Chapter 20

The Bear Kingdom is now mine, Chapter 20

020 Chinese Capital / The Room Where Presidents Stay

After returning to the hotel in the evening, Nikolai called his grandfather.

With a six-hour time difference, it was still afternoon in Moscow.

“Grandfather, it’s me.”

-Oh, so you’ve arrived safely, I see.

“Yes. I’ve finished one task and am preparing for the next. How’s the situation in Russia?”

-Haha, how long has it been since you left Russia? Apart from Ivan being busy with the construction of large supermarkets, there’s nothing much else.

Yuri Yusupov spoke briefly, but in fact, his eldest son Ivan was having days so busy that 24 hours were not enough.

Just because three large supermarkets were built, it didn’t mean they could start business right away.

They needed to increase the variety of goods sold in the supermarkets.

For agricultural and meat products, they had to sign contracts directly with the origin, bypassing intermediaries.

They also had to prepare vehicles to transport the goods and various decorations for the interior of the supermarkets, not to mention hiring and training employees in advance.

It was a situation where even two bodies would not be enough.

But Ivan was very happy at the moment.

Although it was a plan by Nikolai, it was something Ivan was building on his own, not following his father’s instructions.

Yuri Yusupov was also pleased to see his son’s busy appearance, just like any other father.

“Grandfather, do you know a company called ‘Icos Foods’?”

-Icos Foods... I know it well.

“What kind of company is it?”

-As the name suggests, it’s a food company that mainly imports and sells products from China.

“What’s the relationship between us and Icos Foods?”

-Last time, the president of Icos and Ivan almost got into a fight.

With Father?

Father is usually not one to get excited easily.

While Nikolai was lost in thought, Yuri continued calmly.

-The government put up a food company for private acquisition, and Icos bought it. It turned out to be the company Ivan was trying to acquire.

“Ah...”

-I thought it would be helpful since it’s in the same industry, so I agreed. I had almost finalized a contract with the company’s president to be signed in five months, but suddenly he refused to sell. Upon investigation, it turned out that Icos had brought in Chinese capital to buy it. That’s why the relationship with Icos is very bad.

“Then it must have been before we sold dollars and gold?”

-Yes. At that time, we didn’t have the funds to acquire it, and it wasn’t the right time yet. I thought there would still be opportunities if we waited a bit longer.

If the timing hadn’t been right, Icos wouldn’t have been able to acquire the company.

Russian companies were so short of funds that they were even putting up the companies they had already acquired for sale.

If they hadn’t brought in Chinese capital, the company would have become a subsidiary of the Unicorn Group.

‘A bit of a pity.’

-That’s why Ivan was very angry. Why are you asking this?

“I’ll explain when I get back. I’ll tell you the details then.”

-Do that.

Nikolai needed to gather detailed information about Icos after entering Russia and formulate a plan.

If it was a company moved by Chinese capital, he couldn’t just let it be.

Nikolai decided to do this and brought up the main topic.

“And can I ask one more favor from President Yeltsin?”

-What is it?

“I want to include a clause that all goods exported from Korea to Russia must go through our Unicorn Group.”

-Haha, I see.

It was an unexpected reaction.

Without saying whether it was possible or not, he just laughed. What did it mean?

“Is something wrong?”

-Yesterday, Makar, the chief of staff, suddenly called and asked if all goods coming from Korea could be handled by our Unicorn Group.

They must have confirmed it through the diplomatic channels they have in ‘8 Dao’.

That’s why the chief of staff called grandfather.

Nikolai was planning to ask his grandfather after entering Russia, but the quick verification process by ‘8 Dao’ made the matter easy to resolve.

“So what did you say?”

-As I said before, I knew from the start when I saw you put three clauses related to Korea out of the 15. So, it was decided that Unicorn would handle it. Did this help you there?

“Yes, it was a great help. Thank you, Grandfather.”

-I’m glad it helped.

“I’ll contact you again before returning to Russia.”

-Do that. If anything happens, call me right away.

“Understood.”

Thinking that he had made a good call, Nikolai looked out the window.

The tall buildings of the city, lit by colorful neon signs, seemed to fuel his enthusiasm for real estate investment.

“Real estate...”

The night grew deeper in sync with Sasha’s snoring, which sounded like a tank.

* * *

1993 was a year filled with international issues and events.

A few days later, on January 20, there was an inauguration ceremony for the president in the United States.

On February 25, the inauguration ceremony for President Kim Young-sam took place in Korea.

The next day, on February 26, a bomb attack occurred at the World Trade Center.

Despite these historic events about to unfold, Nikolai focused solely on his own goals.

The next morning, he was guided by Manager Lee and his direct subordinates to the ‘Shilla Hotel,’ operated by a conglomerate.

“Is it okay that it’s twice as expensive as the hotel I was in?”

“According to the custom, when buyers come from abroad, the company covers the accommodation fees. You don’t need to worry.”

“Then I won’t worry. By the way, have you had breakfast?”

“I haven’t had time to eat yet.”

“That’s good. Let’s have breakfast before going to work.”

He thought there wouldn’t be many people eating breakfast at the hotel, but it was unexpectedly crowded.

“The buffet has a wide variety of food, which is convenient. The price is reasonable too. I should try to eat here as much as possible from now on.”

“...”

At Nikolai’s words, Manager Lee quickly blinked and swallowed hard.

“Sasha, you can eat as much as you want at the buffet as long as you pay the entrance fee.”

“Are you sure we don’t have to pay for all this?”

“Why are you worried about money? You won’t have to pay. There’s a seat over there.”

They sat at a window seat, and a staff member set the table.

Nikolai looked around the room.

“Sasha, there must be about 70 to 80 types of food here.”

“Wow, this is the first time I’ve seen something like this.”

“What do you think you should eat first?”

“Why not start with what I like the most?”

“No, the capacity of the human stomach is limited.”

Except for those great people who can eat a lot, like the ones I saw on YouTube.

“So, you shouldn’t start with what you like the most. You should start with the most expensive and rare items.”

In the past, whenever I went to a buffet, I was determined to get my money’s worth, but I always ended up losing to the buffet.

I’m well-prepared for today, as this will become a cherished memory.

“That makes sense.”

“So, you should start with the lobster. Then go for the Korean beef steak. Don’t drink beverages just because you’re thirsty.”

“But how can I not drink when I’m thirsty?”

“Bite your tongue hard.”

“Huh? Why my tongue?”

“When you bite it hard, saliva builds up. You can swallow that.”

“Is that even a thing?”

“Anyway, let’s start with the lobster. Follow me.”

Manager Lee and the staff followed Nikolai.

When they placed a fairly large lobster on the plate, the others followed suit.

“Is this a female or a male?”

“...What?”

The Caucasian man with blue eyes, who was suddenly asked a fluent Korean question, startled the chef who was preparing the food.

“Oh, never mind. As long as it tastes good.”

Back at the table, Nikolai asked Manager Lee.

“Do you know much about real estate?”

“Do you mean land or buildings?”

“Yes.”

“With my salary, it’s hard to even make ends meet. Haha.”

“I’m quite interested in real estate. Since I’m here, I thought I’d take a look around. Seoul seems to be a good place, right?”

“Seoul is good, but the prices are not cheap. They’ve risen sharply in the past few years after the 1988 Olympics.”

At that moment, a group of people appeared at a table a few away.

Nikolai, recognizing two of the faces, asked Manager Lee.

“Who is that person with bodyguards?”

Following Nikolai’s gaze, Manager Lee and the staff were slightly surprised.

“That’s Chairman Lee of Oseong Electronics. He’s very famous here. The person next to him is his son.”

Perfect. I was hoping to meet a famous person while I’m here.

Nikolai, pretending not to know Chairman Lee, asked.

“Oseong Electronics is one of the top two conglomerates in Korea, right?”

“You know the domestic situation well. Yes, that’s correct. This hotel is also a subsidiary of the Oseong Group, strictly speaking.”

“But why is he here for breakfast?”

“I’m not sure...”

This is an opportunity.

I was thinking of meeting some famous economists while I’m in Korea, and here he comes.

Nikolai got up from his seat and moved toward Chairman Lee.

As Nikolai approached Chairman Lee’s table, the men in black suits began to watch him closely.

A warning look.

Stay away and go on your way.

Despite the warning looks, Nikolai reached into his inner pocket.

“...!”

A blonde man was stealthily approaching, and when he put his hand in his pocket, it was a suspicious action.

Just as the bodyguards were about to block him, Nikolai quickly pulled out his hand and handed a business card to Chairman Lee.

“Chairman, it’s nice to meet you.”

“...?”

It was a short greeting, but everyone could tell it was in fluent Korean.

“I’m from the Russian Unicorn Group.”

“...?”

“Do you know the Unicorn Group?”

“...Ah, the Russian Unicorn Group... Is it the one led by Chairman Yuri Yusupov?”

“Yes. I am his grandson, Nikolai.”

“I see. I was wondering who you were.”

Chairman Lee waved his hand, and the bodyguards stepped back.

After briefly looking at the business card, Chairman Lee looked at Nikolai again and asked.

“I met your grandfather when he came with Secretary Gorbachev during the Soviet era. My father introduced us, and I greeted him. Is your grandfather well?”

“Yes, he is in good health.”

“I didn’t know that your grandfather had a grandson who speaks Korean so well. Why are you in Korea?”

“I came here for import-related matters with ‘8 Dao’ and a few companies.”

“I see. Ah, let’s introduce the young people. This is my son.”

Lee Jae-young, who had been listening to the conversation, stood up and extended his hand.

Nikolai shook his hand with a satisfied smile.

It was a good decision to come to Korea.

There are always people to take advantage of.

“I’m Lee Jae-young.”

“Nice to meet you. In Russia, our names are a bit long, so just call me Nikolai.”

After the introduction, Chairman Lee, as if he had met an old friend, invited him to sit down.

“Were you having breakfast?”

“Yes, I was having breakfast with my group. It’s a bit late, though.”

“I was also having a late breakfast. Would you like to join me if it’s okay?”

“Is that alright?”

“Of course. It reminds me of the time when your grandfather invited me to have a meal with him.”

“Thank you, then...”

Nikolai slightly bowed to show his gratitude and returned to his seat.

Manager Lee and the group looked at him with wide-eyed surprise.

Manager Lee, moving closer, asked.

“How do you know Chairman Lee?”

“He said he met my grandfather. So, he invited me to have breakfast together. I’ll see you later.”

Nikolai took his plate and went to Chairman Lee’s table.

Chairman Lee and Lee Jae-young smiled, as if they found the scene amusing.

“Is the lobster, which is probably from Russia, good?”

“I felt a bit wronged after eating it.”

“Wronged? What do you mean?”

“The Russians catch it, but they can’t eat it because it’s too expensive.”

“Hmm... I see, that could be a valid point.”

They continued their conversation.

“After Secretary Gorbachev stepped down and President Yeltsin took power, seeing your grandson here makes me think nothing has changed for your grandfather.”

“My grandfather became one of President Yeltsin’s closest advisors.”

“Oh, that’s really something to celebrate.”

“Following my grandfather’s advice, negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Russia and Korea will soon be concluded.”

“FTA negotiations will be concluded?”

For business leaders, the conclusion of FTA negotiations is a significant event, so Chairman Lee’s surprise was understandable.

It usually takes ten years for such negotiations to be successful.

“Yes. Not only the FTA, but Russia will also join the WTO, and a mutual visa-free (2 months) agreement with Korea will soon be concluded. All these will be pushed forward at my grandfather’s suggestion.”

“To think that you are pushing forward such significant matters. It’s truly remarkable. Thanks to you, the relationship between Russia and our country will improve even more.”

Chairman Lee looked genuinely surprised and impressed.

Nikolai had a reason for sharing such fresh information.

‘If Chairman Lee takes the lead, things here will become much easier. And there will be more to take advantage of.’

“There will be many opportunities for both countries to interact, and more business opportunities will arise.”

“At Unicorn, we are currently building large supermarkets in Moscow. Three of them, simultaneously.”

“Building three at once is no easy feat. Your grandfather’s vision is truly remarkable. Haha.”

“So, I have a request...”

If you give information, you should also get something in return.

“I want to import products from Oseong Group or companies that Chairman Lee knows well into Russia.”

“That would be a welcome move. How can I help?”

“A call to the presidents of companies affiliated with the Federation of Korean Industries, saying that I will visit them soon, would be enough.”

“That’s nothing. Is there anything else you need help with?”

“I’ll let you know if I think of something later.”

I’ll save it for now.

It’s too early to push too hard on our first meeting.

“Haha, do that. I’ll be ready to help whenever you need it. Are you staying here?”

“Yes, I unpacked my luggage today. I plan to stay for about a month.”

Nodding, Chairman Lee turned to a middle-aged man sitting opposite and said.

“Manager Kang.”

“Yes, Chairman.”

“Please move him to the best room and let him use it until he returns to Russia. Include meals as well.”

“Understood.”

“And prepare a good gift for the Chairman and give it to him.”

“Understood.”

You handle things so efficiently.

Thanks to Chairman Lee, Nikolai moved to a new room that day.

* * *

“What kind of room is this?”

“Man, this is the room given