This in itself is a form of verification.
"The second question."
Su Wei leaned forward five centimeters.
"If a third party—such as a guild's surveying team or a state government geological inspection department—demands to enter my private property for exploration or geological sampling under the pretext of routine inspection, do I have the legal right to refuse?"
Howard's finger stopped on the table.
This question contains far more information than the first one.
It's not uncommon in Alaska for a young man who has recently bought land to inquire about subsurface mineral rights in winter.
But after confirming the ownership of the mining rights, they immediately asked how to refuse third-party exploration.
This means that he had anticipated that an external force would come to explore the area.
Howard's forty years of professional experience allowed him to complete the assessment in three seconds.
The young man in front of me wasn't there for academic discussion; he was building a defensive line.
Howard chose the most precise wording.
"Under State of Alaska law, private landowners have complete control over access to their land."
"Unless the other party holds a search warrant issued by a state court or a compulsory investigation authorization from a federal court, no agency or individual may enter, measure, sample, or conduct any form of geological activity on your land without your written permission."
He paused for a moment.
"Including the Hunters' Guild's engineering supervision team."
Su Wei's back rested against the leather chair, his spine remaining straight.
This single sentence pinpointed the threat posed by Carter.
In the official review process for the recommended list, the geological safety review by the engineering supervision team is the most crucial step.
Once the right to refuse is legally recognized, an invitation becomes a worthless piece of paper that can be safely rejected.
I need two things.
Su Wei pulled the copy of the contract back, folded it in half, and stuffed it back into the inner bag.
"First, conduct a thorough self-inspection of the land resource background of plot AK-KOD-0042. This should cover federal-level historical mining rights registrations, state-level resource control markers, and all administrative changes related to this coordinate area before and after the enactment of the 1971 Act. I require a written report with all information traceable."
Howard picked up a pen and quickly scribbled on a sticky note.
The scratching sound of the pen nib across the paper echoed for six seconds in the quiet office.
"Second, draft a standardized legal statement template. The content should state: 'When any third-party organization requests entry into my territory for geological exploration, surveying, or sampling for any reason, I can directly issue this refusal letter, attaching legal grounds, effectively shutting that door shut.'"
Howard's pen stopped.
He looked up at Su Wei.
In my forty-year career, I can count on one hand the number of clients who have been able to simultaneously offer both an offensive self-examination strategy and a defensive rejection template during the very first consultation.
Howard quoted a price.
"In-depth self-examination and document drafting, with initial legal counsel fees of US$50,000."
There's no room for negotiation; this isn't a small case like a fisheries dispute involving a few hundred dollars.
Su Wei pulled open a hidden inner pocket on the right side of his jacket.
A stack of cash.
Five hundred Federal Reserve notes, each worth $100, were bundled into five bundles with bank paper seals.
Su Wei neatly stacked five bundles of banknotes on the table in front of Howard.
The seals on each bundle face the same direction.
Fifty thousand dollars.
cash.
There are no bank transfer records, no electronic transaction records, and no data retention from third-party payment platforms.
Howard stared at the banknotes on the table.
The paper seal bore the logo of the Kodiak Town First National Bank, and the withdrawal date was yesterday afternoon.
The young man had already withdrawn the cash yesterday afternoon.
In other words, he had already made a preliminary assessment of the services required and estimated the costs before coming to the law firm.
Even the risks associated with payment methods have been controlled.
Howard reached out his right hand, pulled open the second drawer on the left side of the table, and took out a blank receipt book with the law firm's letterhead.
The pen writes the date, amount, and a summary of services on the receipt.
"Keep a copy of the receipt with me on file, and you can take the original."
Su Wei took the receipt, glanced at the amount and the law firm's seal, and folded it into her inner pocket.
When can we expect to receive the in-depth self-inspection report at the earliest?
Howard closed the receipt book.
"Federal-level historical mining rights registration requires access to Washington's central database, and the response time depends on their processing speed. I can retrieve the state-level records this afternoon."
He screwed the pen cap on.
"In summary, a complete written report takes seven to ten business days. Templates will not be accepted; submission must be made within three days."
Su Wei stood up.
The backrest of the leather seat slowly rebounds after the pressure is released.
"Send me the results via email. Calling is inconvenient."
Howard nodded.
Su Wei turned and walked towards the door.
Howard's voice came from behind.
"Mr. Su."
Su Wei paused for a moment, but did not turn around.
"If any unexpected historical records are uncovered during the in-depth self-examination, I will highlight them in red in the report."
This is not a trivial statement.
The lawyer used the phrase "beyond expectations" to subtly convey a message.
He was guessing that Su Wei was not just doing routine property rights protection.
Su Wei placed his right hand on the edge of the door frame.
"Just highlight it in red; no speculative opinions are needed."
The wooden door closed.
The cold air in the corridor enveloped my entire body once again.
Su Wei walked down the icy metal staircase from the red brick building.
The mud stains on the soles of the boots left tiny dust particles on the steps, which were then swept away by the draft.
Fifty thousand dollars.
In addition to the 1,300 dollars given to Parsons.
The initial legal preparations alone cost $51,300.
The account balance dropped from $2.45 million to below $1.95 million.
The range construction continues to drain cash.
He blocked the renewal of Polaris's brand contract.
The $3,000 lab testing fee is still outstanding.
That mineral vein is still a long way from being monetized.
But the $50,000 was well spent.
If Howard's self-examination report is clean, it's like adding a layer of legal protection in black and white.
This adds another layer on top of Parsons' verbal confirmation.
Two independent law firms and two independent reports constitute irrefutable evidence in any court.
Rejecting templates is a lifesaver.
With this document, anyone, whether it's Carter or anyone else, will have to pass the legal test before they can set foot in Emerald Lake Territory.
The legal process in Alaska moves quickly enough for him to play all his remaining cards.
Su Wei walked through the public parking lot.
The mobility scooter was parked in the corner, its body covered with a thin layer of snow.
He opened the car door, brushed the ice off the seats, and got into the driver's seat.