Chapter 497 - 246: Who Are You Looking Down On?

Chapter 497: Chapter 246: Who Are You Looking Down On?

Having left in a hurry, Xiao Chen went straight back to the Xiao family courtyard on the north bank of Shichahai. The moment he stepped inside, he saw Elder Xiao practicing Tai Chi in the central courtyard.

Seeing Xiao Chen’s hurried expression, Elder Xiao’s brow immediately furrowed. He stopped his movements and shot Xiao Chen a displeased look.

"You’re a grown man, what’s the meaning of this impetuous behavior? How am I supposed to give you more responsibility in the future!"

Then, the old man’s tone shifted as he asked, "Didn’t you go to Xiaochen’s place? Why are you back so soon?"

Ever since Su Chen had called him some time ago to ask for help scheduling a China-Europe Railway Express train, Elder Xiao had been paying close attention.

Anything that would make Su Chen personally call must be extraordinary. At the time, he had casually asked and was told it was gold ore, so he hadn’t thought much of it.

It wasn’t until a couple of days ago, while chatting with Xiao Chen about work, that he happened to mention the severe scarcity of certain mineral resources in some departments. Only then did he learn from Xiao Chen that the gold ore Su Chen had shipped back was actually rich in rubidium.

This was also why, upon learning that Su Chen had returned to the Imperial Capital, Elder Xiao had summoned Xiao Chen back from his out-of-town assignment to personally visit Su Chen and discuss the matter of procurement.

Hearing his grandfather’s reprimand, Xiao Chen didn’t rush to answer. Instead, he walked over to the tea table, poured himself a cup, and drained it in a few quick gulps. He then picked up the teapot and poured another.

"Ah, that was exhausting!" After two cups of tea, Xiao Chen felt much better.

The Xiao family courtyard wasn’t very far from Su Chen’s own courtyard residence. Xiao Chen hadn’t driven when he went over; he had simply walked.

After learning about the rubidium ore’s production volume, he had run all the way back. He covered the two-kilometer distance in under three minutes and was completely exhausted.

"Grandpa, you asked me to go inquire about the rubidium ore, right? Well, guess what!" Xiao Chen started to build suspense, especially after Su Chen had so thoroughly flaunted his success right in his face earlier.

Elder Xiao was far more experienced than his grandson; he knew exactly what the boy was up to the moment he opened his mouth.

The old man took a step forward and kicked Xiao Chen squarely in the backside. Though advanced in years, Elder Xiao was still hale and hearty, and the kick made Xiao Chen yelp in pain.

"Guess? Just see if I’ll play along! You haven’t learned the important things, but you’ve sure learned how to be mysterious!"

Grimacing, Xiao Chen shuffled two steps to the side, rubbing his rear and muttering under his breath, "He really didn’t hold back."

Hearing Xiao Chen’s muttering, Elder Xiao just snorted, sat down in his chair, picked up his teacup, and watched him quietly.

Seeing this, Xiao Chen’s heart tightened. He immediately stood up straight, his expression turning serious. He knew from his grandfather’s posture that it was time to get down to business.

"Grandpa, I’ve gotten the full story. Xiaochen does indeed have a large amount of rubidium ore. He’s also agreed to sell it to us. It just depends on how much we need!"

"Hm?" Elder Xiao looked at Xiao Chen in surprise. ’What does he mean, "it just depends on how much we need"? Don’t tell me that kid Su Chen’s supply of rubidium is measured in tons?’

"Then how many tons of rubidium can Xiaochen’s gold mine produce annually?"

"If we could get two or three tons, our development speed in the aerospace and electronics sectors could at least double!" A sharp glint flashed in Elder Xiao’s eyes.

"Er, two or three tons? You’re seriously underestimating him. From just ten-odd days of raw ore production, they’ve already extracted three tons of rubidium. And that’s with the initial prep work causing significant delays. Once they ramp up the mining speed, they’ll be able to get at least ten tons a month."

Xiao Chen pursed his lips as he spoke. He hadn’t expected his grandfather’s estimate to be so small.

’Two or three tons? Who is he looking down on!’

"PFFT—" Upon hearing this, Elder Xiao spat out a mouthful of tea, staring at Xiao Chen in utter shock as he asked.

"What did you just say? Xiaochen has three tons right now?" It had been less than half a month, all told, from the time Su Chen called him to arrange the train until now, and they had already mined three tons of rubidium.

’Based on the current international price for rubidium, doesn’t that mean that kid Su Chen made 1.8 billion euros in half a month? That’s nearly twenty billion Huaxia currency!’

’Isn’t that faster than printing money?’

"Are you sure you didn’t get it wrong, boy? I’m talking about pure rubidium, not rubidium ore," Elder Xiao asked, still in disbelief.

After all, this was too much information to process. Even Elder Xiao needed a moment to digest it.

"Of course it’s true! Su Chen told me himself!"

Hearing this, Elder Xiao nodded slightly. He now understood why Xiao Chen had rushed back in such a panic. This information was indeed critically important.

At the same time, he mentally commended Su Chen’s cleverness for thinking to ship it back disguised as gold ore. If the Russians ever found out about a rubidium mine like this, there was no telling how they would react.

The old man’s fingers tapped lightly against the tea table, creating a rhythmic TAP, TAP, TAP sound.

Seeing this, Xiao Chen stood quietly to the side, awaiting his grandfather’s decision.

"This matter requires careful, long-term planning. I can’t make a decision until I’ve inquired with the various departments about their needs!"

"Also, give Xiaochen a call. Tell him not to leak any information about his massive rubidium supply. I’ll speak to him about the specifics in person later."