Chapter 211: Wanting to Become Fat in One Bite
"You're still holding a grudge, huh?" Niu Fu scolded mildly.
"When we ask him to come, he refuses. When he calls, we all go running like eager puppies—how humiliating is that?" Zhao Hepu was blunt. "If we go just because we're invited to dinner, that means we have no dignity!"
His words reflected not only his own thoughts but also the sentiments of others present. Crude as the language was, the logic stood firm.
No matter one's position, who doesn't care about their face?
"It's just one meal. Whether we eat or not doesn't make much difference."
Niu Fu actually agreed with Zhao Hepu's perspective. There was no need to push for closer ties with Bihebituo. "But business is still business. Let's reply to Wu Yan and ask them to come here instead, so we can talk face to face."
"Talk about what?" Zhao Hepu was puzzled.
"If the other party takes the initiative to visit us, they should bring a gift, right? It's like when we visit our in-laws, we bring fruit," said Niu Fu. He wasn't the type to waste time unless there was something to be gained.
Ou Pingguo remained calm, understanding the real purpose behind the meeting. "Just like we said earlier, Bihebituo likely wants to join Zhongcheng Mining through our relationship—and if I'm not mistaken, they probably want to acquire more equity at a very low price."
"If Bihebituo is willing to make more concessions on the copper concentrate smelting contract, would you be willing to persuade Li Tang to help them?" Niu Fu looked toward Zhao Hepu.
He knew Zhao Hepu and Qin Jianshe had a closer relationship with Li Tang.
Zhao Hepu froze, silent for a while.
He could be loud and assertive on trivial issues, but key decisions like this weren't easy to commit to.
Glancing at Niu Fu and noticing that his boss already had a plan in mind, Zhao Hepu smiled and said, "Whatever decision is made, I'll follow General Manager Niu's lead."
"Just a moment ago, you said you didn't want to have dinner or talk to Bihebituo—so bold. But now, at a critical moment, you're backing down and avoiding responsibility?" Niu Fu teased, pretending to scold.
"With you and the chairman here, it's not my place to make the final call." Zhao Hepu grinned awkwardly.
"Fine. We'll meet with Bihebituo. No need to set specific negotiation goals," Niu Fu said. Though he had already made up his mind, he still opened it up for discussion to gather opinions. "Li Tang's stance is clear. In the short term, he definitely won't bring in a heavyweight partner like Bihebituo. We might even lose control of the company if we're not careful. There's no need to conspire with the tiger."
In other words, just entertain them for appearances—no need to take it seriously.
But if they happened to bring expensive gifts, that would be a windfall—why not take advantage?
"I won't participate in the meeting with Bihebituo."
Lang Humin had no interest in daily operations; he was only interested in the Talego Copper-Gold Mine project. He stood up and said, "If you're not using these newspapers and news clippings, I'll take them with me."
"Chairman, what do you want the newspapers for?" Niu Fu had wanted to keep them for display in the group's Hall of Honor.
"I'm going to talk to Li Tang. I like this young man more and more."
"Xiao Wang, help the chairman pack up the newspapers."
...
Gao Ruisi arrived.
His eyes still carried a haughty, world-dominating gaze as he surveyed the members of the Wukuang Group.
But Niu Fu, Ou Pingguo, Zhao Hepu and others weren't intimidated in the slightest. They remained calm and composed.
No one grew up eating someone else's rice. No one is inherently superior.
Besides, this was on Chinese soil. Even if Bihebituo was a mining empire, they had no reason to act superior.
And today's meeting wasn't because Wukuang Group was asking Bihebituo for help.
The dynamic had reversed.
Sensing the awkward atmosphere, Wu Yan smiled and broke the silence. "General Manager Niu, you previously invited our president to meet. So, is there something that Wukuang Group would like to discuss with us?"
"Nothing in particular," Niu Fu replied. After holding his posture for a while, he moved his neck slightly to loosen up. "Wukuang Group and Bihebituo—previously known as Broken Hill Company—have cooperated for many years and share a deep friendship. Since you came from afar, I simply wanted to invite you to dinner. But Mr. Gao Ruisi was busy with official matters and couldn't make it, so he turned us down."
"It wasn't a refusal—more of a scheduling conflict."
Wu Yan tried to mediate, smiling toward both sides. "No time like the present. Why don't we have a meal together today?"
"Let's forget dinner," Niu Fu said, returning the favor with the same attitude. "You came rushing over today—what's the matter?"
Wu Yan glanced at Gao Ruisi, who looked serious, then at the guarded Wukuang team. He realized bridging the two sides wouldn't be easy.
After a brief thought, he said bluntly, "Our president came today mainly to discuss the Talego Copper-Gold Mine project."
"As soon as you mention it, I must thank Bihebituo—and Mr. Gao Ruisi! If it weren't for your agreement to transfer the mining rights, the Talego Copper-Gold Mine would still be a hidden gem. As a shareholder of Zhongcheng Mining, I thank you!"
Niu Fu was a skilled performer—his emotional gratitude was well-acted.
Zhao Hepu, who had been involved in the negotiations, felt like he was seeing an entirely different world when he faced Gao Ruisi again.
Who would've thought that the exploration rights abandoned by Bihebituo would be worth a fortune overnight?
Now that Bihebituo wanted to take it back—it wouldn't be so easy.
As the saying goes, spilled water cannot be retrieved.
"We understand that the follow-up exploration for the Talego Copper-Gold Mine still requires substantial funding, and Zhongcheng Mining is applying for a bank loan."
Miles took the initiative. "Bihebituo has the strongest exploration team in the world. We can assist with the project's exploration and also provide funding."
They seemed eager, skipping over discussions about copper concentrate smelting, clearly aiming for the mining rights to Talego.
"Bihebituo's exploration team is world-renowned."
"You invest hundreds of millions of USD every year in exploration, with great success."
"Your team is a key reason for your rise as an industry giant."
"We believe in your expertise. If there's a chance, our technical team would love to learn from you."
Zhao Hepu, Ou Pingguo and others chimed in, praising Bihebituo's exploration team.
But oddly, their compliments sounded like sarcasm.
Miles blushed but tried to remain calm. "If you're willing to sell your shares in Zhongcheng Mining, we're happy to take them."
They had already researched Zhongcheng Mining's equity structure. If they could purchase shares from one of the stakeholders, they could join the board and influence company decisions—and possibly gain a controlling share in the future.
"We have no such plans."
Niu Fu didn't even want to waste words. "Our stance on the Talego Copper-Gold Mine is aligned with Li Tang's. We will move in unison."
"You lack experience in developing foreign mining rights," Miles argued.
"There's nothing to discuss on that point."
Niu Fu's tone was firm. "If you want to talk about iron ore trade or copper concentrate smelting, then we can have a serious discussion. But if it's about investing in the Talego project—sorry, no deal."
He was crystal clear—no negotiations.
Gao Ruisi had remained silent but understood everything by now.
These Chinese representatives had no intention of giving them a chance.
"Without us, you'll never succeed in developing a world-class mine like Talego!" he thought bitterly. Developing such a resource, even for Bihebituo, required everything they had—and external support.
Clearly, he believed the Chinese were overestimating themselves.
Wanting to become a global copper giant in one bite? Not that easy!
"General Manager Niu, developing such a world-class mine requires tens of billions of USD in upfront investment!" Wu Yan tried to add pressure. "There are so many regulatory, logistical, and financial hurdles—taxes, transport, government permits. One misstep could sink everything!"
"Many companies have invested heavily in mines only to fail," Miles added.
These might sound alarmist, but they were true.
Mining was a high-risk, capital-intensive industry with long return cycles.
"Whether we succeed or not, there's no need for you to worry about it," said Niu Fu, unyielding. "We have our own plan for this project."
"You're unwilling to negotiate?" Gao Ruisi asked at last.
"Not on this issue." Niu Fu shook his head.
Gao Ruisi had nothing more to say.
His expression darkened.
He had never expected that, as CEO of Bihebituo, he would be snubbed like this.
In his world, he was used to fanfare and deference.
But these Chinese? Rude!
Niu Fu wasn't trying to be hostile. He said coolly, "When it comes to Zhongcheng Mining, Li Tang is in charge. If you want to join in, you'll have to go to him!"
They had just been rejected by Li Tang. That young man was immovable.
Wu Yan saw the deadlock and decided to wrap things up. "In that case, we respect General Manager Niu's decision. Maybe we can talk again in the future."
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