Chapter 97: A Fat Deal Handed Over
After walking around the 101 Geological Team's courtyard-style office building, Chen Jinhe couldn't stop smiling. Once seated in the geological office, he couldn't help but sigh,
"This place brings back memories. It reminds me of my ten years working in the geological team—the ups and downs, the bitter and the sweet."
"President Chen, here's some water."
Pan Yuexing handed him a cup.
The office was small, and there were more guests than chairs. Some of Chen's entourage had to stand at the door until Liao Wenyang brought over some extra chairs from next door so everyone could sit.
"Chief Engineer Li, Li Tang,"
Chen Jinhe got straight to the point,
"The reason I came today is to find a reliable partner for the exploration of the Qinglong Copper Mine in Tibet."
He set down his cup and received a document from his assistant. Then he handed it to Li Tang.
"Please take a look at this commissioned exploration agreement. Let me know if there's anything that needs to be revised."
"You've already set the contract amount?"
Li Tang glanced at the front of the contract: 35 million yuan—already stated.
"That's the estimated amount. You know how it goes. The actual exploration costs will depend on the workload—it might vary a bit."
Chen Jinhe was direct, not a hint of hesitation or bargaining.
"Of course, if your 101 Geological Team isn't interested, we'd find it very regrettable."
"We'll do it. Of course, we'll do it!"
A deal like this just falling into their laps—who in their right mind would turn it down?
Li Zaiqiang took the contract and began reading it carefully.
There was nothing unusual in the terms, but what surprised him was that the contract amount was identical to what Wu Mining had set for the Qu Long Copper Mine exploration project.
So… the project was already decided?
He felt like he was dreaming. To test it, he pinched his thigh hard—and winced.
He looked up at Chen Jinhe, unsure if this was all a joke.
"A commissioned exploration contract of this scale?" he asked, incredulous.
"Of course," Chen Jinhe nodded with a smile.
"But why?"
Li Zaiqiang's question was a bit vague.
"Your 101 Geological Team did outstanding work at Qu Long. The entire mining industry took notice. We deeply respect your exploration capabilities,"
Chen said, laying on the compliments with practiced ease.
"Our Zise Mining is now launching a copper exploration project in Tibet. With your support, we'll be unstoppable!"
It was a perfectly reasonable explanation.
"So that's how it is…"
Li Zaiqiang finally understood.
"Our arrival in Guizhou might be a bit abrupt," Chen added politely.
"No, no, your visit honors us. You're esteemed guests—your presence brings light to our humble team!"
"Well said!"
Chen laughed heartily and turned to Li Tang.
"Can we sign the contract now? If Chief Li has the authority, I'd like to get this wrapped up. It'll put my mind at ease."
"About that…"
Li Zaiqiang hesitated.
He was only acting as chief engineer and didn't have an official appointment. Strictly speaking, he didn't have the authority to sign contracts on behalf of the team.
This was something only Zhou Zhenxing could do.
And with 35 million involved, even Zhou would probably need the Bureau's approval before signing.
But Zhou wasn't even here!
If they messed this up and let Chen Jinhe leave without signing, and lost the deal—people in the bureau would want to die from regret.
"President Chen, please wait a moment. Captain Zhou was away on business when we got word of your visit. He's rushing back now,"
Li Zaiqiang explained.
"No worries—we've got time."
Chen Jinhe remained relaxed.
Li Zaiqiang leaned over and whispered urgently to Pan Yuexing, telling him to find Zhou right away.
Pan and Liao Wenyang left the office and mobilized the entire staff to search for Zhou Zhenxing.
Some went to his home, others to the bureau offices, and a few just roamed the streets.
While waiting, the conversation drifted here and there.
"Li Tang,"
Chen Jinhe called out suddenly,
"Your feasibility report on Qinglong Copper Mine—it's very thorough!"
"I'm sure if President Chen had written it himself, it would've been even better,"
Li Tang replied modestly, returning the compliment.
"Tibet's Ali region is vast and sparsely populated, with hardly any previous geological surveys. Yet your report displays detailed geological knowledge of that area,"
Chen said, clearly impressed.
"I've been wondering—did you actually work there before? Otherwise, how could you know it so well? You even correctly identified the lithology, mineralization features, and even speculated on the ore-forming processes!"
"I've visited the Ali region. There's a nature reserve there—it's stunning, like heaven on Earth. While I was sightseeing, I also noticed mineral outcrops,"
Li Tang said, truthfully.
"You can see blue copper sulfide ore right on the surface—large areas, some of it just under sparse grass. At the time, we were convinced that a large copper deposit was present, shallowly buried, and massive in scale."
"Our advance team has already entered the area and confirmed visible mineralization,"
Chen said.
"That's part of why I came today. We've seen it for ourselves—it matches your report."
"That explains why you're in such a hurry to sign the contract," Li Tang said with a grin.
"Strike while the iron is hot."
Chen Jinhe chuckled, then added,
"Let's hope we find a deposit even bigger than Qu Long!"
"We will,"
Li Tang replied confidently.
Just then, Chen's secretary handed him the feasibility report again.
Chen reopened it, flipping through while sharing his thoughts.
"I really have no doubts about finding ore. But…"
He paused, frowning slightly.
"President Chen, is there a problem with the report?"
Li Tang asked, half-smiling.
"No, no doubts,"
Chen said slowly, like a wine connoisseur savoring a sip.
"The more I read, the more I sense the depth behind it—so many thought-provoking details. Like this section here—the geological conditions in Qinglong Copper Mine's Western District…"
"Ah, so it's the term 'Western District' that caught your eye?"
Li Tang had anticipated this.
"Huh? Is there something special about those two words?"
Chen asked, feigning innocence as though he had just now noticed it.
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