Reborn in 2012, building a new energy empire

Chapter 157: Did I misjudge?

In a flash, Jiang Haoran suppressed the surging emotions in his chest, met Wang Zhenguo's eager and frank gaze, which even carried a hint of provocation, straightened his back, and responded without any hesitation with a clear, firm, and powerful voice: "President Wang! Thank you for Keelung Group's trust and courage!"

"The entire staff of Kirin Technology will dedicate 200% of our rigor and effort to ensure that our product quality is as solid as iron and our supply is as stable as a mountain. We will fully cooperate with and pass all of your company's production line verifications!"

"We at Qilin accept this challenge! And we're confident we can handle it well!"

"Great! That's the spirit I've been looking for!" Wang Zhenguo laughed heartily, gripping Jiang Haoran's hand tightly again and shaking it. "Then it's settled! As soon as the exhibition ends, I'll bring the group's chief engineer and purchasing manager to discuss the details with you directly!"

Only then did Wang Zhenguo seem to "remember" Lin Guodong, who had been silent all along, turn around and smile, "President Lin, I'm sorry to bother you. To be honest, our photovoltaic industry is mired in a quagmire. We keep shouting about cost reduction and efficiency improvement and domestic substitution, and our voices are almost hoarse."

"Just talking isn't enough; someone has to actually do the work, and someone has to be willing to roll up their sleeves and get to work!"

"General Manager Jiang and his team have been working diligently behind the scenes. We shouldn't be too harsh on the young people."

"I, Lao Wang, just want to be the one who actually puts it into practice today! Who knows, maybe we'll have the opportunity to collaborate in the supply chain in the future?"

Lin Guodong's facial muscles tensed almost imperceptibly for a moment.

Wang Zhenguo's words sounded hearty and enthusiastic, but in reality, every sentence seemed to be a response to his previous doubts, and even carried a hint of "you hesitate and watch, I dare to be the first."

He forced a dry smile, his voice strained: "President Wang's actions are always decisive and admirable."

He gave Jiang Haoran one last, deep, and complicated look.

The initial scrutiny and coldness in his eyes had vanished, replaced by an extremely complex assessment, and a tremor and wavering that even he himself had not fully understood.

He left without saying another word, gave Wang Zhenguo a slight nod, turned around, and, with his follower who was also somewhat bewildered by the sudden turn of events, hurriedly left the center of the crowd.

That once imposing figure, which had brought immense pressure, now exuded an indescribable sense of stagnation and desolation amidst the bustling neon lights and shadows of the exhibition.

Wang Zhenguo watched Lin Guodong leave, smiled nonchalantly, turned back to encourage Jiang Haoran a few more times, agreed on a specific time for follow-up communication, and then left with his men in the same whirlwind as when they arrived.

His appearance and departure were like a precise and efficient attack, instantly turning the tide of the battle, leaving behind a booth that was completely ignited and the atmosphere was boiling, as well as Jiang Haoran whose image was suddenly elevated in the eyes of everyone, as if coated with a legendary color.

The public endorsement from industry leaders and the firm order intentions from powerful clients acted like heavy hammer blows, shattering the previously pervasive ice of doubt.

The crowd surged again in front of the booth, but the atmosphere was completely different.

Curiosity turned into eagerness, scrutiny into exploration, and questioning into impatient consultation.

Jiang Haoran turned around to face the crowd that had gathered again, their eyes burning with enthusiasm. His face still wore that calm and professional smile, but deep in his eyes, a brighter and more determined flame had ignited.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have just discussed in depth the challenges and opportunities that products face when moving from the laboratory to the production line."

"If anyone is interested in our upcoming collaboration with Keelung Corporation to verify the model, or other technical details of the Kirin-1, please feel free to continue the discussion."

At the booth, discussions about technology resounded once again, but this time, the voices were louder and the confidence was greater.

A crisis triggered by an industry veteran's personal "interrogation" was transformed into a grand "performance" through the brazen intervention of another pragmatic leader.

The name Kylin Technology, along with its young leader Jiang Haoran, is destined to leave an impressive and enduring mark on the SNEC stage.

Lin Guodong walked out of the venue almost at a brisk pace.

His assistant and the head of the subsidiary had to jog to keep up. He ignored the greetings from any of the booths along the way, his brows furrowed and his face so gloomy it could drip water.

He only stopped abruptly when he left the bustling exhibition area and arrived at the relatively quiet atrium connecting area.

The warm afternoon sun streamed through the glass roof, but it couldn't dispel the chill and turmoil in his heart.

"President Lin—" The assistant stepped forward cautiously.

"You guys go back first, I want to be alone." Lin Guodong's voice was hoarse, revealing an unusual weariness and irritability.

The assistants and others exchanged glances, not daring to say anything, and responded in hushed tones before retreating to a distance to wait.

Lin Guodong walked to the viewing potted plant in a corner of the courtyard, put his hands on the railing, and stared blankly at the endless stream of people below.

Wang Zhenguo's booming voice still seemed to echo in my ears, and Jiang Haoran's calm yet seemingly powerful young face flashed before my eyes, along with the image of Wang Zhenguo warmly shaking hands with him and publicly announcing a major cooperation agreement.

"Wire for ten cutting machines — the first batch of strategic partners —"

These words were like a red-hot branding iron, searing into his consciousness.

Why Wang Zhenguo?

Who is Wang Zhenguo? He's a hard-working guy like Lin Guodong, who has worked his way up in the industry for decades, starting from the factory floor!

He is known for being shrewd, cautious, and never acting without a clear objective!

Even he dared to publicly endorse a new product or a new company with such certainty, and even directly express a substantial intention to purchase.

Did I really misjudge him?

That Jiang Haoran was not the swindler who had malicious intentions and was plotting to get close to his daughter, nor was he the "opportunistic capitalist" he had preconceived notions about. Instead, he was a real pragmatist who was capable of producing products that were close to the level of imports.

The thought filled him with a strong sense of absurdity and self-doubt.

He recalled how Jiang Haoran had handled his repeated questioning at the booth.

The argument was clear and logical, the data was detailed and comprehensive, and the speaker was neither arrogant nor humble. The final rhetorical question elevated the issue to the level of industry responsibility.

At the time, he only thought the young man was eloquent and good at self-promotion. But now, considering Wang Zhenguo's attitude—perhaps it wasn't just flattery, but rather confidence based on ability?

And those data, third-party reports, process control charts, customer trial feedback—at the time he scoffed at them, considering them carefully prepared "sales pitches."

But what if it's all true? What if that SPC chart really represents a preliminary, effective quality control system?

Lin Guodong felt a surge of unease.

He was used to having everything under control, and used to his experience and judgment being respected within the industry.

But today, under the watchful eyes of everyone, his authoritative judgment was severely "questioned" by a junior using facts (or at least seemingly compelling facts) in conjunction with industry veterans like Wang Zhenguo.

This is not just a matter of saving face.

It also challenged his lifelong belief in "experience is paramount" and "there are no shortcuts in manufacturing."

Has the world really changed? Can young people really overcome technical challenges more quickly with new methods and new ideas?

Can the combination of capital markets and real industries really spark something extraordinary?

He thought of his daughter, Lin Miaomiao.

When she recalled how she argued with him time and time again for Jiang Haoran, there was an unquestionable trust and light in her eyes.

At the time, he thought his daughter was naive and blinded by love. But now—could it be that what his daughter is seeing is something he overlooked because of his prejudice?

"It needs careful consideration—" Looking back now, his last words of evasion seemed so pale and powerless, even somewhat cowardly, in the face of Wang Zhenguo's resounding "Ten sets to try."

A complex mix of shame, frustration, self-doubt, and a hint of regret churned within him.

He clenched his fist tightly, his knuckles turning slightly white from the force.

"Mr. Lin," the assistant, still concerned, quietly approached again, handing over a bottle of water, "Are you... alright?"

Lin Guodong took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down.

He took the water, but didn't drink it; he just held it in his hand, the icy touch making him slightly more awake.

"Investigate." His voice was deep and carried an unquestionable command. "Use all your connections to thoroughly investigate Qilin Technology and Jiang Haoran."

"It's not just about the surface information. I want to know where their technology comes from, their team background, the flow of funds, how much Wang Zhenguo actually knows in private, and whether there are any inside stories we don't know."

"Also, regarding their so-called customer trial feedback, which two companies were involved, and what were the actual trial results? I need the most accurate and detailed information, the sooner the better!"

"Yes, Mr. Lin!" The assistant's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly replied.

Lin Guodong unscrewed the bottle cap, took a big gulp of water, and felt the icy liquid slide down his throat, but it couldn't extinguish the heat in his heart.

He looked back toward the exhibition hall, his eyes regaining their usual sharpness and depth, but with an unprecedented sense of caution and inquiry.

Jiang Haoran————

He murmured the name to himself.

It seems that I made my judgment about this young man too early and too hastily.

The exhibition is not over yet. Perhaps he should try a different approach to "get to know" this young man who his daughter defended so fiercely, who Wang Zhenguo supported so strongly, and who also caused him to lose his composure in public.

He straightened his clothes, handed the empty water bottle to his assistant, and his face regained its usual calm and composed demeanor.

"Go back to the exhibition hall," he said, his tone calm but with a resolute strength, "and take a look at the other booths."