Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 411 Rare Earth

On the morning of July 10, at the Devon Manufacturing Headquarters Building.

The morning light slanted through the French windows as Song Ci was reviewing documents when a knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.

A smart and capable young woman with short hair, dressed in a smoky gray business suit, pushed open the door and entered: "Chairman Song, everyone in the conference room is here."

Song Ci raised his head to greet the woman. This was Su Lan, his secretary at Devon Manufacturing, who, along with Jian Ning, was responsible for daily administrative support at work.

Inside the conference room, the four presidents of Devon Manufacturing and Lu Chenggong, the general manager of the supply chain company, sat upright and waited quietly. Upon seeing their boss arrive, everyone instinctively stood up to greet him.

"No need for formalities!" Song Ci gestured and took his seat in the main seat.

Secretary Su Lan followed behind, quietly sitting down in a corner to prepare meeting minutes.

"Chairman Song!" "Chairman."

Etiquette must not be disregarded, so everyone greeted each other respectfully before starting today's meeting.

President Wang Fengying chaired the meeting: "President Lu, you may begin your report."

Lu Chenggong straightened his back and spoke in a clear voice: "Chairman Song, leaders, we have made a major breakthrough regarding the supply chain company's acquisition of Talison Mining."

Last month, with the assistance of JPMorgan Chase, its wholly-owned Australian subsidiary, Winfield, successfully acquired a 19.9% ​​stake in Talison Mining, becoming its second-largest shareholder and successfully rejecting Lockwood's acquisition plan at the shareholders' meeting.

Just yesterday, the company received a no-objection letter from the Australian Foreign Investment Review Board, confirming that Devon's acquisition of Talison is in its security interest and allowing the company to proceed with its next steps.

Upon hearing this, even Song Ci, with his composure, couldn't help but show his delight.

Passing the security review by the Australian authorities means that the obstacles to the acquisition have been cleared, and Talison Mining is now in Devon's possession.

Wang Fengying, Tang Jun, and the others were also overjoyed.

Lithium mines are a strategic resource in the new energy era. With the acquisition of Talison Mining and the addition of African cobalt mines, Devon has already gained a head start in the upstream of the industry chain.

Lu Chenggong sighed inwardly. He had previously thought that the chairman's plan to acquire an overseas mining company was a pipe dream, but now that the big deal was about to be accomplished, it proved that he was short-sighted and ignorant.

"Wenfield has signed the 'Scheme of Agreement Implementation Details' with Talison to acquire the remaining 80.01% stake at C$7.5 per share, 15% higher than Lockwood's offer. However, a reverse break-up fee of US$2500 million is still required."

What is the approximate total cost of this acquisition?

"The equity acquisition, loan interest, and service fees paid to JPMorgan Chase amounted to approximately $8 million."

"Sign the agreement as soon as possible!" Song Ci said firmly, but he also felt a little pressure.

Since its inception, Devon Manufacturing has been spending money like water, investing a massive $40 billion to quickly establish its presence and seize opportunities. Fortunately, things are beginning to look promising.

Lu Chenggong quickly agreed: "Chairman Song, please rest assured that the transfer of all equity in Thales Mining will be completed by the end of this month, and all equity will be injected into Xiangjiang Dewen International before October."

Song Ci, full of vigor and confidence, declared: "With foreign cobalt and lithium mines secured, Dewen's only remaining supply chain element is the rare earth sector!"

Wang Fengying turned her gaze to Lu Chenggong, her eyes sharp: "President Lu, the chairman personally stepped in to create a huge advantage for the supply chain company. You can't just sit back and reap the benefits, can you? Do you have any plans for the rare earth business?"

Lu Chenggong took a deep breath, knowing that a crucial test in his career had arrived. In the early days of the company, everything was in disarray, and the appointment of department heads was just a transition. If they could not achieve results, they would naturally have to step down and make way for more capable people.

Fortunately, since it concerned his position as general manager, he had conducted thorough market research on the rare earth industry, which gave him enough confidence to meet this challenge.

"Chairman Song, the northern rare earth market is almost monopolized by Baogang Group. As a newcomer to the industry, it would be too costly for our company to rashly participate in direct competition."

Therefore, I suggest shifting the strategic focus to ion-adsorption rare earth elements and seizing medium and heavy rare earth deposits in southern provinces such as Jiangxi, Guangdong, and Fujian.

Song Ci tapped the table lightly with her fingertip, agreeing, "The idea is correct. This is a crucial period for the integration of the rare earth industry in the southern region."

Once this window of opportunity is missed, it will be difficult for the company to achieve anything significant in the rare earth industry. They must seize every second and make the most of this precious window to implement their plans.

The boss's affirmation boosted Lu Chenggong's spirits: "Considering the company's core business positioning of new energy and high-end manufacturing, the company plans to focus its rare earth resources on the research and development and production of high-performance neodymium iron boron materials."

Neodymium iron boron?

Seeing Song Ci's puzzled expression, Wang Fengying explained in a low voice: "President Song, neodymium iron boron is a permanent magnet material, which is the core basic material for new energy vehicle drive motors, wind turbine generators, energy-saving home appliances and industrial motors."

Song Ci suddenly realized, a glint of light flashing in his eyes: "The idea of ​​extending to high value-added materials downstream of the rare earth industry chain is excellent."

After the brief incident, Lu Chenggong continued, "Next, I plan to leverage the company's strong financial resources to engage in in-depth cooperation with local governments in major rare earth provinces in the south."

They acquire mining separation quotas through methods such as acquiring stakes in local rare earth groups and establishing joint ventures to operate regional companies.

At this moment, Tang Jun suddenly spoke up: "President Lu, this year is the peak period for the country's environmental protection rectification and elimination of outdated production capacity."

I suggest focusing on small and medium-sized separation companies that are compliant, technologically sound, but facing operational difficulties. Mergers and acquisitions can quickly expand production capacity and secure separation quotas—a win-win situation.

Lu Chenggong was taken aback at first, then said sincerely, "I really didn't consider that point. It was my oversight. President Tang's suggestion is very valuable, and I will arrange to follow up immediately."

Song Xueying glanced at Tang Jun meaningfully.

The management of Dewen may not be familiar with Tang Jun, but she is a veteran who came from Tengda and knows that he is a well-known "king of scalpers" at Tengda.

They also possess strong key skills, and their ability to offer precise suggestions at the meeting clearly indicates that they had done their homework beforehand.

As expected, Song Ci immediately made arrangements: "Tang Jun, you will take the lead in this acquisition, as well as the cooperation with the local government in rare earth mining, which you will also coordinate and recommend. Report any problems to me in a timely manner."

Song Xueying witnessed this scene and sighed inwardly. Opportunity truly favors the prepared mind. Tang Jun's advice and strategies led to his successful acquisition of control over the supply chain company, one of Devon Manufacturing's five core businesses.

With a confident smile, Tang Jun immediately replied, "Okay, Chairman Song. I have already compiled a list of some small and medium-sized enterprises before the meeting, and I will hand it over to President Lu after the meeting."

At this moment, the former president of WeChat felt a surge of fighting spirit.

It is evident from Devon's manufacturing strategy that once the big boss's plan is realized, Devon will grow into a world-class manufacturing giant within ten years.

It will have a significant impact on the entire country and even the world, and its potential may even exceed that of Tengda Group.

He must demonstrate his value during critical stages of the company's development in order to gain Song Ci's trust and be given important responsibilities, thus securing greater opportunities for advancement and substantial stock option rewards.

Song Ci nodded slightly and solemnly instructed, "Domestic rare earth mining is entirely entrusted to you. I will also simultaneously arrange for overseas mine investments to hedge risks. However, one must be strong oneself to succeed; the company's separation and smelting technology and environmental protection standards must be continuously upgraded."

In short, the supply chain strategy is to focus relentlessly on medium and heavy rare earth elements, align with the demand from new energy and wind power permanent magnets, and concentrate efforts on penetrating high-value segments.

After speaking, Song Ci turned his gaze to his trusted subordinate: "Tang Jun, I have carefully considered the proposal you submitted suggesting that the company establish a scrap metal recycling subsidiary. It is indeed forward-looking and of strategic value."

Tang Jun's face lit up with joy: "I was also considering that if the company could use the cobalt and lithium recycling network to simultaneously acquire rare earth resources, it could effectively reduce marginal costs."

Song Ci chuckled and said, "Internet companies emphasize closed-loop ecosystems. This is your internet mindset, but the idea itself is sound."

Mineral resources are non-renewable, and metal recycling is a key area for future development; indeed, the earlier we start planning, the better.

After the meeting, please distribute that document to everyone for review, and we'll discuss it again at the next meeting. If there's nothing else, let's adjourn today's meeting.

Witnessing the interaction between Song Ci and Tang Jun, Wang Fengying felt an invisible pressure and quickly shared some progress on her work:
"President Song, the demolition and resettlement work on the Jiangbei factory site is nearing completion. Leaders from Jiangsu Province and Nanjing want to hold a groundbreaking ceremony and hope to invite you to attend."

As Devon Manufacturing continues its major moves in the global mining market, it is attracting increasing attention from local governments, especially the Nanjing government, which is making every effort to promote Devon's new energy vehicle manufacturing project.

When exactly is the ceremony scheduled?

Early September.

Song Ci shook his head and refused: "The first ten days of the month won't do! As a representative of entrepreneurs, I have to go to Russia in early September to attend the APEC meeting!"

Several people in the meeting room were secretly alarmed upon hearing this, but Wang Fengying quickly reacted: "I will immediately communicate with the leaders in Jinling and try to move the time forward. I will report to you as soon as it is confirmed."

Just as Song Ci was about to get up and leave the meeting room, she suddenly remembered something.

"Mr. Wang, could you communicate with the Beiping government and see if you can secure a plot of land near Tengda Group to build the Devon Manufacturing Headquarters Building?"

With land prices in Beiping continuing to rise, the sooner the company headquarters building is completed, the more cost-effective it will be. Moreover, for his convenience, it would be best if Wen Neng were located near Tengda, saving him the time he would have to travel between the two places every day.

And so, he spent the morning in a meeting at Devon Manufacturing, the afternoon at Tenda Group, and the evening at home having dinner with his wife. The richest man's ordinary day passed quietly.

At dusk, in the dining room of Jingyuan Family Restaurant, Liu Shishi, in order to maintain her figure, only ate a few bites of food before putting down her chopsticks and virtuously serving her husband a bowl of soup.

"Yiyi, the wedding photos we took earlier have been developed."

"They're done so quickly! Show them to me in a bit." Song Ci was in high spirits. He and Liu Shishi had taken five sets of wedding photos in different styles.

“I’m going to Russia in September, how about we take another set of photos in Red Square?”

"Okay!" Liu Shishi's eyes lit up. What woman could resist wearing a beautiful wedding dress and leaving a beautiful photo at a world-famous scenic spot?

Previously, she and Song Ci had taken five sets of wedding photos in indoor locations, the Forbidden City, the Bund, Peking University, and Paris, and were extremely looking forward to their trip to Russia.

The couple chatted casually and quickly finished their dinner.

Song Ci had a habit of going for a walk after dinner. Seeing Liu Shishi sitting on the sofa with a maid serving her fruit and snacks, she asked curiously, "Aren't you going to come out for a stroll with me?"

Liu Shishi raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Xuan-Yuan Sword premieres tonight, I'm going to watch some TV."

"Alright then." Song Ci chuckled, turned and stepped out of the living room, strolling in the night to digest her food.

At 7:30 p.m., the ancient costume fantasy drama "Xuan-Yuan Sword", produced by Tangren Media and starring Liu Shishi, Hu Ge, Tang Yan and others, premiered on Hunan Satellite TV's Golden Eagle Independent Theater.

This drama has been generating buzz since its inception, with its leading lady in the lead role and Hu Ge's last fantasy drama adding to its appeal.

After the first episode aired, related topics trended on Weibo. By the time the first two episodes finished airing, the entire internet was abuzz with discussion, and the top ten trending topics were all related to "Xuan-Yuan Sword".

At this moment, the lights of Donghai Tangren Film and Television are on full display, with the entire staff working overtime tonight to keep up with the premiere.

Cai Yinong browsed the trending topics list intently.

1. Liu Shishi and Tuoba Yu'er

2. Hu Ge Yuwentuo

3. Premiere of "Xuan-Yuan Sword"

. . .

Seeing the ever-increasing popularity and the flood of comments from netizens, Cai Yinong could not hide his joy.

Judging from the current response, the ratings for "Xuan-Yuan Sword" are definitely off the charts. As for whether it can replicate the success of "Scarlet Heart", we can only wait and see how things develop.

Across from her, Hu Ge was also looking at the trending topics on her phone, waiting for the premiere ratings to be released: "Judging from this momentum, the ratings for 'Xuan-Yuan Sword' should be pretty good, K-sister, you can rest assured."

Cai Yinong smiled brightly: "Thanks to you and Shishi, the two of you are a guarantee of high ratings. It's a pity..."

The words were on the tip of his tongue, but the president of Tangren Media felt a pang of regret, realizing that "Xuan-Yuan Sword" might be the last time the company's top male and female stars would collaborate.

Hu Ge will likely transition to the big screen and serious dramas in the future. As for Liu Shishi, after her wedding and filming "The Imperial Doctress," she may even choose to retire from acting and return to her family.

"I wonder if Jiang Jinfu and Gulinaza will be able to carry the banner of Tangren after this drama."

Seemingly sensing Cai Yinong's unease, Hu Ge comforted him, saying, "Sister K, with the huge success of 'Xuan-Yuan Sword,' Jin Fu and Nazha's popularity and status will surely rise as well."

"I hope so." Cai Yinong sighed softly. It's not easy to cultivate a top-tier star. Resources and opportunities are both indispensable. No one can predict what the future holds for Jiang Jinfu and Gulnazar.

Just then, the phone rang. Cai Yinong quickly answered and eagerly asked, "Director Zhang, have the ratings for the premiere of 'Xuan-Yuan Sword' come out yet?"

On the other end of the phone, the director of the Hunan Provincial Satellite TV Production Center beamed with joy: "President Cai, great news! The premiere of 'Xuan-Yuan Sword' achieved an average viewership rating of 2.02%, with a national viewership share of nearly 11%, ranking first in the country during its time slot."

Upon hearing the news, Cai Yinong clenched his fist excitedly: "Thank you, Director Zhang. I will increase our publicity efforts, and I also hope that Hunan TV will cooperate more with Tangren Media."

Director Zhang agreed without hesitation: "Don't worry, President Cai, this is a great thing that benefits both sides, and the TV station will definitely give it its full support!"

(The second update will be a little late)
(End of this chapter)