Chapter 106: Bonus
Ding Shaoying cleared his throat, pulled out the notes he had prepared in advance, and began his report:
"The Yunyue Bauxite Project has completed its surface work and geophysical surveys, along with approximately 4,100 meters of drilling. The project has achieved significant phase-one results. So far, we have identified a bauxite reserve of 8 million tons, with an average grade of 64% and an average thickness of 3.6 meters…"
"Eight million tons?"
Lai Xiangrong was stunned. His arm accidentally knocked over his reading glasses on the desk, which fell to the floor with a sharp clack.
He didn't even pick them up immediately. Instead, he looked at Ding in disbelief.
"Are you sure? Did you say eight million tons of industrial-grade bauxite? Are you sure you didn't add an extra zero? Could it be 800,000 tons?"
His tone wasn't accusatory—he was smiling, suggesting the correction gently.
"It is indeed eight million tons," Ding confirmed firmly.
"Eight million tons… That qualifies as a medium-sized deposit!"
Lai sat up straight and quickly retrieved his glasses. "Go on."
"We've focused our drilling mainly on the main ore body, at depths ranging between 200 and 400 meters. We estimate that deeper areas, from 400 to 600 meters, likely also contain high-grade bauxite layers."
Ding looked directly at Lai, his voice growing more animated as he recited the part of the report he had mentally rehearsed dozens of times.
"In addition to the main ore body, we also identified two smaller flanking ore bodies. These are also worth investigating further. Once fully explored, we estimate the total reserve could exceed 20 million tons—qualifying it as a large-scale deposit."
"A large-scale deposit?"
Lai was momentarily stunned and muttered skeptically,
"There hasn't been a large-scale bauxite deposit found anywhere in the country in years."
"Based on what we've seen so far, there's a very high probability the Yunyue Bauxite Project qualifies as a large-scale deposit,"
Ding said confidently, glancing at his notes again.
"The bauxite layer is mostly stratiform, with some karst-hosted pockets. The ore body is stable and rich—ideal conditions for a major deposit."
Lai still looked a little unconvinced. He glanced at Luo Qinzhong for confirmation.
"It's true. The results are excellent," Luo said with a firm nod.
Bi Junjie added his own firsthand account:
"I've visited the project site twice recently. The drill cores are complete and clearly show oolitic bauxite layers. Mineralization is without question. What I still don't understand is—how was it possible to find ore in that area at all?"
"Exactly."
Lai recalled their initial project discussions.
"If I remember correctly, when this project was first proposed, Li Tang was the only one who said it would be successful."
He picked up his glasses, adjusted them on his nose, and leaned over the geological map laid out on the table.
"I remember now—it was Li Tang who chose the project's location."
"That's right. He alone determined the site and boundaries,"
Ding confirmed, once again casting a respectful look toward Li Tang.
"When Director Luo first mentioned the aluminum ore exploration plan, our survey institute gathered data and proposed several target zones. But Li Tang didn't select any of them. In the end, it was his call—and clearly, the right one."
Everyone's attention turned to Li Tang.
"As the technical advisor on the project, I believe I've simply done my job,"
Li Tang said calmly, staying grounded.
"No need to overstate my contributions. This success belongs to everyone. Especially my colleague He Runqi, and all the technicians from the Geological Institute—they worked tirelessly in the field, enduring the elements every single day. They all deserve credit."
Clap clap clap…
Lai took the lead in applauding, and the rest followed suit. Soon, the entire room was filled with warm, enthusiastic applause.
"Well said, Li Tang!"
Lai couldn't help but grow more curious about this young man's background. From his composure and eloquence, he didn't seem like someone just in his twenties.
Li Tang accepted the praise humbly and smiled.
"Let's focus on what comes next. The project isn't over—we still have a lot of work to do."
"You're right!"
Lai turned to Ding.
"Chief Engineer Ding, since the results are this good, what's next?"
Ding quickly took out a revised plan and budget proposal and placed it on the table.
"We've updated the project design. We estimate an additional 10 to 15 million yuan in funding will be required."
Lai glanced at the budget and nodded.
"Now that we've found ore, my stance is clear—we must see this through to the end. Identify and confirm the full scope of the deposit. Leave no part unexplored."
After voicing his firm support, he handed the documents to Luo.
"Director Luo, review these carefully. Let's schedule a leadership meeting to approve the new funding."
"Understood," Luo nodded. This was his responsibility.
Once Li Tang, Ding, and the others had left, Lai tried to read the newspaper again—but couldn't focus.
He set it aside and walked to the next office over, where Luo was reviewing the materials.
"Bring me the contract we signed with Li Tang," Lai said.
Luo looked up and quickly responded,
"Right away."
As he reviewed the contract—especially the key figures—Lai fell deep into thought.
"One million tons of bauxite equals a bonus of 100,000 yuan…"
He looked up at Luo.
"Do you think Li Tang already knew he would find a major deposit, and that's why he agreed to this kind of contract?"
Luo hesitated. He had wanted to counter that idea.
When he first negotiated with Li Tang, the agreed compensation was a 100,000 yuan honorary expert fee.
When he brought it to Lai for approval, it had been rejected.
This bonus-based contract was actually a last-minute revision.
"I don't think Li Tang was that certain,"
Luo said honestly.
"He's young—he probably just wanted to take a gamble. And even if he didn't find ore, he wouldn't have lost anything personally."
"There's some truth to that," Lai replied.
He waved Luo off and put on his reading glasses again, closely examining the contract.
He clearly remembered rejecting the proposal to pay Li Tang 100,000 yuan up front—but didn't want to admit it aloud.
Now, based on the terms, and with 8 million tons of bauxite already discovered, the plant owed Li Tang at least 800,000 yuan in bonuses.
And as the project progressed, that amount would only increase—possibly reaching several million.
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