Chapter 54

The Bear Kingdom is now mine, Chapter 54

054 - Lottery Prize Ceremony / Russian Lottery 'World Ball'

If things had gone smoothly, it would have been proper to express gratitude to those who helped.

First and foremost, the people were to be thanked.

There were gifts promised for those who voted, right?

1st Prize - 3 winners: Moscow apartment (55 sqm).

2nd Prize - 6 winners: Moscow apartment (45 sqm).

3rd Prize - 9 winners: Moscow apartment (35 sqm).

4th Prize - 15 winners: Moscow apartment (25 sqm).

5th Prize - 20 winners: SUV car.

6th Prize - 30 winners: 300 sqm of land (within the city of residence).

7th Prize - 50 winners: Computer (latest model).

8th Prize - 100 winners: TV (latest model).

9th Prize - 200 winners: Camera (latest model).

10th Prize - 300 winners: Washing machine (latest model).

The draw had been held after the first round of voting, but the gifts had not yet been distributed.

Originally, it was planned to distribute the prizes to the first-round winners after the second round of voting, but due to Yeltsin's passing, the distribution was carried out this time.

In matters like these, trust must be prioritized.

In South Korea, where Nikolai lived, there were many rumors about corruption in the lottery, but he made sure that such talk did not arise this time.

In front of the U-Mart Moscow No. 1 store, a large crowd had gathered.

"Move camera 2 to the right by 3 meters."

"Understood."

"Camera 5 as well."

A broadcast official adjusted the camera positions and then began interviewing the winners with a mobile camera.

A reporter extended the microphone to a young woman in her 20s.

"Congratulations on winning first prize. Where are you from?"

"I'm from Sochi."

Sochi (population: 340,000) is a city in the Krasnodar Krai of Russia, bordering Georgia/Abkhazia and the Black Sea.

It is one of the few cities with a subtropical climate, known for its hot summers and warm winters, making it a popular resort destination in Russia.

"Oh, a first-prize winner from a place close to Moscow."

"Yes, it feels like I'm visiting a friend's house because it's so close."

The distance from Moscow is 1,594 km.

Even though it is four times the distance from Seoul to Busan (394 km), it was considered close by Russian standards.

"You've won a 181 sqm (55 sqm) apartment to move into in December next year. How do you feel?"

The construction of Moscow apartments was expedited with the addition of heavy machinery and manpower, significantly advancing the move-in date.

"I've always wanted to live in Moscow. It feels like a dream. 1997 will be a year my family will never forget. Dad, Mom, Masha, I'm on TV!"

"Receiving a 55 sqm apartment through a presidential election vote is unprecedented in the world. I hope you live happily with your family in your new home."

"Thank you."

"If you have anything to say, please look at the camera over there."

The winner's emotional reaction was shown in close-up.

"Dad, Mom, don't worry anymore. It's really happening. I'll take a photo at the construction site later. By the way, our whole family voted for President Zahar."

"Ah, I see."

The reporter, feeling a bit awkward, turned his gaze to the side.

"Where are you from?"

"I'm from Novorossiysk."

"You're from a place even closer than the previous person. Please share your thoughts."

The middle-aged man took a deep breath before speaking.

"Just by voting, I won an apartment, and it feels like a dream. I've been living as a day laborer because there were no jobs after the country changed, but I'm really grateful…."

The man couldn't finish his sentence, overwhelmed with emotion.

It's no wonder he was moved, given that it was a 55 sqm apartment in Moscow, not just any city.

"Will you move to Moscow with your family, Mr. Winner?"

"Yes, but… I'll sell it. I have a lot of affection for Novorossiysk, so I don't think I can leave easily."

"I see. You're going to make a lot of money. Congratulations."

The reporter moved to the side again.

"Congratulations on winning first prize. Where are you from?"

The last of the three first-prize winners was a young man in his early 20s.

"I'm from Krasnodar."

"You're from a place even closer than the previous two. This is your first time voting, right?"

"Yes, I dragged my parents along, and this good fortune came to me."

"Why didn't your parents want to go?"

"Well, this is live, so can I speak honestly?"

"It's fine. President-elect Zahar is watching, too."

Zahar, who was there to give a speech, smiled.

"They said that even if we voted, the election would be rigged, and former President Yeltsin would win…."

"Ah, I see… Congratulations again on winning first prize."

The interviews continued from second prize to sixth prize (300 sqm of land).

The broadcaster initially planned to interview only one winner from each prize category up to sixth prize due to the large number of winners.

However, they ended up interviewing all the winners up to sixth prize.

Nikolai insisted that it was important to show the citizens the importance of participating in the vote.

It took a long time, but no one was annoyed or unhappy.

This was an event that brought joy to everyone.

After the interviews, the award ceremony began.

Yuri Yusupov, who stepped onto the stage, distributed A4-sized receipts with the company's stamp to the winners.

"Congratulations."

The winners expressed their gratitude in response to Yuri's words.

"Thank you."

After the award ceremony, President-elect Zahar's speech began.

"I sincerely congratulate the winners and thank everyone who voted. Although I was elected president due to the unfortunate accident of the former president, if you hadn't voted, I wouldn't have passed the first round and wouldn't be standing here today."

Nikolai recalled many events with Tanya as he had convinced Zahar to run and helped him pass the first round of voting.

Although he had obtained information through the Future Newspaper, he still felt nervous thinking about those times.

"Not voting and ignoring politics is like being ruled by the most despicable people."

Zahar slightly modified a quote from the ancient Greek political philosopher Plato.

The original quote was, "The greatest punishment for those who refuse to rule is that they are ruled by those who are worse than themselves."

As the speech approached its end after about five minutes, Zahar continued.

"I will enact a law to hold such voting events every four years. I hope you will participate in the voting, regardless of your preferred candidate."

Zahar's gaze briefly turned to Nikolai, who was standing below the stage.

It was the moment to mention the suggestion Nikolai had made when the election victory was confirmed.

"Additionally, the government will implement a lottery to bring more joy to the people."

The start of the Russian lottery, which would attract explosive global attention, was announced.

"Starting from September 1st, the lottery will be drawn twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. We will also introduce instant lottery tickets."

People watching the live broadcast while eating dropped their food and listened intently to Zahar's words.

The Russian lottery would continue to roll over until a winner was found.

It would be available for purchase both in Russia and globally, including online.

The draw would involve a person with a blindfold picking balls from a transparent, spherical container.

Of course, it would be broadcast live.

To win the first prize, one must correctly guess five numbers from 1 to 69 and one number from 1 to 26.

The odds of winning the first prize were 1 in 292.2 million.

The highest first-prize jackpot in the history of the American lottery (Powerball) was 1.94 billion dollars (2.8193 trillion won), which was won by a single person at a car repair shop in California.

If taken as a lump sum, it would be 1.38 trillion won.

If taken as an annuity over 29 years, it would be 2.82 trillion won.

There was one difference between the Russian 'World Ball' and the American lottery.

《First prize is paid as an annuity over 20 years》

2.82 trillion won over 20 years means the winner would receive 117.5 billion won per month for 20 years.

The 'World Ball' in Russia had the potential to offer even more significant jackpots than Powerball.

The 'World Ball' program was so stable that nearly 200 'Black Hole' team members had worked tirelessly to create it.

The government would oversee the lottery, but 'Black Hole' would manage it.

Nikolai decided to implement the lottery business due to the population issue.

Russia, despite having the largest territory in the world, has a population of less than 150 million.

Given the vast territory, it wouldn't be strange for the population to be as large as China's or India's.

The lottery business was one of the methods to encourage the birth rate.

First, people need a home to have children, right?

Even animals don't have offspring during droughts or in unstable environments.

This is a natural phenomenon.

If the social system is not conducive to raising children, young people will choose not to have children to adapt to the environment.

Therefore, all the money earned from the lottery business would be invested in housing.

In South Korea, the lottery business has been ongoing for decades to establish a housing fund, but it hasn't solved the housing problem.

However, Russia will solve it.

There will be no corrupt politicians or government agencies to siphon off the funds.

The speech by the president-elect was nearing its end.

"I hope many more people will have good fortune like those who received their certificates today. Thank you."

Applause echoed through the square.

The winners took a commemorative photo with the 20 winners of the 'First Miss and Mister Contest.'

Among them were President-elect Zahar, Chairman Yuri, and Nikolai.

The winners would later realize the value of this photo.

* * *

GUM Department Store, Black Hole Office.

"Ilya, how is the internet reaction to the 'World Ball'?"

"It's huge. Not just in Moscow, where the internet is well-established, but also in the regions, it's explosive."

"The advertisements will also be broadcast on domestic TV and internationally. Be careful not to let the servers crash."

"Don't worry, everything is prepared."

Sasha, who was standing nearby, swallowed and asked.

"Wow, if you win first prize, it's not just a big win, it's a super, super, super big win, right?"

"Buy a ticket. You have to buy one to win first prize, right?"

"Of course, I'll buy one. Will you buy one, Mr. Ilya?"

"Of course. Even though we run it, we can't control who wins. I'll ask Sonya for the numbers."

"Are you going to use my student for that?"

"Haha, as you know, Sonya is quite lucky."

Thus, the legend of the Russian 'World Ball' began.

* * *

July 15, 1996.

Today was the day the apartments in the Sakha Republic, which everyone had been waiting for, were to be occupied.

The weather was warm and perfect for moving, as there was summer here as well.

"Mr. President, I'm late, but congratulations."

Nikolai had been pointing out issues like a protocol officer, and the Gazprom vice president, who had lost 10 kg due to stress, thanked him.

"Thank you."

"When will the President visit here?"

"After the inauguration next month, he will tour the country, and he will come here then."

"Visiting such a remote place is really a great honor."

Nikolai suggested that the President should start with foreign visits, but Zahar insisted on meeting the people who had voted for him first.

"Are the employees busy with the move?"

"Look, it's like a festival today. When will they ever live in such a house?"

"I'm happy when the employees are happy. It would be nice if the company could provide some food."

"Should I ask the staff cafeteria to prepare it?"

"Sure."

There were too many people, so a small amount wouldn't be enough.

"Make sure there's plenty, so it doesn't run out."

"Understood."

"Vice President, are you moving into a 55 sqm apartment?"

"Yes. My family couldn't sleep last night. Haha."

"I'll tell U-Mart to replace everything with new items. How about that?"

"What?"

"You've worked hard in my place. Get new TVs, refrigerators, sofas, and all the necessities. You don't need to worry about my approval."

"…Thank you."

The vice president glanced at his family, who were moving in.

"Also, starting this month, your salary will be increased. I was too busy to pay attention to it before. I'm sorry."

"No, it's fine."

"It will be the highest salary among energy companies, by international standards."

"Mr. President…."

The vice president's eyes welled up.

Nikolai encouraged the vice president and the employees who were moving, walking around the area.

With Gazprom firmly rooted in Russia, it would gradually turn its eyes to the world.

* * *

A few days later, Nikolai received a call from President-elect Zahar and went to the Kremlin.

"Beautiful."

"Hehe, I'm still not used to it. Maybe it will feel better after the inauguration."

People create their own spaces.

Zahar sat in the chair where Putin and Yeltsin had sat, but it didn't feel awkward at all.

"Why did you call me?"

"I want you to meet the President of the Chechen Republic."

"Is it okay for me to meet him?"

"Who else can handle this perfectly? The meeting will be on Russian soil, so there's no danger."

After blocking the flow of materials into the Chechen Republic for over a month in coordination with neighboring countries, they finally reached out.

"Do you plan to take the life of the President of the Chechen Republic?"

"Hehe, am I Stalin? If they step down, I will guarantee their safety. I can make that promise. Call me if there are other important matters."

"Understood. I'll meet him."

The next day, Nikolai, under the protection of security personnel, headed to Krasnodar, the largest grain-producing region in Russia.