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"You want to see him?"

"Yes, I want to talk face to face." Chen Cheng had made up his mind. Since the core person in this company is Zhang Qiming, it might be more direct to approach him directly.

"He's in Harbin." Wen Shulin said, "Besides, he's generally reluctant to socialize."

Chen Cheng said leisurely, "No problem, you give it a try first."

"Alright, I'll give it a shot."

After hanging up the phone, Chen Cheng turned to Tong Jialu, who was still sitting in her seat, "Want to go on a trip?"

Tong Jialu blinked, "Where to?"

"Harbin."

"When do we leave?"

Chen Cheng smiled, "Pack your things first. I'll let you know before we head out."

Tong Jialu figured that Chen Cheng was probably not going on a vacation, but she was delighted at the thought of being by his side, "Great! I'll go pack and bring my pretty clothes in case we can take some nice photos."

Seeing her happy expression, Chen Cheng smiled, "Let's go."

Tong Jialu grabbed her bag and followed Chen Cheng, "Honey, where are we going now?"

"I'm heading to Wanbao Hall; people should be arriving soon."

Chen Cheng checked the time, "You... go ahead and pack two dishes!"

"Yay!" Tong Jialu hooked her arm around Chen Cheng's, half leaning on him, "I knew you wouldn't leave me behind~"

...

...

Back at Wanbao Hall, it was already four in the afternoon.

As soon as Chen Cheng entered, Mei Xiang also arrived right after.

"Brother Cheng~" she greeted with a beaming smile.

"Here you are." Chen Cheng nodded in response, while behind him, Tong Jialu was holding bubble tea she bought from Camellia, "Ah, Mei Xiang, I didn't know you were coming, so I only got one for Sister Er."

"It's fine, no worries." Mei Xiang was in a great mood, "I'm not thirsty."

The three of them went inside, and Xiao Meier finally saw Chen Cheng after nearly three days apart.

"Xiao Cheng, you're back!" She walked over happily, "Huh? Mei Xiang? Manager Tong? What brings you two here?"

Tong Jialu quickly handed over the bubble tea, "Sister Er, I wasn't sure what flavor you like, so I picked a popular one from your shop."

"Thank you." Xiao Meier accepted it.

Chen Cheng glanced around the shop, "Xiao Er, has anyone been looking for me?"

"Oh! They're in the private room." Xiao Meier immediately responded.

"Alright, we'll go have a look." Chen Cheng headed toward the private room, "By the way, Manager Tong wants to have two dishes packed to go, let the kitchen know."

"Okay..."

"Sister Er, I'll head in first." Mei Xiang bowed slightly.

Xiao Meier watched as the two of them entered the private room, full of curiosity, "Just got back, what are they busy with now?"

Tong Jialu also quickly added, "Sister Er, I want to order some food."

"Sure, sure, take a look and see what you'd like to eat?"

...

...

As the private room door was pushed open, the few people inside stood up.

Chen Cheng walked over with large strides, "Director Guo, I apologize for the wait."

"We just arrived a short while ago." The leading person shook hands with Chen Cheng, "Mr. Chen, I've long heard of your esteemed name."

Both parties sat down at the round table, and Chen Cheng introduced, "This is President Hoshino Mika from Starry Night Trading."

"President Xingye, this is Guo Huaian, Director Guo from China Tungsten High-Tech."

"Hello."

"Hello."

Chen Cheng continued, "Director Guo, my office is still under renovation, so I invited you here. Please bear with us."

"Mr. Chen, you're too kind. It doesn't matter where we talk." Guo Huaian laughed heartily, "As long as we can facilitate cooperation, any place is fine."

He turned serious: "Mr. Chen, President Xingye, regarding this niobium ore collaboration, I'd like to first clarify our respective demands so that we can efficiently discuss the details of the cooperation."

Chen Cheng nodded slightly, indicating for Guo Huaian to continue.

"We at China Tungsten High-Tech have a solid technical foundation and mature market channels in the tantalum and niobium industry. If we cooperate with Starry Night Trading this time, we naturally hope to leverage your niobium ore resources to further expand our market share in niobium-related products and enhance our technical level."

Guo Huaian looked at Mei Xiang candidly, "Of course, this also means we need to have a clear understanding of the stability of the niobium ore supply, ore quality, and mining costs."

Mei Xiang calmly responded:

"Director Guo, the quality of our niobium ore at Starry Night Trading is well-recognized in the industry. After years of mining and operation, we have developed a mature and efficient mining system that ensures stable supply. Moreover, as I mentioned to Director Zhang earlier, our niobium ore has advantages in reserves and transportation costs."

"Additionally, I can have them send over samples." She added.

Guo Huaian continued, "Director Zhang assigned this deal to China Tungsten High-Tech, considering our rich experience with Eastern Tantalum Industry and Ximei Resources in the tantalum and niobium smelting and separation field. If the quality of Starry Night Trading's niobium ore is indeed as you describe, we'd naturally be very happy to engage in deeper cooperation."

At this point, Chen Cheng spoke, "Director Guo, President Xingye, I believe both parties have their unique strengths in their respective fields. In this partnership, our goal is mutual benefit and win-win collaboration, achieving joint development."

"That's right."

Guo Huaian nodded, "Mr. Chen's words have given me more confidence in this cooperation. A stable and reliable partnership is crucial for both parties."

He turned again to Mei Xiang, "President Xingye, regarding the specific situation of the niobium ore, we still need to conduct a more detailed understanding. Besides sample testing, we also hope to send a professional team to Brazil for an on-site inspection."

Mei Xiang agreed pleasantly, "No problem, we always welcome your company to send people for inspections. We will fully cooperate and provide all necessary assistance."

"President Xingye is indeed straightforward. Now regarding the cooperation model, I wonder what ideas your side has."

Mei Xiang responded steadily, "We at Starry Night Trading are quite open about the cooperation model. We can directly sell mining rights, engage in joint ventures, or explore other forms of cooperation."

"We at China Tungsten High-Tech prefer joint ventures. This way, we can more effectively integrate both parties' resources and advantages to jointly develop the value of the niobium ore."

Mei Xiang nodded slightly, "Joint ventures are also possible, but we need to clarify the equity proportion and profit sharing. You have a saying that goes, 'Cut before chaos,' to avoid future disputes."

"Hahaha, President Xingye's Chinese is excellent!"

Guo Huaian laughed heartily, "You are right, the equity proportion and profit sharing are indeed key to joint ventures. We initially propose that the Chinese side, investing with our technology, equipment, and market channels, holds 60% of the shares, while Starry Night Trading, contributing the niobium ore resources, holds 40%. Profit sharing would also follow this ratio."

Mei Xiang pondered for a moment and looked at Chen Cheng. Seeing no expression on his face, she knew this sharing ratio wasn't quite right.

"Director Guo, we can understand this equity distribution, considering you need to invest significantly in manpower and resources for management and mining."

Mei Xiang spoke slowly, "However, the profit sharing—I personally can't quite accept it. Niobium ores are non-renewable and have significant strategic importance globally."

"We hope to reflect the value of the resources through a certain adjustment in profit sharing." She emphasized her point.

Guo Huaian listened and said, "President Xingye, we understand everything you're saying. But a sixty-forty division is already the biggest concession we've made based on industry practices and market conditions."

He paused, explaining, "You also need to consider that the value of mineral resources is ultimately realized through development and utilization.

We at China Tungsten High-Tech invest heavily in technology, equipment, and market channels and bear greater risks. If the profit-sharing ratio is too low, it'll be hard to balance our input and output."

Mei Xiang shook her head, "Director Guo, I understand your difficulties, but we at Starry Night Trading also have our stance. The scarcity and strategic value of niobium ore already give it a high premium."

"What is your expected price, then?"

Guo Huaian asked frankly, he smiled, "This business, after all, comes down to negotiations. And with Mr. Chen here, let's be open and clear about this matter."