Chapter 18

Bear Stew is Now My Turn 18

018 Crossing the Line/8th Headquarters

I was so shocked by the news that I only noticed the date had changed, but I didn't see exactly when it was.

April 14, 1993.

About four months from now.

[The Chocolate Pie Craze Sweeping Russia. E-Cos Foods Imports Korean Chocolate Pies Directly]

If we interpret this article, it means that E-Cos didn't start importing chocolate pies four months from now, but rather that they hit a grand slam.

That means...

The company is in contact with the chocolate pie company.

It might have happened not long ago.

Or, it might have already happened or is happening now.

To import, there are many things needed, so it would take a few months to prepare.

Another thing we can infer is that E-Cos is a company with a nationwide distribution network and considerable scale.

'Something smells fishy.'

These guys. They're messing with chocolate pies of all things?

I would have understood if it was 'Ggappang' or 'Milky,' but chocolate pies?

'They've crossed the line.'

Chocolate pies have a high-end image not only in Russia but also in China.

In China, they are treated as precious items, even placed on the tables at weddings.

In Russia, they are known as 'Korean pies' and were enjoyed by President Dmitry Medvedev, who alternated the presidency with Putin.

To be a snack enjoyed by opinion leaders like the president during tea time...

Despite being 20-30% more expensive than similar products, they sold like hotcakes.

Not only that, but in Russia, there were even plans to build a road for transporting goods connected to the chocolate pie factory.

I had already set my sights on these chocolate pies, but someone is trying to snatch them away in the middle.

Even though I'm just a body without emotions, this time it's different.

'Let's put it aside for now.'

The future newspaper had a characteristic.

Last time, it was about Yeltsin facing impeachment and the impeachment being rejected.

That was information about a future event.

Although it affected not only Nikolai but all Russians, it was just information.

But this article is like a direct hit.

Here, the nature of the newspaper article splits.

The first one was a general future information article that presented positive aspects to Nikolai.

But this article is a negative one, like cutting off his lifeline.

In other words, this is...

'A threat.'

When a situation that could cause significant harm arises, it can also be reported in the newspaper.

Nikolai thought carefully.

Dozens of scenarios flashed and disappeared, repeating for some time.

The conclusion was one.

'You're dead.'

Just kill them all.

The Russian plane that departed from Moscow arrived at Gimpo Airport after 9 hours.

* * *

'8th' Seoul Headquarters.

A middle-aged man was drinking coffee in the meeting room after lunch when he asked the man next to him,

"Mr. Lee. The person from Russia said they would come at two, right?"

"Yeah, they should be here in about an hour."

"Did you invite them for no reason? We've already decided on exclusive exports."

'8th' had already decided on exclusive exports.

The company, which found it strange that sales suddenly increased in Busan, started an investigation.

As a result, they learned that Russian sailors and traders traveling to Russia were buying in large quantities.

Based on this, they decided on exclusive exports, believing that lunch boxes and ramen would be popular in Russia.

"Now, do you know the situation in Russia? At a time like this, we need to gather as much local information as possible. There's no need to stop someone who's willing to come and talk directly."

"That's true, but..."

Manager Kim frowned.

"Unicorn is one of the top groups in Russia. Is it okay? Are you going to mess up by trying to do it alone?"

"Upper management has already decided and instructed us to gather information. What can I say?"

"Upper management doesn't know the exact situation in Russia. It's been less than two years since the country changed, and the economy has plummeted. Isn't it too hasty?"

"That's why we're trying to get information through someone familiar with the local situation. If they're thinking of importing lunch boxes, they must have done a lot of research."

The two men were in charge of the Russian export of lunch boxes.

That's why they had to ensure the success of this export.

If successful, they would be guaranteed additional bonuses, so they were determined to extract solid information.

After lunch,

A Caucasian man and an Asian man entered the meeting room, guided by an employee.

* * *

Nikolai and Sasha, who arrived at the hotel, took a shower first.

Since they had reserved a room with two beds, they didn't need to move around, making it convenient.

"Wow, there's really a sauna and a swimming pool inside?"

"Don't act like a bumpkin. Let's go eat."

"But the hotel provides it, right?"

"Only in the morning."

"Really? What are we going to eat?"

"Would you know the names of the dishes?"

In response to Nikolai's words, Sasha replied, not to be outdone.

"I know the basics. I've been to many Korean restaurants."

"Let's go out first. After a nine-hour flight, my stomach feels a bit heavy. How about you?"

"Mine too."

"Since it's morning, let's eat something light."

As Nikolai wandered the streets of Sinchon, a sign caught his eye.

"That place looks good."

Following Nikolai's gaze, Sasha turned his head.

"Meat?"

"Samgyeopsal, a type of pork belly that Koreans love."

"Meat in the morning? Is that okay?"

"Having samgyeopsal in the morning is common here."

"We don't eat meat in the morning, but it's common here?"

"Why would they open at this hour if there were no customers? It would waste electricity. Right?"

Nikolai's joke made Sasha rub his stomach.

"That's true, but my stomach..."

"There will be other dishes like doenjang-jjigae (soybean paste stew), so it should be fine. Let's go in."

"I feel like I'm being tricked."

"It's probably just jet lag."

As soon as they entered, Nikolai naturally called out to the kitchen,

"Auntie! Take our order."

Suddenly, Sasha's eyes widened.

"Huh?"

The middle-aged woman in the kitchen approached with a surprised look and asked,

"You speak Korean very well. Where are you from?"

"From Russia."

"I've never seen a Russian speak Korean so well. What would you like to order?"

Since it's morning, let's keep it light.

"Six servings of samgyeopsal, doenjang-jjigae, and egg custard. Two bowls of rice and two bottles of soda, please."

After the woman took the order and left, Sasha asked with a look of disbelief,

"You really speak Korean well?"

"See? I've shown you proof that I'm a genius. From now on, believe everything I say."

"...I'll try."

Sasha, who was known as a jack-of-all-trades in Russia, was acting this way because his skills weren't working here.

"We have an appointment at two tomorrow afternoon, so let's rest at the hotel today to adjust to the time difference."

"I'm a bit tired too."

When the food arrived, the samgyeopsal sizzled and dripped oil, making Sasha's Adam's apple move.

Swallow.

In Russian butchers, meat isn't sold by cut like in Korea.

It's just cut into chunks.

So, it was impossible to enjoy the taste of different cuts.

'If I bring this to Russia and set up a chain of stores nationwide, I could make some money.'

Nikolai placed three well-cooked pieces of meat on Sasha's plate.

"You have to eat this in the morning to say you've had good food in Korea. Thanks to me, you can now confidently answer if anyone asks. Dip it in the sauce and try it."

"Meat..."

"It's not like you have to be grateful."

"Let's order more meat."

"...Sure. Eat a lot."

Both of them were big eaters, so even in the morning, a light meal was out of the question.

* * *

Nikolai and Sasha, who arrived at '8th' headquarters, were guided by an employee into the meeting room.

In the meeting room, two middle-aged men and a woman were waiting.

"Hello, I'm the interpreter. This is Mr. Lee from the International Sales Department, and this is Mr. Kim from the Product Development Department."

Nodding, Nikolai shook hands with the two men.

They seemed surprised by how young the visitors were, blinking their eyes.

After sitting down, five lunch box ramen and steaming tea were placed on the meeting table.

"Can we record this conversation? Just in case we miss something, even with the interpreter."

The interpreter relayed the request, and Nikolai nodded.

"Thank you for coming from so far. Russia is in a bit of a chaotic state, so I was surprised to hear that you want to import our products."

Nikolai stared at the two men and suddenly opened the lid of the lunch box ramen.

"Do you treat guests like this here?"

"…!"

"…!"

"…?"

The two employees and the interpreter were shocked to hear the Caucasian man, who they thought didn't know Korean, speak fluent Korean.

At the same time, they looked confused, not knowing what they had done wrong.

"I don't drink tea. Give me a drink."

"Ah, yes…"

Manager Kim went out and came back.

"Since we're all busy, let's get to the point."

"Yes, since we're all busy…"

"I want to import lunch box ramen. For now, I'll only import, but I plan to build a factory in Russia in about two years."

"A factory in Russia?"

"Yes. That's why I came prepared to discuss a royalty agreement."

"Ah, we haven't thought that far yet."

"Then you can start thinking about it now."

"…?"

Manager Lee was uncomfortable with Nikolai's unusual way of speaking.

It was strange to see a blond man with blue eyes speak Korean so fluently, and his tone was even stranger.

"Let me explain how to make lunch box ramen successful in Russia. Please listen carefully. You can listen to the recording later."

"Y-Yes."

Now is the time.

Manager Lee and Manager Kim focused on getting as much information as possible from Nikolai.

"First, as you know, Russians use forks, not chopsticks. So, a plastic fork should be included in the container."

"We were already considering that."

"What do you mean by 'considering'?"

Caught off guard by the question, Manager Lee quickly waved his hands.

"Ah, no. Please continue."

"The color should be white, and the shape should be a three-pronged fork. The size should be about 7-8 cm."

Nikolai took a sip of his drink and continued.

"And mayonnaise should be included."

"How do you mean to include mayonnaise?"

They didn't ask why to include mayonnaise.

This means they had thought about it.

"Like the ketchup in Lotteria."

"Ah, you mean the plastic packet? The one you tear and squeeze out?"

"Exactly. It should be included separately. Russians love mayonnaise and put it on almost everything. Especially with lunch boxes, which are spicy, the mayonnaise helps to balance the spiciness."

"I understand."

"Also, the flavors should be varied. For example, seafood, shrimp, beef, pork, chicken, kimchi, and mushroom. The spiciness should be divided into mild, medium, and hot."

As Nikolai continued, the two men nodded in agreement.

It wasn't a formal nod but a genuine reaction to the insightful and helpful suggestions.

"Consider making local advertisements in Russia. To maximize initial sales, there's nothing better than advertising."

"Listening to you, it seems you've put a lot of thought into this."

"Does anything in this world succeed without effort?"

"That's true."

After about an hour of related discussions, the conversation about the export concluded.

"Thank you for your valuable input. It was very helpful."

"When can we sign the contract?"

"It's not possible right now. After the company conducts a feasibility study and determines it's viable, we'll contact you."

"What? Did you invite me here without a decision? When we talked before, you said it was possible."

Nikolai deliberately raised his voice as if he was angry.

Manager Lee, in response, said as if he had never said such a thing.

"That must be a misunderstanding, Mr. Nikolai. Or perhaps there was a translation error."

"Mr. Lee."

"Yes."

"Can you take responsibility for that?"

"What do you mean?"

"I'm asking if you can take responsibility if this deal doesn't go through."

"Despite your long journey, the company has determined it's not the right time…."

"Wait!"

"…?"

Interrupting and standing up, Nikolai said with a smirk.

"You're being greedy. I didn't see you as that kind of person."

"What…?"

"Then we have business with another company, so we'll be on our way."

Manager Lee and Manager Kim, having obtained all the information they wanted from Nikolai, extended their hands to say goodbye.

"Goodbye. If there's an opportunity, we'll meet again."

"By the way, I almost forgot something."

"What is it?"

"All products exported from Korea to Russia must go through the Unicorn Group. Otherwise, they won't clear customs."

"…?"

"President Yeltsin gave our chairman the business rights."

"I've never heard of that…."

"If you doubt my words, try it. You won't get out of the Vladivostok customs. I'm leaving. Good luck."

As Nikolai turned to the door, Manager Lee's face turned pale, and he grabbed Nikolai's arm.

"Wait! Just wait a moment. I'll make a call and be right back."

Nikolai sat down again for the re-negotiation.

'What are you guys up to? Do you think I don't know your intentions?'