Chapter 188: This Is What Strength Looks Like!
Li Zaiqiang nodded. "Looking at Qulong and Qinglong—both typical giant porphyry copper-gold deposits—the main high-grade zones are in the primary sulfide ore."
"So what you're saying is, the Taluge Copper-Gold Project still has great potential!" Zhang Tao was clearly encouraged.
Just from reviewing past data, they'd already formed a clearer understanding and a more targeted exploration strategy.
There was no doubt—the Guizhou Geological Bureau was experienced and technically formidable when it came to porphyry exploration.
Qin Jianshe, who had been listening quietly, now gave a thumbs-up. He praised Li Zaiqiang sincerely: "I knew bringing you on was the right call! You're one of a kind nationwide!"
Li Zaiqiang flushed modestly and waved it off. "This is basic knowledge. Any geologist on our team would understand it."
"That just proves your team is battle-tested and truly top-notch!"
Qin continued to praise him, "Of all the geological teams in the country, your 101 Geological Team has the skill to discover Qulong and Qinglong! I hope with your help, Taluge can be another huge success!"
Even those who didn't fully grasp the technical terms could sense the strength and credibility of the Guizhou team from just a few exchanges.
Unconsciously, a sense of admiration had grown toward Li Zaiqiang and the Guizhou Geological Bureau.
It was also obvious that the China Geological Survey and the Guizhou team would be working together without friction.
After some brief technical discussion, Li Tang, Qin Jianshe, Ren Qingqing, and other senior project managers invited Han Dexun, Zhou Zhenxing, and Li Zaiqiang into the general manager's office and closed the door.
"Let's talk about the contract," Li Tang said directly, cutting to the chase.
Han and Zhou exchanged a quick glance, joy and surprise flickering in their eyes.
More than surprise, they now saw in Li Tang the poise of a leader.
Previously, they had viewed him as a younger peer—someone to guide or mentor.
Now, clearly, the reality had surpassed all expectations.
There was no doubt who controlled the situation.
If he said the project was theirs, it was theirs.
He had the final say—absolute authority.
This is what strength looks like!
And yet, despite possessing such power, Li Tang remained composed and unpretentious, treating it all as part of a day's work.
This young man had authority and presence far beyond his age, and a calm, steady mindset to match.
Perhaps that's what it means to make the extraordinary look effortless.
"The project is large and the workload is heavy," Li Tang began plainly. "We've already communicated clearly with the China Geological Survey. Most of the project budget will be spent on drilling—no surprise there. As for drilling methods, we plan to use reverse circulation drilling. Since it's an international project, we'll coordinate the equipment deployment. Some rigs will be transported from our border—Taluge is less than 100 km from China. Others, per Mengguo's Ministry of Industry and Trade, will be leased locally or handled by local contractors."
Seeing some confused expressions, Ren Qingqing clarified, "Mengguo's Ministry of Industry and Trade requested that we spend exploration funds within their country as much as possible. That way, more of the money stays in their local market and contributes to their tax base."
Everyone nodded in understanding.
This was expected. It was likely that companies and teams offering drilling services in Mengguo had connections to the local elite.
Aside from livestock, mining was one of the few sectors in Mengguo attracting foreign investment.
It wasn't an industry just anyone could get into.
Li Tang continued, "For both the Geological Survey and the Guizhou team, your main work will be technical—like geological mapping, core logging, trench profiling, and so on. You'll be paid based on your output."
"That works well for us," Han Dexun said, visibly relieved. "We can focus on the technical work."
"We don't yet have a complete implementation plan, but the Geological Survey has outlined the first phase."
Li Tang explained further, "We'll make new plans based on the results of each phase."
Han and Zhou nodded in understanding.
"You and the Survey are both partners and competitors. The project area is divided into southwest, south, central, and northern zones. You'll each work in different regions, and be paid based on how much work you complete."
Li Tang then added with emphasis, "However, I hope both sides will exchange technical insights frequently and collaborate for mutual benefit."
"No problem at all. You can count on it," Han promised, raising his hand.
Li Tang nodded. "Take a look at the exploration service contract. If there are no issues, we can sign today."
Qin Jianshe handed them the draft. "Payments will be settled quarterly. With us managing things, rest assured—there will be no delays in payments."
"Then we're completely at ease!" Han laughed. "We trust you!"
The Guizhou team had no objections to the contract, and it was signed that very day.
To celebrate the signing and strengthen the relationship, all three parties had dinner together that evening.
There were quite a few people, but the meal had a relaxed, informal atmosphere—no bureaucratic stiffness.
After dinner, Li Tang personally arranged hotel accommodations for the Guizhou team right next to Yunding Tower.
Since his home was nearby and it was rare for his father to visit Yanjing, he didn't book a room for him. It saved money, and besides, what parent wouldn't stay at their child's home when visiting?
When the others heard that Li Zaiqiang was going to Li Tang's place, no one objected. In fact, when Li Tang escorted them to the hotel, they insisted on walking him back to the entrance.
It was all very warm and polite.
As Han watched father and son disappear around the corner, he turned and walked into the spacious hotel lobby with a sigh: "You really can't judge people by appearances. Li Tang is a dragon among men—he's soared to the sky!"
"We've all benefited from knowing him over the last two years," Zhou added, filled with emotion. He couldn't help but compare Li Tang to his own underachieving son—and wished he had a stick in hand to discipline the lazy brat.
"Back when Li Tang was still at Wukuang, we thought he might help us secure a few small projects. Then he partnered with Purple Mining and handed us Qinglong—tens of millions in funding, and work guaranteed for years."
Han listed each achievement like watching Li Tang climb step by step into the spotlight. "Now he's formed a new company with major state-owned enterprises and can allocate projects with a single word. We used to beg for projects. Now, all he has to do is say the word, and it's done."
"With Li Tang's talent, and his father in our bureau, we'll never be short on projects again," Zhou said, beaming.
"Remember how you once joked about setting up longevity plaques for them in the bureau?" Han laughed, nodding seriously. "That might not be such a bad idea after all."
"Daily incense offerings too?" Zhou had only been joking at the time—but was now surprised Han remembered.
"Daily incense might be too much," Han muttered, reconsidering. "But maybe we could erect a statue for Li Tang and his father—something future generations can look up to. It'd be a source of pride and inspiration!"
"Director Han…" Zhou burst out laughing. "You're more superstitious than I am!"
"Not appropriate?" Han looked disappointed.
"Statues… that might need higher-level approval," Zhou said more seriously. "It's not something we can just decide on our own."
"Fine. Let's at least draft a proposal. When the time and budget are right, we can revisit it," Han said with a big laugh.
They were simply expressing their heartfelt admiration after a few drinks.
"Director Han, the project's basically locked in. Knowing how fast Li Tang operates, work will start soon," Zhou said, shifting to business. "The bureau signed the contract, but we don't have a technical team. The actual work has to be done by one of our geological teams. Which one should we assign?"
"Are you testing me?" Han snorted.
"No, no!" Zhou worried he'd overstepped.
"There's no one else but the 101 team," Han said firmly. "Li Tang didn't pick us for my sake—it's because of his father."
"Exactly," Zhou nodded.
"If I didn't give the project to the 101 team, would that be appropriate? Of course not!" Han said. "They've made it clear—the 101 team is the one they trust. How can you not see that?"
"You're right," Zhou smiled. "How about staffing? Any recommendations?"
"It's your team. You know your people. Why ask me?"
"I think Li Zaiqiang should lead the team in Mengguo. His experience and skills are the most reliable."
Zhou had clearly thought this through. "Since Li Tang and the others trust us, we can't let them down. Li Zaiqiang should be the lead—he's unmatched in porphyry exploration."
"What about Qinglong?" Han asked. "He's been leading that team too. Will it keep running without him? We should consider Purple Mining's interests too."
"Pan Yuexing has been working under him for a while. He can handle it."
"You know your people best. Make the arrangements. No need to run every detail by me."
"Got it."
"Still…" Han let out a long sigh. "The 101 team is lucky—having both Li Zaiqiang and Li Tang. Things are changing fast. But the other teams? They're still struggling for one project a year. Times are tough."
"Maybe we can assign some of the Qinglong team's work to other groups?"
"That might be a good idea."
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