Chapter 375: The Gold Rush Still Exists
After arranging his affairs, Li Tang flew directly back to Yanjing from Hong Kong.
He Runqi had also returned from Canada.
"Let me first give you an update on the Shapoluo gold mine project."
He entered Li Tang's office without formality, plopped down onto the sofa, and poured himself some tea, taking a casual sip. "We made a thorough inspection around Shapoluo town, looking for any surface outcrops of gold-bearing strata, but didn't find anything significant. However, chemical analysis of water samples did show elevated levels of some gold-indicator elements. We drilled a few shallow holes near some fault zones to test further."
"How were the results?" Li Tang himself didn't have much confidence they would find a significant gold deposit near Shapoluo so quickly.
After all, Canada was one of the world's most thoroughly prospected countries, especially when it came to gold. Every potential gold-rich area had already been thoroughly examined multiple times. Geologists from the Ontario Geological Association generally agreed that aside from the Red Lake district, finding another major gold-producing area in Ontario was nearly impossible, as decades of exploration had proven.
Naturally, no one could speak in absolute terms. Small, hidden deposits were sometimes overlooked, but finding a large gold deposit near Shapoluo, an area with zero historical gold discoveries, would seem almost magical.
Bill, frustrated after Li Tang left, had returned to Toronto, lamenting to his colleagues that he had missed out on Li Tang's unique exploration methods—a significant regret for him. Since Li Tang hadn't personally revisited the project, Bill himself also lost interest and hadn't even traveled to the site yet. Being retired, no one could force him otherwise.
"We struck gold," He Runqi calmly declared. Having traveled globally with Li Tang, discovering numerous world-class deposits, he'd developed a composed attitude even toward significant finds.
He casually handed Li Tang a document. "Here's the exploration data. Want to take a look?"
Li Tang picked up the report, glanced briefly, and smiled, nodding with satisfaction. "The initial results look promising. Two of these drill samples indicate gold grades exceeding five grams per tonne."
"Exactly. By our domestic exploration standards, these results are already above the industrial-grade threshold, with thicknesses over one meter," He Runqi agreed, pointing out details on the data sheet. "There are even thicker intervals of lower-grade mineralization. Look here—this particular hole recorded a mineralized zone exceeding ten meters."
"What type of gold deposit are we dealing with?" Li Tang asked.
"You guessed right previously. It's a quartz-vein type gold deposit hosted in fault zones. Clearly, structural controls dominate the mineralization."
"That sounds different from Guanling and closer to Gongcun," Li Tang remarked thoughtfully.
"Yes, it's very similar to the Gongcun copper-gold deposit. The ore bodies are irregularly scattered along fault structures of varying sizes. The complexity makes exploration challenging," He Runqi frowned slightly, clearly troubled by the technical difficulties this posed.
"What did Barrick Gold say? What's their next move?" Li Tang asked.
"With promising initial drilling results, Barrick didn't hesitate. They immediately committed to expanded exploration efforts." He Runqi grinned, adding with a playful wink, "Mark rushed over immediately after hearing the good news, enthusiastically announcing increased funding and more intensive drilling. Right now, the entire team is busy revising the exploration plan to drill extensively around these promising initial boreholes."
"Mark must have been thrilled—yet he didn't even call me to share the good news," Li Tang complained jokingly.
"He treats us with enormous respect now, frequently checking in and significantly upgrading our accommodations—regularly flying in premium food like seafood, steaks, and fine bread," He Runqi laughed heartily, clearly enjoying the newfound recognition at the Shapoluo project.
"I didn't expect Mark to be this thoughtful," Li Tang remarked, mildly surprised.
"Recently, Mark even brought along Barrick's exploration technical team to ask for our input on the next stage of exploration," He Runqi boasted enthusiastically. "You know what I told them? Structural gold deposits are notoriously difficult to explore because they're hidden and irregular. The most effective method is a dense drilling grid. While expensive, it's the only way not to miss a significant deposit."
Li Tang nodded, fully understanding from experience at Gongcun. "True, it's very costly."
"Well, those costs are none of my concern!" He Runqi proclaimed boldly—perhaps irresponsibly—though fortunately, Mark wasn't present to overhear such comments. Otherwise, he might have reacted strongly.
Li Tang laughed without scolding him. "A blunt way to put it, but you're basically correct."
"Exactly. I don't care how much Barrick spends. The more gold they find, the bigger our reward! I simply told them to drill intensively around all structural targets, leaving no major deposit undiscovered." He Runqi was in high spirits. "Whether they adopt my suggestions or not, that's up to them."
"We're just advisors; there's no need to burden ourselves unnecessarily," Li Tang agreed with his judgment.
He Runqi chuckled, unfolding a map he'd previously laid aside, pointing at Shapoluo town. "Mark may not know much about exploration, but he's incredibly sharp. As soon as gold was found, Barrick immediately applied for exploration rights covering a hundred-kilometer radius around Shapoluo town."
Before Li Tang could reply, He Runqi continued, tapping on major fault zones indicated on the map. "After confirming structural gold mineralization, every fault in this area is now a prospective target. Who knows? Maybe beneath one of these faults lies a large gold deposit waiting to be discovered."
"I'd do the same in Mark's shoes," Li Tang agreed, unsurprised.
Whenever a new, potentially large deposit was discovered, it implied the emergence of a new gold district. Sister deposits were inevitably located nearby. Once news spread about Shapoluo's gold discovery, other Canadian exploration teams would quickly swarm in, hoping to stake their claims.
The gold rush spirit still existed today.
"I have a feeling we might indeed uncover at least one large-scale deposit around Shapoluo town," He Runqi said confidently, encouraged by initial results and a clear exploration strategy. He looked at Li Tang with admiration and curiosity. After all, they'd only started exploring Shapoluo due to Li Tang's insistence. Once again, Li Tang's judgment proved extraordinarily accurate.
"Just proceed methodically with the project," Li Tang instructed calmly. Now that they'd located initial mineralization, further exploration was a straightforward process of following these promising leads. His involvement would now be minimal—merely waiting for results.
"When I flew out of Toronto, I bumped into Alice briefly. She told me you sold off Gongcun and Tropicana mines?" He Runqi asked, still surprised by the news.
"I needed capital for other investments. Don't worry about it," Li Tang replied casually, sticking to his principle of letting specialists handle their respective tasks.
"I'd considered helping oversee Gongcun's development since I understand its geology well," He Runqi sighed, then asked curiously, "How much did Gongcun fetch?"
"800 million RMB," Li Tang answered simply.
"800 million?" He Runqi exclaimed loudly, clearly impressed. "That's a hefty sum!"
"It was a fair price. If I weren't urgently needing cash, I could've waited two more years and gotten even more," Li Tang explained calmly.
"Makes sense," He Runqi nodded. After trying repeatedly to understand Li Tang's broader investment strategies, he'd given up, content simply to trust Li Tang's judgment, doing whatever Li Tang assigned him without further overthinking.
He didn't bother asking Li Tang what investments he was making with the money, but instead showed more interest in the company's internal matters: "I just came back and noticed more than half of the employees are gone. Where did they all run off to?"
"Our old class monitor is getting married in a few days, so everyone went over to lend a hand."
"I rushed back thinking I could help out, but it seems they all abandoned me and left early."
"If they waited for you, they wouldn't have made it on time," Li Tang teased. He glanced at He Runqi, adding, "Get yourself cleaned up; we should head out soon too. Our university classmates haven't met in years. Almost everyone living nearby plans to attend the class monitor's wedding. It's a rare opportunity to reunite, so make sure you dress appropriately—don't embarrass our company by showing up in your usual work gear!"
"No way I'd show up in work clothes—definitely a suit!" He Runqi laughed cheerfully. "The class monitor even asked me to be his best man!"
"Me too," Li Tang replied with a grin.
Dai Yingchi's hometown was in the northeast, less than a thousand kilometers from Yanjing.
Rather than taking a flight and dealing with layovers, Li Tang and the others decided to have a company driver drive them directly. Having their own vehicle made the schedule more flexible, allowing them to come and go freely.
The car traveled smoothly along the expressway, passing flat expanses of farmland, tall factory chimneys, and traditional houses built from red bricks and dark tiles…
The county was small, without any tall buildings, except for a single 20-story hotel standing prominently in its center.
Dai Yingchi's wedding was set at this hotel, the best available locally. Its ground floor was festively decorated with colorful lights and ribbons. At the entrance stood a large wedding portrait of Dai Yingchi and Xiao Lu, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere.
Friends and relatives who'd traveled from afar stayed conveniently upstairs.
By the time Li Tang arrived with Li Xinqi, they were among the last guests to arrive.
Coinciding with the holiday season, nearly seven years after their graduation, classmates living nearby eagerly took this opportunity to reunite and celebrate their old class monitor's marriage.
"Mr. Li, we reserved a special suite just for you. It certainly can't compare to the hotels back in Yanjing, so please bear with the modest accommodations," Dai Yingchi, dressed neatly in his suit and wearing a red flower pinned to his chest, hurried over to greet Li Tang upon hearing of his arrival.
"Class Monitor, you're the groom; these days you're the most important—and certainly the most handsome—one here!" Li Tang quickly corrected Dai Yingchi's overly formal greeting. "Just call me Li Tang. Calling me Mr. Li is fine in the office, but here in your hometown, it just feels awkward."
Turning to the woman next to him, Li Tang introduced her: "This is my girlfriend, Li Xinqi. You've met before."
They frequently gathered socially back in Yanjing, so everyone was already familiar.
"Hi, Qiqi!" Xiao Lu approached, wearing an elegant red bridal robe. Though petite, today she appeared especially radiant and charming.
"I brought you some jewelry as a gift. Here, let me give it to you now," Li Xinqi said warmly, handing Xiao Lu a carefully selected piece.
"Thank you so much!" Xiao Lu glanced at the jewelry, instantly enchanted and reluctant to put it down, clearly recognizing its considerable value.
Li Tang then turned back to Dai Yingchi. "How's the wedding preparation going? Where can I help out?"
"Our colleagues from the company, nearly a hundred people, took care of everything so thoroughly that my relatives didn't even have a chance to lend a hand. They're mostly just watching and relaxing," Dai Yingchi explained, pointing at the groups nearby happily chatting and playing cards. He hesitated, then earnestly added, "Li—Li Tang, thank you. Without you sending all these coworkers over to help, we never could've managed preparations so smoothly."
"It wasn't my idea; everyone volunteered themselves!" Li Tang laughed, genuinely happy to see the company's strong camaraderie. "Honestly, our colleagues also just wanted an excuse for an early vacation and to join the fun. Everyone's been having a great time, so we should be thanking you and Xiao Lu—and congratulations!"
Dai Yingchi felt overwhelmed with gratitude but struggled to find adequate words. He understood that Li Tang's kindness always lay hidden in small gestures.
"Our classmates come from all over the country. Fewer than a third made it this time, but it's still one of our largest reunions in years," Dai Yingchi said, ushering Li Tang forward. "They're all upstairs in a private room, playing chess, cards, and chatting."
Following Dai Yingchi upstairs, Li Tang casually asked, "Regarding last year's year-end bonus—you didn't actually receive much cash. Originally, the company planned to gift you a car, but we postponed giving it until now because of your wedding. Did you receive it yet?"
"You mean the car the company gifted Xiao Lu and me? Worth over a million, right?" Dai Yingchi exclaimed in awe. "In a small county like ours, people rarely see such luxurious vehicles. When the car arrived, news quickly spread throughout town. My parents felt proud hearing neighbors praise me for doing well."
"You don't like it?" Li Tang noticed Dai Yingchi wasn't exactly beaming with joy, aware his classmate preferred staying humble.
"It's not that I don't like it; it's just a bit too flashy," Dai Yingchi confessed, scratching his head shyly. "When I was accepted into the Geological University, I thought that would be my most glorious moment back home. This wedding, though, brought that feeling back again."
"As long as you like it!" Li Tang laughed casually. "Before choosing the car, the administration department specifically asked Xiao Lu about preferences. We chose white intentionally—to symbolize your lifelong happiness together!"
"It's perfect as a wedding car," Dai Yingchi finally broke into a genuine smile. "Li Tang, I heard the company is busy with some important investments recently. Are you sure you can afford the time away?"
"I already took care of everything important before coming here. Now I'm just waiting for updates and results," Li Tang explained. This was always his style: fully dedicated when working, carefree when relaxing.
During the trip here, Li Tang had enjoyed the peaceful landscape of plains and hills, finding the open scenery refreshing and comforting.
"After the wedding, I'll head straight back to Yanjing," Dai Yingchi suddenly mentioned.
"Why rush back?" Li Tang asked in surprise.
"There's work I feel anxious about not handling myself," Dai Yingchi admitted seriously.
Li Tang felt a bit annoyed. He reached out to put an arm around Dai Yingchi's shoulder, then realized his taller classmate was too big, making the gesture awkward. He quickly dropped his arm, insisting firmly, "I'm giving you two weeks off—this is an order!"
"I can't just relax; there's unfinished business, and I wouldn't feel comfortable," Dai Yingchi frowned.
"You'll have to endure it, even if you can't relax!"
"Honestly, it's not necessary…"
Before he could finish, the private room's door swung open, and He Runqi poked his head out. "I thought I heard voices—it had to be you guys! Hurry in, everyone's been waiting forever!"
The door opened wider, unleashing a burst of enthusiastic warmth.
"Ha—!"
"Li Tang, we heard you were arriving with He Runqi but didn't show your face till now!"
"In university, Li Tang always liked having fun and skipped the most classes!"
"Stop loitering around! Hurry inside; the wind's chilly out there!"
"You haven't gained any weight!"
"He Runqi definitely got fatter and darker. Looks like a little black pig!"
"Li Tang, this your girlfriend? So pretty! When's your wedding?"
Everyone eagerly crowded around, speaking rapidly and energetically.
Li Tang looked around at these familiar faces, flooded by memories from their youth. Any awkwardness from years apart vanished instantly amid joyful teasing and laughter.
This scene felt reminiscent of carefree university weekends, when their class monitor led outings followed by lively dinners. Although the table rarely held many dishes, spirits always soared, with everyone laughing, joking, and shouting excitedly.
In recent years, everyone had drifted apart, becoming busy with their own careers and families, rarely staying in touch.
Yet, deep down, each person always held onto the memories of these old friends. Now reunited, the long-suppressed longing poured forth like a fountain, transforming into brilliant, heartfelt smiles.
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