Chapter 141: Ma Jian Was Stunned

Gripped firmly by Factory Director Ma’s hand and shaken a few times, Zhao Guoyang noticed a hint of amusement flicker across Director Wang’s face beside him.

Quickly turning sideways, Zhao Guoyang introduced, “Director Ma, allow me to introduce you first. This is Director Wang from the Jiangnan Provincial Machinery Committee, and this is Researcher Zhao Siyen from Jinling University of Technology. We just returned together from the auto exhibition… Director Wang, this is Factory Director Ma from our plant.”

“Ah… ah!” Ma Jian was clearly caught off guard to see such a distinguished provincial machinery committee director here. For a moment, he seemed a bit flustered and uneasy.

Wang Ziqing was not the least surprised by Ma Jian’s reaction. He smiled warmly and extended his hand toward Ma Jian, greeting him, “Comrade Ma Jian, hello! I’ve heard from young Zhao about the recent progress in your factory. The momentum looks quite promising!”

Being in marketing, Ma Jian had decent adaptability and had now composed himself after the initial shock.

As a member of the provincial machinery system, Ma Jian naturally knew the name of Director Wang Ziqing of the provincial machinery committee.

Though puzzled inside as to why Zhao Guoyang was walking alongside Director Wang, Ma Jian didn’t dwell on it. He clasped Director Wang’s hand firmly, bowed slightly, and greeted him repeatedly.

“Thank you, Director Wang, for your concern. I’d like to report that Hongda Machinery Factory’s overall performance this year has far surpassed last year’s. Before the year ends, we secured a major order from the well-known domestic motorcycle enterprise, Siyang Group.”

Ma Jian beamed with pride, “I came to Songjiang City this time specifically to ensure the fulfillment of this big order from Siyang Group by procuring more advanced imported equipment.”

Glancing at Zhao Guoyang beside him, Ma Jian smiled politely at Wang Ziqing, “I originally intended for Guoyang to accompany me to survey the market, since he’s technically proficient and knows more about these machines than I do. But if Director Wang needs him, I’ll just go on my own…”

Hearing Ma Jian’s words and Zhao Guoyang’s earlier explanation, Director Wang naturally did not think much more.

The auto exhibition was over, and there was nothing pressing at the moment. He patted Zhao Guoyang’s shoulder and said, “Guoyang, since Factory Director Ma came to you, you should accompany him on the trip. After all, the cost of procuring imported equipment is no small matter. As a technical backbone of your factory, it’s better for you to oversee this to avoid any pitfalls.”

Upon hearing this, a trace of delight appeared on Ma Jian’s face.

To be honest, he was utterly clueless about laser spot welding machines and didn’t know how to choose.

If Zhao Guoyang hadn’t had time to accompany him, Ma Jian would have had to shelve the purchase plan and return to Ninghai City with his tail between his legs.

Now that Director Wang had given permission, Ma Jian quietly felt relieved.

“But Factory Director Ma, after you and Guoyang finish the equipment procurement, he must return. Official Zhuo said yesterday that he will travel back with us by car; on the way, he still has some matters to discuss with Guoyang.”

Director Wang’s words almost made Ma Jian jump in fright.

He glanced nervously at Zhao Guoyang, wanting to ask something but too timid to do so outright.

After giving the reminders, Director Wang waved goodbye to Ma Jian and Zhao Guoyang, then got into the car with Zhao Siyen, leaving the two men standing there.

Watching the car slowly fade into the distance, Ma Jian finally dared to ask, “Guoyang, the Official Zhuo Director Wang just mentioned—is he the high-ranking Zhuo Qingfeng from Jiangnan Province?”

“How could such a top leader be involved with you? And why was Director Wang traveling with you on this inspection tour? What exactly is going on?”

Like a rapid-fire barrage, Factory Director Ma fired off a slew of questions. Zhao Guoyang scratched his head helplessly, unsure where to begin.

Seeing some office staff from the Songjiang Machinery Committee passing by, casting curious glances at them, Zhao Guoyang quickly tugged at Ma Jian’s arm and lowered his voice, “Factory Director Ma, weren’t we supposed to check out the laser spot welding machines? Let’s talk as we walk.”

Still wearing a puzzled expression, Ma Jian allowed himself to be led out of the machinery committee building.

...

On the way to Songjiang Fusheng Precision Machinery Equipment Co., Ltd., Zhao Guoyang at last found time to briefly explain the situation to Ma Jian.

After hearing Zhao Guoyang’s account, Ma Jian was stunned, his mind a turbulent sea of emotions.

He knew this young man was capable and destined for a bright future.

But Ma Jian had never imagined that he would be sought after simultaneously by the National Machinery Commission, the Songjiang Municipal Government, the Volkswagen Group, and other internationally renowned enterprises, all offering him such generous conditions to recruit him.

From the tone of Director Wang’s conversation with Zhao Guoyang just now, Ma Jian could tell that every word was sincere and without exaggeration.

Otherwise, with the auto exhibition over and Official Zhuo so busy, why would he insist on traveling back with him?

Coming back to his senses, Ma Jian’s only relief was that this young man, Zhao Guoyang, was genuine and kind-hearted, remaining loyal to their modest factory despite such tempting offers.

Thinking of this, Ma Jian grasped Zhao Guoyang’s hand tightly, his voice trembling with emotion, “Guoyang, I’m truly surprised and touched that, despite such rich offers, you have not forgotten your roots and still place Hongda Machinery Factory first.”

“Well then, I’ll put it on record today: rest assured, although Hongda Machinery Factory cannot yet match those multinational companies’ generous packages, our regard for you will never fall short in the slightest. Both I and the factory director share this conviction.”

Noticing the sincerity and frankness on Ma Jian’s face, Zhao Guoyang felt a stir within.

This Factory Director Ma usually seemed very smooth and reserved in speech, always leaving some room for interpretation. Unexpectedly, he had poured out his true feelings to him.

After a brief silence, Zhao Guoyang smiled faintly and said, “Factory Director Ma, the factory has treated me well enough already. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have risen to this position within just six months of joining.”

“That may be so, but it’s still not enough!” Ma Jian shook his head firmly.

“Your abilities are obvious to all. The changes and benefits you’ve brought to the factory cannot be denied by anyone. When we return, I’ll speak with Director Mu and Director Wang in full about this and strive to further improve your treatment…”

Zhao Guoyang could only respond with a slight smile to Ma Jian’s promise.

Such matters were difficult for him, as the one involved, to comment on openly; he could only respond ambiguously.

“By the way, Guoyang, you mentioned that the Jiangnan Provincial inspection team’s work is complete. When do you expect to return to the factory?” Ma Jian asked the question he cared most about.

“Hmm, probably within a day or two. Either tomorrow or the day after,” Zhao Guoyang considered and replied.

“Good. After I settle the laser spot welding machine purchase today, I’ll rush back to the factory and have Director Mu and the others prepare a celebration banquet for you!” Ma Jian patted Zhao Guoyang’s shoulder heartily.