The train driver in the courtyard

Deputy Leader Zhu of the Ministry of Mining has been in a good mood for the past two days.

This region has always been considered a uranium-poor country, with very little uranium ore.

The 915 Exploration Team has now discovered a large uranium mine in the Gobi Desert.

However, matters of strategy like this require special caution.

The Ministry of Mines did not report it immediately, but today it received a report from Professor Li, which made Leader Zhu very happy.

"In just a few days, the old leader completed the theoretical analysis of the mineral deposits and identified the main areas of the ore veins."

The assistant next to him nodded: "I think the old leader's work efficiency and ability are as good as ever. We should invite him back to take charge of the Ministry of Mining."

"If he wanted to stay in his office, he wouldn't have made me, his deputy, manage these trivial matters." Deputy Leader Zhu felt somewhat annoyed when he thought about this.

In other ministries, the work is directly overseen by senior leaders.

Professor Li, on the other hand, set up his business and then went off to do exploration and research.

However, Vice Leader Zhu still greatly admired Professor Li's spirit.

"According to the old leader's instructions, the development of the uranium mine in the Gobi Desert should be put on the agenda immediately. This requires the coordination of the efforts of various departments. I am now going to Haizi to report on the situation."

Deputy Leader Zhu instructed his assistant to arrange transportation, and then casually asked, "Has the document regarding increasing rare earth mine production been issued?"

"Increasing production requires expanding the scale, and adjustments to personnel and equipment are needed. The Second Division is currently working on this," the assistant replied.

"Help the second division speed up and increase production as soon as possible. Our delegation is about to sign an agreement with a foreign company."

Deputy Leader Zhu gave a few words of advice, got into his car, and headed straight for the lake.

In the study room.

After listening to Deputy Leader Zhu's report, the superior nodded in admiration: "I didn't expect Lao Li to go to the Gobi Desert himself. The conditions there are very harsh. Is his body able to handle it?"

"I also tried to persuade him, but you know Professor Li's personality; he works like his life depends on it, and you can't stop him."

However, the results were quite good. Professor Li, together with the train drivers from the Qianmen Locomotive Depot, surveyed the ore vein area and confirmed the existence of a two-million-ton uranium mine beneath the Gobi Desert!

Deputy Leader Zhu handed over the report.

"Train driver?"

"It's Comrade Li Aiguo. Some time ago, he developed an exploration drilling rig. He went to the Gobi Desert to test the rig, but he ended up discovering a large uranium mine."

Deputy Leader Zhu added, "This kid is incredibly lucky."

"We were really lucky." Even the higher-ups were somewhat surprised.

But I soon felt relieved.

Just look at what this kid has produced in the last two years.

The tunnel boring machine, the Red Star computer, the Great Off-Road vehicle, and the motorcycle—this can no longer be described as just good luck.

"Comrade Patriot is indeed a genius!"

Having witnessed the events of previous years, the higher-ups were no longer surprised by the "accidental discovery of a large uranium mine by Li Aiguo" and picked up the report to read it.

After flipping through just two pages, the superior nodded repeatedly: "Comrade Aiguo has put forward the theory of sandstone uranium deposits and is currently working with Professor Li to tackle mining technology. This is no longer just a matter of weather; I think he is a genius."

"Yes. It is said that Professor Li is now the godfather of the patriotic comrade."

"Is that so?" The superior was surprised for the first time, then laughed: "Old Li's skills should have a successor. I think Aiguo is quite suitable. He will definitely become a great geologist in the future."

The deputy leaders were surprised by the high regard the higher-ups had for Li Aiguo.

After agreeing with him for a couple of sentences, he brought up Professor Li's suggestion to start mining immediately.

“I think we can do it, and we should do it on a big scale. This is the first super-large uranium mine we have discovered. We need to let the people know that we are not a uranium-poor country.”

The superior tapped his finger on the report: "Please have the Ministry of Metallurgical Industry, the Ministry of Machinery Industry, and the Ministry of Materials Management cooperate with the Ministry of Mineral Resources to build a large uranium refining base in the Gobi Desert as soon as possible."

The assistant wrote down the sentence.

Deputy Leader Zhu also relaxed.

The other ministries are one thing, but the most crucial one is the Ministry of Materials Management.

Its overall planning and management of the circulation of means of production nationwide is an indispensable department for the construction of large-scale mines.

"Should we announce this news to the public?" Deputy Leader Zhu asked again.

The superior looked up at Deputy Leader Zhu: "What are their opinions from the Gobi Desert side?"

"Comrade Aiguo analyzed this matter in his report. In principle, the mining of uranium should be kept secret. However, mining two million tons of uranium is too big a commotion to be concealed. It might be better to make it public. Perhaps it can achieve unexpected results."

"An unexpected result." The superior leader pondered for a moment and nodded: "Let's do it according to Comrade Aiguo's wishes. This is a major achievement in our construction work, and everyone should know about it."

After a moment of contemplation, the superior turned to his assistant and said, "Notify the publicity department to release the news about the million-ton uranium mine. Be careful not to involve any details about the uranium mine."

"Understood!" the assistant nodded.

The next day.

A news report shocked the entire nation.

Renren Daily front page headline:

Good news! A uranium deposit with reserves of up to two million tons has been discovered in the Gobi Desert of Northwest China.

The content is very simple.

It only briefly described that a Chinese exploration team discovered a large uranium deposit in the Gobi Desert, without any details, names, or even the approximate location of the uranium deposit.

However, this report, which was touted as the shortest front-page headline in history, caused a great sensation in Beijing and even across the country.

"A two-million-ton uranium mine—that must be the world's largest uranium mine, right?"

"Of course. The largest uranium mine right now is Olympic Dam in Australia, which is said to have reserves of 100 million tons."

"Doesn't that mean there are twice as many uranium mines in the Gobi Desert?"

Researchers at the Jinyintan 211 Factory and the Fifth Institute cheered upon seeing the newspaper.

"With this uranium mine, we can build even more giant mushrooms."

When Director Li learned through inside information that Li Aiguo was the discoverer of the uranium mine, he wanted to call and congratulate him personally, but he gave up when he learned that there was no way to make a direct call in the area.

Inside the Qianmen Locomotive Depot in Beijing, Section Chief Xing held a newspaper, lost in thought.

"It seems that Comrade Aiguo and his exploration colleagues went to the Gobi Desert, right?" Director Zhang analyzed. "Is this something Aiguo did again?"

Section Chief Xing interrupted him: "Old Zhang, don't make wild analyses."

"Yes," Director Zhang realized the implications and quickly shut his mouth.

Section Chief Xing was still not at ease, so he instructed the confidential office to keep the news of the recent transport of the exploration drilling rig confidential.

The relevant dispatch documents were sealed and the relevant dispatch personnel were given confidentiality talks to ensure that no one leaked the information.

Even Chen Xueru received a notification from Huang Shuxian.

"Shuxian, you're overthinking it. Aiguo only said he was going to the Northwest before he left, and he never told me his specific destination."

When Chen Xueru saw Huang Shuxian about to help wipe the table, she quickly stood up and stopped her.

Ever since Li Aiguo left, Huang Shuxian has been coming to help at home every few days.

Chen Xueru wasn't the delicate, pampered type, so she felt embarrassed and wanted to refuse.

Huang Shuxian said that this was a task in the segment, and if she couldn't complete it, she would be criticized.

More importantly, Zhou Dahu and Wang Cuie also instructed Huang Shuxian to take good care of this side, since the two families were like one family.

Chen Xueru then gave up.

"You're not even three months along yet, it's a dangerous time. Sit tight, I'll take care of it right away."

Huang Shuxian pressed Chen Xueru into a chair, wiping the table as she continued their previous conversation.

"Don't worry about it. If anyone asks about Aiguo's whereabouts, just say you don't know."

"I understand." Chen Xueru's heart was in her throat. She asked in a low voice, "Could something have happened to Aiguo?"

"Don't overthink it. This is just a confidentiality regulation from above, and it has nothing to do with Aiguo's side."

Huang Shuxian also read the newspaper and, combined with what she had heard in the article, vaguely guessed the reason, but she couldn't tell Chen Xueru.

"That's true. If something happens, it won't be you coming; it will be the leaders from the locomotive depot."

Chen Xueru felt relieved and stood up, saying, "It's almost noon. The children went to their maternal grandparents' house today, so it's just the two of us. How about I make you egg noodles?"

"You just sit down, I'll do it."

When Huang Shuxian saw Chen Xueru stand up again, she was both amused and exasperated. She pressed Chen Xueru back down and went into the kitchen to get busy.

After finishing her meal, Huang Shuxian was in a hurry to go to work. She waved to Chen Xueru as she saw her off, saying, "Xueru, you should go back now. I'll pick you up for your prenatal checkup tomorrow."

"Actually, you don't need to." Chen Xueru was about to say it, but remembering Huang Shuxian's personality, she could only change her mind: "Then I'll wait for you at home."

Qin Huairu squatted by the pool, washing clothes with difficulty while keeping an eye on this side.

Huang Shuxian looked somewhat depressed.

Qin Huairu just found out she was pregnant, but she still has to do this kind of heavy work, while Chen Xueru has someone to take care of her.

If she hadn't changed her mind back then, she would be the one being taken care of now.

Qin Huairu was quite certain that she regretted it.

Jia Dongxu squatted down next to him, picking his teeth, and pursed his lips: "See? This is what it means to have a corrupt lifestyle. The world is not what it used to be. Li Aiguo has hired a maid."

The residents in the compound all knew Jia Dongxu's temperament, so no one responded to him.

Jia Dongxu gloated, "I think we should report this situation to the subdistrict office!"

Xu Damao said sarcastically, "What, Jia Dongxu, are you planning to slander someone again? Huang Shuxian is Li Aiguo's coworker, and the two families are related. What's wrong with her taking care of Chen Xueru? I think you just can't stand seeing your neighbor doing better than you."

Seeing Xu Damao appear, the residents exchanged glances, knowing that there was going to be a good show.

Last time, Jia Dongxu criticized Xu Damao during a public survey.

It wasn't really a big deal to begin with.

However, the leaders of the steel rolling mill had also heard about Xu Damao's past affairs with women.

Due to public opposition, Xu Damao's promotion has been suspended, and he will have to wait for another opportunity.

That's how opportunities are; once you miss them, you don't know when you'll get another chance.

Xu Damao's future was ruined, and he wanted nothing more than to smash Jia Dongxu's head. The matter escalated so much that even Yi Zhonghai and Liu Haizhong, working together, couldn't stop it.

Finally, Liu Lan brought Xiao Hehua to the scene, and Xu Damao was able to stop fighting Jia Dongxu.

From then on, the relationship between the two families deteriorated further, to the point where they almost ignored each other when they met.

really.

When Jia Dongxu saw Xu Damao start ranting, he immediately stood up, pointed at Xu's nose, and cursed, "Who in our compound doesn't know you're Li Aiguo's dog? Stop defending him here."

"You little bastard, I think you're asking for a beating." Xu Damao was furious and turned to go inside.

Jia Dongxu didn't pay any attention.

Isn't it just transforming into Turtle Warrior?
A turtle is always a turtle; how could it possibly be his match?

Jia Dongxu casually picked up a stick.

But when he saw Xu Damao come out, he was completely stunned.

Xu Damao was carrying a stainless steel pot on his back and a kitchen knife in his hand.

The equipment has been upgraded!
Enhanced Turtle Warrior!

With a kitchen knife in hand, I'm invincible!
Xu Damao felt invincible, let out a roar, and lunged at Jia Dongxu with a kitchen knife.

Jia Dongxu wanted to retaliate, but Xu Damao's defense was now maxed out, and he had also equipped himself with offensive gear.

The stick was chopped in two strokes by the cleaver, and Jia Dongxu was kicked to the ground. Xu Damao then swung the cleaver at him fiercely.

stop!
In most movies and TV shows, when this scene comes to this point, someone will step in to smooth things over.

Then the two sides engage in a war of words for a while, and then the show ends, with a few episodes of filler content.

How could we resort to such a tacky tactic?

Seven or eight people, including Qin Huairu, were all stunned by Xu Damao's imposing manner, and none of them dared to step forward.

Xu Damao was also dumbfounded.

If we actually see Jia Dongxu's neck cut off, wouldn't that ruin the plot? How would the author then fill in the blanks?
Cough cough, no, even Xu Damao has to squat by the fence.

But the arrow was already on the string, and it had to be released.

In the world of martial arts, you have no choice but to charge forward!
Xu Damao reacted quickly.

The left foot trips the right foot. The right foot trips the left foot.

The left foot tripped over the right foot.

finally.

"I can fly!"

Xu Damao flew into the air.

Snapped!
Xu Damao, whose takeoff failed, crashed onto Jia Dongxu.

The video pauses.

"?"

"?!"

"?!!"

Onlookers: "o(*////▽////*)q"

Before the plot could even begin, a series of loud "laughter" filled the air, nearly thirty characters long.

He looked around.

He noticed that everyone was staring at him intently.

In their eyes, there was surprise, sympathy, tolerance, and apology.

His expressions showed sadness, regret, secret joy, and relief.

Looking down again, he saw that Jia Dongxu's eyes were also wide open, staring straight at him.

Enraged, Xu Damao slapped Jia Dongxu on the forehead: "You fucking still looking?"

"Oh! Oh oh!" Jia Dongxu wiped the drool from the corner of his mouth and quickly closed his eyes: "Hurry up, I'm afraid of the dark."

Onlookers: "."

"."

Xu Damao threw down the kitchen knife, climbed off Jia Dongxu, and roared to the sky, "What a terrible thing!"

****
Li Aiguo was unaware of the CP (couple) incident within the courtyard, and even if he had known, he wouldn't have bothered to follow the gossip.

Because Yang Jizong had not yet arrived.

He had to draft the mining company's bylaws and also take Professor Li's place in designing the mining operations. He was so busy that he didn't even have time to eat a dry biscuit.

Late at night, lying in his tent, Li Aiguo noticed a radio broadcast.

The radio station is from Russia.

Due to their previous cooperative relationship, the two companies have been exchanging information frequently.

In particular, since Russia had helped its younger brother find uranium mines, it initially focused on the uranium mines in the Gobi Desert.

Of course, Li Aiguo had already registered with the weather station to listen to this kind of radio.

"According to news from the east, Dongda University has discovered a super-large uranium mine with a capacity of two million tons. What are your thoughts on this?"

"There is no further concrete information at the moment, and we doubt the authenticity of the uranium mine."

Hearing this, a meteorologist said angrily, "These guys really look down on people."

Old Cat laughed and said, "If they can think that way, then all our painstaking planning will have been worthwhile."

"What? You're not angry at all, but you actually hope the other party will misunderstand?" The meteorologist found it strange.

"Uranium is a strategic resource. A uranium mine with a capacity of two million tons means that we will soon have the ability to manufacture hundreds or even thousands of giant mushroom bombs."

Old Cat analyzed, "This will definitely attract the enemy's attention."

"We must despise the enemy strategically and underestimate the enemy tactically."

"I understand, we're trying to lull the other side into a false sense of security." The meteorologist slapped his thigh and looked at Li Aiguo: "Train driver, your plan is truly ingenious."

Li Aiguo did indeed have this plan.

However, I didn't really intend to keep it a secret from the other party. As long as they have differing opinions and can't work together, that's fine.

As Li Aiguo predicted, things turned out exactly as he had.

The first country in the US to notice the uranium mines in the Gobi Desert was the US Department of Energy.

A meeting was convened immediately.

At the meeting, senior leaders from the Ministry of Energy asked geological experts for their opinions, and the experts unanimously stated that it was impossible for uranium mines to exist.

Jefferson, a representative from Landes Import & Export Materials Company, said that people should ignore these unfounded rumors and focus their efforts on the upcoming rare earth export agreement.

"Our delegation is currently in contact with them through a third party, and they have almost agreed to purchase 1 tons this time. Such a large purchase will seriously affect our company's operating funds."

The top leader understood Jefferson's meaning: "Please rest assured, once the agreement is reached, the Department of Energy will immediately allocate funds to you."

"Thank you very much." Jefferson was overjoyed.

The purchase price is several hundred dollars per ton, while the selling price to the Department of Energy is as high as two thousand dollars.

This is a windfall, several times the profit; they've made a fortune this time.

He asked, "What are your plans for handling this batch of rare earth? As far as I know, there isn't a need for this much rare earth on the market right now."

“We stored it away temporarily. You can increase your purchase volume; buy as much as they have there. Then we can make them buy it back at a higher price.”

The leaders of the Department of Energy were also in a good mood and laughed heartily.

"Don't worry," Jefferson said excitedly, clenching his fist.

He was acutely aware of the future value of rare earth elements, yet he didn't mind ruthlessly exploiting them.
No, this can no longer be called "fleecing"; it's more like taking a huge chunk of meat.

Stupidity and shortsightedness should come at a price!
After returning to the company, Jefferson immediately flew to the port city to meet with the negotiating representatives there and demanded that they sign an agreement to sell rare earths immediately.

After learning of the discovery of a two-million-ton uranium mine in the area, Xiao Mei's reporter immediately published the news in the newspaper.

Shocking! A million-ton-level uranium mine discovered in the East!

"The Uranium-Depleted Nation Turned its Fortunes Around Overnight!"

Experts predict that such a large-scale uranium mine is sufficient to sustain a massive mushroom population!

Warning! Warning! The wolf is coming soon!

This news quickly caused a sensation around the world.

However, some people raised questions at this point.

"Why would they announce such important news so easily? I suspect there's something fishy going on."

"Yes, according to Professor Pulis of the University of Pennsylvania, it is impossible for uranium to exist in the Gobi Desert."

"Duke University geology experts have announced that sandstone cannot be used to produce uranium."

"Their geological exploration technology is decades behind ours, so how could they have found a large uranium mine all of a sudden? That's clearly impossible."

"They're just trying to scare us."

"Yes, yes, we must not fall for it."

Immediately, experts from all sides took to the stage, questioning the authenticity of the uranium mine.

Even experts in Langley suspect that this is a deliberate attempt to spread false information and cover up the situation in South Asia.

So much so that the large-scale mobilization of drilling machinery and personnel from all over the country went unnoticed.

Even if someone points out that appropriate measures should be taken, they will be labeled as an idiot and accused of being fooled by this side.

Because of the use of deceptive and strict secrecy measures, it wasn't until the Gobi Desert base was completed and the higher-ups felt it was ready to be announced that the photos of the base were released, and the outside world realized that they had actually pulled off a deceptive stunt.

This case has also been included in the classic teaching cases by the weather station.

Of course, these are all things for later.

At this time, Li Aiguo's task was to help establish the uranium mine as quickly as possible while keeping it as secret as possible, and at the same time, to communicate with Professor Li about the rare earth mine.

Professor Li had already returned to the Ministry of Mines.

The department leaders were somewhat surprised by Professor Li's sudden return. Deputy Leader Zhu, who was planning preparations for uranium mining, also rushed back from the Materials Management Department after receiving the news.

"Old leader, you're finally back. Your health isn't good, so you can leave the work over there to the younger generation."

"Old Zhu, we need to call a meeting immediately. We need to re-discuss this year's rare earth exports."

Hearing this, Deputy Leader Zhu felt very strange.

"Old leader, the negotiations are about to conclude, and we have already informed Bayan Obo that they have increased production. They are requesting to purchase 1 tons of rare earth ore at a very high price."

"Let's suspend negotiations," Professor Li said, sitting down to take a sip of tea.

"Huh?!" Deputy Leader Zhu was stunned. He rubbed his ears and, realizing he hadn't misheard, quickly asked why.

“The value of rare earths far exceeds their current selling price; we cannot sell such a precious mineral at a low price.”

"But we have no use for so much rare earth, so we might as well exchange it for foreign exchange."

"Let's suspend negotiations for now." Professor Li understood Vice Leader Zhu's thoughts. This person was very capable and a leader who got things done, but he was too practical and liked to worry about short-term gains and losses, making him difficult to persuade.

Deputy Leader Zhu had no choice but to notify the port city to suspend negotiations, and subsequently, the Ministry of Mining held an internal meeting.

The leaders of the ministries were not in agreement on whether rare earth exports should be suspended.

Professor Li could understand those who agreed with it. After all, there was such a large rare earth mine on one side, while the exploration department was short of funds, and some exploration teams could not even guarantee two sets of uniforms per year.

He simply believed more in Li Aiguo's analysis that rare earths would be a true strategic resource in the future, and whoever controlled rare earth mines would have the power to shut down the engine of future industrial development.

Compared to this, those petty gains are utterly insignificant.

Seeing that the discussion failed to reach a consensus, Professor Li drafted a document and submitted it to the higher authorities.

Late at night, a superior who had just finished a meeting saw Li Aiguo's name on the documents and shook his head with a smile: "This kid is really busy."

"Let me see what new thing he and Professor Li have come up with this time."

After just a couple of glances, the superior's expression turned serious.

"Exporting rare earths at bargain prices will turn us into a small country in the rare earth sector. Continuing to export at 'dirt cheap' prices is tantamount to overdrawing the strategic resource reserves of future generations."

Half an hour later, the superior closed the documents and sighed, "It is a blessing for the country to have a good comrade like Li Aiguo!"

The assistant stepped forward and asked in a low voice, "The Ministry of Mines is still waiting for a reply. It is said that the foreign import and export material companies are urging us to sign the agreement as soon as possible, and they have even threatened to lower the price."

"Notify the mining department to suspend the export of rare earth ore. As for the missing foreign exchange quota, the Ministry of Machine Building will handle it." The superior leader stood up.

"Yes!"

****
"What? They're refusing to sell rare earths?!" After learning this from the other negotiation team, Jefferson didn't continue communicating with them.

He knew these people were all stubborn and wouldn't get anything out of them.

Jefferson immediately contacted a number and invited the middleman to the hotel.

After confirming that the information was correct, he collapsed to the ground, his body going limp.

"It's over, it's all over this time."

Landes Import & Export Materials Company has signed a contract with the Department of Energy, but is now unable to deliver on time, and will face substantial compensation.

Jefferson looked at the middleman.

"Is there any chance to salvage this? You have so many connections over there, can't you persuade the ministry?"

The middleman sighed: "The problem this time doesn't lie within the department."

After saying that, the middleman pointed to the ceiling, stood up, and left without saying another word.

Things have reached a point of no return, and he should think about how to extricate himself from this situation.

I initially chose to help with the matchmaking just to earn some extra money.

There will be many more opportunities like this in the future.

The middleman straightened his collar and left the room.

He didn't see the camera lens sticking out from the corner at the end of the corridor.

Click.

The photograph faithfully captured his appearance.

"The train driver was right after all; there really was a mole inside."

The young man with the camera lowered his hat brim, and after making sure he wasn't being seen, he swaggered out of the hotel.

(End of this chapter)