Chapter 213: A Formal Discussion
Qian Hao paused for a moment, then stammered, "You mean… you can also find molybdenum along those metallogenic belts?"
"I can," Li Tang nodded firmly. "In fact, the methods for finding different kinds of mineral deposits are more or less the same—surface mapping, geophysical surveys, drilling, and so on. If I can find copper and bauxite, I can definitely find molybdenum."
"Are you serious?" Qian Hao was nearly overwhelmed with surprise. He could hardly believe it.
Given Li Tang's current status and wealth, he didn't expect him to still take on technical fieldwork.
Even more, earlier at dinner, several company executives had invited Li Tang to collaborate on projects, but he had declined each one.
This dinner had been mostly casual. If it hadn't worked out, Qian Hao wouldn't have minded.
"It's true," Li Tang said. But he had his own conditions. "I'm currently drowning in debt and urgently need a lot of money to pay it back. So I won't come cheap."
When it came to money, Qian Hao never flinched. "Whatever you ask—if it's within my authority, I'll approve it on the spot. If it's beyond my authority, I'll bring in President Cui to talk to you directly!"
"Let's find a time soon to sit down and discuss the cooperation details."
Li Tang raised his glass and offered a toast. "To all of you!"
"Wait…"
Zhao Hepu tugged on Li Tang's sleeve. "You're seriously going to start a molybdenum project?"
"I'll draft a feasibility study for the project soon," Li Tang said. Since he'd decided to move forward, he already had a plan in mind. "I actually know of a place with very promising molybdenum prospects."
"I don't care what project it is. If you're in, our Mining and Metallurgy Company has to be involved!" Zhao Hepu had made up his mind—if Li Tang was on a project, there was no hesitation. Just follow.
After two years of working with him, every proposal Li Tang had made had been a success.
A geological genius like that deserved total trust. All-in, no doubts.
Plenty of people wanted to even meet Li Tang, let alone get him to lead a project.
Their company had the advantage of being close—there was no excuse to miss the opportunity.
"What's it got to do with you?" Qian Hao tried to push Zhao Hepu aside but couldn't budge the mountain of flesh. He frowned. "Li Tang is helping us with our molybdenum project—why are you butting in?"
"Li Tang belongs to Wukuang Group!"
"He already left Wukuang!"
...
All employees had returned to Yanjing from the field.
In the company meeting room, a full staff assembly was underway.
Li Tang looked around at everyone. "The year is ending. Let's summarize our work and set plans for the next year."
His gaze settled on Alice, her high-bridged nose standing out. "Minister Alice, you go first."
"Zhongcheng Mining's one hundred million loan has been approved by the bank. Funds will be released slightly later, but should arrive before next year's work begins at the Talego Copper-Gold Mine," Alice reported succinctly.
Li Tang had been involved in the loan process and was already familiar with the details. He nodded and turned to He Runqi. "Vice President He, your turn."
He Runqi was taken aback by the title and seemed both flattered and nervous. His round, dark face flushed as he stammered for a moment before gathering his thoughts. "I'm overseeing the ongoing exploration at the Gongcun Copper-Gold Mine and providing technical guidance at the Qinglong Copper Mine. At Gongcun, per your instructions, we've slowed drilling, but in your absence, we've still drilled about 3,000 meters. Estimated copper reserves now exceed one million tons, and gold reserves are over 100 tons. The full report has already been submitted to you."
"Good," Li Tang nodded.
"For Qinglong, the 101 Geological Team already has a solid exploration plan. Honestly, there isn't much we need to do."
"Just speak plainly," Li Tang said. He'd sent two staffers for technical guidance, but without his personal involvement, they couldn't actually guide much. It was mostly for appearances.
"Qinglong added four million tons of copper reserves this year. According to our contract, our company, Zhenguan Exploration, will receive 8 million yuan in fees from Zise Mining."
"Has the money arrived?" Li Tang turned to Lin Xiaoshu.
She remained shy and soft-spoken. When she sensed his gaze, she slightly lifted her head and murmured, "Yes, the money has been transferred to Zhenguan Exploration's account."
"Good."
Li Tang had already spoken with Chen Jinhe by phone and didn't expect Zise Mining to delay payment.
After all, Zise had not only earned the Qinglong deposit through Li Tang but had also invested in Zhongcheng Mining, owning 12% of its shares—very profitable.
His gaze remained on Lin Xiaoshu, and he gave her an encouraging smile. "Accountant Lin, could you summarize the company's finances?"
"I… I have the complete financial statements…" She hadn't prepared to speak and was a bit flustered.
Li Tang didn't push her. "Can our reports pass a tax inspection?"
"They should… be fine." She nodded uncertainly.
"You all did a very good job."
Looking around, Li Tang noticed that everyone's face was darkened by sun and wind after months on the high plateau. It had been a tough year.
With the year ending and a holiday coming, he felt it was time to reward the team. "Since our company has some funds, and everyone did great this year, Alice and I decided to issue 500,000 yuan as year-end bonuses."
With only 13 employees, the 500,000 yuan bonus was generous. Aside from Vice President He Runqi, who received 150,000 yuan, the remaining 400,000 was divided equally—over 30,000 yuan each.
This far exceeded Li Tang's earlier promise.
The money was quickly distributed.
It was a complete surprise, and everyone was overjoyed.
The atmosphere in the office turned warm and jubilant.
Annual salary and stipends totaled about 20,000 yuan. Now with a year-end bonus of over 30,000, total income exceeded 50,000—one of the highest salaries in the country at that time.
Meanwhile, each employee also held a 0.1% stake in the company. Although these shares would gradually vest over four years of service, they were still part-owners.
Everyone began discussing how to grow the company, reflecting on their past shortcomings, and vowing to do more next year.
When Li Tang gave out a new task, nobody complained. On the contrary, they were so motivated that many stayed late voluntarily to start working.
In just three days, under Li Tang's guidance, they collected geological and exploration data for a region in Huizhou Province with potential for molybdenum.
A feasibility report was quickly drafted by He Runqi himself.
Li Tang was deeply moved. In the past, he'd had to do everything himself. But now, after a year of hard work, his technical team had matured.
He Runqi, in particular, showed clear growth and understanding in his report writing.
While the technical team was busy, Li Tang was summoned by his superiors.
At the Bureau of Mineral Resources Management, Director Chen Aimin looked him over and said, "You're something else."
"Director Chen… what did I do?" Li Tang asked cautiously.
"You're famous—even overseas. The media is full of stories about Zhongcheng Mining. Many even mention you as the mastermind."
"Really?" Li Tang was worried. "Did I mess something up?"
"No, you did great."
Chen Aimin personally poured him a cup of water. Sitting down, he continued with curiosity, "I've learned most of the story between you and Bihebituo. I wanted to talk with you to understand more about Zhongcheng Mining—and you."
"What about me?" Li Tang was puzzled.
"Since the second half of the year, due to events in the U.S., their economy has been affected. Copper futures have fallen. Some mining companies panicked and cut production. But that's just a few."
"You don't believe in copper's long-term prospects?" Li Tang asked.
"No, not at all." Chen shook his head. "I don't care about international sentiment. I can tell you this—starting next year, our country will launch a massive power grid overhaul. Every village will get electricity. That means demand for copper wiring will surge."
Li Tang immediately understood—Chen was giving him a policy hint. This was the next big wave.
"I get it," he nodded.
"I don't care what the world thinks of copper demand. Here at home, it will only increase!" Chen's voice was firm. "This year, we tied with the U.S. as the world's top copper consumer. Next year, we'll surpass them. So…"
He looked meaningfully at Li Tang. "Finding a world-class mine like Talego in Mongolia—high grade, undeveloped—that gives us serious backup. It's essential for power grid upgrades, telecom, and infrastructure."
Chen was elevating the mine's strategic importance.
"But Talego is still in exploration. We won't produce ore for at least three to five years."
Li Tang was clear-eyed and knew that mining development took time. "The mine won't impact domestic construction for now."
"But it's our fallback. Our leverage!"
Chen Aimin's tone grew serious. "We rely more and more on foreign copper concentrate. What if shipments are delayed? What if a mine shuts down? Where will we get copper?"
"I understand." Li Tang nodded again.
Clearly, Chen was thinking on a national scale—far beyond Li Tang's personal concerns.
"I hear major mining companies overseas have contacted you?" he asked gently.
"Yes. Bihebituo's CEO met me in person here in Yanjing. Others like Freeport and Litou have called."
"What did they want?"
"They all want to buy the mining rights—or at least see if we're open to it."
"How did you respond?"
"I turned them down flat. This project is only halfway through. The potential is still growing. If we ever sell, it'll be after we've revealed its full value."
"You're absolutely right!" Chen said, then added a reminder: "But this mine is critically important. If, and I mean if, you ever want to sell, give me a heads-up first."
Li Tang understood clearly—that was the main point of today's meeting.
Chen wasn't after personal gain. He was looking at the bigger picture.
"I will." Li Tang nodded.
"You've done a great job. Keep going!"
Chen looked at him with admiration. "When I was your age, I was still filing reports every day. You've already made a name for yourself. But don't get complacent. With great power comes great responsibility—do meaningful work."
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