Was he mistaken?
Elder Zhou voluntarily admitted he was inferior to Wang Yu? This brat who still had his baby teeth?
Everyone felt they must be hallucinating. Especially Du Yujuan, who had been covering her mouth with a seemingly ladylike smile. Caught off guard, she almost bit her own palm.
"Haha, Grandpa Zhou, your joke is hilarious, hahahaha!" Hong Jianjun roared with laughter, trying to lighten the mood. But upon seeing everyone staring at him as if he were an idiot, he stretched his laughter out awkwardly for a moment before sheepishly falling silent.
"Elder Zhou? You said your skills are inferior to his? But you shouldn't know each other, right?"
Chen Feng rolled his eyes at Hong Jianjun, then looked at Elder Zhou, his face full of disbelief.
He was unlike his idiotic subordinate. He knew that one of the biggest characteristics of these technical experts was their meticulousness.
Whatever they said was as good as gospel; there was no room for jokes or casual remarks.
Therefore, hearing Elder Zhou say his skills were inferior to Wang Yu's, Chen Feng was utterly stunned.
"We didn't know each other before, but we do now." Elder Zhou stepped forward and extended his hand to Wang Yu in a friendly gesture.
"Uh, Old Sir? Are you... do I know you?"
Not only the others, but Wang Yu himself was confused. Did he know this elder? Why was he saying he was inferior to him right off the bat?
Despite his confusion, Wang Yu politely extended his hand and shook the elder's. After all, he was an elder of such advanced age.
"We didn't know each other before, but I've long heard of your reputation. I even came to Jiangyang County specifically to find you. I was originally planning to visit the Jiangyang Automobile Factory in a couple of days, but I ran into you unexpectedly."
Elder Zhou explained to Wang Yu with a smile, as if introducing himself to everyone present.
"I am Zhou Lihua. Before, in the provincial capital, I encountered a truck driver whose truck's brakes had been cleverly modified, even preventing an accident and saving an innocent child."
"According to the driver, named Liu Dahai, his brakes were modified at the Jiangyang Automobile Factory, and it was their factory director, Wang Yu, who personally handled it. He said the director not only possessed exceptional skills but was also unbelievably young!
That driver praised you sky-high, saying you were unparalleled in heaven and rare on earth. That's why I specifically came to Jiangyang County."
Upon hearing Elder Zhou's words, Wang Yu instantly understood.
So it was that driver, who had promised to treat him to a meal but hadn't yet delivered, who had been promoting him.
"Perhaps that driver was bragging? If..." Hong Jianjun, standing aside, interjected with a defiant tone. However, before he could finish, he was glared at by Chen Feng, leaving him speechless.
"Nonsense, are you questioning Elder Zhou?" Chen Feng glared fiercely at his intern.
Damn it, he had thought this kid was sharp and knew how to play the game, someone worth cultivating. Now, he seemed like an utter fool, completely clueless about when to speak and when not to!
Chen Feng secretly decided to send this obtuse fellow to scrub toilets later.
"You flatter me, sir. It was merely a stroke of luck."
Wang Yu, ignoring the thoughts of those around him, calmly nodded to Elder Zhou. "It was a fluke to have applied air brake technology to oil brake modifications. I just got lucky with a flash of inspiration."
"Heh, young man, excessive humility is not a virtue." Elder Zhou shook his head at Wang Yu's modesty. "Theoretically, it might have been luck, but even I couldn't design such a clever modification, applying air brake principles to an old-fashioned oil brake system.
Especially to improve it while keeping the original parts unchanged, the difficulty is immense!
I specifically examined your chassis design. The concept is ingenious and sophisticated, and more importantly, it is practical. This is not something that can be achieved by sheer luck.
It's clear that your fundamental skills are very solid.
Young people like you are rare nowadays. Remarkable, truly remarkable!"
Elder Zhou repeatedly uttered "remarkable" and even gave Wang Yu a thumbs-up.
"This..."
Everyone present was completely bewildered. Listening to Elder Zhou's unreserved praise of Wang Yu, their mouths hung open as if they could swallow an apple.
Although some of the professional terminology was lost on them, it was evident that this distinguished figure had come to Jiangyang County specifically to find Wang Yu.
By what merit could he receive such an honor?
At once, everyone's gaze turned odd, tinged with a hint of envy.
"It seems my appearance is rather inconvenient."
Perhaps sensing the stifling atmosphere, Elder Zhou smiled generously. "I won't interrupt your young people's gathering any further. Tomorrow, if you have time, would you mind if this old man pays you a visit?"
Hearing Elder Zhou's amiable request to visit, Chen Feng felt a pang of bitterness.
He had gone to so much trouble, traveling from the provincial capital, booking a private room in such a high-class establishment, and pulling strings through countless connections, all to finally get an opportunity to invite this elder for a meal.
Yet, while the elder was willing to eat, he remained noncommittal about offering guidance.
But now? He was proactively seeking out an unknown young man and a small automobile factory he'd never even heard of!
"I'm very sorry, sir. I might be busy tomorrow. I have an appointment."
Wang Yu shrugged helplessly. Tomorrow, he had promised Huang He and the others to work on testing the new fuel-assisted vehicles in preparation for their launch.
Although the elder before him clearly held a high status, Wang Yu had made a prior commitment and was not one to break his word!
What? He refused!
Everyone was dumbfounded again. Perhaps Wang Yu hadn't shocked them enough today, delivering one astonishing statement after another.
Was he kidding? This was a prominent figure! If you didn't want to meet him, you could at least pass the opportunity on to us!
"Young man, do you know who Elder Zhou is? He is voluntarily lowering his status to associate with you, don't be so unappreciative!"
Secretary Qian couldn't help but speak up, her face showing displeasure as she looked at Wang Yu. "We specifically came to Jiangyang County to see you. Countless people would move heaven and earth to meet Elder Zhou!"
As Secretary Qian spoke, Chen Feng's mouth twitched. Unquestionably, he was one of those countless people.
"No, no, no, I don't mean to slight you, sir."
Wang Yu quickly waved his hands. "I genuinely have an appointment tomorrow. A man of his word stands by his promise. If I agreed to meet you, it would be disrespectful to the other person."
"Yes, well said." Elder Zhou stopped Secretary Qian and smiled at Wang Yu. "Between people, trustworthiness is paramount. There's the ancient tale of Wei Sheng embracing a pillar to his death. Young man, I hope you will always remain true to your principles in the future."
"Since that's the case, how about the day after tomorrow? What do you say?"
Elder Zhou's magnanimous and tolerant attitude made Wang Yu frown in frustration. "But... that..."
"En? But what?"
"But I'm busy recently. Not just tomorrow and the day after, but for the entire following week, I have scheduled commitments."
Wang Yu said softly, causing Elder Zhou to frown as well.
This young man was perhaps a bit too proud!