Chapter 46: Two Best Actors, Full of Drama
Chapter 46: Two Best Actors, Full of Drama
Li Zian walked over, smiling. “So it’s Jiahao. Why didn’t you call before coming? Your sister and I could have prepared to welcome you. You showed up so suddenly—we couldn’t even welcome you properly.”
Yu Jiahao smiled back. “You’re too kind, Brother-in-law. I’m here on business.”
Li Zian looked surprised. “What business brings you here?”
Yu Jiahao said, “I came for an inspection. I’m considering investing in a copper mine. These gentlemen are local officials. They brought me to see this copper mine. If it seems suitable, I’ll take it over. They mentioned that the mine’s rights holder owes a large Mineral Resource Compensation Fee. In business, you must value honesty—don’t you agree?”
Li Zian nodded. “Of course, of course.”
“By the way, Brother-in-law, do you know who holds the mining rights here?”
Li Zian pretended to think for a moment. “That would be your sister, I believe.”
Yu Jiahao feigned surprise. “Oh, that’s a problem. I probably shouldn’t be here to take over this mine, but these officials insisted on bringing me. Brother-in-law, what do you think I should do?”
Wang Cheng stood beside Li Zian, looking confused as he watched Li Zian and Yu Jiahao. He thought both were full of drama—far better actors than those on TV.
Li Zian chuckled. “Then go ahead and look. You’ve come all this way, after all. If you like it, buy it.”
Yu Jiahao froze.
You’re really playing your cards all wrong.
You should be begging me, then I can state my conditions.
That’s the right way to play the game.
Playing so recklessly makes things awkward—did you even realize?
Before Yu Jiahao could say anything more, Li Zian turned and walked away. As he passed Wang Cheng, he said, “Mine Manager Wang, could we speak privately?”
Wang Cheng nodded and followed Li Zian.
“Did you greet all the officials?”
“I did, but they mostly ignored me,” Wang Cheng replied.
“Later, they’ll take Yu Jiahao to see the mine. You lead them. Take the hardest routes, show them the most barren areas. Along the way, tell them General Manager Yu has already invested hundreds of millions.”
“Is it really that much?” Wang Cheng looked astonished.
Li Zian lowered his voice. “Never mind. Just say it. Most importantly—don’t mention a word about the mineral vein. Warn your crew to keep quiet about it too.”
Wang Cheng nodded. “I understand.”
“Go brief your men. I’ll stall them for a few more minutes.” Li Zian stopped.
Wang Cheng acknowledged and hurried off.
Li Zian turned and walked toward the officials, a big smile on his face. “If Mine Manager Wang hadn’t told me, I wouldn’t have known you honorable leaders were here. Welcome to the Jingua Copper Mine for inspection and guidance.”
The officials stared at him expressionlessly. Only one gave a slight nod and grunted, then said nothing more.
These officials were here for money—to bring in an investor and pull funding. Naturally, they wouldn’t be friendly to someone unknown. Even if it were Yu Meilin here, they probably wouldn’t give her much respect either.
Ge Jun sneered. “Isn’t it a bit late to beg now? Kneeling and pleading won’t help.”
Li Zian ignored him. In front of the officials, he wouldn’t bicker with Ge Jun. He simply said, “Honorable leaders, please feel free to look around. I’ll have the Kitchen prepare a meal. Would you stay for lunch?”
“No need,” one official answered coldly.
Another official smiled at Yu Jiahao. “Mr. Yu, shall we proceed to the mine?”
Yu Jiahao smiled politely. “Please.”
The officials led the way.
Yu Jiahao approached Li Zian and paused. “Where is Yu Meilin?”
“I’m not sure. I haven’t seen her since waking up. Probably went to borrow money,” Li Zian said.
“She won’t get any loans. With New Star Company’s situation, no bank would approve. She’ll have to borrow from me—her last chance.”
Li Zian nodded. “Alright, I’ll talk to her. After all, we’re family. Families should help each other.”
Yu Jiahao sneered. “Why do your words sound so insincere? Just as fake as you are.”
Li Zian shrugged. “I tell you what you want to hear, and you find it untrue. Must I call you a heartless monster in fine clothing for you to believe me?”
“You!” Yu Jiahao’s face flushed with anger, and he raised a hand.
Li Zian wore an earnest expression. “If you want to hit me, go ahead. I won’t fight back.”
He truly wouldn’t hit back—but if Yu Jiahao’s palm or fist made contact, Li Zian would immediately collapse and pretend to faint right there in front of the officials.
Yu Jiahao took a deep breath, suppressed his rage, and lowered his hand.
“You’re something. Just because of what you said, even if this copper mine costs me a hundred million, I’m buying it.” With that, Yu Jiahao followed the officials.
Ge Jun walked past Li Zian with the fashionable woman in the Spaghetti Strap Dress. He snorted. “Little Rascal, you’re finished!”
Li Zian grinned. “Miss, what’s your relationship with my cousin sister? Is he any good?”
The fashionable woman rolled her eyes at him.
Once everyone had entered the Mining Site, Li Zian took out his Mobile Phone. Before he could dial, the Housekeeper called.
“Zian, are those people still causing trouble at the copper mine?” Yu Meilin got straight to the point, sounding anxious.
Li Zian said, “They all left.”
“They all left?”
“Didn’t I tell you I know the Village Chief of Jingua Village? I made a call, and he came to take everyone back.”
Yu Meilin laughed. “You’re really capable. Good thing I brought you this time—otherwise, I wouldn’t know what to do.”
“Yu Jiahao is here.”
“Yu Jiahao… Why did he come?” Her voice was full of surprise.
“He brought a few local government officials. Not sure which departments. They want to inspect our copper mine. He’s trying to pressure you into accepting his terms.”
“They mustn’t find out about the mineral vein.”
“Don’t worry, I’ve arranged everything. By the way…”
Yu Meilin suddenly cut him off. “Wait, why did the account receive another twenty million? Could it be a transfer error?”
Li Zian chuckled. “That’s what I borrowed from Mr. Wen. Since you owe the local government Mineral Resource Compensation Fee, now that you have the money, hurry and pay it. Then come back and pay the villagers’ workers.”
“You… How did you borrow so much?”
“I called Mr. Wen, and he lent it.”
“He trusts you that much?” Yu Meilin couldn’t believe it.
“He runs a casino. To him, this is small change. Besides, it’s not free—we have to repay it. I also owe him a favor, which I’ll need to return.”
“No, but…”
“Let’s talk when you get back. Go pay the fee first. If we don’t owe the local government money, they can’t touch us. If they force us to leave, they’ll have to compensate for the loss,” Li Zian said.
“Alright, I’ll go to the finance bureau to pay now.” Yu Meilin hung up.
Li Zian put away his Mobile Phone and headed toward the mine, but then a WeChat notification sounded.
Somehow, he had a feeling it was probably Mu Chuntao.
He hesitated, then took out his phone again and checked the message.
Sure enough, it was from Mu Chuntao.
King Kong Lolita: Where are you?
Li Zian replied: I’m in Yun Di.
King Kong Lolita: Traveling with Yu Meilin?
Li Zian replied: Travel? No, we came to the mine for business.
King Kong Lolita: Are you sleeping together?
Li Zian: …
King Kong Lolita sent a laughing-crying emoji: Just kidding. I bet you’re sleeping in separate rooms, right?
Li Zian replied: Got anything else? If not, I’m busy here.
King Kong Lolita: When are you coming back?
Li Zian replied: Probably in a few days.
King Kong Lolita: I just wanted to know when you’re returning. I’m fine now—go handle your stuff.
Li Zian smiled wryly, put away his phone, and went to the Mining Site.
“General Manager Li, Mine Manager Wang took them up the mountain. Do you want to follow?” a mine employee asked Li Zian.
Li Zian said, “No need. Did Mine Manager Wang brief all of you?”
“Yes, we didn’t say anything. There are still dozens of men at the River Bend. Should I call them back?”
Li Zian said, “No need. Go tell the men there too, then stay put. I’ll let you know when to bring them back.”
“Got it!” The employee jogged off.
People at the lower rungs of society were really simple and easy to get along with. Treat them to a good meal, share a drink, and they became close. They listened to you and carried out tasks efficiently. But the higher you go, the more complicated it gets. Those at higher levels were suspicious—every word spoken, they wondered about hidden motives.
Li Zian moved a stool under a tree. He had done all he could; now he just waited for Yu Jiahao to make his move.
Dozens of miners had nothing to do. They squatted under the eaves of the Prefabricated Panel House, smoking and chatting.
“General Manager Yu’s Husband is so handsome.”
“Don’t you think General Manager Li looks like a celebrity?”
“Which one?”
“Let me think…”
“Think a hammer! Our General Manager Li looks like Wu Yanzu. Can’t you see it?”
“Oh, right—that’s who I meant!”
“Right hammer—is Wu Yanzu as good-looking as our General Manager Li?”
“Exactly, our General Manager Li is way more handsome.”
The Prefabricated Panel House was only a few meters from the tree. The rough-spoken men chatted loudly; Li Zian couldn’t help but hear.
He liked listening to their unvarnished truths.
“Guys, extra food at lunch today! But no alcohol—you’re still working this afternoon. Tonight, drinks are on me!” Li Zian said, smiling.
“General Manager Li is awesome!”
“General Manager Li rules!”