Chapter 254: Seeking Peace
After their meeting with Agula, Bayar and Jirigala returned to their office.
Bayar collapsed heavily into his chair, the weight of his body making it creak under pressure.
"If this keeps going, we're finished!" he groaned, clearly nearing his limit.
The pressure from the Asset Management Committee, along with the collective outrage from Edente Copper and other mining companies, buzzed constantly in his ears like a swarm of angry hornets.
Lately, he'd even begun to have nightmares—dozens of people shouting at him, accusing him, some even swinging lassos around to throw at his neck!
"Why are they blaming us for everything? Why is all the responsibility being pinned on us?" Jirigala protested. "We weren't the ones who made the final decision to deny the mining license to Nanhuang Resources! But now everyone believes it's our fault that the mineral trade collapsed!"
"If this continues, we're going to be made scapegoats," Bayar said grimly. He knew exactly how dire things had become.
They were at the eye of the storm, in the most dangerous position.
And as Jirigala pointed out, it hadn't even been their decision alone.
They thought their move would force Nanhuang Resources to give up the mining rights.
They believed they held all the cards. They never expected the kind of massive economic backlash they were now facing.
It was supposed to be a simple test of Nanhuang's bottom line.
Instead, they were punched in the face.
"Minister, how do you think this is going to end?"
Jirigala had once been confident the Chinese side would come crawling, ready to beg. That they would compromise.
But the people from Nanhuang—or rather Zhongcheng Mining—hadn't contacted them again at all.
The future was now completely unpredictable.
Whatever the ending, it wouldn't be pretty.
"There's no way we can permanently cut off the mineral trade," Bayar said.
Despite the pressure, he remained clear-headed. "Maybe soon, maybe later, but eventually we'll return to doing business with those trading companies. We can't really part ways—no one walks away from profit forever."
"So how do we fix this broken relationship?"
Jirigala had no good ideas.
"We'll become the ones sacrificed as apology," Bayar said bitterly, already envisioning their fates. "Someone has to take the blame. And to regain the trust of the Chinese companies, we're the most expendable targets. Jirigala, we'll be out tending sheep instead of sitting here."
"Surely it won't come to that?" Jirigala gasped.
He was quite content with his position and everything that came with it. Going back to herding? That would be devolution.
"I said, worst-case scenario," Bayar muttered. "But if this standoff lasts into next year or beyond, someone's going to break—and it won't be them. They haven't even tried to talk to us!"
"What now?" Jirigala asked anxiously. "Should we talk to that young man privately? We used to have a good relationship with him. Maybe out of friendship, he'll put in a word for us."
"That young man is the one masterminding this entire mess!"
Bayar now saw Li Tang in a very different light. "He's a demon in disguise!"
"Are we really out of options?"
"We can't let this keep getting worse."
Bayar, clutching his round belly, struggled up from his chair. "I'm going to make it clear—we need to cooperate with their trading companies. There's no point fighting."
The damage was done. But there was still time to fix it.
Better to mend the pen after losing sheep than to lose the whole herd.
When Bayar decided to issue the mining license to Nanhuang Resources in accordance with the Mining Law, Parliament erupted.
More than seventy members exploded in debate.
"Bayar made the right call. It's just a mining license! Compared to Edente Copper, which produces profit year after year, it's like comparing an egg to a hen that lays golden eggs. Which matters more is obvious!"
"We're too dependent on their market. This is a good opportunity to teach them a lesson! Tell them loud and clear: even without your market, our economy stands tall. We never lack buyers for our minerals!"
"If you know of better buyers, then say so!"
"We can use the North-South Railway to export to Russia! Edente is only 180 km from the Russian border—it's easier to go north!"
"And then what? Circle around the Arctic and the globe to sell copper ore to whom, exactly?"
"What matters most now is negotiations—to resume trade!"
"Trade profits don't just go to our mining companies. Their traders earn just as much! I bet they're more anxious than we are."
"If we cave during a commercial dispute, where is our pride?"
"I'd rather give up mineral trade, even regress to the nomadic era, than compromise!"
"Maybe we can rely on Western companies to pressure theirs. Cut off supply—let them see our strength. Austria's been cozying up to us. Now's their time to prove their sincerity!"
"Don't count on the West. They're all talk. They'll never pick a side."
"Bayar, weren't you the one who denied the license in the first place? Now you want to approve it?"
"Enough arguing. There's only one solution—talk to them. Sitting here shouting does nothing."
"They're losing money too. It's bad for both sides. I think they'll be willing to talk."
…
Li Tang received a call from Qin Jianshe saying Bayar had invited him for a meeting.
He headed to Wukuang Group headquarters.
He had to discuss this with Niu Fu.
Li Xingchao was already there.
The trade war had largely been led by these two—fierce and determined.
"Mongolia has sent a signal for peace," Li Tang said to the two leaders.
Clearly, the Mongolians knew that although the Chinese mineral traders were executing the trade war, the key figure behind it all was Li Tang.
They'd spoken to Niu Fu and Li Xingchao before—nothing came of it.
That said it all.
Niu Fu turned to Li Xingchao. "Director Li, how's the coal trade affecting your side?"
"Our group's coal production is a core business. Imports don't affect us much. Mongolia isn't even a major coal exporter, so the impact is minimal."
Li Xingchao seemed relaxed.
He then looked at Niu. "You're the one feeling the heat, aren't you?"
"It's manageable. Northern operations are shut down. Workers are on holiday—everyone's thrilled," Niu chuckled.
"Our ore trade mainly uses ocean freight. The impact's not too bad."
"I just worry that over time, the Mining Association's influence over other trading firms will fade. If others rush in to fill the gap, lured by price drops, we lose leverage."
"Small firms doing it, I get it. But if the big players move in—like Jiujiang Copper, Tongdu Nonferrous, or Zise Mining—we'll need to step in. Those companies know better. Is it worth losing all domestic copper supply just to appease Mongolia?"
"So you're saying we continue the fight?" Li Xingchao was almost enjoying it.
Niu didn't answer right away. He looked to Li Tang. "What do you think?"
"I think it's time to stop."
Li Tang knew this war had cost both sides money and stamina. For Wukuang and Shenxia, ending it now and resuming business was the best outcome.
He couldn't let his own interests damage theirs.
"They've clearly softened. I think it's time to talk."
He understood clearly—there had to be a resolution.
And the only way to get a good one was through face-to-face negotiation.
Li Xingchao and Niu Fu exchanged a glance. They had to admit—Li Tang had perspective.
"You really want to talk?" Niu asked.
"It's about giving both sides a way out. We get what we need. If Mongolia backs down, we'll show respect too."
Li Tang understood—this wasn't a fight of equals.
They were companies. Mongolia was a sovereign state.
They cared about more than money—they cared about face.
"Then let's talk," Niu agreed.
Maybe it was a bit early.
He felt a few more months would've broken Mongolia completely. By then, they wouldn't negotiate—they'd beg.
With business out of the way, Li Xingchao sized Li Tang up with a smile. "You're about the same age as my son. But you've done way more. He's still just a low-level official, can't shoulder much. You, on the other hand, have already built something incredible. But—there's one thing you're lacking."
Li Tang was confused.
What kind of comparison was this?
"Oh?" Niu sipped tea, clearly enjoying the conversation. "Li Tang has flaws I don't know about?"
Li Xingchao nodded seriously. "My son is married. My grandson is over two years old!"
"Uh…"
Niu nearly spit his tea. The ever-serious Director Li was playing matchmaker?
"Director Li is right," Niu added with a grin. "Li Tang really should step up. As the old saying goes: build a family before you build an empire."
"With the right woman, your career would soar even higher," Li Xingchao chimed in.
"He's already flying high. I've never seen him trip once," Niu said honestly.
"I wouldn't be here without your support," Li Tang said, trying to defuse the awkward moment.
Truthfully, he felt closer in age to Niu and Li than their children. But physically, he was still a junior.
Now they were matchmaking? It felt odd.
"I have to disagree," Li Xingchao said, pushing again. "You've done well in business—but what about those long months in the field? No one cares, no one checks in."
"Yeah, that's lonely," Niu agreed.
"And then you come back to Yanjing, still alone!"
Li Xingchao leaned in. "In this bustling city, you return home dusty and alone. You have to cook, clean, wash up all by yourself."
"Lonely and weary—that's the saddest kind of life," Niu sighed.
"No success can hide that kind of emptiness."
Li Xingchao patted Li Tang's shoulder. "Life is short. Don't just chase money. Figure out what happiness really means."
"Uh…"
Li Tang scratched his head, not knowing what to say.
Niu suddenly turned into a blunt uncle. "Li Xinqi is a great girl, Li Tang. Don't miss your chance!"
That was way too direct.
Li Xingchao blushed.
"Director Niu, Director Li, I have something important to discuss," Li Tang said, steering away from the ambush. "I'm planning a trip to Austria to pursue an iron ore project."
Li Xingchao, clearly disappointed by the deflection, fell silent.
But Niu perked up. "What kind of project?"
Thankful for the change in topic, Li Tang explained, "Still in the early investigation phase. If all goes well, we might acquire an Austrian-listed exploration company."
"You can afford to buy a listed company?" Niu was skeptical.
"The stock's dirt cheap, almost delisted."
Alice was still in Austria investigating, and he didn't have full details—just vague impressions. "It'd be like when we acquired the Talego exploration rights. Shouldn't cost much."
Mentioning Talego, they couldn't help but admire Li Tang's foresight.
"Is it promising?" Niu asked, now trusting his instincts.
"Very promising," Li Tang said confidently.
Globally, Austria was a top-tier iron ore producer.
Rating agencies often listed Austria and Canada as the best regions for mining investment—stable legal systems, transparent procedures, and open markets.
To move upstream in the iron ore value chain, Austria was the place to be.
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