Rebirth of the Mining Tycoon

Chapter 36: An Arrogant Frog in the Well?

"They clearly don't skimp when it comes to R&D. Just this office building alone is a major investment. Looks like Zise Mining is doing pretty well," Lu Kanqing said, clicking his tongue in admiration.

"Zise Mining may be a county-level state-owned enterprise," Director Lü Fengnian added, "but it's already a rising star in all of Jian'an Province. Their annual revenue surpassed 100 million last year. Of course, they still can't compare to Wukuang Group, or even to Mining and Metallurgy Co. But considering they were only founded in '93, to have developed to this level already is remarkable."

While they waited, Lü continued praising the company without reserve. "What's especially commendable is that their general manager, Chen Jinhe, is a very tech-oriented leader. You can see that from the existence of this research institute. Their investment in exploration and metallurgy R&D is truly generous."

Breaking 100 million yuan in annual revenue by 1999 was no small feat.

But even so, they still couldn't hold a candle to Wukuang Group.

Who would have guessed that one day this modest county-level enterprise would stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Wukuang?

Just then, Hao Zhengzhi rushed into the waiting room in his dusty overalls. "Sorry! Something went wrong at the pilot plant, and I had to go check it out first thing this morning. Sorry for being late, everyone."

He was disheveled and breathless—not exactly how you'd expect a research institute director to present himself to visiting guests.

But looked at another way, if even the institute director was this hands-on, it spoke volumes about the work ethic of this enterprise.

"Not a problem," Zhao Hepu stood and extended his hand, not the least bit bothered by Hao's dirty palms. "I'm Zhao Hepu from Wukuang Mining and Metallurgy Co. Pleased to meet you, Director Hao."

"Director Lü already briefed me on your visit," Hao said, staying on his feet and waving off the others who stood to greet him. "Please, you all sit. I'll stay standing."

"We've been sitting all morning anyway—it's good to stretch a bit," Zhao said, also remaining on his feet.

Hao didn't waste time. "You've come here to discuss a joint project on bioleaching. Personally, I welcome the idea—especially since you represent a major state-owned enterprise from Yanjing, with capital and vision. And of course, you're friends with Director Lü. Your involvement would definitely strengthen this research effort. But…"

Zhao noticed his hesitation and immediately felt a twinge of unease. "Is there a problem?"

Hao was a technical man—not the type to beat around the bush. "This is something only our general manager can decide. But our GM, Mr. Chen, has been extremely busy lately. I passed along the proposal documents, but he hasn't replied. I suspect he saw it and just wasn't interested."

So this Chen guy was that arrogant?

Couldn't even be bothered to send a reply?

Zhao couldn't help but feel annoyed.

He was the general manager of a prominent national enterprise, traveling all the way to a small county. By rank alone, he should've been received personally by the GM of Zise Mining.

He was willing to overlook that.

But for a project involving cross-company collaboration—something that had been formally submitted—being completely ignored?

That was basic disrespect.

This was an arrogant company with an even more arrogant leader.

In a small county, a business with over 100 million in revenue might seem like a titan.

But on the national stage? That was nothing to brag about.

Zhao made a silent decision then and there: terminate all plans for cooperation.

Any partnership with a company like this would be doomed to frustration. He valued shared vision in business—and couldn't tolerate disorganized management.

"Well, in that case, we'll just—"

Before Zhao could finish saying "take our leave," someone interrupted him.

"Director Hao," Li Tang stepped forward, sensing Zhao's growing frustration. He lightly tapped Zhao's arm and said, "Isn't Zise Mining in the middle of a shareholding reform?"

"You know about that?" Hao asked, clearly surprised to hear such a thing from someone so young.

"I've heard a bit," Li Tang said, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place in his mind.

If the historical timeline was intact, Zise Mining was indeed in the final stages of its shareholding reform. By early 2000, they would complete a strategic restructuring. Shortly after that, they'd prepare for an IPO and, in 2003, successfully list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

With the influx of capital, Zise Mining would go on a rapid expansion spree—acquiring mines across China and even overseas. They would become China's leader in copper and gold reserves, and among the top in production and reserves of other metals too.

At this moment, Zise was like an eagle poised to take flight.

"To be honest, Mr. Chen is very busy lately," Hao said, bowing slightly. "He hasn't replied to your proposal yet, and for that I sincerely apologize."

Sensing that Hao was wrapping things up, Li Tang smiled and pressed on, "Director Hao, I know you're extremely busy. But please give me just a few minutes. I promise it'll be worth your time. If you miss this opportunity, it might become a huge regret."

Bold words.

But Hao wasn't offended. He didn't seem particularly interested either. He simply glanced at his watch, hiding his impatience. "Alright—please be brief."

"We came here with advanced technology," Li Tang said directly. "Better than what you currently have."

That caught Hao's attention.

He looked from Li Tang to Lü Fengnian. "And this is…?"

"His name is Li Tang," Lü said, surprisingly remembering it. "He's not with our institute—he's a technician from Wukuang Group."

"You're saying your tech is more advanced than ours? You mean bioleaching?" Hao asked, eyebrows raised.

When it came to this field, Hao had absolute confidence. He felt like a lone warrior waiting for a worthy opponent.

Now a young technician was claiming to outmatch his entire research team?

He didn't buy it.

In his mind, his team's work in biohydrometallurgy was cutting-edge, unmatched anywhere in China.

"Yes, I mean bioleaching," Li Tang confirmed with a nod.

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