Chapter 152: Equity Share
Two days later, Xiao Yongyue arrived in Tubo Province with an entire convoy in tow.
Upon meeting, the burly man gave Li Tang a hearty hug.
"Came through Duide County on the way here from Gaolumu City. I've already stopped by Geological Team No. 6 and learned about the situation," he said after a few pleasantries. "Since this involves foreign parties, it's not that simple. But don't worry—I'll sort it out for you in no time."
He looked completely at ease, as if everything was under control.
"Then I'll thank Boss Xiao in advance for your generous help!" Li Tang smiled, though his emotions were mixed.
"Come, let's visit Nobu first, then swing by the Geological Bureau," Xiao said, slinging his arm around Li Tang like an old friend. "Let me tell you—Director Dawa from the Bureau is kind of a distant relative of mine. If we're going by family hierarchy, I should be calling him 'Brother-in-law.'"
"Is that so?" Li Tang chuckled.
In truth, Xiao's tactics were becoming clear. Almost everyone he got close to could somehow be labeled a relative or a close friend. For example, after meeting Li Tang just a few times, they were now "brothers."
"Of course! So just one meeting with Dawa, and I'll get this whole thing straightened out for you," Xiao said, patting his chest confidently. "We're all patriots here. With such a promising mining right, why should it go to foreigners instead of our own people? Right?"
A wave of agreement followed from those who had come with him.
"Let's visit Nobu first. It's only polite," Xiao said as he pulled Li Tang toward the car and told the driver to head to the Land Bureau.
Li Tang quickly stopped him. "Boss Xiao, you've traveled a long way. Let's find a place to have some tea and rest. We can discuss business afterward."
Seeing that Li Tang had something to say, Xiao redirected the convoy to a restaurant and got them a private room.
Over hot tea, Li Tang initiated the conversation. "Boss Xiao, I invited you here for two reasons. One is to rely on your network to help solve the problem I'm currently facing."
"Mhm." Xiao looked at him intently, not interrupting.
"Second, I've now gone independent. There's a lot I need to learn from you."
"The mining industry isn't easy," Xiao said with authority, based on personal experience. "You starting out on your own—leaving Wukuang—I didn't see that coming. You'd better be ready for hardship. This business is filled with all kinds of people. Be cautious."
It was sound advice, a form of mentorship.
Li Tang nodded. "But that's all just talk. Since I've asked you here, I must show sincerity and offer something concrete."
Xiao's interest was immediately piqued. "Oh?"
"To be honest, I've had my eye on the Gongcun Copper-Gold Mine for a long time. It's a gold mine worth its weight in gold."
While waiting for Xiao these past few days, Li Tang had time to think deeply.
A billionaire like Xiao traveling across the country to help—could it really just be out of kindness?
Maybe Xiao truly believed in making powerful friends and treating them sincerely. But helping out like this without any benefit? That didn't make sense.
If Li Tang just accepted Xiao's help without giving anything in return, he'd owe him a massive favor.
And what if Xiao came calling one day? Could he really say no?
Every favor was another string, every interest another shackle. Eventually, you'd be bound and helpless.
Li Tang didn't want that. He had his own plans, his own future.
Today, facing Xiao, he didn't see a friend or brother, but a business partner. They were equals.
Each contributing, each gaining. A win-win.
"Is this the mining right you're trying to snatch back from the foreigner?" Xiao twirled his teacup.
"Yes," Li Tang nodded.
"What makes you so sure it's that valuable?" Xiao leaned in.
"The Gongcun Copper-Gold Mine lies on the Gangdise Metallogenic Belt."
"…"
Xiao didn't understand a word.
"The Qulong Copper Mine is also on the Gangdise Belt."
"You mean it's on par with Qulong in terms of size?"
"In value, yes. But they're different in essence. Qulong is primarily copper. Gongcun is primarily gold."
"Gold is more attractive than copper!" Xiao laughed.
"Would you be interested in joining me and getting rich together?" Li Tang asked seriously.
Xiao didn't answer right away. He played with the teacup, thought it over, then smiled. "Looks like the Geological Team did me a big favor. I should thank Captain Damba. If you had smoothly gotten the mining rights, we wouldn't be meeting like this today."
"Fate," Li Tang smiled.
"You've proven yourself with Qulong and Qinglong. I trust your judgment," Xiao said, intrigued but cautious. "I didn't expect you'd propose cooperation. Tell me—how much profit are we talking?"
"The mining industry involves large investments and long cycles. You know that better than I do."
"Of course."
"But I estimate this mining right is worth at least five billion!"
Li Tang threw out a hefty figure. That prediction assumed a future rise in gold prices.
"Five billion?" Xiao was skeptical.
The number sounded unrealistic—too inflated.
"Time will prove me right," Li Tang said calmly, sipping his tea.
"How much investment are we talking?"
"Somewhere between 50 million and 100 million RMB, depending on how the project progresses."
The total original exploration cost of Gongcun was nearly 200 million. That was years ago, with outdated pricing. Considering inflation, labor costs, and updated exploration standards, the foreign Land Mining Company spent two hundred million and made over three billion in return.
A twentyfold return. A great deal.
With current standards and Li Tang's foresight, they wouldn't need 200 million—maybe just half.
"Big money, big risk!" Xiao was clearly torn.
Li Tang's track record was impressive, but this was a huge investment. If it went wrong, even his potash business might suffer.
"Why don't we first talk to Nobu and Dawa—see what they say?" he asked, unable to decide.
"If Boss Xiao wants to speak to them, I won't object," Li Tang said firmly. "But until we reach a partnership, I don't want you negotiating the mining rights for me. If I'm the only one getting rich, then I'd rather not do it at all."
This noble-sounding declaration was full of brotherhood and honor—and perfectly aligned with Xiao's values.
But beneath the sentiment was Li Tang's real message: I won't accept your help for free.
If Xiao joined in and negotiated for the mining rights, he'd be doing it for shared benefit. That way, Li Tang would owe him nothing.
With Xiao onboard, the project would avoid many potential roadblocks in Tubo—perhaps even go smoothly.
A powerful ally was crucial in this treacherous industry.
"Coming up with that kind of money isn't easy. I'll need to go back and discuss it with my company," Xiao said, not rushing. "Even if I agree, I can't personally take out that much. I'd need to get it from the potash company. And that company isn't mine alone—other people's interests are involved."
Li Tang understood this was just an excuse. He knew Gaolu Potash was a family-run business; whether the money came out or not was entirely up to Xiao.
But he didn't argue—he just smiled. "Sorry, I wasn't clear. The total exploration budget for Gongcun might eventually reach 100 million, yes. But the first phase only requires 20 million."
"Twenty million is still a lot," Xiao replied. Despite having handed Li Tang a million in cash before, now he was cautious.
"I'm not finished," Li Tang grinned. "Of the 20 million for Phase One, I'll invest 18 million. Boss Xiao, you only need to contribute two million."
"Two million?"
Xiao laughed. "You should've just said that from the beginning! I was worrying about raising tens of millions in liquid funds. Two million? I can pull that out anytime!"
"My bad for not clarifying."
Seeing Xiao's relaxed expression, Li Tang knew he'd won him over. So he proposed, "Here's my idea: we establish a company in Tubo Province—Gongcun Gold Company—specifically to acquire the Gongcun mining rights. I'll put in 18 million for 90% equity. Boss Xiao, you put in two million for 10%. Is that acceptable to you?"
"Only 10%?" Xiao raised an eyebrow.
"Equity based on investment makes the math easier. We'll provide personnel, technical expertise, ideas, and labor. Let's not nickel and dime over that."
Li Tang smiled at him. "And during the project, when we need Boss Xiao's help, we'll rely on your tireless efforts."
Hearing this, Xiao actually felt like he was the one getting the better end of the deal. He didn't argue further.
After all, it was only two million. He'd given Li Tang a million before—this wasn't much more.
Even if he lost it, it was less than one month's profit for the potash company. Easily recoverable.
"Since you believe so much in Gongcun, then I'll buy a stake too—helping a brother out!" he laughed heartily, fully agreeing. Then he turned to his aides. "Go get our finest hometown liquor. Tonight, I'm drinking with Brother Li!"
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