Chapter 122: A Century-Long Legacy
As expected, the project passed acceptance without a hitch. The expert team, following protocol, gave a few harmless revision suggestions. When it came to modifying the documentation, the technical team from the Geological Survey Institute handled it smoothly—there was no need for Li Tang's personal involvement. His presence in Tiemu Town was more symbolic, a gesture to show how seriously he took the project.
He was sitting comfortably at the entrance, holding a steaming cup of tea like a retired old cadre, gently blowing on it while gazing up at the unchanging sky.
Suddenly, his phone rang. He set down his tea, took out his phone, and saw that the call was from Qin Jianshe. He answered immediately.
"I read the report about the Yunshang Bauxite deposit," Qin Jianshe opened with that. "I didn't expect you to be such a huge help to Huazhou Aluminum Plant! Everyone at the group is talking about it—both President Niu and President Ou have expressed their appreciation for you!"
"I'm just here to pass the time," Li Tang replied modestly, though it sounded a little too modest.
Qin Jianshe chuckled, then said in mock annoyance, "Be sure to tell Director Luo he owes Wukuang Exploration Company a huge favor. He better pay us back! Seriously, if I'd known you were going to help them find such a massive bauxite deposit, our consulting fee wouldn't have been 5,000 yuan—it would've been 500,000!"
"I'll make sure to pass that message along. Oh, by the way, the project acceptance here is wrapping up. We can settle the consulting fee with Huazhou Aluminum now. Qin, just tell Finance to send the invoice over so they can wire us that 5,000."
"You're good—you actually remembered the company's interests."
"Of course."
"Enough chit-chat. I have some news for you."
Qin Jianshe's voice suddenly turned serious. "First, after a review by the company's senior leadership, we've decided to assign you to the international investment company's acquisition team—as the chief technical advisor."
"What does that mean?" Li Tang was stunned.
"You'll go with the acquisition team on a trip to Austria to inspect a mining company there."
"A mining company in Austria? I'm not very familiar with the geological formations or ore layers there. Being appointed chief advisor on short notice—I'm not sure I'm qualified."
"The acquisition team is a temporary assembly anyway. We've never done an overseas acquisition before—it's all new territory. Don't stress about it. Treat it as a chance to see the world, like a vacation if you want."
"If it's just a vacation, I can live with that."
"Second, President Zhou is slowly handing over his responsibilities. The company will host a retirement farewell event at the end of the year. All employees are required to attend!"
"He's still not retired?" Li Tang had heard Zhou Tianqi's retirement request had been approved, but the man was still holding onto his seat. Clearly, he couldn't let go of the glory of power.
"It's not that simple. He's not just some regular employee who can walk away with a wave. Zhou has worked for decades—he's earned this. I'll inform you again once the farewell date is confirmed."
"Got it. I'll definitely be there."
"Third... When you signed your contract last year, others signed for three or five years. Why did you only sign for one?"
"Same difference. What, is the company not planning to renew my contract?"
"Your contract is about to expire. Get back here and renew it as soon as possible."
"Understood."
"Stay safe!"
After hanging up, Li Tang looked up and saw Luo Qinzhong standing in front of him. He casually asked, "Director Luo, about that consulting fee for Wukuang Exploration…"
"It's just 5,000 yuan. Once I get back to the plant, I'll inform Finance to transfer it to your company's account. Just have your office send us the invoice."
"I've already notified them to handle the paperwork."
"Then it's settled." Luo Qinzhong was in great spirits lately. "Now that the project's been accepted, I'll head to Yanjing with you and personally thank President Zhao and President Qin for all the support they've given Huazhou Aluminum. That's my assignment from Director Lai, and I have to fulfill it."
He turned to Li Tang with a smile. "Of course, the one we most need to thank is you!"
"It's mutual benefit," Li Tang said matter-of-factly.
"No matter what, you're our plant's lucky star!"
Just then, Li Tang's phone rang again.
"Excuse me," he said, glancing at the caller ID. He apologized to Luo Qinzhong and stepped aside to answer.
"President Chen!"
"In Huazhou Province?" Chen Jinhe's voice was calm and steady.
"Yes, I've been here overseeing the bauxite project acceptance."
"I saw the article about the Yunshang Bauxite Mine."
"You're really well-informed, President Chen."
"What's so special about reading a newspaper?" Chen Jinhe laughed on the other end, and Li Tang could almost picture his kind, farmer-like smile. "You found Qulong Copper Mine for Wukuang Group, Qinglong Copper Mine for us at Zise Mining, and now Yunshang Bauxite for Huazhou Aluminum. You're the one who's truly remarkable!"
"You flatter me, President Chen." Li Tang laughed awkwardly.
He was a bit wary—praise like this, which used to thrill him, now often felt overblown, even suspect.
"The mineralization at Qinglong Copper Mine is excellent—you know that, right?" Chen Jinhe said seriously now.
"You know I've been on the site. I'm very familiar with the situation at Qinglong."
"After careful internal discussions, our company has decided to move straight into detailed exploration for the next phase." Chen Jinhe paused, then asked seriously, "Do you have any objections to that?"
It was clear he highly valued Li Tang's opinion. Otherwise, he wouldn't be personally calling about a decision that had already been made.
Li Tang didn't hesitate. "No matter how much is invested in Qinglong Copper Mine, it's a worthy investment."
"Good, I understand."
After a pause, Chen Jinhe added, "As per our previous agreement, the detailed exploration will be carried out by Geological Team 101. Do you have anything to add?"
"Please express my sincere thanks to you on behalf of Geological Team 101," Li Tang said sincerely.
Chen Jinhe went silent again, long enough for Li Tang to think he'd hung up.
"Hello?" Li Tang called out, confused.
"Li Tang," Chen Jinhe's voice returned, now carrying a magnetic resonance. "With Qinglong Copper Mine reaching this stage, we already know it will be a world-shaking discovery. This is our shared honor—and a treasure for all of China. Thank you, Li Tang. You've helped lay the foundation for Zise Mining's century-long legacy."
"You overpraise me, President Chen," Li Tang replied humbly.
"If there's ever a future project where I can help, call my personal number directly."
There was a tinge of emotion in his tone.
"I'll always keep your number saved in my phone—and in my heart."
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Johanssen