"Correct, but not entirely." Great-Grandfather lightly tapped the ground beneath his feet with his cane. "The hardest part was confidence. Externally, the 'End of History' theory was rampant; internally, there was the confusion of'selling tea eggs is better than making missiles.' Many people felt, had we reached the end of our road?"
The mountain breeze brushed past Great-Grandfather's graying hair.
"At that time, all our generation could do was hold on. We used every possible means to clear space and lay the groundwork for future development. We imported technology, negotiated, and even if we were mistreated, we had to endure it to learn the skills first. We supported our own enterprises; even if they were immature, we had to protect them because they were our own bones."
Great-Grandfather paused, his tone growing heavier. "Why? Because we've seen harder times. We know that if our own bones are broken, relying on others means we will never stand up again."
Jiang Cheng nodded.
Indeed, based on Jiang Cheng's understanding, it was true.
His Great-Grandfather was actually very wise. Back then, he had introduced many foreign companies under the pretext of exchanging market access for technology.
Although the market was occupied by foreign firms, we used that time to acquire much of their advanced technology.
For example, in the automotive industry, the field of electronic information, and even vaccine research and development.
We traded the market for technology, and after learning the technology, we began to support local enterprises.
These convoluted processes are the root of today's step-by-step technological development.
After speaking, Great-Grandfather pointed into the distance: "Look now, tall buildings, heavy traffic. But you must know, beneath this prosperity lies the foundation of several generations gritting their teeth. I was actually very happy when I learned you were going to make a lithography machine."
Jiang Cheng didn't speak, but his mind was shaken.
For the first time, he directly connected his business layout with the heavy historical responsibility of his grandfather's generation.
"I won't lecture you with empty platitudes."
After patting Jiang Cheng's arm, his tone softened, yet every word carried immense weight.
"You run a business, chasing profits and utilizing capital; that is only natural. But you must remember, when your business grows enough to influence an industry or even touch the nation's lifeblood, the hand at the helm must be steady, and you must have a scale in your heart."
"On one side of this scale is your commercial interest; on the other is the historical responsibility of whether this family legacy—earned with the blood, sweat, and even lives of countless people like your Grandpa Li on this land—can continue and become even more prosperous."
Hearing this, Jiang Cheng's expression became solemn.
He spoke slowly: "I understand, Great-Grandfather. I will always keep that scale you mentioned in my heart. Our generation may no longer need to face artillery fire, but what we face is a war without smoke—technological blockades and industrial barriers. Every 'chip' is a modern-day 'high ground.'"
"Everyone says you are an engineer. Back then, you led people to build planes and aircraft carriers, letting China stand up and grow strong. Today, I am making a lithography machine because I want China to truly straighten its back in the information and intelligence era."
"I will earn profits, but they won't be the only goal. Once an enterprise grows large, it becomes a bone in the national industrial chain. That breath of spirit you passed down—I won't let it break."
As Jiang Cheng's voice fell, the mountain wind suddenly became brisk.
The sound of the pines was no longer a low whimper, but transformed into a rolling roar like the mountain ranges themselves.
The sound swept over the treetops, whistled through the rock crevices, and echoed across the entire hillside, as if the sleeping heroic spirits were awakened by this resounding vow.
In the way they knew best—the most magnificent wind between heaven and earth—they issued silent yet powerful approval and entrustment.
Standing in the wind, Jiang Cheng felt for the first time a resonance deep within his blood with the land beneath his feet and the heroic souls resting here.
Great-Grandfather did not respond immediately.
Clearly, he was also moved by this sudden gust of wind.
He slowly turned around and, with those eyes that had seen through countless hearts and worldly affairs, looked again at the entire hillside he had brought Jiang Cheng to.
His gaze moved slowly over each simple stone tablet, as if giving a final account to every old friend.
He even reached out and returned a military salute to them.
The wind filled his Zhongshan suit, making his silhouette appear exceptionally solemn and exceptionally lonely.
After a long time, he looked back at Jiang Cheng.
As he did, the usual sharpness, deep majesty, and even the kindness Jiang Cheng saw most often in his eyes receded like a tide.
The expression revealed now was a complex emotion Jiang Cheng had never seen before.
In those eyes, there was shock and scrutiny.
But even more so, there was a massive, burning sense of relief that almost broke through his lifelong restraint.
"All these years," Great-Grandfather's voice was deeper than the mountain wind, "your father chose his path and raised you as an ordinary child. Which primary school you attended, which high school you went to, the first time you fought someone, the first time you made money in the stock market... I knew it all. I knew you didn't attend a prestigious school, nor did you live a luxurious life..."
"Watching you grow up stumbling on your own, like a sprout struggling out of a crack in a rock, I was both worried and helpless..."
This was the first time Great-Grandfather had removed his mask of kindness to speak his true thoughts.
In Jiang Cheng's memory, from their first meeting until now, Great-Grandfather had always treated him with kindness and even a bit of guilty doting.
No matter what he did, he always seemed to say it was good, offering unconditional praise.
He had never revealed his internal expectations like this before.
At this moment, the majesty belonging to a high-ranking official completely faded from his voice, leaving only the most simple, almost pained sentiment of a grandfather.
"I didn't intervene. Firstly, it was your father's choice, and I had to respect it; secondly... I also wanted to see what kind of backbone our family's bloodline could grow when thrown into ordinary wind and rain. From the first time you showed your brilliance in the financial market to the later establishment of 'Stardust Investment.' The reports said you had a sharp eye, decisive methods, and a steadiness beyond your years..."
Having said this, he paused again, his gaze falling on Jiang Cheng's face with physical weight, as if trying to penetrate the skin to see the patterns of his soul.
"But I didn't know... I didn't know you could understand to this extent."
These words were very light, yet they weighed more than a thousand tons.
This meant that in Great-Grandfather's heart, Jiang Cheng had changed from an "excellent bloodline living outside who needed evaluation and guidance."
He instantly leaped to being a "spiritual successor who could truly understand and carry this heavy mantle of family and country."