Chapter 128: To Accomplish Great Things, One Must Have Talent

While Zhao Guoyang and his group were lingering in Suzhou, in a small conference room at the Songjiang International Exhibition Center, Huang Zhigang, Li Kejian, and the others were interrogating the unfortunate trio of Jiang Hong, Liu Renhe, and Liu Yaohong.

"Xiao Jiang, let me ask you, how exactly are you managing as the Director of the Comprehensive Affairs Division? How could you not even know the whereabouts of your own Director Wang? This is a serious dereliction of duty!"

Li Kejian chimed in, "Exactly! It’s one thing for Wang Ziqin to run off on his own, but why did he have to spirit Zhao Guoyang away too? What is it? Is he afraid that Mayor Huang and I would forcefully snatch the man away, so he fled in a panic?"

Facing the stern-faced Mayor Huang and the indignant Elder Li, Jiang Hong’s face alternated between shades of green and white. Behind him, Liu Renhe and Liu Yaohong were faring no better; both were as pale as sheets, not daring to draw a deep breath.

Originally, there was nothing to hide. But before Director Wang left, he had specifically instructed them to wait until he and Senior Official Zhuo arrived in Songjiang before offering any explanations. With that order from Director Wang, the three of them dared not speak a word. If they were to reveal the whereabouts of Director Wang and Zhao Guoyang, it might lead to unnecessary complications.

Huang Zhigang and Li Kejian pressed on relentlessly, leaving the three section-level cadres from Jiangnan Province in a state of nervous agitation.

It was Fang Xuesen, a man of more generous disposition, who intervened with a smile. "Mayor Huang, Elder Li, I think we shouldn't make things too difficult for these three. I know Wang Ziqin; he’s not that kind of person. He didn't show up this morning, so he’s likely truly tied up with something."

With Fang Xuesen speaking up, Huang Zhigang found it difficult to continue the interrogation. Li Kejian, however, remained unsatisfied and grumbled, "Wang Ziqin is no slippery character, but he is extremely shrewd. After seeing how we acted yesterday, he probably couldn't resist hiding young Zhao away like a precious treasure."

Li Kejian’s comment drew a chuckle from the room. In truth, everyone knew that Elder Li’s concern was entirely unnecessary. No matter how bold Wang Ziqin might be, he would never dare to pull a stunt like "crossing the sea under a disguise" and hide Zhao Guoyang right under the noses of these heavyweights. However, it was certain that Wang Ziqin had his own reasons for doing so. Liang Xiaofeng, who had always been on good terms with Wang Ziqin, was quite certain of this.

Seeing that nothing useful could be gleaned, Huang Zhigang waved his hand at the trio. "Fine, since you three are so tight-lipped and won't say anything, go on and look at the car show!"

"Yes, yes, we'll go now!" As if granted amnesty, Jiang Hong, Liu Renhe, and Liu Yaohong scrambled out of the conference room.

Watching the three of them flee in such a disheveled state, Huang Zhigang couldn't help but feel a surge of frustration. "These cadres from Jiangnan Province are truly stubborn, and their sense of unity is quite impressive!"

"Nothing to be done about it. After all, Mayor Huang, your approach yesterday was quite intimidating—you were practically ready to kidnap young Zhao!" Fang Xuesen teased.

Huang Zhigang’s face flushed slightly, and he complained, "Director Fang, you can't put it that way. You’ve seen how much importance our city of Songjiang places on the cooperation between Songqi Group and Volkswagen. For tomorrow’s summit forum, I am personally taking the lead!"

"To be honest, my personal reputation is a small matter, but if we make a fool of ourselves at the forum or fail to achieve the desired results, where would that leave the face of Songjiang? Where would that leave the dignity of the nation?"

Fang Xuesen was quite surprised by Huang Zhigang’s candor and remained silent for a moment. Beside them, Li Kejian began to view Huang Zhigang with newfound respect. He sighed, "It seems Mayor Huang is truly determined to achieve results. To get things done, one needs talent. Young Zhao is indeed a talent who plays a pivotal role in this summit forum of ours."

Huang Zhigang nodded repeatedly. "Exactly. Elder Li hit the nail on the head. If young Zhao can assist you and Elder Ji at the forum tomorrow, our chances of success will be much higher."

Ji Chongxuan, who had been silent until now, added, "Mayor Huang is right. With Zhao Guoyang there, I feel more confident myself."

"However, you don't need to worry too much. Director Wang shouldn't have truly spirited him away. I know the man; he understands the priorities."

Huang Zhigang spread his hands. "Since everyone sees it that way, I can only hope for the best."

...

At 2:30 in the afternoon, the crowd at the exhibition center began to grow. The largest booth in the hall belonged to Volkswagen, and it was surrounded by the largest throng of onlookers.

Having attended the meeting yesterday, Zhao Siyan was naturally particularly interested in the Volkswagen brand. Looking at the beautiful white imported Golf model on the display platform, her eyes were filled with curiosity. Compared to the domestically produced Santana, the Golf was far superior in both aerodynamics and texture. Of course, its price was also far beyond the former.

"What, do you like this car?" A familiar voice sounded behind her. Zhao Siyan’s eyes lit up, and she turned around quickly.

"Zhao Guoyang, you're back?"

"Yes, I just returned a moment ago. I was just looking around and happened to see you standing here. You haven't answered my question yet—do you like this car?"

Seeing Zhao Guoyang looking at her with a knowing smile, Zhao Siyan felt her cheeks flush. She nodded slightly and said, "Yes, I like it quite a bit, but unfortunately, I can't afford it!"

Zhao Guoyang comforted her, "Even if you can't afford it, you can still go up and try it out, just as an experience. After all, it doesn't cost anything, right?"

Zhao Siyan shook her head repeatedly. "Forget it, I'm not buying it, why embarrass myself?"

"Why would that be embarrassing? The slogan Volkswagen uses is 'The Driver's Car.' They want more people to experience the joy of driving it. If you go up, you're helping them advertise and providing feedback. In a way, they should be thanking you."

"Ah, really?" Zhao Siyan asked, slightly skeptical.

"Rest assured, would I lie to you?" Zhao Guoyang said with confidence.

Seeing that Zhao Siyan was still hesitant, Zhao Guoyang waved at a staff member at the Volkswagen booth. "Hello, we'd like to test-sit this Golf!"

"Oh, a test-sit? You're welcome!" A young man with a round face and small eyes on the platform nodded politely.

Zhao Guoyang smiled slightly at Zhao Siyan and extended his hand in a gentlemanly fashion. "This beautiful lady, please!"

The surrounding crowd, seeing Zhao Guoyang’s elegant and composed demeanor, began to whisper among themselves.

"No way? This kid looks like he just graduated; does he want to buy this car too?"

"What if he just graduated? Maybe his family is wealthy!"

"That's true. Look at the girl with him—she's so pretty and has such a good temperament. They really are a perfect match..."