Chapter 377: That Would Be Like the End of the World
Li Tang didn't need to take any initiative; the beautiful women aboard the yacht naturally flocked around him.
Within moments, he found himself surrounded by enticing company. Peeled grapes were gently placed into his mouth, luxurious champagne was served at his lips, and provocative sights and soft touches constantly overwhelmed his senses.
Any normal man would find it impossible to remain indifferent to such a scene.
Yet, despite nearly succumbing to temptation, he made a strong effort to maintain his last line of defense. It wasn't because he possessed extraordinary self-control. Rather, it was because of Gao Jingjing, the only other properly dressed person on the yacht, quietly seated in the corner wearing her black professional attire.
Li Tang believed that whatever indiscretion he might commit here would never become gossip through Gao Jingjing. She was, after all, a consummate professional unlikely to engage in idle talk.
Nonetheless, Li Tang courteously rejected the advances of these alluring ladies, slipping away from their midst to enter the yacht's cabin. He approached a crew member, asked for two fishing rods, and then smiled at Gao Jingjing, saying, "Care to fish with me?"
Throughout this entire spectacle, Gao Jingjing had been avoiding eye contact, pretending to see nothing of the extravagant decadence unfolding on the yacht. However, at this moment, she suddenly realized, "So, this is how rich people actually live."
She hadn't expected her boss would personally come over to greet her and invite her fishing. For a moment, Gao Jingjing misunderstood his intentions, thinking he was inviting her to participate in the ongoing festivities.
When she lowered her head in silence earlier, she felt anxious, mentally preparing herself for an uncomfortable scenario—what if her boss asked her to remove her clothing and join the bikini-clad women on deck? How would she respond?
"Do you know how to fish?" Seeing her distracted, Li Tang assumed she hadn't heard clearly, so he raised his voice slightly.
"Oh, yes, a little," Gao Jingjing finally reacted, relieved that the request was simple enough. She quickly stood up, gently moving her legs, which had become numb from crouching in the corner for too long.
"Just handheld fishing rods, so we probably won't catch anything large. It's just for fun." Li Tang casually handed her one fishing rod, walked ahead toward the yacht's bow, attached bait, and cast the line into the sea. He stood calmly, body gently swaying with the waves.
Gao Jingjing didn't really know how to fish, but she mimicked Li Tang's movements, holding her rod motionlessly. After ten minutes without any movement, she grew bored and her limbs began to ache slightly.
"Boss, aren't you tired? Should I fetch you a chair?" she asked thoughtfully.
"I'm fine. If you want, grab one for yourself," Li Tang responded considerately. He, too, was somewhat uncomfortable standing but occasionally shifted his weight or leaned against the railing to relieve discomfort.
Sitting in an office all day, he enjoyed standing on the open ocean, feeling the cool breeze and taking in the wide horizon, filling him with peace.
After a brief thought, Gao Jingjing decided against fetching a chair and continued standing still. Watching Li Tang's composed figure, she couldn't help remarking, "Boss, I'm really impressed by your self-control and endurance. You're nothing like my image of a super-rich person."
"You're wondering why I didn't join those bikini-clad women at the stern, right?" Li Tang immediately recognized her underlying curiosity.
Gao Jingjing dared not directly discuss this sensitive issue. She quickly shook her head, saying, "No, I wasn't thinking that at all."
"Brief pleasures or excessive indulgence inevitably leave emptiness behind. They don't hold any real meaning," Li Tang reflected, gazing across the vast ocean. He spoke openly about his perspective. "Why do some people seek Buddhism or Taoism? Because finding inner peace is the true purpose of life."
"Inner peace?" Gao Jingjing was young and inexperienced in worldly matters; she found it difficult to grasp Li Tang's deeper meaning. At this stage in life, she focused entirely on her career, climbing the corporate ladder, improving her quality of life, and dreaming of meeting her ideal partner. Her mind was filled with countless ambitions, making it impossible for her heart to settle peacefully.
"When you've experienced more, you'll understand naturally," Li Tang laughed lightly. Seeing her confusion, he elaborated further, "Seeking peace doesn't mean suppressing desires or avoiding enjoyment altogether. Treating yourself well and treating those around you kindly is the best way."
Gao Jingjing still couldn't fully comprehend his point but sensed it was laden with profound life experience and philosophy. Nevertheless, when she glanced at Li Tang's youthful face, she secretly protested inwardly: "Boss, you're only twenty-six or twenty-seven years old yourself! Why are you speaking like some wise old man in his sixties or seventies?"
Suddenly, Li Tang exclaimed softly, feeling a sharp tug at his line. He tightened his grip and sharply pulled upward, bending the rod dramatically. After a brief struggle, he triumphantly brought aboard a grouper weighing roughly two pounds.
Clap, clap, clap...
With damp hair and a white towel around his shoulders, Batista walked over, applauding enthusiastically.
"Impressive, Mr. Li! You've caught such a sizable fish!"
"Just luck. This poor grouper's luck simply ran out," Li Tang laughed happily. Catching a fish gave him an unexpected sense of satisfaction. "So this is what fishing enthusiasts enjoy?"
Batista, ignoring the grouper wriggling energetically on the deck, realized Li Tang had little interest in the girls he had arranged. Approaching Li Tang directly, he got straight to business, "Our GX Oil Company is officially established, and we're preparing to bid on the oil extraction rights. Mr. Li, this is an extremely lucrative project! Wiggins has committed at least 200 million USD on behalf of the Teachers' Pension Fund. What about you? You always told me you're highly interested in our projects, yet you invested almost two billion dollars in Alcan Group's stock."
Batista rarely used his own money when establishing MX Mining or GX Oil. Using others' money was his proven approach to accumulating vast wealth. To him, GX Oil Company was the most promising project of his entire career.
His greatest confidence in becoming the world's richest man came from this newly founded oil company and the potential oilfield estimated at eight billion barrels awaiting exploration and extraction. To expand this company, significant funds were required—not just hundreds of millions, but tens or even hundreds of billions of dollars.
The man standing before him was a world-renowned mineral exploration genius and an internationally recognized billionaire. Associating with Li Tang would not only leverage Li Tang's global prestige in exploration and mining to attract worldwide attention and investments but also secure substantial funds directly from Li Tang himself.
That's why he was exceptionally attentive toward Li Tang.
Li Tang put down his fishing rod, ignoring the still-struggling grouper at his feet. With determination in his eyes, he said, "I know GX Oil urgently needs over a billion USD to secure the oil extraction rights. I'll make you this commitment: Before the auction, I'll invest at least 100 million dollars into your oil company! I firmly believe you'll become the richest man in the world!"
Batista stared intensely into Li Tang's eyes for a full minute before finally smiling broadly. "You're my friend. If you ever encounter difficulties doing business in Brazil, come directly to me."
"I will!" Li Tang laughed confidently, watching Batista retreat into the yacht's cabin, the smile never fading from his face. Investing in Batista's oil project was not just idle talk—it was a genuine business opportunity. Why miss out on easy money?
"Boss, what's our next move?" Gao Jingjing asked respectfully.
"Book our flight tomorrow for Toronto," Li Tang instructed.
Canadian Minister of Industry Emerson, Minister of Resources Jack, Nunavut's Minister of Mining and Minerals Waz, and Airwood Company's Frando had already awaited his arrival for quite some time.
After brief greetings, Frando—representing Cold Iron Company—outlined the next development plans for Mary River Iron Mine before Emerson, Jack, and Waz.
"Our next phase at Cold Iron Company is developing the Mary River Iron Mine!" Frando declared enthusiastically, despite being merely the second-largest shareholder. His commitment and responsibility were evident.
Opening a map of Baffin Island, Frando indicated the location of Mary River Iron Mine's primary deposit. "We'll build mining infrastructure here, including residential facilities, and construct a railway connecting the mine northeast to an old naval port approximately 84 kilometers away."
"Why not build the railway southwest instead? There's another port in that direction," Minister Waz questioned.
"Yes, but that southwestern port is closer to Europe," Frando bluntly stated, glancing directly at Li Tang. "Europe is declining. Europe's entire annual iron ore demand is less than 100 million tons, whereas China alone imports nearly 300 million tons annually—possibly surpassing 300 million tons this year. Mary River's iron ore exports will primarily target China."
"Transporting iron ore from Baffin Island to China seems challenging," Minister Emerson interjected. Being closely connected to China, he knew the logistics complexities well.
"Our iron ore shipments will use icebreakers, navigating the Arctic Circle, through the Sea of Japan, directly to China," Frando explained briefly.
"Exporting to Europe would significantly reduce your transportation costs," Emerson advised kindly.
"Minister, you're right," Frando conceded, "but our production target at Mary River is ambitious—over 30 million tons annually. Achieving this requires substantial capital investment—between two and three billion USD."
After Frando finished, everyone instinctively turned toward Li Tang.
"Mr. Li recently invested nearly two billion USD in Alcan Group stock."
"If he'd invested that amount into Mary River Iron Mine instead, the timing would've been perfect."
"Given Mr. Li's financial strength, funding this project wouldn't be an issue."
When discussing large investments, everyone's attention turned to Li Tang with newfound respect.
There was no doubt that Li Tang had become Canada's most significant success story in attracting foreign investment. Even Jack and Emerson treated Li Tang with the utmost respect, afraid they might inadvertently offend this generous benefactor.
Frando paused for a moment before continuing, "For an investment of this magnitude, very few European companies can provide such a large sum of money. But things are different in China, where the economy is booming, and businesses are incredibly wealthy. Several Chinese steel companies have already explicitly expressed strong interest in investing in the Mary River Iron Ore project."
His words, spoken in Li Tang's presence, seemed somewhat biased, praising one side while subtly downplaying the other.
However, his statement was not without merit.
In Europe, enthusiasm for mineral resource investment was primarily limited to established companies like Stranta and Glencore, who possessed sufficient capital. To put it another way, the old European industrial aristocrats were gradually falling behind in global resource competition.
"Your argument is quite reasonable," Emerson nodded in agreement.
"We intend to use funds from Chinese steel enterprises to develop Mary River Iron Ore and then sell the ore back to our investors," Frando continued. Without thinking, he raised his hand to take a puff from his cigar, only to realize his fingers were empty. Smoking a cigar in this meeting would clearly be inappropriate.
"Your strategy is sound," Emerson affirmed, clearly approving of the investment plan, as it seemed both practical and realistic.
Jack, however, expressed his doubts, looking at Frando: "You're known for mineral exploration and your skills in financing projects through promising outlooks on the stock market. Doesn't Cold Iron Company intend to go public?"
"If we can secure sufficient funding without going public, we won't waste the time and energy needed for a public listing. But if we face financing challenges, going public will certainly be an option," Frando replied.
"A three-billion-dollar investment is indeed substantial," Emerson sighed in admiration.
"With Li Tang involved, financing this investment shouldn't pose much of a problem," Frando chuckled confidently. He then pointed at the map, finally revealing the true purpose of his long explanation: "We need to finalize the mining rights area for Mary River Iron Ore and construct a railway and a deep-water port. Land and funding allocation must pass multiple departmental reviews, particularly from environmental protection authorities."
"For the approval and allocation of mining areas, provided preliminary exploration is reasonable and compliant, you can directly apply to the Nunavut government," Jack explained, turning toward Waz. "You'll just need to pay annual fees according to the mining area size."
"We're already reviewing the approval application, and results should be available soon," Waz finally spoke up.
"As for the land needed for port and railway construction, that approval is also managed by Nunavut's relevant departments. It's beyond our federal authority," Jack clarified, clearly knowledgeable about Canada's mineral resource development regulations.
"Since Li Tang is a foreigner and most of the investment is foreign capital, this involves significant foreign investment, which requires stricter reviews," Frando smiled calmly. "Moreover, an investment of this size will inevitably require parliamentary approval."
"I hope all of you can help facilitate this investment," Li Tang politely nodded.
"As long as the project complies with the law, the approval process shouldn't pose any problems," Jack said confidently, smiling easily.
"In my view, this nearly three-billion-dollar investment in Mary River Iron Ore is Canada's largest mineral investment project in recent years. It will undoubtedly increase our annual tax revenue substantially and provide thousands, even tens of thousands, of jobs!" Emerson enthusiastically added. "A project this beneficial to our nation and our people has my full support!"
With the backing of both the Minister of Industry and the Minister of Natural Resources, Cold Iron Company's feasibility plan for Mary River Iron Ore quickly passed approval.
The Mary River Iron Ore, whose exploration had only concluded mid-year, was astonishingly already moving into its development phase by year-end. The rapidity of its progress was astonishing!
An investment potentially reaching three billion dollars naturally caused significant reactions and discussions in the global mining market.
In this period when mineral markets were already booming, such a major investment only added fuel to the fire.
While the media and public buzzed with discussion, major iron ore enterprises found themselves increasingly anxious.
When Gareth, CEO of BHP, learned of the news, his mood instantly darkened.
He paced anxiously in his office, contemplating the increasing number of large iron ore investments and their impact on the future market. Iron ore had become increasingly important within BHP, and they would certainly not let their profits be gradually eroded by others.
While still pondering the situation, his phone suddenly rang. Checking the caller ID, he saw it was Alba, CEO of Rio Tinto, calling.
Perfect timing. Gareth had also intended to discuss matters with Alba.
Although BHP and Rio Tinto were fierce competitors in public, Gareth and Alba maintained a good private relationship, though they seldom spoke to each other casually.
Alba calling at this moment clearly indicated concern over the Mary River project.
"Have you seen the news about Li Tang?" Alba got straight to the point.
"There's news about Li Tang every day. Which specific event are you referring to?" Gareth pretended ignorance.
"Mary River Iron Ore," Alba said bluntly, wasting no time.
"I've seen it. If Mary River truly reaches the production scale proposed by Cold Iron—30 million tons, possibly even 50 million tons—it will dramatically boost global iron ore supply. Iron ore prices will likely be suppressed," Gareth stated.
"Global iron ore production grows rapidly every year, but demand growth is even stronger. Frankly, I'm not overly worried about the additional tens of millions of tons," Alba responded.
"Then what exactly are you worried about?"
"What concerns me is that Mary River is again controlled by that Chinese fellow, Li Tang! Winning Mines, Simandou Iron Ore, and now Mary River—if all three reach full production according to Li Tang's ambitions, we'll soon lose the entire Chinese iron ore market. There won't be any room left for you or me," Alba said with deep unease.
"Hmm." Gareth acknowledged coolly, signaling that he understood but wasn't yet voicing his stance.
"You surely realize that since entering the 21st century, the prosperity of our iron ore industry has depended entirely on China's rapid rise. Losing the Chinese market doesn't just mean a minor setback—it would be devastating, an absolute doomsday scenario!"
"Your concerns are valid," Gareth didn't deny Alba's point but refrained from immediately expressing his thoughts.
Clearly, such a doomsday scenario would affect Rio Tinto more severely than BHP. For Rio Tinto, iron ore accounted for over half of their total business revenue. If iron ore prices collapsed, Rio Tinto would inevitably fall from its position as the world's second-largest mining company, suffering catastrophic losses.
"The Canadian government and ruling party are increasingly connecting with Chinese enterprises, encouraging more investment and trade. However, the New Democratic Party and the Conservative Party consistently oppose excessive economic influence from Chinese companies," Alba said.
"What's your plan?" Gareth asked directly.
"I'll contact members of the Conservative and New Democratic Parties, urging them to block or delay Mary River's development."
"That's an excellent approach!"
"This initiative benefits not only Rio Tinto but the entire global iron ore industry," Alba reasoned.
"You can count on my support," Gareth promised firmly.
…
Alba arrived in Toronto, Canada's economic hub. His primary objective was to meet Richard and examine Alcan Group's operations—essentially, scouting his potential acquisition target.
Of course, beneath this primary goal lay secondary intentions.
Seeing Alba personally arrive with his team, Richard immediately sensed Alcan was once again being targeted.
Given that Alcoa had repeatedly made low-priced offers that Alcan consistently rejected, other mining giants naturally smelled an opportunity.
"Mr. Alba, did you come specifically to see me?" Richard cautiously probed Alba's true intentions.
"Rio Tinto has substantial investments in Canada's aluminum sector, ranging from alumina refining to aluminum product manufacturing and packaging. Each year, we contribute hundreds of millions of dollars to Canadian taxes," Alba casually remarked. "Our two companies have competed for years. Recently, however, I considered the potential of collaborating. Wouldn't that turn competition into cooperation, benefiting us both?"
"Do you have specific proposals for cooperation?" Richard asked directly.
"Well…" Alba hesitated. He didn't actually have a concrete proposal prepared. His purpose today was mainly to gauge Richard's attitude and assess Alcan's financial situation, gathering intelligence for a future acquisition.
"I have many ideas, too many to detail immediately," Alba smoothly avoided specifics. He probed further, "I heard rumors Alcan is downsizing operations in North America, including aluminum packaging. Is that accurate?"
"Absolutely not!" Richard firmly denied the rumor without changing his expression. "Yes, we recently shut down some European plants as part of restructuring after previous acquisitions, but operations here in North America remain fully stable."
"Ah, I see…" Alba smiled and nodded politely. "Your Alcan Group is consistently voted among the world's most admired companies—Rio Tinto envies your stellar reputation. If a company were downsizing and cutting jobs, they'd never achieve such admiration; they'd be condemned by employees instead."
"So, what exactly is your point?" Richard disliked Alba's subtle criticisms.
"Just chatting casually. Perhaps we could find synergies, leveraging each other's strengths," Alba vaguely replied.
After chatting all morning, Alba felt he'd gathered sufficient insight into Alcan's operations. Sensing Richard's growing impatience, Alba eventually took his leave, heading directly to meet Layton, leader of the New Democratic Party, to achieve his secondary goal.
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