Chapter 247: We Need Everyone's Support
Li Tang sat upright at the table, both hands pressed against its surface.
He remained silent for a long time, not saying a word.
Before the meeting began, he had felt anger and helplessness.
If things dragged on, he thought, it would become a game of endurance—see who could outlast the other.
His original intention for this meeting was simply to explain the current situation to the shareholders and to make them aware of the difficulties the company was facing.
He hadn't planned to take the initiative—because, frankly, he had no cards to play.
What he hadn't expected was that these shareholders, many already in their fifties and sixties, veterans of the business world, would be even tougher and more decisive than he could have imagined.
When they made a move, it wasn't just swift—it was devastating.
Clearly, they weren't the type to act hastily, but once they did, they intended to deliver a loud and clear slap across the face of Mongolia's regulatory agencies—to hit so hard that the other side would be afraid to move again.
And if that didn't work? Then they'd go all in, fight to the end, blade to blade.
The shareholders' support was not just strong—it was fiercely visible.
All of Li Tang's earlier anger and frustration was now replaced by deep shock and heartfelt emotion.
At that moment, he found himself speechless. No words could express what he was feeling.
But one thing was clear—he was not alone.
"Zhongcheng Mining currently has over 20 million yuan in its account," said Chen Jinghe, establishing a tone. "We'll earmark that as operational funding for the mining license application. Once that money is used up, if more is needed, we'll convene another meeting to discuss additional shareholder contributions."
Chen fixed his eyes on Li Tang, who looked a little absentminded.
The meeting had gone long.
These old-timers had talked in circles for hours—he was probably bored, maybe even falling asleep.
"Li Tang!" Chen suddenly called out. "All the shareholders have agreed to allocate special funds to support the mining license efforts. As general manager of the company, do you agree?"
Li Tang snapped out of it, nodded quickly, and said, "Yes, I agree!"
"In that case, we'll establish a 'Mining License Operations Command Center' right here at Zhongcheng Mining. Li Tang, naturally, you'll be the chief commander. Each shareholder company will send a liaison officer to coordinate."
Chen Jinghe might not look like much, but his decisiveness was impressive. "This is a matter of utmost importance for all our companies. Until the mining license is secured, every one of us must stay vigilant. The command center's objective is clear: secure the mining license. If there's anything you need, Li Tang, communicate with us through our liaisons."
"Great idea!" said Niu Fu in approval, looking around the room. "Does anyone have anything to add?"
No one spoke.
He turned to Li Tang again. "Anything else you want to say?"
Li Tang, still deeply moved, shook his head. "Only this—thank you all for your understanding and support."
"If there's nothing more, this meeting is adjourned. Each company, please handle your respective responsibilities according to the plan," said Niu Fu.
"And report your progress back to the operations command center," Chen Jinghe reminded them. "Only by having full knowledge of the battlefield can Li Tang effectively coordinate and respond to changes."
Niu Fu nodded and waved his hand. "Meeting adjourned!"
Everyone packed up and left.
They had come in cheerful and optimistic.
But they left with assignments, responsibilities, and determination. The mood was now serious.
Among the strategic responses discussed, the heaviest burden would fall on Niu Fu.
He didn't complain, nor did he mention that other shareholders were contributing less.
After all, aside from Li Tang, Wukuang Group held the most shares in the Talego Copper-Gold Mine project.
Throughout the project's implementation, Li Tang had given his all. Everyone had seen it. Everyone remembered.
Precisely because Li Tang had worked tirelessly without complaint, Niu Fu felt it was time for Wukuang Group to step up—as a national enterprise should.
But this was a serious matter.
He went straight to Lang Hemin's office.
"Chairman!"
He was always formal, and now he gave a full report of everything that had just happened at the meeting.
Lang Hemin, who had recently dyed his hair jet black, looked energized. "You're saying that Mongolia's Ministry of Industry and Trade is openly using the mining license as leverage, trying to force us to give up part of the Talego Copper-Gold Mine rights?"
"That's their intent. But according to Li Tang, it's still a test—they're gauging our reaction. And most likely—"
Lang Hemin listened quietly, processing the implications.
"Li Tang's stance is clear—he firmly rejects their unreasonable demands. At Zhongcheng Mining's shareholder meeting, all parties agreed that we must not back down. If we do, our image in the global market will be seen as weak."
Niu Fu had long-term concerns. "If we want to go global, we must stand tall."
"I support your decision," Lang said calmly.
"You do?"
"31 million tons of copper. 1,300 tons of gold. That's what the news reported, right?" Lang still remembered the numbers.
"These resources, once developed, will significantly contribute to our national economy."
He continued slowly but firmly, "You also mentioned suspending mineral trade with Mongolia?"
"Yes, that's our temporary measure."
"What if Mongolia doesn't budge?"
"Then we keep it going. I believe their regulators will panic before we do," said Niu Fu, full of confidence.
"Suspending trade will cause significant financial losses for our trading company," Lang noted. He didn't manage day-to-day operations, but he knew the group's finances well.
"Hundreds of millions in losses per month—maybe even more."
"We've already prepared for that," Niu Fu responded calmly. "If this drags on, the losses will be severe."
"There could be internal backlash—staff and management might complain," Lang pointed out. He could already see it coming.
"That's why I came straight to you, Chairman. The value of the Talego Copper-Gold Mine's mining rights can't be measured in millions. And our actions today will determine how much respect we earn in Mongolia going forward."
Lang listened carefully and nodded. "Do what you need to do."
"You approve?" Niu Fu finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Of course. We Chinese don't surrender without a fight. No matter the era, our backbone is strong."
Lang smiled. "Even if Li Tang wanted to sell the rights for profit, he'd never be able to sell them to Western capital. Voluntarily giving them up is out of the question—let alone having someone else try to snatch them away."
"Understood." Niu Fu now felt fully confident.
"Go ahead. If your methods don't shake them, come back to me again."
…
Lai Xiangrong and Cui Mingyuan visited Liu Yikang, president of the Mining Industry Association.
Under the setting sun, beside a tree and a patch of shade, Liu was playing chess.
"Your cannon move is quite something," he said with a smirk, unsure if it was a compliment or sarcasm.
Lai didn't mind. He drank deeply from his tea mug and continued describing the current crisis at the Talego Copper-Gold Mine.
Cui remained quiet, occasionally adding a few details.
By the end, Liu had stopped playing. He held his cannon piece in midair, contemplating their words.
He was getting old. His thinking had slowed.
But slow didn't mean confused.
He quickly understood. "Mongolia's regulators have cornered us—they're putting us in check."
"Yes. They're using your cannon to trap our general," Lai said. The metaphor felt very fitting.
"Mongolia is overestimating itself," Liu straightened his back, suddenly energetic, exuding the aura of a battlefield general. "We Chinese don't fear being put in check!"
"Exactly," Lai agreed.
"You younger ones—don't lose your backbone."
"We're not afraid. If they want a fight, we'll give them one."
Even though Lai was well into his sixties, being called "younger" still felt strange.
But next to Liu Yikang, he was a full decade younger.
"You're not here for tea and chess, are you?" Liu finally said. "You're here for something."
"We want to start a trade war at the border—with Mongolia," said Lai, mug in hand, his tone firm. "We're suspending mineral trade. But we're just a few companies. If we don't buy, others will. Once Mongolia's mineral prices drop, it'll be very tempting for other traders."
"You're asking me to use the Association to stop others from stepping in?" Liu asked.
"Yes," Lai nodded.
Cui added, "If it's just a few of us, it won't work. We need all of China's mineral traders, mining companies, and smelters to cooperate."
"We need everyone's support," Lai said sincerely.
Liu pinched the cannon piece in his fingers, deep in thought.
This was no ordinary request. The implications were vast.
"I've seen the Talego Copper-Gold Mine news," Liu said.
He understood the importance. But coordinating companies through the Association wouldn't be easy.
After all, the Mining Association was just a public organization, not a governing body.
"I can issue a notice to our member companies. But whether they follow it is up to them. We have no power to enforce anything."
"You don't need an official notice—just a phone call will do," Lai said, understanding the limitations. "I believe our companies, with a strong sense of national responsibility, will support us if they know our struggle."
"Alright. I'll help."
Liu finally placed the cannon down on the board and smiled. "Checkmate."
"President Liu, your skills are unparalleled," Lai said, happily conceding. "I surrender."
"Go now. Don't waste time playing chess with an old man."
"Thank you, President Liu," Lai said. It was getting close to dinnertime—he didn't dare overstay.
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