Reborn in 2012, building a new energy empire

Jiang Haoran grasped her hand, feeling a cool touch on her fingertips: "It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Jiang Haoran, Jiang as in the Yangtze River, and Haoran as in righteous spirit."

"I'm studying Materials Science and Engineering at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Some of the points you just mentioned, especially regarding cutting losses and equipment improvements, I found... very insightful. Could you please make a copy of this abstract so I can take it back with me?"

Lin Miaomiao handed over a note, her tone calm and direct: "I'm personally very interested in this research direction. If your analysis has more detailed data to support it or there are any follow-up developments, please contact me."

She paused briefly, her gaze lingering on the abstract for a moment, before adding, "This kind of solid analysis of industry pain points is very valuable. Some industry professionals I know are also looking in similar directions. If your solution is mature, I can help connect you with the right people."

Lin Miaomiao maintained a polite distance in her words, but her act of proactively leaving her contact information clearly expressed her interest.

Jiang Haoran took the note, a barely perceptible smile curving his lips. The carefully laid bait had finally attracted his target.

This bait was meticulously crafted with industry insights that were ahead of its time. And she, just like in her previous life, possessed a keen intuition for things of true value.

Jiang Haoran didn't show excessive enthusiasm, maintaining a perfectly serious and reliable image: "Okay, I'll send you the detailed information after I've compiled it. Let's go, there's a photocopier at the convenience store downstairs."

Lin Miaomiao nodded and gathered the spread-out documents one by one.

The two walked out of the reading room one after the other, and crossed the quiet corridor that had been quiet that morning.

The convenience store is not far from the library. It was very hot, and the air conditioning inside was on full blast.

Jiang Haoran walked straight to the old photocopier in the corner, inserted a coin, and started making copies.

The monotonous sound of paper being swallowed and exhaled rang out.

"Wait a moment, I'll go buy a bottle of water." He said to Lin Miaomiao, who was standing to the side, and then turned and walked towards the refrigerator.

Jiang Haoran's gaze swept over the rows of dazzling beverages, finally landing on an inconspicuous green bottle in the corner—Oriental Leaf.

The packaging is simple, even somewhat plain, making it stand out among a sea of ​​fancy beverage bottles.

Jiang Haoran remembers it clearly. This brand had just been launched in 2011, and because its taste was so different from traditional sweet drinks, it was being criticized by many consumers as "one of the worst-tasting drinks".

Jiang Haoran took two bottles, went back to the cashier to pay, and casually handed one of the bottles to Lin Miaomiao: "It's hot, have some tea to quench your thirst."

Lin Miaomiao was looking at the copied paper when she subconsciously took it and thanked him.

However, when her gaze fell on the four words on the bottle, her fingers, which were about to unscrew the cap, paused slightly.

Lin Miaomiao looked up at Jiang Haoran, a genuine surprise flashing in her eyes: "You... drink this too?"

"Give it a try." Jiang Haoran had already unscrewed his bottle, taken a sip, and his face showed no particular expression, as if he were just drinking ordinary water. "This isn't very sweet, it has a slightly bitter taste like tea, but once you get used to it, it's actually quite refreshing."

That's the key point. In an era where everyone is chasing overly sweet tastes, choosing such a beverage represents a niche or even avant-garde taste.

It doesn't require the courage to pander to the masses, but rather a very firm inner understanding of "what one likes".

Lin Miaomiao unscrewed the bottle cap and took a small sip.

The refreshing tea sensation first unfolds with a slight astringency, then transforms into a clean, woody sweetness similar to that of old-tree black tea. The astringency is extremely slight, lingering on the tip of the tongue for only a moment before dissipating, leaving a warm aftertaste in the throat.

It was a flavor she was familiar with and preferred.

As a native of Wuyishan in Fujian Province, she grew up surrounded by the fragrance of rocks and flowers, and has an almost instinctive affinity for and discerning appreciation of the pure yet complex nature of tea.

This beverage, which retains the authentic taste of tea, can bring her a sense of comfort in a foreign land.

Most of her friends and classmates prefer milk tea or juice, and they always look at her with incomprehension whenever they see her drinking these.

She never expected to encounter the same choice with a guy she had just met and who was discussing serious professional issues.

This coincidence surprised her, and even... made her feel a little subtly happy.

This suddenly added a layer of blurry yet real outline to the image of the clean-cut senior in front of me.

"It really...quenches my thirst." She took another small sip and commented, her tone less cautious and distant than before.

The photocopier stopped working. Jiang Haoran carefully separated the original and the copy, handing the latter to her: "Here you go."

"Thank you." Lin Miaomiao took it, carefully clipped the copy into her notebook, and then held the bottle of Oriental Leaf in her hand.

"I'll head back now. The documents... I'll wait for your email."

"Okay." Jiang Haoran nodded, then picked up his own things and the bottle of tea. "Keep in touch."

The two said goodbye naturally at the convenience store entrance. Lin Miaomiao turned and walked towards the library, while Jiang Haoran walked towards the other side of the school gate.

After walking a distance, Lin Miaomiao slowed down slightly, looked down at the green tea bottle in her hand, and then looked back at it.

The figure in the simple shirt had already blended into the sparse crowd and was no longer clearly visible.

She withdrew her gaze, and the appreciation she had felt due to the professional analysis seemed to be softened by the perfectly brewed tea, creating a faint ripple that was distinct from purely academic interest.

This person is interesting.

Meanwhile, Jiang Haoran didn't finish the remaining tea in the bottle until he walked out of the school gate. He then precisely threw the empty bottle into the trash can.

Eastern leaves. This was certainly not a casual act.

In their past lives, through working together and occasional private conversations, Jiang Haoran had long been aware of her inconspicuous yet persistent preference.

In 2012, this could even be considered an obscure "code".

What he has laid out today is never just one "bait".

These are not about interests or logic, but about a hidden resonance and shared taste.

The underlying message it conveys is: I can not only communicate with you in professional fields, but we may also be on the same wavelength in more private matters.

A strong first impression is formed when rational value attraction is combined with subtle emotional resonance.

Fish not only need to see abundant bait, but also occasionally need to feel just the right amount of water flow.

He walked into the afternoon streets, his figure quickly blending into the flowing crowds and traffic. His trip to Shanghai had a smooth start.

The seed of this relationship with Lin Miaomiao has been planted; all that's needed is for the right opportunity to nurture it.

Jiang Haoran took out his phone and sent a text message to his uncle, Chen Jingge: "Uncle, I'm done here. I'm coming over now."

Next up is another round of our trip to Shanghai.

He put his phone back in his pocket and disappeared into the afternoon hustle and bustle of the vast city.