Chapter 394: The Pride of Our Nation
Layton once again appeared on a television program.
As leader of the opposition party, Layton didn't have many official duties. Most of his activities involved publicly criticizing Prime Minister Martin and promoting his own agenda.
This time, Layton proactively contacted the television station, indicating he had something crucial to announce.
Right after the brief introduction by the host, Layton immediately took on an angry demeanor, glaring intensely into the camera, eyes blazing as if he intended to strike someone dead through the screen.
"Gala Aluminum is our country's largest mining enterprise, crucial for our national economy, responsible for tens of thousands of jobs, and contributing billions of magnesium dollars in taxes every year!" Layton's speech was blunt, heavy, and dramatic—exactly the style the audience loved.
"We proudly say that Gala Aluminum is a colossal enterprise, with operations spanning almost 200 countries and employing more than 60,000 people. Owning such a corporation has always been our national pride. However, over the past few years, as everyone knows without my needing to say it explicitly, Gala Aluminum has sunk into financial trouble. Its worldwide business units and over 60,000 highly-paid employees are no longer assets; they're becoming burdens!"
The host silently rejoiced upon hearing this explosive speech. Invited guests were best when outspoken and controversial. This increased viewership more than anything else. The host abandoned his prepared questions entirely, deciding instead to watch Layton's spectacular performance.
Layton did not disappoint. "Internally, Gala Aluminum is already deeply troubled. Many of its business divisions look impressive in size and market share but continue to operate at losses. There's only one viable path for Gala Aluminum right now—to accept Rinto's offer!"
The host naturally seized this opening, asking, "Why is Rinto the one capable of rescuing Gala Aluminum?"
"Rinto has ample capital to inject into Gala Aluminum! With sufficient funds and connections to upstream industries, they can maximize Gala Aluminum's extensive processing and distribution network," Layton said passionately. Suddenly, he slammed his fist onto the table dramatically. "Gala Aluminum's board has accepted Rinto's bid of 38.1 billion magnesium dollars! Rinto's generous offer demonstrates immense goodwill towards Gala Aluminum's shareholders and respect for our nation! They're telling every citizen and Martin's government that they genuinely want to support our economy!"
The host agreed enthusiastically, "If Rinto continues to invest in our country, such a large enterprise will indeed greatly benefit our economy."
"But now, this beneficial acquisition that could profoundly boost our national economy and welfare is being strangled by a Chinese man!" Layton declared furiously.
"Which Chinese man?"
"Li Tang!" Layton said with palpable disgust. "Who else could arouse such widespread disdain? His intentions here have always been malicious. Remember, he was previously investigated for national security threats, with many investments suspiciously targeting sensitive Arctic regions. He disguises his sinister motives behind commercial activities, secretly mapping our Arctic terrains and spying on restricted areas! Vancouver police previously had to release him under political and economic pressure, but that doesn't mean Li Tang is innocent—it only proves his economic influence has penetrated deep into our economic and political upper echelons!"
The host, stunned into silence, merely nodded.
"Li Tang is wielding his economic power to manipulate and control Gala Aluminum, a cornerstone of our economy. His intention isn't to help Gala Aluminum prosper; it's to destroy it—and ultimately, to undermine our entire economy!" Layton glared into the camera, directly addressing Prime Minister Martin: "Martin, you keep talking about bringing in foreign investment to boost the mining sector, but some foreign investments hide sharp, bloody knives behind them. Li Tang is exactly that—a tiger from the East with dangerous claws and fangs!"
The host, feeling safer as a spectator, stayed silent.
Layton continued, "Mark my words! After destroying Gala Aluminum, Li Tang's next target will likely be Barrick Gold or other vital enterprises!"
Layton was relentless, "Expelling Li Tang is the only way to eliminate this threat!"
Seeing Layton pausing to breathe, the host quickly interjected, "What exactly has Li Tang done to pose such a threat?"
"He now controls over 14% of Gala Aluminum's shares. Without a doubt, he intends to veto the acquisition, effectively severing Gala Aluminum's only lifeline!" Layton stood up, leaning menacingly close to the camera, filling the entire screen with his angry face. "Martin! You personally allowed this Eastern tiger in; now you must personally get rid of him! If you can't find justification or strength to deal with a capitalist crocodile like Li Tang, let me spell it out for you clearly: Li Tang's acquisition of Gala Aluminum's shares involved multiple violations of securities laws! If that's not explicit enough, I'll tell you straight out—Li Tang has infiltrated Gala Aluminum's management and board! You think he's a brilliant investor, earning over a billion magnesium dollars in just a few months because he's a genius? Wrong! Completely wrong! He made that money due to insider trading!"
Layton practically shouted into the camera lens, "Martin, set up an investigation immediately, and you'll find numerous violations and dark dealings in Li Tang's investments!"
"Sanction him!"
Layton's tirade on television caused a media firestorm.
The revelation that Li Tang might exercise his power as Gala Aluminum's largest shareholder to veto the merger enraged many of Gala Aluminum's investors. Angry protesters flooded the streets—some even brandishing chainsaws—calling for Li Tang's head.
At Gala Aluminum's headquarters, many shareholders demonstrated, holding banners and shouting, "Kick Li Tang out! Arrest the criminal!"
This fury wasn't limited to ordinary investors; senior executives and board members of Gala Aluminum were equally troubled. They had spent countless sleepless nights in meetings, their phones ringing non-stop, desperately trying to contact Li Tang, without success. Fuelled by media sensationalism, even high-level executives joined the chorus of anger, fantasizing about physically punishing Li Tang.
But back in China, the reaction was completely different.
Financial and economic media across the country celebrated Li Tang's triumph on their front pages:
"An example for investors! Using just 1.05 billion magnesium dollars, he earned 1.2 billion in less than half a year!"
"Our richest man—not only a mining expert but also a financial genius!"
"Li Tang, the Pride of Our Nation!"
"How did he achieve an investment return exceeding 100%?"
"His influence is penetrating every corner of the global economy."
"With his immense individual power, how will Li Tang shape the future of Gala Aluminum?"
Sensational headlines and endless praise filled newsstands. In financial and mining circles, admiration for Li Tang bordered on worship.
Beijing.
Li Xinqi excitedly rushed home, clutching a newspaper. Seeing her parents had arrived earlier and were quietly watching TV in the living room, she eagerly approached her father, Li Xingchao.
"News about Li Tang!" she announced proudly, handing him the newspaper.
Li Xingchao glanced briefly at the headline and didn't bother reading further. Earlier in his office, every newspaper had already been plastered with news about Li Tang's Gala Aluminum investment. He'd read so many reports, his eyes felt numb.
"Say something!" Li Xinqi urged happily, eager to hear her father's real thoughts on the news.
"What do you want me to say?" Li Xingchao pretended indifference, arms crossed, ignoring the newspaper.
"Li Tang made a fortune on the stock market!" Li Xinqi picked up the discarded newspaper, enthusiastically reading aloud, "This article says Li Tang achieved the highest financial returns ever made by a Chinese investor abroad!"
Her pride in Li Tang was unmistakable, her voice bubbling with excitement as she proudly announced her fiancé's remarkable success.
"Hmm." Li Xingchao emitted a faint grunt, his gaze glued to the television, though his eyes flickered uneasily.
"The news reports all say Li Tang has not only created miracle after miracle in the mining industry, repeatedly breaking various domestic mineral exploration records, but he has also established the foundations of a global mining empire abroad! Achievements like his can truly be described as unprecedented..."
"Unprecedented? That's because in the past, the economy wasn't as developed, and information didn't spread as fast. If you talk about Zheng He's voyages, wasn't that also about going abroad and showcasing our country's power?"
"That's totally different!" Li Xinqi said irritably. "I'm talking to you about Li Tang now!"
"Alright, alright. Go ahead and talk." Seeing his daughter annoyed, Li Xingchao relented.
"Look, this report says Li Tang could potentially determine the fate of a world-class company. They're calling him extremely powerful, and saying all sorts of incredible things."
Not saying more, Li Xinqi shoved the newspaper back into Li Xingchao's hands. "Quickly, take a look. The article is really well-written!"
"I've already read it."
Li Xingchao didn't even need to glance at the newspaper's name to know its contents. He'd spent the entire day doing nothing else but reading newspapers and discussing this very topic.
He was even more informed than Li Xinqi about Li Tang's investment in Gala Aluminum. Indeed, if one said Li Tang had achieved something remarkable, setting a record for Chinese investors overseas, it wasn't false at all. Privately, Li Xingchao acknowledged this, although he was unwilling to openly admit it.
"You're obviously jealous!" Li Xinqi sensed something off in her father's dismissive attitude.
"Jealous of what? Li Tang's a young man, not my competitor. What do I have to be jealous about?" Li Xingchao scoffed. "If I seem unhappy, it's because I'm worried about you!"
"Worried about what?" Li Xinqi stared at him in confusion. "Li Tang's business is doing so well. I'm happy for him! Besides, I found such a wonderful boyfriend—do you know how many people envy me? And even you and Mom previously admitted he's an excellent person!"
"Maybe I misjudged him before, alright?" Li Xingchao felt irritated by his daughter's infatuated mindset.
"What's wrong with you today?" Li Xinqi asked curiously.
"Haven't you noticed?" Li Xingchao increasingly felt his daughter was becoming foolish from staying close to Li Tang. In his memory, she had always been independent-minded and insightful, but recently he'd observed significant changes in her attitude and judgment.
"Noticed what?" Li Xinqi felt like her father was speaking in riddles.
"Li Tang's business success is growing, yet he's becoming more and more distant from you!" Li Xingchao dropped this explosive observation.
Upon hearing this, Zhou Muyun, who had been quietly listening, nodded in agreement. "Li Tang hasn't visited us in quite a long time. Sometimes I even wonder if there's an issue with your relationship."
"There's no problem at all! I was just talking to him on the phone!" Li Xinqi stubbornly refused to acknowledge such suspicions. She firmly believed Li Tang had grown distant solely due to being busy with work. After all, he had such extensive business interests spread across the globe, and his workload must be enormous. To her, just sitting by the window at night, listening to insects chirping, sometimes with the moon overhead, and talking on the phone to Li Tang—hearing his voice—was enough to make her content.
When two people's hearts were truly united, distance didn't matter.
"Enough, enough. Stop suspecting things unnecessarily," Zhou Muyun understood her daughter's sincere feelings and didn't want to see her upset. Seeing her daughter happy was enough for her.
She turned to her husband, shifting topics. "You know, after reading so many articles, I have to admit, Li Tang's timing on Gala Aluminum was impeccable. It looks like he anticipated early on that Rinto or another company would make such a high offer for Gala Aluminum."
Speaking of this investment, Li Xingchao had spent the entire day feeling a bit restless. Although he didn't want to admit it, this kind of investment wasn't something ordinary people could pull off. Li Tang seemed to execute these complex financial maneuvers effortlessly, mastering timing with uncanny precision.
"Setting aside Li Tang's relationship with Qiqi, objectively speaking, Li Tang really is a rare business genius!" he finally admitted. "His success in the mining industry alone already proves his greatness. Lianying Mining's market value has undoubtedly surpassed our Shenxia Group at this stage. Shenxia Group gathered the nation's major coal mines through special measures, creating a huge conglomerate. But Lianying Mining, in Li Tang's hands, grew rapidly within just a few years purely through his vision and management skills. Now, with a single investment, he's earned over a billion magnesium dollars in a matter of months—nearly ten billion yuan! His ability to accumulate wealth is astonishing. Sometimes, I suspect he might secretly own a magical treasure that attracts wealth!"
Having held these thoughts inside for a long time, once he started speaking, it was difficult to stop. He glanced at Li Xinqi and sighed, "Honestly, regarding Gala Aluminum, Li Tang's strategy was incredibly bold—recklessly daring!"
"Using one billion magnesium dollars and leveraging it into four billion magnesium dollars, investing it entirely into a single stock like Gala Aluminum—that's indeed risky," Zhou Muyun agreed. "Nobody else would dare."
"That's why many people abroad are calling him a rookie in the capital market," Li Xingchao continued, sighing deeply, genuinely concerned. "Right now, Li Tang hasn't actually secured the profits yet. He's still facing enormous risks!"
"Why?" Li Xinqi asked anxiously.
"Li Tang might vote against Rinto's acquisition of Gala Aluminum. If Rinto withdraws its offer and exits the competition, Gala Aluminum's stock price will definitely collapse dramatically!" Unlike most people dazzled by domestic media's excessive praise, Li Xingchao knew more inside details, which made him deeply worried about Li Tang's risky investment.
"If a lose-lose scenario emerges—where Rinto fails to acquire Gala Aluminum, resulting in disappointment—despite Li Tang's current large paper profits, a sudden reversal could quickly erode all those gains. Even his original one billion magnesium-dollar investment could disappear entirely!"
"Is there a way to eliminate these risks?" Li Xinqi asked anxiously.
"Accept Rinto's offer!" Li Xingchao had a clear perspective. If he were Li Tang, he'd immediately accept Rinto's offer, securing over a billion magnesium dollars in guaranteed profits, and gracefully exit the market. This would benefit everyone—Li Tang, Rinto, and Gala Aluminum alike.
But he wasn't Li Tang. Just as he previously couldn't understand Li Tang's many foreign exploration investments or his massive initial investments in Lianying Mining, which all unexpectedly succeeded, he now couldn't comprehend Li Tang's approach toward Gala Aluminum, nor could he predict how Li Tang would wield his veto power.
With his mindset, he was destined never to reach Li Tang's exceptional heights.
"I'll call Li Tang now and tell him the solution is to accept Rinto's offer," Li Xinqi said, trusting her father's judgment. She knew her father cared about her deeply, so naturally, his advice was sincere.
She quickly took out her phone and dialed.
"It's useless; Li Tang won't listen to you," Li Xingchao had already seen clearly into Li Tang's personality.
"I still have to warn him," Li Xinqi replied, her excitement turning into anxiety.
Across the ocean, Li Tang received Li Xinqi's call but didn't elaborate on Gala Aluminum. He only assured her everything would be fine and told her not to worry.
After hanging up, Li Tang glanced up at Alice, who had just entered. "Why are you here?"
Alice placed her luggage in the room, took off her coat, hung it up, and comfortably sank into the sofa as if she had arrived home.
"I'm exhausted," she sighed.
"If you're tired, go to your own room and rest," Li Tang responded, somewhat wary of her behavior.
"I didn't book a separate room," Alice gazed directly at Li Tang, eyes full of intent. "I'll sleep here, sharing your room. It'll save company expenses. I'm so tired; can't you reward me? My exhaustion needs your healing touch."
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Johanssen