Chapter 102: Wine and Dine
The next morning, Chen Jinhe still felt lightheaded. The ground beneath his feet felt unsteady—he'd gotten a full taste of Guizhou Province's drinking culture and had no desire to stay a day longer.
Originally, Han Dexun had planned a grand itinerary for the team from Jian'an Province, which included visits to several famous local attractions and nightly banquets to "further deepen relations."
But Chen Jinhe used "urgent business matters" as an excuse and booked a flight home that same day—practically fleeing the scene.
Before boarding, he personally called Li Tang to say goodbye.
At the airport, Han Dexun, Zhou Zhenxing, and the others stood waving as Chen and his team passed through security. Even after the figures disappeared from view, they continued waving—almost as if hoping their sincerity might win them extra favor.
"Director Han, he's gone," Zhou Zhenxing reminded gently.
Han slowly lowered his hand, still dazed.
"You heard him, didn't you? Before leaving, President Chen called Li Tang personally to say goodbye. His words were sincere. Even though he showed all of us due respect, I could tell—he kept a certain distance."
"Mutual respect is fine. There's no need for us to feel inferior, right?"
Zhou tried to comfort him.
"You're not wrong,"
Han muttered, then looked around and sighed.
"But it's clear now—if we want to maintain ties with Zise Mining, we'll have to rely on Li Tang. Let's face it: Chen Jinhe came from the geological team under Jian'an Province's Geological Bureau. If Zise has a project, we can't compete with their own local teams. Our only advantage is Li Tang. I always used to think that no matter how big a unit was, no one was indispensable. But now I realize—without Li Tang, we can survive, yes… but barely."
"Li Tang…"
Zhou Zhenxing felt the same. His respect for the young man had grown immensely.
"I will hold tightly to that relationship—no mistakes allowed."
Han nodded.
"Li Zaiqiang has worked tirelessly at the grassroots level for years. You're the team leader—make sure you look out for your people. Don't let a loyal veteran feel neglected."
"I'll keep that in mind going forward,"
Zhou said earnestly, as if accepting a personal mission.
Han glanced around again.
"Didn't they say Chen Jinhe was friends with Li Tang? Where's Li Tang? Why didn't he come to see his friend off?"
"He doesn't hold his liquor. Had a few drinks last night and completely blacked out. Probably hasn't sobered up yet."
Zhou chuckled.
"A kid who can't handle his liquor—how's he going to negotiate with big business leaders?"
Han laughed too.
"He really needs to practice his drinking."
"Yeah, being a lightweight isn't ideal for this kind of work."
"No time like the present. Today, let's hold a team meeting at the 101 Geological Team to kick off the Qinglong Copper Mine project. And tell Li Tang—make sure he attends!"
…
As it happened, Li Tang had indeed slept in. By the time the sun was well up, he finally rolled out of bed and, out of habit, checked his phone. Several missed calls.
Two from Luo Qinzhong of Huazhou Aluminum Plant.
Two from Zhou Zhenxing's office.
Three from his dad.
He had slept like a log.
After a shower, he found a warm breakfast waiting on the table—pork congee, buns, and soy milk. After drinking like he did the night before, this mild meal was just right.
He sat down and began to eat, combining breakfast and lunch.
Just then, the door opened. His mom, Tang Chuqiu, walked in holding a colorful cloth bag that contained only a few garlic stalks. She looked anxious.
"I was at the market buying vegetables when your dad kept calling me—said you weren't picking up your phone. What's going on?" she asked, a bit out of breath.
"I was sleeping," Li Tang replied calmly, sipping his congee.
"I'd only bought a few scallions, then rushed back. Your dad wants you at the geological team right away—seems urgent."
"Today's the weekend. What's so urgent?"
"How should I know?" Tang Chuqiu had delivered the message and was already heading back out.
"You coming home for lunch?"
"With all those missed calls, I'm guessing something big's happening. Probably won't be back."
"I'll buy less, just enough for dinner."
As the door closed, Li Tang slowly finished his breakfast.
Only when he was full and relaxed did he pick up his phone and call Luo Qinzhong back.
"Li Tang, you're still in Tibet?" Luo asked, clearly concerned.
"No, I'm in Guizhou Province, handling something. I'll head back to Huazhou soon."
"When are you coming? I'll send a car to pick you up."
"Probably within the next couple of days."
After hanging up, Li Tang could tell Luo was eager for him to return—though he hadn't said it outright.
It was nearly noon. Li Tang changed shoes and headed out, strolling casually to the 101 Geological Team.
As he stepped into the courtyard, he heard thunderous applause coming from the meeting hall. Smiling employees exited in groups of three or five, heading back to their offices.
"Li Tang, just getting here now?"
Pan Yuexing spotted him in the courtyard and rushed over, grabbing his hand and pulling him toward the meeting hall.
"Director Han just held a mobilization meeting with the leadership to emphasize how important the Qinglong Copper Mine project is. Before it started, he mentioned you by name and noticed you weren't there. He actually delayed the meeting ten minutes just waiting for you! It was supposed to start at ten—didn't get going until 10:20!"
"I'm not even part of the geological team. Why would they wait for me?"
Li Tang felt wronged.
"Go in and apologize to Director Han and Captain Zhou,"
Pan urged, clearly nervous on Li Tang's behalf.
Inside the meeting room, Han Dexun, Zhou Zhenxing, and the others were congratulating Li Zaiqiang, who was surrounded with smiles and well-wishes.
"They just announced Chief Engineer Li's official appointment during the meeting," Pan whispered.
"He's been promoted?"
Li Tang couldn't believe it—but was genuinely happy for his father.
In the other timeline, his father had worked diligently all his life and retired at a mid-level rank. Not because he lacked ability—many felt he had been unfairly overlooked. But real life isn't always kind to those who work quietly.
And in the eyes of certain leaders, a "nice guy" just didn't fit the mold of someone in charge.
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