Chapter 72: Shadows of the Past

After Zhao Guoyang’s eloquent discourse, the old man was left utterly speechless for quite some time. He never imagined he would encounter such an oddity at Sanyang Group.

This elder was named Li Kejian, an academician of the Republic’s Academy of Engineering, former director of the Mechanical Science Research Institute, and now, having reached retirement age, he was assigned as a deputy director at the Mechanical Industry Committee. Not only within the Mechanical Industry Committee, but across the entire mechanical sector nationwide, and even in the industrial field throughout the Republic, Li Kejian was indisputably a leading figure.

When speaking of the Republic’s industrial development, one cannot avoid mentioning the term “Eight Machinery Ministries.” After the founding of the nation, to revitalize its industry, the state established the First and Second Ministries of Mechanical Industry. The First Ministry primarily oversaw civilian machinery, telecommunications, and shipbuilding, while the Second Ministry was responsible for weaponry, tanks, and aviation. Following numerous reorganizations and divisions, these ministries eventually evolved into eight separate Mechanical Industry Ministries: the First Ministry for civilian machinery; the Second for nuclear industry and nuclear weapons; the Third for aviation; the Fourth for electronics; the Fifth for weaponry; the Sixth for shipbuilding; the Seventh for aerospace; and the Eighth for agricultural machinery.

Li Kejian’s Mechanical Science Research Institute was originally a directly affiliated, deputy-ministerial research institute under the First Ministry. Years ago, the state restructured the eight Mechanical Industry Ministries, establishing key departments such as the Republic Shipbuilding Corporation and the Republic Aerospace Ministry. The Mechanical Industry Ministry and the Weapons Industry Ministry were merged into the National Mechanical Industry Committee, and naturally, the Mechanical Science Research Institute, formerly under the First Ministry, was incorporated under this committee.

Back in the era of the “Eight Machinery Ministries,” Li Kejian was already a renowned expert in domestic mechanical engineering, with absolute authority in large-scale machinery and power systems. Although he belonged to the First Ministry, the other ministries often sought his assistance, earning him the nickname “Consultant of the Eight Ministries.” Li Kejian devoted nearly his entire life to advancing the Republic’s industry, achieving much, yet still far from his ultimate goal. Driven by his unfulfilled aspirations, the old man remained as enthusiastic as ever, despite reaching retirement age.

When Deputy Director Fang Xuesen of the Mechanical Industry Committee led a delegation south to inspect several large state-owned enterprises, he invited Li Kejian along, and the old man readily agreed.

Upon arriving at Sanyang Group, Li Kejian requested to wander about on his own, opting out of the welcoming ceremonies. Director Fang, having previously worked in the First Ministry and collaborated with Li Kejian, was something of a protégé. Naturally, he did not object to the old man’s wishes. Knowing Li Kejian was a pragmatist who disliked formalities, Fang readily agreed to his request. Concerned for the elder’s safety, Fang suggested assigning a staff member to accompany him, but Li Kejian firmly refused, declaring that at sixty-three, his health remained robust and he hardly feared getting lost.

With Li Kejian’s resolute attitude, Fang could not insist and allowed him to act freely. Thus, the old man toured various parts of Sanyang Group, eventually arriving at the test track. Hearing the excessively loud noise during the test runs, Li Kejian was displeased. In his view, Sanyang Group, as an industry leader, should produce top-tier products, on par with international standards. Yet, judging by the noise alone, their products left him somewhat disappointed.

The test drivers guessed this unfamiliar visitor was likely accompanying the leadership, but they did not know his exact identity. After Li Kejian asked a question at the test track, everyone was left bewildered. Just then, Zhao Guoyang appeared uninvited, helping Sanyang Group out of a tight spot, and immediately piqued Li Kejian’s keen interest.

Gazing at the determined, confident young man before him, Li Kejian was moved, as if seeing his own youthful self. A youngster engaged in machinery and motorcycles, who even knew the Republic’s deficiency in manufacturing ballpoint pen tips, was beyond extraordinary—a true rarity.

Li Kejian was eager to converse further with this young man, to see what else he understood. Zhao Guoyang, unaware of the elder’s thoughts, noticed the silence and assumed his earlier explanation had persuaded the old man, so he shifted the topic back.

“Sir, let’s set aside objective reasons for now. Comparing domestically made motorcycles to imported ones, I admit there’s a certain gap,” he said. “Most of these differences show up in details like noise, vibration, and fuel consumption, as well as the durability of small components—imported products might have an edge there. But we must also recognize that domestic companies are constantly improving. Take Sanyang Group’s collaboration with the Yamaha Group from Japan; isn’t this a process of learning from others? As the saying goes, using the skills of others to overcome them—that’s exactly the principle at work,” Zhao Guoyang concluded.

“Haha, though your words are somewhat self-justifying, they still make sense,” Li Kejian finally allowed himself a slight smile. Seeing Zhao Guoyang’s unconcerned expression, Li Kejian chuckled, “Young man, from your tone, you seem quite knowledgeable about vehicles!”

“I wouldn’t say I’m an expert—just know a bit, since I work in technical fields,” Zhao Guoyang replied modestly.

Hearing Zhao Guoyang claim to be a technician, Li Kejian’s interest was piqued. He squinted, scrutinizing Zhao Guoyang for a moment before asking, “Since you’re in technical work, I happen to have a few questions for you.”

Zhao Guoyang shrugged and smiled, “Go ahead, sir. If I know the answer, I’ll be sure to tell you.”

“Well then, I’ve heard Sanyang Group plans to develop large-displacement motorcycles and needs to purchase imported engines, which could be costly. If it’s not cost-effective, why not simply buy engines from car manufacturers? Their displacement would surely be sufficient. I heard Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. is nearby—if possible, why not approach them?”

Unaware that Li Kejian was testing him, Zhao Guoyang was both amused and exasperated by the suggestion. “Sir, you seem to be expanding your business—are you planning to enter the automotive industry as well?”

Li Kejian was taken aback for a moment, then nodded ambiguously, “Indeed, I do intend to visit Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. shortly.”

Zhao Guoyang failed to notice the hint of intrigue on Li Kejian’s face, and after thinking it over, began explaining in earnest.