Chapter 43: Excellence Should Be Just Like This

Zhao Guoyang quickly wrapped up his work and hurried to the administrative office to request leave from Wang Youchang.

Upon hearing that the laser welding machine from Xiangyang Machinery Factory would greatly aid in manufacturing the new C100 frame, Wang Youchang immediately agreed.

“Guoyang, this is a big deal. Just go, do you even need to ask for leave?” Wang Youchang waved his hand decisively.

“By the way, when you’re at their factory, remember to invite their leaders out for a meal. We’re in need of their help right now!”

“And keep the meal receipts. Later, I’ll notify Director Mu, so you can get reimbursed,” Wang Youchang said earnestly.

“Yes, I understand, Director Wang! I’ll be back by noon then?” Zhao Guoyang nodded.

“Go on!” Wang Youchang looked at Zhao Guoyang with burning eyes.

“Guoyang, I know your abilities now. To speak from the heart, our Hongda Machinery Factory is truly fortunate to have recruited someone like you.”

“I know some other factories out there may offer tempting opportunities, but remember, not every director is as selfless and devoted to nurturing talent as our Director Mu!”

Clearly, Wang Youchang was speaking with genuine feeling. It seemed that Ma Jian had already told him and Mu Aijun about the Si Yang Group’s attempt to poach Zhao Guoyang.

Wang Youchang was straightforward and candid, exactly the kind of person Zhao Guoyang enjoyed working with. Hearing the director’s words, Zhao Guoyang nodded solemnly. “Don’t worry, Director Wang, I understand.”

Seeing the sincerity on Zhao Guoyang’s face, Wang Youchang smiled with heartfelt relief.

—

At noon, Monkey arrived as promised, waiting early at the gate of Hongda Machinery Factory.

From a distance, Zhao Guoyang saw him pacing anxiously and couldn’t help but laugh—he really lived up to the nickname “Monkey.”

“Why didn’t you come inside? Didn’t I tell you to give my name? Who would stop you?” Zhao Guoyang patted Monkey on the shoulder with a grin.

Monkey let out a sigh of relief. “Guoyang, it’s not that I didn’t want to go in, but the way your gatekeeper looked at me made me uncomfortable.”

“Stop with the excuses,” Zhao Guoyang laughed. “Come on, let’s grab lunch, then go visit your mother at the hospital. I’ve got a mountain of work waiting this afternoon.”

Monkey, knowing Zhao Guoyang’s character, understood that once he made up his mind, nothing could change it. Since Zhao Guoyang insisted on visiting his mother, there was no point in objecting; it was better to comply.

With this in mind, Monkey stopped protesting and led the way.

At the hospital, Zhao Guoyang met Monkey’s mother. The elderly woman’s illness was under control; pneumonia was no longer a formidable ailment in these times. She seemed to be recovering well, with plenty of energy.

After chatting with her for a while, Zhao Guoyang took his leave when the nurse came in to administer an injection.

Before leaving, Zhao Guoyang insisted on giving Monkey’s mother a fifty-yuan bill. Despite her repeated refusals, she could not withstand Zhao Guoyang’s persistence and finally accepted.

Witnessing this, the young nurse preparing the injection looked at Zhao Guoyang with hopeful eyes.

Fifty yuan was a significant sum in those days—its purchasing power was equivalent to two thousand yuan before Zhao Guoyang’s rebirth.

Monkey was clearly moved but said nothing. He was a man of action, preferring to internalize his thoughts and quietly get things done, not one to express his feelings readily.

On the way back, Zhao Guoyang said, “Well, Monkey, seeing your mother’s spirit so high, I can finally set my mind at ease. I know you’re a devoted son—if she weren’t recovering, you wouldn’t dare leave her side.”

“Yeah! The doctor says she’ll be out in a week or two. After that, Guoyang, you tell me to head east, I’ll go east; north or south, anywhere you say!”

“Uh, no need to travel far for now,” Zhao Guoyang hesitated, then waved his arm. “Our funds are limited; even if we want to start a business, we’ll have to begin with a small workshop. When we’ve earned some money, we’ll expand, and then you’ll have the chance to travel the world!”

“No problem, I’ll do whatever you say, Guoyang! Even if there’s no money in it, I won’t regret it, as long as you make sure I have a meal to eat!” Monkey replied with firm resolve.

Zhao Guoyang patted him on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, my ambitions are vast. One day, our little workshop will grow and make it into the world’s top 500. Then, as co-founder, you’ll be feasting on delicacies every day!”

Monkey didn’t think Zhao Guoyang was boasting. He’d admired him since their school days and regarded his words as law.

In Monkey’s eyes, Guoyang was simply that outstanding.

Monkey accompanied Zhao Guoyang all the way to the bus station before waving goodbye.

Before leaving, Zhao Guoyang assigned him a task: to visit shops in town, observe those selling hair clips, and sort them into categories.

If any street vendors sold them, he was to chat them up and ask about prices and supply sources.

The purpose was simple: after making the product, there needed to be a market. These stall owners, though perhaps only at the second or even third tier of the sales network, were the key to reaching higher levels.

Monkey, naturally, would carry out Zhao Guoyang’s instructions to the letter. Watching his friend’s figure fade into the distance, Zhao Guoyang nodded quietly to himself.

He knew Monkey well—his ability to execute was beyond question. With his help, Zhao Guoyang wouldn’t need to worry about many things.

—

Boarding the bus to Jianghai County, Zhao Guoyang endured a bumpy ride until he reached Jiangyu Town.

After getting off, he asked for directions and soon found the Jiangyu Town Supply and Marketing Cooperative.

The cooperative was small, just three brick-and-mortar rooms. When Zhao Guoyang arrived, he found the doors closed and knocked.

“Who is it? Who are you looking for?” A thunderous voice boomed from inside as soon as he knocked.

“My name is Zhao Guoyang. I’m here to see Director Hu!” Zhao Guoyang replied from outside.

“Old Hu, someone’s looking for you!” the gruff voice called out.

The door creaked open, and seeing Hu Ping, Zhao Guoyang finally relaxed. That booming voice was rather intimidating—if Hu Ping hadn’t appeared, he might have thought he’d stumbled into a bandits’ den.

“Ah, Brother Zhao, you finally found some time! You wouldn’t believe how many times our director said he wanted to thank you personally! Come, let’s go see him.” Hu Ping greeted Zhao Guoyang warmly, his manner open and cheerful.

—

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