Chapter 32: The Contract Is Finally Signed

“Excellent! Producing a prototype of a new frame within two weeks—that’s already incredibly fast! To be honest, I’m beginning to look forward to seeing your sample now!” Liang Hongjun was very pleased with Zhao Guoyang’s response.

Seeing the two engrossed in their conversation, Ma Jian interjected from the side, “Once the sample is ready, Guoyang, I’d like you to personally visit Four Sheep Group and discuss the technical details with them. What do you say, Guoyang? No problem, right?”

Since Director Ma had spoken, Zhao Guoyang could only nod in agreement.

Liang Hongjun, satisfied with this outcome, personally escorted the two down to the ground floor of the technical department before bidding them farewell.

The procurement department building of Four Sheep Group was some distance from the technical department—a ten-minute walk. By the time Ma Jian and Zhao Guoyang arrived, most of the employees were already in their offices. Uncertain where Minister Zhang Zhongxiang’s office was, they first headed to Deputy Minister Ding Sanshi’s office.

“Well, if it isn’t Director Ma!” Ding Sanshi’s expression was somewhat sour when he saw Ma Jian.

After the formalities, Ding Sanshi said with a sardonic tone, “Director Ma, you’re quite capable, aren’t you? You managed to go straight to Minister Zhang. Impressive, really impressive!”

Hearing this, Zhao Guoyang frowned. He understood that Ding Sanshi was openly displeased that Ma Jian had bypassed him and approached Zhang Zhongxiang directly.

“Deputy Minister Ding, you’re joking, surely joking,” Ma Jian replied quickly. “Yesterday, it was pure coincidence—I went with our technician Xiao Zhao to discuss some technical matters with Minister Liang. It happened to be mealtime, so Minister Liang invited us to lunch. I had no idea he’d invite Minister Zhang as well…”

With this explanation, Ding Sanshi’s expression eased somewhat. Liang Hongjun held considerable prestige within Four Sheep Group and was a leading candidate for the next round of senior management, with strong popular support. Ding Sanshi naturally dared not offend such a figure.

He also knew that Liang Hongjun was never one for airs, accustomed to being informal. It was quite possible he’d casually invite these two representatives from the affiliated manufacturers to lunch and simply call Minister Zhang along.

Seeing Ding Sanshi’s mood improve, Ma Jian quickly took a paper packet from his backpack and handed it to Ding Sanshi. “Just a small token, Deputy Minister Ding, please accept it.”

Ding Sanshi responded with a leisurely “Mm,” and took the package.

Ma Jian continued, “I wonder if Deputy Minister Ding has time for lunch today? Perhaps we could dine together?”

Ding Sanshi waved his hand, “Ah, Director Ma, let’s skip the meal. My house is under renovation lately, and I really don’t have the time…”

Hearing this, Ma Jian immediately understood. He quickly took out a red envelope, slipped several hundred yuan bills inside, and discreetly placed it into Ding Sanshi’s pocket, smiling, “My apologies, Deputy Minister Ding—I just learned of your housewarming. Congratulations, congratulations!”

Now Ding Sanshi was truly satisfied, and for the first time, a smile appeared on his face.

“Director Ma, you’re too kind… Well, I’ll gladly accept your gesture!”

With the atmosphere cleared, Ma Jian was about to ask about Minister Zhang’s office when Ding Sanshi said, “By the way, Minister Zhang is on a business trip today. Before leaving, he instructed me to sign the contract for the ‘Little Magnolia’ frames with your Hongda Machinery Factory. Director Ma, if it’s convenient, let’s finalize the contract now, so you can report back with confidence.”

As he spoke, Ding Sanshi took two contracts from his drawer.

Ma Jian’s face lit up when he saw the clear words on the contract: “Four hundred Little Magnolia frames.”

While Ding Sanshi and Ma Jian signed the contract, Zhao Guoyang couldn’t help but reflect. In this day and age, small factories like Hongda Machinery partnering with a large enterprise like Four Sheep Group is no easy feat.

If not for Ma Jian’s savvy and wealth of experience, this contract would never have been signed today.

With the contract completed, Ma Jian felt a huge weight lifted from his heart. Ding Sanshi also knew they needed to catch a train and didn’t delay them further.

When bidding them farewell, Ding Sanshi’s attitude had clearly improved. He even called to arrange for an idle car from the procurement department to take them to the train station—a rare courtesy for such a small supplier.

Ma Jian held Ding Sanshi’s hand and thanked him profusely before he and Zhao Guoyang got into the car. The vehicle started promptly and drove forward.

As they exited the factory gates, Zhao Guoyang glanced once more at the conspicuous logo of Four Sheep Group—four plump sheep.

This was his first visit, since his rebirth, to a prestigious enterprise in the industry. Overall, Four Sheep Group left him with a favorable impression.

Although there were petty figures like Ding Sanshi, both Wang Hongxi and Liang Hongjun were diligent leaders. Even Zhang Zhongxiang had redeeming qualities—at least, he kept his word.

From Zhao Guoyang’s forward-looking perspective, Four Sheep Group had every chance to grow stronger in the future. If Hongda Machinery could firmly tie itself to this powerhouse, the prospects were bright.

Zhao Guoyang was confident that, given his technical expertise, providing frames for Four Sheep Group would pose no problem at all.

Not to mention motorcycles—even automobiles, special vehicles, medium-sized engines, or even airplanes and yachts weren’t a technical challenge for him. As long as the necessary equipment was available, Zhao Guoyang was confident he could build them.

Gazing out at the bright sunshine, imagining the promising future ahead, Zhao Guoyang gradually became lost in thought.

…

Two days later, at Jinling Railway Station. Zhao Guoyang struggled through the crowded throng, helping Ma Jian out of the station.

“Finally home!” As they exited, Ma Jian let out a long breath.

On their return, they hadn’t managed to buy sleeper tickets—only two standing tickets. After more than forty hours, Zhao Guoyang was aching all over, almost wishing for death.

At this point, he was too exhausted to speak, longing only for a bed and a good sleep.

“Guoyang, you must be worn out. Hang in there a bit longer—I arranged with Li Xiaoqiang to wait for us at the east parking lot of the station. He should be there by now.”

This time, thanks to Ma Jian and Zhao Guoyang’s achievement in securing an extra three hundred orders per month for the factory, Ma Jian had called Director Mu to report. Pleased, Director Mu sent his own driver, Li Xiaoqiang, to Jinling to bring them back to Ninghai—a token of appreciation.

For Zhao Guoyang, being spared the ordeal of another crowded long-distance bus was already a great relief. Thinking back to his previous life, how he always hated the hectic life of a frequent flyer, Zhao Guoyang was moved almost to tears: truly, karma never fails.

“Guoyang, there it is—over there. Jiang KM8611, that’s the one!”

Ma Jian’s voice broke Zhao Guoyang’s reverie. When he saw the familiar car, for the first time, Zhao Guoyang realized how wonderful it was to have a car…