Chapter 352: Turning Decay into Magic
Long Fuyuan visited again.
Despite his sturdy build and seemingly dull demeanor, he actually had quite a cunning mind.
"Li Tang!"
Seeing that Li Tang's office door was open, Long marched right in confidently. After becoming acquainted with Li Tang, formalities were discarded. "Last time Zhu Youxin and I came over to talk about iron ore negotiations and the launch of Lianying Mining, you kept your mouth tight and didn't share anything with us! I only recently started paying attention to the news, and found out about your iron ore developments!"
"From the start, Lianying Mining's trial run was scheduled for early 2006. Also, the 3% price discount for our domestic market—I remember mentioning it clearly to you," Li Tang responded, assuming Long had come to question him about Lianying Mining.
"It's not about Lianying's mine," Long clarified, clearly rushed, looking weary. "It's about that… whatever iron mine in Canada? Ma-something River iron mine?"
"The Mali River Iron Mine?" Li Tang asked.
"Yes, exactly! That's the one!" Long nodded vigorously. "You promised earlier that you'd bring us along to develop overseas iron ore projects. Last time you visited Canada, I thought it was a casual trip because you brought your girlfriend along. She's Li Xingchao's daughter, right? You're quietly getting rich, but forgetting your brothers! I don't know about others, but I've been waiting for your call and even reserved some funds, ready to respond anytime you say go!"
"Oh, that issue."
Li Tang initially intended to bring Haigang Steel, Tangshan Steel, Hualing Steel, and other steel companies—those that had strongly supported Lianying Mining and himself—to join him abroad for iron and coal mine exploration.
However, when he visited the Steel Industry Association previously and briefly expressed his plans, many people enthusiastically responded. But most steel enterprises preferred that Li Tang supply low-priced iron ore directly to domestic steel companies. Particularly, they hoped the soon-to-be-operational Lianying Mining would set lower prices, dragging down overall market prices. Some even dreamed of returning prices to the levels of two or three years ago.
These expectations were understandable.
But Li Tang became cautious.
Business was business. China had thousands of steel factories, each with its own interests, fiercely competitive and eager to devour each other. If Li Tang continually compromised and gave too many concessions, some might grow greedier. Later, if prices still rose, these people might blame him, creating unwanted problems.
Therefore, Li Tang concluded it was safest to control these mine assets personally.
He could collaborate with domestic steel companies, but carefully choosing partners was necessary. To avoid favoritism accusations, he decided to manage the Mali River exploration project himself, deliberately refraining from inviting any specific steel company.
"I read in the news that Mali River Iron Mine is another world-class deposit—high grade, large reserves, and open-pit mining!" Long rubbed his hands impatiently. "Some news sources even said the mine has an average grade of 67%, which can be directly shipped to ports for lump ore sales! Nowadays, lump ore is 30% pricier than fines! Moreover, there are rumors this Mali River mine might even surpass Simandou Iron Mine, potentially tens of billions of tons of reserves!"
"Who reported that?"
Li Tang shook his head, firmly denying it. "Mali River Iron Mine exploration has just started—there's no official reserve data. Any numbers floating around must be fabrications, lacking factual basis."
"False?" Long sighed with both relief and disappointment, emotions complicated between happiness and regret.
"The Mali River project is indeed at the exploration stage; results won't be available for some time. The newly established Cold Iron Company isn't publicly listed, so we won't frequently update progress publicly. Official reserve data announcements will wait until exploration reaches mid-stage or completion," Li Tang explained reasonably. "Mr. Long, if significant deposits are indeed found later, and we need partners or funding for development, you'll be the first person I call."
"Ah…" Long sighed again.
Not doubting Li Tang's sincerity, he was mainly frustrated by immediate pressures. Even if Mali River discovered significant deposits, it wouldn't solve current urgent issues.
"Currently, all domestic steel firms either rely on limited domestic ore production or scramble for ore on the spot market. The three major iron ore giants are secretly thrilled, wishing to sell all their ore on the spot market forever, avoiding long-term contracts. Ore shipments arriving at ports get instantly sold out, and sometimes cargoes still at sea already have buyers lining up with cash."
He scratched his head anxiously. "Our ore stockpile can last barely a month. Other big steel firms are likely in a similar situation. If iron ore price negotiations don't conclude soon, this entire year will be tough!"
"Globally speaking, whether or not long-term agreements are signed, iron ore supply totals won't drop; increased production might even boost overall supply. Ore producers still need profits, so they'll surely keep sending ore shipments."
"But this uncertainty makes planning production extremely difficult."
"True enough," Li Tang nodded. "I'm not very familiar with steel production management."
"If you also started steel manufacturing, the entire industry would be squeezed out by you!" Long joked bitterly.
"No way." Li Tang hurriedly deflected politely. "Who could possibly threaten Tangshan Steel with your strong leadership?"
Long laughed it off, then sighed again. "Everyone says our country is a big iron ore producer, producing nearly 300 million tons annually. But it's scattered across 20,000 small mines nationwide, each with low output and high transport costs, unstable quality. Look at Australia—similar total production, but concentrated in just Rio Tinto and BHP. Brazil's even more concentrated, with Vale alone. Such concentration makes logistics and planning much easier."
"Each place has its conditions," Li Tang offered cautiously, unsure how else to console him. Steel companies indeed faced tremendous operational pressures.
"We're counting on you!" Long stood, patting Li Tang's shoulder earnestly. "Only you can save the steel industry!"
"Mr. Long, stay a bit longer? I'll have the cafeteria downstairs prepare a nice lunch," Li Tang offered politely.
"No time to sit around leisurely; we're on fire!" Long dismissed gently. "I'd hoped Mali River would be another big deposit. But hearing you now, it seems the news is false. The more iron mines you discover, the better off we are."
Long patted Li Tang's shoulder. "Don't see me off. I still have to rush to the port to check cargo."
"Take care then," Li Tang escorted him to the door, returning as his phone rang.
Very few people had his office or mobile number directly.
"Li Tang, it's Lu Chenyi."
"I recognized your voice."
"Your international news recently got very heated again," Lu hinted.
"In what aspect?" Li Tang had always been aware his news never ceased, especially after Lianying Mining's skyrocketing stock value crossed a hundred billion Australian dollars, placing him constantly in the global spotlight. Keeping up with every piece of news would overwhelm anyone.
"Mali River iron mine," Lu mentioned, similar to Long, then added, "Malu River coal mine also seems promising with excellent prospects!"
Currently, domestic coking coal output satisfied most internal needs. Coastal steel mills imported small amounts, several tens of millions of tons annually, mainly scarce varieties from Australia and Canada. Tangshan Steel near Shanxi province conveniently sourced cheaper local coal, thus had little interest in imports—why Long hadn't mentioned Malu River coal mine earlier.
"Mr. Lu, are you interested in iron or coal projects?"
"Both," Lu admitted openly. "Our Haigang Steel imports tens of millions of tons of iron ore and coking coal yearly. Honestly, we've long wished to enter these sectors ourselves, controlling sources directly."
"Long Fuyuan just visited," Li Tang revealed.
"Long from Tangshan Steel?"
"Yes."
"Tangshan Steel signed multi-year contracts with Kailuan Coal Mine, so he probably showed little interest in Malu River coal, right?"
"Correct, though he expressed strong interest in Mali River iron mine."
"As expected. Under current circumstances, every steel firm craves high-quality iron ore deposits."
"I told Mr. Long, Mali River iron mine has just begun exploration; reserve figures circulating now are baseless."
"False?"
"You could say that."
"Alright, I hope you find more iron deposits. Oh right, Nihe iron ore exploration discovered 180 million tons of magnetite—large-scale. Thanks for your help."
"180 million tons might disappoint you; no billion-ton giant mine was found."
"I'm satisfied. I promised you a 100-million cash bonus for finding a deposit over 100 million tons. Send someone over to complete paperwork anytime; I'll sign immediately, and you can claim the payment."
"You're generous, Mr. Lu; I gratefully accept."
"You earned it, no need for courtesy. Besides, is this money even meaningful to you?"
"It's still plenty!" Li Tang laughed.
"Keep me posted about Mali River's progress! And what about Simandou in Guinea—why halted exploration?"
"This year's impossible. Guinea's nationwide strikes make conditions unsafe. I saw early signs of instability and withdrew all staff preemptively."
"Safety first!"
After hanging up, Li Tang called finance, asking Lin Xiaoshu to come over.
"Mr. Li, you called?" Lin blushed slightly, avoiding eye contact.
"How are things progressing with Runqi?" Li Tang was deeply concerned about He Runqi's romantic situation. Previously, he'd invited both abroad hoping for closeness, yet He Runqi remained painfully oblivious, rarely speaking with Lin. It drove Li Tang crazy.
"We're nothing; don't misunderstand," Lin blushed further.
"Runqi's diligent, sincere, a wonderful guy."
"But feelings depend on chemistry," Lin bravely contradicted Li Tang for once.
"You're still young—real relationships grow through everyday interactions, not fleeting chemistry."
Li Tang was clearly lecturing with the air of someone who had experienced it all.
"Mr. Li, you're not much older than me," Lin Xiaoshu argued back for the second time today.
"But I have more experience," Li Tang shot back defiantly.
"You've only been in a relationship with Sister Qiqi once yourself, so your experience is limited too. Please stop giving me dating advice."
"So, it's like the pot calling the kettle black, isn't it?" Li Tang felt slightly insulted.
"No, it's not like that," Lin Xiaoshu quickly lowered her head again.
"All right." Li Tang realized he couldn't persuade a stubborn girl. He waved dismissively, deciding to let their relationship develop naturally.
Gathering himself, Li Tang returned his attention to work matters. "Our company previously signed a contract with Haigang Steel to assist with the Nihe iron ore project. Now that the project has been basically completed, according to the contract, we can receive a cash reward of 100 million yuan from Haigang Steel. Please find the contract later and visit Haigang to collect the payment."
"Okay," Lin Xiaoshu nodded softly.
"What's wrong? Are you upset because of what I said earlier?" Li Tang felt her response was somewhat half-hearted.
"No, I'm not upset. I'll make sure to complete my work properly."
"I've already spoken with Chairman Lu of Haigang Steel; you just need to go directly to him for his signature."
"Mm."
"You can go now."
Li Tang watched Lin Xiaoshu shrink her neck and shuffle out of the office in tiny steps. He shook his head helplessly, amused and slightly frustrated.
After receiving a phone call, He Runqi rushed over.
His office was next door, but he usually spent more time downstairs, mingling with the technical staff in the engineering department.
"You wanted to see me?"
"You idiot! You wasted the chance I gave you!" Li Tang felt annoyed when he saw He Runqi's round, dark face and his darting eyes.
He Runqi jumped, thinking he'd committed some serious mistake. His hair stood on end as he nervously asked, "Mr. Li, did I do something terribly wrong? Please tell me clearly. I admit, sometimes I really can be quite muddleheaded."
"You made a huge mistake!" Li Tang sighed deeply. "When we went to Canada recently, I specifically said it was mainly for tourism. But you, whether in the Rocky Mountains or Baffin Island, carried your instruments everywhere, measuring this, testing that! Doesn't our company have anyone else capable of doing geophysical surveys? If not, we can always hire more specialists at a higher salary!"
Despite his slow reactions, He Runqi quickly grasped the implication.
"Mr. Li, I understand your good intentions. But romantic relationships aren't something you can force. Even if you approve, the other person might not be interested!"
"Get lost! Why would I ever date you? You're talking nonsense!"
"I was just giving an example."
"So, you've given up?" Li Tang saw a trace of unwillingness lingering in He Runqi's eyes.
"When it comes to feelings, picking it up might be easy, but putting it down tests one's determination and courage."
"So, you've become a philosopher now?"
"I haven't really thought much about it lately. With my appearance, I've already accepted my fate—probably no girl in Yanjing would like me. I spoke with my family recently. My parents told me that back home, plenty of young ladies are waiting to marry me. My mom even mentioned how local matchmakers have practically worn out our doorstep over the past two years."
He Runqi seemed to have accepted reality calmly. "This year, when I go home for New Year's, I'm definitely bringing back a childhood sweetheart!"
"That sounds good!" Li Tang carefully studied He Runqi's eyes, noting that the earlier trace of regret had vanished.
"Girls from back home have endured hardships and understand how to manage life. They're diligent at home—cooking, cleaning, raising children, and respecting elders," He Runqi remarked thoughtfully. "After careful consideration, I think marrying such a simple and hardworking girl would ensure a happier life."
"As long as you're satisfied!" Li Tang knew he had no right to determine someone else's happiness.
"So, you called me over just for this?" He Runqi relaxed slightly.
"There's something else. I'll soon be going to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in Central Africa. Originally, I planned to bring you along. But since your personal matters are more important, I'll grant you half a month's annual leave this year to return home earlier and handle your big life event!"
Li Tang smiled broadly.
Hearing this, He Runqi became anxious. Originally, Li Tang had planned to bring him to the Congo but changed his mind after hearing him talk about settling down.
"I'll go!" He blurted out.
"Why are you swearing at me?"
"I mean, I'll go to the Congo!" He quickly explained. "Personal matters can wait. Women are just women—work is far more interesting! After returning from the Pilbara region, I actually wanted to handle the Mali River iron ore project myself. But you refused. Otherwise, right now I'd probably be on Baffin Island, falling asleep under the beautiful auroras every night."
"Stay too long on Baffin Island, and your brain might freeze permanently."
Previously, Li Tang had rejected He Runqi's proposal. With Lianying Mining now operational, the mine was mostly automated, and operations could be monitored remotely from Perth's control center. There was no need for He Runqi to stay onsite.
"If you really want to come to Africa, there's still time. This trip is mainly for an initial field survey to determine if we should invest," Li Tang explained. However, he added seriously, "Guinea currently faces a nationwide strike, so it's extremely dangerous. The Simandou iron ore project can't continue in the short term. The situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is also unstable, especially in its eastern provinces, where several armed groups clash frequently. The area we're visiting is in southern Congo, near dangerous zones. Think carefully—if we don't make it back, would you regret dying unmarried?"
"If I die, I die! Eighteen years later, I'll be reborn a hero!" He Runqi boldly replied.
"If you die in Africa, I can't guarantee you'll return as a hero eighteen years later—but you'll definitely come back black."
"I'm already dark-skinned."
"Then you'll save some ink during reincarnation!" Li Tang laughed.
After spending only a few days in Yanjing and seeing Li Tang constantly busy with work, his parents returned home to Qianzhou Province. Anyway, the New Year was approaching, and they'd soon reunite again.
On the plane, He Runqi intentionally took the seat next to Li Tang. As deputy general manager and technical director at Li Tang's Shengshi Holdings, he realized he knew nothing about the geological conditions or prospects of their new African project.
Previously, when selecting project team members, people asked him what mineral they'd search for, what methods they'd use, and whether he had targeted technical approaches. He had been utterly speechless.
The memory always brought embarrassment and frustration. Despite being the company's number two, he felt little connection to Shengshi Holdings' remarkable success.
At times, he longed to contribute more to strengthen his sense of belonging. But beside Li Tang, he felt overshadowed by his brilliance, standing next to a blazing sun.
To better prepare and to strengthen his reputation among the team, he resolved to learn directly from Li Tang.
Li Tang's mind always contained extraordinary knowledge unknown to others, like a vast, mysterious library.
"Why are we doing a project in the Congo?" He Runqi asked.
Li Tang, who had been resting with his eyes closed, opened them slightly, glancing at his old classmate. In Runqi's eyes was always the eagerness to learn.
"We plan to look for copper deposits there. As for why Congo specifically—it has excellent exploration potential."
He patiently continued, "Do you know the world's famous copper metallogenic belts?"
"The Pacific Rim metallogenic belt, and the porphyry copper belt in Mongolia where we discovered the Talego copper-gold deposit," He Runqi replied.
"Correct. The most famous copper belt is the Andean metallogenic belt, mainly in Chile and Peru. The second major belt is in southwestern North America, mainly Arizona extending southward. Companies like Freeport-McMoRan and Douglas developed mines there."
Li Tang pulled out a map of Africa. "The third significant copper belt is the Central African Copperbelt. Its northern part, especially in southern Congo, has exceptional metallogenic conditions. Zambia, further south, also hosts significant deposits."
"Is it also porphyry copper?"
"No. This time we're looking for sediment-hosted deposits, particularly stratiform chalcocite deposits."
"Oh, I understand now," He Runqi nodded thoughtfully.
Li Tang added, "Since last century, multiple major deposits were discovered along the Central African Copperbelt; some are already in production."
"There's cobalt too?"
"Yes, some regions have higher copper content, others richer cobalt deposits," Li Tang checked his watch, recalling future events. "In about ten years, the Congo will become an investment hotspot for Chinese mining companies. Currently, some Chinese firms have already started investing, but on a smaller scale. Western firms, particularly French companies, dominate for now."
"After decades of exploration by international giants, can we still find new deposits?" He Runqi expressed doubt but seeing Li Tang's confident gaze, that doubt quickly vanished.
Having accompanied Li Tang for years, he knew any seemingly impossible project in his hands could miraculously succeed.
"Even experts overlook some spots," Li Tang smiled lightly, ready to share deeper insights upon arrival.
For now, he mentioned a historical note, "Congo once attracted massive foreign investments, including Freeport-McMoRan—Alice's father's employer—which later sold its Congo mine to Luoyi Molybdenum for over $2 billion."
"I never heard about that," He Runqi responded curiously.
Li Tang paused, realizing that event hadn't yet occurred. Sometimes future memories blurred into current reality, leading to confusion.
This upcoming project seemed daunting, yet Li Tang treated it calmly. For He Runqi, it was yet another reminder of his inadequacies. Yet beside Li Tang, he always believed the impossible could become reality.
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