Rebirth of the Mining Tycoon

Chapter 71: No Beard, No Credibility

By noon, Luo Qinchong had arrived.

He wasn't tall, but his manner was swift and decisive.

After a brief exchange of greetings, he introduced Huazhou Aluminum Plant to Li Tang:

"Our plant is located in the central plains, and all of our alumina production relies on bauxite from our own mines—we're fully integrated. Coastal aluminum plants can rely on imports, but we can't. That's why we invest heavily in exploration projects across Huazhou Province every year."

"Huazhou is likely the top alumina-producing province in the country. Your plant deserves a lot of credit," Li Tang replied, already somewhat familiar with the company.

"The responsibility is huge—and the pressure even greater. The plant manager oversees production. I'm in charge of exploration. This year's target is intense. If I can't hit it, I'll be out on the street."

"Are you hoping I'll help you find bauxite?"

"If you're willing to lend a hand, it'd be a godsend!"

Luo grasped Li Tang's hand, eyes full of sincerity. "Of course, your help won't come free. According to protocol, I'll pay Wukuang Exploration Company a project consulting fee, and you personally will receive a generous advisor fee."

"How much?" Li Tang asked directly, focused on the number.

"Usually, when we invite an expert to guide a project from start to finish, the fee is about 100,000 yuan per person. Of course, it depends on how long the project lasts. If it's successful, there'll be a hefty bonus."

Luo was refreshingly straightforward—friends are friends, but business is business.

"100,000 yuan…"

Li Tang was at a point where he desperately needed money, and Luo bringing cash now really was a lifeline.

Compared to Xiao Yongyue's flashy one million in cash and a Hummer, this was a deal from a reputable state-owned enterprise, and that meant security.

It wasn't just about money—it was about peace of mind.

"I personally agree. President Qin, what's your view?" Li Tang turned to Qin Jianshe, maintaining professional clarity.

"No problem!" Qin laughed. "Things at Qulong are calm for now. Go for it. If you need anything, just call me."

"Then it's settled!"

Luo was pleased. "I'll report this to the plant manager, and we'll draw up a formal contract."

After spending one night in Tibet, Luo, Li Tang, and He Runqi flew directly to Huazhou Province and drove to Huazhou Aluminum Plant, where they met the plant manager, Lai Xiangrong.

Luo explained briefly that he was inviting Li Tang as a project advisor and would pay him the standard fee they gave to veteran geological experts.

He'd made his intentions clear.

Lai, wearing reading glasses, glanced at Li Tang and He Runqi. The young men were clearly inexperienced—one still had acne, and the other, a chubby black-haired guy, was nervously fidgeting with his clothes.

Lai scrutinized them, then leisurely crossed his legs, opened a newspaper, and started reading—slowly licking his fingertips to flip the pages.

Minute after minute passed.

Luo felt the awkwardness rising, and deep down, he felt sorry for the young men. Finally, he broke the silence. "Manager Lai, Li Tang's abilities are well recognized within Wukuang Group. He led the Qulong Copper Project—the largest copper deposit in China—and it's been featured on national news."

Lai finally set the newspaper aside, took a sip from his enamel cup marked "Serve the People," then looked over the rim of his glasses and sneered:

"A boy with no facial hair—what could he possibly know?"

"Wukuang Group says he's brilliant!" Luo insisted. "Besides Qulong, he also developed bioleaching technology and won a major science and technology award. Most people wouldn't achieve that in a lifetime."

"Don't believe every rumor you hear."

Lai slowly shook his head. "I asked you to invite a seasoned expert, not some random kid. I may be old, and my eyesight failing—but I'm not blind."

"Manager Lai, over the years, we've invited plenty of senior experts. But I honestly think bringing in a young talent like Li Tang might be a good move."

"What, now?" Lai adjusted his glasses and glared at Luo. "You young people like innovation, and that's fine. But don't forget—those 'old-fashioned' methods you mock have been refined over decades of experience. People call me conservative—say I'm stuck in the past. I know what they say. But veteran experts have earned their trust. And you bring me a kid like this? Ridiculous."

His words left no room for doubt: he didn't trust Li Tang at all.

"Manager Lai!"

Luo deeply respected Lai Xiangrong—after all, the man had brought Huazhou Aluminum to national prominence. He was a pioneer.

But these words were hard to swallow.

He had gone all the way to Tibet to bring Li Tang back—not as a trick, but with sincerity and admiration.

Hiring Li Tang as a consultant was a carefully thought-out decision—he wasn't here to fool anyone.

At that moment, Lai's expression seemed to say, You started this—don't blame me for being blunt.

"I won't approve this childish arrangement," he said, waving his hand dismissively to signal they should leave.

"Ah…"

Luo glanced at Li Tang and He Runqi, silently apologizing. He led them out of the office and into his own.

"I'm sorry. I really didn't expect Manager Lai to be so strongly opposed." He looked sincerely remorseful.

"No problem," Li Tang replied calmly. "We can treat this like a sightseeing trip. I've never visited the ancient capital of Luoyi, and it's nearby."

Luo brought them tea, then stepped out again—this time heading back to Lai's office.

He clearly wasn't giving up yet. He still wanted to try to convince Lai Xiangrong.

Left alone, He Runqi finally relaxed a bit. He picked up the teacup and muttered, "Li Tang, we got totally dissed back there. Did you see the way that old guy looked at us? Side-eye all the way."

"Well, think about it—would you be okay paying 100,000 yuan to hire a freshly graduated college kid?"

"Definitely not. With that money, my family could eat meat every day!"

"That's your problem—you don't think big."

Li Tang reclined on the sofa, completely at ease.

He always brought He Runqi along on projects. The kid was a simple, loyal guy. Tell him to do something, and he'd do it—and he did it well.

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