Chapter 335: A Scholar
Clap, clap, clap…
Seeing the chaotic situation, Bao Yanyao quickly tapped on the table several times. "Everyone, please calm down. Let's hear what Li Tang has to say!"
Li Tang felt somewhat overwhelmed.
He genuinely hadn't expected such enthusiasm from everyone.
Yet, no one could blame them for their eagerness.
With iron ore and coking coal prices continuing to soar, steel production costs were at an all-time high. Meanwhile, steel prices were beginning to decline as the market gradually approached saturation. If this situation persisted, many steel enterprises would inevitably collapse.
For these steel enterprises, the only viable solution for survival and prosperity was to obtain cheaper iron ore to lower production costs.
Investing in iron ore mines was undoubtedly their best option.
"I do have some insights about mineral exploration, but that's about it," Li Tang said calmly. "But whether it's iron ore or coal, mineral exploration won't solve the immediate issue of high iron ore prices. Investing in exploration is more about long-term planning. As the old saying goes, 'Distant water cannot quench immediate thirst.' So, if you're looking for affordable iron ore in the short term, it's going to be challenging."
Everyone's anxiousness was written plainly on their faces and evident in their words.
Their excitement toward Li Tang, their enthusiasm for exploration and mining, all arose because of the current predicament. Fundamentally, steelmaking was becoming less profitable, and their anxiety about the future was clear.
"If your Lianying Mining could set lower prices for iron ore, we would all buy from you. Then Rio Tinto, BHP, and Vale would be forced to lower their prices. If you truly care about our country's economic development, you should ramp up production and push prices back to where they were two years ago. That would be perfect!" someone shouted enthusiastically.
Such ideals sounded beautiful, but reality rarely conformed to wishes. If iron ore prices truly returned to the levels of two years ago, given today's increased transportation and labor costs, iron ore mines would again enter a period of widespread losses.
Li Tang didn't respond directly to such remarks. He understood clearly that some people simply hoped to gain advantages from him.
"I don't have much to say, really. Just a reminder: if you're thinking of investing in iron ore abroad, you'd better act quickly and cautiously."
Having said that, he nodded slightly toward Bao Yanyao and sat down, refraining from further comment.
It was crucial to find trustworthy partners.
Bao Yanyao realized Li Tang hadn't said everything on his mind but didn't press further. Instead, he announced the meeting adjourned.
As they left the meeting room, Long Fuyuan grabbed Li Tang and asked anxiously, "From what you just said, where exactly are you planning your next project?"
"Canada," Li Tang responded. He had initially intended to discuss this privately with Long Fuyuan, Lu Chenyi, and Zhu Youxin—the three steel leaders he'd previously worked closely with. After the meeting, he specifically invited them out to a nearby teahouse.
"China doesn't import much iron ore from Canada," Zhu Youxin said, sounding puzzled.
They had assumed Li Tang's next move would follow a similar strategy to Lianying Mining: either continue developing the iron ore sector in Australia or move forward with the Simandou project in Guinea. Other African countries were also mostly undeveloped and full of opportunities. Canada seemed an unusual choice, given its distance and higher transportation costs.
"Do you genuinely think there's little hope of major breakthroughs in domestic iron ore exploration?" Lu Chenyi still preferred investing domestically. After all, regardless of how substantial the domestic investment might be, the safety of assets would always be more assured at home. Overseas investments naturally involved greater risks.
"Domestic exploration projects don't lack professional teams," Li Tang had already made up his mind to "hunt" globally. However, once mineral rights were secured, exactly how to develop them posed a significant challenge. In the long run, relying solely on individual capacity was clearly insufficient.
Lianying Mining's current success, growing steadily like a young sapling deeply rooted in fertile soil, benefited greatly from various forms of support. Replicating such success wouldn't be easy. Cooperating with large enterprises like Haigang Steel, Tangshan Steel, and Hualing Steel would ensure a stable foundation, allowing them to better weather external storms.
"You mentioned heading to Canada—what exactly are your plans? How much money do you need from us?" Long Fuyuan asked urgently.
Initially, Li Tang had thought about immediately involving everyone in joint exploration. But the meeting he'd just attended made him suddenly realize a serious issue:
Once Lianying Mining commenced production, if every steel company expected Lianying Mining to drastically lower iron ore prices—potentially even pressuring him through the Steel Association or regulatory bodies—what should he do? Should he comply with the Steel Association and these companies to artificially suppress iron ore prices, or should he adhere strictly to fair and transparent business principles?
This concern wasn't unfounded. Earlier, all the steel companies had expressed their hopes toward him, essentially viewing him as their savior from impending financial disaster. Currently, with long-term iron ore prices at around sixty US dollars per ton, steel companies were already struggling. If prices soared to one hundred dollars per ton, they might all collapse!
"This time, I'll just go and see. There isn't yet a clear target," Li Tang felt he needed first to clarify his relationship with these steel enterprises. Even though Lu Chenyi, Long Fuyuan, and Zhu Youxin showed considerable sincerity, their primary goal remained obvious—obtaining cheaper iron ore from Li Tang. If, in the future, he couldn't meet their expectations, what would happen then?
Of course, he felt he might be overly anxious. His mind was just a bit unsettled now. As an exploration technician, his life had been pure and straightforward—finding mineral resources and earning remuneration. But now, he wasn't merely a technician. He controlled Lianying Mining, and indirectly influenced Zhongcheng Mining, a dormant giant. His every move affected the steel and nonferrous metals industries significantly. Although he wielded immense power, he hadn't yet learned how to handle it skillfully.
Seeing Li Tang's conflicted expression, Lu Chenyi patted his shoulder reassuringly. "If you have any ideas or concerns, feel free to communicate with us anytime."
Long Fuyuan also noticed Li Tang's hesitation but refrained from pressing further.
Zhu Youxin smiled lightly, "By the way, the long-term contract we signed with you previously—two million tons annually—seems a bit low now. Tell Fred we'd like to increase our contracted volume."
"Alright."
Li Tang drank some tea and soon left.
The preparations for his international trip went quickly.
He Runqi returned from Australia. When he entered the general manager's office, he found Li Tang sitting absent-mindedly.
"What's wrong with you? Lost in thought?"
"Oh, you're back?" For the past two days, Li Tang had been preoccupied with thoughts about the future of Li Tang Shengshi Holdings. Earlier, making modest profits and allowing his employees to live comfortably had been enough for him. But now, entire industries, from steel to copper mining, were watching him closely. Some greedy eyes already regarded him as a juicy piece of meat.
"I just got back. Came here to report to you," He Runqi grinned widely, seemingly darker from the intense Australian sun. Always carefree and cheerful, he never lost his optimistic nature.
"This upcoming trip is to Canada, focusing primarily on coal and iron ore," Li Tang explained the reason for recalling He Runqi, then asked, "How is Lianying Mining's site construction progressing?"
"No big issues at the mine. However, some indigenous groups caused trouble over land rights during the railway and port construction. A few even took us to court. Nothing serious, though—basically, it can all be settled with money, just a question of how much," He Runqi remained optimistic.
Li Tang, likewise, felt optimistic about Lianying Mining's future. Shifting away from business talk, he stood up, moved to the leisure area, poured a cup of warm tea for He Runqi, and asked gently, "Any progress on your relationship with Lin Xiaoshu?"
"Ah, relationship issues…" He Runqi suddenly turned evasive.
"I just spoke to Lin Xiaoshu in Finance. She's going along as the financial officer on this trip."
"Is this trip to Canada business or tourism?" He Runqi immediately grew nervous.
"A bit of both," Li Tang noticed He Runqi sweating. "Nervous?"
"No way!" He Runqi shook his head, trying to appear confident and manly.
"Back in university, you handed love letters to female classmates without hesitation. How come you've become so timid pursuing a girl now?" Li Tang teased him openly.
"What love letters! Don't spread rumors! You could get sued for slander. If the guys in our technical department hear this, they'll tease me nonstop!" He Runqi stiffened his neck stubbornly, refusing to acknowledge past romantic adventures.
"Have more confidence!" Li Tang noticed He Runqi's embarrassment. "You're a company VP earning millions a year. You shouldn't lack confidence in pursuing someone."
"Who says I'm not confident?" He Runqi protested weakly.
"Great. If you're confident, don't waste time chatting with me. You're rarely here. Take the initiative and go visit our finance director."
Li Tang directly urged He Runqi to head to the finance department, reminding him casually, "This time we're heading to Canada, and there's a chance we'll go into the Arctic Circle. It'll be freezing cold. Remind Lin Xiaoshu to pack some thick clothing and show your concern."
"It's summer, and you want her to bring winter clothes?" He Runqi was puzzled. "Besides everyday matters, do we need any work-related preparations?"
"No need to prepare anything special. We'll just go and have a look first."
…
For this trip, in addition to the team from Li Tang Shengshi Holdings, Shenxia Group had also dispatched a delegation. Additionally, the acquisition team from Wukuang Group, led by Hu Zhenchi, would also be traveling to Canada simultaneously, although their objectives differed. They were heading directly to Toronto to continue discussions with Noranda.
"Minister Xie, you're going to Canada too?" Hu Zhenchi recognized a familiar face in the large group.
He then introduced him to Li Tang, who was standing nearby: "This is Xie Jiashu, the head of coal technology for Shenxia Group."
"President Hu?" Xie Jiashu shook hands warmly with Hu Zhenchi. "Is your Wukuang Group acquisition still ongoing?"
"We're giving it one more shot, trying to see if we can salvage anything," Hu Zhenchi answered tactfully.
"Boss Li, I recognize you, though you may not know me," Xie Jiashu then greeted Li Tang.
Li Tang glanced at Li Xinqi, who stood beside Xie Jiashu, silently seeking clarification.
Li Xinqi briefly explained, "He's leading Shenxia Group's delegation this time, our company's chief technology officer."
She was about to introduce Li Tang's identity when Xie Jiashu smiled, "Our technical team at Shenxia has always wanted your guidance on coal exploration, Mr. Li. Now we finally have the opportunity and won't let it pass."
"I wouldn't dare to presume," Li Tang politely responded, then asked, "Minister Xie, I previously spoke to Mr. Li from your company about contacting someone named Liu Naishun in Canada. Did you manage to reach him?"
"Yes, it's already settled. Liu Naishun was delighted when he heard Shenxia Group was sending a team to investigate coal opportunities here. He promised to meet us personally at the airport."
After saying this, Xie Jiashu asked curiously, "Liu Naishun is indeed involved in coal business in Canada. How do you know him?"
"I've heard of him," Li Tang smiled slightly. "Since everyone's here, let's board."
After more than ten hours of flight, they soon arrived in Toronto.
Liu Naishun was a legendary businessman, though not yet widely known. At first glance, one might mistake him for an academic. He wore glasses, dressed plainly, yet his demeanor was distinctive.
He had once been a teacher, possessing a talent for writing and eloquence. Later, he worked in a coal company, developing deep knowledge and unique insights into the coal industry. Eventually, he ventured into business, engaging in coal trade and even establishing a cultural tourism company.
Two years ago, he moved with his family to Canada and plunged headfirst into the local coal industry. His Deyi Mining Group had already acquired coal mining rights, though the mines had yet to enter production.
Investments in the mining sector, even in relatively easy-to-mine coal, rarely yielded quick profits. Deyi Mining Group, despite years in Canada, had barely broken even. Nonetheless, no one doubted that in the future, this company would inevitably draw significant attention from China's coal industry.
"You must be Minister Xie from Shenxia Group?" Liu Naishun had already spoken to Xie Jiashu by phone and roughly recognized him.
When he heard Shenxia Group had sought him out directly, Liu was too excited to sleep. He was an ambitious businessman who had accumulated considerable wealth, enough for a comfortable life, but he dreamed of greater success.
He was confident that the coal business would make him wealthy and that Canada's coal industry was worth the gamble. However, developing large-scale coal mines required enormous upfront investments. For years, he'd been trying to secure cooperation and investments from China's coal and steel companies. The process was far from easy or smooth.
Unexpectedly, Shenxia Group, China's largest coal enterprise, had come looking for him—an absolute stroke of fortune.
"Yes, that's me," Xie Jiashu replied warmly, then introduced another person standing nearby: "This is President Hu Zhenchi from Wukuang International Trading Company."
"I've heard all about Wukuang Group's attempted acquisition of Noranda—it's big news here," Liu Naishun warmly shook hands with Hu Zhenchi. "I've been closely following your progress. It's a shame things haven't gone smoothly. It's never easy for Chinese companies abroad."
"Indeed, we're facing various difficulties," Hu Zhenchi agreed. "I've heard you've been very successful here. We'd greatly appreciate your support during our stay."
"Anything you need, just ask!" Liu Naishun was magnanimous.
Xie Jiashu then gestured to Li Tang, introducing, "And this gentleman is Li Tang."
"Hello," Liu Naishun momentarily hesitated. The name sounded familiar, but he didn't immediately make the connection. He shook Li Tang's hand politely.
"Actually, it was Li Tang's idea to contact you," Xie Jiashu explained.
"Oh?" Liu Naishun looked at Li Tang with surprise. "Is he also a Shenxia Group executive?"
He had assumed Li Tang, who looked so young, might be the son of some prominent official.
"No. You really don't recognize him?"
Xie Jiashu had expected Liu to know Li Tang instantly. Seeing that wasn't the case, he elaborated seriously, "He's the actual controller of Li Tang Shengshi Holdings and the mysterious figure behind Lianying Mining!"
Liu Naishun froze for a moment, then quickly recovered, his eyes widening in astonishment. He clearly hadn't anticipated this Li Tang being the famous one!
Now he understood why the name had sounded so familiar.
"You're the original owner of Northern Dynasty Mining!" Liu finally exclaimed. His first reaction was curiosity, "Why did you sell your shares in Northern Dynasty Mining?"
Northern Dynasty Mining, listed on the Toronto stock exchange, was widely known across Canada due to the Pebble Project, whose discovery had skyrocketed the company's stock and created another wealth legend. Discussions about the company continued unabated, often appearing in the daily press.
"It was a strategic business decision," Li Tang responded simply. "Do you follow Northern Dynasty Mining?"
"Some of my friends bought shares in Northern Dynasty Mining and made huge profits!" Liu said excitedly, his admiration evident. "The company is now valued at over a billion US dollars, and their Pebble Project truly has immense development potential!"
"Yes," Li Tang nodded.
"Forgive me for saying so, but you might have sold your shares a bit early."
"I never claimed to be an exceptional investor," Li Tang smiled.
Liu Naishun looked at Li Tang, countless thoughts swirling through his mind, a million things he wanted to say, discuss, and debate with this remarkable figure. Yet when he opened his mouth, he found himself lost for words, momentarily forgetting what he'd intended to say.
"Everyone in the world is talking about your story!" Liu said with genuine amazement. "To be honest, you're truly an inspiration for all of us Chinese businessmen abroad."
"You're too generous. We should learn from each other," Li Tang replied humbly.
"Minister Xie mentioned you specifically wanted to meet me?" Liu finally brought himself back to the present. "Are you planning to invest in mining here in Canada?"
"I've long admired your reputation. This trip is indeed to look for investment opportunities, and I'd appreciate your assistance." Li Tang glanced around the bustling airport hall. "Is Deyi Mining headquartered in Toronto?"
"No, our headquarters are in Vancouver. Apart from coal, we also deal in lumber and steel—rather diverse businesses," Liu Naishun replied, enthusiasm surging once more. "When I heard you'd be arriving in Toronto, I specially flew here just to greet you."
"That's very considerate of you," Li Tang hadn't expected such hospitality.
"I've arranged dinner and hotels for everyone. Let's eat first and discuss business later," Liu Naishun was wealthy but humble, displaying genuine hospitality toward potential business partners and compatriots from afar.
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