Chapter 103: Better Than a Living Immortal
"Li Tang!"
Zhou Zhenxing spotted him and immediately called out.
The other leaders all turned to look, quickly surrounding him.
"Had a bit too much last night, huh?"
Han Dexun stepped over with small, quick steps and warmly grasped Li Tang's hand.
"You've been running around on behalf of our geological bureau for quite some time now—it's been hard on you! Come, come, bring Li Tang a cup of tea."
Secretary Xiao Wang quickly brought a teacup over. Han personally took it and handed it to Li Tang.
The entire display was filled with warmth and deference.
Li Tang felt almost overwhelmed by the attention. He smiled wryly.
"Director Han, is something urgent going on?"
"Nothing urgent. Everyone just heard you drank too much last night and was worried about you,"
Han said with a hearty laugh.
The other leaders laughed along.
"To show our appreciation for you, and to celebrate the signing of the Qinglong Copper Mine exploration contract, we're holding a dinner tonight—something truly festive!"
Zhou Zhenxing clapped him on the shoulder.
"You're the guest of honor tonight, so you'd better show up and drink with us! Director Han will be drinking with you—you've got no excuse!"
"Tonight, Li Tang is the star, and I'll gladly fulfill my role as his drinking partner!"
Han declared.
"Count me in!"
"To be able to drink with Li Tang—what an honor of a lifetime!"
An elderly, white-haired leader chimed in with mock solemnity.
"As the saying goes, if one hears the Way in the morning, one can die content by night. Well, I say if I can drink with Li Tang today, who cares if I don't see tomorrow's sunrise!"
The more they joked, the more exaggerated it got—and the happier they all became.
They all understood how important Li Tang was to the geological bureau. Without him, they wouldn't have secured the two major projects this year.
As long as they maintained a good relationship with Li Tang, they might have more opportunities from both Zise Mining and Wu Mining in the future.
But faced with this group of giddy old foxes, Li Tang didn't know how to respond. He felt like their excessive praise was taking years off his life.
"Leaders, you're exaggerating."
He smiled awkwardly and, after some hesitation, said,
"Forgive me, but I've already booked a flight to Huazhou Province today. There's something urgent over there…"
"What?! You're backing out before we've even lifted a glass?"
One leader looked disappointed.
"Li Tang, you can't be a deserter!"
Zhou Zhenxing said, feigning sternness.
"It's really urgent. Deputy Plant Director Luo Qinzhong from Huazhou Aluminum—do you know him?"
Li Tang pulled out his phone and showed the missed calls from that morning.
"Look, he called me several times this morning. It's definitely important!"
The room fell silent.
The leaders all glanced at the screen and realized the situation was indeed serious.
They had all agreed privately: tonight, no matter what, they needed to strengthen their relationship with Li Tang, to get closer, like family or close friends.
And yet the guy had just rejected them flat out!
What now?
"Chief Engineer Li,"
someone quickly shifted tactics,
"Today is your official appointment day. You're also the star of the show. You need to host tonight's celebration banquet!"
"Right, right—Chief Li is from around here. You're not heading to Huazhou too, are you?"
"You're not leaving!"
Someone even grabbed Li Zaiqiang's sleeve, as if afraid he'd run away.
Li Zaiqiang was startled, then laughed awkwardly,
"With such enthusiastic leaders, how could I say no?"
Amid the laughter, everyone left the meeting room.
But Han and Zhou pulled Li Zaiqiang aside. The others, sensing it was a private talk, wisely moved on.
"Li Zaiqiang,"
Han said solemnly,
"Securing the Qinglong project was entirely your doing."
"Director Han…"
"Let me finish."
Han knew exactly what had happened. Without Li Zaiqiang and Li Tang, they never would've even heard of the Qinglong project—let alone landed it.
So when he said the credit was all Li's, he wasn't just being polite. It was the truth.
"According to our internal rules, whoever brings in a project—especially a commercial one—is entitled to a commission,"
Zhou Zhenxing added.
"For large contracts, the commission rate is 3%."
Han nodded.
"Qinglong is a commercial project. You secured it. That commission—whether it's the 35 million for the preliminary phase or the potentially even larger budget for the detailed survey—that reward is yours. You can't refuse it."
"Director Han, I'm a leader now…"
"That's got nothing to do with it. We follow the rules. If you don't take it, Zhou and I will have a hard time explaining it to everyone."
Han patted him on the shoulder.
"I owe you a thank-you."
Li Tang, who had been listening from the side, saw the hesitant look on his father's face and said plainly,
"Director Han's right. You've earned it. It's not illegal—why not take the money?"
"Li Tang's got the right idea!"
Zhou gave him a thumbs-up.
Han smiled, relieved.
"Zaiqiang, your son has more clarity than you!"
Li Tang understood that while this talk seemed directed at his father, it was also for his ears.
They wanted him to know: the bureau wouldn't shortchange its contributors.
"Alright, let's go have lunch in the cafeteria first,"
Zhou said, leading the way.
They had arranged in advance for several hens to be stewed that morning just for the occasion.
After the hearty meal, they stepped outside for a walk to digest.
That's when someone intercepted them.
"A smoke after lunch—it's better than immortality!"
Liu Yifeng came forward with a smile, offering a cigarette. He leaned forward with a deferential posture.
He had attended the morning meeting and fully understood the current dynamics within the team.
And more importantly, he now saw clearly that Li Zaiqiang was a rising star—an unshakable force in the new hierarchy.
So he started scheming again.
Li Tang glanced at him.
"Director Liu, something on your mind?"
"No, no. Just finished eating too, thought we could stroll together."
Liu Yifeng smiled so broadly his eyes nearly disappeared.
"Sorry. I've got a flight. No time for a walk."
Li Tang declined flatly and picked up his pace toward home.
He had originally planned to catch a flight to Huazhou that afternoon. Back home, he found his mom had prepared a delicious dinner and, not wanting to disappoint her, stayed to eat. He then caught the latest flight to Huazhou's provincial capital.
He had already informed Luo Qinzhong about the flight and said he would stay overnight in the city.
He expected someone to pick him up in the morning. But to his surprise, Luo showed up in person at the airport that night.
After resting at the hotel, they hit the road early the next day.
"Straight to Tiemu Town in County A," Luo instructed the driver.
"Did something go wrong with the Yunyue Bauxite Project?"
Li Tang asked, concerned.
"You'll see when we get there."
Luo grinned mysteriously.
The trip was long. Everyone in the car dozed off from the monotony.
Someone calling his name woke Li Tang. He opened his eyes to see the scenery of Tiemu Town through the window.
Outside the car, Ding Shaoying stood surrounded by a group of geological technicians, all watching the vehicle intently.
"Chief Ding, long time no see,"
Li Tang greeted him first.
"You're finally back!"
Ding said with emotion.
Judging by his expression, he'd been waiting for Li Tang anxiously—like someone waiting for salvation.
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