Jiang Han swirled the wine in his glass, staring at the reflections on the surface. His voice was quiet, yet filled with unwavering determination.
"My father founded Huaifeng twenty years ago. I don't know what hardships he faced to build it, but I do know he never complained."
A bitter smile tugged at his lips. "Now, even if I wanted to hear his story, he's no longer here to tell it."
Su Qingyi lowered her eyes, unsure of how to comfort him.
Jiang Han took a deep breath and set his glass down. The pain in his gaze was replaced by something else—resolve.
"They may be gone, but Huaifeng lives on. I will make it stronger, bigger… and one day, the whole world will know its name."
Su Qingyi watched him in silence. The usual playful glint in his eyes had been replaced by a burning ambition she had never seen before.
She straightened her posture and spoke with equal seriousness.
"Don't worry. I'll do everything I can to help you."
Just then, her phone rang.
"Hello? … What? Academician Ni is coming to our university for an open class?"
Jiang Han, who had just taken a bite of food, froze mid-chew.
Academician Ni?
Su Qingyi frowned. "But I don't know anything about computers, and I have something important tomorrow—"
She paused, listening to the voice on the other end, then sighed. "Alright, I'll see if I can make it."
As she hung up, Jiang Han turned to her, his expression unreadable.
"Which Academician Ni?"
"Ni Guangnan. They say he's a leading figure in China's computer industry."
Jiang Han's grip on his chopsticks tightened. His heart pounded in his chest.
Ni Guangnan…
That name was legendary. A pioneer in China's computer research, he had worked at the Institute of Computing Technology before founding Lianxiang Group. However, in 1999, he was dismissed from Lianxiang after conflicts with management.
Despite facing obstacles, he had dedicated his life to developing China's own chip technology, fighting against foreign monopolies.
A true national treasure.
Jiang Han's mind raced. If he could meet Ni Guangnan, it could change everything.
If he gained the academician's guidance, he could accelerate his plans.
Even though his system gave him the knowledge to dominate the industry eventually, an alliance with Ni Guangnan could help China's computer industry rise far beyond expectations.
Jiang Han suddenly reached out and grabbed Su Qingyi's hand.
"When is the lecture?"
Su Qingyi flinched, startled by his intensity. "Uh… Tomorrow at 9 AM."
Jiang Han's eyes burned with excitement.
Su Qingyi's cheeks reddened. "C-Can you let go now?"
Jiang Han blinked, realizing he had squeezed her hand too hard. He quickly released her.
"Ahem. Go to the job fair alone tomorrow. I have something important to do."
Su Qingyi was confused. "You're an economics student. Why are you so interested in a computer science lecture?"
Jiang Han simply smiled. "You'll see soon enough."
---
The Next Morning
The city was still waking up as Jiang Han stepped onto the campus of Magic Capital University of Finance and Economics (Modu Caida).
Despite being a 985 university renowned for its finance and business programs, today, it had become the center of attention in an entirely different field—computers.
As he walked through the campus, Jiang Han took a rare moment to appreciate it. Back in his previous life, he had spent little time in school, enjoying the luxuries of his wealthy background.
This time, things were different.
He quickly found the lecture hall, only to be surprised—the multimedia classroom was already full, even though there were still 20 minutes before the lecture began.
Scanning the room, Jiang Han managed to find a seat in the back.
The students around him were chatting excitedly.
"Our department really pulled off something big this time. Inviting Academician Ni for a lecture? That's insane."
"Ever since he left Lianxiang, he's been free. Guess he finally has time for public talks."
"I brought my integrated circuit design. Maybe he'll give me some feedback!"
Jiang Han listened quietly, suppressing a smile.
Ni Guangnan's influence is undeniable.
---
A few minutes later, an elderly man in his sixties stepped onto the stage, carrying a book under his arm.
His black coat looked slightly worn, his face thin but dignified, his graying hair neatly combed.
A legend had arrived.
"Academician Ni!" someone shouted.
"Good morning, Professor Ni!"
The students erupted into applause.
Jiang Han, too, found himself in awe.
Although the professor looked younger than the version from his past life, the weight of years and experience was still evident in his gaze.
This was a man who had dedicated his life to China's technological independence.
Ni Guangnan inserted a USB drive into the classroom's computer and smiled at the students.
"I'm surprised to see so many of you here today, even before the semester officially starts," he said warmly. "It seems that computers have captured your interest."
Laughter rippled through the room.
"For today's lecture, we'll discuss the development and future of China's computer industry…"
---
For the next two hours, Ni Guangnan spoke with passion and depth, covering everything from semiconductor challenges to China's roadmap for chip independence.
He did not hold back—his explanations were detailed, insightful, and inspiring.
Jiang Han listened intently, absorbing every word.
When the lecture ended, not a single student stood up to leave.
Whispers filled the room.
"As expected of Academician Ni… His knowledge is on another level!"
"I need to get his autograph before he leaves!"
"I still have questions about my circuit design!"
Jiang Han clenched his fists.
This is my chance.
If he could speak to Ni Guangnan today, perhaps the entire course of China's computer industry would be forever changed.