Chapter 13: Those Were the Words I Was Waiting For

First of all, I want to thank Qingwu Feiyang 11, Tradingup, Violet Butler, All Good Names Are Registered, Reader 160702184612466, Old Xie Ye, Madchina04, Reader 20180102100921999, Reader 180103094217737, Reader 20171008133216366, Uncle Doesn’t Love Beauty, Red Hall ^O^ Little Rascal, Feng951, Mighty Brother Peng, Just Want to Read When Free, Wind Moves the Heart 511, Reader 20170101120414123, Luck System, Chasing the Wind Across the Land, IeeeAccess, Reader 161226004812353, Reader 161023011511241, Long Purple Sky, Starring__, Blossoms Endure, Blue Melodies, Constant 22.8°C, 198215dai, and many other readers for their generous support!

Next week I’m aiming for the rankings, the pressure is tremendous. I hope all of you who enjoy the book will lend your support, add to your collections, and cast your votes. Thank you, everyone!

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“So, it seems you’ll be following me from now on. I’ve passed through Jinling so many times on business trips I’ve lost count—I’m probably more familiar with the city than you are.”

Zhao Guoyang nodded, acknowledging Ma Jian’s words.

“To be honest with you, Guoyang, this trip to Sanyang Group isn’t just about delivering the reworked frames on time. There’s an even more important mission for the two of us…” Ma Jian said, adopting a tone of deliberate mystery.

In fact, Zhao Guoyang had already guessed the true purpose behind their journey to Sanyang Group in Yangcheng. It was obvious it couldn’t be as simple as accompanying Director Ma to deliver some frames—there had to be something more. Otherwise, why would he be brought along?

Thus, when Ma Jian brought up the topic, Zhao Guoyang wasn’t surprised in the slightest.

Seeing Zhao Guoyang’s calm expression, Ma Jian couldn’t help but ask in confusion, “Guoyang, aren’t you the least bit curious about this other mission? Don’t tell me you’ve already guessed?”

Zhao Guoyang allowed himself a modest smile. “Director Ma, I did have some ideas about that.”

“In fact, it’s not so hard to guess, is it? Our Hongda Machinery Factory hasn’t been doing well these past two years. Now that we’ve finally managed to connect with a major client like Sanyang Group, of course we’d want to deepen the partnership. For instance, we could supply them with a wider variety of frames, or other components.”

Caught up in the moment, Zhao Guoyang shared some of his own thoughts. “I’ve heard Sanyang Group may be partnering with the renowned Japanese motorcycle brand Yamaha. If we can establish a long-term relationship with them, there might be a broad and prosperous road ahead!”

“Riding this momentum, perhaps in just a few years, our factory could become the leading machinery enterprise in Ninghai City…”

After Zhao Guoyang finished, Ma Jian stared at him blankly for a long moment before finally speaking, “Guoyang, even I don’t dare to be so optimistic, but you certainly dream big!”

Zhao Guoyang realized he might have said too much and quickly fell silent.

But Ma Jian, having heard his words, was further convinced of Zhao Guoyang’s ability and vision. “Guoyang, there’s no need for formality between us. Whatever ideas you have, just speak your mind!”

“I already have a pretty good sense of your abilities—there’s no use in hiding them!” Ma Jian exclaimed.

Zhao Guoyang scratched his head, unsure of what to say.

“Why so quiet now?” Ma Jian chuckled. “Your guess was spot on. The factory sent me not only to deliver the frames, but also to discuss deeper cooperation with Sanyang Group.”

“However, neither I, Director Mu, nor Old Wang know anything about Sanyang Group working with Yamaha. We old-timers are just hoping they’ll take pity on us and throw us a few more varieties of frame to make. That would be more than enough.”

Ma Jian hid nothing from Zhao Guoyang, sharing the upper management’s intentions openly—a move to win Zhao Guoyang’s trust. Compared to Mu Aijun and Wang Youchang, Ma Jian was clearly more adaptable and easygoing.

To be frank, Ma Jian wasn’t too confident about his chances of expanding their business. By confiding in Zhao Guoyang, he was signaling that they would face any difficulties together. For some reason, he felt that this young man might really have a solution.

After hearing Ma Jian out, Zhao Guoyang’s respect for him grew. Whether or not Director Ma was prone to exaggeration, at least he knew how to recognize and make use of talent.

In the early 1990s, few leaders matched Ma Jian’s openness; most were plagued by caution and conservatism.

After a moment of silent thought, Zhao Guoyang looked up and smiled, “Director Ma, further cooperation is certainly a good thing. I will do my best to support you. If there’s anything you need from me, just let me know.”

“Excellent! That’s exactly what I wanted to hear!” Ma Jian laughed heartily. “Rest assured, if you help bring this major task to completion, I’ll make sure the director promotes you from probation the moment we return. If Wang Youchang doesn’t agree, you’ll come straight to my sales department!”

The long-distance coach rumbled and jolted over the uneven provincial roads, finally arriving in Jinling just as the sun was about to set.

In late autumn, night fell early. Stepping out of the station, Director Ma stretched his waist, checked the time, and said, “Guoyang, let’s get something to eat first. You know there’s nothing good to eat on the train.”

Traveling on business, Zhao Guoyang naturally followed his superior’s arrangements. He nodded in agreement.

Ma Jian, familiar with the area, led Zhao Guoyang to a small restaurant not far from the station. Though unassuming, it was clean, tidy, and the food was quite good.

While eating, Ma Jian chatted, “Guoyang, we’re tight on time today, so let’s keep it simple. When things are settled, I’ll take you to Jinling Hotel for a proper feast.”

Zhao Guoyang smiled at this promise of a lavish meal but didn’t take it to heart. In his previous life, he had visited such high-end places too many times to be impressed.

As expected of a marketing director, Ma Jian was quite the storyteller. Over dinner, Zhao Guoyang listened as he recounted tales of Jinling’s scenic spots and historical anecdotes, finding it rather enjoyable.

When the time was right, Ma Jian paid the bill and led Zhao Guoyang to the train station.

Standing outside the brightly lit, bustling Jinling Station, Ma Jian marveled, “Tsk, tsk, there’s just no comparing Ninghai City to a metropolis like this. During the day it’s one thing, but at night, the difference in liveliness is worlds apart. I wonder when Ninghai will ever develop to this level…”

Gazing at the rows of somewhat outdated street lamps, Zhao Guoyang couldn’t help but smile to himself.

In his mind, he thought: within ten years, many medium-sized cities across the Republic would look like this. In another twenty years, not just well-off Ninghai, but even prosperous towns would rival Jinling’s current nightscape.

When it was finally time to board, Zhao Guoyang and Ma Jian squeezed through the crowded throngs onto the platform.

Gazing at the green train before him, Zhao Guoyang felt a wave of nostalgia.

In the early nineties, there were no bullet trains or high-speed railways in sight. Across the country, these slow, cramped green trains were everywhere.

Still, compared to the hundreds or even thousands of yuan for tickets in his previous life, the fare now was far more affordable—a natural choice for long-distance travel.