Chapter 366: He's Basically All Talk
In Lu Chenyi's office, Li Tang met the Brazilian businessman, Batista.
Batista was a textbook rich second-generation heir, handsome, flamboyant, born with a silver spoon. His father had served as chairman of Vale's board of directors and even as Minister of Energy—an influential figure dominating both the commercial and political worlds.
Yet, instead of comfortably enjoying the wealth and prestige his father provided, Batista chose entrepreneurship, determined to carve out his own empire. He boldly proclaimed his ambition to become the richest man in the world and had been rapidly progressing toward this goal.
Today, he was already a prominent billionaire entrepreneur in Brazil.
"Li Tang, come, sit down. Let me introduce you to a foreign friend!" Seeing his secretary bring Li Tang into the room, Lu Chenyi stood immediately to greet him warmly. "This is Batista from Brazil, a prominent iron ore businessman. His company, MX Mining, recently went public, successfully raising over six hundred million US dollars to develop their iron ore projects."
Batista, initially puzzled by Lu Chenyi's evident respect for this young visitor, remained seated on the sofa, legs crossed comfortably, studying Li Tang carefully.
"This is Li Tang," Lu Chenyi repeated, switching to English.
"Oh!" Batista finally reacted, standing up to shake Li Tang's hand confidently. "I've heard about you before. Lianying Mining's mines have already begun production, right? I've seen your name on the global rich list."
"Nice to meet you," Li Tang responded politely, then turned to Lu Chenyi. "What were you two discussing just now?"
"We were talking about MX Mining's future development and potential collaboration with Haigang Steel," Lu explained carefully, assuming Li Tang might not know Batista's background in detail. "Mr. Batista previously invested in gold mines, though not successfully. However, he wasn't a total failure—he created a highly efficient logistics system within Brazil, transporting minerals to ports and generating considerable profits. His logistics company is highly profitable and already publicly listed."
Turning to Batista, Lu smiled, adding, "Mr. Batista is ambitious, recently moving into iron ore investments, achieving significant results quickly. MX Mining has raised substantial capital even before developing its iron ore reserves. They aim to supply iron ore to steel enterprises like ours. Today, he's here just to casually discuss the opportunities."
"Our MX Mining will surpass Lianying Mining in the future!" Batista declared boldly to Li Tang, his expression entirely confident and self-assured.
Li Tang smiled mildly without objecting. "I have no doubt about your capability to achieve that."
"Mr. Batista is among Brazil's most famous entrepreneurs; we're certainly confident MX Mining will keep growing stronger," Lu Chenyi politely chimed in with typical courtesy.
"I heard you wanted to meet me?" Li Tang asked Batista directly.
"Firstly, I know you're the owner of Lianying Mining, very wealthy and extremely experienced in mineral exploration," Batista replied, looking Li Tang straight in the eyes. Surprisingly, despite knowing Li Tang's fortune exceeded ten billion US dollars, Batista maintained the demeanor of a superior evaluating a subordinate. "Most importantly, I also know you're a globally renowned exploration expert. I'd like to cooperate with you and have you handle exploration work for me."
"Hmm?" Li Tang calmly inquired, "Exploring iron ore deposits?"
"No. Our three iron ore deposits are already fully explored, with reserves totaling over three billion tons," Batista boasted confidently, projecting an air of superiority. "Iron ore business is lucrative and a significant part of my X Group's portfolio. However, I believe the most profitable industry remains oil!"
"Oil?" Lu Chenyi exclaimed in shock. "I've visited Brazil before. Oil exploration and production licenses there are strictly reserved for state enterprises. Private companies have never received such licenses."
"That's not a problem for me," Batista laughed confidently. "I just spoke with the President. He found my idea of entering the oil business brilliant and strongly supports my proposal. We're already preparing and raising sufficient funds. About sixty nautical miles offshore, there's an oilfield. Mendoza, the head of exploration at Brazil's state oil company, personally assured me it holds around eight billion barrels of oil reserves!"
"But Petrobras is a state-owned company, and the mineral rights belong to them. How can your company participate?" Lu Chenyi found this proposal utterly unrealistic, almost absurd.
Unless, of course, it was outright theft!
Batista casually waved off these concerns. "Petrobras will publicly auction the rights to develop this oilfield. If nothing goes wrong, we'll win this bid."
"This is really…" Lu Chenyi stared incredulously at Batista, exclaiming, "There's only one phrase to describe this—absolutely audacious!"
Li Tang maintained a composed, ambiguous smile, but inside, he was equally stunned. Batista truly represented the ultimate wealthy heir, doing whatever he pleased without restraint!
"Incredible," Li Tang echoed Lu's sentiment sincerely, both amazed and somewhat amused by Batista's unapologetic arrogance.
"I've never heard anything like this before," Lu Chenyi admitted, still finding Batista's assertions hard to believe. "Could something go wrong with this oilfield auction?"
"Absolutely not," Batista stated confidently. "What I want, I always get!"
"Impressive, impressive!" Lu Chenyi had no words left but genuine admiration. This way of doing business was entirely beyond ordinary people's imagination.
Batista, however, saw nothing unusual in openly discussing these confidential matters in front of Lu Chenyi and Li Tang. He hadn't revealed these secrets merely to boast about his influence or powerful connections—he had clear intentions.
He had approached Lu Chenyi primarily to pave the way for iron ore sales. His meeting with Li Tang and discussing confidential oil information also served a deliberate purpose.
"Mendoza, Petrobras's exploration director, has already agreed to leave Petrobras to join my GX Oil Company," Batista revealed openly to Li Tang. "GX Oil Company will become the core of my X Group empire. Over the next few years, I plan to establish a listed port company, creating Brazil's largest port. Furthermore, I'll build a shipyard to produce large-scale vessels dedicated to transporting our iron ore and oil!"
Batista vividly described his plans—not merely plans, but a vast commercial empire in the making. If realized, he would undoubtedly achieve his dream of becoming the world's richest person.
Indeed, Batista had already traveled far down this ambitious road.
"Brilliant ideas and magnificent business dreams," Li Tang genuinely admired Batista's expansive vision.
Batista pointed directly at Li Tang. "I need more talent. Mendoza has accepted my offer, but it's still not enough. I want you specifically!"
"Me?" Li Tang blinked in surprise.
"Your exploration expertise is unmatched globally!" Batista asserted confidently, then pointed back at himself. "My commercial genius is unrivaled worldwide. Together, you're my strongest ally on the path to becoming the world's richest man!"
His statements once again displayed immense self-confidence and ambition, leaving Lu Chenyi momentarily stunned. Had Lu not been aware of Batista's actual capabilities, he might've thought this Brazilian was simply crazy.
Between the two men present, Li Tang's shares in Lianying Mining alone exceeded ten billion US dollars, whereas Batista, despite owning two listed companies, had total assets barely surpassing one billion dollars. The gap was enormous.
Where did Batista find the courage to believe Li Tang would willingly become his subordinate, dedicating his expertise to realizing Batista's dreams?
Noticing Li Tang's silence, Lu Chenyi tactfully intervened, "Li Tang is quite busy this year. He's already undertaking several exploration projects simultaneously. I'm afraid he might not have the time."
Lu Chenyi's remark was meant to provide Li Tang a polite exit from Batista's overly ambitious proposal.
In Lu Chenyi's view, Batista's arrogant demands would naturally cause embarrassment. Someone with a quick temper might even stand up and tell Batista to get out. To avoid unnecessary conflict between the two, Lu Chenyi quickly stepped in to mediate.
But Li Tang raised his hand, politely stopping Lu Chenyi, and smiled warmly at Batista: "It's an honor to work with you, Mr. Batista, and I'm confident your oil business will flourish and grow stronger."
"I knew you would agree," Batista replied confidently, not at all surprised by Li Tang's response, even though his current net worth was far below Li Tang's.
"Of course, I'm very willing to collaborate. But I have to regretfully inform you, petroleum exploration and mineral exploration are two completely different things. Furthermore, offshore petroleum exploration and onshore petroleum exploration are entirely separate fields. Offshore exploration involves marine geophysics, oceanic drilling, marine geology, and many other specialized fields, each of which is a profound discipline."
Li Tang was pragmatic and had no intention of deceiving anyone: "I don't understand offshore petroleum exploration, so I can't offer you any technical assistance."
He had never worked in that area and had no expertise stored up. If it had been land-based oil exploration, there might have been similarities with mineral exploration, and he might have offered some help. But offshore exploration required a completely different set of academic theories and techniques.
"I heard you're an all-around exploration genius," Batista said, a hint of contempt appearing in his eyes. He still had some expectations, though: "Are you unwilling to help me, or are you really incapable?"
"I genuinely don't know how," Li Tang answered honestly without embarrassment, then smoothly added, "But I'm still interested in cooperating with you. Whether it's assisting your iron ore development, providing technical guidance on iron ore exploration, or even investing in your GX Oil Company, all of these are possibilities."
No matter what business Batista was involved in, his approach always followed a certain pattern: develop a grand concept, then list it publicly and raise funds—then abruptly stop there, without any substantial follow-up actions.
Yet, even this approach of selling concepts attracted numerous global followers and enthusiastic fans, willing to stake their entire fortunes, believing Batista could truly achieve his dreams. It had even propelled Batista into becoming one of the world's top ten richest people at one point.
Li Tang clearly understood that Batista would definitely not reject outside investment. Batista had just used MX Mining's iron ore concept to successfully raise hundreds of millions of dollars, demonstrating a strong willingness to accept money from anywhere.
"Great!" Batista hadn't expected their first meeting would result not in securing Li Tang's exploration expertise, but rather in Li Tang offering capital investment. "You know the iron ore business well, and MX Mining just completed its listing. We'll soon begin mine production. I think your joining us would greatly benefit our iron ore operations."
"Investing in iron ore projects or oil projects—I'm open to both," Li Tang replied casually, thinking only of using Batista's ambitious plans to make some quick money.
"How much would you like to invest?" Batista asked immediately.
"A few hundred million dollars?" Li Tang casually mentioned an approximate number, though he actually had very limited liquid cash available. His foreign currency accounts, which previously held around two hundred million US dollars, were practically empty after recent expenditures. And Lianying Mining, now profitable, would only distribute dividends at the end of the year. Thus, in the short term, he couldn't afford to invest substantial funds.
But in front of Batista, a business genius globally known for spinning grand narratives, boasting about investing a few hundred million dollars wasn't excessive at all.
Hearing Li Tang's bold investment proposal, Batista smiled even brighter: "Perhaps investing in my oil company would be better. The company is newly established, and acquiring the oil exploration rights from the national oil company will require substantial funds. The auction for the rights will happen no later than next year."
"Good. My investment will be in place before the oil rights auction!" Li Tang smiled broadly, stood up confidently, and extended his hand across the table to shake Batista's hand firmly. "I believe you will become the richest man in the world, and I'd be happy to help you achieve it!"
"Hahaha!" Batista laughed out loud. At that moment, it seemed he had successfully won Li Tang over, gaining this billionaire ally. With such support, surely the title of world's richest man was within reach! All other global tycoons would eventually become mere shadows behind him.
After seeing Batista out, Lu Chenyi pulled Li Tang back into his office, asking curiously, "What was that all about?"
Li Tang dropped onto the sofa, sipped some tea, and asked casually, "Does Director Lu have some questions?"
"You've always been practical, whether in exploration or mining development. Everything you do is tangible and realistic. Yet suddenly, you're agreeing to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in Batista's oil company. What's your plan?"
Lu Chenyi frowned deeply, clearly not understanding or approving of Li Tang's move: "Batista is certainly famous and successful in Brazil, but he's on the other side of the globe. This is your first meeting, and you've already committed hundreds of millions of dollars! You need to know that international capital markets are full of cunning foxes. You're a technical expert; please be cautious!"
"Director Lu, don't you think Batista is a person with great ambition?" Li Tang smiled lightly.
"He's basically all talk!" Lu Chenyi's blunt remark succinctly summed up his true assessment of Batista's character.
Li Tang and Batista represented two extremes in personality: Li Tang was modest and low-profile, while Batista was flamboyant, outspoken, frequently engaging with media, continuously publicizing exaggerated statements and ambitious plans. Batista even regularly appeared as a guest on a Brazilian TV program called "One Hour," often making shocking statements.
Lu Chenyi obviously admired Li Tang's quiet, serious approach more, as excessive flamboyance often seemed unreliable.
"But even someone who's 'all talk' can still dominate the global capital markets," Li Tang replied, still maintaining his calm, confident smile.
Lu Chenyi could see now that Li Tang was entirely determined to invest with Batista. Two completely different personalities had somehow clicked?
"Just be careful. We're talking hundreds of millions of dollars here! No matter how rich you are, watch your wallet!" Lu Chenyi could only offer this sincere advice.
"I know exactly what I'm doing," Li Tang reassured him calmly.
Li Tang clearly understood Batista's personality. Batista was a man who played with grand concepts, manipulating global capital markets masterfully. He had created six publicly listed companies—covering iron ore, oil, ports, shipbuilding—each one devoid of substantial profits, and each consistently operating at a loss. Yet, through aggressive fundraising, he had accumulated countless billions in virtual net worth, rising to the eighth richest person in the world at his peak.
That brief shining moment had caused numerous media commentators to loudly proclaim that Batista was on the path to fulfilling his dream: world's richest man was just within reach. But eventually, reality broke through. His key business, the oil company that supported his astronomical valuation, ultimately failed to produce meaningful amounts of oil within its deadlines, prompting doubts and revelations that sent its stock price crashing. Batista, standing atop the oil company's high tower, inevitably crashed down to earth, bankrupt.
However, Batista himself wasn't the worst casualty—those countless investors buried beneath the oil company's collapse suffered most tragically. It was a disaster, yet Batista had indeed experienced moments of brilliance and genuine hope. In investments, it was always about timing—getting out at the peak. Li Tang fully understood this.
He wasn't fooled by Batista's charismatic facade; he simply intended to profit from the ride.
"Oh, Director Lu, earlier we discussed meeting Chairman Bao Yanyao about securing loans for Lianying Mining. Do you have time to arrange this?" Li Tang changed the subject smoothly.
"Chairman Bao heard you wanted to meet him and specifically extended his stay in Haigang City for two more days." Lu Chenyi immediately let go of Batista's matter and stood up, urging Li Tang, "Let's go. We can meet Chairman Bao right now."
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