Chapter 404: He's a Tough Nut to Crack
Company reforms and management upgrades were inevitable and absolutely necessary.
Yet, such matters couldn't be rushed. Slow and steady would yield the best results; hastiness might disrupt the current straightforward management model, causing unnecessary chaos.
After clearly communicating these ideas, Li Tang promptly handed over the entire task to Alice for full management.
Operations at Lianying Mining in Austria had already stabilized, and Alice now had fewer issues requiring her direct oversight. Moreover, Freit intended to continue raising capital aggressively to develop new mines and expand iron ore production significantly. This aggressive approach clearly diverged from Alice's relatively conservative mindset. Indeed, visible disagreements had emerged between her and Freit, making her more inclined to spend extra time at the headquarters instead.
Today's meeting had lasted well into the evening, and the sky outside had already darkened.
Li Tang stretched lazily as he left the conference room, tired from the day's discussions. Suddenly, seeing Li Xinqi waiting quietly and prettily at the door startled him, like he'd been caught red-handed.
On the other hand, Alice, following closely behind him with an armful of documents, immediately flashed a dazzling smile. "Sister Qi, are you here to pick up President Li after work for dinner?"
All the company's female employees knew Li Xinqi was Li Tang's girlfriend and affectionately called her "Sister Qi." Alice naturally followed suit, finding this nickname particularly helpful in maintaining friendly relations.
"Minister Alice, are you all working overtime again tonight?" Li Xinqi had always supported Li Tang's career and would never unreasonably demand he spend every minute with her.
"Not tonight; we've been in meetings all day." Alice didn't even glance at Li Tang, continuing playfully, "We initially planned a company dinner tonight to reward everyone, but it seems President Li won't be able to join us."
Seeing Alice's natural demeanor, Li Tang felt inwardly relieved. Afraid of complicating things by speaking too much, he quickly grabbed Li Xinqi's hand and led her away from the office area.
Such situations always made him nervous. If the two women ever openly confronted each other, he'd lose face completely, with no hope of redemption.
"Aren't you attending the company's dinner tonight?" Li Xinqi thoughtfully asked him as they walked.
"It's just a casual meal after a day of meetings. My presence won't make much difference." Li Tang pressed the elevator button, guiding Li Xinqi inside.
Other employees were also waiting for the elevator, so Li Tang kindly invited them, "Come in; there's plenty of room inside."
"No need, President Li, you go first. We're waiting for someone else." Perhaps out of respect for Li Tang and his girlfriend—or maybe intimidated by Li Tang's increasingly serious demeanor—none of the employees stepped into the elevator.
Li Tang didn't insist and descended directly with Li Xinqi.
"Where are we going for dinner tonight?" he asked casually, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.
Without others around, they could freely enjoy their intimate moments together.
"My mom invited you over for dinner. She said you've been working so hard lately and wants the whole family to celebrate your success," Li Xinqi replied softly, a faint dimple appearing as she smiled.
"Celebrate what exactly?" Li Tang was curious.
"Your successful overseas investment in stocks! Earning over one billion USD—that's a huge achievement. Everyone's thrilled for you."
"Oh, that matter." Li Tang realized his recent investment had become sensational both domestically and internationally.
After all, Lituo's acquisition of Galuminium Group involved a massive total sum of 38.1 billion USD, setting a historical record for the largest-ever acquisition in the mining industry and marking this year's biggest international deal. Naturally, such major news captured significant attention across the global business, financial, and mining communities.
Amazingly, in the midst of this monumental acquisition appeared Li Tang—a rising mining magnate—boldly intervening through a substantial investment and drastically influencing the deal's outcome. His unexpected move had profoundly reshaped the public's perception of him.
Initially, domestic and foreign observers admired Li Tang primarily for his expertise in mineral exploration. Later, Lianying Mining's success led many to respect his capabilities in mining operations, capital management, and leadership skills.
Now, his extraordinary triumph in investing in Galuminium Group further transformed everyone's impression. Li Tang seemed capable of excelling in everything he touched!
"Nowadays, whenever I'm at work or even taking a taxi, I hear all kinds of people—friends and strangers alike—discussing your exploits!" As Li Xinqi spoke, a delicate blush spread across her smooth cheeks, her bright eyes sparkling with admiration.
Everyone outside admired and discussed the man who was her boyfriend—her man! Publicly, he belonged to everyone, a dazzling figure for all to see. But privately, he belonged solely to her. Such exclusive ownership filled her heart with profound pride, satisfaction, and happiness. Leaning softly against Li Tang's shoulder, her face radiated quiet joy.
…
Early the next morning, Gao Jingjing hurried into Li Tang's office, high heels clicking rapidly. "President Li, we've just received some information from Lianying Mining. It seems Austria has suddenly flooded with news reports about you."
"Reports about me?" Li Tang, preoccupied with reviewing documents at his desk, wasn't surprised.
In Austria, he had already become somewhat of a celebrity figure. Many media outlets eagerly reported on him; newspapers featuring his name typically sold very well. Even without genuine news, journalists eagerly invented stories to satisfy readers' curiosity.
Over the years, countless gossip articles had emerged—some claiming he'd been spotted in a bar with certain models, others alleging he preferred older, plump women. Still more outrageously, some even claimed he liked men!
Such absurd rumors painted Li Tang's private life as chaotic and scandalous. Fortunately, anyone sensible recognized these exaggerated, unfounded stories merely as amusing gossip, never taking them seriously. After all, none contained substantial evidence—just baseless anecdotes with mismatched photographs.
"The media somehow learned confidential details about our recent deal with Lituo. They've exposed the information publicly!" Gao Jingjing sounded concerned.
"Did Lituo leak this news already?" Li Tang finally raised his head, puzzled. "Just recently, Alba specifically asked us not to disclose any details about the Simandou iron ore deal prematurely."
"It's unclear exactly how the media got hold of this information. But based on current reporting, they're portraying both Lituo and us in a very negative light."
"Really?" Typically indifferent toward media coverage, Li Tang had learned from past experiences that negative publicity could severely impact business, just as it had delayed the Mali River iron ore project due to overwhelming negative public opinion in Galand.
"What exactly are they reporting about us?" Li Tang asked with growing concern.
"The most influential piece is a television program. Shall I project it here in your office for viewing?" Gao Jingjing suggested.
"Fine." Li Tang temporarily set aside his paperwork. Closing the curtains darkened the room, making the projected image clearly visible on the office screen.
Unexpectedly, a familiar-looking, round face appeared prominently on the television. Li Tang blinked in surprise. "Isn't that Baumel?"
"Yes. It's Baumel's statements that triggered a massive reaction in Austria," Gao Jingjing explained.
Li Tang didn't inquire further, instead watching the projection attentively.
Alice entered, currently occupied with management reforms, and quietly took a seat after noticing the ongoing broadcast.
"I lived briefly in Huaxia as a child," Baumel said warmly to the TV host, smiling kindly like a harmless elder. "Honestly, I hold great affection for the place. Even now, whenever I visit Huaxia, if time permits, I revisit the places I stayed as a kid."
Continuing, Baumel added amiably, "I've even met their last emperor—really! And their top leaders too. That's why, when conducting business, I always enjoy cooperating with Huaxia people."
"So you sold your most important iron ore project to Huaxin Taifu, correct?" asked the host.
"Yes, and at a very low price, because partnering with them genuinely brought me joy. Money isn't everything—it was about gratitude," Baumel responded smoothly.
Suddenly, Baumel's smile vanished, his tone shifting sharply. "However, I've recently realized not all Huaxia people are equally friendly. You all know about Lituo's acquisition of Galuminium Group, right?"
"Of course! It's the most significant international capital market deal this year," the host remarked enthusiastically. "Everyone's following this massive transaction closely, intrigued by its processes and outcomes."
"Lituo has completed an extraordinary business strategy. The only remaining obstacle to their successful acquisition of Galuminium Group is antitrust regulatory approval. If nothing unexpected occurs, this acquisition will soon conclude smoothly!"
As Baumel spoke, his gaze locked forward intensely, emanating a sinister green glow reminiscent of a serpent's eyes.
"What many people still don't know is that to achieve this acquisition, Lituo made a massive sacrifice!"
"What sacrifice?" The host was greatly astonished.
Evidently, prior to this program's recording, the public had been unaware of the actual inside story behind this acquisition.
"Lituo exchanged the mining rights of Simandou iron ore to secure Li Tang's approval for the Galuminium acquisition!"
Baumel spoke provocatively, with a malicious tone, "This is nothing but outright robbery against Lituo! I feel humiliated on behalf of Alba and Lituo! This truly is a disgrace!"
The host was stunned speechless, clearly shocked by this revelation.
"This interview aired two days ago," Gao Jingjing whispered from the side, gently reminding Li Tang.
Previously, Li Tang had been tied up with meetings, so he had had no time to handle this matter.
"There was no real issue initially, but now that someone has framed it in such a way, even if it wasn't humiliating for Lituo before, it certainly is now," Li Tang helplessly shrugged. "Gossip really is dangerous."
Alice shot Li Tang a sidelong glance, rolling her eyes with an irritated pout.
As the one directly involved, how could he possibly sound so casual?
On the screen, the host finally recovered from the shocking news and cautiously asked, "Is this information reliable?"
"Absolutely reliable!" Baumel replied without hesitation. "A high-level executive at Lituo told me personally!"
"This is truly incredible!" the host repeatedly exclaimed.
"Lituo, a global mining giant whose core business is iron ore, has actually compromised with a Huaxia businessman and sold an extremely important iron ore asset!"
Baumel narrowed his eyes with disdain clearly visible, "I believe Lituo has utterly disgraced Austria! They don't deserve to call themselves a prestigious century-old enterprise!"
"What exactly does this transaction signify?" The host asked, seeking Baumel's professional insight.
"What does it signify?" Baumel squinted even further, declaring gravely, "It signifies the beginning of the decline—and possibly the ultimate demise—of Austria's iron ore industry!"
His words sounded exceedingly exaggerated.
The host's mouth dropped open in shock. "Is it truly that serious?"
"There are signs—there's evidence!" Baumel stated emphatically. "The biggest enemy of all Austrian resource companies has now clearly emerged. That enemy is Li Tang! Today, he can forcibly seize a crucial iron ore asset from Lituo's hands. Tomorrow, he might dismantle BHP's assets piece by piece! He's like a butcher, systematically dismembering giants like Lituo and BHP. He's already sharpened his knives. Who will be next?"
Throughout the interview, Baumel shouted emotionally, pointing all blame directly at Li Tang.
"Because of Baumel's comments, combined with extensive media follow-ups, President Li, your reputation in Austria has been significantly damaged," Gao Jingjing noted with concern. As Li Tang's assistant, protecting his image was one of her responsibilities. "Lianying Mining is closely monitoring developments. We're currently assessing how serious public sentiment might become in Austria. If it's just temporary hype, we don't need to worry much. But if some individuals maliciously exploit this publicity, we need to be cautious."
Indeed, Freit had sensed a crisis brewing and had deliberately alerted Li Tang to remain vigilant.
"I've never offended Baumel," Li Tang wondered aloud, baffled by Baumel's aggressive attitude, as though he held some deeply personal grudge.
"Actually, some Austrian media have already analyzed Baumel's outburst, and their comments have been quite fair," Gao Jingjing reminded him.
"What have they said?"
"Previously, you advised Huaxin Taifu against investing in the Xinuo magnetite project. This prompted Huaxin Taifu to repeatedly scrutinize their deal with Baumel."
"Did the investigation yield any results?" Li Tang asked immediately.
"The news only recently emerged. Specific results haven't been revealed publicly yet," Gao Jingjing shook her head. "But Huaxin Taifu's partnership with Baumel, previously very harmonious, suddenly changed. Baumel, suspecting something, had it investigated and somehow learned you advised Rong Yijian, Chairman of Huaxin Taifu, against the Xinuo magnetite project. Because of this, Baumel became furious with you."
"Oh—" Li Tang finally understood. "So that's the connection. No wonder Baumel is working so hard to smear my reputation. He feels I threatened his personal interests."
"Should we take any countermeasures?" Gao Jingjing quickly asked.
Li Tang pondered but genuinely had no immediate solution.
Whether in Galand or Austria, media industries were tightly controlled by their respective governments. In Austria, for example, foreign investment in media companies couldn't exceed 5%. Clearly, external influences on public opinion were deliberately restricted.
Directly influencing Austrian media and public opinion seemed impossible.
Seeing Li Tang's silence, Gao Jingjing guessed correctly that he struggled with handling such issues. Indeed, the Mali River iron ore project previously faced similar setbacks in Galand due to unfavorable public sentiment, leaving Li Tang equally frustrated.
However, Alice remained calm. "During my time in Austria, I learned something about Baumel."
"Why would you research him?" Li Tang asked, slightly suspicious.
Alice, misunderstanding Li Tang's tone as jealousy, quickly explained, "I wasn't specifically interested in him. Baumel is widely known in Austria—though honestly, his reputation there isn't great. He's notoriously greedy. Despite his friendly appearance, he'll gladly betray any business partner for money."
"I've heard similar things," Li Tang nodded.
"Baumel is a typical Austrian cowboy," Alice remarked.
"How so?"
"Well, cowboys are famous for bragging," Alice clarified. "This isn't the first time Baumel has publicly attacked someone. Anyone he dislikes or who threatens his interests inevitably faces his insults. Even the world's biggest media tycoon couldn't escape his venomous tongue."
"Hmm," Li Tang considered thoughtfully.
"You don't need to worry," Alice reassured confidently. "Most Austrians hearing Baumel's accusations will initially be skeptical. Everyone knows his reputation as a greedy businessman, making his words inherently unreliable."
Alice spoke calmly, concluding, "I believe we don't need to respond publicly. Eventually, the public will doubt Baumel's statements, and things will naturally calm down."
"Are you sure?" Li Tang asked, still uneasy about public influence. Operating overseas, in places like Galand and Austria, had always been challenging, with many external factors complicating matters. He feared this negative publicity might impact Lianying Mining's business in Austria.
"Absolutely sure," Alice stated confidently. "Baumel's reputation in Austria is already well-known."
"Alright then," Li Tang trusted Alice's judgment and felt reassured. Nevertheless, facing such baseless slander—even hostile attacks—without any response wasn't ideal. Pretending nothing had happened wouldn't work.
Previously, when weaker, he'd endured oppression from bigger firms silently. Now stronger, he had more confidence. Internationally, if others tried bullying him while he cowered timidly, they'd perceive him as weak. Foreigners respected strength above all else.
His recent bold counterattack against Lituo through Galuminium Group's shares had publicly displayed his toughness worldwide. Standing up fiercely against a giant like Lituo had made others reassess this mysterious Oriental tycoon:
"Oh, he's a tough nut—better not mess with him!"
"They've openly spat in our faces. If we don't react at all, it contradicts our firm, unshakable reputation," Li Tang stated determinedly.
"What exactly do you plan to do?" Alice asked curiously.
"It's time to quietly give this Austrian cowboy Baumel a lesson," Li Tang grinned slyly. "Taking on Lituo directly was difficult. But handling someone like Baumel—I think he can still be easily managed."
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