Chapter 61: After All, We're Friends

Standing beside the laser welding machine, Zhao Guoyang calmly began by inspecting the power supply, water circulation, and gas connections within the machine to ensure everything was in order. After confirming that there were no issues, he switched on the power and activated the main switch.

Next, Zhao Guoyang sequentially started the water cooler and the laser generator, then opened the argon valve and adjusted the gas flow. His methodical, fluid actions dispelled the last traces of worry in Liao Jingsheng’s heart; he watched, reassured by the seamless process.

After inputting the necessary parameters for the task, Zhao Guoyang commenced the welding operation. He began, naturally, with the spine of the C100 frame—a section requiring exceptional strength, demanding a continuous welding motion lasting one to two minutes without the slightest deviation. For conventional welding machines, this would be troublesome; even the most skilled operator could hardly guarantee absolute perfection. But with the laser welding machine, this difficulty was easily resolved.

As laser pulses surged forth, the spine of the C100 frame fused swiftly into a single cohesive unit. The process took less than a minute, and Zhao Guoyang completed this crucial part with ease. When the observers—Hua Guosheng and Zhang Chaoyang—saw the perfectly joined spine, their faces lit up with joy. As for Xu Dongfeng, his attention was entirely fixed on Ning Xiaohong; he had long since forgotten about the welding of the frame.

Zhao Guoyang proceeded to weld several other key points on the frame. Once finished, he smiled, raised his head, and pointed to the frame, speaking to Ning Xiaohong, “Chief Ning, the frame is largely done, but there are a few small spots I’ll need you to patch up.”

Ning Xiaohong responded affirmatively, walked over from beside Liao Jingsheng, and took Zhao Guoyang’s place. After stepping aside, Zhao Guoyang spoke a few words to Hua Guosheng, entrusting him with liaising with Ning Xiaohong to ensure all necessary reinforcement welds on the frame were completed. Hua Guosheng, now utterly deferential to Zhao Guoyang, nodded repeatedly at his instructions.

With everything arranged, Zhao Guoyang moved to stand next to Liao Jingsheng and spoke in a low voice, “Director Liao, might I have a word in private?”

Liao Jingsheng looked at Zhao Guoyang with curiosity, nodded, and followed him deeper into the workshop.

Bringing Liao Jingsheng beside the newly repaired die-casting machine, Zhao Guoyang explained his intention to rent the machine. “Director Liao, I have a friend who wants to start a small workshop making some items and needs a compact die-casting machine. I heard from Chief Ning that your factory isn’t using this machine at the moment. Would it be possible to temporarily rent it to my friend?”

Although Director Liao was a cadre transferred from the military, he was quite different from the rough-and-ready Li Changhe; he was exceedingly shrewd. Zhao Guoyang claimed it was for a friend, but Liao Jingsheng could easily guess the true situation.

Indeed, after listening, Liao Jingsheng regarded Zhao Guoyang with a half-smile and said, “Brother Zhao, I suspect you’re quite involved in your friend’s little workshop, aren’t you?”

“Well…” Zhao Guoyang scratched his head, laughing awkwardly. “To be honest, Director Liao, the products are my design, so I’m investing technical expertise. It’s a kind of equity partnership.”

Having revealed his intentions, Zhao Guoyang had considered his approach carefully. Sooner or later, his workshop would come into the open; rather than conceal it, he preferred to be forthright with Director Liao. After all, his products didn’t conflict with those of Xiangyang Machinery Factory, and he would still pay rent—this astute director shouldn’t object.

After Zhao Guoyang finished speaking, Liao Jingsheng nodded internally. He waved his hand decisively, saying, “Since you’ve asked, how could I not agree?”

“As for the rent, forget it. This old machine is idle anyway. But I do have one condition—if Xiangyang Machinery Factory encounters any technical difficulties in the future, you must lend a hand!”

Zhao Guoyang hadn’t expected to get the machine without paying rent and readily agreed, “No problem! As friends, even without the die-casting machine, if you ask, I wouldn’t refuse.”

Liao Jingsheng laughed, patting Zhao Guoyang’s shoulder. “That’s right, brother Zhao—we’re friends!”

“You can take the die-casting machine whenever you need it. I’ll let Xiaohong know, so you can find her directly when you come.”

“Thank you so much, Director Liao!” Zhao Guoyang said gratefully. Though it was a trivial matter for the other party, it meant a great deal to him.

Liao Jingsheng smiled and waved. “Is this all you brought me here for?”

“Yes, that’s it,” Zhao Guoyang nodded.

“Though the factory hasn’t forbidden outside ventures, it’s still just an experiment, so…”

Liao Jingsheng, ever perceptive, chuckled, “I understand. This is just between friends, unrelated to work.”

Conversing with someone as sharp as Liao Jingsheng was truly pleasant. After chatting for a while, Zhao Guoyang checked the time and walked with Liao Jingsheng to see how the laser welding machine was progressing.

“Guoyang, it’s done, all done!” As soon as Zhao Guoyang approached, Hua Guosheng came running over, unable to contain his joy.

“Master Hua, the frame reinforcement is finished?”

Hua Guosheng nodded happily. “Yes, Chief Ning welded all the spots you wanted reinforced.”

Zhao Guoyang glanced at Xu Dongfeng, who was awkwardly trying to chat with Ning Xiaohong, and couldn’t help but laugh to himself—clearly, the fellow was smitten again.

As Zhao Guoyang and Liao Jingsheng approached, Ning Xiaohong’s face showed relief. She coughed, quickly disengaged from Xu Dongfeng, and walked to Zhao Guoyang’s side. “Guoyang, it’s all done. Check if anything was missed.”

Zhao Guoyang pressed his palms together in a gesture of thanks to Ning Xiaohong, then went to the C100 frame and inspected it thoroughly.

“OK, everything’s perfect!” Once finished, he nodded. Ning Xiaohong’s welding skills were indeed impressive, on par with Liu Linzhi, the welding group leader in his own factory. Of course, it could also be said that the laser welding machine made things easier. Yet, being able to operate it was itself a testament to her abilities—something even Master Liu couldn’t do.

Seeing the frame was complete, Zhao Guoyang exited the program on the laser welding machine, shut down the laser generator, closed the argon valve, and finally switched off the main power.

After all was done, Zhao Guoyang turned to Liao Jingsheng and Ning Xiaohong. “Director Liao, Chief Ning, thank you so much for your support today. Lunch is on me; let’s go to ‘Wang’s Restaurant’ for a bite—what do you say?”

Liao Jingsheng glanced at Ning Xiaohong, smiled, and nodded in agreement.