Chapter 201: The Circles We Move In
Li Tang knew his father was in the habit of going to bed early and waking up early. So he got up early as well, cooked two bowls of noodles, and had breakfast with him before heading together to Yunding Tower, which wasn't far away.
Everyone at the 101 Geological Team recognized Li Tang. As soon as he walked in, they stood up to greet him.
He made his way to the innermost office and sat for a long while before it was time for the workday to officially begin.
Alice was responsible and capable but not the type to spend extra time at the office. She usually showed up right on the dot.
When she heard Li Tang call for her, she walked straight into his office. "Anything you need me to do?"
"Please notify all company shareholders. We have an important meeting today, and everyone is required to attend," Li Tang instructed.
The first to arrive at Yunding Tower were the people from the Guizhou Geological Bureau.
Upon hearing that part of the project payments would be settled soon, they practically flew in. That very day, they boarded a plane and arrived in Yanjing.
They had been to Yunding Tower before and knew the place well.
Han Dexun and Zhou Zhenxing brought their finance personnel with all the documentation needed for reconciliation. Once they got Li Tang's signature, things were essentially ready to go.
"Keeping the lights on during the day—that's a bit wasteful," Zhou Zhenxing said casually.
They had just had lunch and had nowhere else to go, so they relaxed in Li Tang's office.
Compared to the peeling walls and dim lighting of their own office back at the Bureau, this space looked clean and bright. It felt refreshing.
Han Dexun agreed and nodded. "Only in Yanjing. At our bureau, we'd never dare leave the lights on during the day. If higher-ups came by, we'd be criticized for extravagance."
"Well, Li Tang is playing in a bigger league now. He's not worried about a few extra yuan on the power bill," Zhou said with admiration.
They brought the payment reconciliation documents to Li Tang, who didn't hesitate at all—he signed everything on the spot, swiftly and decisively.
Now they just needed the finance team to transfer the funds. With that, this year's work would be complete.
Li Tang made a pot of tea and left it on the table. He didn't go out of his way to entertain Han and Zhou, because more guests were on their way.
Alice had already sent word to all shareholders about the afternoon meeting—but many arrived early.
Niu Fu, Ouping Guo, and Zhao Hepu didn't come alone. They brought their full entourages.
"We heard about the project results from Jianshe yesterday. Everyone was so excited that we planned a dinner to celebrate—but you didn't show up," Niu Fu said, still holding a grudge about Li Tang turning down his dinner invitation. "I invite you to dinner and get turned down—same as Gores from BHP. He rejected me too. And now, you."
"Director Niu was heartbroken," Zhao Hepu added, clearly enjoying himself.
"We had a great time last night. Your loss," Ouping Guo said, teasing.
Qin Jianshe wasn't as emotionally charged as the previous day. He saw Han Dexun, Zhou Zhenxing, and Li Zaiqiang in the adjacent office, clearly visible through the glass. He waved briefly.
He patted Li Tang on the shoulder. "Director Niu and Director Guo heard about the results and are really curious about Zhongcheng Mining's next steps. Since you called a shareholder meeting, we came to represent Wukuang Group."
"Glad you all came," Li Tang said with surprise. He had expected maybe just Zhao Hepu. He thought the company's decision-makers would hear about the meeting later through internal briefings.
Clearly, the good news about the Taluge discovery had caught everyone's attention.
"You're not welcoming us?" Niu Fu asked sternly, exuding authority.
"No, no, I'm honored," Li Tang replied quickly. "Having Director Niu here elevates the occasion."
He led the group to the conference room.
One unfamiliar face extended a hand to Li Tang. "I'm Wei Chaoyin from Wukuang Exploration Company. I've heard a lot about you—finally glad to meet in person!"
Wei was a short, unimpressive-looking man in middle age.
"He's our company's Director Wei," Qin Jianshe explained. "He took office at the end of last year. When he learned about your resignation, he was really upset. This year, under his leadership, Qulong underwent detailed surveys and saw major progress. He even requested Director Niu to invite you back as a special advisor—but clearly, you…"
"You're too busy with big things. As the saying goes, why use a butcher's knife to kill a chicken? You didn't come back to help with Qulong because you've got bigger plans," Wei said with a smile.
"And you went ahead and discovered Taluge. That really opened our eyes!"
"You flatter me," Li Tang replied modestly. He had heard from Jianshe that Wei was a solid, results-oriented man.
As they chatted, the elevator opened again. More shareholders arrived.
Feng Sinian from Jiujiang Copper, Geng Feiran from Tongdu Nonferrous, and Lu Zhentian from Jintian Copper walked in together.
Li Tang went out to greet them. Although he hadn't interacted with them much before, both Jiujiang and Tongdu had each invested five million yuan in Zhongcheng Mining—a substantial show of support. They deserved respect.
Feng clapped Li Tang on the shoulder. "Got your message and came right away. We're not late, are we?"
"Perfect timing," Li Tang smiled. "It's a long way from Huizhou and Jiujiang—how'd you get here so fast?"
"We were already in Yanjing," Geng Feiran explained. "We came to negotiate next year's copper concentrate contracts with BHP."
"How's that going?" Li Tang asked casually.
The three looked at each other and grimaced.
"We should've been home by now, but we weren't ready to give up. We waited days hoping for a private meeting with Gores. No luck. He doesn't want to see us. So when we got your invite, we figured we might as well come."
"Doesn't sound like the negotiations are going well," Li Tang observed.
"Forget it," Feng said, spotting Niu Fu inside the conference room. "Looks like today you've got big news to announce—Director Niu himself is here!"
"Please, come inside. He just arrived."
Li Tang led them into the room.
These were all industry giants, used to dealing with each other, so there was no need for formal introductions. Conversation quickly turned lively.
Representatives from Hualü General Company also arrived—Lai Xiangrong and Luo Qinzhong.
Lai carried a large tea mug, filled with strong tea. He took a sip before saying, "I can't stay for the meeting—just came to say sorry. I've got to report to Director He at the reform office. Luo will sit in for me. Talk to him if anything comes up."
"Understood," Li Tang nodded.
Lai gave a brief greeting to those inside, then left with his tea.
Luo sat down quietly.
Soon after, Qian Hao from Luoyi Molybdenum arrived, wearing his usual flamboyant suit, strolling in like he was browsing a shopping mall.
"Li Tang!" he called loudly.
"Here!" Li Tang replied, stepping out of the room.
Qian slapped him on the shoulder, looked inside, and said, "Wow, the room's already full."
Just before the meeting officially began, Cheng Muyie from Huajin and Li Xingchao from Shenxia Group also arrived in person.
One by one, the big names shook hands with Li Tang, exchanging pleasantries with ease.
Behind the glass walls, with the door open, the voices and laughter spilled into the adjacent office.
Han Dexun and Zhou Zhenxing couldn't stop staring outside, eyes wide.
"Wukuang Group, Huajin, Shenxia, Jiujiang Copper, Tongdu Nonferrous…" Zhou quietly listed the companies aloud, trying to memorize them.
"And Luoyi Molybdenum, Hualü General," Han added.
"All major names in the industry," Zhou said, visibly awestruck.
From the voices filtering in, it was clear—these weren't just any company reps. These were the leaders.
It was an unforgettable scene.
In the past, when their geological bureau had no projects, they'd dream of establishing relationships with these mining giants.
Every year, big mines launched a few exploration projects—each worth several million yuan.
Getting in with just one major firm meant you had guaranteed work for the year.
But those companies had long-standing partners. It was almost impossible to break in.
Even getting a meeting was a challenge.
And now, these very executives were right here.
"Li Tang's social circle—and the level he operates at—is completely different now," Han said, sipping his tea like a commentator summarizing a tale.
It was clear he saw himself as an outsider, simply watching the show.
"Maybe after the meeting, I'll go ask for a few contact numbers," Zhou whispered, half-joking.
"No need," Han replied with insight. "If they don't want to talk to us, they won't. But we have Li Tang. With that, we don't need to worry about projects."
"True," Zhou agreed.
That's why Han was the bureau director—he saw the big picture clearly.
Zhou poured tea, first for Li Zaiqiang, then for Han. "Director Han, maybe it's time we revisit that idea about building a longevity shrine or statue for Li Tang."
Han glanced at Li Zaiqiang, slightly embarrassed. "After the new year, maybe."
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