Chapter 10: The Bet

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The Yunling County mine? Could it be the renowned Yunling Coal Mine?
Second uncle’s proposal?
Isn’t Xue Bin the head of the Xue family? Known as a brilliant strategist and an outstanding figure? How could he make such a foolish decision?
Wait!
Xiao Ziguang suddenly had a moment of clarity. As someone who had been reborn, he could rise above everything, like possessing the Eye of God, seeing the whole picture. Naturally, he understood how immensely profitable coal mining was!
But Xue Bin hadn’t been reborn; he would only make the choice that benefited him the most. From the current perspective, Yunling Coal Mine had always been on the brink of loss, while the properties in Tianhai City were rapidly appreciating.
Given Xue Bin’s selfish nature, he surely wanted to maximize his own benefit—offloading a burden while securing the family’s most valuable property.
Xiao Ziguang carefully recalled memories from his previous life. “Second uncle means to exchange Yunling Coal Mine for our branch’s Shangfu Street? Did grandpa agree to this?”
Shangfu Street is an 800-meter-long pedestrian street, one of the top three busiest commercial streets in Tianhai City, developed under the leadership of the elder Xue during his tenure to attract business investment.
Nominally, the entire street belongs to Dongshun Trading Group, but in fact, Dongshun Trading Group is Xue Ao’s private asset, fully controlled by him. He only hands over 30% of the profits to the family each year; the rest goes straight into his own pocket.
This street is effectively Xue Ao’s guaranteed financial stronghold. Even after the elder’s passing, or if Xue Ao were to lose his sight, as long as he holds this street, he would live comfortably without worry.
This is the confidence of Tianhai City’s foremost aristocratic family and the source of Xue Ao’s enduring pride.
“Your grandfather didn’t oppose it, but he didn’t agree either,” Xue Ao’s voice carried a hint of disappointment.
According to officialdom’s unwritten rules, neither opposing nor agreeing is tacit approval. Though Xue Ao isn’t part of the bureaucracy, the family still abides by those political conventions because grandpa held a high office.
“Dad, this matter depends on your stance—or rather, on what you expect for the next generation. If you want your grandson to become the head of the Xue family, the best choice is the Yunling Coal Mine.”
Curiosity flickered across Xue Ao’s face as he gestured for Xiao Ziguang to continue.

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“Though the commercial street is lucrative—a golden goose—it’s just a piece of meat laid out on a chopping board. But the Yunling Coal Mine is different: it has people, guns, and even explosives!”
“The leader said it well: political power grows from the barrel of a gun. As long as we control Yunling Coal Mine, we can wait for the next generation to grow up. When it’s time to choose the family head again, anyone who opposes us will be sent to fill the mine.”
Though blind, Xue Ao’s spirit remained fierce and combative. Xiao Ziguang’s words hit just the right chord, even scratching an itch deep inside. The more he considered it, the more he agreed with Xiao’s logic.
The commercial street makes money, but it lacks armed power. As the saying goes, if neighbors hoard grain, I hoard guns. If we control the armed forces in the mine, the Xue family will truly listen to us.
“There are many benefits to taking over the mine, but it’s really not profitable now—only thirty yuan per ton. If we take it hastily, won’t we end up with a mess?”
Thirty yuan per ton? Xiao Ziguang felt it was absurd. Could coal, known as “black gold,” really be that cheap?
It was October 27, 2000, and the coal boom was still at least a year away. This was truly a great opportunity—a chance to buy low.
Xiao Ziguang quickly formulated a persuasive argument for Xue Ao: “Dad, you must have seen the news recently—the country is applying to join the WTO. Experts predict it could happen by the end of next year.”
“Our country has a huge population. If we really join the WTO, Dad, do you think we’ll import more or export more? If exporting more, will producing those products consume more electricity—hydroelectric or thermal power?”
“If it’s mostly thermal power, Dad, what fuel does a thermal power plant burn?”
This chain of questions was solid, logical, and interconnected—from global trends to the imminent surge in the energy sector.
Following this line of reasoning, such an outcome was entirely plausible.
Xue Ao pondered for a long moment. “So, coal prices will really skyrocket?”
“To be precise, coal prices should begin to soar by the end of next year. Since we haven’t joined the WTO yet, neither speculative capital nor official funds dare to jump in prematurely.”
Xue Ao silently sipped his tea. “The outlook is tempting and definitely worth the gamble. But if we bet now, we’ll lose a year’s profits…”
He had already accepted Xiao Ziguang as one of his own—otherwise he wouldn’t have called him “we.” Moreover, Xue Ao had been convinced by Xiao’s reasoning and was willing to take the risk to capitalize on the energy boom.

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Xiao Ziguang was pleased with Xue Ao’s response and decided to be frank. “Dad! Trading Shangfu Street for Yunling Coal Mine is a major deal, not like buying vegetables. It will surely take a long negotiation period—half a year at best, a year at worst. Even second uncle will understand that.”
“Besides, coal prices haven’t risen yet. If we swap Shangfu Street for the mine now, our branch will still lose out. We at least need second uncle to throw in something else, like Tianhai Second Construction Company.”
Tianhai Second Construction Company, officially known as Tianhai City Second Construction Corporation, is a fully qualified firm with over three hundred employees, earning thirty million yuan annually. Many of Tianhai City’s landmark buildings were constructed by this company.
“Ziguang, why are you interested in the construction company? Do you also believe in real estate?”
“Real estate is a sunrise industry; I’m optimistic over the next eighteen years. The reason I want Tianhai Second Construction is because it has many employees and construction vehicles. If we encounter stubborn, malicious scoundrels in the future, we can just use the bulldozer to flatten them!”
“Your tendency to resort to violence at the slightest provocation doesn’t sound like a police officer; you’re more like a bandit!”
“Dad! No matter what I’m like, I’m still your son-in-law. Besides, I’ve always believed that if you’re not ruthless, you won’t stand firm. To avoid being bullied, you have to bully others first!”
“Good! Truly worthy of being my son-in-law, Xue Ao. Leave the matter of exchanging Shangfu Street for Yunling Coal Mine entirely to you!”
A smile began to tug at the corners of Xiao Ziguang’s mouth, though he remained humble. “Dad, I’m honored you would entrust me with such an important matter.”
“But I’m only a son-in-law of the Xue family. Negotiating directly with second uncle might be beyond my standing. I’ll first talk with second uncle’s son, Xue Qiang. If we younger generation reach a consensus, then you and second uncle can sign off and finalize it.”
“Good, very good. When you introduce yourself to others from now on, say you’re my son-in-law, Xue Ao. If anyone dares disrespect you, I won’t mind making them lose face too.”
It was settled—finally, everything was secure!
Xiao Ziguang respectfully bowed to Xue Ao. Though he knew Xue Ao couldn’t see, he felt certain that his respect was felt nonetheless.