Chapter 238: Throw Him in the Lake to Cool Off!
Xiao Yongyue traveled all the way from Gaolumu City, switching between multiple forms of transport, to reach Shazhai County in Huizhou Province.
When he saw He Runqi, he was so moved by his own persistence that he gave him a big bear hug.
"My good brother! It's been a while—how have you been?"
Back when they worked on the Gongcun copper-gold mine project, Xiao and He got along well, referring to each other as brothers. That kind of passionate energy was just Xiao's way.
He Runqi, slightly caught off guard, replied,
"I thought you'd just send an assistant."
"Shazhai Molybdenum has struck big—I had to come in person!"
Xiao Yongyue laughed heartily.
"Project acceptance went smoothly. Come, let's go hear what the experts have to say about the scale and implications of the project."
He Runqi led Xiao into a meeting room.
They'd borrowed the space in the county seat. Experts from all over the province had gathered to discuss the technical aspects, scale, and impact of Shazhai Molybdenum.
Several media outlets from Huizhou and even China Central Television (CCTV) had come to photograph and record footage, eager to gather headline-worthy content.
The media had been following the project acceptance process for days and now had a solid understanding of the basics.
With today's formal meeting, they could finally raise their questions directly.
Xiao, who had arrived late, sat down in the front row. As he looked around, he noticed familiar faces like Qian Hao and Geng Feiran and greeted them with nods.
The experts spoke at length—there was so much to say about Shazhai Molybdenum.
For geologists in Huizhou, this project was a breakthrough—a milestone.
For those from Huazhou, the emotions were more mixed. They admired Huizhou's success, but also felt the sting of losing the title of "China's largest molybdenum province."
Finally, after hours of discussion, it was time for the media interviews.
CCTV reporter Zhang Xiaoman was the first to rush forward, holding a microphone to Peng Dezhi's mouth.
"As the project lead who discovered the largest molybdenum deposit in China, how do you feel?"
"I'm thrilled and proud," said Peng Dezhi, a humble, plainspoken man. He looked somewhat awkward in front of the camera.
"You can say a bit more," Zhang encouraged gently.
"I'll talk about the project," Peng said.
Although he had already introduced the project at the start of the meeting, he decided it was better to discuss facts than personal emotions.
"This is a monumental discovery—not just for Huizhou, but for the entire nation! The Shazhai Molybdenum Deposit has 2.3 million tons of reserves, with an average grade close to 0.15%. In the core area, if we define boundaries based on industrial-grade standards, the reserve still reaches 2.1 million tons, with an average grade of about 0.18%—three times the minimum industrial grade. This is world-class!"
Zhang Xiaoman didn't fully understand the numbers, but she could see the passion in Peng's eyes and feel it in his gestures.
Everyone present was infected by his emotion—blood pumping with shared excitement.
"I can see you're very emotional."
"Of course I am! I feel like celebrating with a drink!"
Peng clenched his fists.
"In forty years of geology, I've never seen a deposit like this!"
"Yes."
Zhang didn't even need to guide the conversation anymore. Peng spoke passionately into the lens.
"The ore body is shaped like a fist," he said, making a gesture.
"Or, as experts from Huazhou described it—it's shaped like an apple. It stretches 1,300 meters long, 1,000 meters wide, and runs from 150 to 960 meters deep. A massive, concentrated body—beyond imagination!"
"Incredible," Zhang echoed.
"It's like a divine force gathered all the molybdenum underground and kneaded it together like dough!"
Peng waved both arms to illustrate the deposit.
"This apple-shaped ore body is perfect for mining. According to Shazhai Molybdenum's request, we ran preliminary beneficiation tests on molybdenite. The result? Molybdenum concentrate with over 50% grade, metal recovery above 91%, and sulfur recovery over 65%!"
"What does that mean?"
"It means the deposit is not only easy to mine—it's also easy to process. Plus, the associated sulfur can be used too—a win-win!"
"But why is there sulfur in molybdenum?"
"Molybdenite is MoS₂—molybdenum disulfide. When you process it, you naturally get sulfur byproducts."
Peng explained patiently.
"You're truly a well-rounded expert," Zhang praised.
"With such a world-class find, your exploration skills and deep geological insight will surely go down in history…"
"I have to stop you there."
Peng interrupted her flattery.
"If we're talking about who discovered Shazhai Molybdenum, I can't accept that honor. The real credit belongs to someone else."
"You're not the discoverer?" Zhang was shocked. So were the other journalists, who suddenly perked up.
Peng glanced at He Runqi, then shook his head.
"Due to confidentiality agreements, I can't say much. But I can't claim credit I didn't earn."
Everyone in the room—experts and colleagues alike—knew who had really made this breakthrough possible.
Peng, an honest man, couldn't take credit that wasn't his.
If he accepted the glory on camera, he'd never live it down among his peers.
"Confidential?"
The reporters were annoyed.
"This is a historic honor! Why keep it a secret?"
"If Huizhou has produced such a talent, the whole province deserves to know!"
But Peng remained firm, flustered by their pressure.
"All I'll say is this—our industry is blessed to have such a person. I truly believe he deserves to be called a 'national treasure.'"
He said just enough to whet their appetite—then stopped cold.
The reporters, hooked but denied closure, were beside themselves.
But Peng, stubborn and principled, said no more.
As the party representing the company, Geng Feiran had prepared for this. He smiled calmly and faced the cameras.
"Thank you all, especially our friends from Yanjing. It's an honor to have you here."
"Are you the owner of Shazhai Molybdenum?" a reporter asked.
"I'm one of the shareholder reps," Geng clarified.
"I'm also the general manager of Copper Youse Group. My name is Geng Feiran."
Compared to Peng, Geng was far more comfortable in front of a camera.
"Feel free to ask anything—one at a time, please."
"A local Huizhou company discovering a deposit like this—congratulations to Copper Youse," a reporter said.
"Copper Youse has always committed itself to sustainable mining development in Huizhou. We support national construction, serve the people by finding and developing mineral resources, and provide employment and prosperity to the province!"
Geng patted his chest with pride.
"The country and its people are always in our hearts."
You couldn't argue with that.
Everyone clapped—even those who were secretly skeptical.
"Since your company holds mining rights, what's your next step as shareholder and operator?" Zhang asked, pressing for the next scoop.
"That's a great question," Geng said with a practiced smile.
Geng Feiran smiled and offered a few words of praise to the young female reporter, then returned to the topic with a clear and sonorous voice:
"Shazhai Molybdenum Deposit—huge reserves, exceptionally high grade! At the current market price for molybdenum, this is a mine worth over 100 billion yuan! As a national resource, the challenge before us now is how to use it wisely and responsibly."
Over 100 billion in economic value!
That figure alone was explosive. Every reporter in the room furiously jotted it down.
Some even began brainstorming headlines—there was no way they were leaving out "100 billion yuan" from the top line.
Geng paused slightly, then continued with even more energy:
"National economic development relies on industry as its backbone, and steel as its skeleton. As our economy evolves and industries upgrade, the steel sector is undergoing a transformation. Molybdenum-alloy steel, with its superior hardness, is increasingly vital in aerospace, shipbuilding, defense, and other high-end fields. Right now, the molybdenum market is showing signs of tight supply. China is becoming the world's largest consumer of molybdenum. This shortage is severely restricting industrial growth."
He laid out the market situation for molybdenum, then raised his voice:
"The discovery and development of the Shazhai Molybdenum Mine will influence the entire domestic molybdenum market—and impact global supply and demand! This project will benefit the steel industry and society at large!"
As a corporate leader, Geng knew exactly how to handle a crowd. He didn't even need prompting—the moment he began speaking, he turned the whole room into a rally.
Sure, he was mostly saying lofty, empty statements. But with enough passion, even clichés could ignite applause.
And ignite it he did.
So powerful was his rhetoric that the room went briefly silent.
Then the reporters finally processed his words—applause erupted like a wave, echoing throughout the hall.
Qian Hao clapped while turning to Xiao Yongyue beside him with a grin:
"Boss Xiao, after hearing Geng's speech, doesn't it feel like what we're doing is incredibly meaningful now?"
"Geng really is compelling. A true patriot and a great leader," Xiao said with a thumbs-up.
"He's an outstanding entrepreneur!"
Qian couldn't help but laugh,
"I've got a lot to learn from him."
"So… where's Li Tang? Why isn't he at such an important event?"
Xiao hadn't spoken to Li Tang in a while and was surprised he hadn't shown.
"He's in Mengguo, working on the Talego Copper-Gold Project," Qian replied.
"Often up in the mountains. Hard to reach. Who knows what he's busy with."
"Still, this celebration doesn't feel complete without him," Xiao said.
"It's like something's missing."
"We're holding it no matter what!" Qian said cheerfully.
"Li Tang called earlier and insisted—Shazhai Molybdenum must allocate funds to throw a proper banquet. Invite friends, celebrate together!"
With project acceptance completed and the festivities wrapped up, the glory of Shazhai Molybdenum would be etched into memory.
In Li Tang's absence, Geng Feiran represented the company, meeting with Huizhou officials, discussing outcomes, receiving praise, and sharing future plans.
Meanwhile, news of Shazhai's discovery of a super-sized molybdenum deposit—the largest in China—spread through media channels across the country.
The mining world was abuzz. Shazhai Molybdenum and its parent company became instant topics of conversation.
…
In scenic Yizhou Province, Liu Shanlong and Liu Jianglong were enjoying leisure time with top executives from Hongda Group.
The setting was serene—blue skies, rolling grass, and a shimmering lake.
They lounged beneath a wooden pavilion, its beams carved with traditional motifs. Below, a mahjong table was set.
Yizhou locals knew how to enjoy life—hot pot and mahjong were cultural essentials.
Even someone as prominent as Liu Shanlong enjoyed playing a few rounds when he had the time.
As tiles clacked and shuffled, the familiar rhythm of mahjong filled the air—each tactile movement a small pleasure.
"Gang!"
Liu Shanlong drew a tile from the wall and grinned.
"Concealed kong—blooming flower!"
"Chairman, your mahjong game is practically perfect now!"
"We're completely convinced. You win hands down!"
"That kong flower shows that under your leadership, Hongda Group will bloom like spring flowers in full bloom!"
"Wow, someone studied literature—those idioms! At the year-end banquet, you're reciting poetry."
Liu Shanlong burst into laughter.
Then he turned to his younger brother, Liu Jianglong.
"How's the lead-zinc mine in Caiyun Province coming along?"
"The land clearance and compensation were completed with Liu San personally overseeing it," Jianglong reported, pausing his mahjong play.
"Local departments have been supportive. But our submitted mining plan was recently rejected due to an incomplete environmental impact assessment."
"What?"
Liu Shanlong's expression turned grim.
"We're willing to spend money on environmental protection. Why the pushback?"
"Could be technical flaws in the report. Authorities want a better version. We're redoing it now for resubmission."
"Maybe you should reach out—see where the resistance is."
"They're not taking private meetings. Told me everything must follow protocol."
"Fine. Work a little harder. Push to get the plan approved."
He sighed, then smiled.
"Alright, enough moping. Let's keep playing!"
Just then, an assistant jogged over with a few newspapers.
"Chairman Liu, today's papers—would you like to take a look?"
"Just leave them there. I'm enjoying myself right now."
The assistant set them down on a side table and turned to leave—but Liu called out again:
"Actually, read them to us! We'll listen while we play mahjong."
"Yes, sir!"
The assistant picked up the top paper.
"Read something interesting. Skip sewer repairs or missing puppies."
"How about a big story from today—just aired on CCTV last night. It's a mining industry headline."
"A mining story?"
Liu Shanlong perked up.
"Perfect. Our group is going into mining, and we've made good progress. I want to hear this!"
"Very well."
The assistant cleared his throat and began:
"'Huizhou Province discovers China's largest molybdenum deposit—also the largest in Asia and second-largest in the world! According to reports, Shazhai Molybdenum Company, founded less than a year ago…'"
"Hold it!"
Liu suddenly yelled.
One executive who had just drawn a pair of nines froze mid-move, retracting his hand sheepishly.
"Never mind. I misread—I don't even have a pair of nines."
He thought Liu was objecting to his play. But in fact, Liu's concern was elsewhere.
"Did you say Shazhai Molybdenum Company?"
The assistant flinched, worried he'd read something wrong. He double-checked.
"Yes, sir. That's what it says. Why?"
"Who's the legal rep of that company? Is it Li Tang?"
Liu let his tiles clatter onto the table.
"The article doesn't mention the legal rep—or Li Tang's name," the assistant said nervously.
"Shazhai Molybdenum…"
Liu looked at his brother.
"Do you remember this?"
"I remember now. Li Tang was the one who proposed it—he invited us to invest in a molybdenum mining project in Huizhou Province."
Back when talks first began, Liu Jianglong had gone to Yanjing to meet with Li Tang in person.
The group had actually agreed to invest, committing 10 million yuan. Internally, the board had approved joining Shazhai Molybdenum Company.
But when Liu Shanlong went to Huizhou to formally sign the deal, he suddenly backed out at the last minute, pulling out of the project.
Liu Jianglong never really knew why his older brother had changed his mind. Since it was only 10 million yuan, he didn't ask too many questions.
At the time, their biggest project was still the lead-zinc mine in Caiyun Province, where they'd already invested over 1 billion yuan.
"Shazhai Molybdenum Company... that was the name, right?" Liu Shanlong asked.
"It did sound familiar," Liu Jianglong replied, taking a deep breath. "But it's been too long—I'm not totally sure."
Liu Shanlong also felt the name rang a bell. He turned to his assistant.
"Tell us exactly what this article is saying."
The assistant carefully flipped through the paper and summarized,
"This report has been featured on the front page of nearly every mining media outlet. Huizhou Province has discovered a deposit with 2.3 million tons of reserves, surpassing Luoyi Molybdenum to become the largest molybdenum mine in China."
"Look again," Liu said.
"Does it mention anything about the company—Shazhai Molybdenum?"
The assistant double-checked.
"No details about the company itself. But it does say the company invested 30 million yuan and found the deposit within just a few months. The mine's estimated market value exceeds 100 billion yuan."
"Thirty million… What a coincidence."
Liu Shanlong vividly remembered: when Li Tang first pitched the idea of founding a molybdenum company, the planned exploration budget was exactly 30 million—split evenly between Hongda Group, Kunshang Group, and Gaolu Potash, each contributing 10 million.
The more he thought about it, the more suspicious he became.
Suppressing his growing frustration, he gave instructions.
"Get me Xiao Yongyue. And call Lu Shengwen over here too."
"Yes, sir."
The assistant took off at a sprint. First, he sent someone to fetch Lu Shengwen, then picked up the phone and called Xiao Yongyue.
After a brief explanation, he returned with the phone.
"Boss Xiao is on the line."
"Busy right now?"
"You're in Huizhou? So you've heard the big news in the mining world?"
"You're at Shazhai Molybdenum's office? Celebrating?"
"That 100-billion-level deposit you found—was that the project you invested in with Li Tang?"
"It's even bigger than Luoyi Molybdenum? Well, congratulations. Huge returns from a relatively small investment."
"I pulled out of that deal because I was swamped in Caiyun. Otherwise, I never would've walked away."
"Alright, we'll catch up later. I've got something going on here."
After hanging up, Liu Shanlong smashed the phone down on the mahjong table with a loud bang. The device remained unscathed, but the tiles scattered noisily.
"What's wrong?"
Only Liu Jianglong dared to ask.
"It's really Li Tang's project," Liu Shanlong said through clenched teeth, picking up the paper and flipping through it again.
The more he read, the more he understood. And the more he understood, the angrier he got—like a volcano about to erupt.
When he finally set the paper down, Liu Jianglong picked it up and read through it himself.
Then both brothers fell silent.
The lakeside pavilion was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Clack clack clack...
The assistant returned with Lu Shengwen, their foreign-educated technical advisor.
Though it was a day off and most of the Hongda executives were enjoying a lakefront retreat, Lu Shengwen had still come along. As a technical pillar of the group, he was included in these outings, though he usually didn't sit with the top brass.
He had been playing mahjong just a few tables away. Born in Yizhou, he loved the game.
But when summoned by Liu Shanlong, he left his match and ran over, out of breath.
"Chairman Liu, what can I do for you?" he asked between gasps.
"Remember Shazhai Molybdenum Company?"
Liu stared straight at him.
Lu immediately sensed the tension in the air. Trying to stay composed, he replied,
"Yes. A few months ago, I accompanied you to Huizhou to assess the project. We withdrew afterward and didn't follow up."
"Have you seen today's news?" Liu handed him the paper.
One glance—and Lu Shengwen knew he was in trouble. His hands shook as he held the article.
"I-I-I…" he stammered, unable to meet anyone's gaze.
"How could this happen?"
He could barely speak.
"Was pulling out your decision?" Liu Jianglong stood up and shouted.
"Ten million! In just a few months, it could've turned into hundreds of millions! And we missed the perfect opportunity!"
He clenched his fist, tempted to punch Lu then and there. Years of business discipline and a well-fitted suit were the only things keeping him from exploding.
"If Liu San were here," he said, "he would've chopped you into pieces and fed you to the fish!"
It wasn't an idle threat.
Everyone in the company knew Liu San's reputation—ruthless and fearsome.
Even mentioning his name made people tremble.
Lu Shengwen began to shake uncontrollably. He had no idea what punishment might befall him next.
"Alright, alright. It's not entirely Lu Shengwen's fault," Liu Shanlong finally said.
Seeing how terrified the man was, he pulled Liu Jianglong back.
"We brought him in as a high-level talent. We still value him. But mistakes have consequences. So—throw him in the lake to cool off. Maybe he'll think more clearly in the future."
Lu didn't know whether to take it literally.
But when several men started closing in, he panicked.
"Chairman Liu, I was wrong!" he cried.
"It's just a bath," Liu said calmly.
Lu saw that no one was holding weapons. He relaxed slightly.
"No need to trouble anyone. I'll jump in myself."
With three quick steps, he climbed the railing and leapt into the lake.
Splash! Water flew everywhere.
Thousands of ornamental koi scattered in fear.
Soaked from head to toe, Lu Shengwen felt the cold lake water seep into his bones—and the blazing sun beat down on his face.
But he didn't climb out.
Instead, he let himself float, drifting quietly across the surface.
When he got too tired to swim, he lay on his back, motionless, letting the water carry him.
Until someone summoned him, he didn't dare get out.
At least floating there, his life still felt safe.
Seeing this, Liu Shanlong's rage began to fade. He waved to the others:
"Forget about him. Let's keep playing mahjong."
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