Chapter 109: Call Me the God of Wealth!
Huazhou Aluminum Plant quickly approved the revised budget of over ten million yuan for the Yunyue Bauxite Project.
Within the plant, the project's importance had been elevated to the highest priority. Director Lai Xiangrong personally oversaw the entire operation, while Luo Qinzhong took charge on-site in Luoyi City.
Luo settled into a long-term stay at a local hotel in Luoyi. To show respect for Li Tang and He Runqi, he also arranged hotel rooms for both of them—after all, staying in Luoyi was far more comfortable than the conditions in Tiemu Town.
From Luoyi to the project site in Tiemu was just over ten kilometers, a quick ten-minute drive—very convenient.
Luoyi City wasn't big. There weren't many mining companies operating within its jurisdiction, but it did host a national top-three molybdenum industry giant—Luoyi Molybdenum Group.
The news of a major bauxite discovery in Luoyi quickly made its way to them.
One evening, as Luo Qinzhong, Li Tang, and He Runqi were preparing to head out for dinner, they were intercepted at the hotel entrance by a man named Qian Hao.
"Hey!"
Qian was dressed in vibrant, flashy casual clothes—completely contrasting with the monochrome greys, blacks, and whites typically seen around town.
If Luo was the image of a traditional leader, then Qian Hao was the embodiment of modern, flamboyant management.
There was a certain playboy vibe to him—especially in his narrow, fox-like eyes. When he winked his left eye, it practically screamed, rogue. Anyone seeing him on the street would never guess he was the deputy general manager of Luoyi Molybdenum.
"You three came to my turf and didn't even say hello? Go ask around—who's the boss of this place?"
"What are you doing here?"
Luo was genuinely surprised.
"Luo Qinzhong, you really disappoint me!"
Qian shook his head in mock dismay, then pointed at Li Tang.
"Li Tang, aren't we friends?"
"We are."
Li Tang smiled.
"If I ever came to Yanjing, the first thing I'd do is call Zhao Hepu. Even if he was in bed with his wife, I'd barge into his house and demand a meal! And here you are in Luoyi for two or three months already—did you ever think to call me? I only found out you were here because I heard about the big bauxite find and your name came up. Honestly, you broke my heart. Next time I see Zhao Hepu, I'm definitely reporting you to the higher-ups at Wu Mining for dereliction of social duty!"
"Work's been busy,"
Li Tang said with an apologetic grin. In truth, he had only met Qian Hao once, though they had exchanged contact information.
"Young man,"
Qian turned to He Runqi, extending a hand.
"I'm Qian Hao. Nice to meet you."
He Runqi, flustered by the sudden friendliness, mumbled back a polite, "Nice to meet you."
"So, where you headed?"
"Dinner."
"You've got no idea where the good food is around here,"
Qian said with a smirk.
"Come with me. I'll take you somewhere nice. You all look so dusty—let's get cleaned up first."
"A hot bath again?"
Luo seemed to know Qian's style.
"Is this going to be… full service or basic?"
"What's the fun in bathing alone? I mean, what's the point of sitting there with a bunch of old men soaking in a tub together? Does your wife still scrub your back? I can introduce you to someone who'll do it better—and you'll enjoy it too!"
"I'm not going!"
Luo clearly wanted no part in Qian's version of "relaxation."
"Suit yourself."
Qian winked at Li Tang and He Runqi.
"Forget the old man. You guys come with me. I'm telling you—we've got all types, all styles. Pick whoever you want."
At this point, even a fool could guess what kind of "fun" Qian was offering.
He Runqi blushed furiously.
Li Tang, who had seen enough of the world, wasn't shocked—but still declined.
"Let's just eat, thanks."
"You guys…"
Qian sighed dramatically.
There was a certain type of camaraderie, he believed, that formed among men only after indulging in these private "bonding rituals." It created shared secrets that transformed relationships entirely.
He had his own chauffeur, but insisted on squeezing into Luo Qinzhong's car. With the driver, the five of them packed in tight, creating a lively atmosphere.
"Don't let his looks fool you,"
Luo said from the front seat, glancing back at the others.
"He's good at dragging people to bathhouses, but when the time comes, he just sits and watches. He never actually participates—just pays the bill."
"Strict wife,"
Qian replied shamelessly.
"You two aren't married. This is your time. Live a little! Remember the song—'Life's just a few autumns, drink till you're done!'"
"Don't corrupt the youth."
"Alright, alright. I've got a better idea,"
Qian grinned.
"I'm free the next few days. Let me show you around Luoyi. It's a small request—you've got to grant me this wish, right?"
"Actually, we were planning to explore a bit."
Li Tang nodded.
"Qian Hao's in charge of mineral rights acquisitions, mine mergers, and enterprise investments at Luoyi Molybdenum. He manages tens of millions—probably billions. Doesn't even know how to spend it all,"
Luo added with a teasing tone.
"Hey!"
Qian shot him a look.
"You make me sound so tacky. Call me the God of Wealth! If you call me 'Daddy,' I might even give you some pocket money."
"Get lost!"
Luo grumbled, clearly amused but also exasperated.
…
While Li Tang and company toured the ancient city, a mid-size bus carrying a group of elderly geologists arrived in Tiemu Town.
Led by Ding Shaoying, they toured the site, observed the drilling work, and listened to the project briefings.
By the time they descended from the hills, most were full of questions.
"I've done geology for fifty years, and I've never seen a bauxite deposit like this."
"This discovery rewrites the history of exploration."
"We old timers really should retire. It's time for the next generation to take the lead in Huazhou's mineral exploration."
Despite their deep experience, even they couldn't explain how such a massive deposit had ended up 200 meters underground—with no surface indications, no logic, and no precedent.
"Chief Ding, finding this large bauxite deposit is truly a great achievement."
"This discovery will spark a revolution in bauxite exploration theories—not just in the province, but nationwide, and maybe even globally."
"Using microgravity and CSAMT techniques like this shows how forward-thinking and effective your institute's exploration strategies are!"
"Today is a turning point in the history of bauxite exploration!"
Since they couldn't understand the theory behind the discovery, praise and admiration became the default way to express their awe and respect.
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