Chapter 403: We Are Like the Sleeping Dragon and Fledgling Phoenix
After sending off the representatives from Wukuang Group, Li Tang had arranged to meet Lü Caiqing later that afternoon at Yunding Tower.
However, just as he returned to his office, Gao Jingjing quickly approached him and reminded, "President Li, a guest has come to visit you. I checked with Minister Dai; he said the visitor is your friend, so I've invited him to wait in your office."
"It's not Lü Caiqing from Hualu Group?" Li Tang felt puzzled, wondering which friend could be so familiar with his schedule to visit immediately upon his return.
"It's not President Lü. Minister Dai mentioned he's a boss from a steel enterprise."
"A steel enterprise?"
Several possibilities sprang to Li Tang's mind; he certainly knew many steel industry bosses, but wasn't sure exactly who it could be.
Out of courtesy and respect, he tidied his suit jacket slightly before entering his office.
Sitting comfortably on the sofa opposite the door was a large, overweight man with long, unrestrained hair. His hair was black and oily—perhaps heavily styled with hair gel or perhaps just not washed in several days.
"Boss Li!"
Li Tang immediately recognized his unexpected guest.
It was none other than Li Zhaocai, the young owner of Haixin Steel.
They hadn't met for nearly a year or two, and during that period, Li Zhaocai had clearly gained even more weight. Despite being in his early twenties, he already exhibited an air of maturity and stability, resembling a seasoned entrepreneur.
"President Li, you're here!"
Li Zhaocai, who had been whispering quietly with his subordinates, quickly stood to greet Li Tang upon hearing his voice. "It's been quite some time! You seem more handsome every time I see you. Honestly, the first time we met, I thought you looked rather youthful—just a regular young guy. But now you truly radiate charisma! People always say men are like fine wine; the older they get, the more refined and appealing they become."
"Boss Li, your eloquence has improved dramatically. Your words are as sweet as honey!" Li Tang chuckled, inviting everyone to sit down, then instructed Gao Jingjing to prepare tea before asking, "Boss Li, your sudden visit—is there something specific you need from me?"
"I wouldn't dare to demand anything." Li Zhaocai refrained from arrogance when facing Li Tang.
He had known Li Tang since their student days back in Pos, Austria, when Li Zhaocai was a carefree overseas student living extravagantly with luxury cars, seaside villas, and beautiful women. Among Huaxia's wealthy second-generation youth studying abroad at that time, he had been quite prominent.
When he first met Li Tang, he was dressed so plainly that Zhaocai mistook him for an ordinary overseas worker. Because they were from the same hometown and part of the same student community, they casually met. He even took Li Tang and his girlfriend sailing once, but afterward completely forgot about it.
It wasn't until he visited Yunding Tower during Lianying Mining's contract signing in Huaxia that he discovered Li Tang's true identity.
He'd been surprised at first, but even then didn't feel particularly inferior. After all, they were of similar age, each holding strong cards—simply put, both had plenty of money to spare, so he didn't consider himself inferior.
After careful consideration, Haixin Steel had even chosen not to sign a futures contract with Li Tang's Lianying Mining back then. He genuinely felt such a deal, requiring a large upfront payment, was excessively risky. Frankly, he'd never believed Lianying Mining could successfully produce iron ore as promised. Constructing large-scale mines required huge sums of money and countless challenges. He even suspected Lianying Mining was possibly running a financing scam!
Yet now, Lianying Mining had been operational for two years, delivering ten million tons of iron ore from Pilbara to Huaxia's ports just last year. This year alone, production had already surpassed ten million tons. All of this fulfilled the dream Li Tang and Freit had originally outlined.
Honestly, he envied Li Tang's overseas successes, though he knew such achievements were not easily replicable. Fortunately, his own business had also prospered in recent years. Compared with Li Tang, he certainly couldn't match up, but among domestic entrepreneurs under thirty, he was undoubtedly a rare success.
"Today, I'm only here to catch up with you." Li Zhaocai casually ran his hand through his greasy, long hair. "It's been far too long since we last met; I've genuinely missed you."
Li Tang responded politely, "How has Haixin Steel been performing these past few years?"
In reality, Li Tang already knew the general situation and eventual fate of Haixin Steel. Following the assassination of Li Zhaocai's father in 2002, Haixin Steel had entered a brief phase of rapid growth—not due to any effort by Li Zhaocai himself, but thanks to his late father's well-structured strategy and the favorable steel industry environment at that time. Zhaocai merely enjoyed the fruits of his father's labors. As the impact of his father's legacy gradually faded, Haixin Steel slowly declined into mediocrity.
Of course, this "mediocrity" was relative to the booming growth of other steel companies. An enterprise achieving annual revenues of four or five billion yuan, especially situated in a county-level town, still represented remarkable success. Nonetheless, under Zhaocai's management, the company was inevitably headed toward decline.
"It's going okay—at least we're not starving," Li Zhaocai modestly replied. Haixin Steel's annual revenues of billions of yuan, generating several hundred million yuan in profits, seemed impressive. Yet compared to Li Tang's scale, it was insignificant. Everyone knew Li Tang casually threw tens of billions of yuan into investments, not merely for fun but also achieving stunning results, earning back billions in profits—truly legendary.
Li Zhaocai's assistant, feeling that his boss had spoken too humbly, quickly chimed in to elevate his image: "Our boss has consistently ranked near the top of our provincial rich list for several years now. If nothing unexpected happens, this year he'll probably become the richest person in our province!"
"Congratulations!" Li Tang smiled, politely clasping his hands.
Li Zhaocai rolled his eyes slightly at his subordinate's overly flattering remark. Waving him away, he chuckled, "Saying something like that in front of President Li—that's like showing off in front of an expert!"
"Not at all." Li Tang showed no arrogance, unmoved by these flattering comments. Wealth no longer brought him much sense of accomplishment.
Li Zhaocai skipped further boasting and said seriously, "Your investment in Galuminium Group has become widely known among domestic investors. Honestly, everyone's giving you the thumbs up, greatly admiring your bold moves and strategies!"
"Oh?" Li Tang caught the subtle implication. "Boss Li, are you also involved in the investment sector?"
"This humble one has indeed had some minor success in investing—nothing worth mentioning," Li Zhaocai replied modestly, though the pride on his round face was unmistakable.
Haixin Steel was locally famous, generating annual revenues of tens of billions of yuan. As its owner, Li Zhaocai naturally enjoyed a glittering aura, accompanied everywhere by an entourage. Yet he secretly held contempt for this success, knowing many attributed it entirely to his father's efforts. While he tacitly accepted that view, investing was a new field his father had never touched—this was his personal path to fame and glory, where he'd truly made a mark.
His assistant promptly seized the moment to further praise him: "Our boss bought shares in a bank back in 2004 with an initial investment of six hundred million yuan. When he sold the stock last year, he made a profit of two billion yuan!"
A profit of two billion yuan in two years—making money on the stock market seemed as easy as picking money off the ground. Haixin Steel operated in the real economy, requiring significant hard work, networking, ensuring stable material supplies, and sometimes negotiating with suppliers overnight to meet deadlines. Steel prices fluctuated significantly, and margins could be thin. Despite a whole year's strenuous efforts from thousands of employees, annual profits often remained between two to three hundred million yuan. Even in prosperous years, profits never approached the ease and speed of stock market earnings. Investing was indeed a shortcut to making money grow.
"I've established an investment company in Haigang and have invested in several enterprises' stocks over the past two years," Li Zhaocai continued. A few strands of his oily hair fell over his narrowed eyes, giving him an air of supreme confidence. Pointing towards Li Tang, he said, "You invested billions into Galuminium Group. Clearly, you're planning to enter the investment market. Our ideas seem perfectly aligned!"
Unsure exactly what Li Zhaocai intended, Li Tang only nodded slightly.
"You play at a much higher level than I do," Li Zhaocai openly admitted, expressing genuine admiration, almost as though he wished to learn from Li Tang. "Your assets are primarily overseas, meaning you have deep insight into international markets. But domestically, my voice still carries weight."
"That's certainly true," Li Tang replied cautiously, still uncertain of his counterpart's point.
"We should jointly invest and establish an investment firm—I'll handle domestic matters, and you manage international affairs. Let's make money together!"
"Why does that sound a bit strange?" Li Tang couldn't help laughing aloud.
Li Zhaocai didn't pay much attention to Li Tang's amused reaction. Patting his broad chest excitedly, he declared, "Although both of us are novices in the investment field, together we're like the Sleeping Dragon and the Fledgling Phoenix..."
"You flatter me, you flatter me!" Li Tang quickly waved his hands, feeling somewhat uncomfortable.
Li Zhaocai spoke with absolute sincerity and genuine enthusiasm, clearly earnest about cooperation. Yet, somehow, the words sounded peculiar to Li Tang's ears.
On second thought, observing Li Zhaocai's appearance alongside his confident comparison, Li Tang couldn't help but find his visitor oddly reminiscent of a certain famously foolish character.
Who exactly?
Ah, that classic figure of tragicomic intelligence—Da Congming!
"I'm planning to put all the funds from our Haixin Steel directly into the capital markets!" Li Zhaocai had never revealed such plans to anyone else. It was only because he admired and had high expectations of Li Tang that he chose to speak so openly. "The steel industry has no future. Only investing can lead to perpetual wealth!"
Just then, Gao Jingjing gently approached and whispered into Li Tang's ear, "President Li, President Lü from Hualu Group has arrived. He's been waiting outside for quite some time."
Li Tang nodded, standing up apologetically and said to Li Zhaocai, "Boss Li, I'm terribly sorry. I had a prior appointment scheduled today. Your sudden visit was unexpected, so I tried to free up a bit of time."
Li Zhaocai, still eagerly elaborating his investment philosophy, suddenly looked slightly deflated at having his speech interrupted so abruptly. Nonetheless, this was Li Tang's office, and Li Zhaocai was not the type to be unreasonable. He stood up politely, nodded, and said, "President Li, I understand you're very busy. It's no trouble at all. I'll head back for now. When you have time, please don't hesitate to get in touch."
"My sincere apologies."
Li Tang walked Li Zhaocai to the elevator door. On the way back, Gao Jingjing cautiously asked, "President Li, shall I reschedule another meeting with Boss Li of Haixin Steel for later?"
"No need," Li Tang firmly shook his head.
Partnering with Li Zhaocai in investment? That really would make him part of that notorious duo—the Sleeping Dragon and Fledgling Phoenix. It would probably be safer just to buy an unfinished building project in Yanjing.
As Li Tang returned, Lü Caiqing noticed him and smiled understandingly. "I have plenty of time, no rush. You two could've talked a bit longer."
"It wasn't anything important," Li Tang clarified. "It was just a casual visit from Li Zhaocai, the young boss of Haixin Steel. We've known each other for some time."
He didn't elaborate further, gesturing instead for Lü Caiqing to enter his office.
"The main reason I invited you here today, President Lü, is to understand Hualu Group's position regarding the mining rights for Simandou Iron Ore," Li Tang began without preamble.
"You're referring to the rights to southern blocks No. 3 and No. 4 that you acquired from Lituo, right?" Lü Caiqing sought clarification, needing to confirm whether Li Tang meant partial or total mining rights. This was a critical point.
"My stance is open. If your Hualu Group wishes to participate in developing the entirety of the Simandou mine, I'd warmly welcome that!" Li Tang had previously discussed Simandou's future privately with Lai Xiangrong, who had shown considerable interest.
Yet, the instability of Guinea's political situation meant development remained a long-term strategic plan, rather than an immediate priority.
Lü Caiqing was visibly delighted by the offer. "Are you saying you'd also be willing to share the northern mining rights currently under your control?"
"Realistically, I alone would struggle to fully develop such a massive mining area," Li Tang nodded honestly.
"This is truly an unexpected pleasure!" Lü Caiqing immediately agreed, showing no hesitation. "Hualu Group has long sought entry into iron ore mining, even exploring potential partnerships with global giants like Lituo or BHP. Sadly, the right opportunity never appeared."
"Do you see Simandou as such an opportunity?" Li Tang asked, amused.
"This isn't merely an opportunity," Lü Caiqing corrected seriously.
"Oh?"
"This is an absolute gift from heaven!"
"You're too kind," Li Tang laughed heartily but continued frankly, "However, President Lü, please don't place excessive expectations on Simandou. Given Guinea's current political climate, its immediate value is minimal. Personally, I believe successfully developing and reliably operating this project will be more challenging than any other we've undertaken."
"I fully understand." While Lü Caiqing clearly held high hopes, he managed to maintain realistic expectations.
"Since you've said so, I'll assume Hualu Group consents," Li Tang moved swiftly forward. "When we finalize the transaction with Lituo, Hualu Group, owning nearly 30% of the investment company, should proportionally contribute to the total transaction of approximately 300 million USD. You were present during negotiations with Lituo, so there shouldn't be any objections, correct?"
"None whatsoever," Lü Caiqing responded without hesitation. However, he proposed, "Shouldn't we find a time for both companies to assemble a professional team and thoroughly discuss the Simandou mining rights transaction? Perhaps even preliminarily plan future development?"
"We can certainly discuss transaction details, but as for development plans, please wait until after I visit France," Li Tang replied carefully.
"What does your trip to France have to do with Simandou?" Lü asked curiously.
"It's difficult to explain right now, but please trust me and await good news."
Li Tang deliberately kept the details vague, reminiscent of his mysterious insistence on securing exactly 14% of Galuminium Group's shares earlier, leaving others puzzled.
Lü Caiqing chose not to press further, understanding Li Tang's numerous responsibilities, and left shortly thereafter.
The next day, Li Tang faced a towering pile of documents needing approval. Yet he temporarily set them aside to convene a senior management meeting.
Present were familiar faces: He Runqi, Alice, Dai Yingchi, among others—his original small team now renowned in the global mining industry. Over time, numerous talents had voluntarily joined the company, while others had been recruited through generous salaries or headhunted from competitors. Still, the core group remained seated closest to Li Tang.
Behind them, additional executives filled out the second row and end seats. While Li Tang wasn't intimately familiar with some newer faces, he recognized and could name everyone present, all of whom had collaborated with him on various projects. Departments like legal, investment, and technical frequently interacted.
"Our Li Tang Prosperity Holdings now includes subsidiaries like Lianying Mining, Hantie Company, and Mali River Coal Company, with exploration and mining projects in countries such as Austria, Galand, and Guinea. Our scope is wide, our projects diverse, and our investments vary greatly in size," Li Tang began, prompting curiosity about the meeting's unexpected purpose.
In truth, today's meeting had been initiated by Alice. She raised her head and explained clearly, "President Li and I agree it's time for our company to enter a new developmental stage."
"Indeed," Li Tang affirmed, drinking his tea leisurely. "Minister Alice, please elaborate."
Without hesitation, Alice declared, "Our Li Tang Prosperity Holdings is soon becoming a group corporation. This isn't just a change in name but a fundamental evolution in our company's nature and management approach!"
Confusion briefly crossed several faces.
"Mhm," Li Tang sipped his tea, encouraging Alice to continue.
"We'll establish management divisions based on geographical regions—Galand, Austria, Africa—each managed independently with specialized leadership overseeing regional operations," Alice clarified, making the vision clearer.
Realization dawned across the room. Previously, global operations had been handled by ad-hoc project teams and cross-departmental collaboration. With increasing complexity, such arrangements inevitably caused inefficiencies. Establishing region-specific management divisions would streamline processes significantly.
Observing their understanding, Alice continued, "Alternatively, we could establish departments according to mineral type—iron ore, bauxite, coal—each managed by specialists focused exclusively on their respective fields."
Li Tang set down his teacup, adding supportively, "We gathered everyone today, firstly, to hear your opinions and collectively choose the best structure for our company's future. Secondly, the heads of these newly created departments will require rigorous selection—either through internal promotion or external hiring. Feel free to share your ideas."
Forming new departments naturally meant additional leadership roles and clearer divisions of responsibility. Everyone present understood the significance of these changes. Though initially surprised, they murmured thoughtfully, unable to immediately offer concrete suggestions.
However, this restructuring underscored Li Tang and Alice's ambition to transform the company into a world-class enterprise with top-tier management practices.
"The reform process and talent selection will undoubtedly take time," Li Tang reassured them, unbothered by the silence given the meeting's suddenness. "Take your time to consider carefully. Share your thoughts with me or Alice at any time. For technical matters, consult Vice President He."
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