Reborn in 2012, building a new energy empire

Bai Xiwei's gaze lingered on him for a moment, a barely perceptible hint of appreciation flashing in her clear eyes. Then, a subtle, reassuring smile curved her lips: "This outfit suits you well, you look quite handsome."

"Don't be too nervous. My dad asked me to tell you to relax. Just think of it as... reporting an interesting development your team has made recently to an elder who is particularly interested in physical manufacturing and cutting-edge technology."

"What I want to hear from you today is mainly my second uncle." She paused, observing Jiang Haoran's reaction. Seeing that he was listening attentively with a calm gaze, she continued, "He is in charge of industry and science and technology in the province. He has been paying close attention to projects that align with the national strategic direction and show signs of breakthroughs in core technologies, especially those that can solve 'bottleneck' problems."

"My dad... during the last family gathering, he casually mentioned the project we did in the provincial competition of the 'College Student Entrepreneurship Competition' and the gold medal we won. My second uncle found it interesting and asked a few questions."

"My dad thought this might be an opportunity to get the project more attention, so he brought it up casually. I didn't expect my second uncle to take it so seriously and say he wanted to meet the core student leaders of the project in person."

Her words were clear and logical, explaining the ins and outs, dispelling some of the sudden mystery and pressure, and also highlighting the huge opportunity hidden behind this meeting.

After listening, Jiang Haoran did not immediately respond, but simply nodded slowly, his gaze fixed on the city street scenes rushing past the window.

His profile appeared remarkably serene in the alternating light and shadow, as he processed the information and quickly adjusted his mindset and focus for his upcoming report.

Bai Xiwei looked at his calm profile and didn't disturb him any further. She simply leaned back in her chair, silently anticipating something.

The government compound was more solemn and simple than I had imagined.

The dark gray gate stood solemnly, and the guards stood as straight as javelins. All vehicles and personnel entering had to undergo strict checks.

The trees in the courtyard are tall and vigorous, mostly ancient pines and cypresses. The buildings have a calm and restrained style, exuding a sense of authority that comes with the passage of time.

Bai Xiwei was clearly not a first-timer; she naturally led Jiang Haoran into a five-story office building.

The hall was spacious and bright, with marble floors that gleamed like mirrors. A faint smell of paper and ink lingered in the air, mixed with a unique, tranquil atmosphere belonging to the center of power.

The secretary, a young man in his early thirties with a professional demeanor, a standard smile, and concise speech, was already waiting at the top of the stairs on the second floor: "Director Bai is in his office. Please follow me."

Bai Jingming was sitting behind his desk reviewing documents when he heard a knock on the door. He took off his glasses and rubbed his temples.

"You're here." His gaze first fell on his daughter, a fleeting glimpse of paternal gentleness, then he turned to Jiang Haoran, looked him up and down, and nodded. "Sit."

The secretary quietly left and closed the door behind her.

"At ten o'clock sharp, come with me to the small conference room on the third floor." Bai Jingming got straight to the point, his tone more casual than on the phone, but the precise control over rhythm and proportion that he had developed from being at the core of the system for so long was still clear.

"Don't overcomplicate things. Just report to your superiors on the core progress and industrial value of your Kirin Technology projects. Say what you know, be truthful, and avoid exaggeration."

"Understood, Director Bai." Jiang Haoran sat down in the reception chair, his back naturally straight.

Bai Jingming took out a document from the drawer; it was a condensed version of the provincial competition materials, with some handwritten annotations on it.

"I've compiled a few key data points you mentioned during your final presentation: import dependence, the potential for cost reduction through domestic production, and your breakthroughs in plating technology." He pointed to the document with his finger.

"The senior official in charge of industry and technology saw the materials and was very interested. He specifically set aside time today to discuss this with you in person."

Bai Xiwei sat quietly on the sofa, her hands folded on her knees, appearing serene and sensible.

At 9:50, the secretary knocked on the door precisely to remind him. Bai Jingming stood up, and Jiang Haoran and Bai Xiwei also stood up.

The small conference room on the third floor has a compact layout and simple furnishings.

The dark oval conference table was so shiny it reflected light, and seven or eight high-backed leather chairs were placed around it.

Bai Jingming gestured for Jiang Haoran and Bai Xiwei to sit down on the side closest to the door, while he himself sat down next to Jiang Haoran.

The room was very quiet, with only the faint sound of the air conditioner blowing air and the indistinct sound of a distant telephone ringing through the thick walls.

Time passed in silent waiting, each second stretched out.

Jiang Haoran could hear his own heartbeat, steady but slightly faster than usual. Bai Xiwei placed her hands on her knees, her fingertips slightly curled, her gaze lowered, appearing exceptionally quiet.

Bai Jingming remained calm and composed, only glancing at his watch occasionally, showing no impatience on his face.

About two or three minutes later, the meeting room door was gently pushed open.

A middle-aged man in his fifties, wearing a navy blue jacket, walked in steadily.

His face bore a resemblance to Bai Jingming's, but his brows held a deeper, more dignified and composed air, a testament to his long-held position of authority.

His pace was unhurried, and the moment he entered the conference room, his gaze naturally took in the entire scene. His eyes were calm, yet they carried a sense of effortless, insightful scrutiny.

The leader walked straight to the head seat at the conference table.

Following behind him was a female cadre in her thirties, holding a notebook and a pen.

She quietly sat down in a chair to the side and then opened her notebook, her posture professional yet unassuming.

Bai Jingming stood up as the other party entered, and Jiang Haoran and Bai Xiwei immediately followed suit.

"Leader," Bai Jingming said, his tone respectful and appropriate for a formal occasion.

Leader Bai nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over Bai Jingming and lingering for a moment on Bai Xiwei's face, revealing a hint of barely perceptible gentleness.

Immediately, that calm yet weighty gaze fell upon Jiang Haoran.

"Sit down." His voice wasn't loud, but it was clear and powerful, carrying a natural sense of dominance.

He took the lead and sat down in the main seat, his posture relaxed yet upright.

Bai Jingming and the other two also sat down again.

The meeting room was so quiet that you could hear the soft scratching of a pen on paper as the female cadre took notes.

The meeting officially began in a quiet atmosphere.

"Boss, this is Jiang Haoran, the person in charge of the 'Kirin Technology' project, a student from the Department of Finance at Jinling University," Bai Jingming introduced.

Leader Bai nodded, his gaze falling on Jiang Haoran: "Haoran, relax, let's chat casually."

"I've roughly reviewed the materials," said Leader Bai, getting straight to the point. His voice wasn't loud, but every word was clear and distinct.

"The photovoltaic industry is one of the ten emerging industries strongly supported by the state. Currently, the industry is also facing some difficulties. The national policy attaches great importance to domestic substitution. What is your reason for choosing the localization of diamond wire saws as your entry point into the photovoltaic industry?"

Jiang Haoran leaned forward slightly, his tone calm and composed: "Thank you, leader. We chose this entry point based on a clear judgment: during an industry downturn, whoever can overcome key technological bottlenecks will pave the way for the next wave of growth for the entire industry."

"The localization of diamond wire saws is precisely such a fulcrum that can leverage the entire situation."