Chapter 97: You Have Been Borrowed

During his last inspection at Hongda Machinery Factory, Liu Yaohong had already formed a good impression of Zhao Guoyang. This young man was thoroughly familiar with the technical specifications and usage precautions of wind-driven fire extinguishers—a technically adept and solid young cadre. Moreover, Zhao Guoyang was a university graduate from Jinling Institute of Technology, the prized protégé of Dean Mao Tiansheng.

Remembering this, Liu Yaohong quickly reported his observations from his previous visit to Hongda Machinery Factory to Director Wang. After hearing the account, Director Wang sighed with emotion, saying, “So, he’s a graduate from a prestigious university, and Dean Mao’s star pupil—no wonder...”

After chatting with Liu Yaohong for a while, Director Wang spoke earnestly in the end, “Xiao Liu, let me be frank with you! Director Fang has given me a strict order: at next month’s Songjiang Auto Expo, Zhao Guoyang must attend. So, you must push things forward here. Make sure you act quickly!”

With Director Wang’s instructions, Liu Yaohong immediately patted his chest and promised to get the job done. After hanging up, he found himself unable to sit still at home.

That call just now was from Wang Ziqing, Director of the Provincial Mechanical Industry Committee, who had called him specifically for one purpose: to find someone—Zhao Guoyang of Hongda Machinery Factory!

At first, Liu Yaohong had wondered why Director Wang would suddenly ask him to find a technician. But when Wang mentioned the name “Zhao Guoyang,” his surprise lessened. On his last inspection to Ninghai, besides the leading cadres, the only person who had left an impression was Zhao Guoyang. He even remembered complimenting him, remarking on his potential—how quickly those words had come true.

…

On Monday morning, Zhao Guoyang was busy in the office instructing Hua Guosheng about preparing materials for fifty C100 car frames when Deputy Factory Director Wang Youchang hurried in.

“Guoyang, quick, come with me!” As soon as he entered, Wang Youchang didn’t care that Zhao Guoyang was in the middle of speaking with Hua Guosheng; he grabbed him and pulled him outside.

“Wait, Director Wang, where are we going? What’s the matter?” Zhao Guoyang asked in surprise.

“Hurry up, you’ll understand once we get to the director’s office!” Wang Youchang replied, panting. Since Zhao Guoyang had joined the factory, apart from the time there was a mass accident with the car frames, he had never seen Director Wang so flustered.

Seeing him like this, Zhao Guoyang grew uneasy—could there have been some major incident at the factory?

The two of them hurried into the director’s office. Inside, Director Mu Aijun was speaking in low tones with a middle-aged man whose face seemed familiar. Zhao Guoyang paused in surprise.

“Ah, Xiao Zhao, you’re here—come, have a seat!” The middle-aged man relaxed visibly when he saw Zhao Guoyang, as if he had come specifically for him.

Still confused, Zhao Guoyang and Wang Youchang sat down. Mu Aijun grinned and said, “Guoyang, you should recognize Director Zhou, right? He visited our Hongda Machinery Factory just last week!”

With that hint, Zhao Guoyang immediately recalled the man’s identity—Zhou Taishan, Director of the Ninghai Municipal Mechanical Industry Committee.

“Hello, Director Zhou!” Zhao Guoyang greeted Zhou Taishan politely, though he was secretly curious. He had never had any interaction with Director Zhou before—what could this be about?

“Xiao Zhao, don’t be nervous—it’s good news!” Zhou Taishan said with a smile, seeing Zhao Guoyang’s confusion.

Before Zhao Guoyang could reply, Mu Aijun spoke up, “Director Zhou, you see, I’ve found the person you wanted. What’s this all about? You can tell us now, right?”

Wang Youchang, sitting beside them, also nodded slightly, clearly curious as to why Director Zhou was seeking Zhao Guoyang in such a hurry.

Zhou Taishan nodded at Mu Aijun, his gaze steady on Zhao Guoyang. “Comrade Xiao Zhao, I came here today especially for you. In a moment, hand over your current tasks, then come with me to Guangling City. For the time being, the Ninghai Mechanical Industry Committee is borrowing you to attend the Songjiang Auto Expo…”

At this, Mu Aijun and Wang Youchang exchanged stunned glances.

Zhou Taishan, oblivious to the dramatic expressions on their faces, continued, “Xiao Zhao, don’t feel too much pressure—just see it as a chance to broaden your horizons.”

“To be honest, the Songjiang Auto Expo is a grand event, not just for the domestic automotive industry, but internationally as well. I’m quite envious that you have the opportunity to attend.”

“Wait a moment, Director Zhou—hold on…” Mu Aijun suddenly interrupted.

Zhou Taishan smiled at Mu Aijun, showing not the slightest hint of embarrassment at being cut off. In fact, in front of Mu Aijun—who held a higher administrative rank as a full department-level official—Zhou Taishan always adopted a modest posture. After all, the Mechanical Industry Committee wasn’t as powerful as the Finance or Public Security Bureaus, and he naturally deferred to Mu Aijun.

“Director Zhou, I don’t quite understand—what is this all about? Why is the Guangling Mechanical Industry Committee suddenly borrowing Guoyang from our factory?” Mu Aijun asked, puzzled.

Zhou Taishan knew that if he didn’t explain clearly, Mu Aijun would never let Zhao Guoyang go. When Director Liu had discussed borrowing Zhao Guoyang with him, he had specifically instructed him to communicate well with Director Mu of Hongda Machinery Factory.

With Liu Yaohong’s instructions, Zhou Taishan dared not be negligent and explained everything in detail.

“Here’s the situation, Director Mu. The request to borrow Comrade Zhao Guoyang didn’t come from the Ninghai Mechanical Industry Committee—it was an order from Director Liu Yaohong of the Guangling Committee.”

“Director Liu made it clear: it’s just a temporary assignment. He wants Xiao Zhao to participate in next month’s International Auto Expo in Songjiang City. As soon as the Expo ends, he’ll return.” Zhou Taishan explained everything.

“Director Liu?” At the mention of Liu Yaohong’s name, Mu Aijun’s heart skipped a beat.

If it were just pressure from Zhou Taishan, he might hold firm, but an order from Liu Yaohong, Director of the Guangling Committee, was not something he could refuse.

Mu Aijun wondered silently: but why would Director Liu borrow Zhao Guoyang for this so-called Auto Expo? After all, Zhao wasn’t even in the automotive field.

While Mu Aijun furrowed his brows in deep thought, Wang Youchang, sitting nearby, was the first to voice his question.