Chapter 136: The So-Called ‘SABS’

"So, this young gentleman's name is Zhao Guoyang..." Upon hearing Mao Zhichun's words, a flash of sharp insight crossed the eyes of Yuji Aso.

In truth, few people present knew Yuji Aso's true identity. He was the First Vice Minister of the Honda Group's Technical Headquarters, holding a rank even higher than Okamoto's. Originally, Aso had intended to remain behind the scenes for this auto show, leaving all matters to be handled by Okamoto. His presence today was largely due to Zhao Guoyang. Ever since Zhao had shown off his skills at the Honda booth that day, Okamoto had reported everything to his superior, Aso. Honda Group had always placed great importance on talent acquisition, and after hearing Okamoto’s account, Aso naturally grew interested in this fleetingly glimpsed young man. A major purpose of his attendance at this summit forum was to see if he could encounter Zhao Guoyang.

To Aso's delight, the trip had proven worthwhile. Not only did he see the young man and hear his startling remarks, but he also clarified his identity. In Aso’s view, since Zhao Guoyang was not affiliated with the Songqi Group, the chances of poaching him had undoubtedly increased significantly.

After the ponytail-wearing interpreter finished translating Aso’s words, Zhao Guoyang gave a faint, elegant smile. He first responded in fluent Japanese, expressing his gratitude for Aso’s high regard, then said calmly, "Mr. Aso, I dare not accept your offer to 'instruct' me. However, I would be very happy to exchange ideas on this new technology with Mr. Jansen, Mr. Aso, and everyone else present."

Zhao Guoyang turned his gaze toward Jansen on the stage and smiled. "Come to think of it, since this is a summit forum, shouldn't we bring something a bit more 'sophisticated' to the table? Don't you agree, Mr. Jansen?"

Zhao Guoyang switched between Japanese and German, occasionally interjecting with Chinese. Regardless of his actual technical prowess, his linguistic ability alone had left the guests in awe.

By now, Jansen had heard the translation of Aso’s question. He nodded at Zhao and said, "I quite agree with Mr. Zhao Guoyang’s sentiment, and I am very willing to discuss technical issues in the automotive industry with everyone."

"Mr. Zhao just mentioned that you have a certain understanding of load-sensing valve technology for braking systems. I wonder if you could answer a question for me..."

Zhao Guoyang puffed out his chest and said nonchalantly, "Mr. Jansen, please feel free to ask. I will answer whatever I can."

"While I cannot speak on behalf of the Songqi Group, I do have a collaborative relationship with their technical department. If the further cooperation between the Volkswagen Group and the Songqi Group proceeds, I might be able to offer some ideas on the technical side..."

Everyone understood Zhao Guoyang's implication: he was forcibly stepping in to support the Songqi Group. If he truly possessed expertise in "load-sensing braking technology," Volkswagen's attempt to monopolize the technical share would become indefensible.

Hearing Zhao mention the partnership, Jansen’s expression grew grave. He pondered for a moment and said, "Regarding the cooperation between our Volkswagen Group and your country’s Songqi Group, everything naturally depends on Mr. Thomas’s stance. However, if Mr. Zhao truly possesses such stunning technical ability, I can personally propose my own recommendation to Mr. Thomas."

Before Jansen could finish, Thomas stood up, looking irate. He shot a stern look at Zhao Guoyang and said, "Mr. Zhao Guoyang, is it? If you truly have insights into this technology that can make our Minister Jansen concede, I will seriously consider the technical share distribution for our cooperation. But if you are merely engaging in empty talk, then there is nothing to discuss."

Zhao Guoyang casually tucked his left hand into his pocket and said with composure, "Fine, it’s a deal. Please, Mr. Jansen, go ahead and ask."

Thomas nodded at Jansen, who then began: "Mr. Zhao, since you are familiar with 'load-sensing braking technology,' you must have heard of the term 'load-sensing proportioning valve,' right? Could you explain it to us?"

Once Jansen finished, the interpreter translated his words word for word. Suddenly, the entire venue became so quiet that one could hear a pin drop. Everyone focused their attention on Zhao Guoyang, eager to see what shocking words he would utter.

Zhao Guoyang remained calm. He glanced at the expectant crowd and explained directly, "The load-sensing proportioning valve Mr. Jansen mentioned is what we call the 'SABS'."

"In essence, SABS is simply a hydraulic mechanical device. Its function is to maintain an appropriate ratio between the front and rear wheel loads during travel and to ensure that the rear wheels do not lock up during emergency braking. I wonder, have I said anything incorrect?"

Jansen’s face tightened, and he instinctively nodded. Seeing his reaction, the people in the audience looked at one another, their faces filled with a mixture of shock and joy.

Mayor Huang, sitting on the podium, was the happiest of all. He watched the eloquent Zhao Guoyang with deep satisfaction, secretly lamenting: Why hadn't he been more decisive in trying to recruit this kid, letting Jiangnan Province have him for nothing...

Jansen remained silent for a moment before continuing his inquiry: "I am very satisfied with Mr. Zhao Guoyang’s answer. Let’s move to the next question. Do you know how the load-sensing proportioning valve is applied in automobiles?"

When this question was translated, many in the audience gasped. Among them was Yuji Aso. Indeed, the question posed by Jansen was highly professional. Even the heads of the technical departments of the world’s major automotive groups would likely struggle to provide a complete answer.

Seeing a hint of hesitation on Zhao Guoyang’s face, Jansen hurriedly explained, "Mr. Zhao, I know this question is very complex. However, if you can answer it right now, I stake my reputation on ensuring that the Songqi Group will secure at least 20% of the technical shares in the new partnership."

Hearing this, Huang Zhigang couldn't help but straighten his back, and those in the front row became equally restless. Mao Zhichun looked at Zhao Guoyang with pleading eyes, hoping for a miracle. Zhao Siyan, who had been sitting next to Zhao Guoyang, gripped her fingers tightly, her heart racing.

Compared to their agitation, Zhao Guoyang was brimming with confidence. While he wasn't particularly specialized in the automotive application of load-sensing valves, the technology had originally been applied in the aviation industry. In his past life, Zhao Guoyang’s mastery of the aviation industry far surpassed that of the automotive sector, making this question remarkably easy for him. His earlier hesitation had been merely a calculated pose.