Chapter 26: Poaching Talent

Before Zhao Guoyang had even finished speaking, the excitement on the faces of Liang Hongjun and Wang Hongxi was already impossible to hide.

The idea of applying disc wheel technology to their own motorcycles was something Liang Hongjun had already discussed with Wang Hongxi. The two had explored this possibility and intended to begin research and testing in the coming months.

Within Sanyang Group, this matter was highly confidential—only Liang Hongjun and Wang Hongxi, the top two figures in the technical department, were aware of it. No one else knew. The rumor hadn’t even reached the company’s upper management yet.

Clearly, there was no way this information could have been leaked by anyone else. Yet this Zhao Guoyang, after reading that article, had arrived at almost the exact same conclusion as the two of them, and his insight was uncannily precise. How could Liang Hongjun and Wang Hongxi not be astonished?

Taking a deep breath to steady the emotions surging within him, Liang Hongjun finally spoke. He looked at Zhao Guoyang with earnestness and said, “Comrade Zhao, have you ever thought about working in a different environment? For example, joining our Sanyang Group.”

The moment Liang Hongjun finished speaking, Ma Jian—who had been chatting animatedly with Minister Zhang—immediately caught on, his face reflecting disbelief.

In fact, though Ma Jian seemed engrossed in conversation with Zhang Zhongxiang during dinner, a large part of his attention remained on Zhao Guoyang.

Although Ma Jian did not yet have the keen talent-spotting instincts of other entrepreneurs, he was no fool. Ever since meeting Liang Hongjun, Minister Liang’s interest in Guoyang had been apparent, and the conversation had repeatedly circled back to him.

Especially Guoyang’s explanation of the underbone motorcycle frame had greatly satisfied Minister Liang.

What did this mean? It meant that Minister Liang was interested in this acting deputy director of the technical department from his own factory.

Of course, Ma Jian understood that ever since the winds of reform and opening swept across China, talented personnel had become scarce. Many large enterprises had begun to value young college graduates, hoping to cultivate them as pillars of their organizations.

Without a doubt, Guoyang was the very definition of “talent.” It was only natural for Minister Liang to appreciate him.

However, what Ma Jian hadn’t expected was for Liang Hongjun to so brazenly attempt to poach talent from his factory, right in front of him. This was a bit much.

With this in mind, Ma Jian apologized to Minister Zhang, then turned to Liang Hongjun with a forced smile and said, “Minister Liang, please don’t joke around.”

“Guoyang has just graduated from university; at Sanyang Group, he would only be an ordinary technician. Besides, he’s always been family-oriented and doesn’t want to work too far from home, so there’s really no need to trouble yourself.”

Before Ma Jian could finish, Liang Hongjun laughed and said, “Director Ma, life is unpredictable.”

“In the past, perhaps Comrade Zhao was attached to home, but as we all know, a true man’s ambitions lie far and wide. Comrade Zhao has great aspirations; a small city like Ninghai may not be able to contain him…”

Wang Hongxi chimed in as well, “Minister Liang is absolutely right. Talent like Comrade Zhao should try their hand in the big city.”

“I won’t make empty promises, but if Comrade Zhao is willing to join Sanyang Group, the deputy director position of Research Division One in the Technical Quality Department is open and waiting for you.”

“Deputy director of Research Division One…” At this, Ma Jian was momentarily stunned.

He knew full well that this position was already a middle management post at Sanyang Group. And given how much Liang Hongjun and Wang Hongxi admired Guoyang, if he joined, his prospects would undoubtedly be bright.

By contrast, his own factory, even after Guoyang’s major contributions, had only granted him a nominal status as a prospective cadre—hardly comparable in terms of recognition.

With this weighing on his mind, Ma Jian found it difficult to voice any objections.

Meanwhile, Zhang Zhongxiang, who had been calmly observing the conversation, was inwardly astonished.

He knew Liang Hongjun best, and knew that this technical giant had an uncanny ability to judge people. If he thought so highly of Zhao Guoyang, then this young man must indeed be extraordinary.

Since Liang Hongjun was trying to poach talent, Zhang Zhongxiang naturally had to lend his support. He chuckled and said, “Minister Liang, if I remember correctly, isn’t the director of Research Division One also Minister Wang’s job?”

“If Comrade Zhao joins, wouldn’t he be running the show? In another two or three years, he could fully take over the division—that’s certainly not out of the question.”

Liang Hongjun smiled knowingly and said, “Old Zhang, you’re absolutely right. In fact, given the level Comrade Zhao has already demonstrated, I doubt it would take as long as two or three years.”

“Half a year, perhaps. Within half a year, as long as he produces some results, the position of director of Research Division One will be his. What do you say, Old Wang? No problem, right?”

Though Wang Hongxi was surprised, he replied without hesitation, “Of course not! I’ve long wanted to hand off the responsibilities of Research Division One. Comrade Zhao not only has ability, but also vision—having him in charge couldn’t be better.”

Seeing the Sanyang Group people about to settle things among themselves, Ma Jian knew he could no longer remain silent. At this point, he had long since stopped caring about business matters, and quickly cleared his throat. “Well, why don’t we discuss this later? Guoyang hasn’t agreed to join Sanyang Group yet… If you leaders poach talent from our Hongda Machinery Factory, what will become of us?”

As he spoke, Ma Jian winked repeatedly at Zhao Guoyang, clearly signaling him to refuse.

Noticing Ma Jian’s antics, Liang Hongjun smiled wryly. “Director Ma, I’ve never liked beating around the bush, so I’ll speak plainly.”

“Comrade Zhao’s abilities are highly valued by both Wang and me. We sincerely hope to recruit him. If Hongda Group is willing to let him go, we can offer you certain compensations in terms of orders.”

“Damn!” Ma Jian cursed inwardly.

Though he was tempted by the olive branch Liang Hongjun had extended, he knew perfectly well that the recent batch of orders he’d just secured was largely thanks to Zhao Guoyang.

If he really did “sell” him to the other side, the matter of the underbone motorcycle frame would become a headache—there might not be anyone in the factory capable of handling it.

A smart man like Ma Jian would never trade a watermelon for a sesame seed.

He immediately made his position clear: “Leaders, that’s absolutely out of the question! Guoyang is someone our Hongda Machinery Factory has worked tirelessly to cultivate. As long as he’s unwilling to leave, our factory would never let him go.”

“Although our two companies are excellent partners, on this issue, our position is perfectly firm…”