Chapter 186: Already Decided
Just as they were speaking, Li Zaiqiang kept an eye on the street outside. When he saw a few brand-new cars stop by the curb and spotted Qin Jianshe stepping out and looking around while pulling out his phone to make a call, he exclaimed excitedly, "They're here!"
Thankfully, his old classmate hadn't stood them up. Otherwise, he really wouldn't have known how to explain things to Han Dexun and Zhou Zhenxing.
Just as Qin Jianshe was about to dial, he saw Li Zaiqiang and the others briskly walking out of the nearby café.
He stepped up quickly to greet them. "Sorry! I was in a meeting just now and got delayed."
Qin Jianshe was very courteous, repeatedly apologizing. "Sorry to keep you waiting, truly."
"No worries at all, we didn't wait long," Han Dexun replied, not daring to show any displeasure.
Spotting Li Zaiqiang, Qin Jianshe opened his arms and gave his old classmate a warm hug. "You finally made it to Yanjing! I must treat you properly this time!"
"Team Zhou called me back from a project site thousands of miles away. It took five straight days on the road. I'm exhausted," Li Zaiqiang grumbled a bit, though seeing his old friend again clearly moved him. "What's going on anyway? You didn't explain clearly on the phone, yet called us all the way out here."
"Let's get in the car first. I'll explain on the way."
Qin deliberately played coy and opened the car doors for everyone.
He had prepared two minivans and a sedan, expecting more people from the Guizhou Geological Bureau. But seeing that there were only six of them, there was plenty of room.
Qin Jianshe and Li Zaiqiang sat in the back seat of the lead luxury sedan. As the car started moving, the noisy world outside became a distant hum.
All these vehicles belonged to Zhongcheng Mining.
With the financial support of several major shareholders, even after paying BHP Tuo 8 million USD for the exploration license transfer, the company still had tens of millions of yuan sitting in its account.
As a company striving to be internationally competitive, they'd spared no expense in presenting a proper image. The cars were all top-of-the-line models.
This wasn't Li Tang's idea — it was the shareholders' demand. After several meetings with him, they realized this guy was making multimillion and even billion-yuan deals yet still hailed taxis like a regular guy. It just didn't sit right.
Some shareholders even offered to buy Li Tang a luxury car as a personal gift — but of course, he declined.
So the company itself footed the bill for the vehicles.
"Head straight to the restaurant," Qin told the driver.
Sitting comfortably in the spacious back seat, Li Zaiqiang was surprised. "This car looks expensive."
"One million. Just bought it," Qin chuckled. "This was originally meant to be the general manager's car for Zhongcheng Mining. But for our distinguished guests from Guizhou, I had it brought over for today."
"Did you get promoted?" Li Zaiqiang was taken aback.
He remembered many years ago, during a visit to Yanjing, Qin drove a black compact sedan from Wukuang Group — what was it called? "Funeral Wagon"?
"Promotion? Not at all — same old position," Qin replied, shaking his head.
"So what's with this high-end company car?"
"Things have changed," Qin said with a chuckle.
Li Zaiqiang didn't dwell on the car, focusing instead on the project. "You mentioned a hundred-million-yuan project from Wukuang Group. Is that legit?"
"Of course it's legit. But it's not just your team — we'll be working with the China Geological Survey too, and the project is overseas," Qin explained, adopting a more serious tone. "And actually, it's not even Wukuang Group's project, strictly speaking."
"That's confusing," Li Zaiqiang said, not sure whether the project scope or the long travel had him dizzy.
Not long after, the car pulled up to a grand restaurant, and everyone got out.
"Let's have a casual lunch here first," Qin said, ushering them inside.
Han Dexun and the others looked up at the opulent decor — clearly, this wasn't a cheap place.
Having waited so long at the airport earlier, they'd started to suspect that Qin was brushing them off. But now, seeing a lavish meal prepared, they were confused again.
Were they being dismissed or truly welcomed?
Inside the private room, it felt like a miniature palace — spacious, bright, and lavishly decorated. Aside from the large round dining table, there were other entertainment facilities.
A few people were already sitting on the sofas, chatting and watching TV.
When they heard the door open, they quickly stood up to greet the newcomers.
From a distance, Li Tang spotted his father and others including Han Dexun and Zhou Zhenxing.
He set aside his sunflower seeds and walked over quickly. "Dad!"
The greeting took Li Zaiqiang by surprise. "You're here?"
"I was waiting for you all to come eat," Li Tang said with a smile, then turned to Han Dexun and Zhou Zhenxing. "Director Han, Team Zhou — long time no see!"
Han Dexun clapped Li Tang on the shoulder affectionately, sighing. "Good kid, huh? Starting your own project — must be tough, right?"
"Not too bad," Li Tang replied with a grin.
"Look at your face — sunburned like you rubbed soot all over it!" Han teased, with a note of fatherly concern in his voice.
"I think it makes him look more mature," Zhou joked.
"The sun in Tibet is quite intense," Li Tang shrugged. Seeing everyone still standing, he quickly invited them to sit down. "Come on, let's eat and talk."
In business circles, dining etiquette matters — especially seating arrangements.
Qin, respecting the guests, tried to seat Han at the main spot, but Han insisted on giving that seat to Qin, claiming he was just a visitor.
After much back-and-forth, Qin relented and took the main seat once he saw Li Tang had already sat next to his father.
Despite the initial hiccup, the meal was pleasant. Since they had work to discuss later in the afternoon, no one drank alcohol.
The dishes were plentiful, but Han ate distractedly. After a while, he put down his chopsticks and asked, "President Qin, about that big project from Wukuang Group — could you give us a bit more detail?"
Zhou also set down his chopsticks. "You and Li Zaiqiang go way back, and we've worked together multiple times. We hope you'll keep looking out for us."
He shot a look at Li Zaiqiang, hoping he'd chime in too.
Old friendships could go a long way in moments like these.
Just as he was exchanging glances, he turned and met Li Tang's eyes. Suddenly remembering that Li Tang used to work at Wukuang Group, he seized the moment and said, "Li Tang, you used to work at Wukuang and have a close bond with President Qin — everyone knows that. And you're from our Guizhou Bureau. Why don't you represent us and raise a toast to President Qin, even if it's just tea?"
Li Tang, in the middle of enjoying his meal, froze for a moment before quickly putting down his chopsticks. He lifted his tea cup and looked at Qin with slight embarrassment. "President Qin, on behalf of the Guizhou Bureau, I toast to you. Thank you for all your past support!"
Qin was caught off guard but lifted his cup and took a sip with a wry smile.
"I'll toast you too," Han said, raising his tea. "When we speak with Director Niu this afternoon, please put in a good word for us."
Seeing their eagerness, Qin realized there had been a misunderstanding.
This wasn't a formal business banquet — just a casual meal.
He glanced at Li Tang, who was still happily munching away, then coughed and clarified, "You guys are making me blush. I just thought you all had a long trip and should eat first. But since you're so interested in the project, let me explain."
"Please do," Han said, setting his tea down, all ears.
"We acquired an exploration license in Nanhang Province, Mengguo — the Taluge Copper-Gold Mine. Based on current data, it's likely a porphyry-type deposit. That's why we invited you to help," Qin said slowly.
"As for the project — you don't need to worry. It's already basically confirmed that your bureau and the China Geological Survey will jointly undertake it."
"It's already decided?" Han, Zhou, and Li all looked at each other in stunned silence, their faces lighting up.
Their lives had been gradually improving, but the entire bureau had thousands of staff spread across over a dozen teams. Only Team 101 had stable work and salaries — the others were still scrambling for projects.
"It's confirmed," Qin said, pointing at Li Tang. "One more thing — I need to make this clear to avoid further confusion. This Taluge project isn't a Wukuang Group initiative. Officially, it's led by Li Tang. Wukuang, Purple Mining, Luoyi Molybdenum, Huajin, and others are all joint investors."
"Li Tang is leading it?" Han turned to Li Tang in surprise. "So many state-owned giants are involved?"
Friends, if you enjoyed the novel, you can subscribe to my Patreon channel.
Until November 30th, get 40% off your subscription and the purchase of the novel.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Johanssen