Chapter 296: The Big Gold Chain
"This is the only reason I came here," Li Tang stated firmly. But despite his resolve, he still felt uncertain about the local mining, political, and security environment in Guinea.
At the moment, they stood in a timber processing plant along the river. Large logs, transported downstream from the east, arrived here on the west coast to be processed into products primarily shipped to China.
Guinea had abundant rainfall, lush vegetation, and rich timber resources, which had initially made Zheng Jinhui wealthy. Apart from timber, Zheng also owned a small steel mill.
Rain had just fallen, and the muddy ground was softened further by sawdust, creating a spongy feeling underfoot. The air was rich with the scent of freshly cut wood, accompanied by the constant buzz of sawmills.
Zheng led Li Tang around the plant, eventually walking towards the riverbank, where the sound of rushing water offered a calmer atmosphere.
"CEO Li of Shenxia Group has been a good friend of mine for many years. Whenever I visit Yanjing, I meet him," Zheng remarked casually.
"CEO Li is a refined man," Li Tang responded.
"He specifically told me to help you as much as possible."
Zheng's gaze rested on the wide river. A cargo ship loaded with bauxite ore slowly passed downstream, heading towards the sea. Though Zheng had seen this countless times, his eyes still followed its slow movement.
"Initially, I thought you came here to trade bauxite—buying raw ore and reselling it in China for a profit," Zheng said thoughtfully.
"Guinea indeed produces abundant bauxite. It holds approximately 30% of the world's reserves, making it the top nation globally," Li Tang acknowledged.
"In reality, the bauxite business isn't easy. It's essentially dominated by Europe and America," Zheng explained carefully. "Guinea is incredibly rich in natural resources yet is among the poorest nations globally. The World Bank signed an agreement to provide Guinea $5 billion over fifteen years, mostly funded by the U.S. and Europe."
"That's quite generous," Li Tang understood what that sum meant for such a poor country.
"But the money isn't free," Zheng sighed. "They've demanded complete market openness, full resource exploitation without restrictions before releasing the funds."
Li Tang felt a deep sadness for Guinea's people, though he remained silent.
"The current president has held power since the 1980s and will continue indefinitely," Zheng continued. "As long as he's in power, Guinea will closely align with Europe—especially France—and the U.S."
Zheng turned to Li Tang, adding gravely, "If you intend to enter the mineral resources sector here, you'll encounter considerable obstacles."
"Is there no way around it?" Li Tang asked directly.
"There's no impenetrable fortress; there are weaknesses everywhere."
Zheng raised two fingers meaningfully, "Doing business here has two shortcuts. One is guns—but those are firmly controlled by the president himself. He rose to power through force, and he won't allow threats."
"I'm just a scholar," Li Tang said dryly, shivering slightly as armed guards occasionally patrolled the plant.
"The second is money," Zheng continued, scrutinizing Li Tang closely. He had heard something of Li Tang's background, understanding his capabilities from various news reports. "I believe you're someone with sufficient resources."
"I'm prepared," Li Tang nodded seriously.
"If you've visited the wealthy neighborhoods, you'd realize the upper class here feels completely out of place in this poor nation," Zheng indicated towards the west coast. "Over there, along the seaside, streets are clean and orderly, villas are luxurious—half are owned by wealthy Westerners, half by local officials and businessmen."
Li Tang listened intently.
"People here are motivated purely by money. If you offer enough, virtually anything can be achieved," Zheng emphasized.
"How much is considered 'enough'?" Li Tang asked curiously.
"For your particular issue, if you offer around ten million U.S. dollars, you'll certainly succeed. Even a few million might do it," Zheng explained, patting Li Tang's shoulder. "The key is finding the right connection."
Such methods weren't uncommon among businessmen, yet Li Tang still hesitated. Large-scale bribery inevitably left clear traces, creating serious risks if political tides changed. Since mineral rights were permanently rooted here, any wrongdoing would eventually surface, putting their operations at risk.
"Direct cash payments?" Li Tang felt reluctant—it seemed crude and unprofessional.
"It depends on your preference. If you want immediate impact, taking cash directly has great visual effect and immediate results," Zheng advised openly.
"I'd prefer something subtler," Li Tang recalled his dealings in Mongolia's Talego copper-gold mine, where renting equipment locally had provided similar benefits more subtly.
"I'll introduce you to someone; how you approach him is your decision."
"Who is it?" Li Tang inquired cautiously.
"The son of the president's fourth wife," Zheng smiled knowingly. "He and his mother are particularly favored by the president."
They traveled toward the seaside, where a collection of villas stood, built with distinctive Western simplicity and elegance. Palm trees swayed gently in the salty breeze.
A sleepy-eyed young African saleswoman sat up straight, becoming alert as soon as she saw Asian visitors, realizing immediately they weren't merely window-shopping.
"How much are these villas?" Li Tang asked straightforwardly.
Though no models were displayed at the sales office, fully constructed and decorated homes stood waiting, ready for buyers.
"Please follow me. We have three categories: one hundred thousand, two hundred thousand, and three hundred thousand U.S. dollars, varying by size and location," she explained enthusiastically.
She eagerly guided Li Tang and his group around the properties. Such visitors were rare; despite their prime seaside locations, these expensive villas had few potential buyers in poverty-stricken Guinea. Several houses had remained unsold for over a year, grass growing unchecked around them.
"I'll take these five," Li Tang stated decisively without examining details closely. Though differing slightly in size, the properties shared similar designs and excellent seaside views. Spending a million U.S. dollars wasn't outrageous, especially since these villas could later function as offices or staff residences if their project succeeded.
The saleswoman stared blankly for a moment, overwhelmed by the sudden windfall. Then Li Tang continued, "But I have a condition—I want to discuss prices directly with your boss."
"Of course! I'll fetch our manager immediately!" The saleswoman quickly returned with a short, stocky African woman—the real estate company's general manager, clearly not the person Li Tang sought.
"You want to see our boss?" she asked cautiously, fully aware of her employer's status. "If you purchase these villas, I can relay your request."
Zheng pulled Li Tang aside afterward, voicing concern during lunch, "You've seen these houses. They're difficult to sell despite being well-built. If you buy them, they might remain unused, or at best serve as vacation spots. One million dollars isn't a small amount—I know from personal experience."
"Is there another way?" Li Tang clarified. The houses weren't his main goal; meeting their elusive owner was essential. Buying property was merely an opening move.
"We could consult the commercial attaché at our consulate," Zheng suggested cautiously. "China and Guinea were among the earliest to establish diplomatic ties in Africa. Official channels might reach high-level authorities here."
Zheng thought buying five villas at once was risky; if the owner refused to appear, they'd have no recourse.
"We previously learned Minister Praka of the Ministry of Mines and Geology is closely tied to Lituo. The consulate would inevitably approach Praka—our chances there are slim," Li Tang had already thoroughly researched the local situation, consulting other Chinese merchants dealing with bauxite ore in Guinea.
"Our country previously aided Guinea by building hospitals and hydropower stations. Chinese doctors and engineers remain, some even honored with local awards. We might approach these compatriots to establish alternative connections," Zheng persisted, wary of Li Tang's boldness.
Li Tang understood Zheng's concern, but remained aware that their window of opportunity was limited. Lituo's application for renewed exploration rights, even upgraded to mining rights, was already in progress. According to Minister Praka, it awaited only routine presidential approval—delayed purely by administrative inefficiencies, rather than genuine hurdles.
Few companies explored minerals in Africa, and those that did typically enjoyed special treatment—especially established giants like Lituo, which Guinea naturally trusted.
"The real estate method is merely a shortcut. Even if it fails, other routes exist," Zheng concluded cautiously, reluctant for Li Tang to take excessive financial risks on uncertain ventures. After all, money spent here rarely returned.
"Mr. Zheng, do you think the villas here are overpriced?" Li Tang asked thoughtfully.
"Even if the price were cut in half, they wouldn't necessarily sell," Zheng Jinhui said bluntly.
"One million U.S. dollars…" Li Tang carefully calculated the gains and losses involved.
Clearly, he wasn't interested in the actual value of these five villas. Instead, this transaction was merely a stepping stone—a means to establish a crucial relationship. After all, in Guinea, he had no established network or foundation. Right now, Zheng Jinhui was assisting him mainly because of his connection to Li Xingchao and their shared background. As businessmen, such favors inevitably had their limits.
However, Li Tang knew that the mining rights to Simandou iron ore were worth far more than a mere million dollars. In a few years, when Lituo finally released their exploration report, the entire global iron ore industry would erupt in astonishment. At that time, China Aluminum Group would willingly invest more than a billion dollars into these rights, while Salty Sea Valley Group would also invest more than two billion. This mining concession would become the epicenter of a fierce struggle, a tantalizing yet hazardous opportunity.
Currently, the outside world was unaware of this concession's immense value—only Lituo was fully conscious of it. Without investing much in exploration, they had boldly applied for a mining area spanning over 1,400 square kilometers. From the outset, they had never intended to invest heavily. Since 1997, Lituo had been the only interested party in Simandou, yet they maintained a strange apathy, unwilling to actively develop the mine.
Lituo's sole intention in acquiring these rights was to keep them securely in their possession, out of anyone else's control. They recognized the potential to profoundly influence global iron ore prices. They had discovered a massive iron ore deposit with grades exceeding 66%, far surpassing the global benchmark standard of 62%. With potential resources surpassing five billion tons, the mining rights alone were easily worth five billion dollars!
Unaware of this immense hidden value, Zheng Jinhui naturally disapproved of Li Tang spending one million dollars on what appeared to be a risky gamble.
"Why do I feel like you're betting on something big?" Zheng said, sensing Li Tang's determination.
"You yourself said this was the only shortcut," Li Tang calmly responded, unconcerned by the amount. Business involved both risks and rewards; although a million dollars was significant, it wouldn't cripple him financially given his current strength.
"Larry, the son of the president's fourth wife, is highly favored. Some even speculate that if the president were ever incapacitated, he might pass the power to Larry," Zheng shared with a meaningful smile.
"Really?" Li Tang understood the instability of such power transitions in Guinea.
Zheng's smile deepened. "As you know, Guinea is a military government. The moment President Conté dies, someone will inevitably storm into the presidential palace with guns blazing—believe me. I just hope we're not here to witness that chaos."
"To be honest, I quite like the climate here. It would be nice to occasionally visit for a vacation," Li Tang joked casually, his decision already firm.
Zheng regarded him curiously. "What kind of mining concession is making you so persistent, so willing to pay such a high price?"
"You'll understand later," Li Tang replied mysteriously.
The villa purchase wasn't complicated, but transferring the money took several days. Once the process was completed, Li Tang received the ownership certificates and keys to the five villas. He carefully instructed the short, stout real estate manager: "Tell your boss we have a big deal. If interested, tell him to come find us."
Though they owned the villas now, Li Tang's group continued staying at their hotel, patiently waiting. Going out wasn't particularly safe, as armed individuals frequently roamed the streets. The wary stares from thin local youths often sent chills down their spines.
Fortunately, Larry proactively reached out—not personally, but through a group of armed men who verified Li Tang's identity and conveyed Larry's desire to meet.
Despite his apprehension upon seeing their weapons, Li Tang agreed to accompany them, recognizing this as a rare opportunity. Had they been bandits, his life would have ended then and there. Thankfully, everything proceeded smoothly.
They arrived at an expansive estate featuring a sprawling garden, manicured lawns, and a luxurious swimming pool.
"So, you're the Chinese businessman who bought five villas?" asked a young black man in colorful beach shorts, examining Li Tang closely. Without a doubt, this was Larry, son of the president's fourth wife.
Li Tang studied him as well, finding it difficult to discern the young man's age. If not for Zheng previously mentioning Larry was in his twenties, Li Tang might have mistaken him for someone much older. Age was often hard to judge clearly on black faces.
"Yes," Li Tang replied calmly, "and you're Larry?"
Surrounded by armed guards, Li Tang maintained his composure. Behind him, however, Lei Pingjin and the others trembled nervously, terrified of an accidental gunshot.
"I hear you're interested in a big investment in our country?" Larry casually shook his wrist, the heavy gold chain clinking slightly.
"I plan to invest funds into a mineral exploration project," Li Tang immediately addressed the matter at hand.
"How much money?" Larry asked bluntly.
"More than fifty million U.S. dollars," Li Tang responded, unafraid of revealing his strength. Relations between Guinea and China were generally good enough to ensure his safety.
Larry seemed startled, leaning forward with interest. "How does mineral exploration work?"
"We still don't know if the project will succeed," Li Tang admitted cautiously.
"Our business environment is very open. For mineral exploration, you can simply talk with Minister Praka. But if you work with me, I can offer everything you need!" Larry declared excitedly. Clearly, he wasn't a sophisticated businessman—he seemed more like a greedy gambler.
"There's a problem, though," Li Tang continued deliberately.
"What problem?" Larry asked anxiously.
"The exploration rights I'm interested in are already held by Lituo Group," Li Tang revealed calmly.
"Lituo?" Larry recognized the company name, though he rarely paid attention to details within the Ministry of Mines and Geology.
"In 1997, Lituo applied for an exploration permit covering 1,400 square kilometers north of Mount Nimba in Nzérékoré. However, they haven't invested in any real exploration work. The permit has already been extended once, and they're currently applying for another extension," Li Tang explained patiently. "Believe me, Lituo has no genuine intention to explore this concession. I want to take over and start exploration."
"Lituo is a giant international mining company," Larry remarked doubtfully. "I may not understand mining, but I know this won't be easy."
"You doubt my capability?" Li Tang asked calmly.
"You bought five villas; clearly, you have financial strength," Larry acknowledged. He had initially agreed to meet Li Tang precisely because of this demonstrated wealth, grateful for the significant sale.
His real estate venture hadn't impressed his father before today, but selling five villas was undeniably a substantial step forward. He was inclined toward friendship with wealthy individuals.
Realizing Larry still harbored doubts, Li Tang introduced himself plainly. "You can look into me. My name is Li Tang. In Mongolia, we discovered a world-class porphyry deposit at the Talego copper-gold mine, investing fifty million dollars into exploration."
"Talego copper-gold mine?" Larry echoed, unfamiliar with this distant Asian news. However, he quietly instructed a nearby assistant to verify Li Tang's claims. Soon enough, the assistant returned swiftly.
"They're legitimate," he confirmed to Larry. "They found a massive deposit in Mongolia, and also acquired a listed company in Australia."
Larry's eyes sparkled with newfound interest. Clearly, these were serious investors—not con artists but people of substance.
"What assistance do you need from me for this project?" Larry asked directly.
"Prevent Lituo from getting their exploration extension or mining rights approved," Li Tang said without hesitation, stating his entire purpose for contacting Larry.
"Lituo…" Larry murmured, awestruck. "My father will likely handle this matter personally."
"Then, the outcome depends entirely on your approach," Li Tang responded evenly, offering neither pressure nor promise, leaving the decision entirely up to Larry.
"What do I gain from this?" Larry asked openly. His question perfectly matched his appearance—a man adorned with heavy, ostentatious gold jewelry.
"If Lituo's application is rejected, and we secure the exploration rights instead, we'll immediately begin investing in exploration," Li Tang explained clearly. He extended his hand firmly. "Fifty million U.S. dollars will quickly flow into Guinean bank accounts. Wherever we operate, we always collaborate with local companies—as we did in Mongolia. We'll subcontract our drilling operations locally."
"Drilling operations?" Larry asked, intrigued yet confused.
"Approximately half our budget is allocated for drilling," Li Tang clarified calmly.
"Twenty-five million dollars?" Larry's eyes lit up.
"Exactly," Li Tang confirmed.
Larry broke into a radiant smile, bright against his dark skin, his teeth gleaming like stars in the night.
"I really like this project!" Larry exclaimed enthusiastically.
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Johanssen