Chapter 16

The Bear's Soup is Now My Turn Chapter 16

016 Let's Catch the Geniuses Trying to Go Abroad! / Construction Company

What Nikolai had mentioned earlier were his personal desires.

But what he was saying now was for the future of Russia.

If one listens to his words, Yury Yusupov would think so.

Sitting across from each other in the study, Nikolai began to bring up what he had been deeply thinking about.

"Grandfather, above all, we must secure the defense industries first."

"The defense industries?"

"Yes. The most significant reason Russia has been able to rival the United States is its strong defense capabilities."

"That's true. In terms of defense, we were never inferior to the United States."

"But now, the government is not paying attention to the defense industries. The excellent technology and talent are trying to leave the country. To keep them, we must have our Unicorn Group acquire the defense industries."

Indeed, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, many talented individuals in the defense industry left Russia.

Was it that they lacked a heart for their country?

But with the issue of making a living unresolved, they had no choice but to accept the black hands that reached out to them.

Who could blame them for that?

"And we must also embrace the researchers and key personnel in fundamental sciences like medicine and chemistry. If those who supported the Soviet Union all leave for abroad, Russia will suffer a blow from which it will be difficult to recover."

"Hmm... You're right. I've already been thinking along those lines. When I met Makar, the administrative director, a while ago, we discussed this. But the government has no plan."

"That's why we must take action."

"I understand what you mean. Let's have our Unicorn Group embrace them all."

"Thank you, Grandfather."

"What are you thanking me for? It's not like it will go into your pocket just because we do as you say."

Well, it will eventually end up in my pocket.

For now, Grandfather is just holding it for me.

When I have the power to control it, I'll come and take it back.

"Then, is this the end of what you additionally want?"

"…Can I say more?"

"You, being so modest, it's unusual for you to have such modest desires. Compared to what you've done for the family, these are quite modest."

Are these modest?

Grandfather, your capacity has grown beyond recognition.

But since it's not a bad thing, Nikolai's mind raced as he spoke again.

"Among the companies we've acquired this time, there's a construction company, right?"

"Yes."

"I want to take charge of that construction company."

"Heh, you and a construction company?"

"Do you think it will be difficult to run it because I lack experience?"

"The construction industry is not easy. I was planning to give it to your second uncle, but…."

"Running a construction company has been my dream."

"You don't mean your dream is to build houses and bridges, do you?"

"Of course not. I have my reasons, which is why I'm asking."

Nikolai had a tough life in Korea.

Though he was a journalist, what was so special about a salaryman's life?

It wasn't much different from other office workers.

At first, he lived in a dormitory.

Then he moved from motel to motel, and after saving up hard, he finally managed to secure a two-bedroom apartment when he was over 30.

Though it was just a two-bedroom apartment, it was his only sanctuary.

He still vividly remembers the day he moved in, when he unknowingly shed tears as he entered the password for the automatic door.

That's why Nikolai's desire for a home was stronger than anyone else's.

Among all the animals on Earth, the only one that doesn't have a home for life is the human.

Home. My home. A comfortable place where I can stretch out and rest peacefully.

Nikolai wanted to provide such homes to all the people in Russia.

Of course, not for free.

"If you have the will, I'm willing to give you the construction company…."

"Is it because of my second uncle?"

"Since I've already spoken to him, Yegor might think it's being taken away from him."

"Hmm. Do you think my second uncle can run the construction company well?"

"I don't know who you resemble with your audacity. Heh. But you should say that to Yegor, not me. I can already see how he'll react when he hears it."

"Then I'll take it as you're giving it to me."

"I'll speak to him, but you should meet him once."

Why bother with formalities? If Grandfather says so, it must be done.

"And finally…."

"Heh, you were modest just now, but now you're getting greedy, aren't you?"

"Since you're going to listen, why not a bit more?"

"Alright. Speak your mind. If it's something I can do, I'll do it."

"In the past, the Soviet Union borrowed money from Korea."

"I know that well. I understand it was a significant amount. I found out later that Korea borrowed from other countries and lent it to us."

"Yes, I know that too."

"But why are you bringing this up?"

Why, of course. It's about paying back.

If we borrowed it, we should pay it back. It's not just any country, but Korea.

"Even though it was borrowed during the Soviet era, shouldn't we pay it back? It's a significant amount, and not paying it back would be a matter of Russia's dignity."

"Are you concerned about such things?"

"It's not so much about concern, but since we'll be doing a lot of business with Korea in the future, we need to resolve the credit issue."

"Seems like you have a lot of plans involving Korea."

"Yes, quite a few. That's why I included three Korea-related items in the 15 clauses before."

"I see. Hmm… But the government has no money to pay it back. How do you propose to do it?"

Russia has the best in the world.

"With weapons and natural resources."

"Heh, you mean tanks, missiles, oil, gas, and such?"

"Yes. The Korean government might even be happier with that."

"What if they refuse and demand cash?"

"Then we'll just say we can't pay the debt the Soviet Union owes."

"Haha! That's a good idea."

"If they say they have no money but will take this, then they'll take it. If they refuse, we'll just say we can't pay the Soviet Union's debt."

"Alright. Since it's what you want, I'll speak to the government. Is that all?"

"Thank you."

Nikolai smiled contentedly.

Our grandfather, like a tree that gives without reserve. May he live long and pass everything over at the right time.

"And, Grandfather, this is a different matter."

"What is it?"

"Are you not upset that I recommended my maternal grandfather and uncle to Yeltsin?"

"Upset? They're practically family. Our family's difficulties were partly due to the in-laws being pushed out. Now that we're regaining power, I should be happy. You don't need to worry about it. If the in-laws ask, tell them I'm not at all upset."

"Yes, thank you."

Nikolai had gotten everything he wanted from his grandfather.

Though he made a lot of money this time, it was still Yury Yusupov's money.

To truly call it his, he needed to earn it through his own company. Thus, Nikolai decided to start realizing his dreams.

"Oh, and can you make me a passport?"

"Can't you make your own?"

"Not a regular passport, but a diplomatic one. If possible, please make one for Sasha as well, as soon as possible."

"Alright, I'll check with the administrative director."

"Then I'll come again next time."

As Nikolai left the study, Yury Yusupov muttered to himself.

"At his age, to have such deep thoughts. Indeed, he's not an ordinary child. Perhaps I should give everything to Nikolai, not Ivan…."

A faint smile appeared on Yury Yusupov's face as he sipped his tea.

"I should put all the businesses Nikolai has initiated in his name. I need to take legal measures so that my children can't say anything. Even though a lot of my money will go into it, I need to make sure the name is clear."

Thus, all the business entities, including the large supermarket, that Nikolai would initiate in the future would be in his name, making him the owner.

* * *

In the second uncle Yegor's office, there was another person.

"Father really said that?"

"He called this morning. It was more of a formality, but it's already decided. I ended up being outdone by Nikolai. Sigh…."

Yegor's face was full of dissatisfaction.

Seeing this, the third uncle Anton spoke casually.

"Maybe it's a good opportunity."

"A good opportunity? What do you mean?"

"The construction industry is known for its roughness. Can a 20-year-old, just out of college, really handle it?"

"So you're saying I should just give it up?"

"That's for you to decide, but that's my opinion."

"Keep your thoughts to yourself. Don't make things awkward by bringing it up. But are you not going on a trip? Father said to go and clear your head."

"Can I go on a trip when I'm this angry? I can't sleep, let alone go on a trip."

Thinking about it still makes him shudder.

When he grabbed Nikolai by the collar outside his father's study, none of the relatives outside took his side.

Anton couldn't forget being outdone by his nephew and being cruelly abandoned by his father.

So he was looking for an opportunity to repay that humiliation.

"But, you know, isn't there something strange about Nikolai?"

Anton tilted his head at Yegor's question.

"What's strange?"

"When was the last time you saw Nikolai before he started standing out?"

"Um… about 6 or 7 months ago…."

"I think it was around that time. He looked like a sick art student, but suddenly he changed. Isn't that strange?"

"Now that you mention it, it is. No matter how much of a genius he was as a child, the things Nikolai said were not something even a genius could predict."

"Exactly. Nikolai accurately predicted what the government's experts had given up on. No matter how I think about it, it doesn't make sense."

Yegor and Anton fell into thought.

But no matter how much they thought, they couldn't find an answer.

They couldn't think that someone else had entered Nikolai's body, so there was no answer.

"Ultimately, our Yusupov family made a lot of money, which is good, but it feels off."

"Should I investigate?"

"You're really frustrating. Will you find out by investigating?"

"No, but you seemed curious."

"Alright. That's not important now. Sigh. I guess I have to give up the construction company…."

Father's call means to hand it over quietly without causing trouble.

But it feels bad to be outdone by a nephew.

"Just give it up. If he fails, he might come back and ask you to take it over again."

"Hmm… I'm not sure if that's a good idea. If Nikolai runs the construction company well, I won't be able to take it back."

At that moment, beep!

-Nikolai has arrived.

"Alright, bring him in. And bring some drinks."

-Understood.

The door opened, and Nikolai walked in slowly.

Seeing this, Yegor frowned and pointed to the sofa.

"Sit over there."

"Have you been well? Why is the third uncle here?"

"You should greet your uncle first. You're so disrespectful."

"Even if we're uncle and nephew, we're not on such friendly terms. Isn't that right?"

"Your manners are terrible. Hey!"

"Enough."

At Yegor's words, Anton grumbled but didn't say anything more.

The secretary placed the tea and glanced at Nikolai before leaving.

"What did you say to Father to make him give you the construction company?"

"It's nothing much. Grandfather gave it to his beloved grandson as a gift."

"A gift? Construction companies aren't light gifts. Just tell me what you said to Father."

"Why should I tell you everything? I came to greet you out of respect. If you keep this up, I'll just leave."

As Nikolai slightly lifted his bottom to get up, Yegor quickly waved his hand.

"Alright, alright. Sit down. I have something to say."

"Alright…."

Nikolai reluctantly sat down, and Yegor took a deep breath.

"It seems you're taking the construction company too lightly. Let me tell you something. You're 22, right? Or is it not your birthday yet?"

"Not yet."

"Have you ever heard of a 21-year-old running a construction company?"

"Probably not."

"Exactly, not at all. There's a reason for that. This is unprecedented in the world."

"Then I'll be the first. I'll break the record."

"…"

Yegor looked at his teacup.

His hand, which was holding the sofa armrest, twitched.

"Hmm. Even the CEOs of large corporations don't give their construction companies to their 20-something children. Do you know why?"

"Stop beating around the bush. Just get to the point. I'm busy."

"Alright. I understand. Father wants me to give you the construction company, so I will. But if you run into any big problems later, I won't take responsibility. Don't blame me later. Don't come to me if you have issues with Father."

"You're worrying too much. You seem to think the construction workers are rough. Don't they have necks?"

"What?"

"Try being a brat. If you threaten to cut off their income, they'll listen, no matter how old they are. What era is this? Can a man watch his family starve? If they cause trouble, I'll report them to my maternal grandfather and send them to Siberia to cut wood."

Nikolai's bold words left Yegor and Anton speechless.

Nikolai looked around the office and then stood up.

"It seems you've said everything you wanted to say, and I've greeted you. I'll leave now. I'll tell Grandfather that I've taken over the company. I'll see you next time."

With that, Nikolai glanced at Anton and left.

"What a guy."

"Now you understand how I feel, right?"

"Go on your trip. Don't make things worse. Get out!"

* * *

Back home, Nikolai sat down with his parents.

And he spoke in a slightly agitated voice.

"I'm going to Korea for a while."