Chapter 73: Still Lacking a Sense of the Bigger Picture

“There are two reasons. First, motorcycle engines are designed for high revolutions per minute, focusing mainly on horsepower, while car engines prioritize lower RPMs and torque. They’re fundamentally incompatible.”
“Second, in cars, the engine, gearbox, and clutch are lubricated separately with different oils. In motorcycles, the clutch, high-speed and transmission gears, and shifting mechanisms all share the same oil reservoir and are housed within a single structure. The two systems simply can’t be swapped.”
Worried the other might not fully understand, Zhao Guoyang added, “Of course, if you truly want high horsepower, you’d need a dry multi-plate clutch and a unified approach to oiling—then you could use a car engine on a motorcycle.”
“But obviously, that would drive the costs up even more. So, you see…”
Li Kejian merely smiled, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, but he seemed in good spirits; the wrinkles on his face animated with the change in mood.
Finding the old man rather agreeable, Zhao Guoyang kindly offered another piece of advice. “Sir, since you’re interested in the automotive business, you should first get a solid grasp of our country’s current level of automotive industry development.”
“Although automobile manufacturing has been listed as a key pillar industry in the Seventh Five-Year Plan for five years now, and we’re already heading into the Eighth, how much real progress do you think we've made? Honestly, not much at all!”
Li Kejian nodded, saying nothing, waiting for Zhao Guoyang to continue.
Zhao Guoyang went on, “Among what’s known in the industry as the ‘Three Big and Three Small’ automotive bases, Yangcheng Auto Group is one of the ‘Three Small’ and its partnership with France’s Peugeot has actually been far from successful.”
“If you dig into the rankings and capabilities of the world’s leading auto groups, you’ll see that Peugeot is already well past its prime.”
“In terms of power, handling, even comfort, Peugeot has been thoroughly outclassed by the major companies from America and Japan. The chances of them turning things around are slim to none.”
Zhao Guoyang’s remarks left Li Kejian so astonished his jaw nearly dropped.
Earlier, when Zhao had shown knowledge of the ballpoint pen industry, Li was only mildly surprised, thinking the young man was simply well-read and broadly educated.
But these insights into the auto industry weren’t found in newspapers or news reports—this was sharp, even prescient analysis. How could the old man not be both shocked and delighted?
Zhao Guoyang, oblivious to Li Kejian’s amazement, sank deeper into his own thoughts as he spoke.

Reflecting on the missteps taken by the national automotive industry in his previous life, Zhao Guoyang felt a faint sense of unease.
“Yangcheng Auto’s cooperation with foreign companies was meant to absorb advanced technology—a good intention, but they failed to analyze Peugeot’s current technical level and market potential. Honestly, they chose a less-than-ideal partner.”
Perhaps realizing that, given his current position, it was a bit bold to openly criticize a major state-owned enterprise, Zhao Guoyang paused, then tried to temper his words.
He continued, “That said, while Yangcheng Auto’s partner wasn’t the best choice, their products are still quite competitive when compared domestically…”
He spoke at length, then stopped, checked the time, and, seeing it was nearly lunchtime, prepared to excuse himself.
Li Kejian, seeing Zhao about to leave, quickly grabbed his arm. “Young man, don’t be in such a hurry. Please, go on!”
Zhao Guoyang rolled his eyes, exasperated at the old man, thinking to himself: Businessmen really do lack a broader perspective. I’ve just handed you so much valuable information, and yet you still don’t grasp my point. With that level of understanding, you won’t get far in business.
“My colleagues are waiting for me to eat,” Zhao said, freeing himself from Li’s grip with a smile. “Let’s talk next time.”
Yet, out of respect for elders, he offered one more parting remark: “If you’re hoping to make real money in the car business, I’d advise you to steer clear of Yangcheng Auto for now. Try Songjiang Auto, one of the ‘Three Big and Three Small.’ Their Santana model will be hot for a few more years—there’s money to be made there…”
With these final words, Zhao Guoyang quickly vanished from the test track, leaving Li Kejian standing in the wind, bewildered.
What Zhao had said had truly struck a chord with Li Kejian.
He never expected to encounter such a young man, so deeply versed and forward-thinking in automotive matters, especially someone who wasn’t even a specialist in the field. It was simply incredible.
Li Kejian made up his mind: he would do whatever it took to recruit this young man and find out what other astonishing ideas lay within that mind.
He stared long in the direction Zhao had disappeared before finally turning away.
It was only then, as he regained his senses, that he realized he hadn’t even asked the young man’s name or position, so absorbed had he been.

But since Zhao had mentioned he worked in the technical department, Li Kejian wasn’t too worried about tracking him down.
After a moment’s thought, he turned to a few test drivers nearby.
“Comrades, may I ask, which one of you from the technical department was that young man?”
The drivers exchanged confused looks, uncertain how to respond.
“What’s wrong? Is this some kind of company secret at Sanyang?” Li Kejian’s tone sharpened as he saw their uncertainty.
Seeing the central government official growing annoyed, the test team leader replied nervously, “To be honest, sir, none of us have ever seen that young man before. Maybe he’s new to the technical department?”
“You don’t know him?” The leader’s answer took Li Kejian by surprise.
“No, really, we don’t,” the team leader replied, still baffled. “I was actually curious myself—when did we get such a smooth-talking technician? He seems more like a salesman than an engineer.”
At this, Li Kejian’s brow furrowed deeply.
The test drivers grew uneasy, seeing the official’s darkening expression.
One of the sharper ones ventured, “Even if we don’t know him, the technical department leadership surely would…”
Li Kejian’s eyes lit up at this suggestion.