Chapter 123: Special Research Fellow

Although he was not entirely satisfied with Zhao Guoyang’s stance, Huang Zhigang knew better than to push this immensely talented young man too hard. He nodded and said, "Fair enough. To each their own; we won't force you."

"However, Comrade Zhao, Jiangnan Province, Zhejiang Province, and our Songjiang City are collectively known as 'Jiang-Zhe-Song'—we are basically family. You should visit Songjiang more often in the future. Aside from the Commission of Machinery Industry, if possible, do try to attend some of the municipal government meetings regarding industrial projects..."

Seeing the expectant look in Mayor Huang’s eyes, Zhao Guoyang could only nod. "Mayor Huang, please rest assured. Whenever Songjiang City needs me, I will be there."

Hearing this, Huang Zhigang was finally temporarily satisfied.

Director Fang and Elder Li, sitting nearby, breathed a secret sigh of relief that Songjiang City had failed to poach Zhao Guoyang.

Li Kejian cleared his throat and said to Fang Xuesen with feigned seriousness, "Director Fang, since Young Zhao will be visiting Songjiang frequently, it must be quite inconvenient for him to travel back and forth."

"In my opinion, why not appoint him as a Special Researcher for the National Commission of Machinery Industry? That way, whether he's catching a train or a bus, he won't be delayed as much, don't you think?"

After saying this, Li Kejian turned to Zhao Guoyang and explained, "Young Zhao, don't be in such a rush to decline. This Special Researcher position carries no substantive work requirements; it is merely an official credential for you."

"When the State Council or the Commission holds important meetings, we will notify you to attend as an observer. For the rest of the time, you are free. You won't turn that down, will you?"

Fang Xuesen nodded in agreement. "Elder Li is right. Once you have this Special Researcher title, you will effectively have the status of a division-level cadre, which will make traveling by train or plane much more convenient."

"Furthermore, since you are proficient in so many foreign languages, if the Commission sends a team abroad for inspection in the future, you, as our Special Researcher, will be our secret weapon."

"Uh..." Zhao Guoyang was somewhat stunned by the words of these two senior central government officials and did not know how to respond for a moment.

In truth, as a leader in his field and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in his previous life, Zhao Guoyang had enjoyed the treatment equivalent to a vice-ministerial level. He was well-versed in the ranks of assistant researchers, associate researchers, and researchers within central ministries. Generally, a master’s graduate would start with the rank of assistant researcher. Among domestic professional titles, an associate researcher was equivalent to a senior engineer, while a full researcher represented the pinnacle of academia.

The four grades of a researcher corresponded to the four grades of a university professor, with an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences holding the highest rank. A Special Researcher, without specific caveats, was at least entitled to the benefits of a full researcher. In other words, he, a nameless junior, could actually attain benefits comparable to a university professor—this was an immense honor for a young technician who had just graduated.

While Zhao Guoyang was momentarily dazed, the admiration in Zhao Siyan’s eyes beside him had become an uncontrollable, overflowing spring. This was the title of Special Researcher—a rarity even greater than a giant panda. How could Zhao Guoyang remain so calm, showing no signs of ecstatic joy? Zhao Siyan’s admiration was easy to understand; her senior fellow student, Mo Xiaotian, had studied hard for seven years without managing to secure the title of associate researcher. The difficulty of this promotion was self-evident.

Wang Ziqing, sitting opposite, felt a secret anxiety seeing Zhao Guoyang’s silence. In his view, this was an incredible opportunity; if this kid didn't cherish it, he would surely regret it for the rest of his life. Just as Wang Ziqing was about to prompt him, Mayor Huang of Songjiang spoke up again. "Director Fang, Elder Li, this is a great idea! It could work for our Songjiang City as well!"

"Xiaofeng, if policy permits, shouldn't our Songjiang Commission of Machinery Industry also grant Comrade Zhao the status of Special Researcher? That way, when he travels between Jiangnan and Songjiang, he’ll have an official reason to do so!"

Liang Xiaofeng nodded repeatedly. "Mayor Huang, that’s no problem! The State Council issued a document long ago stating that local appointments of special researchers are not restricted by region."

"Even though Young Zhao is from Jiangnan Province, it is perfectly acceptable for him to hold the title of Special Researcher for Songjiang City!"

After saying this, Liang Xiaofeng didn't forget to take a jab at Wang Ziqing. "Director Wang, this time, our Songjiang City has outpaced your Jiangnan Province. Zhao doesn't have this status in your province yet, does he?"

Wang Ziqing feared Mayor Huang, but he didn't fear his old "rival." He rolled his eyes and retorted, "Who says? Our Jiangnan Province has been studying this issue for a long time and is just about to implement it..."

Wang Ziqing’s attempt to save face made the several bigwigs burst into laughter.

After the laughter subsided, Ji Chongxuan turned to Zhao Guoyang and asked, "Young Zhao, don't leave us hanging. Give us a straight answer! If you don't agree, we’ll have to go to your factory and draft you directly!"

"That won't be necessary, that won't be necessary!" Li Kejian laughed heartily at this. "Old Ji, don't scare Comrade Zhao. You make it sound like our Commission is a 'bandit den' that only knows how to snatch people."

The two veterans were playing "good cop, bad cop," and Zhao Guoyang knew exactly what they were doing. In truth, being appointed as a Special Researcher had a hundred benefits and no drawbacks. His earlier hesitation was merely due to surprise.

Zhao Guoyang looked up and said with utmost sincerity to the leaders, "Your praise is too much; I truly feel unworthy. I can only promise to do my best in the future! I hope to contribute my humble efforts to the development of our nation's industry!"

These words came straight from Zhao Guoyang’s heart. The backwardness of the national industry in his past life had caused him and his peers to suffer greatly. Having been given a second chance, he would certainly not let that history repeat itself.

Zhao Guoyang’s clear-cut stance greatly pleased Li Kejian. His final sentence, in particular, resonated deeply with the elder.

Suppressing his inner excitement, Elder Li said, "Good, very good! Young Zhao, within a week, I will have someone deliver the appointment certificate for the Special Researcher to your Hongda Machinery Factory!"

"Now, let us spend the remaining time discussing the industrial structure adjustment of our domestic automobile companies. Young Zhao, could you elaborate on those suggestions you made earlier? For example, how should 'First Auto Works' further expand its influence..."

Listening to Li Kejian’s impatient words, Fang Xuesen and Huang Zhigang exchanged a knowing smile; everything was understood without further words.