Chapter 397: A Test of Psychological Endurance
"What's going on here?"
Wiggins led a group of Gala Aluminum's senior executives storming into the conference room.
Just moments earlier, they had watched Li Tang silently exit the building with his team, unwilling to exchange more than a few terse words. Witnessing this scene, they immediately anticipated that the secret negotiations behind closed doors had not gone well.
Perhaps things had completely fallen apart.
If Li Tang and Rinto had reached an agreement, it would certainly align with the board's desires, and Li Tang would not have left wearing such a grim expression.
"Were there some disagreements?" Richard quickly asked in a concerned tone.
Alba was aware that Wiggins and the others strongly supported the acquisition, so he managed to suppress the frustration he'd felt during the failed negotiations with Li Tang. He didn't want to release his negative emotions onto the Gala Aluminum executives.
"Li Tang opposes our acquisition," he bluntly informed them.
"But he just assured us he'd vote in favor!"
"He's a hypocrite. I've always said you can't do business with these Hua Xia people—they always play tricks!"
"This is extremely unfavorable for us."
"What exactly is he trying to achieve?"
"Friendly cooperation with Rinto is clearly a win-win situation! I think he's got some mental issues, unable to recognize his own interests!"
"We must find a way to stop Li Tang from wreaking havoc!"
Rinto's team remained silent, but Gala Aluminum's executives were seething with indignation.
They were furious that Li Tang—a man they saw as selfish—was standing between them and piles of money.
To block someone's path to wealth was unforgivable in everyone's eyes!
Seeing Gala Aluminum's executives this angry made Alba feel somewhat relieved, and his own frustration softened slightly.
At least Rinto and the majority at Gala Aluminum shared the same objective: to ensure the success of the acquisition. If they could just remove Li Tang—the obstacle in their path—then the remaining steps of the acquisition would unfold smoothly.
"Li Tang explicitly said he would vote against the proposal, but he also left the door slightly open," Alba clarified, hoping to prevent total despair from setting in and causing irreparable damage.
At least, for now, there still seemed to be a chance of convincing Li Tang otherwise. It was just going to be challenging.
"Gentlemen, we'll continue working together toward our shared goal!" Alba stood up, signaling he intended to leave soon.
"If Li Tang votes against the acquisition, what do we do?" Richard asked hastily. "I think if we join forces, we can come up with better solutions."
"The situation is complicated," Alba acknowledged.
He knew Gala Aluminum's board and management, including Richard himself, had limited influence on Li Tang.
During their earlier conversation, Alba clearly understood Li Tang's real intent: Li Tang had set his sights on Rinto's most valuable assets.
It was clear Li Tang was directly targeting Rinto.
He intended to exploit them to the fullest.
Gala Aluminum, on the other hand, seemed unaware of this and couldn't provide much help.
Leaving Gala Aluminum headquarters, Alba immediately convened another internal meeting with his senior management team to strategize further.
"Li Tang wants shares in Hamori Iron Ore Company? That's utterly outrageous!" Erick furiously protested.
"He understands our psychology and knows we'll do anything to close this deal," Alba admitted heavily. "Li Tang mentioning Hamori Iron Ore might not have been a joke—perhaps he truly wants it!"
"That's absolutely impossible!"
"Even if we abandon the acquisition of Gala Aluminum, we would never hand over Hamori's controlling shares to him!"
"And even if we agreed, the board would never approve such a proposal."
"Everyone knows iron ore profits are extremely lucrative. While aluminum has potential, it can't compare to iron ore. After all, iron ore is the world's largest-volume metal market, with the highest total economic value."
All the senior managers knew iron ore represented Rinto's core interest—a cake too precious to share. It was the foundation of their empire!
Alba understood all these arguments. Yet, heated and emotional discussions would do little to solve their immediate problem.
"We can firmly refuse Li Tang's demand, but that will inevitably lead to the complete collapse of negotiations," Alba calmly analyzed, trying to suppress the increasingly tense atmosphere. "If we lose Gala Aluminum now, can we genuinely accept such a result?"
The room fell silent.
These were people rarely short on words, normally eager to speak at every meeting. But facing this decision—a decision capable of shaping Rinto's entire future—none could easily speak.
This was a unique opportunity to elevate Rinto's aluminum business to a world-leading position. Missing this chance could mean waiting another decade or even two for a similar one. After all, opportunities to buy one of the world's top three aluminum giants during a crisis didn't come around often.
"Our offer defeated all other competitors, and Gala Aluminum's board accepted it. If not for Li Tang standing in the way, our acquisition would proceed without resistance," Erick finally voiced his thoughts. "We absolutely cannot easily give up on Gala Aluminum, yet we also can't completely cave to Li Tang's unreasonable demands. The question now is: how can we persuade Li Tang to vote in favor?"
"Persuade Li Tang? What other way than giving him shares of our iron ore subsidiaries?"
"Hamori Iron Ore is absolutely off the table!"
"So you're suggesting we offer other iron ore companies?"
"Every iron ore subsidiary is crucial to us!"
Debate erupted again.
Rinto controlled several iron ore subsidiaries in the Pilbara region alone, including well-established mines like Hamori, plus new, costly investments such as Hope Iron Ore and Bourre Iron Ore. Although some hadn't started producing and were money pits, these represented Rinto's future.
Giving away any subsidiary was akin to abandoning one's own child—unacceptable!
"What if we gave Li Tang southern blocks number three or four at Simandou Iron Ore?" suggested Rinto's exploration director, Viduka, who oversaw the company's exploration and mineral rights.
Viduka had interacted early with Li Tang and knew he deeply valued mining rights, especially key strategic areas.
But mineral rights were the bedrock of a mining enterprise—a building's foundation. It was a cornerstone they couldn't afford to lose.
"Simandou Iron Ore is a rare, globally unparalleled iron ore deposit. If Li Tang successfully develops mines there, he'll trigger a tsunami throughout the international iron ore market!"
"We were just discussing how to restrain Li Tang's expansion to prevent him from disrupting the iron ore market. Now, suddenly, we're discussing how to surrender key mining rights or mines to satisfy Li Tang? This isn't business—it's complicity!"
"Whether it's Simandou, Hamori, or any other iron ore asset, we absolutely cannot use them as bargaining chips to gain Li Tang's approval. Doing so is humiliating!"
"Anything related to iron ore is out of the question!"
"So, you're suggesting we simply reject all of Li Tang's demands?"
"Rejecting is easy—but then we risk the complete failure of the Gala Aluminum acquisition!"
"Rinto is currently slimming down, shedding businesses outside iron, aluminum, and copper. We still have a coal subsidiary. The coal industry is profitable, though our operation isn't large-scale enough to achieve economies of scale. Perhaps we could offer Li Tang the coal subsidiary instead?"
"That's actually feasible!"
"Of course, we wouldn't give it away. We'd sell at market price."
They still knew their limits. Rinto was a global mining giant, with pride intact—it wouldn't lightly bow to anyone.
"But maybe how to satisfy Li Tang's appetite isn't the real question," someone offered another perspective. "If Li Tang wants to bully us, he should be prepared for retaliation! Instead, we should discuss how to respond to Li Tang's extortion!"
"Exactly—we shouldn't discuss surrender. We should figure out how to make Li Tang recognize the severity of the situation! His actions against Rinto are outrageous and deserve punishment!"
"Li Tang is clearly threatening us."
"When has Rinto ever allowed itself to be threatened like this?"
"We must strike back, give him a taste of his own medicine!"
Anger intensified as emotions flared higher.
Alba disliked the feeling of restraint. If he had better options, if they weren't being pressured, why would they be panicking now?
But, as his outraged colleagues had stated, Rinto couldn't publicly concede defeat. Even if they compromised, it had to be done discreetly and minimally.
"In our earlier meeting, we explicitly rejected Li Tang's outrageous demands, but that's clearly insufficient," Alba concluded firmly. "Li Tang's attempt to exploit us through his voting power is despicable and shameful. We must publicly assert our stance again, sending a strong message: threats do not work against Rinto!"
"Rinto never yields to threats!" someone declared passionately.
Alba turned decisively to Erick. "Contact the media. Expose Li Tang's disgusting behavior publicly and clearly communicate Rinto's stance once more."
"Understood."
At the hotel, Erick soon met Elvin, a top reporter from the influential Financial Post in Toronto.
Elvin specialized in financial reporting on mining and mineral-related sectors, regularly covering major industry moves. With Li Tang—a controversial figure—involved, Elvin wasted no time in responding.
But seeing only Erick, Elvin felt disappointed.
He had expected Alba and Li Tang together, delivering a major announcement. Without Li Tang present—or even Alba—his expectations dimmed.
"It seems you've already met with Li Tang," Elvin guessed quickly.
"Yes, we just had a critical meeting," Erick said professionally, forcing a polite smile. "Thank you for coming so late."
"It's our job—and an honor to interview Rinto," Elvin politely replied, then immediately asked, "Can you share key information from the meeting?"
"Certainly. We have important details to reveal."
"I believe your shareholders, global mining and financial circles, and over a billion Hua Xia citizens are eager to learn the outcome of this historic negotiation."
Elvin then pressed eagerly, "So, what exactly did you discuss?"
"We directly asked Li Tang about his stance toward Rinto's bid to acquire Gala Aluminum Group. Surprisingly, Li Tang made it explicitly clear that he would use his voting power to oppose the merger between Rinto and Gala Aluminum!" Erick didn't mince his words, and what he said was explosive.
"Li Tang opposes the acquisition?" Elvin asked, visibly shocked.
His surprise wasn't due to Li Tang's opposition itself but rather his directness. Furthermore, Erick was publicly disseminating this information on behalf of Rinto through the media. Clearly, Rinto was furious with Li Tang, and this indicated their patience had completely worn out.
"Unless something changes, he will vote against it," Erick confirmed with a nod. "The entire acquisition process is now completely stalled. Even though more than 80% of Gala Aluminum's global shareholders have already voted in favor of this mutually beneficial merger, Li Tang's opposition could make this transaction fail entirely."
"This is truly unfortunate news," Elvin admitted, clearly shocked by the revelation.
"I wouldn't label Li Tang selfish, but his actions certainly harm the interests of the vast majority of Gala Aluminum's shareholders, as well as ours at Rinto," Erick added.
"Has Rinto decided to withdraw its bid for Gala Aluminum?" Elvin pressed further.
"The voting deadline hasn't expired, and Rinto hasn't given up yet," Erick said earnestly into the camera, his eyes sincere. "In support of Gala Aluminum's board and the majority of shareholders who have already voted in favor, Rinto will persist to the end. We'll continue trying to convince Li Tang to reconsider his stance and stop harming the interests of most Gala Aluminum shareholders."
Li Tang opposes the acquisition proposal at Gala Aluminum's shareholder meeting!
As soon as this news was published by the Gala Financial Post, media outlets around the globe quickly reprinted it. Overnight, people everywhere learned that Li Tang—branded as selfish—had made a self-serving decision to sabotage the interests of all other Gala Aluminum shareholders for his own personal benefit.
In an instant, criticism and denunciation directed at Li Tang resounded everywhere, echoing loudly across the globe.
Most voices were in condemnation:
"Li Tang, get out of Gala! Go back to your muddy homeland and farm!"
"You don't belong here; you belong in darkness!"
"Stop harming us! We firmly oppose persecution!"
"You and your nation's conspiracy will inevitably be crushed!"
"Stop interfering with the cooperation between Gala Aluminum and Rinto—you don't deserve it!"
"You vile little villain, show yourself, and I'll shoot you myself!"
The day after the news was published, a large crowd suddenly gathered in protest at the entrance of the hotel where Li Tang was staying. They waved signs, shouting angrily. Some even seemed to have bulging pockets, possibly concealing weapons!
Had the hotel not urgently closed its doors and positioned security personnel on high alert, these angry protesters might have stormed the hotel to drag Li Tang from his room.
"The crowd outside is growing," Alice observed through the glass window, noting their furious expressions and gestures.
Li Tang, however, sat calmly on the sofa, leisurely sipping tea. When Alice turned around, initially troubled by the protesters, she saw Li Tang's relaxed demeanor and immediately felt calmer herself.
Today, Alice wore casual attire with a low neckline, revealing her slender white neck and feminine curves.
Smiling flirtatiously, she sat right onto Li Tang's lap, passionately tasting the lingering tea flavor on his moist lips. She was fully enjoying herself, completely immersed in the moment.
"No matter how loudly they shout, they can't disturb our private world," she said softly, cupping Li Tang's face, seemingly unable to gaze at him enough.
Li Tang spread his hands on the sofa, neither resisting nor actively responding.
He had known from the start that once he allowed it the first time, things would inevitably escalate.
He glanced at his watch and calmly said, "Visitors are coming shortly. Shut the door to make them think I'm refusing visitors."
"I know you want to let Rinto stew a bit more before launching into another round of negotiations. I gave our entire team the day off to enjoy themselves," Alice proudly said, staring intently into Li Tang's eyes.
Today, he belonged to her.
"Some business partners from Hua Xia have arrived. They've seen the news reports and are deeply concerned about this acquisition. They came specifically to understand what's happening," Li Tang explained calmly.
"From Hua Aluminum Group or Hua Xin Tai Fu?" Alice asked with visible irritation.
"They've both sent representatives. After all, they have significant stakes in this investment, giving them both the right to know and some voting power," he explained patiently.
"Can't you delay meeting them?" Alice sighed in disappointment, the flame that had ignited within her suddenly extinguished.
"They've probably already reached the hotel room door," Li Tang said with a smile.
"So annoying!" Alice grumbled as she reluctantly stood up, expressing her discontent while heading toward the door.
Li Tang watched her retreating figure, shaking his head slightly with resignation.
What could he do?
She was truly a fierce tigeress!
Compared to her, Li Xinqi was much more gentle, embodying traditional virtues and femininity.
Indeed, just moments after Alice opened the door, Lü Caiqing hurried in with a small delegation. Rong Yijian didn't personally come on behalf of Hua Xin Tai Fu, but he had sent a representative to meet Li Tang to better understand the situation firsthand.
"I've already spoken with Chairman Rong by phone, and we both agree that your use of leverage and the precise timing of entry into the Gala Aluminum investment demonstrate your extraordinary vision and investment acumen," Lü Caiqing began respectfully.
Then his tone shifted to concern: "Chairman Lai and Chairman Rong both said you're fully authorized to make any decision regarding this nearly four billion magnesium yuan investment. Initially, we assumed you'd vote in favor of Rinto's bid, allowing us to smoothly exit, recoup our principal, and achieve substantial profits. However, today's domestic news suddenly reported extensively that you're opposed to Rinto's offer and intend to block its acquisition of Gala Aluminum."
"I didn't anticipate Rinto would handle things this way—going public, fanning flames to exert external pressure on me," Li Tang laughed lightly. "Rinto knows how to manipulate public opinion and incite the masses. It's merely a strategy of theirs, nothing to take too seriously."
"But what's your actual stance?" Lü Caiqing was not easily swayed by media reports, hence traveling so far to speak directly with Li Tang, aiming to understand his genuine intentions.
"Of course, I hope Rinto successfully completes the acquisition of Gala Aluminum," Li Tang stated plainly, seeing no reason to conceal his intent from Lü Caiqing. "Our investment includes ten billion magnesium yuan principal and twelve billion magnesium yuan in pure profits. Only upon successful completion of the merger can we realize these gains."
"But Rinto explicitly said in their media interview that you're adamantly opposing the merger!"
"My opposition is merely temporary," Li Tang clarified, deliberately vague, leaving the rest unsaid.
"I don't know your exact intentions, but what you're doing is like dancing on a knife's edge—it's extremely risky," Lü Caiqing said, concerned.
An assistant accompanying him handed Li Tang a newspaper, saying, "Look at this analysis. It's exaggerated, but makes some objective points."
"The New Medicine Daily? Wall Street financial analyst commentary?" Li Tang glanced down, quickly scanning the article.
The content wasn't complicated. It discussed the consequences of Li Tang opposing Rinto's acquisition of Gala Aluminum. It detailed the repercussions for Rinto, Gala Aluminum, and their numerous shareholders.
Indeed, it was an objective analysis, clearly reasoned. It also focused significantly on Li Tang himself.
Should the Rinto deal fail, Gala Aluminum might shift from a highly sought-after darling into a neglected spinster. Consequently, its stock price would inevitably realign to its true value. Wall Street analysts estimated Gala Aluminum's real value at less than 50 magnesium yuan per share!
Even with Li Tang's involvement, Wall Street remained skeptical about Gala Aluminum's rapid expansion into Hua Xia and its potential rebound.
If this prediction proved correct, the stock price would tumble from its current heights to below 50 magnesium yuan. All Gala Aluminum shareholders would incur massive losses, essentially halving the value compared to Rinto's 101 magnesium yuan offer.
The biggest loser, undoubtedly, would be Li Tang himself, the largest shareholder—a punishment he would deserve, in the analysts' opinion.
The report concluded emphatically that Rinto wouldn't tolerate Li Tang's arrogance and would certainly withdraw their bid if he continued his interference—a lose-lose scenario.
"Interesting analysis," Li Tang calmly smiled, placing the newspaper aside.
"Aren't you genuinely worried Rinto might actually walk away in anger?" Lü Caiqing asked anxiously. After all, Hua Aluminum had invested three hundred million magnesium yuan. Watching potential profits vanish was painful.
"Trust me, I can handle the situation properly!" Li Tang confidently reassured.
If Li Tang himself wavered or showed doubt, others would quickly buckle under the pressure and compromise. This would defeat their initial objective, wasting forty million magnesium yuan previously spent acquiring shares from that sovereign fund.
At this critical juncture, it was all about who could withstand the pressure longer—a true battle of psychological endurance.
Even Li Tang himself, despite his foresight, felt uncertain after forcefully altering history's course. Deep down, he wasn't sure how this battle of nerves and money would ultimately conclude.
"I do trust you," Lü Caiqing said, but the deep furrows in his brow betrayed lingering anxiety.
He hadn't yet officially replaced Lai Xiangrong as Hua Aluminum's general manager, and he simply couldn't afford a disastrous overseas investment failure of this magnitude.
Three hundred million magnesium yuan was equivalent to Hua Aluminum's entire annual profit!
Failure would mean a likely financial loss for Hua Aluminum this year!
"What did Chairman Lai say?" Li Tang asked calmly.
"Chairman Lai specifically instructed me before coming: 'Always trust Li Tang.'" Lü Caiqing admitted sincerely.
"To honor Chairman Lai's trust, I must win this battle!" Li Tang resolved internally, feeling immense pressure for the first time.
If it were just his own money, he wouldn't feel such responsibility. But now Hua Aluminum and Hua Xin Tai Fu were involved. Losing would bring great guilt.
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