Chapter 135: Smoke Rises, War Breaks Out
Han Dexun arrived. Zhou Zhenxing arrived too. Several finance officers from the Qianzhou Provincial Geological Bureau came with them.
Reaching this stage in the Qinglong Copper Mine project, the Geological Bureau had truly given it their all.
Before heavy snow sealed the mountains, they had managed—against all odds—to exceed the ten million yuan workload target.
This trip to Jian'an Province had one core purpose: to settle the exploration fees.
Excluding the 30% advance payment of three million yuan and the 20% balance to be paid after project acceptance, the amount to be settled now with Zise Mining exceeded six million yuan.
Such a large sum naturally called for an "all-hands" approach.
It was the end of the year. Everyone in the Bureau—especially Team 101—was counting on this money to enjoy a proper New Year.
If they couldn't get the payment, the leadership wouldn't be able to face their people.
As night fell and they still hadn't heard from Zise Mining, both Han Dexun and Zhou Zhenxing began to feel uneasy.
By common courtesy, they should have at least been invited to a meal.
Even if not extravagant, a simple dinner would have been expected.
Could it be that Chen Jinhe and his team were going to snub them?
Their stomachs already growling, the Geological Bureau team decided to head out and find their own dinner—when Chen Jinhe suddenly arrived with the entire board of directors and senior management in tow.
The two groups met right at the entrance to the guesthouse.
"Li Tang!"
Chen Jinhe strode forward and grasped Li Tang's hands tightly with both of his.
Usually, it was those of lower rank who offered both hands when shaking. Li Tang quickly pulled his left hand from his pocket and returned the gesture.
"Chairman Chen."
"Come on now, Li Tang, no need to be so formal. We're off the clock now. If you don't mind, just call me Brother Chen—or even Old Chen."
As soon as he said that, he noticed Li Zaiqiang and, slightly awkward, quickly released Li Tang's hand to shake his father's.
"Brother Li, you've worked so hard leading the project in Ali Prefecture. I've heard all about your efforts!"
"We were just doing our jobs," Li Zaiqiang replied modestly, clearly a bit embarrassed by Chen's enthusiasm. "Honestly, it's nothing special. Every geologist works hard—that's the nature of our field."
"You're too humble. You're a man of principle!"
After greeting the Li father and son, Chen finally turned to acknowledge the others.
Zise Mining's senior staff also stepped forward to shake Li Tang's hand and exchange warm words, like old friends reuniting after years apart.
The atmosphere instantly became vibrant and celebratory.
Earlier, when they had first exited the guesthouse, Han Dexun and Zhou Zhenxing had been leading the group, maintaining their leadership image.
But now, with Zise Mining's executives arriving and heading straight for Li Tang, it was clear: here in Jian'an, Li Tang was the center of attention.
To Zise Mining, rank didn't matter—what mattered was who actually got things done.
Forget about titles like "director" or "captain." Outside their home turf, no one cared.
Han Dexun and Zhou Zhenxing exchanged glances, reading the same complicated feelings in each other's eyes.
They couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy.
Still, those negative emotions quickly faded.
Because in this place, the fact that Li Tang and Li Zaiqiang had clout meant the Geological Bureau and Team 101 had built strong ties with Zise Mining.
And deep down, they were happy about it.
At the very least, it beat being ignored.
Being able to stay at Zise's guesthouse, being able to work with someone like Chen Jinhe—all thanks to knowing the Li family.
Without Li Tang, they'd probably still be sitting in the office worrying about how to survive the winter without pay.
As the two watched eagerly, Chen Jinhe finally turned to greet them.
"Director Han, Captain Zhou—I've been hoping you'd visit our Jian'an Province!"
Yao Zhenyu, standing nearby, chuckled.
"Last time Chairman Chen returned from Qianzhou, he wouldn't stop praising your hospitality.
Now it's our turn to host and return the favor!"
Everyone from Qianzhou suddenly realized:
Zise Mining hadn't forgotten.
Last time, when Chen and his team had gone to Qianzhou's capital to discuss the project, they were practically forced to drink into oblivion.
They'd fled back to Jian'an in a haze, barely able to stand, and still remembered the trauma.
Even after returning, Chen had jokingly sworn he'd never go back.
"At their banquets, they drink from bowls, not cups. You're halfway to passing out before the food even arrives."
So, this time, the leadership team at Zise Mining had discussed it ahead of time:
they were going to make sure the Qianzhou delegation had an unforgettable night.
This was war.
And the battle was about to begin.
Drinking?
Han Dexun and Zhou Zhenxing smirked, their expressions confident.
Drinking was their thing.
"Since our friends from Jian'an are so warm and welcoming, we Qianzhou folks are happy to follow your lead!"
Han was in high spirits. "Tonight, we'll fully experience the food and drink of Jian'an!"
A convoy of cars carried them into the provincial capital.
A massive solid wood dining table, large enough to seat twenty or thirty.
The table slowly rotated, with a miniature decorative pine tree and mountain centerpiece in the middle.
Dishes kept arriving: Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, Bamboo-smoked Abalone, Seafood in Chicken Broth...
The banquet was lavish, and everyone was in a great mood. That energy filled the room, turning it into a battlefield of toasts and laughter.
Li Tang, as the bridge between the two sides, was seated between Chen Jinhe and Han Dexun—squarely in the spotlight.
Zise Mining staff took turns toasting him one after another.
As Li Tang swayed like a weeble on his chair, close to tipping, Han Dexun, Zhou Zhenxing, and Li Zaiqiang all stepped in to defend him.
They launched a fierce close-quarters drinking assault.
But Qianzhou's team, despite a few heavy hitters, was still outnumbered by Zise's squad.
It was a hard-fought war—and in the end, a bloody victory for Zise Mining.
Too many drinks were had. Everyone was drunk, but victorious.
It wasn't suitable to return to Zise Mining's guesthouse, so they stayed at the hotel downtown.
Hungover, they rested the entire next day.
Only then did the Geological Bureau team head over to Zise Mining headquarters to conduct official business.
"Li Tang!"
Bright and early, Han Dexun personally knocked on Li Tang's door.
Seeing him, he smiled. "We're meeting with Chairman Chen today to settle the exploration fees.
Since you have the best relationship with him, your presence will make things smoother."
"You're too kind, Director Han. I actually need to speak with Chairman Chen too—let's head over together."
Li Tang already had his backpack slung over his shoulder and closed the door behind him.
Hearing he would join them, Han felt much more at ease.
"This payment—six million plus—isn't a small figure. It might not be huge for a big mining company, but for us, it means everything. Whether our people get to enjoy the New Year depends on this."
"Don't worry. Zise Mining has a reputation for honoring their commitments," Li Tang reassured him. He wasn't worried at all about them settling the bill.
Outside the guesthouse, Zhou Zhenxing, Li Zaiqiang, and the others were already waiting.
After a quick breakfast, they headed straight to the chairman's office.
Chen Jinhe was waiting for them.
When they arrived, he got straight to the point.
"We've reviewed the total work volume and calculated the exploration fee.
Our finance and legal teams are ready. If your side can hand over the documents, we'll compare numbers.
As long as everything checks out, I'll sign, and we'll wire the money immediately."
"Excellent."
Han was surprised by how straightforward Chen was. He quickly directed his finance staff to begin reviewing the figures with Zise's team.
As both sides cross-checked the numbers, the rest of the group could only wait and chat.
Soon, Zise's finance team returned.
"Chairman, we've finished verifying the documents. Everything is in order.
The total fee for the detailed exploration work is 11.8 million yuan.
We still need to pay 6.45 million.
Add the 740,000 yuan left from the preliminary work, and the total settlement amount is 7.19 million yuan."
"No problems?" Chen asked.
"None at all. Everything is well-documented."
"Bring me the documents—I'll sign."
Guided by his staff, Chen quickly added his signature at all the necessary spots.
Seeing the pen drop, both Han and Zhou let out a breath of relief.
Their clenched fists finally relaxed.
As the weight lifted, Han couldn't help but express his gratitude.
"Thank you, Chairman Chen."
"This is your hard-earned exploration fee!" Chen chuckled.
"If anything, we should thank you. Your entire team worked so hard at Qinglong. Every single technician was incredible.
Oh, and we've prepared some local specialties—they're in the office next door. I'll bring them over for you to take home."
"Really, thank you for the thoughtful gesture."
Seeing the transaction go smoothly, and sensing that Chen was busy, Han stood up.
"If there's nothing else, we won't take up any more of your time."
"Well, I do have a few things to take care of. Sorry I can't stay and chat longer."
Chen also stood.
"Rest up for now. Lunch is already arranged. Dinner reservations too. See you later."
"Much appreciated, Chairman."
Han led the team out of the office.
They had barely walked far when Zhou Zhenxing noticed something.
"Where's Li Tang?"
Li Zaiqiang looked around, puzzled. "He was right next to me... when did he disappear?"
"I'll go check."
He rushed back. Zhou followed.
They found the office door closed tight, soundproofed to the point where nothing could be heard from inside.
Zhou even checked the bathroom—no Li Tang.
Returning, he shook his head at Li Zaiqiang, then knocked on the office door.
Chen Jinhe answered personally. "Captain Zhou, Brother Li—something else?"
"Um… Li Tang...?"
Zhou spotted him immediately, sitting calmly inside.
From the setup, it was clear: a private conversation was underway.
"I just needed a word with him. Do you need something from him?" Chen asked.
"No, no, not at all."
Zhou quickly grabbed the curious Li Zaiqiang and steered him away.
Back with Han, he muttered, "Chen is having a private chat with Li Tang."
"What could they be discussing?" Li Zaiqiang wondered.
"Chief Engineer Li,"
Han clapped him on the shoulder, sighing. "You really don't know your son as well as you think. You can't even imagine how deep his relationship with Chen Jinhe runs!"
"Really?"
Li Zaiqiang scratched his head. "I had no idea. I mean… one's the chairman of a mining company, the other's a regular employee. What could they be talking about?"
"Something big, of course."
"Looks like his ties to Zise are much deeper than we thought."
"Maybe they're already working on their next big project."
"Could he be brokering some secret deal behind our backs?"
As speculation flew, Han coughed and reminded everyone,
"Let's not jump to conclusions or gossip about Li Tang. He's working on big things. We, as his colleagues and supporters, need to have his back."
…
Li Tang had noticed Zhou and his father at the door but stayed put.
He had something to discuss with Chen.
"I've heard about the Yunshang Bauxite discovery—a major find."
"Really?" Li Tang smiled.
"With you around, China's mining future is in good hands."
Chen looked relaxed.
"This year, Zise accomplished several major milestones:
First, we completed our joint-stock transformation—a major step toward market readiness.
Second, we scaled up our hydrometallurgical copper-gold refinery to ten thousand tons.
Third, we've reached an agreement in Qianzhou—we'll acquire the Jinyindong Gold Mine outright."
"You've acquired Jinyindong?"
Li Tang was stunned.
He had worked nearby on the Guanling Gold Project and knew that Jinyindong was massive—a large-scale Carlin-type gold deposit.
In Qianzhou, only Yunin Valley was bigger.
He hadn't realized that in this timeline, Zise would end up acquiring it, just like in his previous life.
Only now, thanks to Chen's comment, did it all come back to him.
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