Who would still be a social slave when they are so rich?

"Good stuff? What good stuff?" Su Chen's words immediately aroused the curiosity of Old Master Xiao.

Anything that catches Su Chen's eye and is even called a good thing by him must be something that countless people would envy.

"A mine! A rare earth mine!" Su Chen's voice immediately rose several decibels. "Yesterday, Raymond called me and said that IPS people discovered a rare earth mine in Nampula Province on the northeastern coast of Mozambique. According to their analysis... this mine is very likely to be a world-class rare earth mine!"

As we all know, rare earth minerals are an indispensable strategic resource for modern high-tech industries, and their value is self-evident!

Especially given the current tense international situation and fierce competition for resources, a newly discovered rare earth mine is enough to change the fate of a family or even a country, let alone a world-class rare earth mine.

Upon hearing this, Old Master Xiao's pupils suddenly contracted, and his fingers trembled slightly as he held the teacup. "Rare earth minerals? World-class ones at that? Are you telling the truth?"

He naturally knew the importance of rare earth mines, which could be said to be related to the speed of future high-tech development in China. Moreover, as long as one controls such an important resource as rare earth, one can also indirectly control the lifeline of technological development in other countries!
Su Chen nodded heavily and said, "I believe Raymond wouldn't joke about something like this with me!"

"Hoo~" Old Master Xiao took a deep breath, but the smile on his face was not hidden at all. He knew who Raymond was, and he knew that the information must be true.

Seeing Su Chen's calm expression, Old Master Xiao tentatively asked, "So what do you plan to do with this rare earth mine? Will you have IPS Security Company take over the mining rights?"

Upon hearing this, Su Chen's lips curled up slightly, a smile flashing across his face, before he plopped back down on the stool he had been sitting on before.

Under Old Master Xiao's astonished gaze, she poured herself another cup of tea, took a couple of sips, and then looked at Old Master Xiao with a slight smile, teasingly saying, "Old Master, don't you have any other thoughts?"

Grandpa Xiao was so angry at Su Chen that he almost laughed. He could tell at a glance that Su Chen was up to his own scheme again.

"Alright, alright, stop beating around the bush and just tell me what you want to do. I bet you already have a plan in mind!" Old Master Xiao wasn't going to let this brat Su Chen lead him by the nose, so he laid it all out on the table.

Su Chen smacked his lips, realizing that the old man was not someone he could outmaneuver, so he simply laid his cards on the table: "I hope the government will step in and contract out the development rights for this rare earth mine. After all, we have a very good reputation in Mozambique and throughout Africa. Although some small countries are being manipulated and causing some minor disruptions, it's not a big deal."

"If this rare earth mine is truly world-class, no matter how powerful IPS is, compared to an entire country, especially the top-ranked ones, it's far inferior. Rather than going head-to-head with them, it's better to latch onto the domestic giant, which can avoid a lot of trouble!"

"In this way... not only will China gain a significant advantage in terms of its voice regarding rare earth resources, but it will also provide a stable resource guarantee for the development of high technology in China. What do you think, sir?"

"If we really manage to secure the rare earth mines in Mozambique, I... won't ask for much. Just give me one-tenth of the rare earth share. As you know, Grandpa, I'm now venturing into the military industry, which requires a lot of rare earth resources. This way, I can keep the profits within the family!"

After hearing Su Chen's words, Old Master Xiao's eyes flashed with a sharp light. He tapped his fingers lightly on the mahogany table, making a "tap-tap" sound. Clearly, Su Chen's words had struck a chord with him!
"You've got a good plan, kid!" Old Master Xiao suddenly laughed and scolded, "Using the power of the country as a shield for you, while you get a ten percent of the resources for free, aren't you dreaming too much!"

Su Chen showed no displeasure at this; on the contrary, he said with a smug look, "Grandpa, that's not how you put it. He who controls information controls the world. Having absolute information advantage is a very rich fortune!"

"Think about it, if I didn't care about you old folks, I would have had IPS buy that mine directly. Even if I didn't want to start production myself, I could easily sell it to other top conglomerates or countries for tens of billions of dollars. That's not excessive, is it?"

"While it does seem like you're taking it for free, didn't you also get access to secrets that others don't know about? One step ahead, one step ahead, so what if those European and American countries find out? You'll probably have already secured the rare earth mines by now!"

"We... this is a win-win situation, don't you think so, sir!"

Upon hearing this, Old Master Xiao couldn't help but burst into laughter, pointing at Su Chen and saying, "What a 'win-win' idea! You've got a silver tongue, you can really talk the dead back to life!"

After speaking, the smile on Old Master Xiao's face also faded. He pondered for a moment, and a sharp glint flashed in his eyes: "However, you are right, this is indeed a rare opportunity!"

"We have been investing in overseas resources for years, with rare earths being of paramount importance. This will not only alleviate domestic resource pressures but also give us more say in the international arena!"

He picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and then looked at Su Chen, saying, "A ten percent share... isn't out of the question. But don't just think about taking advantage; you still have to contribute your share."

Su Chen raised an eyebrow: "Old man, do you want me to get involved in this mess?"

To be honest, Su Chen didn't want to get involved in this matter. He just wanted to take advantage of the situation and then quit while he was ahead. After all, he was well aware of the importance of rare earth resources. Countless private and military enterprises in China were eyeing these resources. If he got involved, he didn't know how many people would try to take advantage of him in the future.

Although Su Chen wasn't afraid of these people, he didn't want to get involved in any trouble. Just think about it... someone would suddenly jump out and stab you every now and then. It wouldn't cause him any loss, but it would be disgusting.

Grandpa Xiao frowned slightly. He could tell that Su Chen was taking precautions and didn't want to get his feet wet!

"Since you don't want to get involved in this mess, your share will definitely be reduced. At most, we'll give you five percent. You know that just acquiring the development rights will cost us a lot. Subsequent exploration, mining, transportation, and even security work will require a lot of investment. If you don't contribute anything, a ten percent share will attract gossip!"

Seeing Su Chen deep in thought, Old Master Xiao picked up his teacup and took a sip, quietly waiting for Su Chen's reply.

After a moment of contemplation, Su Chen came to his senses and looked at Old Master Xiao, saying, "Five percent it is, but I want priority purchasing rights for rare earths in China, and the price should be based on the normal market price!"

Su Chen knew that what Old Master Xiao said made sense. The initial investment alone was a considerable expense. He wanted to take a 10% share without spending a penny, which was indeed a bit outrageous.

"Sure!" Old Master Xiao agreed to Su Chen's request without hesitation. What difference did it make who he sold it to? Perhaps it could even play an unexpected role in Su Chen's hands.

"Alright! Your words are enough, old man!" Su Chen stretched, picked up the documents containing the four military industry certificates, and stood up to leave.

Just then, Su Chen's phone rang. When he saw that the caller ID was Raymond, he thought something had happened to the rare earth mine and quickly answered the call.

Seeing Su Chen's appearance, Old Master Xiao, who was leaning back in his recliner, sat up.

"Hmm?" Su Chen listened to Raymond's report on the other end of the phone, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, and asked with a touch of doubt, "Did you investigate this matter? Maybe it's just normal trade!"

"Boss, before I called you, I already asked Adam. Their investigation shows that it was shipped from your country to Thailand, then transshipped intact to the Americas, and was discovered by accident when it passed through our port!" Hearing Raymond's words, Su Chen's heart tightened, but his face remained calm. "Okay, I understand. Send me all the information, including theirs!"

After saying that, Su Chen hung up the phone. Immediately, his phone pinged, and it was the relevant information sent by Raymond.

After a quick glance, Su Chen turned to Grandpa Xiao and asked, "Grandpa, I have a question for you. Rare earth elements from East Asia and Southeast Asia should only be found in our country, right?"

Upon hearing this, a hint of confusion flashed in Old Master Xiao's eyes. He wondered why Su Chen would ask this question. If he wasn't mistaken, it should be related to the phone call just now.

He didn't hide anything and immediately explained to Su Chen, "If it's just rare earth minerals, the surrounding countries all have some to varying degrees, but they don't have the corresponding rare earth processing technology, so they're useless to them!"

"We are the only ones who possess the world's most advanced rare earth processing technology. It can be said that 90% of rare earths are processed domestically, and most countries import them from us. However, with the technological development in the past two years, rare earths have been listed as strategic resources and are generally not allowed to be exported!"

After listening to what Grandpa Xiao said, Su Chen didn't say anything. He simply pointed out the information Raymond had sent him and handed his phone to Grandpa Xiao.

At first, Grandpa Xiao didn't realize what Su Chen meant, but after he saw the information on his phone, his expression gradually turned ashen!

"Bang!" After reading all the documents, Old Master Xiao slammed his hand on the table with a loud thud. Even Huang Feng, who had been hiding in the shadows, came out and looked into the courtyard.

"Damn it, these parasites deserve to die! They can even come up with an excuse like 'artwork iron sand,' I really don't know what they wouldn't dare to do!" Old Master Xiao cursed furiously.

Su Chen was completely stunned. He hadn't expected that such a big shot as Old Master Xiao would utter such vulgarities, and so harshly at that.

Old Master Xiao took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his anger, but his eyes remained sharp as knives as he growled, "Huang Feng! Make a copy of this information!"

Huang Feng immediately walked over, took Su Chen's phone, glanced at it, and quickly started operating it. In less than ten seconds, Huang Feng handed the phone back to Su Chen and quietly walked aside to wait for Old Master Xiao's next instructions.

"Keep this to yourself and don't tell anyone!" After Huang Feng finished his operation, Old Master Xiao looked at Su Chen and gave him a serious instruction.

Su Chen didn't speak, but made a zipping gesture near his mouth, the meaning of which was clear without being said.

Seeing this, Old Master Xiao nodded slightly, stood up from the recliner, and walked towards the study, with Huang Feng following closely behind.

Su Chen knew what the old man was up to, so he didn't linger any longer and quickly left the Xiao family compound with his things.

As soon as he stepped out the door, a breeze swept over him, and Su Chen inexplicably felt a bit chilly. He looked up at the sky and realized that it had gotten dark sometime earlier.

"A storm is brewing!" Su Chen muttered under his breath before heading towards the parking lot at the alley entrance.

……

As soon as I got back to the courtyard house in Shichahai, the rain started pouring down.

Su Chen lay on a recliner in the pavilion in the middle courtyard, drinking tea and watching the rain falling like a beaded curtain under the eaves. He felt extremely comfortable, as if it had been a long time since he had quietly appreciated the rain scene like this.

Just then, a commotion came from the front yard. Su Chen looked up towards the hanging flower gate and saw Su Yan and Lin Xiaoyu running quickly, their clothes soaking wet. It was obvious that the two of them hadn't escaped the baptism of this heavy rain.

"Why are you two soaked to the bone? Didn't you know to find somewhere to shelter from the rain and come back when it stops?" Su Chen asked with a smile as he watched the two approach.

"Hey, big brother, don't even mention it!" Su Yan shook his clothes, which were dripping wet, and said with a hint of complaint, "I thought the weather was pretty good today, and it wasn't too hot, so I took Xiaoyu boating on Shichahai Lake, but who knew that the rain would come out of nowhere."

"The small boat we rented was the open kind, with no shelter from the wind and rain at all. Our clothes got soaked in no time, so we just walked back!"

Their luck is truly unbelievable. Seeing the two of them soaking wet, he waved his hand and said, "Go take a shower and change your clothes!"

Su Yan and Lin Xiaoyu responded and quickly walked towards the west wing.

Watching the two figures depart, Su Chen called out to Chen Fei, who was standing in the corridor, "Afei~ have Butler Jiang make two bowls of ginger soup!"

"Yes, sir!" Chen Fei bowed slightly and walked along the corridor toward the front yard.

But before long, Su Chen saw Chen Fei jogging back, his face showing a hint of seriousness.

"Sir, President Ji called and said he encountered some problems in Pengcheng!" Chen Fei reported immediately as he walked through the rain into the pavilion.

"Hmm?" Upon hearing this, Su Chen's brows furrowed instantly. Wasn't Ji Wenbo supposed to be inspecting Pengcheng's new electronics industry cluster? How could he have encountered a problem?

He immediately sat up from the recliner, took the phone from Chen Fei's hand, glanced at the screen and saw that it was still in a call, then put the phone to his ear...

Before Su Chen could speak, Ji Wenbo's voice came from the other end of the phone, with a hint of dejection: "Boss, I haven't done the things you asked me to do well. Please punish me!"

"Punishment?" Su Chen frowned, tapping his fingers lightly on the armrest of the recliner. "Tell me what happened first!"

"Boss, our Xiaxin International is being targeted!" (End of Chapter)