Chapter 145: A Foreigner, Really?
"You feel restricted?"
Niu Fu nodded, acknowledging Li Tang's words.
"All of us operate within rules. No one stands above the law, and very few escape the constraints of society. You're still young. With time, you'll come to understand that."
"I understand what you're saying." Li Tang didn't argue—it wasn't worth it. "But I've made up my mind to leave."
"Where will you go?"
Niu had mentally prepared himself for this moment, but he was still disappointed. "Back to Qianzhou Province? Rejoin Geological Team 101?"
"No. I'll be staying in Yanjing. This is the best place to showcase one's abilities."
"Under the shadow of the capital, is there a better stage than Wukuang Group?"
Niu took pride in being part of Wukuang. It was in his blood.
"Wukuang gave me a lot, and I'm deeply grateful," Li Tang said sincerely.
"What are your plans after leaving?"
"I'm starting a company and staying in the mineral industry."
"You have solid skills in mineral exploration and metallurgy, and even a sharp sense of the market. But once you step outside Wukuang's national-level backing, people won't respect you the same. Especially in this field—private firms don't survive easily, at least not in China."
"I know. Working in a state-owned enterprise is like growing in a greenhouse. It's warm, safe, and secure. Outside, you're exposed to the elements—risk is everywhere."
Li Tang agreed with Niu's perspective, but his tone remained firm. "Still, I want to give it a try."
"How far are you trying to go? What's your goal?"
"Maybe one day, I'll build a company as large as Wukuang Group."
"As big as Wukuang?"
Niu didn't sugarcoat it. "I don't think you'll succeed."
"I'm young. I can afford to fail."
Li Tang wasn't offended in the slightest.
That answer shut Niu Fu up.
He had prepared a long speech to talk Li Tang into staying.
But looking at that young, determined face—maybe Li Tang was right.
Too much early success might not be a good thing.
Only after enduring setbacks, witnessing the fickleness of people, and facing the harsh realities of the world, can a person truly mature.
"A little time away may be good for you."
Niu sighed, then looked up and said sincerely:
"When you're ready to return, come directly to me."
"I won't forget."
"If you have a clear project in mind and need Wukuang's support, you can always talk to us.
I hope you'll still consider this your home—a place you can come back to when needed."
"Thank you, President Niu!"
Li Tang stood and gave a small bow, then added:
"My resignation had nothing to do with Director Ou, Director Zhao, or Director Qin.
This was entirely my own decision.
Lately, I've heard rumors inside the company, so I wanted to clarify things to you personally."
He didn't want his departure to cause problems for Qin Jianshe—he owed him too much.
But he was just one person. All he could do was explain. What happened next was beyond his control.
Niu's wide face showed no change in expression. He just nodded slightly.
"I understand."
"I won't disturb your work any longer." Li Tang turned to leave.
"Be sure to say goodbye to Ou Pingguo. He's also very concerned about whether you're staying or going."
"Alright."
Li Tang said farewell to the leaders and colleagues he was close to and officially completed his resignation.
He didn't even attend Zhou Tianqi's retirement party.
He didn't have a good impression of that man and felt no need to fake pleasantries.
Before the end of the year, his apartment renovations were finished—one major task crossed off the list.
He boarded a plane and joyfully returned to Qianzhou for the New Year.
Before the Geological Bureau's break began, they held a lively celebration.
Geological teams from various cities prepared performances, and all the staff gathered to celebrate.
Hearing that Li Tang was back early for the holiday, they invited him to attend the event.
They even arranged for him to sit front and center in the first row—a spot usually reserved for Han Dexun.
After the celebration, the Bureau distributed generous New Year gifts and issued full salaries and bonuses.
Especially for Team 101, this year's bonuses broke records, making others jealous.
In addition to his impressive bonus, Li Zaiqiang received a 500,000 yuan project commission.
Naturally, such a large sum was immediately handed over to the family's "finance minister."
They had expected many visitors over the holiday, so the family retreated to their countryside home for peace and quiet.
Before New Year's Eve, they visited neighbors, attending "pig-killing feasts."
After the holiday, Li Tang's days were filled with feeding chickens and ducks with his grandparents,
leading the old ox to graze in lush fields, or catching fat carp in the rice-paddy creeks.
He stayed in a wooden loft, with terraced fields stretching in front of the house and green mountains in the distance.
That simple, carefree life flew by. In the blink of an eye, the Lantern Festival had passed.
Young adults in the village began to leave again, continuing their pursuit of life elsewhere.
Li Tang and his parents also said goodbye to his grandparents and returned to the city.
After a few days at home, Li Tang flew back to Yanjing.
He told his parents about the house he'd bought there, but they didn't have time to visit yet.
So he moved in himself—enjoying the feeling of having a home right in the heart of the capital.
A 180-square-meter unit with a spacious 20-square-meter balcony.
Being a walk-up apartment with minimal shared space, the usable area was huge.
He Runqi had already visited the new place, but every time he came, he was still amazed.
Unfortunately, his own apartment wasn't finished yet.
Besides He Runqi, seven other colleagues had returned from vacation and came to visit.
They looked at the pristine walls and brand-new furniture and appliances with envy.
Compared to the cramped dorms, living in a place like this was true luxury.
"I brought some cured pork from home. Let's see how my cooking skills are," Li Tang said, carrying out a fruit tray and inviting everyone to relax.
The sofa was huge. Even with everyone sitting side by side, it didn't feel crowded.
"Li Tang, I've completed my resignation paperwork," He Runqi said, full of mixed emotions.
"Really?"
Li Tang was delighted. Finally, he wasn't fighting alone.
Having subordinates meant no more fear—he had a team.
"The others are all non-staff employees.
They heard you started a company and resigned too, hoping to follow you," He explained.
The rest of the group looked at Li Tang nervously.
Everyone in the company had heard that working with Li Tang meant making good money.
They weren't officially registered employees—just temps.
They had no benefits, and nothing tied them to the company. Leaving was easy.
"I did start a company, but it's still early days. Things will be tough.
Everyone will need to work hard. Only if we grow will we all benefit."
Li Tang didn't recognize most of them. He gave a gentle warning:
"If you want to join me, fine. But this company doesn't carry dead weight. Do you understand?"
"We understand. We're all technical people—no slackers here."
"Working with you motivates us."
"The company's new. We're fine with low wages at the start."
Their attitude was good. No outrageous demands.
Li Tang thought it over.
Even though the company didn't have active projects, they still had ties to Zise Mining.
They needed someone to track the Qinglong Copper Mine's progress.
He couldn't do everything himself.
His plan had always been to build a tech-focused exploration firm. Hiring experienced technicians was essential.
He nodded.
"After lunch, I'll take you to the office.
He Runqi will record your details. Based on your qualifications and experience,
we'll set salaries using Wukuang's official pay scale. Sound good?"
They exchanged glances, all smiles.
Matching official pay was a big upgrade for them.
They had expected lower wages and were prepared for hardship.
This news was better than expected—and made them a little worried: could the new company really afford this?
After lunch, they arrived at the newly renovated 400-square-meter office. Spacious and bright—their voices echoed.
Hearing that this huge office was owned by Li Tang, everyone felt reassured.
They signed employment contracts on the spot.
Though the office still lacked equipment and a company sign, Li Tang wired funds to He Runqi, who took the team to buy desks, computers, printers, and other essentials.
The boss's desk and chair were already in place.
Li Tang sat in his private office, testing a few postures until he felt he looked like a proper CEO.
Once he had adapted to his new identity, the real challenge began.
Unlike before, now he had to handle everything—from project planning to financial management—and bear all the consequences.
How to use limited funds to flawlessly execute his first project?
His mind was full of fragmented memories from his past life.
Choosing the right one to act on would require careful thought.
But before he could finish planning, someone came knocking—offering a proposal for collaboration.
A foreigner, no less!
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