Nie immediately spoke:

"Of course we'll manage, boss. Let's go to the cafeteria for lunch now. Chef He will be cooking today."

"Okay, let's go eat at the big restaurant!"

Sha Zhu put all his skills into entertaining the guests, and every dish was carefully prepared.

Although it's simple, it's delicious, with a perfect combination of color, aroma, and flavor; just smelling it will make your mouth water.

Just kidding, Sha Zhu's powerful backer has arrived. If he wasn't worried about the negative impact, he would have paid for it out of his own pocket.

The leaders enjoyed the meal and then went home.

In the office of the Minister of Metallurgical Industry, Minister Wang, with a smile on his face, jokingly remarked:

"Lao Li, how did I hear that you want to play chess with a very wise old man from Comrade Jiuzhou's family?"

"As far as I know, besides Comrade Huai De and his father-in-law, there don't seem to be any other elders in his family, right?"

"You're not the one who always plays chess with Comrade Jiuzhou, are you?"

"I heard you were grinning from ear to ear in the meeting room!"

Old Li showed no embarrassment whatsoever after hearing this, and said smugly:

"What's wrong? I often teach him, and he even came to my house to pay New Year's respects. Isn't it only right that I teach him?"

Minister Wang smiled:

"You old codger, look how smug you are."

"This young comrade Jiuzhou is indeed quite good; his flattery is so subtle and understated, he's got some skills!"