Chapter 65 of The Bear Country is now here.

Chapter 65: Thai Baht Crisis / World Ball First Prize Winner

Moscow in January 1997 was unusually cold.

The road below the Ussuriysk apartment complex, which effectively utilized central heating, showed the black asphalt, but on both sides, more than a meter of snow had piled up.

Was it a sign from the sky?

To prepare for the long winter starting in 1997.

Ivan, Yegor, and Nikolai listened to the report from the state bank governor in Yuri Yusupov's study.

"Thai Prime Minister Thawalit Ungkakul seems to be considering maintaining the fixed exchange rate of the baht. He emphasized this several times during the press conference with foreign journalists three days ago."

"Didn't he say that Thailand's foreign exchange reserves exceed 40 billion dollars?"

In response to Yuri's question, the governor flipped through his notebook and said,

"Thailand holds exactly 45.9 billion dollars in reserves."

With this amount, it shouldn't be difficult for Thailand to defend the baht in the foreign exchange market.

However, there was a reason why Yuri Yusupov had called the state bank governor.

"45.9 billion dollars... If speculators start selling the baht and buying dollars, this amount is not enough to be complacent."

"You're right. Once the outflow of dollars begins, 45.9 billion dollars will disappear in no time."

"In that case, Thailand will eventually have to switch to a floating exchange rate."

Yuri had borrowed a significant amount of money from Thai and Indonesian banks, using the Unicorn Group as collateral.

This was done in conjunction with Nikolai borrowing money from Gazprom to buy Apple shares.

He had been closely watching the movements of Thailand and Indonesia, trusting his grandson's judgment.

Recently, he had noticed unusual changes in Thailand, which led to this meeting.

"Didn't similar signs appear in Thailand when the Soviet Union collapsed?"

In response to Ivan's question, Yuri nodded.

"That's right."

"Thailand seems to be unaware of how serious this situation is, just like we were back then."

"If they knew, the Thai Prime Minister wouldn't be so bold. Once Thailand starts to wobble, it won't be just Thailand's problem..."

Their understanding of international affairs was more accurate than the Thai government's.

However, the atmosphere was somewhat peculiar.

In such heavy discussions, people usually frown or raise their voices, but these men seemed to view the situation as an opportunity.

"Governor, is our government's foreign exchange reserve sufficient?"

"You don't need to worry. Until two years ago, it was only enough to protect Russia... but now..."

The governor glanced at Nikolai before continuing.

"Now, we have enough to lend to several countries and still have some left. After President Yeltsin stepped down, all companies and banks trading with foreign countries were instructed to pay in rubles and secure dollars."

"So that's why the value of the ruble has been steadily increasing?"

"Yes, it has now stabilized."

Not only that, but Nikolai had also conducted all transactions with Gazprom and the Ussuriysk industrial zone factories in rubles.

He had used that money to buy dollars, accumulating them over time.

Additionally, the government had used a significant amount of its funds to buy dollars, some of which were invested in American IT companies.

This included the amount hidden by former President Yeltsin.

"Who gave such instructions?"

The governor's gaze returned to Nikolai.

Following his gaze, Yegor sent a look that said, "You again?" and chuckled.

"Given the situation, shouldn't we ride this wave?"

"Do you mean to further destabilize the baht?"

Shaking his head at Yegor's question, Yuri said,

"We don't need to destabilize it ourselves. We just need to ride the wave and use it to our advantage."

He was suggesting that they wait for the speculators to act and then strike.

Since they had already borrowed a huge amount in baht from Thai banks, they could repay it all at the right moment, causing the baht's value to skyrocket.

Yegor found this meeting somewhat frightening.

Just a few years ago, they were worried about the survival of the Yusupov family, and now they were dealing with an entire country.

This indicated the tremendous growth of the family over the years.

At the center of it all was Nikolai.

Thinking about what Nikolai ultimately aimed to achieve, Yegor felt uneasy and said,

"To do this, we must keep the fact that Russian funds were involved a secret. If we borrow from Thai banks and then act this way, it will seem suspicious, won't it?"

Yegor's concern was not entirely unfounded.

"That would only be true if we knew in advance that Thailand would face difficulties and took out the loan based on that knowledge."

"...That's true."

There was concrete evidence that the loan was taken out last year, so Yegor's worry was not an issue.

"Who would believe we knew in advance? So there's no need to worry. And in the international community, losing power means being devoured. It's foolish not to seize an opportunity when it comes. If politicians are foolish, they must pay the price."

Yuri spoke about the harsh reality of the international community.

He knew better than anyone what happens when a country loses its military and economic power.

He had experienced it firsthand when the Soviet Union, which had competed with the United States for global dominance, collapsed.

He had kept this in mind and continued to support Nikolai's requests.

Because their goals aligned.

"Nikolai."

"Yes, grandfather."

"You told me last September that this situation would occur. How did you know the Thai situation would unfold like this?"

To Yuri, Nikolai was initially just a naive grandson obsessed with art.

But now, he is a mysterious presence.

Even the family members, who were used to Nikolai's remarkable abilities, were still amazed whenever such events occurred.

Yuri, as the head of the family, felt the same.

"Denis has been sending us information continuously. He has been lobbying U.S. senators and representatives, and one of them advised us to closely monitor Asian countries."

Logically, it made sense, and everyone seemed to agree, but Yuri looked at Nikolai intently.

No.

If a U.S. senator knew, the U.S. securities market would have already reacted.

The changes in Thailand were only detected by the securities market in January 1997.

'But Nikolai knew about this information last September.'

However, Yuri pretended not to know.

He knew that no matter how much he asked, his grandson would not provide a precise answer.

"Denis seems to be doing a good job. How about you take charge of this matter?"

"What do you mean?"

"Using Russian government and family funds to make money in Thailand."

"Me, with that huge amount?"

"Don't act surprised. Isn't this what you secretly hoped for?"

Nikolai, feeling a bit uneasy, replied calmly,

"If you trust me, I'll do my best."

"I'll talk to the president. This is a good opportunity to bring the Thai economy under Russian control."

He deliberately did not mention Indonesia and other Asian countries.

It was obvious that if Thailand wobbled, Indonesia and other Asian countries would also be affected.

"If you succeed, Russia will have a strong foundation to challenge the United States."

Nikolai smiled, thinking about how to effectively use the speculators.

* * *

While the early signs of the Asian financial crisis were emerging in Thailand, a significant event was causing a stir in South Korea.

Even the usually robotic female anchor on KBS 9 PM News showed a different expression.

"One of our countrymen has won the first prize in the Russian 'World Ball,' which had been carried over for 37 draws."

There was only one first-prize winner.

The total prize money was 995 million dollars.

Even at the average exchange rate of 900 won to the dollar in early 1997, this amounted to 89.55 billion won.

Considering the minimum hourly wage at the time was 1,400 won, this was an astronomical sum.

"The World Ball prize money is paid out over 20 years. Dividing the total prize money by 20, the winner will receive 4.4775 billion won annually. Dividing this by 12, the winner will receive 3.73125 billion won monthly."

Many people watching the 9 PM news while eating dinner dropped their spoons in shock.

"Receiving 4.47 billion won annually?"

"Dear, the monthly salary will be over 3.7 billion won for 20 years."

"Wow, this person must have saved the country dozens of times in their past life."

"Did you buy a World Ball ticket?"

"I didn't think I had the luck for a lottery, so I didn't buy one."

"Next time, you must buy one. I will too."

"Absolutely."

This reaction was seen nationwide.

Not only in South Korea but also in various parts of the world.

"Is the identity of the World Ball first-prize winner kept confidential?"

"Yes, that's correct. The Russian 'Black Hole,' which operates the World Ball, has stated that the winner's identity will never be revealed. The Russian government has also made similar statements."

"If an ordinary person were to receive such an amount, how would they feel?"

"Haha, would you be able to sleep if 3.7 billion won was deposited into your account every month for 20 years?"

"It's too unrealistic to imagine."

"Haha, I feel the same. Despite the fact that the ticket can only be purchased using a computer in other countries, it's amazing that the only winner came from South Korea."

"Indeed. Now, let's hear from the CEO of Black Hole."

The screen changed to show Nikolai's face.

"Our Russian 'World Ball' strictly protects the identity of the first-prize winner. You can rest assured. I sincerely congratulate the first-prize winner in South Korea. And..."

After Nikolai's congratulations and the promotion of the World Ball, the anchor asked,

"Isn't this the same person who appeared when the Ussuriysk Bohai ruins were discovered a few years ago?"

"Yes, that's correct. Despite his young appearance, Nikolai is not an ordinary person. He is the grandson of Russian President Zakhary and the CEO of Gazprom."

"He is truly extraordinary."

"Also, he made headlines in the U.S. last year for holding 30% of Yahoo's shares."

"Oh, I remember that."

"The representatives of domestic companies that have set up factories in the Ussuriysk industrial zone will know him well."

As the new year began, Dr. Lee and the excavation team, who were in South Korea for the Ussuriysk excavation site, and the Korean branch manager (Mr. Lee), now renamed Black Hole, smiled as they watched Nikolai on TV.

"Russia and South Korea have a connection through the Bear Project. I hope this small connection deepens further."

* * *

The only winner in the world was a 30-something ordinary office worker.

After two years of marriage, he decided to divorce his wife and submitted the paperwork at the court today.

Once, they had loved each other deeply, but now they were worse than enemies.

There were many reasons, but the biggest was that his wife began to belittle him, leading to conflicts.

Comparing him to others—how much they earned, where they worked—she refused to have children.

This led to more arguments, and today they finally signed the divorce papers.

"I hope you don't acknowledge me if you see me on the street."

"That's what I wanted."

"I don't know how I managed to live with a man like you for two years. Now that it's over, I can say that marrying you was the biggest mistake of my life."

She sneered at him as if he were a bug.

"Weren't we good at first? Why are you saying this now?"

"Don't talk nonsense. I was blind back then. It's over with my friend who introduced you to me too."

The man felt guilty.

His friend was a good woman, and he had caused her to be in an awkward situation.

He thought he should greet her again someday.

"Actually, I knew you were seeing my friend."

"What?"

"I thought it was a one-time mistake and waited, but you made this decision. Now that we're divorced, you're going to her, right?"

"Don't be ridiculous. I don't know what you're talking about. I'm leaving now."

Watching her walk away, the man smiled bitterly.

'Right. Let's never see each other again.'

Since the lottery was won during the marriage, it legally did not need to be split, which was a relief.

He immediately boarded a flight to Moscow, Russia.

* * *

Meanwhile, as Nikolai was closely monitoring the situation in Thailand, the U.S. speculators began to move.

Dennis detected this movement first and soon informed Nikolai.