Chapter 46: A Pivotal Invitation

Jiang Han sat in the back row, watching the lecture with a deep sigh.

If Academician Ni had chosen a different approach with Liu Chuanzhi in the beginning, his life might not have been so difficult.

In his past life, Jiang Han had read about Ni Guangnan's journey—a story of brilliance, sacrifice, and ultimately, injustice.

Ni Guangnan had traveled to Canada as a visiting scholar in 1981, where his monthly salary reached a staggering 43,000 Canadian dollars. Yet, despite such a lucrative position, he resolutely chose to return to China, carrying not just his knowledge but also seven or eight boxes filled with instruments—bought entirely at his own expense.

Few in history could claim such dedication. He had spent his entire $80,000 savings—a fortune in 1983—to purchase research equipment for his institute, shipping them in a container at his own cost.

With these very instruments, he went on to develop Hanka and Lianxiang microcomputers, winning the First Prize of the Longguo Science and Technology Awards. His research institute became known as Lianxiang, a name that would shape the future of China's computing industry.

Yet, after decades of dedication, his fate was bleak. By the time he reached his eighties, his wife had passed away, and his son had moved abroad. He rented out the house assigned to him by Zhongke Yuan for 8,000 yuan, only to pay 10,000 yuan for a smaller place elsewhere.

For a pioneer who revolutionized Longguo's computer industry, life had been unexpectedly cruel.

And all of this… was the result of a choice.

Jiang Han watched Ni Guangnan, who stood on the podium, surrounded by students eager to ask him questions. His mind raced with possibilities.

If I can get Ni Guangnan to work with me in this life, maybe… just maybe, I can change his fate.

A Proposal Over Coffee

After class, it took more than an hour for the students to disperse.

Ni Guangnan dusted off his hands, packed his belongings, and prepared to leave.

At that moment, a figure appeared in front of him.

"Academician Ni, hello. Do you have time for a cup of coffee?"

Ni Guangnan looked at the young man before him, momentarily taken aback. He smiled, his demeanor approachable.

"Young man, if you have questions, there's no need for coffee—just ask."

Jiang Han hesitated for a moment before speaking sincerely.

"What I want to discuss will take some time. You must be tired after class—there's a café on campus. Why don't we chat over a meal?"

Ni Guangnan studied Jiang Han closely. Despite his youthful face, there was a maturity in his posture and words.

After a brief moment of thought, he nodded. "Alright."

The two of them made their way to the campus café.

Ni Guangnan took a sip of his latte and smiled. "The coffee here is quite good. It tastes similar to the one I often had in Canada."

Jiang Han stirred his spoon thoughtfully.

"I'm actually a big fan of yours, Academician Ni. You gave up a high-paying life in Canada to return to China. I really admire your courage."

Ni Guangnan chuckled at the compliment. "No need to flatter me, young man. Tell me—what is it you want?"

Jiang Han didn't beat around the bush.

"It was Lianhong's loss when they dismissed you. I recently started a company, and I'd like to invite you to join as the Director of the R&D Department."

Ni Guangnan's eyebrows lifted slightly. An eighteen-year-old, running his own company?

Instead of rejecting the offer outright, he asked, "What kind of company?"

Jiang Han replied honestly, "I run a computer OEM business. Recently, I even manufactured a batch of computers for Lianxiang."

At the mention of Lianxiang, Ni Guangnan's expression dimmed.

After leaving Lianxiang, many companies had approached him, hoping he would continue developing computers. But he had been disheartened.

Taking another sip of his latte, he sighed. "I appreciate your kindness, but I don't intend to work for a company anymore."

Jiang Han knew convincing him wouldn't be easy.

He carefully considered his next words before speaking. "I understand that your expertise is at an international level, especially when it comes to chips. It would be a shame for your talent to go to waste."

Pausing, he then added, "You were the pillar of Lianxiang. You dedicated your life to it, only for others to take credit for your achievements. Are you really content with that?"

His words struck a nerve.

Ni Guangnan's grip on his cup tightened.

Most young people wouldn't dare to speak to him this way, but Jiang Han's words resonated with his buried frustrations.

For a moment, Ni Guangnan was silent.

Jiang Han seized the opportunity and continued.

"As far as I know, you stayed away from politics and unnecessary meetings. That's how Liu Chuanzhi gradually took control of the company.

You uncovered Liu Chuanzhi's debt of 5.48 million US dollars to a Hong Kong businessman. You reported it multiple times, but nothing changed. And in the end, you were forced out.

Do you really want to let that betrayal stand?"

Jiang Han's words sent a jolt through Ni Guangnan.

The public believed his departure from Lianxiang was merely due to disagreements over management.

But in reality, he had been pushed out because he had tried to expose financial misconduct.

Staring at Jiang Han, he suddenly saw not just an ambitious young entrepreneur but someone who truly understood him.

Perhaps… this was a chance to finally set things right.