Chapter 283 330 Million US Dollars
Alice felt a brief pang of disappointment when she saw Li Tang and Li Xinqi walk out of the airport terminal holding hands.
Previously, Li Tang had always come alone.
If she had known they would arrive together, she would have sent a company driver instead.
As Alice watched them through the rear-view mirror, she noticed their intertwined fingers remained inseparable the entire ride. For a fleeting moment, she felt like a third wheel.
After arriving at the hotel, where Alice also stayed, she handed Li Tang the keys to his pre-booked suite. While assisting with the luggage, she asked cautiously, "Do you need an extra room?"
Li Tang glanced at Li Xinqi, noticing her blushing yet determined expression.
"No need," he replied, shaking his head and gently taking the suitcase from Alice's hand. "I'll handle this; it's just a few clothes. Alice, you've worked hard today—please rest early."
"Alright." Alice turned to leave, but suddenly stopped and added, "I've arranged a meeting with Zachary tomorrow morning at 9:00 at the golf club."
"To discuss the Qiche iron ore approval?" Li Tang asked, unprepared.
"Yes, but it might not only be about the iron ore project," Alice explained.
"What else could Zachary want to talk about?"
"Zachary mentioned the Pebble Project over the phone. He seems quite interested in it," Alice shrugged lightly. "Given the recent coverage about the Pebble Project in financial news, and Northern Dynasty Minerals' surging stock price, it's understandable he'd be curious."
"Does he know we're the largest shareholders of the Pebble Project?"
"He definitely knows."
"Then there's no need to prepare anything special," Li Tang smiled, feeling relaxed.
"Tomorrow, I'll bring all documents related to the iron ore project. I can help with that discussion. As for the Pebble Project, I'll leave it to you."
"It's in the U.S.; there's not much to discuss," Li Tang waved casually. "Rest early."
Dragging their luggage, they entered the hotel suite. The spacious room had one large bedroom and a cozy living area.
Li Xinqi circled the suite, somewhat shyly noting, "There's only one bed."
"Should I sleep on the couch?" Li Tang suggested playfully.
"The bed looks big enough..." Li Xinqi murmured.
"Then one person per side," Li Tang chuckled lightly.
He opened his suitcase, took out pajamas, and glanced at the bathroom. "After a long flight, a hot shower will feel great. Do you want to shower first?"
"You go first," Li Xinqi replied, also opening her suitcase. Li Tang playfully started rummaging through her belongings.
Embarrassed by her exposed personal items, she quickly grabbed his hand. "Just go shower already!"
"Or maybe together?" Li Tang teased softly, watching her reaction carefully.
Their hands were tangled in clothes, their faces mere inches apart as they stared into each other's eyes.
"Fine!" Li Xinqi retorted, her stubbornness emerging.
...
The next morning, Alice sensed something subtly different when Li Tang and Li Xinqi stepped out of their room holding each other closely. There was a deeper air of intimacy around them.
"Are we going directly to the golf club or to the office first?" Li Tang asked about the day's plans.
"We'll pick up the materials from the office first, then head over," Alice replied, again assuming the role of driver.
When they arrived, Zachary, who unusually wore a formal suit instead of golfing attire, greeted them warmly.
Seeing Li Tang flanked by two attractive young women, Zachary couldn't help but admit to himself that this young, wealthy man was indeed charismatic.
"Governor Zachary, it's been a while!" Li Tang extended his hand warmly.
"It has been some time, yet I feel your presence daily," Zachary responded, shaking Li Tang's hand firmly. "Your name constantly appears in newspapers—everyone knows you're a celebrity now!"
"You're the real star here, Governor—beloved by everyone in South Australia!" Li Tang returned the compliment. Observing Zachary's cordial demeanor, he felt confident today's meeting would be positive. "So, about the Qiche iron ore project: why was our application returned again for revisions?"
"I've checked with our environmental department," Zachary assured confidently. "It's just a minor issue. Address their comments briefly, resubmit, and you'll have no problems."
Li Tang laughed heartily. "Your review teams are truly professional; nothing escapes their notice!"
"I heard from Lianying Mining's staff you've been away raising funds in China and the U.S.," Zachary continued casually. "Are you prepared with the full 2 billion Australian dollars needed for the mine construction?"
"Absolutely," Li Tang replied easily. "The moment we receive approval, construction will begin immediately. Money is never a concern."
"That's wonderful to hear!" Zachary nodded, satisfied, before motioning toward a group nearby. "Let me introduce Rio Tinto's CEO, Alba, CFO Erik, and head of exploration, Viduka."
"I've met Mr. Viduka once before," Li Tang recognized him immediately.
"You truly are an extraordinary Chinese entrepreneur!" Alba stepped forward to greet Li Tang. "I've known about you for a long time."
"Hello," Li Tang responded politely, though he remained wary. Rio Tinto had caused difficulties for him in Mongolia previously, and he held no goodwill toward them.
"You're the largest shareholder of the Pebble Project?" Alba asked directly.
"Yes," Li Tang confirmed calmly. "Are you interested?"
"Of course," Alba didn't conceal his enthusiasm.
"We know it's an unprecedentedly large deposit," Li Tang remarked confidently. No one would question his statement; it was common knowledge the project held immense potential, especially situated within the stable mining environment of the United States.
"Your Cruiser Investment Company holds 73% of Northern Dynasty Minerals, and you personally own 70% of Cruiser," Alba detailed carefully from the notes handed to him by Erik. "At Northern Dynasty's current market valuation—around $650 million—your shares are worth approximately $330 million."
"Correct," Li Tang nodded again.
"Sell your shares to us," Alba proposed directly. "We know you urgently need capital—this sum would fully fund your Qiche iron ore development."
"Why should I sell to you specifically?" Li Tang retained control over the conversation.
"Our offer would be a lump sum cash payment," Alba responded, quickly overriding Erik's earlier recommendation to propose installments or company bonds. Seeing Li Tang's composed demeanor, Alba knew this negotiation wouldn't be easy. Competitors were many; hesitation could cost them dearly.
"One company already offered us $350 million," Li Tang countered smoothly.
"Anglo American's offer indeed totals $350 million," Alba acknowledged, fully prepared. "But it includes just $250 million in cash paid over three years, with $100 million as exploration funds injected back into Northern Dynasty. We're prepared to pay immediately."
Li Tang inwardly applauded their thorough preparations but couldn't help feeling somewhat amused. Evidently, Rio Tinto had no clue of the substantial risks that made the Pebble Project notoriously difficult to develop, ultimately causing them massive losses historically.
"Why would I give up such a promising deposit?" Li Tang asked playfully.
Alba ignored the rhetorical question, confidently asserting, "You know as well as I do you lack the resources to develop it alone."
"Being underestimated isn't pleasant," Li Tang shifted position, "but I must admit you're right."
"No one is more sincere than us, and our price is unmatched," Alba pressed further.
"I sense your sincerity," Li Tang smiled warmly, finally revealing, "I'm happy to explore this deal further."
"What are your terms?" Alba asked cautiously, knowing negotiations wouldn't end simply.
"I can agree to sell you the Pebble Project shares," Li Tang confirmed clearly.
Alba exchanged glances excitedly with Erik; this was exactly what they'd hoped for.
"That's wise of you!" Alba praised eagerly.
"But I don't need that much cash," Li Tang added unexpectedly.
"You don't prefer cash?" Alba questioned, puzzled. Cash transactions were the simplest and most appealing in global business dealings.
"What else do you want?" Alba quickly inquired.
"I only need $200 million in cash," Li Tang held up two fingers.
"And what else?" Alba prompted, knowing it wouldn't be this simple.
"Lianying Mining needs access to Rio Tinto's railway and port facilities," Li Tang declared seriously, "That's my sole condition."
Alba was stunned. Allowing external use of their transport infrastructure would effectively nurture competitors—a strategic taboo they'd fiercely protected for decades.
"You don't like cash? That's surprising," Alba diverted briefly to buy thinking time.
"Of course I like cash; everyone does," Li Tang laughed lightly.
Erik quickly intervened, providing Alba more breathing room. "Lianying Mining is a public company separate from your personal holdings. Sacrificing $130 million in personal cash value for corporate gain seems irrational."
"I'm doing this out of respect for your sincerity," Li Tang replied calmly, smiling, "a mutual concession for mutual gain."
Erik chuckled bitterly inwardly at Li Tang's boldness. Clearly, granting railway access threatened Rio Tinto's market dominance.
"You pay me $200 million cash. Consider the remaining $130 million as a prepaid transportation fee for our future use of your railway and port," Li Tang elaborated confidently.
"This requires board approval," Alba admitted, wary of setting dangerous precedents.
"I understand," Li Tang met his gaze steadily. "Then let's strive together for mutually favorable cooperation."
"You have sufficient funds to build your own infrastructure," Alba protested weakly.
"Indeed, but your facilities aren't fully utilized year-round," Li Tang replied logically. "Allowing our limited access won't impact your core operations."
Alba fell silent, realizing Li Tang had outmaneuvered him, leaving him cornered by a seemingly simple yet strategically daunting request.
Other smaller mining companies in the Pilbara region were all aware of this situation.
Yet, Rio Tinto and BHP—these two major corporations—would rather let their railway lines sit idle than allow outsiders to use their private infrastructure.
Such behavior made others grit their teeth in frustration.
The crucial issue was that even the South Australian courts supported these two giants, explicitly stating their actions were reasonable and legal.
So, what could anyone else possibly do?
"This is indeed very difficult," Alba smiled bitterly.
"I fully understand your situation." Li Tang considered it briefly and proposed again, "In that case, I'll make another concession. You'll transport no more than 20 million tons of iron ore per year for us. Not much, just 20 million!"
With Rio Tinto's annual production exceeding 100 million tons, adding another 20 million tons to their transport load posed no real burden.
Noticing Alba still hesitating, Li Tang reminded him, "You won't be transporting our ore for free. We'll pay full freight charges based on market rates. That $130 million USD is the advance payment for transportation!"
"Your railway won't just transport your own ore; it'll generate additional profit," Alice added from beside Li Tang.
"But this directly violates the principles set by our corporation!" Alba struggled to give Li Tang an immediate response.
This decision was complex, potentially shaking the company's fundamental strategies.
"Let me take another step back!" Li Tang was determined to facilitate the deal. "We won't use your railway and port forever. From the day our first shipment of iron ore leaves, we'll limit usage to three years at most. In other words, we'll have you transport at most 60 million tons of iron ore for us in total."
Twenty million tons per year, sixty million over three years—this volume was, indeed, not excessive.
Li Tang had carefully considered these numbers based on their Qiche iron ore project's planned annual capacity of 55 million tons. After the mine commenced production, it wouldn't immediately run at full capacity. Producing 20 million tons in the first year would already be an excellent start, gradually increasing with stable operation.
The time required to build the mine, plus three years of stable operation, would be enough for them to secure funding and construct their own port and railway facilities.
Owning private infrastructure was crucial to their company's long-term growth.
"It's not that I disagree with your conditions, but they go against our group's core principles," Alba explained his difficulty. "I believe you might want to reconsider and propose an alternative condition."
"If we can't reach an agreement, let's forget it," Li Tang stood up decisively. "You're not the only company willing to collaborate. Now that I think about it, accepting Anglo American's offer doesn't seem bad either."
Seeing Li Tang genuinely prepared to leave, the two attractive young women and several executives from Lianying Mining also rose.
"I'll convey your terms to our board and get back to you as soon as possible!" Alba called after Li Tang's retreating figure. "But I have one request: please don't negotiate with other companies during this time!"
"I'm staying in South Australia for three days maximum!" Li Tang responded without turning around, his attitude firm and even appearing carefree in Zachary's neutral eyes.
"He's truly a unique young man," Zachary spread his hands helplessly.
"What a difficult guy!" Alba took a big gulp of coffee, bitter because he'd forgotten to add milk.
…
Once in the car, Alice took the front passenger seat. Glancing back at Li Tang and Li Xinqi in the rear, she noticed they were thankfully not behaving affectionately.
"Do you think Rio Tinto will accept your terms?" she asked Li Tang.
"Yes," Li Tang confidently responded, then emphasized further, "Absolutely!"
In another timeline, the Pebble Project ended up under Anglo American's control, yet even then, Rio Tinto still spent a fortune to participate.
This was fate's invisible thread; even with him—a butterfly from afar—flapping its wings, changing history completely was challenging.
Under his careful manipulation, Rio Tinto was now poised to take control of the Pebble Project. By that time, Rio Tinto's investment in Pebble would certainly amount to hundreds of millions of dollars.
The greater their investment, the more severe their losses. That was entirely their own doing.
"If they really accept your terms..." Alice's eyes seemed to sparkle as she looked at Li Tang. "I'll genuinely believe Lianying Mining has unlimited potential!"
"You doubted Lianying Mining before?" Li Tang gave her a mock-serious glare. "As a company leader, how can you lead others to success without confidence?"
"Honestly, before today, I didn't have much confidence," Alice admitted frankly. "But if we truly gain access to Rio Tinto's railways and ports, I genuinely believe Lianying Mining will reach an entirely new level of development."
She knew clearly how daunting Lianying Mining's future was. "No one believed we could successfully develop the iron ore project—even internally, there were whispers about when our company might go bankrupt…"
"Bankrupt?" Li Tang snorted coldly. "Next time someone says that, fire them immediately!"
"They were just jokes," Alice hadn't expected Li Tang to react so seriously.
"Such jokes severely damage team morale," Li Tang insisted.
"But things have changed now," Alice brightened with optimism. "If Rio Tinto truly gives us railway access, once our first shipment leaves, we'll have set foot firmly on the path to success. Then steel mills worldwide will send orders, and major investment banks will enthusiastically underwrite our new stock issues and bonds!"
Her eyes shone with admiration when looking at Li Tang. "It's as if God has opened a door for us toward success!"
"God didn't open the door—we did," Li Tang corrected firmly.
"The conditions you've proposed are excellent!" Excitedly, Alice nearly reached for Li Tang's hand but quickly withdrew when noticing Li Xinqi quietly standing beside him.
She regained her composure and asked carefully, "But sacrificing that $130 million ultimately benefits Lianying Mining. As Erik pointed out earlier, Lianying Mining isn't solely yours."
"As you know, we hold 75% of the company," Li Tang explained pragmatically. "We have a duty to lead all shareholders toward growth and greater profits. That $130 million USD isn't a gift—it's an advance for infrastructure usage. Once Rio Tinto approves, we'll draft a loan agreement with Lianying Mining. This money will be considered a loan with interest payable."
"This arrangement is indeed reasonable," Alice acknowledged, recognizing how much Li Tang had invested personally for the iron ore project's success.
Behind Lianying Mining's office building, groundwork had already started for a new, larger headquarters. Upon entering the office, Alice immediately convened a management meeting. Regardless of whether Rio Tinto agreed to provide infrastructure access, the company had to prepare for upcoming cooperation.
Li Tang didn't join these operations, opting instead to show Li Xinqi around Perth. After all, she had traveled far and was on rare vacation leave; she hadn't come just to watch him work. Throughout the day, she had quietly accompanied him without complaints.
Seeing Li Tang about to leave, Alice paused the meeting and stepped outside, asking, "You're heading out? Should I arrange some security?"
"Is public safety an issue here?" Li Tang usually didn't venture out, so he rarely encountered strangers.
"I'm concerned Rio Tinto might resort to dirty tactics," Alice joked lightly. "What if they hire thugs to kidnap you and force you into selling your Pebble Project shares cheaply?"
"Rio Tinto's too big for that," Li Tang smiled, unconcerned.
Still uneasy, Alice glanced around the corridor, recalling the company had a Chinese intern who was familiar with local customs. She quickly summoned Zhu Yanxi.
Still interning at Lianying Mining, Zhu Yanxi admired Li Tang greatly. "Mr. Li, I heard you're going sightseeing. Need a guide?"
Li Tang looked at Li Xinqi, then nodded, "You have time?"
"Absolutely!" Zhu Yanxi agreed enthusiastically.
"No classes today?" Li Tang inquired.
"Today's lectures aren't specialized. I prefer staying here, learning from real-world mining operations, which surpasses textbook knowledge."
Zhu Yanxi didn't mind feeling like a third wheel, politely greeting Li Xinqi, "Hello, sister-in-law."
Li Xinqi responded kindly, smiling, "Hello."
Zhu Yanxi enthusiastically introduced various Perth attractions: the downtown park with black swans, British-style architecture sites, beautiful beaches for sunbathing and swimming, and even suggested the university campus itself as scenic.
Li Tang asked Li Xinqi, "Where should we go?"
"Anywhere with you," she softly replied, holding his hand contentedly.
"Let's visit the university, then," Li Tang proposed, appreciating educational atmospheres.
Li Xinqi nodded agreeably.
Excitedly, Zhu Yanxi led them toward the University of South Australia, chatting eagerly, "Our classmates admire you greatly! If they knew you were Li Tang, they'd go crazy!"
"Am I that famous?" Li Tang asked, surprised.
"I've bragged about you," Zhu Yanxi laughed shyly. "Can I reveal your identity?"
"Better not—keep it low-profile," Li Tang grinned. "Let's travel incognito."
At the lush campus, students lounged leisurely or biked cheerfully along pathways, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
"If I'd met you during college..." Li Xinqi softly leaned on Li Tang's shoulder.
"If we'd met back then," Li Tang laughed honestly, "you probably wouldn't have noticed me."
"Impossible," Li Xinqi disagreed gently.
"We met at the perfect time," Li Tang reassured warmly.
Leading ahead, Zhu Yanxi glanced back, realizing his presence was unnecessary, yet guided them quietly through campus.
Spotting familiar classmates, Zhu Yanxi suggested, "Maybe meet our Chinese student group? Some are wealthy, know how to have fun here."
Li Tang smiled curiously, nodding.
Moments later, Zhu introduced Li Zhaocai—a flamboyant youth jumping from a flashy convertible, greeting loudly, "What's the plan? Newcomers? Dinner's on me today!"
Clearly wealthy and charismatic, Li Zhaocai wrapped an arm around Li Tang's shoulder, welcoming him warmly, completely unaware of Li Tang's true stature.
Watching anxiously, Zhu Yanxi wondered silently if Li Zhaocai would act so casually if he knew exactly who Li Tang was.
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Johanssen