Chapter 342: Everyone Must Take a Stand
Fulin once again arrived at Minister Waci's office.
As a businessman, Fulin's main purpose was to make money. Viewing Waci purely as an enemy clearly wouldn't benefit his objectives. Although initially frustrated and angry at Waci's unfair treatment toward local businesses, these feelings quickly dissipated. He knew exactly what he should and shouldn't do.
This time, he arrived well-prepared, fully understanding his next steps.
"Why are you here again?" Waci evidently didn't want to waste more time with Fulin. After all, the exploration rights for Malihe Iron Mine had already been officially granted to Hantie Company—it was a done deal.
"Minister Waci, have you been following recent news from Galumbia Province?" Fulin asked pleasantly, without betraying any negative emotions.
"I'm too busy with work. The Nute region is vast, with numerous mineral projects needing attention. How could I have time for other places' news?" Waci felt the question was somewhat irrelevant.
"You should take a look at this," said Fulin, placing the latest newspaper on the desk and sliding it toward Waci. "This is major news; everyone is talking about it. Given your position in the Ministry of Mines and Minerals, you should know about this. It's your responsibility to protect our natural resources from thieves who threaten our environment, steal secrets, and compromise our safety."
The seriousness of his tone intrigued Waci, who hesitantly picked up the newspaper. Upon glancing at it, his eyes widened in surprise as he quickly identified the key point.
"The owner of Hantie Company has been arrested?" He stared at Fulin, seeking confirmation.
"Exactly," Fulin responded with a smug smile. "I've warned you before: those who suddenly become extremely wealthy overnight often resort to shady methods with hidden agendas."
"Why?" Waci was puzzled, even shocked.
"They launched a coal mining project in Galumbia Province, but their real intention was secretly mapping our western regions and gathering coordinates of our sensitive security zones to take abroad." Fulin's expression shifted to indignation. "Such people who seriously endanger our security and harm our interests must be severely punished! His arrest proves our system's fairness and justice. Although I don't personally possess direct evidence, I've heard judicial authorities have solid proof that Li Tang carried sensitive documents out of the country. Yet, arrogantly, he returned openly. His greed knows no bounds, and he's come back for more!"
"This…" For a moment, Waci didn't know what to say.
If this allegation was proven true, that Chinese billionaire would spend the rest of his youth behind bars, given the severity of national security charges.
"He's dangerous, a criminal!" Fulin's voice struck like an alarm bell in Waci's ears.
"But he's already extremely wealthy, a globally recognized billionaire. Why would he do something like this?" Waci couldn't understand the logic behind it.
"Whether it's Liantying Mining or this new Hantie Company, they're merely covers for his espionage activities and theft of state secrets!"
Fulin had a clear agenda in pressing this point: "Hantie Company is a criminal tool. We must take a stand, firmly resisting and dismantling it! Any association with Hantie Company could implicate us in serious legal consequences, costing us our jobs or even landing us in jail as accomplices!"
His words resonated powerfully.
Waci suddenly felt a sense of urgency. Indeed, he'd facilitated Hantie Company's application for Malihe Iron Mine exploration rights, inadvertently becoming entangled.
"What do you suggest we do?" Waci asked uneasily.
"Immediately revoke Malihe Iron Mine exploration rights and shut down Hantie Company!" Fulin demanded forcefully.
"But that's not in line with procedural rules. The arrest of their owner doesn't legally affect the company's operations."
"Hantie Company is his criminal instrument!"
…
The news exploded in the media, spreading rapidly across the globe. Newspapers and media from various countries quickly picked up the story. Liantying Mining's stock prices plummeted significantly as a direct consequence.
Domestically, the news also caused an uproar.
Li Tang was regarded as a model by many, featured in classrooms as a case study of success in investment mergers, mineral exploration techniques, and MBA programs. Young people admired his pioneering spirit, entrepreneurs studied and emulated his international business methods, and government officials frequently mentioned his name during meetings, urging colleagues toward progress.
Though Li Tang himself remained low-key in Huaxia, he'd undeniably become a household name. Last year, as Liantying Mining's stocks soared, Li Tang's personal wealth reached unprecedented levels, catapulting his fame beyond the mining sector into the public consciousness.
His prominent position on the national rich list made him a frequent topic in casual conversations. When news broke about Li Tang's arrest, the reaction was deeply complex.
The charges—that Li Tang had illegally obtained sensitive security zone coordinates—seemed surreal and implausible. If true, in Huaxia's view, it wasn't a crime but rather patriotic heroism.
People expressed outrage directed toward Gua country's judicial system, demanding Huaxia's authorities support Li Tang, not allowing such an injustice to stand.
Enterprises and government departments alike, irrespective of connections to Li Tang's Shenshi Holdings, immediately sought accurate information, ready to offer unconditional support.
Long before the media broke the story, Li Xingchao received early notification—specifically, when Li Tang was arrested upon landing in Vancouver. Xie Jiashu had immediately informed him, prompting Li Xingchao to alert senior leadership, who treated the matter with utmost seriousness.
After careful consideration, Li Xingchao informed Li Xinqi, who panicked initially, eager to fly immediately to Gua country. Only after much persuasion did she accept the limited help she'd provide by being there immediately.
She phoned Li Tang's parents to inform them. Li Zaiqiang and Tang Chuqiu, devastated upon hearing their only son was imprisoned abroad, immediately flew to Yanjing. For them, the world seemed to collapse.
Li Xinqi noticed tears on Tang Chuqiu's face and redness in Li Zaiqiang's eyes, deeply empathizing with their emotions—she herself was terrified and worried.
She hugged Tang Chuqiu, comforting her gently: "Uncle, Aunt, don't worry. Everything will be fine."
"If this happened domestically, I'd give up everything—even my life—for my son," Li Zaiqiang sighed heavily, feeling powerless abroad.
"My father told me our contacts in Vancouver are already negotiating with local authorities. Soon Li Tang will be cleared," Li Xinqi reassured, forcing calmness despite her fears. "They've assured us the police are merely investigating. Once cleared, he'll be released."
"But the charges in the news sound serious—national security threats!" Tang Chuqiu sobbed quietly.
"I must fly to Gua country immediately!" Li Zaiqiang insisted, determined despite unfamiliarity with the foreign environment.
"He's only twenty-six; if he's imprisoned for years, he'll lose his youth," Tang Chuqiu lamented bitterly. "No matter the cost, we must rescue him!"
"Everything will be fine," Li Xinqi repeated, continuing to reassure them. "Let's wait for more updates. Li Tang's arrest must be a misunderstanding—I know his character and strict adherence to rules. He'd never break the law."
"He has always been obedient and well-behaved!" Tang Chuqiu agreed firmly.
"Even if we went now, we'd only complicate things." Initially desperate to leave immediately, Li Xinqi had to prioritize calming Li Tang's elderly parents, aware stress could harm their health.
She shifted the topic to lighten the mood, volunteering to cook dinner—braised ribs and steamed seafood—in Li Tang's apartment, occasionally aired out by her during his long absences abroad.
…
In Yanjing, at the Steel Association, October was approaching year-end, intensifying workloads. President Bao Yanyao rarely convened meetings, respecting steel companies' busy production schedules.
However, with the new year approaching, collective strategy was vital. "Over the past two years, our role in international iron ore price negotiations through Haigang Steel has yielded limited influence. Iron ore prices soared, troubling our entire industry," Bao stated, addressing executives of leading steel companies.
"The industry's growth stalled this year; production capacity now exceeds demand," Bao explained, prompting acknowledgment from industry representatives concerned about declining sales and rising costs.
Executives voiced concerns:
"Our profits dropped significantly due to oversupply."
"The era of easy profits is gone."
"Rising costs and falling prices are making operations increasingly difficult."
"We cannot afford further hikes in iron ore and coking coal prices."
"If costs keep rising, our steel enterprises won't survive."
"If all downstream industries collapse, let those upstream iron ore and coking coal producers play with their own stones!"
As discussions continued, the participants gradually returned to the main topic of today's meeting.
Following the flow of conversation, Bao Yanyao finally spoke up, "Over the past two years, iron ore price negotiations have typically started around mid-year, with prices usually set quickly. However, this year things are different; global iron ore supply and demand are gradually approaching a balance. Not just our domestic steel companies, but steel enterprises worldwide have reached an unusual consensus, holding back from rushing into iron ore negotiations."
"Steel prices are on a downward trend, and before we understand next year's market clearly, no one dares to sign long-term iron ore supply contracts prematurely. If the iron ore price is set too high and steel prices keep falling next year, we'll all face serious trouble."
"Such concerns aren't limited to us; international steel companies share the same anxiety."
"If next year's iron ore prices could be pushed downward, it would significantly alleviate our operational pressures."
Every business naturally wanted lower production costs and higher selling prices. Yet, contradictions were inevitable, and commodity prices would always fluctuate within a balanced range.
"We must aim to lead the iron ore price negotiations this year!" Bao Yanyao declared firmly. "We will send a delegation representing our entire steel industry to negotiate directly with the three major iron ore giants, striving to push prices down. Even if next year's contract prices cannot decrease significantly, we must ensure they do not rise further."
"Chairman Bao is right!"
"I support this fully!"
"We've become the world's largest steel market, the largest importer of iron ore, giving us decisive power. This time, we must take a tougher stance!"
As this matter directly concerned everyone's immediate interests, all steel companies naturally stood united.
"This year, Haigang Steel will again lead the delegation, while other steel companies can send representatives to join negotiations," Bao Yanyao stated, clearly having planned this strategy beforehand. "Whatever happens, iron ore prices cannot rise again!"
"This approach serves our common interests and aligns with market principles," Lu Chenyi agreed strongly.
Others expressed unanimous approval as well.
Bao Yanyao paused, appearing solemn. He then sighed heavily and said in a grave tone, "There's another important matter. Perhaps everyone here has already learned about it through newspapers or other channels."
"It's Li Tang, isn't it?" Lu Chenyi had not previously discussed this matter with Bao Yanyao, nor did he expect today's meeting to touch on it. Strictly speaking, Li Tang was only a private entrepreneur and not directly affiliated with the Steel Association.
Bao Yanyao nodded, "I assume everyone has already heard?"
The news of Li Tang's arrest in Gua Country had caused an uproar, covered extensively by newspapers and television.
Everyone was concerned, and all felt uneasy.
When Bao Yanyao asked, everyone quietly nodded, their expressions grave.
"The issue with Li Tang goes beyond the fact that he's one of us, a Huaxia native. It's also because he shoulders a significant mission!" Bao Yanyao spoke deeply. "The continuous rise in iron ore prices is mainly due to the three global iron ore giants monopolizing the market. Breaking this monopoly, freeing ourselves from their arbitrary price control by depending on European, Ribenese, or Korean steel companies, is unrealistic. We must forge our own path forward. Li Tang's Liantying Mining will undoubtedly be our strongest weapon against the three major iron ore giants!"
"If Liantying Mining can quickly start production, it would significantly reduce our steel industry's excessive reliance on the global giants."
"Didn't they announce production would begin at the end of this year, supplying millions of tons of iron ore steadily next year?"
"I heard they encountered equipment problems during commissioning, potentially delaying production."
"When it rains, it pours—problems always seem to come in groups."
"I wonder whether Li Tang's arrest will affect his Austrian business."
Everyone understood that domestic steel companies and Li Tang's Liantying Mining had a mutually dependent relationship. Even top government officials placed high hopes on Liantying Mining to break the monopoly.
"Li Tang must not be harmed!" Bao Yanyao's statement came like a hammer blow, clearly setting the tone and attitude on this matter.
"This isn't just my personal sentiment; it directly affects various departments and enterprises at every level," he declared strongly. "Li Tang's situation is no longer just personal; it concerns all of Huaxia's enterprises! If Li Tang, due to his outstanding international business activities, can be arbitrarily targeted and arrested on baseless charges, imagine what could happen to any of you when traveling abroad. Such events, if they happen once, will surely happen again! For the sake of our business environment, and for the dignity of our nation, everyone must stand up!"
"I fully agree!" Lu Chenyi immediately raised his hand in support. "Liantying Mining signed a long-term contract with our Haigang Steel for two hundred million tons of iron ore, directly impacting our interests. However, considering long-term national interests, we must support Li Tang unequivocally! Such persecution of our entrepreneurs and false accusations against our countrymen are despicable. To truly stand tall among nations, we must unite and take a stand!"
"How can we help practically?" Long Fuyuan asked directly. "Simply shouting slogans won't help."
Before Bao Yanyao responded, Lu Chenyi quickly answered, "Apart from the upcoming iron ore negotiations, Haigang Steel has also been negotiating with coal companies in Gua Country. They supply roughly 60 million tons annually, with 30 million tons being coking coal, mostly sold to us or shipped to other domestic steel companies through our ports."
"Your plan?" Long Fuyuan already guessed his intentions.
"Negotiators from Gua's coal companies are currently in Haigang City awaiting my return to finalize next year's coal contracts," Lu Chenyi explained briefly. "After this meeting, I will return immediately to inform them clearly: until Li Tang is fully exonerated, Haigang Steel won't sign any contracts."
This strong measure earned immediate respect from everyone.
Bao Yanyao cautioned, "Your method might be overly aggressive. Have you considered potential impacts on your company's production?"
"We have two to three months of coking coal in stock, sufficient for now. Even if that runs out, domestic coal production is robust enough to provide alternatives," Lu Chenyi had clearly decided.
This was, in fact, also strategic. As earlier discussed, steel production was currently excessive, causing price declines. Negotiations with Gua's coal companies had stalled precisely because the asking prices were too high, which is why he had temporarily left those representatives waiting. Now, using Li Tang's situation, he could effectively pressure them, achieving two goals with one strategy.
He understood that both sides needed each other. Haigang Steel wouldn't lightly abandon Gua's coal companies, nor could Gua's coal companies survive without large customers like Haigang Steel. This pressure could influence Gua's resource market and possibly reduce coal prices.
"Just make sure to control your approach carefully," Bao Yanyao advised kindly.
"Li Tang committing crimes against national security in Gua is utterly absurd! I trust Li Tang fully and will do everything possible to support him!" Lu Chenyi firmly concluded.
"Our inland enterprises have limited interactions with Gua," Long Fuyuan lamented helplessly, wanting to help but feeling powerless.
"Who wouldn't want to help under these circumstances?"
"Gua's accusations against Li Tang are undoubtedly fabricated."
"A so-called beautiful and law-abiding country is always relative—one's honey is another's poison."
"They constantly criticize us about human rights, but their current actions are genuine violations!"
"We must stand united; we've been bullied enough!"
While enthusiasm ran high, few had the broad influence of Haigang Steel. Still, eastern coastal steel enterprises with Gua connections expressed willingness to support through available channels, even symbolically.
…
At Yunding Tower, copper mining leaders such as Chen Jinghe, Geng Feiran, Feng Sinian, and executives from Wukuang Group, including Niu Fu, Qin Jianshe, and Zhao Hepu, gathered solemnly.
Qin Jianshe briefly reported smooth progress on Talego Copper-Gold Mine. Niu Fu then emphasized the rapid rise in copper futures from around $3,000 earlier this year to over $4,000 currently, driven by shrinking global copper stockpiles, now less than 100,000 tons.
"Our equipment is operating nonstop but still can't meet demand," Feng Sinian noted.
Everyone recognized Talego Copper-Gold Mine's increasing value to their company, Zhongcheng Mining. Its anticipated annual copper production of 500,000 tons would significantly relieve domestic shortages and generate immense profits.
However, everyone clearly understood the key reason behind their current success: Li Tang.
From initially acquiring the Talego exploration rights cheaply, to major investments uncovering vast deposits, all were thanks to Li Tang's vision and efforts.
Chen Jinghe finally addressed the main concern: "Li Tang was arrested in Gua. What's our response?"
Niu Fu quickly gathered everyone, clearly indicating Li Tang's importance.
"Whatever support we can offer, Tongdu Nonferrous Group will provide fully!" Geng Feiran vowed passionately.
No one disagreed. Though uncertain how to help practically, they all deeply understood the seriousness and urgency of Li Tang's situation.
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