Chapter 134: The Reason Behind the Laughter

"Next up to the podium is Mr. Thomas, Vice President and Manager of the Market Development Department of Volkswagen Group. Please give him a warm welcome."

Amidst a round of applause, Thomas walked onto the stage with a vibrant, smiling face. He stood about six-foot-one, with a sturdy, broad-shouldered build. With his thick, bushy beard, if you were to swap his features for a dark face, black hair, and black eyes, he would look exactly like Li Kui from classic Chinese literature. Seeing his peculiar appearance, Zhao Guoyang couldn't help but chuckle to himself.

However, despite his rugged looks, Thomas spoke quite effectively. He began by thanking the organizers and the Songjiang municipal government for the opportunity to have such close contact with their Chinese counterparts. After delivering some polite, empty pleasantries, Thomas began to speak at length about the history of German automobile development, with the translator standing behind him relaying every segment.

Of course, Zhao Guoyang did not need a translator at all; he understood the man perfectly. It must be said that Thomas’s speech was quite stirring and well-delivered. Yet, the underlying sense of German superiority that seeped through his words still left Zhao Guoyang feeling uneasy. For instance, when Thomas touched upon the latest global automotive technologies, he boasted extensively about Volkswagen's "brake system load-sensing mechanism." In reality, Zhao knew full well that this technology was originally developed and applied for McLaren sports cars, and that Volkswagen had merely borrowed and adapted it.

On stage, Thomas glanced at Mao Zhichun, who was seated in the front row, and said with a smile, "Our cooperation between Volkswagen Group and Songqi Group has always been very pleasant. The Santana sedan has consistently led the market in China."

"Taking this opportunity, I’d like to share some good news: both Volkswagen and Songqi feel it is necessary to scale up our partnership and establish a second factory. The new memorandum of understanding will be signed in the next couple of days. To be fair, Songqi Group has shown great sincerity; they have even already cleared the factory space..."

The more Thomas spoke, the more smug he became, and his topic began to drift. "Since this is a partnership, I believe we should play to our respective strengths and cooperate with sincerity. Technology is Volkswagen's core advantage, so we must hold the full share of the technology equity. I hope Chairman Mao can understand this point..."

As Thomas spoke, Jansen, the head of Volkswagen's Technical Development Department, who was sitting across from Mao Zhichun, wore a look of triumph. Seeing his arrogant and conceited demeanor, Mao Zhichun’s face turned deathly pale, and he was so furious he could barely contain himself.

Beside him, Lu Zhen signaled to the staff, stood up, and took the microphone. "Mr. Thomas, regarding the technology equity, shouldn't we stick to the terms previously drafted? Volkswagen's attempt to go back on its word is damaging to your reputation."

Thomas waved his hand dismissively. "My dear sir, you are mistaken. What we reached with Songqi Group previously was merely a preliminary intent; it was not a legally binding contract. It holds no weight."

"Furthermore, I must inform you that Volkswagen is already in negotiations with India. If our cooperation with your country cannot continue, we have no choice but to turn to India. After all, labor costs in India are even lower..."

Thomas’s arrogant attitude caused Mayor Huang Zhigang’s expression on the podium to darken significantly. Yet, there was nothing he could do. Although he held sway within the country, he found himself powerless against this stubborn, unyielding foreigner.

In the front row, everyone could see the Mayor’s expression clearly. Zhang Guangyao had wanted to retort, but as the Dean of the Automotive College, he was completely ignorant of business matters and did not know how to respond to the issue Thomas had raised. As for Xiao Guodong and Zhu Yanyan, although they were titans in the automotive industry, they knew they lacked the leverage to confront the aggressive Jansen, and could only look at each other in helplessness.

Seeing that no one dared to refute him further, Thomas grew even more complacent. He chuckled and said, "Alright, regarding our latest technological research at Volkswagen, I would like to invite our Technical Development Department Head, Mr. Jansen, to give you all a brief introduction. It is rarely the case that Department Head Jansen has the time to attend such forums, so you friends here should seize this opportunity..."

"Pfft!" Hearing Thomas speak as if he were performing a comedy routine, Zhao Guoyang couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Thomas clearly heard the laughter. His expression darkened slightly as he glanced at Zhao and asked, "This young friend, I wonder what you are laughing at? Is there something incorrect about what I’ve said?"

Zhao Guoyang gently patted Lu Zhen on the shoulder, took the microphone from him, and stood up calmly.

Seeing the "secret weapon" finally preparing to strike, Mayor Huang Zhigang felt a flutter of nerves, but the look of anticipation in his eyes could not be masked.

"Mr. Thomas, I apologize, but I must personally express my disagreement with your statement that Volkswagen holds the advantage in technology," Zhao Guoyang said in standard German.

Thomas, seemingly not expecting anyone other than his translator to speak German, was momentarily stunned. At this moment, the translator, having recovered from her initial shock, hurriedly translated Zhao Guoyang's words.

"Young man, your German is excellent. However, I don't quite understand your statement. You say you personally hold a negative view, but who do you represent? Can you simply negate Volkswagen Group because you say so? On what grounds do you make such a claim?" Thomas squinted his eyes.

Zhao Guoyang pulled the microphone closer to his chest and replied with composure, "I represent an ordinary Chinese citizen, and I naturally have my reasons for saying so."

"However, technology is perhaps not your area of expertise. I think it would be better to let Mr. Jansen discuss this with me."

"What?" Upon hearing this, the muscles in Thomas’s face twitched. This young man spoke fluent German and was so certain that he (Thomas) was not proficient in technical matters that it seemed he could no longer afford to underestimate him.

Thinking this, Thomas gave a questioning look to Jansen, who was seated below. Seeing Jansen nod slightly, he went along with the flow. "Very well. We Germans believe in letting facts speak for themselves. Since you insist, I will let Department Head Jansen discuss this with you properly."

"I hope you can provide the basis for your earlier remark. Otherwise, we at Volkswagen will have to hold you accountable for your improper speech."

"Rest assured," Zhao Guoyang said with full confidence, "I will certainly make you convinced."