Inheritance of Two Trillion Chapter 2408 - 1801: Heavy Responsibilities

The document presented by Hou Yuncheng to Bai Xiaosheng, though bound together, comprised two distinct components. The initial pages contained official agreements, including formal consent from the Xisuli Government for comprehensive, full-scale collaboration with the Huaxia administration concerning the extraction and development of "rare earth" minerals.

But what precisely are these rare earths? While many have encountered the term, it often remains merely a name, its substance unknown.

Indeed, a significant portion of the population might not even recognize the name itself.

With the invaluable assistance of the Red Lotus System, Bai Xiaosheng was swiftly able to assimilate all pertinent information.

Rare earths are not a single metallic element; rather, they encompass a group of seventeen elements from the periodic table, such as lanthanum, cerium, and praseodymium. Dubbed "industrial MSG" and the "mother of new materials," the advanced materials derived from rare earths are absolutely vital for sophisticated equipment manufacturing, new energy sectors, and burgeoning industries. Their application also extends broadly across electronics, petrochemicals, metallurgy, machinery, new energy, light industry, and environmental protection.

There’s a well-known saying: if oil represents the lifeblood of industry, then rare earths are its essential vitamins.

Just as human existence is dependent on vitamins, industrial progress is fundamentally reliant on rare earths.

Historically, Huaxia has consistently held a dominant position in the global rare earth sector, boasting the largest reserves, the most substantial production capacity, and the highest export volume.

In recent years, Huaxia has intensified its strategic focus on rare earths.

Africa, it is known, is endowed with abundant mineral resources, including significant rare earth reserves. Within the current year alone, Xisuli identified an additional substantial rare earth deposit. Coupled with the four deposits previously known domestically, its production from these five mines now places it among Africa's leading rare earth producers.

Xisuli initiated discussions with Huaxia for cooperation, recognizing Huaxia's unparalleled expertise and experience in rare earth development.

While Bai Xiaosheng was engrossed in reviewing the files, Hou Yuncheng underscored the paramount importance Huaxia placed on this collaborative venture. He mentioned that he had already received several urgent calls from leaders at various levels, all expressing deep concern and emphasizing the need for meticulous handling of this matter.

As he conveyed this, Hou Yuncheng's demeanor was exceptionally serious.

Through a few pointed remarks, Hou Yuncheng clarified the specific situation to Bai Xiaosheng.

The prevailing circumstance is as follows: out of Xisuli's five rare earth mines, three are state-owned and present no obstacles to cooperation. The remaining two mines necessitate direct negotiation by the business group, with the Xisuli Government offering its support.

The final two pages of the document provided by Hou Yuncheng detailed introductions to these two particular companies.

The company listed at the bottom, named "Xuanjin," is reportedly a subsidiary of the Zhenbei Group.

Bai Xiaosheng immediately grasped the implication.

Hou Yuncheng was leveraging Bai Xiaosheng's influential connections within the Zhenbei Group, seeking his assistance in facilitating the cooperation talks between the relevant parties.

A sigh of resignation escaped Bai Xiaosheng inwardly.

He mused that this crucial information should have been disclosed much earlier, even a day or two prior would have made a significant difference.

But now?

Bai Xiaosheng had just concluded negotiations with five different enterprises and their respective senior executives. Now, he was expected to spearhead another cooperation initiative?

Furthermore, the impending interaction with Mr. Brown, the African Regional Business President, presented an uncertain challenge, likely proving far from straightforward.

A wry smile touched Bai Xiaosheng's lips as he confided his current predicament to Hou Yuncheng in explicit terms.

Hou Yuncheng appeared taken aback, clearly not anticipating such a complicated turn of events.

"I had heard whispers of today's significant business shifts, but I never imagined they were orchestrated by you!" Hou Yuncheng exclaimed, a mixture of surprise and admiration in his voice. "I must say, Sheng, you truly are remarkable. A half-day's stay, and you've managed to stir up such a storm!"

Bai Xiaosheng responded with a self-deprecating smile.

He felt it wasn't a matter of his own capability, but rather that he had been unknowingly ensnared, completely oblivious from the very outset.

In his assessment, it bordered on a complete failure.

"However, would Mr. Brown genuinely confront you directly over this issue? Would his actions be so overtly provocative? I am familiar with his reputation; he is a prominent businessman with considerable standing within your group. By all accounts, he should possess considerable shrewdness and act with circumspection in matters concerning the group's interests. Moreover, it is not your companies engaging with him in this instance, but other Huaxia entities. If he harbors any objections, surely he could simply articulate his terms; as long as they are not exceedingly unreasonable, a negotiation would surely be possible. Would he truly forfeit such a lucrative opportunity?"

Hou Yuncheng offered his logical perspective.

Yet, Bai Xiaosheng, having been forewarned by Jiang Kuo about Mr. Brown's temperament, possessed a different understanding. Who is to say that success equates to a lack of direct confrontation? The world is diverse, and especially across vast distances, unforeseen reactions are always possible.

What exactly Mr. Brown's current disposition might be... was an unknown.

Bai Xiaosheng kept these speculative thoughts confined to his mind.

There was no room for doubt regarding Director Hou Yuncheng’s backing of him.

Furthermore, considering this endeavor served Huaxia’s interests, Bai Xiaosheng was genuinely inclined to give it his best shot.

"Director Hou, truthfully, I am eager to assist, but I harbor concerns that personal circumstances might lead to the failure of our collaboration," Bai Xiaosheng openly expressed his apprehensions.

Witnessing Bai Xiaosheng’s readiness to proceed, Hou Yuncheng promptly broke into a smile. "Sheng, just go ahead and try. Ultimately, this only concerns one rare earth company; we've already secured agreements with three state-owned enterprises in Xisuli, and the other two are not absolutely essential. Should you falter, another negotiator will be dispatched. They won't single out a Huaxia businessman solely over this matter. As for the remaining company, I will arrange for someone else to engage with them. I am confident that progress will be made. Securing four agreements would exceed our initial expectations, and the leadership would not voice further complaints."

Hou Yuncheng's reassurance significantly alleviated Bai Xiaosheng's worries.