Chapter 49: Returning Home on the Golden Lion

For dinner, Liao Jingsheng chose “Wang Da Restaurant,” located east of the Xiangyang Machinery Factory. Although the place seemed unremarkable and was rather small, the chef’s skills were impressive, making the restaurant a designated spot for the factory’s guests.

After everyone was seated, Liao Jingsheng brought out two bottles of Yanghe Daqu he had brought himself, unscrewed the caps, and poured drinks for everyone.

Gazing at the fine liquor in his glass, Li Heshan lowered his head to take a deep whiff, then looked across the table at Zhao Guoyang and said with a laugh, “Hey, Brother Zhao, it’s thanks to you that Old Hu and I get to enjoy such good liquor tonight!”

“You have no idea; usually when I come here with Old Liao, he just fobs me off with some bulk wine.”

“Hmph, Brother Li, you have some nerve complaining—having wine at all is already a treat. Even with bulk wine, my master hardly ever lets himself have much,” interjected Xiao Hong immediately.

“Xiao Hong, you… you’re certainly frank enough!” Li Heshan could only shake his head and smile wryly at the young woman’s retort.

Having poked fun at Li Heshan, Ning Xiaohong stood up with a bright smile and, raising her glass to Zhao Guoyang, said, “Zhao Guoyang, here’s to you. Tonight, you really taught me a lesson and made me realize there’s always someone better out there.”

“Xiaohong, you’re too polite. We’re just exchanging ideas and learning from each other. It’s hardly a matter of teaching,” Zhao Guoyang replied, also rising to his feet.

“Exactly, Xiaohong, you should follow Brother Zhao’s example. He’s more than qualified to be half your mentor!” Li Heshan, finally seizing a chance to strike back, squinted at the two young people standing before him.

Liao Jingsheng, as if remembering something, nodded repeatedly in agreement. “Yes, yes, as the saying goes, ‘Among any three people, I can find a teacher.’ Brother Zhao, your talent is more than worthy!”

Perhaps because they were regulars, the dishes at Wang Da Restaurant arrived swiftly. In no time, the table was filled with home-style plates, all alluring in color and aroma.

After several rounds of toasts, Liao Jingsheng couldn’t help but exclaim, “Xiao Zhao, I used to be skeptical about young people making a name for themselves, especially in technical fields. I always thought experience was what mattered most. But today, you have proved me wrong. It’s time I updated my old-fashioned thinking.”

Zhao Guoyang replied with a modest smile, “Brother Liao, you flatter me. I may not have graduated long ago, but I’ve had plenty of hands-on practice, so I can hardly call myself a novice in many technical areas…”

“That’s part of it, too,” Liao Jingsheng agreed with a nod. “But honestly, Xiao Zhao, you shouldn’t underestimate yourself. Our Xiangyang Machinery Factory may not have any university graduates, but we do have a few college grads. They all had long internships before joining, but compared to you…”

At this, Ning Xiaohong couldn’t help but silently grumble, “Master, don’t mention those arrogant types—they can’t even write a proper production manual. So much for being college students!”

Knowing it wasn’t his place to comment on the internal affairs of another factory, Zhao Guoyang simply kept silent.

Seeing him so composed at such a young age, Hu Ping and Li Changhe exchanged glances, their eyes filled with admiration.

The meal was a lively affair, enjoyed thoroughly by hosts and guest alike. With his genuine skill and approachable nature, Zhao Guoyang won everyone’s respect and affection. All four, including Ning Xiaohong, took turns toasting him again and again.

Though Liao was usually known for his frugality, tonight he was uncharacteristically generous. After the two bottles of Yanghe Daqu were finished, he ordered another bottle of Tequ from the restaurant. While not as fine as Yanghe, it was a famous Jiangnan liquor, costing a good ten yuan or so per bottle.

Seeing Liao so gracious, the hard-drinking Li Heshan and Hu Ping were naturally delighted and grew even more appreciative of Zhao Guoyang. They knew well that Liao Jingsheng’s generosity was, in large part, for the sake of this exceptionally talented young “Engineer Zhao.”

Even without Liao’s influence, Li Heshan and Hu Ping were eager to befriend Zhao Guoyang. After all, people of real ability are respected wherever they go.

When they left Wang Da Restaurant, Zhao Guoyang was already somewhat tipsy, his steps feeling light as if he were walking on clouds.

Of the three bottles, Ning Xiaohong had demurely sipped only about three taels, leaving the rest to the four men. Zhao Guoyang had drunk at least six taels himself. In his previous life, though he was a leading technical expert in manufacturing and often attended banquets, his alcohol tolerance was not well developed—two taels was his limit. Fortunately, his new body after rebirth was much sturdier and could handle more drink, sparing him any embarrassment tonight.

As they were leaving, Li Heshan and Hu Ping offered to drive Zhao Guoyang home with their tractor, but he politely declined and urged them not to drink and drive, lest any trouble arise.

But Li Heshan waved his concern away, saying, “Don’t worry, Brother Zhao, this little bit of liquor is nothing. I could handle another half jin without any problem.”

It’s worth remembering that in the early nineties, traffic regulations were lax, and with so few people on the roads, even if someone was around, they’d hurry out of a vehicle’s way. Drivers were bold as a result.

While Zhao Guoyang declined Li Heshan’s offer, he couldn’t refuse Liao Jingsheng’s insistence. Seeing that Zhao Guoyang was a bit unsteady, the factory director insisted his beautiful apprentice take him home on her “Golden Lion” 26-inch bicycle.

But they hadn’t gone far when the bike jolted over a pothole, and Zhao Guoyang instinctively wrapped his arm around Ning Xiaohong’s slender waist. She stiffened at once, letting out a startled gasp.

“Uh… sorry about that!” Zhao Guoyang realized he’d been rash and hastily let go, apologizing awkwardly.

“It’s… it’s all right. Just sit tight,” Ning Xiaohong replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

This small incident, along with the chilly autumn evening breeze, helped clear Zhao Guoyang’s head a little.

“Xiaohong, stop at the next intersection. I’ll walk from there—it’s just a few steps to my place,” Zhao Guoyang said as he recognized the familiar houses ahead.

“No way!” Ning Xiaohong shot back without turning her head. “Master said I must personally see you to your door. I wouldn’t dare disobey him!”

Faced with the stubborn, earnest beauty who was also the factory’s technical director, Zhao Guoyang was at a loss. He knew she meant well, but he couldn’t help worrying that being seen coming home late at night with a pretty girl would give his parents the wrong idea. He didn’t mind personally, but if his mother misunderstood, things would get awkward—he couldn’t help feeling uneasy.