Chapter 46: A Proposal to a Legend

Jiang Han sat in the back row, quietly observing the scene before him. A sigh escaped his lips.

If Academician Ni hadn't stood his ground against Liu Chuanzhi back then, his life wouldn't have been so difficult.

In his past life, Jiang Han had read extensively about Ni Guangnan's struggles.

In 1981, Ni Guangnan had traveled to Canada as a visiting scholar, earning a monthly salary of $43,000 Canadian dollars—an enviable sum at the time.

Yet, despite such lucrative prospects, he had chosen to return to China.

And when he returned, he didn't come back empty-handed.

He had used his entire savings—$80,000 USD in 1983—to purchase scientific instruments for his research. That sum, in today's money, would be astronomical.

He was the first Chinese scientist to go bankrupt importing research equipment.

With those instruments, he went on to develop Hanka and Lianxiang microcomputers, securing China's first National Science and Technology Award in computing.

And yet, despite his groundbreaking contributions, his later years were filled with hardship.

After being expelled from Lianxiang, Ni Guangnan lived a humble life. Even after turning 80, his wife had passed away, and his son had moved abroad.

The Chinese Academy of Sciences had assigned him a house, but he rented it out for 8,000 yuan per month—only to rent another place for 10,000 yuan just to maintain his independence.

A man who had revolutionized China's computer industry should have been revered. Instead, he had been sidelined and forgotten.

And all of this… stemmed from a single choice.

Jiang Han's gaze locked onto the elderly academician, who was now surrounded by eager students.

If I can gain Ni Guangnan's support, perhaps I can change his fate… and China's future.

---

An Invitation Over Coffee

It took more than an hour for the lecture hall to clear.

Ni Guangnan clapped the chalk dust from his hands, packed his things, and prepared to leave.

Just as he stepped toward the door, a young figure appeared in front of him.

"Academician Ni," Jiang Han greeted respectfully. "Would you have time to sit down for a cup of coffee?"

Ni Guangnan paused, surprised by the request. He studied the young man before him, a smile forming on his lips.

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

Jiang Han remained silent for a moment before speaking with quiet determination.

"What I wish to discuss will take some time.

And since you've just finished a long lecture, wouldn't it be better to sit down, relax, and chat over a cup of coffee?"

Ni Guangnan raised an eyebrow. The maturity in Jiang Han's tone and demeanor was unexpected.

After a brief moment of thought, the professor nodded.

"Alright, let's go."

---

The café was quiet, the air filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

Ni Guangnan took a sip of his latte, smiling.

"The coffee here is quite good. It tastes almost like the one I used to drink in Canada."

Jiang Han stirred his spoon absentmindedly, then said,

"I'm actually a fan of yours, Academician Ni. You gave up a luxurious life in Canada to return home and build China's future. That kind of courage… is rare."

Ni Guangnan chuckled. "No need for flattery, young man. Just tell me what's on your mind."

Jiang Han didn't beat around the bush.

"I believe that Lianxiang lost a great mind when they let you go.

I've started my own company, and I'd like to invite you to join us as the Director of R&D."

Ni Guangnan blinked, clearly surprised.

This boy is only 18… yet he's already running a company?

Instead of outright rejecting the offer, he asked, "What does your company do?"

"We specialize in OEM computer manufacturing. In fact, I recently produced a batch of computers for Lianxiang."

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

After being forced out, many companies had approached him, hoping he would continue his work in computing.

But he had been disheartened.

He took another sip of his latte and shook his head.

"I appreciate the offer, but I no longer wish to work in a company."

Jiang Han expected this response. How could an unknown startup persuade a man like him?

But he wasn't done yet.

Jiang Han leaned forward slightly, his tone firm yet respectful.

"Academician Ni, your knowledge is invaluable, especially in the field of semiconductors and chip technology.

But right now, all of that expertise… is being wasted.

You devoted your entire life to Lianxiang.

And yet, in the end, the company you built was taken from you.

Are you really willing to let your legacy belong to someone else?"

The question struck deep.

Ni Guangnan fell silent.

Jiang Han saw the hesitation in the old man's eyes and pressed on.

"You were forced out not because of disagreements over management, but because you refused to compromise your principles.

You reported Liu Chuanzhi's illegal $5.48 million loan from a Hong Kong businessman, but no one listened.

And instead of being rewarded for your integrity… you were cast aside."

Ni Guangnan's fingers tightened around his coffee cup.

How does this young man know all this?

For years, the public only knew that he had conflicts with Lianxiang's leadership.

But the real reason for his dismissal had always been hidden.

And yet, this 18-year-old boy had uncovered the truth.

Jiang Han's voice remained steady.

"You were silenced once before. But it's not too late to reclaim your legacy.

Together, we can build something greater than Lianxiang—something that will belong to China, not foreign investors."

Silence stretched between them.

Ni Guangnan stared into his coffee, deep in thought.

For the first time in decades… someone had rekindled his fire.

Jiang Han waited, knowing that this moment could change everything.