Chapter 67: Neither a Big Matter Nor a Small One

The inspection led by Director Liu and his party lasted for more than an hour. Throughout, Zhao Guoyang’s steady competence and his familiarity with every detail of the products greatly impressed the visiting officials. Director Zhou Taishan, half in jest, remarked that young Zhao ought to be transferred to the Ninghai Municipal Machinery Committee.

Such a notion was out of the question for Mu Aijun. As soon as Director Zhou spoke, Mu hurriedly lamented that the factory was in a period of rapid growth and that they simply could not do without young Zhao’s expertise.

Mu Aijun’s administrative rank was equivalent to a full division head—higher even than Deputy Mayor Qin Chengmin. Although the administrative status of enterprise leaders fell short of those in government agencies, Zhou Taishan treated Mu with utmost respect. After all, should Mu ever be transferred to a local government post, even at the lowest level, he would at least be assigned a deputy division head position, such as Deputy Mayor of Ninghai.

Moreover, everyone could tell that Mu was quite serious; he truly valued Zhao Guoyang. Mu’s reaction only elevated Zhao Guoyang’s standing in the eyes of Director Liu and Deputy Mayor Qin.

As the group’s conversation revolved around Zhao Guoyang, Huang Xiaohua, who lingered at the back of the line with his tail between his legs, grew increasingly sullen.

As noon approached, Director Liu and his party declined the factory’s invitation to stay for lunch and returned straight to the Ninghai Municipal Committee. Presumably, the municipal government had already arranged their reception.

Although Mu Aijun carried considerable weight in the city, he dared not cross the municipal committee; he could only see Director Liu and his group off with repeated farewells.

Once the guests had departed, Mu immediately summoned Ma Jian and Wang Youchang for a brief meeting. Ma Jian had a good idea of what this was about and wasn’t surprised; Wang Youchang, less informed about earlier events, was a bit puzzled.

In the factory manager’s office, Mu Aijun handed each of them a cigarette, his brows furrowed. “Old Wang, normally, you’d handle matters concerning your subordinates. But as for Huang Xiaohua, I truly can’t overlook his conduct today...”

“Ah?” Wang Youchang’s heart skipped a beat at Mu’s stern tone.

Seeing Wang still in the dark, Ma Jian sighed and recounted how Huang Xiaohua had boasted and misled Director Liu earlier. When he finished, Ma shook his head. “Today’s incident—neither trivial nor grave. Huang Xiaohua has ability, but his flaws are obvious. He likes to exaggerate, whether in his work or in dealing with people, he’s superficial and insincere.”

Mu Aijun waved his hand. “Old Ma, Huang Xiaohua’s behavior today was more than mere exaggeration. He was pretending to know what he didn’t, making things up as he went along.”

“Consider this—the wind-powered fire extinguisher is an old product. Huang Xiaohua has been the technical section chief for three to five years, yet he knows less about it than Zhao Guoyang? If word gets out, people will laugh themselves silly.”

Hearing this, Wang Youchang realized that Mu was genuinely angry. He quickly spoke up in Huang Xiaohua’s defense. “Director, Huang Xiaohua can be impatient, but the fire extinguisher issue isn’t entirely his fault. I was responsible for the product at first; only after it matured did I hand it over to him, so...”

Mu Aijun frowned. “Old Wang, we know about all that. But regardless, Huang Xiaohua must bear responsibility. As technical section chief, he failed in his duties.”

With Mu’s words, Wang could say no more. In truth, he too was dissatisfied with Huang’s careless fabrications. In his view, it was one thing not to know the situation, but quite another to invent things. If this had offended Director Liu, it could have brought serious trouble to the factory.

The office was silent for a moment before Mu spoke again. “All right, the three of us are just discussing this. It’s not that we have to punish Huang Xiaohua. But as for his role as deputy section chief, I think we’ll suspend him for now and observe his future performance.”

“Director, isn’t that... a bit much?” Wang Youchang said, troubled.

Mu waved his hand. “It’s nothing serious. His salary stays the same, but he won’t be in charge for the time being.”

“Besides, there are two deputy chiefs in the technical section, which is unnecessary. Old Wang, you should start thinking about this.”

Ma Jian chimed in, adding fuel to the fire. “Old Wang, I’ve always thought you should have handed over the technical section chief’s duties long ago.”

“We’ve both seen Guoyang’s ability and achievements. Given his contribution to the factory, promoting him to section chief is only natural. I don’t see why you hesitate.”

Pressed by Ma Jian, Wang Youchang’s face grew awkward. He grumbled, “Our technical section affairs are my business, Old Ma. I’ll consider the director’s suggestion.”

“Well, my good intentions seem wasted on you,” Ma Jian said, taking a drag from his cigarette and falling silent.

Mu Aijun looked at Wang, then at Ma Jian, and finally spoke. “Very well, let’s settle it. Issue a notice shortly: Zhao Guoyang will temporarily take charge of the technical section’s work. Any objections, Old Wang?”

With Mu’s clear directive, Wang could hardly refuse. In fact, he had already thought about resolving the issue of two deputy chiefs and formalizing Zhao Guoyang’s position. But considering Huang Xiaohua’s likely reaction, he hadn’t made up his mind. Now, with Mu decisively taking charge, it was as if a burden had been lifted.

While the three directors discussed the technical section, Zhao Guoyang was preparing for his business trip that afternoon. In his office, he specifically instructed Hua Guosheng to keep a close eye on the batch of chassis for the Siyang Group, to ensure there were no mishaps.

At this point, Hua Guosheng followed Zhao’s instructions without question. Whatever Zhao Guoyang requested, Hua would carry out without fail.

As Zhao spoke with Hua, Huang Xiaohua couldn’t help but sneer, “Since when do you get to call the shots in the technical section? Just focus on your trip and stop meddling!”

Zhao was taken aback; he hadn’t expected Huang to bring their conflict into the open so soon.

But faced with such a petty antagonist, Zhao was unafraid. He replied in a clear voice, “Chief Huang, you’ve just returned from your training, so you’re surely unfamiliar with the Siyang Group’s chassis project. I’ve asked Master Hua to keep an eye on things; there’s nothing wrong with that.”

“If you want to take charge, go talk to Director Wang and see if he’ll entertain you!”

“You… what kind of attitude is that!” Huang Xiaohua was so furious his face turned purple and his whole body shook.