Chapter 269: Heavens, What Have We Missed!
Niu Fu picked up the phone and dialed Li Xingchao's number.
"President Niu, what brings you to call?" Li Xingchao's cheerful voice came through the receiver.
There hadn't been much business interaction between Wukuang Group and Shenxia Group in the past. Li Xingchao and Niu Fu had rarely cooperated before. However, since their joint investments in Zhongcheng Mining and now in Nanyang Investment Company, their interactions had become increasingly frequent.
"There's something, and I'm not sure if you've heard about it yet," Niu Fu deliberately left it ambiguous.
"What could be so important that President Niu personally calls me about it?"
"Your golden son-in-law has made another huge discovery!" Niu Fu said.
"You mean the 1.2-billion-ton super iron ore in Western Australia?" Li Xingchao immediately guessed what Niu Fu was referring to.
"Ah..." Niu Fu had wanted to create suspense, but was surprised that Li Xingchao already knew. "How did you find out about it?"
"I knew about it days ago, even before Lianying Mining released their announcement," Li Xingchao responded naturally.
"Isn't this just unfair!" Niu Fu instantly became animated, slapping his hand onto the desk in irritation.
"Who's being unfair?" Li Xingchao laughed, unable to hold back.
"We're both shareholders of Nanyang Investment Company. Wukuang Group invested 150 million yuan, Shenxia Group invested only 50 million yuan. Yet you got the news in advance—you have special privileges! Our Wukuang Group only learned about this today!" Niu Fu protested, feeling treated unfairly. "That Li Tang boy—he's close to his father-in-law and completely forgets about us at Wukuang Group! He forgets who gave him opportunities and nurtured him back when he was nothing. Without Wukuang, would he even have the business he has today?"
"You're right!" Li Xingchao hadn't realized Niu Fu only found out today. "Emotionally speaking, Wukuang Group is essentially Li Tang's home. But President Niu, you've misunderstood something. We didn't get the news in advance because Li Tang personally informed us."
"What do you mean?" Niu Fu asked, confused.
"Li Tang didn't contact me at all. That kid—he doesn't just neglect his family; he neglects his father-in-law, too!" Li Xingchao suddenly found common ground with Niu Fu.
Now Niu Fu was even more confused. "Then how did you get the news?"
"We invested in Nanyang Investment Company, so we sent someone directly to Western Australia to monitor its operations closely. The information from there was reported to me promptly," Li Xingchao explained with a laugh.
Niu Fu had always trusted Li Tang. Even after investing 150 million yuan, he hadn't thought to send someone specifically to oversee Li Tang's usage of the funds. He hadn't anticipated that Li Xingchao would do exactly that. But in hindsight, he understood the rationale.
"A 1.2-billion-ton high-grade iron ore reserve… Do you think investing almost 100 million Australian dollars was worth it?" Niu Fu asked.
"Worth it? It's beyond worth it! Considering the value of these mineral resources, it amounts to tens of billions of US dollars!" Li Xingchao replied firmly.
"I feel exactly the same. However, developing it is going to be incredibly challenging," Niu Fu remarked. Given Wukuang Group's experience in iron ore trade, he was well aware of the complexities involved.
"The issue of development can be taken step by step. Right now, what's crucial is that the mining rights are firmly in our hands! Future matters can be handled gradually," Li Xingchao said thoughtfully.
"President Li certainly has vision!" Niu Fu said admiringly.
"Not me, it's Li Tang who's impressive!" Li Xingchao corrected him.
"You have quite a son-in-law there!" Niu Fu complimented with a smile.
"Now that you mention it, there's something I'd like your help with. Next time Li Tang returns, please give him a gentle reminder. That boy spends the entire year abroad. He never thinks about settling down!" Li Xingchao sighed.
"You're anxious now, worried that your golden son-in-law might be snatched away by another girl?" Niu Fu teased.
"Once he settles down, his mind will stabilize, benefiting his career even further!" Li Xingchao responded seriously.
"You're right," Niu Fu agreed sincerely.
…
Li Tang gathered the senior management of Lianying Mining for a meeting. Normally, he seldom participated directly in management, instead focusing on setting the broader strategic direction, policies, and pacing.
"Our exploration of the Qiqie Iron Ore has yielded outstanding results. Both the Rice and Corn ore bodies have astonishing iron content," Li Tang began by affirming everyone's recent hard work. "Though exploration has temporarily concluded, our steps won't halt here. Besides continuing our exploration in the northwest region of the Hamori Mountains, we should now plan for the extraction phase at Qiqie Iron Ore!"
Upon hearing this, everyone exchanged uneasy glances, clearly caught unprepared by Li Tang's plan.
"Is Qiqie Iron Ore really moving into the extraction phase already?" Kent asked, shocked.
Everyone had read news reports. Both BHP and Rio Tinto had openly refused cooperation, explicitly denying railway access to Lianying Mining. Their stance was clear and unlikely to change, especially after publicly stating so to the media. This meant that developing the Qiqie Iron Ore project would be incredibly challenging, possibly indefinitely delayed.
Yet here Li Tang was, proposing extraction already!
"We'll start with preparatory work," Li Tang explained calmly. Seeing their reactions, he realized the company had lost confidence in developing Qiqie Iron Ore. This wouldn't do. Without confidence, nothing could be accomplished.
"Firstly, we'll obtain the official mining license and clearly define the mining area." Li Tang knew that acquiring mining rights in Western Australia was straightforward: pay the fees, and the mature system would handle the rest efficiently.
"Meanwhile, we must sign agreements with stakeholders on indigenous heritage and land rights," he continued.
In Western Australia, mining projects had to adhere not only to the Investment Law, Mining Law, and Environmental Protection Law but also to the Aboriginal Land Rights Act. Conflicts primarily revolved around land ownership and compensation. If these were addressed thoroughly, funding would be their only major concern moving forward.
Everyone noted this down, especially Sylvester, whose responsibilities covered land-related affairs.
Yet Kent expressed his doubts openly, "Boss, starting extraction now might be poorly timed."
"Why is that?" Li Tang asked calmly.
"The current iron ore market isn't favorable," Kent answered candidly. "You're aware that developing mines requires enormous funding and long-term commitment. Raising funds is very difficult, especially when the capital market isn't particularly enthusiastic about iron ore."
As Kent spoke, he realized he knew very little about this young Chinese man's background. "Unless, of course, you personally have sufficient capital."
"I don't have nearly enough money to develop such a large-scale mine," Li Tang admitted openly. It wasn't shameful to acknowledge this fact.
"In that case, we'll need to raise capital through additional stock issuances or bond sales," Kent said. Having struggled for years to raise money, he understood the difficulties well. "This project might not be very attractive to investors."
Pleading investors for funds was always humbling and uncomfortable.
"You're partly correct," Li Tang conceded, "but too absolute. I'm determined not just to develop Qiqie Iron Ore, but to build world-class production bases at Rice and Corn mines. My goal is to reach an annual production capacity of 50 million tons!"
Fifty million tons annually?
Everyone present was stunned at the sheer scale and funding needed for such an operation.
A small-scale operation, even without railway support from BHP or Rio Tinto, might still be viable. They could truck ore out, even possibly sell it cheaply to the two giants for a modest profit. A small profit was better than none.
Yet Li Tang's declaration made it clear: this young boss had grand ambitions—possibly unrealistic ambitions, they thought.
"We would need billions of Australian dollars," Kent said, intimidated by the numbers involved.
"Don't worry about money for now. What's important is your confidence!" Li Tang firmly emphasized, setting a clear future direction for the company.
Li Tang knew the primary concern was funding. But money-related problems could always be solved, if not immediately, perhaps in two years when iron ore prices soared again, and investor enthusiasm rekindled.
But seeing his team's current lack of faith highlighted another crisis—aside from himself, he still lacked a reliable deputy who could carry the weight.
Thus, Li Tang returned once again to Fred's home.
Whether dealing with the government, managing company operations, or raising substantial funds in the future, Li Tang needed someone truly experienced and capable.
In Li Tang's heart, Fred had already proven his capabilities beyond doubt.
"Li!"
Fred opened his arms wide, giving Li Tang a warm hug.
Today he wasn't swimming outdoors, yet his face was still bright red, like a monkey's backside.
Li Tang thought, perhaps this was just how Fred naturally looked. "Here I am again."
"I've already seen the news about your discovery of a 1.2-billion-ton iron ore deposit!" Fred exclaimed dramatically. "That's simply insane! Like many people say, you're truly destined for greatness."
"I told you we'd achieve something remarkable," Li Tang replied confidently.
"I've never met a young man like you, daring, determined, and capable of such extraordinary results!"
"But I still feel alone and need support."
Li Tang had returned today with the same intention as before. "It's different from the last time I visited. Back then, Lianying Mining had no real assets—it was just a small, uncompetitive listed company."
"I never imagined Lianying Mining would achieve such a breakthrough so quickly," Fred remarked, recalling Li Tang's previous offer clearly.
At that time, he had refused without hesitation.
Fred had once been CEO of a nickel-mining company worth billions of Australian dollars, personally raising 1.4 billion AUD in initial capital and later attempting to raise another 3.5 billion AUD. Unfortunately, before he could fully realize his ambitions, he was unceremoniously dismissed by Eagle Magnesium Resources, the major shareholder.
"Now you've seen it—we own a 1.2-billion-ton iron ore deposit. It will become one of the most famous iron ore production bases globally!"
Li Tang looked Fred straight in the eyes. "Mr. Fred, once again, I sincerely invite you to join our company!"
"About that..." Fred was surprised Li Tang had brought up the matter again.
"Our Lianying Mining will become a world-class mining giant, like BHP or Rio Tinto," Li Tang said passionately and confidently. "I know you're an ambitious man, and Lianying Mining is an ambitious company. Having you lead us would be a perfect partnership!"
"This is something I've never seriously considered," Fred admitted.
Fred's current wealth was enough for a comfortable life. Even without working another day, he and his family could easily sustain their lifestyle.
Yet as a proud man who founded Australia's largest nickel-export company, being dismissed by shareholders citing unmet targets had left him humiliated.
Most of the initial 1.4 billion AUD capital had come from Eagle Magnesium Resources, accompanied by strict performance targets. Fred believed he had met those targets, yet was forced out of the company he built.
But what could he do? This was the harsh reality of capitalism.
The incident remained a thorn in his heart. Despite appearing relaxed, leisurely enjoying holidays every day, he secretly waited for an opportunity—an opportunity to prove his worth, once and for all.
Daily, he still received reports from his assistants, closely monitoring the mining industry and capital market trends.
"Join us!" Li Tang urged again, earnestly. "Let's build a world-class mining enterprise together!"
Fred, clearly moved by Li Tang's sincerity, didn't immediately decline this time. Instead, he fell into deep thought.
All his life, Fred had been the one actively convincing others to invest and partner with him. Now, for the first time, someone actively approached him, asking him to lead a company.
"This decision isn't mine alone—it involves my family and my team as well," Fred finally said after careful consideration. "I must discuss it with my family first."
"Of course, that's entirely understandable. Family always comes first," Li Tang agreed respectfully.
After leaving Fred's place, Li Tang received an unexpected call from Xu Huarong.
Xu had been waiting for a while at a restaurant, and when Li Tang entered, he rose, smiling warmly.
"President Xu, long time no see."
Li Tang was surprised the private room was mostly empty. "Just a few of us today?"
"These are my subordinates managing our real estate business in Perth, mainly overseeing villa and office building projects," Xu explained briefly, without naming them. He focused his attention on Li Tang. "Still wearing a suit after hours? Didn't you have time to change into casual clothes?"
"I just met Fred, didn't get a chance to change clothes," Li Tang replied. Xu's call came while he was nearby, so he had come straight over.
"Fred from Anaconda Mining?" Xu asked immediately.
"You know Fred?" Li Tang was genuinely surprised.
"Red-faced guy, hugs everyone enthusiastically, right?"
"Exactly. He's very warm—I've visited his home twice, and he's always been extremely hospitable."
"Don't be fooled by his appearance and manners," Xu cautioned kindly, pouring wine into Li Tang's glass himself. "Fred's quite famous in Australia, but do you know he has a rather notorious nickname?"
"Oh?" Li Tang took the glass and sipped, his mouth immediately filling with a sour, sharp taste. The wine was clearly expensive, but it wasn't to his liking.
"Not to your taste?" Xu noticed Li Tang's slight frown.
"It's fine; I'm just not good at appreciating fine wine." Li Tang didn't want to appear picky as a guest. "Tell me more about Fred's notorious nickname."
"In Australia's capital markets, Fred's one of the top three biggest bluffers!" Xu said seriously, with no mockery intended.
"That nickname doesn't sound flattering," Li Tang chuckled.
"Indeed, especially in finance circles, which highly value credibility. It's practically an insult," Xu said bluntly.
"What's the story behind it?"
"It's quite complicated; Fred's had a very colorful past, with many rumors circulating about him," Xu began, taking a sip of wine. "Recently, he was dismissed by the major shareholder Eagle Magnesium Resources from Anaconda Mining."
"There's a backstory?" Li Tang asked curiously.
"We don't know exactly, but there are rumors," Xu continued, storytelling. "Anaconda Mining was formed with multiple investors. Fred, as CEO, merged his own Murrin Nickel into the company. Technically, Murrin Nickel was Fred's real 'baby.' Recently, Fred reportedly raised 3.5 billion AUD for Murrin Nickel, leveraging Anaconda's resources. Eagle Magnesium Resources saw this as harming Anaconda's interests, so they removed Fred."
"I've heard bits about this but didn't know all the details."
"Fred is extremely clever, bold, and skilled in navigating capital markets," Xu said with a wry smile. "That's why outsiders label him one of Australia's top three bluffers."
"The capital market isn't very friendly towards him," Li Tang commented. Having met Fred twice, he saw him as friendly and easy-going—like a kindly neighbor.
"Why did you meet him?" Xu asked curiously.
"I wanted to invite him to manage Lianying Mining," Li Tang admitted openly.
"Careful—you're playing with fire," Xu warned gently.
"He didn't agree," Li Tang said regretfully.
"Enough about him." Xu smiled warmly, turning fully towards Li Tang. "You're the youngest Chinese entrepreneur I've met here, yet your business scale surpasses most. More importantly, you're the boldest—entering the mining sector alone!"
"President Xu, you're a renowned businessman yourself. No need for flattery. I'm young, and I'm here to learn from you," Li Tang responded calmly and modestly.
"Shake hands—let me feel your strength!" Xu joked, grasping Li Tang's hand firmly with both of his. "1.2 billion tons of iron ore reserves, right?"
"Exactly—that's Lianying Mining's latest discovery!" Li Tang confirmed proudly.
"Incredible!" Xu raised his thumb sincerely. "In Australia, the biggest business has always been mining and mineral trade! To be honest, I've always wanted to enter mining, but I lack your courage."
"Real estate and mining are entirely different worlds. Every industry has its champions. You've already achieved remarkable success," Li Tang complimented. "From my perspective, the real estate industry's future potential is just as promising as mining!"
"My primary projects are in Hong Kong, and our investments here in Australia are smaller."
"Lianying Mining has land in Perth's suburbs—a sizable plot. Currently, we only have a small office building that can't accommodate our future needs." Li Tang raised his glass. "We plan to allocate some funds to construct a new office building. President Xu, since you're in real estate, I'd like your help to build our headquarters."
"Oh my!" Xu immediately stood up, grinning broadly. "I knew knowing you would lead to good things! Look at that—just one dinner, and I've already landed a major project!"
"Cheers to you, Boss Li!"
Others also stood up one after another, raising their glasses to toast Li Tang.
During this meal, they ate seafood and desserts and drank a little foreign wine.
Both sides didn't discuss much formal business. Sometimes doing business was just like this: eating and drinking, building relationships, and projects would naturally follow.
When Li Tang returned to Lianying Mining, he informed Kent, instructing him to handle cooperation discussions with Xu Huarong's real estate company.
He wouldn't participate in the specific operations himself, as he was already overwhelmed with tasks.
Alice, as the chairman and CEO of Lianying Mining, not only had to monitor the company's financial expenditures but also oversee various aspects of company management.
If Lianying Mining were a ship ready to set sail, Alice undoubtedly was the helmsman steering it!
In addition to her usual roles, today she also served as the spokesperson for Lianying Mining.
Lianying Mining was about to hold a press conference!
Once the news broke, all financial and mining media throughout Australia became excited.
At last, the company had decided to speak publicly!
This low-profile listed company had, apart from obligatory business updates, completely avoided making public appearances.
Every media outlet had tried every possible way to secure an interview with Lianying Mining.
Whether it was well-established media giants like the Financial Review or The Australian, or even smaller local media from Perth, none had succeeded in infiltrating Lianying Mining to obtain insider information.
They waited and waited, and finally, the announcement had come:
Lianying Mining was finally stepping into the spotlight!
Because Lianying Mining's current office was far too small, they arranged the press conference at a hotel.
Facing a packed room full of journalists, all holding cameras like cannons, flashing lights, and an atmosphere that felt suffocating, Alice felt as if she had entered another dimension, filled with intense pressure.
Today she wore a designer suit, elegantly dressed. Her golden hair was meticulously styled, each strand seemingly perfectly positioned. Around her snow-white neck hung a gold necklace with a pendant engraved with the Chinese character "Fu," symbolizing good fortune.
Today, she was a queen!
All eyes, all camera lenses, were focused solely on her.
It could be said that this was the most glorious and attention-grabbing moment of her twenty-some years of life.
Unavoidably, she felt a little nervous.
The hand gripping her speech draft was already damp with sweat.
"Welcome to the press conference of Lianying Mining."
Without much preamble, Alice took up the speech draft and immediately announced, "After careful consideration by the board of directors, Lianying Mining has decided to officially implement an iron ore mining development plan totaling two billion Australian dollars!"
Her voice had barely finished echoing when the entire conference room burst into an uproar.
"Two billion Australian dollars!"
"A mining development plan?"
"They actually plan to develop the iron mine themselves!"
"BHP and Rio Tinto have consecutively stated they won't cooperate with Lianying Mining. Lianying's silence wasn't because they were afraid or intimidated by BHP and Rio Tinto, but because they were preparing their response!"
"Is this how they're responding to BHP and Rio Tinto?"
"So, it's true what they previously said—the Chinese company's arrival in the Pilbara region to conduct iron ore exploration was really meant to challenge the positions of BHP and Rio Tinto!"
The commotion in the crowd continued for some time.
Alice hadn't anticipated that merely making the opening announcement would cause such a sensation. The scene seemed to spiral out of control. Meanwhile, the relentless flashes from camera lights completely overwhelmed her.
"Please calm down, everyone!" Kent picked up the microphone, shouting loudly.
Fortunately, every journalist had a professional ethic and quickly quieted down.
Yet, when they looked at Alice, their eyes seemed to gleam greedily, filled with anticipation for even more explosive news.
Alice discreetly wiped her sweaty palms against her jacket, glanced down at her notes, and continued speaking into the microphone, "This two-billion-dollar investment plan mainly involves the construction of a 400-kilometer heavy-haul railway."
Once again, there was murmuring, but more reporters began writing furiously, noting the critical information.
The crowd finally restrained from interrupting again, giving Alice some relief. She proceeded, "In addition, we'll construct a thermal power plant, a seawater desalination plant, and a port facility with eight to ten berths, along with corresponding warehouses."
This construction plan had been devised with the help of a mining engineering consulting firm after meticulous calculation. Having an initial plan in place, they would gradually proceed with fundraising and necessary approvals.
Today's press conference was also an announcement to all Lianying Mining shareholders. Additionally, it served as a probe to gauge reactions from the capital market, and to demonstrate Lianying Mining's determination and boldness to the Western Australian government.
The conference wasn't long and did not even include a Q&A session.
After briefly outlining the investment plan, Alice elaborated on details including investment amounts and planned scales of construction.
About twenty minutes later, she breathed a sigh of relief, as there had been no mistakes. Concluding, she declared, "This two-billion-dollar investment will create a world-class mining operation capable of producing 55 million tons of iron ore annually. We assure all shareholders and partners that we will successfully achieve production by 2005!"
Applause erupted immediately after she finished speaking, continuing for a long while. This plan was undoubtedly inspiring.
At a time when the iron ore market was sluggish, and when BHP and Rio Tinto virtually monopolized the Australian iron ore trade, the ambitious announcement from Lianying Mining came as a powerful shock to everyone.
Indeed, they truly intended to challenge BHP and Rio Tinto's monopoly!
Hearing thunderous applause and seeing the enthusiastic expressions of everyone present, Alice waved lightly, gripping her notes, and stepped down from the stage, moving towards the exit.
Cameras and flashing lights chased after her, reporters feeling the moment had ended too quickly, leaving them craving more material.
They wanted confrontational statements from Lianying Mining directly challenging BHP and Rio Tinto, passionate declarations, or grander ambitions.
Unfortunately, the beautiful and youthful chairman and CEO of Lianying Mining only described the details of the plan and was unwilling to say more.
She simply walked away.
At the entrance, a young man dressed in a suit stood casually with his arms crossed, leaning against the doorway, watching with a faintly amused expression.
It was Li Tang.
Seeing Alice's perfect delivery and queen-like aura, he smiled quietly.
When Alice approached, he turned around quickly and left the venue. The crisp sound of high heels clicking followed behind.
Alice jogged slightly to catch up with him, touching her chest lightly and breathing heavily, "I was so nervous! I didn't expect so many media people. When I looked up, the room was crowded with people and cameras—it felt overwhelming!"
"You did fantastic," Li Tang reassured her, smiling at her gently. "Great job!"
"Look!" Alice opened her palm to show him, "My palms are still sweating."
"If it were me up there, facing all those people and cameras, I'd probably wet myself," Li Tang joked.
"Really?" Alice's eyes lit up, looking excited for some reason. "Then let's agree right now—next press conference, you'll speak!"
"You just want to watch me embarrass myself!" Li Tang gave her a playful glare.
Alice laughed cheerfully, "Someone as tough as you wouldn't be fazed by something like that."
Li Tang tucked his hands into his pockets, smiling faintly.
Suddenly, clicking sounds came from behind them.
Several reporters had dashed out of the conference room, snapping photos frantically of Li Tang and Alice's retreating figures.
One even hurriedly carried a large camera, trying to run ahead to capture their faces from the front. Kent and Sylvester, walking just behind Li Tang, quickly intervened to stop the eager journalist.
"Let me go! I just want to ask the mysterious Chinese boss one question!" shouted the reporter, unable to break free.
His desperate yell echoed down the corridor, as if lamenting a missed golden opportunity, like narrowly losing out on a lottery jackpot by just one digit.
His shouting attracted even more reporters, all rushing out, craning their necks regretfully, realizing too late whom they'd overlooked.
Inside the conference room, many had vaguely noticed the young Eastern face leaning casually against the doorframe but paid him no attention. Certainly, no one associated him with the mysterious Chinese owner rumored behind Lianying Mining.
They'd assumed he was merely an ordinary employee.
No one photographed him or cared about the smiling young Chinese man.
Was he really that person?
Journalists stared helplessly as the figures entered a car, shutting the doors and quickly disappearing from sight.
"Did anyone manage to photograph him?"
"I'll pay ten thousand Australian dollars for a single photo!"
"Oh God, what have we missed!"
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