Reborn in 2012, building a new energy empire

Lin Miaomiao's light laughter came from the other end of the phone, but there was a hint of nervousness hidden in her laughter: "Then name your price? Anyway, my dad said he'd reward the 'expert' handsomely."

"Name your price?" Jiang Haoran chuckled, his gaze falling on the sycamore leaves outside the window, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. "Some things are worth far more than money."

The words were vague, yet pointed. It seemed to be referring to both a matter and a person.

Lin Miaomiao clearly understood. A soft gasp came from the other end of the line, followed by a brief silence. That silence held thought, hesitation, and perhaps even a hint of anticipation.

When she spoke again, her voice was softer and more tentative: "For example?"

"For example..." Jiang Haoran paused deliberately, imagining her slightly breathless expression on the other end of the phone, "...a promise?"

There was silence on the other end of the phone.

Several seconds later, Lin Miaomiao's voice came, softer than before but clearer, as if she had made up her mind: "...Okay."

Two simple words, yet they carry immense weight.

Jiang Haoran's smile deepened, a smile that held satisfaction, tenderness, and perhaps other, more complex emotions: "You didn't even ask for any promises, and you just agreed like that?"

"Mmm." Lin Miaomiao responded, her voice carrying a hint of nonchalant acceptance, as well as a touch of girlish naiveté. "Anyway... you wouldn't make me do anything bad."

"Then it's settled." His voice softened unconsciously.

"Okay." Lin Miaomiao replied readily, then, as if remembering something, her tone became more intimate than before.

"Seriously, Haoran, this time I really... admire you."

Her voice was earnest yet tinged with genuine admiration: "The technical department has so many senior engineers, and after a week or two of troubleshooting, they've been stuck in a wrangling match between the process and materials departments. Everyone has their own version of events; the process department says there's a problem with the materials, and the materials department says the process wasn't controlled properly. Nobody can convince anyone else."

"You weren't there in person, and you haven't seen the actual product, yet based solely on my brief description in the email, you were able to pinpoint the core issue, instantly transforming the core of the problem from 'spreading the buck' to 'verification.' This ability to get straight to the point..."

"And then there's your... effortless familiarity with the details of the industry chain. When you mention Foster, you even know which niche market they're currently focusing on and what the characteristics of their technology are. I've never seen anyone my age with that kind of insight, and even many people who have worked for years might not be able to grasp the entire industry chain so clearly."

Jiang Haoran listened, and his heart stirred slightly.

He could sense the sincerity in Lin Miaomiao's words. It wasn't just gratitude for solving the problem; it also contained a growing trust and appreciation. Perhaps, even a touch of admiration.

This feeling is very subtle. For a smart, ambitious girl from a well-off family, there aren't many peers she can genuinely admire.

She is probably surrounded by outstanding young people, but their excellence is mostly reflected in their grades, club activities, or family background.

Jiang Haoran's composure beyond his years, his accurate judgment, and his unfathomable professional knowledge struck a chord with her.

It's a kind of ability that's different from the talents commonly found on campus, and closer to the real world.

It is the ability to quickly find the key to complex problems, to provide practical solutions, and to have the power to change reality.

From initial curiosity (about a stranger who was so familiar with the photovoltaic industry), to the warmth that followed (the relaxed time spent together at the amusement park that evening), and now to being deeply impressed by his abilities (he had just helped her solve a technical problem that had been troubling the company for a long time).

Lin Miaomiao is gradually falling into an emotion that she herself may not fully understand.

It's a more complex attraction, a mixture of admiration, dependence, trust, and a girl's instinctive fondness for a strong man.

Jiang Haoran, as someone who has been reborn and has decades of experience, is all too familiar with the trajectory of this kind of emotion.

He knows when to push forward, when to hold back, when to give a hint, and when to leave room for imagination.

He was like a seasoned dancer, leading her through the dance floor of emotions, each step perfectly timed.

"Don't say that, Miaomiao. It's my honor to do something small for you." He spoke gently, with a hint of doting affection.

These words, though spoken politely, stirred a ripple in Lin Miaomiao's heart on the other end of the phone. These subtle expressions were more touching than straightforward concern.

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, followed by Lin Miaomiao's cheerful voice, her response to his "It's my pleasure": "Well... since you're so amazing and have helped us so much, just saying thank you isn't enough."

She paused, her voice clear and melodious, each word carefully chosen, maintaining a proper reserve while concealing a cautious anticipation: "So, I formally invite you—"

Jiang Haoran remained silent, waiting for her to continue.

"Come visit our newly built GW-level production base in Yunnan."

Lin Miaomiao's voice was very serious, as if she were extending an important invitation, "Haven't you always been very interested in the entire process of photovoltaic manufacturing? Theory is no substitute for practice. Seeing the most advanced production lines and R&D platforms in person should give you a better understanding than just reading reports."

She paused, then added the timeline, a subtle hint in her plan: "The timing... how about early December? The weather in Kunming is just right then, not too hot or too cold. It's already winter here, perfect for a vacation, and I can get the research done at the same time—killing two birds with one stone."

This is a very tactful way of putting it, cleverly combining work-related reasons with personal arrangements. It maintains a formality while also giving each other more private space to be together.

After she finished speaking, she added softly, her voice as light as a feather, as if she were just mentioning it casually, yet also as if she were deliberately emphasizing it: "Just think of it as... a way to clear my head, and also to give me a chance to properly thank you."

This invitation goes beyond a purely working relationship.

There was a hidden meaning in these words. It wasn't just a business trip; it was more like an agreement, an opportunity for the two of them to spend a few days alone together.

Jiang Haoran's eyes narrowed slightly. The Yunnan production base... if he remembered correctly, that was indeed an important future production capacity layout point for Wanhe Solar.

But at this moment, none of these thoughts matter.

"Of course." He snapped out of his thoughts and readily agreed. "How could I refuse such a good opportunity to visit the core base of an industry leader and escape the damp, cold winter of Jiangnan? You set the time, I'm available anytime."

"Then it's settled!" Lin Miaomiao's voice was noticeably cheerful, with undisguised joy. "I'll send it to you once I've finalized the time. Oh, and..."

She paused, then her voice suddenly softened, carrying a hint of barely perceptible shyness: "The winter sun in Kunming is lovely, you... will like it."

After hanging up the phone, Jiang Haoran stood by the window for a long time.

Early December, Kunming.

That will be a... fun trip.