Chapter 78: When the Gods Fight, Mortals Suffer
Back in the cafeteria, Professor Zhang and He Runqi were still leisurely eating their lunch. Life on campus moved at a slower pace.
Watching Li Tang walk out with his compact mobile phone, Zhang showed a look of mild surprise. "I remember Li Tang's family was in the geology business. Not particularly wealthy. Those phones go for three to five thousand these days. Does your company pay that well now?"
"Not that well. We make about 700 yuan a month," He Runqi replied, shaking his head. Then he looked at Li Tang's departing figure and sighed, "Li Tang is amazing. He's already one of the company's managers. He's done several big projects and received a lot of bonuses—enough to last a lifetime."
"You've only been working for under a year and he's already in management? No wonder you're here offering a project to your old teacher," Zhang said, clearly impressed. "Enough to last a lifetime? That must be a fortune."
He Runqi hesitated a moment, then smiled mysteriously. "Let's just say… it's a lot."
"Are you jealous?" Zhang asked, seeing the two had a close relationship.
"I was a little at first, but I've gotten used to it." He Runqi spoke honestly. "Working with Li Tang has its perks. I've gained a lot. I'm content."
"You've got a good attitude," Zhang praised. "Li Tang's success could also help boost your own career. Sometimes, just lending a hand at the right time can lift you up with him. Don't miss the opportunity!"
"I know," He Runqi replied with his signature simple, good-natured smile.
While they were talking, Li Tang returned—face grim. He sat down but didn't touch his food.
"I need to head back to the company soon," he said. "Something urgent came up. Runqi, you take Professor Zhang to Huazhou Province and meet with Director Luo. Handle the gravity survey work."
"Got it," He Runqi nodded.
"Let me treat you to dinner tonight," Zhang offered. "Surely you can spare time for a quick meal?"
"I'm afraid not," Li Tang declined. "Once we're all in Huazhou, let's find a time to eat together."
With that, he said goodbye and rushed off to Wukuang Group headquarters.
But instead of meeting with Han Dexun and Zhou Zhenxing, he headed straight to the Mining & Metallurgy Company's offices, and into Zhao Hepu's office.
Though he was angry, he didn't show it. He knocked, entered, and sat down.
"Sit," Zhao said, lighting a cigarette with his signature kerosene lighter. He took a long drag, eyes half-closed in a haze of smoke. He gestured to the cigarette box. "Grab one if you want. No need for formalities here."
"You know I don't smoke." Li Tang took a seat.
"I heard from Qin Jianshe that you went to Huazhou to earn some extra cash," Zhao said with a broad grin.
"Just got back."
"How'd it go?"
"Alright."
Hearing Li Tang's short responses, Zhao's smile faded. He crushed the cigarette in the ashtray, looked up, and asked directly, "You're back because of the Qulong Copper detailed exploration project, right?"
"I remember we had an agreement," Li Tang said, meeting his gaze. "I helped Wukuang Group find this copper deposit. My only condition was that the exploration project go to the 101st Geological Team."
"I haven't forgotten," Zhao said, patting his chest. "I'm someone who values relationships. You can ask Qin Jianshe—he knows me best."
"But I heard the detailed survey wasn't given to the 101st," Li Tang said. "They already completed the preliminary work and know the area better than anyone. Letting them continue makes the most sense."
"I agree," Zhao said with a sigh. "If it were solely my decision, the 101st would have the job without question."
"But?"
"But this isn't just about technical matters. There are factors at play you don't understand. I'll tell you frankly—it's tied to internal power struggles."
Li Tang kept a neutral expression, hiding his anger. "So the project's already gone to someone else?"
"No, not yet. No final decision has been made. It's still being debated internally."
"When will a decision be made?"
"Hard to say." Zhao leaned back on the couch, eyes serious. "It might look like a simple project hand-off, but in reality, it's about power and control. To resolve this, there has to be compromise. And that's never easy."
"Power and control?" Li Tang repeated, confused.
Zhao was silent for a while, a cigarette between his lips, lighter in hand but not lit. Then he spoke from the side of his mouth, "You know that President Zhou Tianqi has submitted his retirement request, and it's been approved, right?"
"What does that have to do with the project?"
"You're not used to power politics yet," Zhao said patiently. "Both sides are trying to get their own people in as Zhou's replacement. That's the real reason for the stalemate."
"Personnel and project assignments are two separate things."
"They should be. But the timing overlaps, so now they've become entangled."
Zhao took the unlit cigarette from his mouth and tossed it onto the table, frowning deeply. "Qin Jianshe will be back in a few days. He's closely tied to this whole issue."
Li Tang understood some of what Zhao was saying but not everything.
He realized that until Qin returned from Tibet, he wouldn't get the full picture.
"My own promotion has basically been finalized," Zhao added, suddenly remembering to pour Li Tang some tea. "And I have to thank you for that. Without your help solving the Demen Copper Mine problem, I'd still be stuck in limbo. You really pulled me out of a tough spot."
He raised his teacup. "And now, with Qulong making national headlines, the higher-ups are paying attention. That was icing on the cake. So, I raise my tea to you."
Li Tang lifted his own cup and took a sip—too fast. Tea dribbled down his chin and splashed onto the leather sofa.
"I already told you," Zhao said, setting down his cup, "If I could decide this alone, the 101st would get the job—no question. But it's a 30-million-yuan project. The decision rests with the head office, and all I can do is try my best to advocate."
"I understand." Li Tang stood and used his sleeve to wipe the spilled tea.
"If anything changes, I'll let you know right away," Zhao said, walking him to the door.
Li Tang was young, but Zhao respected him deeply.
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