Chapter 276 Buying a Building
Currently, with copper prices continuously rising, everyone was delighted by the positive trend.
Mining the Talege Copper-Gold Mine was something everyone eagerly anticipated.
As the initiator, Niu Fu clearly understood Li Tang's critical role in this matter.
After all, Li Tang was Zhongcheng Mining's largest shareholder, holding 34% of the shares.
If he objected, there was nothing anyone could do.
Moreover, Li Tang was now focusing heavily on the iron ore project in South Australia, having already proposed a 2-billion Australian dollar mining plan.
This was almost directly in conflict with the Talege Copper-Gold Mine development plan.
Niu Fu was well aware that, from Li Tang's perspective, he could only prioritize one project at a time.
He also knew Li Tang might struggle to raise substantial funds at once.
Speaking gently, Niu Fu explained, "Our preliminary plan is this: out of the total 15 billion yuan investment, 10 billion yuan will be provided by each shareholder according to their respective equity percentages. The remaining 5 billion yuan will be raised collectively through bank loans. We'll try our best to secure low-interest loans, or even interest-free ones. After all, this project benefits more than just our own enterprises; it also helps industries like railway transportation systems and heavy machinery manufacturers, creating a comprehensive industrial chain."
"We've already discussed this funding plan over the past few days and found no issues."
Chen Jinghe also understood the core of the matter and took the initiative to address Li Tang: "Considering your position, it must be challenging for you to immediately put up 3.4 billion yuan based on your 34% share. We all understand that you've recently been busy with iron ore mining, which undoubtedly requires a considerable amount of funding."
"My thought is, we prioritize the copper mine project first, followed by the iron ore project."
Niu Fu made his decision clear.
After all, Mengguo bordered Huaxia directly to the north, making ore exports straightforward and under their control.
This granted them a level of security and predictability.
However, investing heavily in developing iron ore in South Australia, given its distant location, presented many uncontrollable factors, even though it was an open market.
Wukuang Group, as shareholders in both projects, could clearly express their stance.
"Among us shareholders, some are willing to invest more and thus acquire larger equity stakes."
"But by doing this, your shareholding in Zhongcheng Mining would be diluted."
"If you think this is acceptable, we can continue discussing further."
Everyone took turns elaborating on the impact of this proposal.
Li Tang understood the logic clearly, and he had never intended to keep absolute control over the Talege Copper-Gold Mine.
In his mind, the iron ore project was equally as important as the copper mine.
"I have no objections," he said, knowing his limitations and that some compromise was necessary.
"So, you agree with this investment plan, as well as allowing others to increase their stakes?" Niu Fu reconfirmed.
"Of course," Li Tang nodded. "Your enterprises are thriving now, and you have money in hand and the willingness to invest more. That's a good thing. Since I lack the funds, I'll just enjoy the benefits quietly, as long as you don't mind."
After finishing his words, he chuckled softly toward everyone.
Everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief, relieved that Li Tang hadn't thrown any tantrums despite his youth and influence.
After all, he held veto power.
Moreover, discovering the mining rights was his greatest contribution.
Everyone present was practically family; there was no need to burn bridges.
"Given this, let's proceed slowly to research further investment and construction plans!" Niu Fu showed a satisfied smile.
The atmosphere turned jovial once again.
During the previous celebratory banquet, Li Tang had not been present. Thus, tonight everyone insisted on holding Li Tang back to celebrate properly.
These company leaders were notoriously heavy drinkers. Li Tang, as a young man, was like a sheep entering a tiger's den.
Aware that the drinking session would inevitably become a fierce battle, Li Tang called Dai Yingchi over, hoping for some backup. Nevertheless, they didn't manage to hold out for long.
The next morning, Li Tang woke up in a hotel bed, his head still muddled.
Returning to the company, he found Dai Yingchi already present, though also not looking very spirited.
Dai Yingchi habitually arrived first at the office, regardless of weather conditions or circumstances.
"I thought you'd sleep in a little longer. Why did you come in so early?"
"I have no memory of how I got to the hotel after drinking. I fell asleep too early and woke at dawn." Li Tang rubbed his throbbing temples. "Did you bring me to the hotel last night?"
"Not me. It seems Niu's driver took you. I was still relatively sober at that time and asked them to take me home, but I couldn't hold out either and spent the night vomiting."
Dai Yingchi increasingly realized that, on drinking occasions, there was always someone tougher.
During his university days, he thought he was untouchable; now, he felt insignificant.
"If you're tired, take another day off." Li Tang felt a bit apologetic for having asked Dai Yingchi to help drink last night.
"This body of mine just needs a good piss, and everything will pass."
Unconcerned, Dai Yingchi opened a folder and passed it to Li Tang. "Here's the performance evaluation of all employees from the past year, along with their corresponding year-end bonus levels. Take a look. If there's no issue, sign it, and we'll distribute the bonuses according to this evaluation."
"Alright, let me have a look."
Li Tang rubbed his sleepy eyes, concentrating hard to quickly skim through the employee evaluations.
From newly recruited employees to senior managers like He Runqi and Alice, everyone's evaluations were detailed clearly.
"For year-end bonuses, we've set different reward tiers for various positions. The evaluations are out of a full score of 100 points, which serves as the bonus multiplier. Multiplying the position's bonus by this factor gives the basic year-end bonus. Additionally, bonuses for project completions and fieldwork durations have also been added."
After Li Tang reviewed the document, Dai Yingchi explained further, "Our company currently has 134 official employees. Those who have worked a full year receive a minimum bonus of 10,000 yuan, with He Runqi receiving the highest at 200,000 yuan."
"What about mine?"
Li Tang had no issues with this bonus system but felt curious about the absence of his name.
Dai Yingchi paused momentarily. "Do you need to be evaluated as well?"
"Forget it; I won't take a bonus. I don't even draw a regular salary."
Li Tang waved his hand dismissively. Nevertheless, he was also human and had expenses to cover.
His bank account had recently run low, and with ongoing monthly loan payments, preparing some cash was necessary.
"Speak with Finance about issuing dividends to shareholders this year. I need around two million yuan; just use that standard."
"Sure. Our company doesn't have many shareholders, so we'll just do it your way," Dai Yingchi replied readily.
Ultimately, the company belonged to Li Tang, so he made the rules.
"Focus on handling the employees' year-end evaluations and bonuses. I'll personally discuss dividends with Finance shortly."
Li Tang signed the document while another thought occurred: "I need to discuss some other matters with Finance anyway."
Although the company hadn't yet earned any real profits, selling Shazhai Molybdenum's shares had generated two hundred million yuan in cash.
Spending some of this money on bonuses and dividends wasn't excessive.
Walking over to the Finance Department, he found Lin Xiaoshu had already transferred to Li Tang Shengshi Holdings, becoming one of its few shareholders with 0.1% stock options.
"Mr. Li!"
The Finance Department now comprised five people, led by Lin Xiaoshu.
This young girl remained shy when meeting Li Tang, though she had taken on significant responsibilities in finance after two years of training.
"Everyone, please sit," Li Tang said, scanning the five vibrant young women in the Finance Department.
Sitting beside Lin Xiaoshu, he crossed his legs and asked casually, "Is everything going smoothly here?"
"Very smoothly. We're all young and full of energy," responded the oldest girl, initiating small talk.
"Among you five, who is married?" Li Tang asked.
The same older girl raised her hand.
"One married. What about the rest—do you all have boyfriends?"
Instantly, the four younger girls' faces flushed red.
"They all dream daily about marrying you, Mr. Li," joked the older girl. "Mr. Li, just tell us whom among these young ladies you fancy."
"I already have a girlfriend," Li Tang shrugged helplessly. "However, many excellent and handsome young men are in our company. You're all beautiful and surely don't lack admirers."
"That's true. The boys indeed frequently visit us here."
"Our company doesn't oppose relationships among employees, but of course, try not to flaunt your affection publicly, or you'll risk incurring jealousy."
After chatting casually for a while, Li Tang turned to Lin Xiaoshu and asked, "Have Tongdu Nonferrous Metals Group, Hongda Group, and the others transferred the money to us yet?"
Previously, they sold their shares in Shazhai Molybdenum for a total of 204 million yuan, with payments coming in several installments.
The first installment was 50 million yuan, and by the end of this year, another 50 million yuan was expected.
"Yes, we've already received it," Lin Xiaoshu replied, her cheeks blushing as she lowered her head, still flustered from their earlier conversation about romantic relationships.
"That's excellent news," Li Tang said, immediately feeling happier.
With money available, things could finally move forward.
"Do you have anything urgent today?" he asked the group.
"We were preparing this year's financial statements, but it's not particularly urgent. Do you have something planned?" Lin Xiaoshu asked promptly.
"If it's not urgent, come with me to buy a building," Li Tang said, gazing out the glass window at their current 400-square-meter office space, which was already quite cramped.
"Buy a building?"
"Great! We'll accompany you to buy stuff, Mr. Li—I can carry your bags!"
"Are we going now? I can't wait!"
When it came to shopping, these girls simply couldn't resist.
"Let's go then; we'll take a look now."
Li Tang cheerfully called everyone to head out.
"Wait for me a moment, Mr. Li!"
Lin Xiaoshu quickly unlocked the safe, taking out bundles of cash amounting to a few hundred thousand yuan, normally used for reimbursements or miscellaneous expenses. Hearing that Li Tang wanted to buy something, she hurriedly stuffed the cash into her bag.
Seeing this, Li Tang quickly intervened: "We don't need cash, and this amount isn't even enough to buy a building anyway."
Hearing "buy a building" again, the girls felt the grandeur of the statement but didn't quite grasp the full meaning.
"Then how much should we bring?" Lin Xiaoshu asked, slightly confused.
"Not a penny. If we end up eating out or buying anything else, I'll treat you," Li Tang replied with a smile.
"Alright."
Lin Xiaoshu carefully returned the cash to the safe, neatly arranging it as she always did.
She was meticulous, which was precisely why Li Tang entrusted her with significant responsibilities despite her inexperience.
Seeing Li Tang heading out with the five young women, Dai Yingchi put down his work and came out from his office, calling out, "Mr. Li, where are you going? Need help?"
"Nothing for you to worry about, carry on with your work." Li Tang knew Dai Yingchi was swamped at year's end, so he deliberately left his former classmate undisturbed.
Noticing this scene, the male employees couldn't help but tease:
"Hey, Mr. Li, going somewhere fun? Take me too!"
"Mr. Li alone won't handle five girls; go easy on him, ladies!"
"Why's it always like this—we bachelors get nothing, and Mr. Li gets five girls?"
"When it rains, it pours!"
Listening to their playful jeers, Li Tang wasn't annoyed, smiling instead as he waved dismissively. "Quit joking; we're heading out for work."
"What? Financial work at a hotel?"
"I heard top-tier accountants need special skills, you know—unique techniques!"
"What kind of unique techniques?"
"The ones where you bend over!"
"Hahaha!"
This group of jokers could turn anything into comedy.
Pretending to be angry, Li Tang pointed playfully at each laughing employee. "I heard that 'special skills' comment—no year-end bonus for you!"
The five girls, giggling, followed Li Tang into the elevator, exited Yunding Tower, turned right, and walked about 500 meters before arriving at the sales office.
Just as they entered, a sales manager hurriedly approached, greeting enthusiastically, "Mr. Li, long time no see!"
Li Tang previously bought half a floor of office space and a residential unit here and currently operated from Yunding Tower. Almost everyone here knew him.
The sales center was quite empty, even on weekends. At this weekday hour, there was no other customer besides Li Tang's group.
Housing prices in the area at this time hovered around three to four thousand yuan per square meter—cheap compared to the future. Yet enthusiasm for purchasing property hadn't yet caught on.
Later, coal bosses would famously buy entire buildings in Beijing, greeted warmly by sales staff and immortalized in anecdotes. At this point, coal bosses had started carrying money in sacks, though it wasn't yet the craziest era.
"Please have a seat!" Manager Wang, noticing Li Tang accompanied by five young women, immediately sensed a prosperous day ahead. No wonder her eyelid kept twitching today.
"Coffee, tea, or soft drinks?" Manager Wang asked warmly, glancing at everyone.
"I'll take tea," Li Tang replied.
Lin Xiaoshu and the others shyly echoed Li Tang's choice.
"What type of property are you looking for today, Mr. Li?" As Li Tang sipped his tea, Manager Wang quickly offered a brochure. "We recently completed a new batch of villas with various luxurious styles: Chinese garden, European style, and more."
"We're not here for villas today."
Putting down his cup, Li Tang bluntly stated, "I came to inquire if we could buy the entire Yunding Tower."
"Buy the entire Yunding Tower?" Manager Wang was startled but quickly nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, absolutely possible!"
"I noticed some companies have already moved in. Isn't it inconvenient to ask them to leave?" Each time Li Tang visited Yunding Tower, it appeared mostly empty, but he had occasionally spotted employees from other companies.
"A few tenants are leasing offices, but only two have purchased their spaces."
Manager Wang, sensing an enormous opportunity, felt a surge of excitement. Coordinating tenant relocation or repurchasing two half-floor units was trivial in comparison.
Nearby buildings had plenty of office space available; they could simply relocate tenants there, waiving rent for a month or two if necessary. For those who had bought their units, compensation with extra space elsewhere would resolve the issue.
"Please rest assured, Mr. Li—we'll handle the coordination swiftly," Manager Wang confidently promised.
"Alright then," Li Tang nodded, took another sip of tea, and asked, "What's the current price per square meter?"
"Four thousand yuan exactly," Manager Wang managed to suppress her excitement.
"Not much higher than the last time I bought property here," Li Tang remarked casually.
"When you purchased before, it was 3,800 yuan, so it's increased by just 200 yuan."
"Since we're buying the whole building, surely we get a discount?" Li Tang casually suggested, "How about 20% off?"
A 20% discount brought the price down to 3,200 yuan per square meter, practically a steal.
"A discount would indeed be difficult," Manager Wang hesitated but appeared willing to negotiate. "Our pricing is already very competitive."
"If I don't buy it, you'll struggle to sell this property within the next couple of years," Li Tang said matter-of-factly.
"True, wealthy and decisive clients like you, Mr. Li, are indeed rare."
Manager Wang quickly devised an alternative: "Many floors in Yunding Tower remain unfinished. Considering your successful businesses, you'll surely need renovations. We have a professional renovation team. How about this—we maintain the price at 4,000 yuan per square meter but include basic renovation. Would that work?"
"Basic renovation—meaning water, electricity, flooring?" Li Tang found this appealing. Independent basic renovation typically cost 700-1,000 yuan per square meter; the developer's internal team could likely do it for significantly less.
"Exactly. We'll provide designs for your approval before commencing," Manager Wang smiled broadly. "If you have specific requirements, we're happy to accommodate."
"Alright, that works," Li Tang agreed, saving himself considerable trouble.
"Should we finalize today?" Manager Wang eagerly pressed.
"Yes, today," Li Tang nodded decisively.
"Could you provide a deposit?" Manager Wang asked nervously. "That way, we can immediately coordinate relocations."
"Sure, pay the deposit," Li Tang gestured to Lin Xiaoshu. "You handle this with Manager Wang."
Yunding Tower, twenty floors totaling approximately 16,000 square meters, cost 64 million yuan. Li Tang decided to pay a 32-million-yuan deposit immediately, with the remaining 32 million covered through mortgage loans.
Leaving the sales office, the five girls felt both amazed and somewhat unfulfilled—the purchase was swift, direct, and surprisingly easy. They expected a day-long shopping spree, yet the building was bought with just a short walk and brief conversation.
Seeing their slight disappointment, Li Tang generously declared, "Come on—today I'll treat you to lunch! You choose the place!"
The girls immediately erupted into cheerful excitement.
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