Chapter 25: Lofty Aspirations

Liang Hongjun had only chatted with Ma Jian and Zhao Guoyang for a short while before the door to the private room was pushed open. A short, wiry man with an air of sharp competence entered, side by side with Wang Hongxi.

The moment Liang Hongjun saw the man, he stood up with a smile and called out, “Old Zhang, we’ve finally managed to get such a busy man as yourself to join us. Come, let me introduce you to these two…”

This man was, of course, Zhang Zhongxiang, the head of the Purchasing Department at Siyang Group.

In most manufacturing enterprises, the purchasing department is always a prominent seat of real power. Although it doesn’t draw as much attention as the technical department, its importance cannot be overlooked.

A capable head of purchasing can save the factory no small amount of expenses.

“Haha, no need for formalities, Director Liang. Director Ma of Hongda Machinery—I’ve heard of you for a long time. The last time you came by, I happened to be away on business and couldn’t return in time. I’m truly sorry!”

Seeing Director Zhang himself reaching out to shake hands, Ma Jian was thrilled and responded warmly, “Director Zhang, it’s an honor! You’re too kind.”

Observing all this, Zhao Guoyang formed a quick impression of Zhang Zhongxiang. This was clearly an old hand, someone who knows what to say to whom, always adjusting his words to suit his audience—a perfect fit for head of purchasing.

As Zhao Guoyang was sizing him up, Zhang Zhongxiang had already turned to him, extending his hand. “You must be Director Zhao. On the way here, Director Wang was full of praise for you. Truly impressive, truly impressive…”

Since everyone present was a leader of some kind, Zhao Guoyang knew it was best to keep a low profile. He greeted Zhang politely and then fell silent.

Ma Jian quickly stepped in to smooth things over. “Director Zhang, Guoyang is a bit reserved by nature. I hope you’ll forgive him.”

“Haha, of course, of course. That’s how technical people are—our Director Liang and Director Wang are much the same. Come, Director Ma, let’s sit down and talk…”

With a cheerful laugh, Zhang Zhongxiang led Ma Jian to his seat.

Once everyone had taken their places, a waiter entered to pour drinks for the five of them.

Liang Hongjun, as the most senior present, raised his glass first once it was filled. “Director Ma, Comrade Zhao, I’d like to toast you both. Firstly, to welcome you; and secondly, to hope that our Siyang Group can deepen its cooperation with your factory…”

Drinking was never an issue for Ma Jian. He raised his glass with both hands and downed it in one go. Zhao Guoyang, though no lightweight, knew he couldn’t match Ma Jian’s capacity. But since the factory director had finished his drink, Zhao had no choice but to follow suit, raising his neck and downing his glass.

At the table, the atmosphere was far more relaxed than at work. After a few rounds, everyone became quite familiar with one another.

Zhang Zhongxiang and Ma Jian began discussing the supply of motorcycle frames, while Liang Hongjun exchanged a glance with Wang Hongxi.

Catching the cue, Wang Hongxi nodded, raised his glass, and smiled at Zhao Guoyang. “Comrade Zhao, let me toast you.”

Zhao Guoyang quickly stood, clinked glasses with him, and drank half.

“Brother Zhao, I’m a few years older than you. I hope you don’t mind if I call you my younger brother?” Wang Hongxi said.

“Of course not, Director Wang. It’s an honor for me,” Zhao replied at once.

Pleased, Wang Hongxi set his glass down, looking Zhao Guoyang in the eye. “Brother, there’s something I don’t quite understand.”

“I heard from Director Ma that you graduated from the prestigious Jinling University of Technology, top of your class in the Mechanical Engineering Department, and a frequent scholarship winner. Why didn’t you pursue graduate studies and instead chose to work straight away?”

As soon as Wang finished, Liang Hongjun’s gaze also settled on Zhao Guoyang.

Sensing the attention of both, Zhao Guoyang sat up straight and replied confidently, “Director Wang, here’s how I see it. Our republic has never lacked research-oriented, academic talent.”

“Whether there’s one more of me or one less, it doesn’t make a difference. If I went to graduate school, my future would be clear—I’d become one among countless researchers.”

He paused, then continued, “I’m not saying academic research is unimportant. But if we truly want our nation to become an industrial powerhouse on the international stage, we need to produce competitive industrial products.”

“If we want to compete with the industrial giants of Europe, America, or Japan, it’s unrealistic without a large number of specialist professionals joining the manufacturing sector. That’s why I chose to go straight into industry after graduation instead of continuing my studies.”

“Excellent! I didn’t expect you to have such lofty aspirations, Brother Zhao. Remarkable!” Wang Hongxi praised him with a thumbs-up.

Liang Hongjun, too, hadn’t expected such an answer from Zhao Guoyang. Surprised, he now held this young man in even higher regard.

Wang Hongxi patted Zhao’s shoulder. “Brother Zhao, it’s wonderful that you have such ambition. To be honest, both Director Liang and I hold your professional abilities in high esteem.”

“Our Siyang Group has always aimed to manufacture motorcycles of world-class quality. That aligns perfectly with your own aspirations—ha ha!”

“In that case, Director Wang, let’s work together for it!” Zhao Guoyang smiled, raising his glass to Wang Hongxi.

With this one sentence, he deftly headed off whatever Wang had been about to say next. Wang Hongxi could only look helplessly at Liang Hongjun, leaving the task to him.

Liang Hongjun spoke calmly, “Comrade Zhao, I noticed earlier that you were reading that article about the differences between disc wheels and spoked wheels. Do you have any insights on the subject?”

Zhao Guoyang shook his head modestly. “Director Liang, I wouldn’t presume to call them insights. The article did explain things thoroughly. While there’s more to explore, the ideas it raised could certainly be applied to motorcycles.”

“For example, the underbone motorcycle Siyang Group is about to produce is naturally best suited to spoked wheels. But for straddle-type motorcycles, it might be worth trying disc wheels.”

He added meaningfully, “Take the frame our factory previously supplied to yours—it should be for a straddle-type bike, right? Judging by its size, it would be perfect for disc wheels. If the experiment succeeds, it would be an innovation. Perhaps it could even be patented nationally…”

Zhao Guoyang wasn’t exaggerating. He clearly remembered that, in his previous life, when disc wheels were first used on motorcycles in the country, a patent was filed, winning national recognition and a monetary award.

The money might be trivial for a motorcycle enterprise, but such a national honor is a golden brand in itself.

With that honor, a motorcycle enterprise would gain enormous publicity and influence.

———

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