Chapter 215: Called to Account
Yu Yong's emotions surged, but he forced himself to remain calm.
Kunshang Group had worked tirelessly to acquire a stake in Luoyi Molybdenum—meticulous negotiations and strategic planning had led to a cooperation agreement. Even now, the formal capital injection had yet to be completed.
Now, hearing that Li Tang planned to build a company as large as Luoyi Molybdenum—spoken with such ease—it felt surreal.
Luoyi Molybdenum's mine was the largest molybdenum deposit in the country, the only one with reserves exceeding two million tons and of high grade.
To find another deposit of that size? It sounded almost impossible.
They were stunned by the boldness of Li Tang's words—it seemed like pure fantasy.
But when they looked again at his youthful face, they couldn't help but ask themselves: is there anything this man can't do?
"Isn't that talk a bit premature?" Cui Mingyuan asked, unable to believe what he had heard.
As the head of Luoyi Molybdenum, he understood better than anyone just how massive a company it was.
Across all of Huazhou Province, there were only a handful of mining companies that matched Luoyi Molybdenum's scale.
What Li Tang was implying… was essentially to recreate an entire provincial mining giant.
Starting a successful company was already hard. In the mining industry, it was even harder.
Qian Hao, who knew Li Tang best, seemed nervous and murmured, "Li Tang, so this is what you meant when you agreed to cooperate?"
"Ambitious, aren't you? But do you understand how much capital it takes to build a company like Luoyi Molybdenum?" Yu Yong asked with a chuckle.
"The capital for mining is astronomical," Li Tang answered calmly. "But that's a problem for much later. Right now, what I want to discuss is something even larger than Luoyi Molybdenum's current mine—a world-class deposit with over two million tons of molybdenum."
A deposit of that scale—that was the exact reason Kunshang Group was going all-in to take over Luoyi Molybdenum.
Without minerals in the ground, there's nothing to invest in—nothing of value.
"And how are you so sure you can find another deposit with over two million tons?" Yu Yong narrowed his eyes and studied Li Tang.
"That's my goal," Li Tang said firmly.
He had no way to explain everything, but the aura of confidence he exuded was palpable.
"That's a bold goal," Yu Yong replied with a smile, though no one could guess what he was thinking. "You say things that sound absurd—but for some reason, I still believe you a little."
"This is too big," Cui Mingyuan said. He was clearly thrown off balance and unsure how to respond.
Qian Hao said nothing, his head lowered in thought.
"You thought that by getting me to cooperate, you'd just be engaging in small-time business. But that's not what I'm about. If we're going to do something—it has to be big," Li Tang said with a touch of melancholy. "But clearly, you're not ready."
"From what you're saying, this will require huge upfront investments, like at Zhongcheng Mining—tens of millions, even over a hundred million yuan," Cui said, already feeling overwhelmed.
Clearly, that level of investment was beyond what they were prepared for.
"No rush—we've still got time to discuss this," Li Tang said. Truth be told, he also hadn't figured everything out yet. It would be good for both sides to take some time and reflect.
After sending off the people from Luoyi Molybdenum, Li Tang immediately called Qin Jianshe.
The headquarters of Wukuang Group was not far from the Yunding Building. Qin Jianshe arrived quickly.
"You said on the phone you'd been talking to people from Luoyi Molybdenum?" he asked as he walked in.
"I just finished meeting with them. They're gone now. I think I scared them off a bit," Li Tang said, pouring tea.
"What did you say that scared them off?" Qin Jianshe asked, blowing on the hot tea.
"They want me to act as a technical advisor and help them look for molybdenum in Luoyi City. But I told them—I want to create another company on the scale of Luoyi Molybdenum."
"Gongcun and Talego are already keeping us busy. Now you want to add a molybdenum project? Aren't you overworking yourself?"
"Both of those projects have already struck ore. The follow-up doesn't require much help from me."
Li Tang really did feel full of energy—youth was on his side. "But the real reason I called is to ask about Qian Hao."
"Qian Hao?"
Qin Jianshe took a sip of tea and set the cup down. "You've known him for years. Why ask now?"
"Today, along with Cui Mingyuan and Qian Hao, a guy named Yu Yong came too."
"Yu Yong?"
Qin Jianshe thought for a bit, then shook his head. "I don't know him. But I've heard rumors that Kunshang Group is working with Luoyi Molybdenum. As for Qian Hao—he's technically a Kunshang representative, overseeing the acquisition and restructuring of Luoyi Molybdenum."
"Ohhh… so that's what Luo Qinzhong meant when he said Qian Hao handled mergers and acquisitions. I thought he was just some investment guy with deep pockets. Turns out he's backed by Kunshang Group."
"Luoyi Molybdenum has been underperforming financially, so they brought in Kunshang."
"There's a lot of politics going on behind the scenes," Li Tang muttered. But he wasn't interested in digging into people's backgrounds.
Every big shot had their secrets.
"Are you really starting a new project?" Qin Jianshe asked. Even handling just the Talego project was exhausting—there was barely enough manpower.
"I'm seriously considering it. I need a project that will generate revenue. If I don't start something now, I won't be able to repay the Huajin loan in six months."
"Well, Huajin also has a strong molybdenum division. If you don't trust Kunshang, maybe talk to Cheng Muye. He knows molybdenum mining inside out."
"I'll think about it."
After three cups of tea, Qin Jianshe took his leave.
Li Tang lay back in his chair, rocking gently, eyes fixed on the ceiling, lost in thought.
The reactions of Yu Yong and the others had been enlightening.
If he really intended to create a mining company on the scale of Luoyi Molybdenum, relying solely on them was unrealistic. Luoyi Molybdenum itself was in trouble.
Depending entirely on Kunshang Group—a capital predator—also seemed dangerous.
He hadn't yet figured out the best strategy when he suddenly received a call from Xiao Yongyue.
"You at the Yunding Building?"
"Yes. What's up?"
"I'm downstairs. Coming up now. Just giving you a heads-up."
"What's going on?"
Li Tang stood up and walked to the elevator. Two minutes later, Xiao Yongyue stepped out, followed by several men—each carrying boxes of various sizes.
"What's all this?" Li Tang asked.
"Year-end gifts—some specialties from our Tuguhun Province," Xiao replied.
He made sure each colleague, including He Runqi, received something. In Li Tang's office, a mountain of gift boxes was left behind.
Only after everything had been handed out did Xiao plop onto the couch, gasping for breath. He poured himself a full cup of tea and downed it. "While you were gone, I visited the project sites a bunch of times."
"You came all the way to Yanjing just for that?" Li Tang asked, knowing Xiao too well to expect much formality.
"My niece, Lin Xiaoshu, told me you gave them a vacation and handed out bonuses—tens of thousands of yuan!"
He leaned in and whispered, "She's a beautiful girl and works closely with you. How come you haven't made a move?"
Li Tang laughed. "You're trying to buy me off through her—get control over me."
"Don't say it like that!" Xiao quickly denied it. "I just think you're a decent guy—why wouldn't I want her working by your side?"
"Come on. Maybe she doesn't even like me."
"You call her a little girl?" Xiao found it weird that someone younger than Lin Xiaoshu would say that. "Strictly speaking, she's a few months older than you! Doesn't feel right calling her a little girl."
"Drop it, will you?" Li Tang didn't want to talk about relationships. "You didn't really come all this way just to give out gifts, did you?"
"I came to pick up my niece for the holiday."
"She's grown. Knows how to get home. You didn't need to personally escort her."
"I'm a man of emotion and loyalty," Xiao said proudly.
He drank more tea, then stared seriously at Li Tang. "News of the Talego discovery has gone global—even in remote Gaolumu, we've heard about it."
"Really?"
"You messed up this time. Such a good project and you didn't bring your own brothers in. I'm here to hold you accountable!"
"How exactly?"
"You have to buy me dinner in Yanjing. That's the minimum."
"No problem," Li Tang said instantly. "I can't hold my liquor, but I'll drink with you tonight until we're both happy."
"That's what I like to hear! Tonight I'll show you what real drinking looks like!" Xiao patted his round belly.
"But before we drink, let me tell you something," Li Tang suddenly turned serious.
"What is it?" Xiao asked, sobering up.
"I plan to launch a new project next year. But I need funding." Li Tang looked at him with clear intent.
Hearing this, Xiao's eyes lit up with joy. "Say no more. With the friendship we have, of course I'll help you however I can!"
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