Chapter 50: Another Deputy Section Chief

"Guoyang, so your house is here? It’s actually not far from our factory," Ning Xiaohong said as she parked her bike and sized up the surroundings from outside the door.

Zhao Guoyang had originally wanted to invite her inside for a cup of tea, but seeing how late it was, he thought better of it. He said, "Xiaohong, thank you so much for today. It’s getting really late, so I won’t ask you in. You should head home early and be careful on the road. Come visit next time when you have the chance."

Ning Xiaohong nodded, her cheeks tinged with pink, just about to say goodbye, when a sudden exclamation came from behind.

"Hey, brother!"

Zhao Guoyang turned to see his sister, Zhao Xiaojing, running over with her schoolbag slung on her back. He couldn’t help but ask with concern, "Xiaojing, why are you home so late?"

"I was at Xiaojuan’s place studying. How come you’re home tonight? Don’t tell me—" Zhao Xiaojing had already noticed the pretty girl standing beside her brother, a flicker of curiosity passing through her eyes. She switched topics and asked straightforwardly, "Brother, is this lady your friend? Why don’t you invite her in for a bit?"

Sensing the odd look in his sister’s eyes, Zhao Guoyang quickly waved his hand. "Next time, next time. It’s too late today, Xiaohong needs to get home..."

But Zhao Xiaojing, lively as ever, ignored her brother’s words and cheerfully sidled up to Ning Xiaohong, chatting away, calling her "Sister Xiaohong" with a natural ease.

The two seemed to get along better with each passing minute, and Zhao Guoyang couldn’t help but frown. "Hey, Xiaojing, it’s late! She needs to get home and rest!"

Only then did Zhao Xiaojing stick out her tongue and say to Ning Xiaohong, "Alright, alright, Sister Xiaohong, next time you’re free, you must come hang out with me!"

Ning Xiaohong found herself liking this lively, outgoing girl and smiled, agreeing.

After watching Ning Xiaohong ride off into the night, Zhao Guoyang turned and glared at his sister. "You little rascal, why did you ask so many questions just now? Are you planning a home visit for your brother? She’s just a friend I met recently!"

"Heh, brother... don’t pretend with me, I’m not a child. Would an ordinary friend, at this hour, escort a grown man home?" Zhao Xiaojing grinned mischievously. "If you ask me, Sister Xiaohong definitely has her eye on my outstanding brother!"

"Hmph, you little thing. Get yourself to bed—don’t you have school tomorrow?" Zhao Guoyang deliberately put on a stern face.

"Oh, alright, brother, don’t be so fierce. I’m only worried about you. Want me to tell Mom?" Zhao Xiaojing wrapped her arms around his and pouted coquettishly.

"Enough, don’t say anything, the more you talk the messier it gets," Zhao Guoyang felt his head ache.

"Hehe, but brother, you’ve got good taste—Sister Xiaohong is really pretty!" Zhao Xiaojing said playfully.

Looking at his innocent, adorable sister, Zhao Guoyang could only sigh in resignation: even girls in this era are growing up so quickly.

...

Early the next morning, Zhao Guoyang had breakfast and said goodbye to his family before rushing to the bus stop to return to the factory.

Yesterday, after he’d successfully negotiated borrowing the laser welding machine from Xiangyang Machinery Factory, he’d already called Director Wang to report, explaining he’d be having dinner with the leadership there and might not make it back that night.

Hearing that the laser welder had been secured, Wang Youchang was overjoyed and immediately approved Zhao Guoyang’s leave, advising him to rest at home for the morning.

But with the C100 frame for Siyang Group weighing on his mind, Zhao Guoyang couldn’t relax, so he caught the early bus back to the city.

On arriving at the factory, he went straight to Wang Youchang’s office to give a detailed report on the negotiations with Xiangyang Machinery Factory.

After hearing everything, Wang Youchang was quite pleased. He patted Zhao Guoyang’s shoulder and said, "Excellent work, Guoyang. You’ve worked hard. Once the C100 frame prototype is done, I’ll make sure to put in a good word for you with Director Mu!"

"Director Wang, this is just my duty," Zhao Guoyang replied modestly.

Wang Youchang was very satisfied with Zhao Guoyang and took a sip of tea. "Guoyang, have you heard about this? Our technical department actually has a deputy head."

Zhao Guoyang was surprised for a moment, then shook his head. "Director Wang, I haven’t been here that long—I really didn’t know."

"I always thought it odd. Our technical department has so many people, yet no deputy head, while the Purchasing and Inspection departments both do..."

"Heh, that’s a long story," Wang Youchang laughed, motioning for Zhao Guoyang to sit as he began to explain the department’s situation.

It turned out that before Zhao Guoyang joined Hongda Machinery Factory, the factory had a training partnership with the Forestry Ministry, sending a technical specialist for a year-long course.

That specialist was the previous deputy head of the technical department, Huang Xiaohua.

Huang Xiaohua, just over thirty, had earned an adult college diploma through self-study—making him someone with credentials. Although he was a bit arrogant, he was indeed talented and, before Zhao Guoyang arrived, had enjoyed his share of glory.

Had Huang Xiaohua not gone for training with the Forestry Ministry, Zhao Guoyang would never have become deputy head so quickly—at most he would have enjoyed the title’s perks.

Now, after Wang Youchang explained Huang Xiaohua’s situation, Zhao Guoyang had a clearer picture.

He smiled and asked, "Director Wang, is Deputy Huang about to finish his training and return?"

Wang Youchang glanced at Zhao Guoyang in surprise and nodded. "Exactly. Huang called the factory yesterday afternoon—training’s over, he’ll be back next week..."

Seeing Wang Youchang hesitate, Zhao Guoyang spoke directly. "Director Wang, you’re worried I won’t get along with Deputy Huang, aren’t you? Don’t worry, I’m the newcomer, Deputy Huang is the veteran—I’ll definitely show him proper respect at work!"

At this, Wang Youchang understood the subtext. Zhao Guoyang meant that in terms of seniority, he certainly wasn’t as experienced as Huang Xiaohua. But if Huang wanted to suppress him and win him over, he’d have to prove he had the ability. Otherwise, they’d simply let their technical skills speak for themselves.

Wang Youchang knew Huang Xiaohua’s temperament well, and was also familiar with Zhao Guoyang’s genuine expertise. Now he felt a bit troubled.

Truth be told, Zhao Guoyang’s skills far surpassed Huang Xiaohua’s—of that Wang Youchang was certain. He was inclined to let Zhao Guoyang take full charge of the technical department.

But Huang Xiaohua had contributed to the factory in the past, and he wasn’t one to back down easily, so Wang worried the two might clash.

His intention had been to gently remind Zhao Guoyang, but instead it seemed to have sparked the young man’s competitive spirit—a result he hadn’t anticipated.