Reborn in 2012, building a new energy empire

The last invisible barrier in the laboratory, formed by long-term pressure, was completely shattered.

Wang Qiming was initially taken aback, but then a complex mix of gratitude, relief, and a greater sense of responsibility welled up inside him.

He coughed heavily to cover up his momentary emotion, and his hand trembled slightly as he picked up the cold thermos.

He put down his cup, looked at Jiang Haoran, his voice hoarse with excitement, yet full of strength: "President Jiang... this, this isn't just 'ammunition,' this is a shot in the arm!"

"These past few months have been worth it, everyone! With the company's attitude and this substantial incentive, rest assured, we know what to do and will definitely do even better!"

Gu Qiushi's eyes behind his glasses also curved into a smile. He looked around at the team, who had been instantly invigorated and seemed to have come alive, and said sincerely to Jiang Haoran, "President Jiang, this reward is very timely. It is an affirmation of everyone's hard work and achievements. Everyone, thank you, President Jiang."

"That's great!" A young engineer couldn't help but exclaim softly, waving his arm vigorously, his face flushed red. His colleague next to him slapped him on the shoulder, and the two exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with excitement and anticipation.

The doctoral student, whose eyes had been red-rimmed earlier, now had a wide grin on his face. He seemed to want to say something, but he only let out a heavy "Hmm!" and nodded vigorously, as if a huge burden had been lifted from his shoulders, and his back straightened up a bit.

The technical backbone, who had been keeping a straight face, finally broke into a hearty laugh, revealing his white teeth. He turned to his colleague and clapped his hands together in the air, making a crisp sound.

A few suppressed cheers and whispers of "General Jiang is mighty!" came from the corner.

Jiang Haoran could clearly sense that the atmosphere in the laboratory had undergone a qualitative change.

The previous heaviness and fatigue were replaced by a burning, exhilarating sense of excitement.

A fire burned in everyone's eyes—the fighting spirit and sense of belonging that burst forth after being recognized and inspired. The team's cohesion was invisibly tightened and strengthened through this tangible sharing and affirmation.

He nodded, and pressed on while the iron was hot: "The success of 'G-7' is the starting point, not the end. Based on these parameters, we will immediately begin optimization and prepare a prototype for 'G-8'. At the same time, we need to work closely with the laboratory at Nanjing University to further improve and consolidate the performance and broaden the process window."

"At the same time, we can start contacting potential material and equipment suppliers and begin preliminary research for small-batch pilot production. Our goal is not to make a few nice samples, but to keep going down this path until the day we can mass-produce them."

"Alright, that's a wrap for the day. Everyone, pack up and let's grab a quick bite at the hotel next door and relax," Jiang Haoran said, clapping his hands in a relaxed tone.

The group walked to the "Yuelai Hotel", which is just one street away from the industrial park.

The hotel isn't particularly high-end, but it's clean and bright, making it one of the better places in this industrial area.

The administrators had already reserved a quiet and spacious private room, with a simple flower arrangement in the center of the round table and hot tea already brewed.

Leaving the serious, focused, and even slightly oppressive atmosphere of the laboratory, and finding themselves in bright lights and comfortable chairs, the team members' tense nerves visibly relaxed.

The previously frowning technical backbone loosened their collars and let out a long sigh of relief; the young doctoral students looked around curiously, their faces showing a hint of novelty; Wang Qiming and Gu Qiushi were talking quietly with Jiang Haoran as they walked to the main seat.

The dishes were served one after another. They weren't delicacies, but they were clearly carefully selected local specialties: steaming hot casserole fish head, braised pork hock with a glossy, dark brown sauce, stir-fried fresh vegetables, and hearty chicken soup... The aroma quickly filled the entire private room.

"Please, everyone, don't be shy, start eating. You've all worked so hard these past few months. This meal is to welcome you back and help you unwind. Let's not talk about work, just eat and drink well!" Jiang Haoran raised his glass first, the cup filled with clear tea. "I'll toast you all with tea instead of wine, to thank you for your perseverance and hard work!"

"Thank you, President Jiang!" Everyone raised their glasses in response, the teacups and wine glasses clinking together with a crisp, pleasant sound.

At this moment, all the data, parameters, and pressures seem to be temporarily set aside, replaced by the aroma of food and the gradually warming, harmonious atmosphere.

Wang Qiming picked up a tender and flavorful pork hock and smiled at the young engineer beside him, saying, "Xiao Chen, I remember you love this the most. Eat more today to boost your brainpower."

Xiao Chen, whose name was called, smiled a little embarrassedly, but then completely relaxed: "President Wang, you should eat more too. You are our backbone."

During the meal, the conversation naturally drifted out.

At first, everyone was a little reserved, but as Jiang Haoran took the initiative to talk about some interesting industry anecdotes, his experience of starting his own business and making money, and even joked about his embarrassing situation of not having money to pursue girls in college, the atmosphere quickly became lively.

The doctoral student who had been so agitated earlier was now listening intently, occasionally interjecting with a question or two; several young engineers, on the other hand, began discussing a science fiction movie they had recently watched, finding a strange connection between the technological concepts in the film and their current projects, and they were arguing about it enthusiastically.

Jiang Haoran deliberately left his seat and went to the group of young members who were engrossed in their meal. He poured them tea, asked if the food suited their tastes, where they were from, and if they were used to the local cuisine. His friendly and approachable actions completely dispelled any sense of distance between them.

An engineer from Sichuan said shyly that the food was a bit bland. Jiang Haoran immediately smiled and asked the waiter to bring a dish of chili sauce. He also joked that next time he celebrated a successful project, he would definitely find an authentic Sichuan restaurant.

Gu Qiushi slowly sipped his soup, watching the scene before him: the team members had long-lost, relaxed smiles on their faces, chatting about topics outside of work, and occasionally bursting into laughter because of a joke.

The lighting was soft, the food was delicious, and a warm and harmonious atmosphere filled the air. He whispered to Jiang Haoran, who had returned to his seat, "It's time to eat. Look at them, their eyes are shining again."

Jiang Haoran nodded, his gaze sweeping over every face. What he saw was a slight weariness after the burden was lifted, the satisfaction of being recognized, a more natural interaction between team members, and a renewed spirit that was pointing towards the future.

Simple meals together became the best glue and a source of motivation.

After dinner, it was already late at night. Stepping out of the hotel, the cold wind was still blowing, but everyone's face was filled with warmth, and their tone was much lighter when they said goodbye.

Jiang Haoran didn't get into the car immediately. Instead, he stood at the hotel entrance for a while, watching the team members walk towards the dormitory or parking lot in twos and threes, chatting and laughing.

The cold wind was still biting, but the warm, grounded feeling in his heart seemed to be ignited by the intense energy emanating from the laboratory, becoming even more vigorous.

The ups and downs of the capital market bring about dramatic fluctuations in account numbers and an adrenaline rush.

Here, in this simple factory, every tiny parameter optimization and every seemingly insignificant performance improvement brings a completely different and profound sense of fulfillment.

The sense of accomplishment is unparalleled, especially when you can ignite the light in the eyes of those who work diligently behind the scenes with tangible recognition and encouragement.

It's like planting a seed, watching it break through the hard ground, sprouting its first tender green shoot, and being certain that with these gardeners around, it will surely grow strong.

He knew that the road ahead was long and arduous.

But today's technological breakthrough, especially the team's renewed spirit after being inspired, is like trekking through the dark, where we not only see a glimmer of light in the distance, but also hear the more determined and powerful footsteps of our companions.

It proves that the direction was correct, and the people traveling with us were even more correct.

This is enough.

He opened the car door and got into the driver's seat. The sound of the engine starting was particularly clear in the empty park.

The car drove away from the factory area and merged into the city traffic. In the rearview mirror, the outline of the old factory building gradually blurred and finally disappeared into the dazzling yet cold city lights.

But the brighter spark ignited by the bonuses and recognition within the team, and the faces that transformed from exhaustion to exhilaration and fighting spirit, were clearly imprinted in his mind.

That was the guiding light on his path to industrial development, and the reason he had to continue on that path and lead them along with him.