Chapter 144: This World Is Safe
Luo Qinzhong was truly caught off guard.
In the entire mining industry, who hadn't heard of Li Tang?
Even within Wukuang Group, it wasn't like everyone was blind or deaf—they had all seen the brilliance radiating from Li Tang.
Even in a place rife with internal power struggles, surely that chaos wouldn't reach a promising newcomer like him?
With talents like Li Tang's, how muddle-headed would Wukuang Group's leadership have to be to marginalize him?
"Is there something going on behind the scenes?" Luo asked, already guessing that there had to be more.
Everyone set down their skewers and turned their attention to Li Tang.
"It's nothing like that," Li Tang answered calmly. "I just feel constrained working within the system. I want more freedom."
His tone was light, but no one fully believed him. They all had their own suspicions.
Zhao Hepu, on the other hand, didn't hold back. He scoffed, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "You all heard about the Supervisory Board's investigation into Li Tang's cooperation with Huazhou Aluminum, right?"
"Your group's Supervisory Board even came to question me," Luo nodded. "But once the facts came to light, the case was closed. There were no violations."
"Lai, your plant director, and our President Niu both personally went to the Ministry to speak up for Li Tang. That speaks volumes," Zhao said, clearly more informed than the others.
"This thing—was crushed from the top. No follow-up, no case."
"The higher-ups are far wiser than we imagine."
"True leaders see who's really getting things done."
"Anyone can see that Li Tang's star is rising. He's clearly appreciated by the top brass. Who'd be stupid enough to sabotage that?"
"Don't need to name names—we all know who it was. Only that sly old fox would do something like report to the Supervisory Board.
The guy acts all upright, like a paragon of virtue, but he's always scheming behind the scenes."
"You can almost guess who it is," Qian Hao chimed in, still puzzled.
"But he's practically retired. Why stir the pot like that?"
At this point, everyone knew who they were talking about. No need to say the name—it was obvious.
"He had no choice. His son didn't turn out well."
"What do you mean?"
"His son works at the group's headquarters. He's no spring chicken, but still just a low-level employee—lazy, unmotivated, and going nowhere fast. A total deadweight.
But his grandson? Bright, freshly graduated, smart, articulate, hardworking—a real gem. Compared to the useless son, the grandson's a shining star.
Problem is, the old man's about to retire. If he doesn't pull strings now, no one's going to help promote the kid later."
"He's trying to push Yang Xueping up the ranks?" Qian Hao suddenly understood.
"If he doesn't make a move now, who's going to do him any favors once he's gone?"
Zhao laughed. "He's clearly betting everything on this last hand."
"All under heaven is for profit," Qian Hao lifted his beer. "Let's drink to the elders who scheme tirelessly for their families."
They clinked glasses.
"Li Tang, your resignation isn't just your personal decision anymore," Zhao said seriously.
Qin Jianshe couldn't bring it up, but Zhao had no such reservations.
"I'll say it outright: if you come back to the company, not only will you be promoted and treated the same as before, but…"
He nodded toward Qin Jianshe.
"If you return, Jianshe will definitely take over Zhou Tianqi's position."
"What? Seriously? That's how this works now?" Qian Hao exclaimed.
"Those weren't my words," Zhao said meaningfully. "That came straight from one of the top leaders."
Li Tang glanced at Qin Jianshe but didn't know how to respond.
Zhao took a bite of grilled lamb kidney, then continued casually,
"Li Tang, you're highly valued by the leadership. You might not realize it yet.
Here's a true story: President Niu proposed transferring you to the group headquarters as deputy director of the Technical Department…"
"That position's on the same level as Qin Jianshe," Qian Hao added. He understood the difference between ranks well.
Departments at group headquarters were technically on par with subsidiaries, but the actual power they held was on a completely different level.
Take Zhao Hepu, for example—he held the same rank as a department head, but ran a mining company like a regional warlord, with far more resources and influence.
Zhao nodded in agreement. "In these kinds of organizations, climbing too fast can make you a target.
Once you're in a high-profile spot, everyone's watching. A single mistake gets blown out of proportion.
Niu probably floated the idea to test reactions.
Sure enough, several deputy directors objected.
In the end, everyone agreed you'd be best kept at the Exploration Company.
Niu respected that consensus but insisted on giving you another fast-track promotion there.
If nothing unexpected happens, you'll be department head next year—and within three years, a deputy GM."
"Impressive," Luo raised his thumb.
"A rising star!" Qian lifted his glass. "To Li Tang—and to all of us who are lucky to know him!"
"You're too kind," Li Tang chuckled, a bit embarrassed.
He understood this was more than flattery—it was a carefully worded reminder.
"Of course, if you want to reach the top, the bar gets even higher.
You need more than technical skill. You need political savvy, communication skills, and most of all—loyalty."
Zhao grew serious again.
"Those who lack ability rely on tricks—cutting down their peers to climb. But someone with real talent, like you, Li Tang,
can ignore the shadows around you. Every company needs people who actually get things done."
He looked at Qin again.
"Coming back would help Jianshe immensely.
And think about it—if Jianshe becomes GM, your path inside the company would be completely unobstructed."
The whole pitch was about convincing Li Tang to return. It was logical, sincere, and well argued.
Li Tang understood the message. He raised his glass and toasted the group.
"Thank you all for your support over the past year. I'll never forget it.
But my leaving has nothing to do with anyone here.
Honestly, I just want to strike out on my own."
The others raised their glasses in silent respect.
It was clear that both Zhao and Qin hoped Li Tang would stay.
But from the look on his face, he wasn't changing his mind.
Seeing the silence around the table, Li Tang decided to explain himself.
"Before I resigned, I really was torn. Qin encouraged me to renew my contract, and I didn't say anything.
I hadn't decided whether to resign or not.
But deep down, I already knew I wanted to leave. That's why I wrote that resignation letter in advance."
"You're someone with deep feelings," Luo said quietly.
"Then, when I found out someone had reported me and Qin,
that's when I realized—I had to go."
Li Tang appreciated Zhao and Qin's effort to keep him around.
But this was his life.
No one else could make the choice for him.
So his decision would not waver.
He spoke from the heart, eyes bright.
"I think my talents will be better used outside. I plan to start my own business.
If I succeed, I will absolutely repay everyone who helped me.
And maybe one day, I'll be working with Wukuang Group as a partner.
That day isn't far off. When it comes, I hope we'll still be fighting side by side."
He lifted his glass again, smiling earnestly.
"The world isn't that big. We'll meet again."
Everyone joined him for a drink, offering silent blessings.
Zhao chewed his skewer quietly.
He'd said all he could. There was nothing more to add.
He now understood that Li Tang's mind was made up.
As silence fell over the table, Qin lifted his glass and smiled.
"Let's not pressure Li Tang with our expectations.
If I truly see him as a son—and I do—then I should support his choices.
Young people should chase their dreams. But I also believe staying with Wukuang is a path to greatness."
"Well said," Luo agreed. "Make the wrong move now, and it's hard to turn back later."
"Thank you all," Li Tang said sincerely. "I know the leadership has treated me well.
One of these days, I'll stop by and explain everything to President Niu in person."
"Good!" Qin's arm trembled from holding his glass so long.
"Let's drop the subject for now. Let's drink!"
They had another round.
After some hesitation, Luo spoke up again.
"Li Tang, going solo is risky. I still think you should get more experience in the system.
If you're not happy at Wukuang, why not join another company instead?"
"Luo's got an angle!" Qian exposed him with a laugh.
Luo didn't even flinch.
"Our Huazhou Aluminum Plant is restructuring—soon we'll be market-driven.
If you're interested, come join us at Hualü.
You'll have more freedom in job roles and salary."
Qian grabbed Li Tang's wrist.
"Come to Luoyi Molybdenum! I can't guarantee anything else—but name your price!"
"You guys have no shame," Zhao scoffed.
"Trying to poach him right in front of us. You call that manners?"
"All's fair in love and war," Luo smirked.
Qian boldly added,
"Li Tang's contract is up, right? He's free to choose.
We at Luoyi Molybdenum welcome him with open arms.
If it's mutual, what's the problem?"
"If you're that cocky, you're paying for dinner!" Zhao huffed.
"Come on, Zhao, that's low!"
"Who's really being low here?"
As they argued, Luo turned back to Li Tang.
"Qinglong Copper Mine is making waves in the industry.
Mining giants from abroad are already eyeing it. I heard one of them has approached Zise about a possible acquisition.
Clearly, they see the value in that deposit."
"Really?"
Li Tang hadn't followed the recent news about Qinglong.
"It's causing a global stir."
…
True to his word, the next day Li Tang visited Wukuang Exploration Company.
After greeting Qin Jianshe, he went straight to the top floor—to the group's headquarters.
Niu Fu was busy but put everything aside when he saw Li Tang.
"You finally showed up!"
"President Niu, hope I'm not interrupting."
"Interrupting? Don't say that. From now on, whatever you need—just come in. No need to knock."
Niu smiled. "Seeing you here really puts my mind at ease."
Li Tang could feel how much Niu valued him. That made the guilt of leaving even heavier.
"President Niu, I actually came today… to say goodbye."
Niu froze, then gently encouraged,
"Sit down and talk to me. Why do you want to leave?"
Compared to the anger he had shown Zhou Tianqi, seeing Li Tang's young, determined face—remembering all he had accomplished—filled Niu with pride and admiration.
He couldn't bring himself to be angry.
There was no blame—just hope that maybe Li Tang was here to negotiate, to discuss terms.
After all, how could a giant like Wukuang not meet the demands of one man?
"Honestly, it's my personality. I don't feel comfortable in the rigid structure of a state enterprise.
It always feels like there's a rope tied around my thoughts."
Li Tang wasn't being dramatic.
After his rebirth, he hadn't jumped straight into ambition mode.
He had first chosen to settle into the company.
He hadn't known whether his butterfly-wing movements would change the world.
For a while, he even doubted whether he'd landed in the same world.
But over the course of the year, he saw many things—many events—unfold in the same way as in his previous life.
Some changed due to his influence, but overall, the differences were minor and manageable.
There had been no massive sci-fi upheavals. No death gods coming for him.
This world was… safe.
At least, on the surface.
That was the conclusion he had come to over the past year.
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