Chapter 99: Straight to the Top!
"Don't get worked up—I haven't finished speaking yet."
Han Dexun waved his hand to calm Zhou Zhenxing down.
"Yesterday, Liu Yifeng mentioned something that I think might be important. He said the Central Geological Exploration Fund recently released new funding, specifically for uranium exploration work."
"I know about that."
Zhou Zhenxing sat back down.
"I've been keeping an eye on both the central and provincial exploration funds. Any time there's even a hint of movement, we're on it immediately."
"So you already knew?"
Han raised his eyebrows, a little surprised.
"The uranium exploration project isn't a good fit for us," Zhou explained.
"Our team doesn't have any radiation detection equipment, and none of our people have experience in uranium exploration."
Seeing the disappointment on Han's face, Zhou couldn't help but feel a little discouraged himself.
"These types of projects usually go directly to the Nuclear Industry Bureau—they're specifically assigned. We wouldn't even have the chance to compete."
"There really aren't many active or upcoming projects in the Bureau right now," Han said, frowning deeply.
"We need to come up with something. We can't just sit around waiting for handouts. Nothing's going to fall from the sky."
"Just a few days ago, Li Zaiqiang contacted me. He said they were on their way back from Tibet, and that Li Tang was coming back with them. The journey's long, so I figure they should be here by now. I'll find a chance to invite Li Tang out for a meal and see if there's any news—maybe Wu Mining Group has a new project coming up."
At this point, Zhou was grasping at straws.
The mining industry was in a slump. Few companies were willing to invest in new exploration work.
Their geological team barely survived on one or two small projects handed down by the higher-ups each year. It wasn't nearly enough.
A drought year like this… were they supposed to just pray for rain?
"Sounds good. Li Tang probably has a good sense of what's happening in Yanjing,"
Han agreed, not having any better ideas himself.
"Director Han, may I ask why you called me here?"
Zhou didn't believe Han had summoned him just because of a few casual comments from Liu Yifeng. That could've been said over the phone.
Just then, someone knocked at the door, holding a red-lettered document.
"Director Han, the personnel document is ready for your review."
Han took the file, glanced at it briefly, then handed it to Zhou.
"We just had a party committee meeting. It's been officially decided—Li Zaiqiang is being promoted to Chief Engineer of the 101 Geological Team. This is the formal appointment notice. You're getting a sneak preview."
"Really?"
Zhou's eyes lit up. He scanned the document and smiled.
"Li Zaiqiang has worked at the 101 Team for over twenty years. His exploration skills are solid, and he's always been diligent. He's led many projects and discovered multiple deposits. He's won numerous awards and is well-respected among his colleagues. I think this appointment is well-deserved and also a great test of his abilities."
"Well said. Many of the committee members were also impressed with his record. The vote passed unanimously."
Han finally allowed himself a smile.
"This will be officially posted soon."
Outside the office, Pan Yuexing had been waiting for quite a while. He kept poking his head in to see if the meeting was over. From the lively discussion inside, it seemed endless.
Tap, tap!
Unable to wait any longer, he knocked.
Zhou turned and saw him.
"Pan, are you here to see Director Han?"
"Come in," Han said, recognizing him and waving him inside.
Pan Yuexing couldn't wait. He strode in quickly, almost stumbling over himself.
"Director Han, Captain Zhou—sorry to interrupt, but we've got a situation at the geological team!"
"What kind of situation?"
Zhou's eyelid twitched.
"Sit down and explain,"
Han said calmly.
But Pan was far too anxious to sit.
He had just personally witnessed the negotiation between Chen Jinhe of Zise Mining and Li Zaiqiang for a new project worth 35 million yuan!
It was his first time sitting in on a real project negotiation. It had been both exhilarating and overwhelming.
He'd sat there, afraid to move, worried he might ruin the mood and mess things up.
The most shocking part?
Chen Jinhe had agreed—on the spot—to give the entire 35-million-yuan project to the 101 Geological Team!
That alone nearly gave him a heart attack.
Even more nerve-wracking?
Chen had come prepared to sign the contract immediately.
But the person authorized to sign it—Zhou—wasn't there!
Now, reliving the moment, Pan could hardly breathe.
If they secured that contract, the entire team's livelihood would skyrocket!
Whew—
He exhaled deeply, tried to moisten his dry throat, and finally said:
"It's big. It's good news!"
"Well, out with it then!"
Zhou half-laughed, half-scolded.
Han, thinking Pan was just nervous, tried to encourage him.
"Just say what's on your mind. You don't need to be scared. It's not like we're going to eat you."
"Director Han, Captain Zhou…"
Pan took a breath and said clearly,
"Chen Jinhe from Zise Mining came to our 101 Geological Team today!"
"Zise Mining?"
"Chen Jinhe?"
Han and Zhou looked at each other, both showing the same puzzled expression.
They didn't know much about Zise Mining, nor had they ever met anyone named Chen Jinhe.
"What's he doing at our geological team?"
Zhou asked quickly.
"He came to discuss a project!"
"What kind of project?"
"It's called the Qinglong Copper Mine in Tibet—a new exploration project!"
"Qinglong Copper Mine? You sure you're not confusing it with Qu Long Copper Mine?"
Zhou asked suspiciously.
"No, no—Qinglong. A completely new project."
Pan was nearly tearing up from the stress. After a few deep breaths, he finally managed to explain coherently.
"Zise Mining is launching a new exploration project in Tibet. They came to us specifically, hoping we'd take it on!"
"They came to us with a project?"
Zhou stood up again, this time grabbing Pan's shoulders, visibly shaken.
"You're not messing with us, right?"
"I swear I'm not!"
Pan replied, equally excited.
"Chen Jinhe even brought the contract! He wants to sign on the spot! But only Chief Engineer Li is there—he can't sign. So he asked me to come get you."
"Then what are we waiting for? If someone's delivering a project to us, we'd be fools not to grab it!"
Zhou snatched up his briefcase and bolted out the door.
He didn't even say goodbye to Han.
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