Chapter 399: This Is a Deadly Question
"Alba didn't look too happy just now," Alice expressed her concern, closely following Li Tang as soon as they stepped out of Gala Aluminum's headquarters building.
"I'd be surprised if he was happy!" Li Tang didn't care at all about Alba's mood; as long as he himself gained something substantial, nothing else mattered.
Although Alba and Rinto portrayed themselves externally as highly respectable enterprises, generously investing in charity, environmental protection, and respecting cultural heritage wherever they operated, their sole objective was profit. Behind every public gesture lay a pursuit of returns a hundredfold greater than their investment. Their apparent goodwill always masked their ruthless pursuit of profits.
Thus, for Li Tang, openly taking away Rinto's core assets naturally made them unhappy. He expected nothing less.
"Do you think Rinto might outright reject our demands?" Alice was genuinely uncertain. If it had been up to her, she certainly wouldn't have dared challenge Rinto so boldly. Instead, she would've agreed promptly to the acquisition, securely recovering nearly 4 billion magnesium dollars of capital plus over a billion magnesium dollars in profits. Such an investment was already impressive enough to be praised globally.
Unfortunately, the one making the decisions was Li Tang. Alice could never fully understand her boss's true intentions. All she could say was that he was incredibly daring and adventurous, or perhaps outright gambling: either he'd win big or lose everything.
"It's possible," Li Tang nodded calmly. "And the probability is quite high. If someone threatened me like this, I'd definitely reject their demands, if only to protect my dignity. But when Rinto makes its decision, who knows what logic they'll use? If their decision-making remains strictly profit-driven, we stand a good chance of winning this gamble."
Would Rinto ultimately prioritize profit above everything else?
This was precisely the reason behind Li Tang's audacity and willingness to gamble.
"What if they withdraw their offer completely? What should we do with our shares then?" Alice was unwilling to gamble and needed a backup plan in case of failure. "If Gala Aluminum's stock resumes trading, should we immediately liquidate, or continue holding?"
"Immediately liquidate," Li Tang replied decisively. He knew exactly what would happen if Rinto withdrew its offer: Gala Aluminum's stock price would collapse like an avalanche. The quicker they escaped, the smaller their losses.
Although previously he had claimed optimism about Gala Aluminum's future prospects, when it came to actual financial interests, running away was essential. Even if this move severely damaged his reputation, reputation meant nothing compared to actual money.
"I'll immediately contact Director Li Feiqun at Jiangda Securities to prepare for liquidation, minimizing potential losses if the acquisition fails!" Alice wasted no time. As one of Li Tang's subordinates, she had a duty to handle her responsibilities meticulously. Li Tang, as a boss, could afford to dream big and look at the broader picture, but Alice had to ensure every small detail was taken care of.
Watching Alice rush off, Li Tang felt reassured; he was comfortable entrusting her with crucial tasks.
Turning to see Lü Caiqing's furrowed brow, Li Tang invited him gently, "Mr. Lü, please sit."
Throughout the earlier meeting with Rinto and Gala Aluminum, Lü Caiqing had sat silently beside Li Tang, quietly observing without saying a word. Admittedly, the whole affair was tense and anxiety-inducing. Had it been his decision, he never would've dared play such a high-stakes game, wagering over four billion magnesium dollars against Rinto.
If they lost, the consequences would be unimaginable. But if they won, the rewards would be extraordinary. Whether it was Rinto's Hamori Iron Ore Company, its Gala subsidiary, the Hope Iron Ore Project, or exploration rights at Simandou, these were coveted assets worldwide. Each was a cash cow, worthy of enormous investments.
Hamori Iron Ore was practically an ancestral treasure for Rinto—owning 100% meant no outsider was ever permitted a share. If Li Tang successfully exchanged his Gala Aluminum investment into one of these major assets while still securing over a billion magnesium dollars in profit, it would truly be killing two birds with one stone.
"You're playing a bit too big," Lü Caiqing said, deeply impressed by Li Tang's relaxed demeanor. Patting his chest lightly, he confessed, "Even I felt nervous and my heartbeat accelerated, yet you seem completely at ease. It takes an extraordinary mindset to treat something so serious so lightly!"
"I'm actually nervous too," Li Tang admitted openly, showing his sweaty palms.
"It's impressive that you have such courage!" Lü genuinely admired him. Regardless of outcome, he had witnessed Li Tang's remarkable courage and strategic approach. Of course, Li Tang's confidence partially stemmed from having foreknowledge; without it, he would never have risked such massive sums.
"Mr. Lü, if Rinto chooses to abandon the acquisition, our investment could turn from enormous profits into a loss," Li Tang watched Lü's expression carefully and asked frankly, "Would you resent me?"
"Not resentment," Lü Caiqing responded honestly, "but certainly I would have some complaints."
"My approach is indeed reckless," Li Tang acknowledged candidly. "If we fail, you're welcome to criticize me however you like."
"Who's qualified to criticize you?" Lü laughed gently, showing considerable trust and support. "Regardless, I've seen your determination and ambition! Win or lose, I deeply admire you!"
Li Tang smiled broadly. "A true friend is hard to find!"
…
Elsewhere, Rinto's executives sat together anxiously, enveloped by worry.
Transferring Hamori Iron Ore or Hope Iron Ore was obviously impossible, as even partially relinquishing these would significantly harm their core business. Their Gala Iron Ore subsidiary was equally crucial as their North American operational base. As for Simandou's exploration rights, Rinto had no intention of developing them seriously, maintaining the rights only to prevent competitors from controlling the resources.
Time was short, Erick reminded everyone urgently. Should they withdraw their offer and abandon Gala Aluminum's acquisition altogether? Losing Gala Aluminum, once almost theirs, felt unbearable. This deal represented their only chance to rapidly elevate their aluminum division to world-class status.
Yet Li Tang had made outrageous demands. All four options involved iron ore, the very area they were unwilling to compromise. Accepting any option felt like stepping into a deadly trap, a decision no one dared make lightly.
"No one can take responsibility for this decision," someone exclaimed. "It's a deadly question!"
The executives realized the seriousness, hesitating to even speak loudly.
Alba himself understood the immense risk and responsibility this decision entailed—responsibility even he couldn't bear alone. "We shouldn't make this decision ourselves but rather present it to the board," Alba finally stated. "If we don't, we're passively abandoning Gala Aluminum's acquisition."
They all agreed: let the board decide. No one wished to carry this burden personally.
…
Days passed slowly and painfully for Li Tang, waiting anxiously for Rinto's phone call. He constantly questioned himself: what if Rinto refused outright?
To avoid heavy losses, the best strategy would be voting in favor of Rinto's offer at the very last minute, securing his investment and significant profits, despite losing face and credibility with Gala Aluminum and Rinto. Such a choice was agonizing.
As the deadline drew near, anxiety intensified. Even the tea tasted bitter today.
By evening, still no call. Tomorrow, a crucial decision awaited, involving billions in investment and affecting all Gala Aluminum shareholders, totaling 38.1 billion magnesium dollars.
"Let's eat," Li Tang finally stood, suggesting dinner. A good meal might clear his mind to make the right choice.
At that moment, Gao Jingjing's phone rang unexpectedly. She quickly showed Li Tang, exclaiming nervously, "It's Richard calling!"
Li Tang's heart skipped, yet he calmly said, "Answer it. Maybe Richard wants to invite us to dinner."
Taking a deep breath, Gao answered on speakerphone. Richard's voice was concise yet carried profound significance: "Hello, this is Richard, CEO of Gala Aluminum. Please inform Mr. Li Tang that Rinto is hosting a reception tonight and invites him to attend!"
Everyone around Li Tang clenched their fists in excitement, almost cheering aloud.
Maintaining composure, Gao looked at Li Tang questioningly. Without a word, Li Tang nodded decisively.
"Of course, I'll let Mr. Li know immediately," Gao assured Richard professionally.
"I'll send details by email," Richard emphasized, fearing Li Tang might miss this crucial event.
After hanging up, everyone stared excitedly at Li Tang. Days of anxiety and waiting finally had a response.
Yet Li Tang remained calm, instructing Gao Jingjing to confirm the details promptly. For once, he decided to arrive early—showing respect and emphasizing the meeting's significance.
That evening, Li Tang arrived early at the private reception venue near their previous meeting spot, overlooking the beautifully illuminated Toronto skyline and the glittering lake.
As he stood on the balcony, the cool evening breeze eased his anxiety somewhat, awaiting the crucial meeting that would soon decide their fate.
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