Chapter 101: How Is His Influence So Great?
After about ten minutes, Zhou Zhenxing and Li Zaiqiang led several unfamiliar faces out from the cafeteria, chatting and laughing along the way.
Seeing Han Dexun and the other officials standing in the center of the courtyard, Zhou quickly introduced them to Chen Jinhe.
"Director Han heard that your company, Zise Mining, came to visit, and came over personally to meet you."
Chen Jinhe noticed the crowd of leaders and frowned slightly. He wasn't fond of making a big deal out of things or engaging in formalities.
He usually avoided banquets and social gatherings whenever possible, and even when he had to attend, he'd drink as little as possible.
But since everyone was being so warm and welcoming, he couldn't just refuse. He shook hands with Han Dexun and the others, then got straight to the point.
"I've just finished discussing most of the contract details with Li Zaiqiang and Li Tang."
Finished?
Han Dexun and the other leaders were suddenly full of questions and felt a surge of anxiety.
"Finished" as in the deal was sealed? Or did the talks fall apart?
Seeing the questioning look in Han Dexun's eyes, Zhou was also baffled. They had only just eaten lunch together and hadn't discussed anything serious at all—he had no idea what had just happened!
"Chief Engineer Li, why don't you brief Director Han on the cooperation details," Zhou said quickly, pushing Li Zaiqiang to the front.
"We did indeed talk about the project this morning and have basically reached an agreement," Li Zaiqiang said, though in reality, not much had been discussed. The agreement was essentially due to how proactive Chen Jinhe had been.
Li briefly summarized,
"Zise Mining is launching a copper exploration project in Tibet's Qinglong area. They will begin with exploration in the western district, planning to invest 35 million yuan in two phases. The cooperation model is the same as what Wu Mining Group used previously—first a preliminary and general survey. In terms of payment, 30% of the exploration fee is paid upfront. Then, as the work progresses, the workload is calculated quarterly, with 80% of the engineering costs paid accordingly. The final 20% is paid upon project completion and approval."
This payment structure was very favorable for the contractor. There was little risk of not getting paid.
Previously, during their cooperation with Wu Mining for the Qu Long project, payments had been made on time—only the final 20% remained outstanding.
Everyone listening to this explanation was overjoyed, though they tried hard not to show it.
"Excellent."
Han Dexun appeared calm, chest out, completely still—but his hands, hidden behind his back, were trembling slightly.
He was terrified that after such good news, something would go wrong.
Thankfully, there was no cruel twist.
"Just now, Li Tang also provided us with a feasibility report for the eastern district of the Qinglong Copper Mine," Chen Jinhe added.
"So, as of now, our cooperation with your unit pertains only to the western district. As for the eastern side, we'll need to return to Jian'an Province and hold a board meeting to decide whether to explore both simultaneously or one after the other."
As he spoke, his gaze frequently drifted toward Li Tang.
It was clear now that Zise Mining's willingness to personally come to Guizhou and hand over such a large project to the 101 Geological Team had everything to do with Li Tang.
It could be said with certainty that they came because of Li Tang.
No one else here had any relationship with Zise Mining—or with Chen Jinhe.
Han Dexun gave Li Tang a deep, thoughtful look, feeling a mix of emotions.
How on earth did this kid have so much influence?
And yet, he felt incredibly lucky that Li Zaiqiang had raised such a capable son.
Suppressing his thoughts, Han spoke calmly,
"We'll await your company's decision, President Chen."
"Once our internal decision is made, we'll contact you immediately," Chen responded sincerely.
"President Chen, if we find ore during the preliminary survey and move on to the detailed exploration phase, will the 101 Team also handle that part?"
Li Tang took the initiative to ask a key question that hadn't yet been included in the contract.
Previously, with Wu Mining, it had been agreed that the original exploration team would have priority for follow-up work. But once ore was found, internal disputes had stalled the process—and 101 Team was at risk of being pushed aside.
Everyone had learned their lesson. This clause was essential.
Han gave Li Tang a look of approval.
Zhou even discreetly gave a thumbs-up.
They hadn't dared raise such conditions themselves. They didn't know how Zise Mining would react and were afraid of offending them.
If they lost a 5-million-yuan project because of one awkward request, it would be a huge loss for the struggling geological bureau.
Luckily, Li Tang brought it up.
And honestly, only Li Tang had the standing to negotiate with the client.
Why did they all think that? They didn't know. They just felt like he could.
"Of course!"
Chen Jinhe met Li Tang's eyes and nodded firmly.
"As long as ore is found—whether it's the detailed survey or even the mining phase—Qinglong Copper Mine will be handled by the 101 Geological Team! You're an outstanding team. You found a world-class deposit at Qu Long, and we believe you'll find an even bigger one in Ali."
"Then let's include that clause in the contract," Li Tang said calmly.
"I think that's a reasonable request."
Chen agreed and didn't want to waste time.
"Since we're aligned, let's finalize the contract today. What do you say?"
"Absolutely."
Li Tang nodded.
After a few quick revisions, they set up a simple but formal signing ceremony in the center of the 101 Geological Team's courtyard. Under the watchful eyes of all employees, banners were raised, tables and chairs arranged, and the contract was signed.
With the business settled, Han and the other officials finally felt it was time to shine. They were determined to leave a lasting impression and show their legendary hospitality.
So, almost dragging them along, they took Chen Jinhe and his team to a local restaurant.
There, with drinks flowing and speeches flying, the party truly began.
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