Chapter 63: A Dissonant Voice

To all friends who enjoy "King of Industry," the data during the launch of a new book is extremely important. I hope everyone won’t wait months to start reading—just clicking once a day or voting is already wonderful. I don’t expect rewards, only that after it’s officially released, everyone will subscribe. Currently, there are three chapters daily, and after it goes live, I’ll work even harder. As long as you support with subscriptions and the book’s performance remains steady, there will be daily surges of new content.

Also, to motivate myself, I’ll make a promise to everyone: for every new leader, I’ll add an extra chapter!

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At the dinner table, while Zhao Guoyang and Liao Jingsheng talked animatedly and drank heartily, neither noticed Ning Xiaohong looking at Zhao Guoyang with admiration in her eyes.

Liao Jingsheng, however, did catch a hint of something and found it quietly amusing. His female apprentice had always been opinionated, highly capable at work, and the technical department’s undisputed leader. No one dared challenge her. Yet here she was, this fiery “tomboy,” clearly falling in love—a sight that made Liao Jingsheng regard Zhao Guoyang even more highly.

After the meal, Zhao Guoyang went to settle the bill, only to discover Liao Jingsheng had already paid.

Seeing Zhao Guoyang’s embarrassed look, Liao Jingsheng laughed and patted him on the shoulder. “Come on, you and your comrades from Hongda Machinery are guests from afar. I’m the factory director, after all; how could I let you pay? Next time, when I or Xiaohong visit Ninghai City, Guoyang, you can host us.”

“Agreed, it’s settled then! Director Liao, Director Ning, when you come to Ninghai, I’ll be your host!” Zhao Guoyang nodded repeatedly.

With the task accomplished, Zhao Guoyang led Hua Guosheng, Zhang Chaoyang, and the others in bidding farewell to the people of Xiangyang Machinery Factory, then drove back to their own plant.

When their small truck arrived at the workshop, Workshop Manager Zhang Fusheng had already received word and brought a few young men to help.

Zhao Guoyang gave Zhang Fusheng a few instructions, telling him to pay extra attention during the plastic spraying—electrophoresis first, then the spraying.

With that handled, Zhao Guoyang considered contacting Monkey to check on the progress of the new site.

As he was deep in thought, Director Wang led a man over from the office building.

“Oh, Guoyang, you’re back! Was everything smooth with the frame?” Wang Youchang asked with concern.

Zhao Guoyang nodded. “Director Wang, rest assured, all key parts of the frame are welded and ready. I’ve inspected them myself; there won’t be any issues!”

“Excellent, Guoyang, you’ve really scored a big achievement for the factory this time! Once Four Sheep Group passes the C100 frame’s inspection, we’ll make sure you’re well rewarded!” Wang Youchang patted him on the shoulder.

Zhao Guoyang was just about to reply modestly when the man beside Wang Youchang—a lean figure with a hooked nose, a small mustache, and just over thirty years old—sneered dismissively and said, “Oh, the quality department hasn’t even checked it yet, and you’re already so sure? That’s quite a boast!”

Hearing this discordant tone, Zhao Guoyang’s brows furrowed.

Wang Youchang’s face also showed a hint of displeasure, seeming a bit embarrassed. Still, he managed to suppress the urge to reprimand, forced a smile, and said, “Guoyang, let me introduce you. This is Huang Xiaohua, your deputy director in the technical department, just returned from training with the National Forestry Ministry.”

From the man’s sarcastic words, Zhao Guoyang had already guessed his identity.

He extended his hand calmly. “Director Huang, I’ve heard much about you.”

Huang Xiaohua carelessly brushed Zhao Guoyang’s hand and said, “Heh, I heard there’s a new deputy in the technical department as soon as I got back. Thought it’d be someone remarkable, but turns out it’s just a freshly graduated student.”

“Little Zhao, the technical work in a factory isn’t the same as what you learned in school. Sometimes, you shouldn’t jump to conclusions too quickly…”

Of course Zhao Guoyang understood the meaning—Huang Xiaohua wasn’t happy about being overshadowed, so he found a reason to belittle him.

If it were anyone else, they might have just endured it, since Huang was, after all, a senior.

But Zhao Guoyang was no ordinary person. He’d shaken hands with the Premier himself; he wasn’t about to be bullied by the likes of Huang Xiaohua.

So Zhao Guoyang smiled lightly and said, “Director Huang? Since I’ve spoken up about the frame, I’m confident. If you have doubts, you’re welcome to follow the inspection process personally. I’d be glad.”

“You… what attitude is that?” Huang Xiaohua hadn’t expected the young Zhao Guoyang to retort so boldly, so his face darkened.

But Zhao Guoyang wasn’t about to play his game. Without sparing Huang a glance, he turned to Director Wang and said, “Director Wang, we can’t delay the Four Sheep Group’s C100 frame any longer.”

“Though our agreement is a week, after the electrophoresis and spraying, it needs a day to air dry. I suggest the workshop and quality control work overtime today so it’s done by tonight. That way, it can dry tomorrow and be shipped straight out.”

Wang Youchang had worried that Zhao Guoyang would be intimidated by Huang Xiaohua’s attitude, but seeing Zhao Guoyang ignore him entirely, Wang was secretly pleased.

As the deputy director in charge of technology, Wang Youchang wasn’t the type to talk big, but he was a good judge of character.

He knew that Huang Xiaohua had risen in the factory only because there hadn’t been much competition.

In the entire Hongda Machinery Factory, there was only one college graduate, so Huang naturally stood out and developed an arrogant streak.

Granted, Wang didn’t deny Huang’s abilities—he couldn’t match Wang himself, but he handled basic issues well enough.

That’s why Wang promoted Huang without much hesitation. When there was a chance to study outside, he nominated Huang.

If things had continued that way, Huang might have been groomed as Wang’s successor. But after Zhao Guoyang arrived, Wang’s perspective changed completely.

Zhao Guoyang’s drive, energy, and especially his skill, far surpassed Huang Xiaohua.

Professionally, Wang felt that the young man knew more than even he did.

To Wang, talent like Zhao Guoyang shouldn’t be confined to a company like Hongda Machinery—it would be no problem for him to thrive in a large state-owned enterprise.

Now that the factory had finally found a treasure, how could Wang not value him?

Just look at what Zhao Guoyang had accomplished in a few months: he solved Four Sheep Group’s frame quality problem, landed a major order for the factory, and developed the new C100 frame…

Each of these achievements gradually shifted the standing of Zhao Guoyang and Huang Xiaohua in Wang’s mind.

If Wang had to choose between them now, the answer was obvious.

Of course, Wang was a decent person. Though he valued Zhao Guoyang more, he wouldn’t make it too obvious.

He nodded at Zhao Guoyang’s suggestion. “That’s a good plan. Guoyang, take charge of this yourself. Have Hua Guosheng and Xu Dongfeng assist you. Xiao Huang just got back and isn’t familiar with this project yet, so let him focus on other tasks for now.”

With the director’s orders, both Zhao Guoyang and Huang Xiaohua nodded.

As they turned to leave, Huang Xiaohua let out a heavy snort through his nose, making Zhao Guoyang look down on him even more.