Chapter 130: Simply Out of Modesty

Zhao Guoyang and Zhao Siyan spent over ten minutes in the Volkswagen Golf, testing every button and control before finally stepping out.

"So, how did it feel to sit inside?" Zhao Guoyang asked with a chuckle once they were out.

Zhao Siyan tilted her head, pondered for a moment, and blinked. "Well, it looked quite novel from the outside, but once I was actually inside, it didn't feel like anything particularly special..."

"Exactly right!" Zhao Guoyang agreed. "A car is, to put it plainly, just a means of transportation. Even though few people can afford one now, in ten years, it will definitely become a common commodity, just like a bicycle."

"By then, you will have long since finished your doctorate and started working. With the salary you'll be earning, you probably won't even need a year's worth of wages to buy a small car."

"I hope so!" Zhao Siyan’s pretty eyes flashed across Zhao Guoyang’s face, holding a clear trace of girlish admiration.

The small-eyed salesman standing nearby had been listening intently to their conversation from the start. If he had thought Zhao Guoyang was just bragging before they test-drove the car, he was now filled with immense respect. Zhao Guoyang’s familiarity with the Golf’s performance had completely won him over.

"Uh... could you two please leave a phone number or contact information with us?" Seeing them prepare to leave the stage while chatting, the salesman couldn't help but step forward.

Zhao Guoyang waved his hand dismissively. "I'm sorry, as I said before, I just wanted to let my friend experience what it’s like to sit in this Golf; I have no intention of buying a car. So, there’s no need to leave my contact details."

As he spoke, he headed off the stage. After descending the steps, he didn't forget to wave at the salesman and say, "Haha, sorry for the trouble earlier, thank you!"

Without waiting for the man’s reaction, Zhao Guoyang flashed an "OK" gesture to Zhao Siyan, and the two strolled away from the Volkswagen booth.

After they left, the salesman stood dazed for a long while before coming to his senses. He muttered to himself, "Sir, I really wasn't asking for your contact information to sell you the car..."

...

After leaving the Volkswagen booth, Zhao Guoyang and Zhao Siyan were approached by staff who had received instructions from their superiors, leading them to a small conference room.

Guided by a staff member, they reached the door. Before they even had a chance to look up upon entering, Zhao Guoyang heard Zhuo Qingfeng’s voice: "Mayor Huang, Comrade Zhao Guoyang has always been a key technological talent nurtured by our Jiangnan Province. It is only because he is so low-key that we haven't publicized it much."

"This time, his coming to Songjiang for the auto show is a great learning opportunity for him personally. I believe he will definitely be able to learn something from it and better serve the enterprises in his hometown, contributing his own strength."

Hearing this obviously fabricated speech from the high-ranking official, Zhao Guoyang couldn't help but feel a secret amusement. As it turned out, on the way from Gusu to Songjiang, Zhuo had already discussed this narrative with him and Director Wang Ziqing to handle the people of Songjiang. With this line established, Zhao Guoyang became a young talent key to Jiangnan Province’s development. No matter how tough or tempted Mayor Huang of Songjiang might be, he couldn't blatantly poach talent reserved by a neighboring province.

In truth, Zhuo Qingfeng knew that the people of Songjiang would surely see through this charade. But then again, who would really make a fuss over such a thing? Zhuo was confident that Songjiang wouldn't turn against Jiangnan Province over this minor ploy.

For the past half hour, Huang Zhigang had been feeling quite frustrated. He had originally worried that Wang Ziqing would "spirit away" Zhao Guoyang, but to his surprise, not only did Wang not run off, he had brought along an uninvited guest. Yes, Zhuo Qingfeng’s unannounced arrival had put Huang in a sour mood. It wasn't that he held a grudge against Zhuo personally, but he felt Jiangnan Province was moving too quickly. The moment they sensed a threat, they had sent someone of Zhuo’s stature to hold the ground.

Zhuo had originally been in Gusu for an inspection; why would he suddenly decide to rush over to this auto expo? It was clearly at the instigation of Wang Ziqing to protect Zhao Guoyang. Although Huang saw through it all, he knew the matter had effectively reached an impasse. With Zhuo Qingfeng stepping in, it meant the Jiangnan Provincial Committee and Government were aware of Zhao Guoyang’s existence. Any attempt to force his hand and keep him in Songjiang was clearly out of the question.

Thinking this, Huang Zhigang felt a bitter taste in his mouth. However, he didn't resent Wang Ziqing, the architect of this situation; in fact, he felt a bit of admiration. Putting himself in Wang’s shoes, it was no small feat to assess the situation so quickly and decide to invite Zhuo to intervene.

Seeing Zhao Guoyang and Zhao Siyan enter side-by-side, Huang Zhigang sighed inwardly. He turned his head and glanced askance at the still-rambling Zhuo Qingfeng. "Alright, enough, Official Zhuo. Stop the fabrication. In any case, you certainly won't let go of this young man, Zhao Guoyang, will you?"

Though his rank was lower than Huang’s, Zhuo was not his direct subordinate, so he didn't show any fear. He laughed, "Mayor Huang, we must respect Little Zhao’s personal choice after all. I heard from Ziqing that he himself is willing to work in his hometown. Isn't that right, Little Zhao?"

With the high-ranking official from his own province speaking, Zhao Guoyang naturally nodded in agreement.

Seeing Zhao Guoyang’s obedient expression, Li Kejian, standing nearby, chuckled. "Official Zhuo, this is only because Mayor Huang is magnanimous. If it were me, I wouldn't have let an 'unwelcome guest' like you into this room at all!"

"Haha! Well said, well said!" Hearing this, Ji Zhongxuan couldn't help but burst into laughter. Director Fang Xuesen and Mayor Huang Zhigang exchanged glances, both wearing amused smiles.

After the laughter subsided, Fang Xuesen turned his gaze to Zhao Guoyang. "Little Zhao, come over and sit. We’ve wasted enough time; it’s time to discuss tomorrow’s summit forum!"

Hearing the director mention business, Zhao Guoyang straightened his expression. He tugged on Zhao Siyan’s sleeve and chose an inconspicuous seat to sit down.