Chapter 349: Business Is Also About Human Relationships
Li Tang spent some time discussing the details of the Maruhe coal mine with Li Xingchao before several members of the Shenxia Group's board of directors arrived together. Upon seeing Li Tang, they warmly greeted him.
The chairman of Shenxia Group was a short, plump older man with a cheerful, rosy face and benevolent expression named Lei Ming.
Though short in stature, Lei Ming had large, warm hands. He clasped Li Tang's hand firmly, reluctant to let go, expressing sincere enthusiasm. "When Xingchao proposed to the board that we invest fifteen million US dollars in the Maruhe coal mine project, and I heard you were leading it, I immediately knew it would be a huge success!"
"Absolutely! That's exactly what we thought," echoed another board member.
"None of us hesitated. Everyone raised both hands in support immediately!"
"Our unanimous opinion at that time was to let Xingchao manage the investment funds without the usual board restrictions. If we had followed standard approval procedures, it would have taken two or three months just to finalize the funds. By then, the opportunity would've been long gone!"
"Looking back, we really made a smart, flexible decision!"
"It's just a bit regrettable that although our Shenxia Group invested fifteen million US dollars, we only secured a 25% share of the Maruhe coal mine. Isn't that a little low?"
"And how about Liu Naishun? He invested just five million dollars yet also holds 25%. Doesn't that seem a bit odd?"
The board members bantered cheerfully among themselves.
Li Tang already knew that Shenxia Group's board hadn't officially approved Li Xingchao's fifteen-million-dollar foreign investment. Had the project failed, Li Xingchao would have borne full responsibility alone.
But now, listening to the board members' account, Li Tang couldn't help noticing how the facts were slightly twisted. It amused him greatly.
These seasoned business veterans always knew how to say pleasant things in public. To outsiders, it sounded wonderful. Only those aware of the real situation could appreciate the humor in their claims.
Li Xingchao, standing nearby, finally couldn't help but gently push back against their playful exaggerations. "Liu Naishun holds 25% because the Maruhe coal mine company was primarily operated by him. He identified and selected the exploration zone based on geological data he'd collected. Before we even stepped foot in the Rocky Mountains, Liu Naishun had already spent two years conducting preliminary exploration. The exact location of the Maruhe coal mine was selected by his team."
"Manager Li is right; we should indeed be grateful to everyone who put their hard work and effort into this," Lei Ming replied, patting Li Xingchao's shoulder in reassurance. "This major discovery at the Maruhe coal mine represents our coal industry's first big success venturing internationally. It's a milestone investment, one of the brightest achievements in Shenxia Group's history!"
Lei Ming passionately delivered his speech, then looked meaningfully at Li Xingchao. "Our leadership has recognized and praised this project highly. I believe the award for best enterprise manager this year undoubtedly belongs to Manager Li!"
These words directly praised Li Xingchao's foresight in investing in the Maruhe coal mine project.
At the outset, Li Xingchao had borne enormous pressure in choosing to trust Li Tang. Within Shenxia Group, the success of this project clearly belonged entirely to him.
Yet he understood clearly: monopolizing credit was a dangerous move in any organization.
He was willing to share the glory, so he didn't get annoyed by the board members' embellishments. Responding gracefully, he regained his usual composed demeanor. "Maruhe coal mine's success is ultimately due to Chairman Lei's wise leadership. Without your guidance over the years, Chairman Lei, and without the board's strategic decisions, there would be no Maruhe coal mine."
His words pushed the already upbeat atmosphere even higher.
"Under Xingchao's leadership, Shenxia Group has been thriving year after year."
"The financial statements don't lie. Our group has doubled its performance annually in recent years."
"This is all thanks to Manager Li. We've noticed, the leadership has noticed, and the entire nation has noticed!"
"He truly is the model for managers of state-owned enterprises!"
Everyone joined in praising Li Xingchao generously. The enthusiasm was contagious.
Lei Ming patted Li Xingchao's arm meaningfully, "You'll surely continue to advance!"
However, Li Xingchao wasn't fooled by their excessive flattery. He pointed at Li Tang. "Speaking honestly, I owe my deepest gratitude to Li Tang."
Lei Ming turned his attention once more to Li Tang, scrutinizing him closely, "Truly exceptional at such a young age—unparalleled talent!"
"You're too kind, Chairman Lei," Li Tang replied humbly, genuinely amused by the eloquence and politeness of these corporate veterans.
"I heard you're dating Xingchao's daughter. When's the wedding?" Lei Ming shifted to more personal topics.
"Soon," Li Tang replied, a bit surprised by this sudden personal inquiry.
"Great news indeed!" Lei Ming laughed heartily. "You'll soon become Shenxia Group's honored son-in-law! Let us know when the date is set, and we old fellows will come celebrate and share in your joy!"
"If Chairman Lei attends, the wedding will surely be honored by your presence," Li Tang replied charmingly.
"Young man, you've got quite a way with words!" Lei Ming laughed even more heartily.
Li Tang then spent some time discussing general market conditions for coal in Canada, sharing insights about the potential development of the Maruhe coal mine. It was casual conversation rather than formal discussion.
When Lei Ming and the others invited him to dinner, Li Tang politely declined. Eating together with this group, with all their flattering speeches, might be too overwhelming for him.
After saying goodbye to Li Xingchao, Li Tang intended to stop briefly at the company, then head home to have dinner with his parents. But a sudden phone call from Luo Qinzhong changed his plans—Luo had arrived in Beijing, inviting Li Tang to meet at Old Wang's barbecue restaurant that evening.
Li Tang informed his parents of the change of plans. Seeing him safe and sound, they didn't insist he stay home, so he headed out again.
Arriving at Old Wang's barbecue place, Li Tang found that in addition to Luo Qinzhong, Zhao Hepu and Qin Jianshe were also there.
"Here he comes!" They stood up warmly to greet Li Tang.
"My parents are visiting Beijing, so I bought some groceries to drop off at home on the way," Li Tang explained as he took off his gloves and sat down.
"Perfect timing; we just arrived too," Luo Qinzhong said warmly, pulling out a chair for him.
Zhao Hepu maintained his straightforward nature, pointing humorously at the empty skewers on the table. "You're late! See how many skewers I've eaten waiting for you. You know the rule: arriving late means three penalty drinks!"
Luo Qinzhong and Qin Jianshe didn't feel comfortable teasing Li Tang this way anymore, but hearing Zhao Hepu's joke, they laughed cheerfully.
"Boss, bring out more fresh grilled lamb kidneys!" Luo called out to the restaurant owner.
"This beer is chilled perfectly with ice shards—delicious!" Li Tang hadn't been here for a long time and didn't hesitate, drinking three glasses of icy beer in quick succession.
The glasses weren't large, so three quick drinks weren't excessive, although drinking ice-cold beer in the deep winter definitely sent shivers down his spine.
"Your drinking capacity's improved!" Zhao Hepu laughed heartily and quickly handed him a hot skewer.
"This place still has the most authentic taste," Li Tang remarked appreciatively, alternating between bites of steaming grilled kidneys and sips of cold beer—a delicious contrast of sensations.
"Why aren't you eating?" Li Tang noticed Zhao Hepu, Qin Jianshe, and Luo Qinzhong watching him intently.
"We already ate plenty before you arrived," Zhao joked.
"It's been a long time since the four of us gathered like this," Luo Qinzhong said sentimentally.
"When did you start getting so emotional?" Zhao Hepu teased him bluntly.
"Actually, Qin and I still meet here whenever we have time," Zhao continued casually.
This barbecue restaurant had always been a favorite spot for Zhao Hepu and Qin Jianshe. After Luo Qinzhong and Qian Hao moved to Beijing, they also became regular patrons, enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Li Tang joined later, though lately he'd become the busiest among them, visiting far less frequently.
Of course, given Li Tang's current status, the others hesitated to casually invite him to these simple gatherings.
Today's dinner was organized by Luo Qinzhong, primarily because he had some matters he wanted to discuss privately with Li Tang. It wasn't a formal meeting, just an informal way of feeling out Li Tang's perspective.
"Qian Hao will be coming as well, but lately he's been overseeing the Shazhai molybdenum mine project in Huizhou Province. He'll be flying in, so he might be a bit late."
Just as Luo Qinzhong finished speaking, a stylishly dressed young man walked into the barbecue restaurant. Who else could it be but Qian Hao?
"What kind of ridiculous outfit are you wearing?" Zhao Hepu immediately teased when he saw Qian Hao. It was customary for old friends to start off by teasing each other.
"Digimon." Qian Hao proudly lifted his jacket, pointing at the cartoon character printed on it. "You guys just don't get it, huh? You're so behind on trends; totally outdated."
"Oh sure, you're so fashionable," Zhao Hepu snorted sarcastically. "Everyone here knows who's really outdated."
"Birds of a different feather, indeed!" Qian Hao laughed, plopping down carelessly beside Zhao Hepu and grabbing a handful of Zhao's protruding belly fat. "What's going on here, Mr. Zhao? Your belly got even bigger!"
"Don't touch the tiger's behind!" Zhao Hepu shoved him away playfully.
Qian Hao quickly sat down, grabbed a grilled lamb skewer, and started chewing. After tossing aside the empty stick, he finally looked at Li Tang in surprise. "It's been ages since I last saw you! How long has it been?"
"You guys haven't called me," Li Tang joked.
"You hear that? You guys really lack loyalty. How could you come for barbecue without inviting Li Tang!" Zhao Hepu loudly mocked.
"And have you called him yourself?" Qian Hao retorted immediately.
"Every time I called him before, he was always abroad," Zhao Hepu replied defensively.
"Enough chitchat, let's have a drink!" Qian Hao raised a large beer mug, specially prepared at Zhao's request.
After downing several rounds, the ice-cold beer strangely warmed them up.
"I've mostly been stationed in Huizhou Province, representing Luoyi Molybdenum in the development of the Shazhai molybdenum mine," Qian Hao said, calming his usually boisterous demeanor. "It's an excellent project—much better than anything else Luoyi Molybdenum currently has."
"You guys in molybdenum mining must be laughing yourselves awake every night," Zhao Hepu said with a hint of envy. "Previously, molybdenum concentrate was only 300 to 500 yuan per ton, and now it's soared to over 6,000 yuan per ton. Even criminals don't make as much money as you!"
Qian Hao chuckled proudly, admitting it wasn't untrue. He reached out again to pat Zhao's belly, saying, "You guys in copper mining aren't doing too bad either. Copper futures internationally have surged past 4,400 US dollars per ton, and the domestic price is even higher. Copper mining's an insanely profitable industry right now!"
"Our company, Kuangye Group, hardly owns any mines—we mostly just make money from processing fees!" Zhao Hepu retorted irritably, his belly jiggling like waves. "It's ridiculous; the higher copper prices go, our processing fees haven't increased—if anything, they've decreased! It's driving me crazy!"
Qian Hao laughed heartily, taking joy in Zhao's frustration. Previously, Zhao had been the most triumphant among them when they gathered together. But now the tables had turned.
Earlier, metal refining had been the profitable business, while mining operations struggled. Today, miners were raking in huge profits, dwarfing what refineries earned from their processing fees. No wonder Zhao was annoyed; fortunes had changed hands.
However, everyone at the table knew that nobody could compare to Li Tang. With numerous large-scale mining assets both at home and abroad, Li Tang's wealth had become immeasurable. Just the Lianying Mining asset alone made him worth billions of US dollars, a figure that others could only dream of.
Besides Li Tang, even Qin Jianshe, who used to lag behind, had gained prominence in China's business circles by hitching a ride with Li Tang. Zhongcheng Mining was now recognized by domestic and international banks as a company with tremendous potential. Once the Talego copper-gold mine went into operation, it would transform the global nonferrous metals industry!
"Over these past two years, you've all progressed greatly; only I'm still standing still!" Zhao Hepu said gloomily, shaking his head.
"Why have I heard rumors that once Niu Fu retires or moves up a level at Wukuang Group, you'll be the next in line?" Qian Hao teased boldly, never one to hold back.
"You really believe such rumors?" Zhao scoffed.
"I believe them," Luo Qinzhong said calmly.
"I've also heard similar talk—it sounded very specific and detailed," Qin Jianshe confirmed earnestly.
"Really?" Zhao Hepu, who clearly hadn't heard these rumors himself, looked genuinely puzzled and uneasy. Instead of feeling happy, he felt anxiety. If this gossip reached the ears of Niu Fu or Lang Hemin, and they mistakenly believed Zhao had spread these rumors intentionally to boost his image, his career would come to an abrupt end.
"Absolutely true," Qian Hao nodded vigorously, pointing at the meat skewers. "So tonight, Mr. Zhao, you should pay the bill!"
"Get lost," Zhao glared at him. "Just don't go spreading that nonsense outside."
"When have I ever spread gossip around?" Qian Hao retorted innocently. Of course, he knew better; he only spoke nonsense among close friends.
Luo Qinzhong didn't usually joke around much and always took things seriously. "Tonight's dinner is on me. Everyone eat as much as you like."
"Mr. Luo, do you think Zhao can't afford it?" Qian Hao laughed, poking Zhao's belly again. "Look at all the fat he's put on—clearly, he's got plenty of oil and grease!"
Luo Qinzhong ignored Qian Hao's joking and turned seriously to Li Tang. "I know you just returned to China, and you must be busy. The reason I invited you here tonight was to discuss something briefly."
"You're referring to the matter with Galv Group?" Li Tang immediately understood the purpose of the invitation. He knew that arranging a meeting between Galv Group and Hua Aluminum Corporation had likely led Hua Aluminum to speculate on his relationship with Galv.
Today, Luo Qinzhong had come specifically to confirm the closeness of Li Tang's ties with Galv Group to assess how deeply Hua Aluminum should engage in future business cooperation.
Clearly, Lai Xiangrong and Hua Aluminum still valued Li Tang's opinion highly.
"It seems you've already guessed the purpose of this dinner," Luo Qinzhong said, slightly relieved that Li Tang understood without needing a lengthy explanation. "Galv Group is planning to increase its investment in the Chinese market. Recently, they invested in an aluminum processing plant in Guanggui Province, and they're considering more such plants in other cities. They hope we can supply them with alumina or electrolytic aluminum."
"I know," Li Tang nodded. "I called CEO Lai in front of Galv Group's CEO Richard to discuss this earlier."
"Do you have deep ties with Galv Group?" Luo Qinzhong asked directly.
"It's not exactly deep yet, but we may cooperate in the future," Li Tang clarified straightforwardly. He never pursued personal gains at the expense of others and did not want Hua Aluminum to suffer any losses in dealing with Galv Group simply out of respect for him.
"You should negotiate with Galv Group according to standard business practices. Don't worry too much about my involvement."
"Richard frequently mentions your name whenever he calls us," Luo Qinzhong explained, highlighting why he came personally to Li Tang for clarification.
"He's just using me as a bargaining chip," Li Tang laughed. "Don't worry about him. No matter how he uses my name, just do whatever suits your business interests best."
"Alright, understood," Luo Qinzhong replied, although he realized Li Tang's instructions were still somewhat ambiguous. Balancing the relationship was tricky—if Hua Aluminum gave Galv too many concessions due to Li Tang's involvement, they'd suffer losses. Yet, if they treated Galv strictly according to standard practices, they might harm Li Tang's reputation or overseas projects.
After all, even in business, relationships and personal connections often mattered just as much as profits.
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