Rebirth of the Mining Tycoon

Chapter 56: A Rot Within

Watching this group of people from Yanjing, Han Dexun felt like he was looking at a band of walking gold mines. He didn't dare offend them in the slightest.

At the same time, he was furious.

According to what Qin Jianshe had just said, the 35-million-yuan project was originally going to be handed to their Geological Bureau's 101st Geological Team. Yet somehow, someone had clearly offended Li Tang and Qin Jianshe!

"Immediately send more personnel to the 101st Geological Team and investigate everything that happened yesterday. Find out who came into contact with Li Tang!"

Facing a group of Bureau leaders, Han Dexun could no longer contain his rage. When he saw Zhou Zhenxing, his anger surged further. "You know Li Tang—so why didn't you realize he was from Wukuang Group? He came to the 101st Team yesterday specifically to find you and discuss the project. So why the hell were you running around at the main office instead?"

"Director Han, I really didn't know Li Tang was doing so well now—that he could have such significant influence over a 35-million-yuan project at Wukuang Group!" Zhou Zhenxing was drenched in sweat. Then he slapped his forehead, remembering something critical. "Director Han, I'll go get Li Zaiqiang right away!"

"I remember Li Zaiqiang well," Han said, calming slightly. "Wasn't he the project lead on that lead-zinc mine we found a few years ago?"

"Yes, he's a senior geological engineer—technically very strong."

"Go bring him here. I want to speak with him personally." Han waved his hand urgently.

"Yes, sir." Zhou Zhenxing jogged off.

The others remained rooted in place. Without Han's command, no one dared to leave.

Before long, the group sent to investigate returned.

"Director Han, we've confirmed it—Li Tang did go to the 101st yesterday. But he only stayed about an hour before leaving with his father."

"What happened during that time?"

"We questioned everyone in the 101st. Li Tang stayed in the geology division director's office the entire time—he didn't go anywhere else."

"Was he assaulted or verbally abused in that office?"

"No physical conflict. According to both deputy directors of the geology division, Li Tang had a pleasant chat with them—just a normal conversation. Apparently, they got along well."

"Then why did Li Tang describe the encounter as unpleasant?"

"Right—those two deputy directors did mention that during his visit, Li Tang left their office for a few minutes to go to Liu Yifeng's office on the second floor."

"What did Liu Yifeng say?"

"He admitted to meeting Li Tang but claimed they barely spoke."

After hearing this brief report, Han Dexun only grew more suspicious.

Just then, a younger staffer hesitated, then said, "Director Han, there's a bit of gossip I'm not sure I should mention…"

"Speak!"

"While I was asking around at the 101st, several employees mentioned that Liu Yifeng gave Li Zaiqiang a brutal scolding yesterday—over half an hour long. His voice was so loud it echoed through the entire building."

"Now that you mention it," another investigator added, "Liu Yifeng doesn't have a good reputation. The regular staff have serious issues with him. He's always yelling at people."

"There are even rumors that he's been misappropriating project funds—buying personal items with company money and taking them home."

Everyone started speaking at once. It was clear they had found the root of the problem.

And it had only taken a short investigation to uncover it.

Han Dexun's face turned stone cold. "Where are the Discipline Committee officers?"

"Director Han!" a middle-aged man quickly stepped forward.

"Were you aware of the issues everyone's raising?"

"We've received anonymous letters accusing Liu Yifeng of misconduct. The matter is still under investigation."

"Investigating? Investigating? You're always investigating, never taking action!"

Han was absolutely livid. "If we hadn't sent people to investigate today, I wouldn't have even known we had such a rotten apple in the ranks!"

"Director Han, the Deputy Director position in the Retirement Office is still vacant. Should we transfer Liu Yifeng there?" someone from HR offered.

Transferring the chief engineer of a geological team to the Retirement Office might seem like a lateral move, but it was clearly a demotion.

The Retirement Office had only two staff members—it was an idle post that no one wanted.

"That's a workable solution. Call a meeting and finalize it immediately!"

…

Meanwhile, Qin Jianshe and Li Tang had found a restaurant and called Li Zaiqiang to join them.

"Aren't you supposed to be off negotiating the project? How do you have time for this?" Li Zaiqiang asked as he arrived, having hurried over on his bicycle after taking half a day off.

"Have you eaten?" Qin Jianshe motioned to the empty seat saved for him.

Li Zaiqiang glanced at his son and then sat down. "I was just about to head to the canteen when Li Tang called. I haven't eaten yet."

"Perfect. Lunch is on me. Let's eat and talk."

The table was full of local specialties.

They weren't drinking—just enjoying a meal. While eating, Li Zaiqiang glanced around. "You're leading the project negotiations this time?"

Qin Jianshe nodded. "That's right. It's a big one—35 million yuan. Huge responsibility. I've got to keep my eyes open and find the best geological team to handle it."

Hearing that, Li Zaiqiang couldn't help feeling intrigued. But he was too modest to ask outright and only probed gently, "Talked to anyone yet?"

"Just arrived. Haven't started formal discussions."

"Any potential candidates?"

"We're in the early stages of evaluating."

"Oh…" Zaiqiang didn't press further.

But Qin Jianshe suddenly laughed and clapped a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Tell me—do you want this project?"

"You're the one who decides?" Zaiqiang was stunned.

He couldn't believe his old friend had the authority to allocate a 35-million-yuan project.

"Of course I decide. Otherwise, why would I be the one leading negotiations?"

"Our unit is definitely capable," Li Zaiqiang replied more seriously. "We have Class A certification for solid mineral exploration. We're even licensed to work out of province."

"Is that so?" Qin's eyes lit up. He gave the table a light tap. "Then I've made up my mind. The project is yours. Whether you assign it to the 101st or another team is up to you."

"What?" Zaiqiang was so shocked he put down his chopsticks.

But then he hesitated, thinking it must be a joke. He forced a smile. "You're messing with me, right?"

"I'm not," Qin replied cheerfully. "Ask your son."

Zaiqiang turned in disbelief to look at Li Tang.

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