Chapter 107: The Songjiang Auto Show

The train carrying Zhao Guoyang and his group pulled into Songjiang Station just as the sky was beginning to brighten. The conductor’s announcement of their arrival echoed through the two sleeper cars, jolting Zhao Guoyang awake from his brief slumber.

"We've arrived, Section Chief Zhao!" Zhao Siyan, already dressed and ready, said softly to the still-groggy Zhao Guoyang.

Zhao Guoyang responded with a smile, appreciative of the researcher’s kindness. They had chatted briefly in the small hours of the morning; while the conversation hadn't been exhaustive, it had cleared away their mutual misunderstandings—a classic case of becoming friends after a clash.

Seeing his junior fellow apprentice chatting happily with Zhao Guoyang, Mo Xiaotian, who was sitting on the upper berth, cast a look of disapproval in their direction.

Once the group exited the station, Jiang Hong took the lead, quickly flagging down two taxis marked "Vacant" to head toward a hotel.

Under normal circumstances, given Wang Ziqing’s rank, a visit to Songjiang for research and consultation would warrant a reception by the top or at least the second-in-command of the Songjiang Municipal Machinery Industry Commission. However, due to the ongoing Auto Expo, the commission's staff were already deployed across the exhibition center to welcome other distinguished guests, leaving them unable to attend to Wang. Thus, even a high-ranking official like Director Wang had to find his own accommodation before making further plans.

In truth, Zhao Guoyang knew very well that the "Auto Expo" was shorthand for the Songjiang International Automobile Industry Exhibition. This event was jointly organized by the Songjiang International Exhibition Co., Ltd., the Automotive Industry Branch of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, and Germany’s Munich International Exhibition Group (IMAG). Colloquially known as the Songjiang Auto Show, it was founded in 1985 as the nation’s first professional international auto exhibition and the largest of its kind in Asia. Held biennially, this year marked the fourth iteration.

The expo attracted a broad spectrum of attendees, ranging from industry professionals, journalists, and the general public to various national departments and agencies, such as the State Machinery Industry Commission and the Songjiang Municipal Government, both of which provided guidance for the event. With the acceleration of economic reforms, domestic car sales had seen significant growth in recent years, and major international manufacturers were all eyeing the Chinese market, eager to make their mark and secure a foothold at the expo. Having served as a keynote speaker at the 17th expo in his past life, Zhao Guoyang was far from a stranger to the event.

Wang Ziqing, Liu Renhe, Jiang Hong, and Liu Yaohong boarded the first taxi, while Zhao Guoyang and the others took the second. Following the principle of respecting the elderly, Professor Zhu Maotao sat in the front passenger seat, leaving Zhao Guoyang, Zhao Siyan, and Mo Xiaotian squeezed into the back. Mo Xiaotian had initially tried to direct Zhao Siyan to the window seat so he could sit in the middle, but she insisted on sitting in the middle under the pretense of motion sickness. Consequently, Zhao Guoyang and Mo Xiaotian were forced to sit on either side, acting as her unwitting escorts. Observing his junior apprentice frequently glancing toward Zhao Guoyang, the veins on Mo Xiaotian’s forehead began to throb.

Zhao Guoyang, however, remained indifferent to the situation, too busy observing the scenery outside the window. Or rather, he was more interested in the names of the shops from this era—"June 1st Children’s Goods Store," "Yuhua Handicrafts Store," "Huangshan Tea Shop"—all of which he found rather novel. Zhao Siyan, assuming Zhao Guoyang was like a country bumpkin on his first visit to a big city, kindly explained the history and anecdotes behind each shop. Zhao Guoyang nodded with a smile, occasionally turning to exchange a few words with her, which made for a pleasant ride.

By the time their conversation lulled, the car had reached its destination. As the leaders ahead stepped out, Zhao Guoyang and the others followed. Jiang Hong was a meticulous planner; he had booked this hotel well before their arrival. It was located right next to the Songjiang International Exhibition Center, making it extremely convenient for their commute.

Inside the hotel, everyone was assigned a single room. Naturally, the rooms for the leaders and Professor Zhu Maotao were of a higher standard. Director Wang’s room even included a small meeting area, a testament to Jiang Hong’s foresight. After entering his room, Zhao Guoyang began to run a bath. It was a habit he had cultivated: after arriving in a new place, a bath was the best way to improve his mood and settle his nerves.

No sooner had he finished bathing than the doorbell rang. He hurriedly changed and opened the door to find Zhao Siyan. Seeing his wet hair, she laughed. "Section Chief Zhao, you’re quick! The leaders are calling us for breakfast. They said the Director of the Songjiang Machinery Industry Commission is coming to see us shortly, and we need to head down together..."

Zhao Guoyang nodded in acknowledgment and put on his shoes, ready to leave without a hint of surprise on his face. Puzzled by his calm demeanor, Zhao Siyan asked, "Section Chief Zhao, aren't you nervous at all? The Director of the Songjiang Machinery Industry Commission is a high-ranking official. Don't you want to make a good impression?"

Zhao Guoyang chuckled. "Why waste the energy? Isn't it exhausting? We’re just here to see the car show; he’s far too busy to pay any mind to us."

Watching his sincere expression and recalling how her senior apprentice had been fussing over his clothes, a thoughtful look crossed Zhao Siyan’s eyes.

When Zhao Guoyang and Zhao Siyan arrived in the hotel lobby, Wang Ziqing and the others were already seated. Beside Director Wang sat a plump man in his forties or fifties with slicked-back hair, chatting with him over smiles. Seeing them, Wang Ziqing waved them over with a chuckle.

"Xiao Zhao, Siyan, come and meet Director Liang."

Wang Ziqing introduced the man as Liang Xiaofeng, the top official of the Songjiang Municipal Machinery Industry Commission.

"Hello, Director Liang!" Zhao Guoyang and Zhao Siyan greeted him respectfully.