Chapter 31: Thoughtful Consideration

Seeing Zhao Guoyang’s perplexed expression, Ma Jian gave a meaningful smile. “What is it, Guoyang, you don’t understand this? Did you really think that just because we had lunch with those ministers from Siyang Group at noon, the order was already secured?”

“In sales, the most important thing to remember is that words alone don’t count; only a signed contract is binding. Especially at the dinner table, some things simply can’t be taken at face value.”

He sighed, then continued, “Of course, today both Minister Liang from the technical department and Minister Zhang from the procurement department of Siyang Group were present, and we've essentially reached an agreement on signing the contract with our factory. There shouldn’t be any surprises. But we still have to make the proper gestures.”

“Look over there, see those four gift bags? I just picked out some presents to put in them. Tomorrow, we’ll look for an opportunity to deliver these to the gentlemen, and hopefully, we can get the contract signed as soon as possible. That way, I’ll feel at ease…”

After Ma Jian's explanation, Zhao Guoyang felt a bit dazed. In truth, he understood how business relations worked. In his previous life, when invited by companies to give lectures or discuss cooperation, he’d been on the receiving end of their hospitality as well.

But Zhao Guoyang hadn’t expected that even in the early 1990s, such practices were already commonplace in business dealings. It seemed he was still a bit slow to catch on in this regard.

Suddenly remembering something, Zhao Guoyang asked curiously, “Director Ma, there’s Minister Liang and Minister Zhang, plus Deputy Minister Wang—that’s three people. Why prepare four gifts?”

Smiling, Ma Jian shook his head. “Guoyang, your technical skills are beyond reproach, but you still have much to learn about social dealings. Think about it—if the technical department has two ministers, wouldn’t the procurement department as well? This time, thanks to you, I got to meet the head of the procurement department. But last time, I only met Deputy Minister Ding.”

“Even though we’ve now connected directly with Minister Zhang, can we really sidestep Deputy Minister Ding? In the future, as business between our two factories increases, the main person dealing with a small factory like ours will still be Deputy Minister Ding. We can’t afford to lose sight of the big picture for the sake of small gains.”

Zhao Guoyang didn’t have much interest in the under-the-table dealings of procurement and sales. After listening to Director Ma’s lesson, he nodded with a look of humble acceptance. “I understand, Director Ma. You really do think things through.”

Ma Jian was quite pleased with Zhao Guoyang’s response. Patting his shoulder, he said, “This is called specialization in different fields. Even though you’re a technical person, it’s good to understand these matters. With the great merits you’ve earned for the factory this time, you’ll definitely be promoted to deputy section chief when we get back. In the future, maybe in just a few years, you’ll be representing the factory in these sorts of negotiations.”

To Ma Jian’s praise, Zhao Guoyang responded with modesty. In truth, he was inwardly delighted at the prospect of becoming an official cadre.

Not that the title itself was such an honor to him, but the economic benefits were simply too tempting to resist.

In his past life, Zhao Guoyang had never worried about money, but in this life, poverty had made him cautious. Though he possessed the talent of an army general, lack of capital had kept him from making a real impact, and that frustration weighed on him.

...

The next morning, Ma Jian and Zhao Guoyang rose early. Timing their arrival, they went straight to Minister Wang Hongxi’s office before most people had even started work.

Wang Hongxi was a bit surprised to see them visiting so early, but when he saw the paper-wrapped package Ma Jian produced from his backpack, he immediately understood.

Ma Jian offered a friendly smile. “We’ve brought some tea and tobacco from our hometown. I hope it suits your taste, Minister Wang. Please, give it a try.”

“Director Ma, you’re too kind!” Wang Hongxi replied with a smile as he accepted the gifts, not refusing them much.

After chatting for a while, Ma Jian and Zhao Guoyang bid him farewell and proceeded to Liang Hongjun’s office.

Liang Hongjun had just arrived as well. Upon seeing them, he warmly invited them to sit and have some tea.

As they drank, Ma Jian took out another paper package, intending to offer it to Liang Hongjun.

“Ah, that won’t do!” Liang Hongjun immediately understood what was happening when he saw the package and politely recoiled.

“It’s just a small specialty from my hometown, Minister Liang. Please, don’t refuse…” Ma Jian said, a bit embarrassed.

But Liang Hongjun firmly returned the package to Ma Jian’s backpack, shaking his hand vigorously. “Director Ma, I appreciate the thought. But I really can’t accept this. If you want to thank me, just bring young Zhao over more often to visit our factory and offer valuable suggestions.”

With these words, Liang Hongjun not only gave Ma Jian an easy way out, but also subtly highlighted Zhao Guoyang’s importance.

Ma Jian immediately caught his meaning. “Of course, Minister Liang. As you said, the underbone motorcycle project is a major one. If we succeed in the trial production of the frame, Guoyang will be visiting Siyang Group frequently.”

“Haha, that’s great!” Liang Hongjun beamed, then turned to Zhao Guoyang. “Comrade Zhao, sorry to trouble you with all the travel.”

Zhao Guoyang, genuinely grateful, nodded to the technical director. “It’s an honor to have the opportunity to visit Siyang Group often and learn from you. Thank you for giving me this chance, Minister Liang.”

Liang Hongjun truly appreciated such talent as Zhao Guoyang. After chatting a bit longer, he instructed his staff to prepare a full set of the general drawings and all component blueprints for the underbone motorcycle frame and handed them over to Zhao Guoyang.

In fact, when most motorcycle factories communicated with frame suppliers, they usually only provided the general drawings. The detailed component drawings had to be drafted by the suppliers themselves.

Liang Hongjun’s generous approach undoubtedly saved both Hongda Machinery Factory and Zhao Guoyang a great deal of trouble.

Once everything was handed over, Liang Hongjun shook hands with Ma Jian and Zhao Guoyang in farewell.

“Director Ma, Comrade Zhao, you’ll be heading to the procurement department soon to sign the contract, and you have a train to catch afterward, right? I won’t keep you. Anyway, we’ll have plenty of chances to meet in the future, won’t we?”

“Yes, yes, Minister Liang, you’re absolutely right!” Ma Jian nodded repeatedly.

Before leaving, Zhao Guoyang solemnly promised Liang Hongjun, “Minister Liang, as soon as I return, I’ll report to Director Wang in charge of technology, and we’ll start work on the underbone frame as soon as possible. It should take a day to interpret the drawings, about a week to manufacture the components, and then we’ll move on to trial assembly. In two weeks—yes, in just two weeks, we should be able to deliver the first prototype!”