Chapter 7

The Bear Republic is Now Mine Chapter 7

007 Grandpa Zhenya / The Date on the Newspaper is Strange

"Wait a moment!"

In large Russian stores, there are always security guards to prevent theft and resolve unpleasant incidents.

This store also had a security guard with an imposing build.

The old lady, who was walking slowly with a hunched back, suddenly stopped as if something had blocked her path.

"Excuse me."

"..."

The old lady's frail shoulders trembled.

Then, she bowed her head and looked at the small bag where she had hidden the potatoes.

"Grandma, take this. I put potatoes, eggs, and other things in it."

The old lady, turning her body slowly, had a puzzled look on her face.

"…?"

"Take it and eat it. I also put some money in it. Do you want me to carry it for you? It looks heavy."

"…Thank you. Did you see it?"

Grandma, I saw it, but I didn't.

"I already paid for it, so you don't have to worry."

"Thank you so much. I had nothing to eat at home…."

Is this a rare case for this old lady?

No.

The reality is that many Russian citizens, like this old lady, worry about their next meal.

The Soviet communist rationing system has collapsed.

With no jobs and no money from the state, how are people like her supposed to survive?

Nikolai decided once again to earn money to change this desperate world.

Despite the old lady's refusal, Nikolai hailed a taxi for her.

Watching the taxi drive away, Sasha said in a bitter voice:

"You still have that heart, huh?"

"What heart?"

"You've always been unable to walk past people in need, even when you were a kid."

"…"

"My grandmother passed away in Uzbekistan… I heard from my mother that she really wanted to go to Korea. Salmon return to their birthplace before they die, you know. Sometimes, when I see elderly people, I think of her."

"Where was your grandmother from?"

"Seoul."

"Which part of Seoul?"

"Garibong-dong."

"…Sasha."

"Yes?"

"I'll definitely take you there. To Garibong-dong."

Since I'll be going to Korea so often that my shoes will wear out.

'I should also visit my house in Busan.'

After checking two more large stores, they found that they were not much different from the first one.

If this is the level of large stores in the capital, Moscow, there's no point in looking at other cities.

'I'll put down roots in Moscow first.'

Why did Russia always face economic difficulties?

Despite having vast resources, including enormous oil and natural gas reserves, they did not invest in manufacturing.

As a result, most of the money earned from selling natural resources was spent on importing necessities and luxury goods.

The money flowed out of the country.

'But from now on, things will be different.'

China, once known as the world's factory.

In the future, Russia will be known as a manufacturing powerhouse, replacing China.

At the same time, I plan to invest in distribution and finance.

After buying three bottles of vodka and three trays of eggs that Sasha likes, Nikolai headed to the parking lot.

However...

'Huh? Why is she here?'

A familiar face from his memories.

The woman who had the most influence over the Yusupov family when he entered this body.

The source of stress.

Zhenya, his ex-fiancée, was there.

She seemed to recognize Nikolai and approached with a tall man, her long hair fluttering in the wind.

"Are you doing well?"

Thanks to you, I'm doing really well...

right?

"Didn't you say you were going to drop out of school?"

He considered confronting the original owner of this body but decided it would be too much.

'Pretending not to know her is better.'

But as if reading his thoughts, Zhenya continued to acknowledge him with a smile.

"Trying to pretend you don't know me? Wow, you've really improved. How long has it been since we last saw each other?"

A woman he had to face eventually.

Blonde hair, porcelain skin, blue eyes like his own. Tall, slender, and with a well-defined figure, her hips were...

the Pacific Ocean.

Even without an objective evaluation, Zhenya was a top-tier beauty.

'Her personality must be terrible.'

Recalling his memories, he was relieved to find that her personality was indeed terrible. Somehow, it made him feel good.

Since things have come to this, let's settle it cleanly.

Nikolai, with a stern expression, looked at her and spoke heavily.

"Sasha, you handle it."

"Huh? ...Again? This is different from the restaurant situation, though."

As Sasha watched with an amused expression, a very annoying voice reached Nikolai's ears.

"Breaking the engagement was a good decision. After all, I was a bit too much for you. You did well to listen to Grandpa."

Nikolai slowly turned around.

"Zhenya."

"What?"

"Is that the same man you used to go out with?"

"We broke up and found a new one. Why?"

"Keep living like that. The days when you can adorn yourself with luxury items by changing men frequently are numbered."

"What a sight."

"When have you ever earned money? You've enjoyed everything just because you were born into a famous family. You must have thought it was natural."

"But you're not from a famous family, are you?"

"That's why I'm going to work and earn money from now on."

"Your decision to work and earn money explains why Grandpa suggested breaking the engagement. He must have thought the Yusupov family had no hope."

"No hope?"

"Isn't your family practically finished now?"

It's just a meaningless argument, but Nikolai decided to show some respect to the original owner of this body.

"Take good care of your luxury item certificates. You might have to sell all your luxury items by the end of the year."

With that, Nikolai got into the car with Sasha.

Just as he was about to start the engine and leave the parking lot, Sasha, who was in the driver's seat, quickly took something from the back.

Then,

Swish! Swish!

A white, circular object flew at a terrifying speed towards its target.

As if a pitcher had thrown a fastball.

Thud! Thud!

"Ah!"

"Ugh!"

The eggs hit the two men's faces precisely.

A sticky, yellowish substance trickled down their faces.

What the hell is this guy doing!

'Great slave1 Sasha. Do whatever you want.'

Since we need to at least apologize to the stunned men, we...

Vroom! Vroom!

Just quickly drove away.

* * *

Two days after the Yusupov family announced their decision to abandon the acquisition of the five companies to the government.

Yuri Yusupov met an unwelcome figure while visiting a relevant agency to finalize matters.

"Mr. Chairman, it's been a while."

"Yes, it has."

"It's been over three months since we last met in person, although we spoke on the phone recently."

Alexei Romanov.

The head of the Romanov family and Zhenya's grandfather.

Zhenya was with him.

How did a granddaughter like Zhenya come from a man with a flat nose, a stocky build, and a pockmarked face?

Let's all have hope.

The world of genetics is mysterious.

Now, they are complete strangers.

Yuri Yusupov, not wanting to engage in further conversation, was about to leave after a brief greeting.

"Let's get to work. I have an appointment."

However, Alexei Romanov continued with a sardonic smile.

"You're giving up on all five companies?"

"…!"

"I heard rumors that the Yusupov family is short on money. It seems they're not just rumors."

"We have no trouble with our daily expenses."

"Can you live on just food? To expand and grow your business, you'll need a significant amount of money. It's quite a difficult situation for you."

"Businesses face difficulties at times."

"If you need money, just let me know. I can prepare a reasonable amount for you."

"I appreciate the offer."

The one who laughs now doesn't win.

The one who laughs last, laughs best.

Yuri Yusupov was a man who knew when to advance and when to retreat.

Now is the time to retreat.

Remembering Alexei Romanov's sardonic smile, Yuri got into the car with his secretary.

"Mr. Chairman, why are you tolerating such humiliation?"

"Am I supposed to bark back at a dog?"

"Still, that arrogant…."

"Let's go to the bank where we have an appointment. We need to visit seven places today, so let's hurry."

"…Yes."

As the car started, Yuri turned his head to the window and asked:

"How much have we secured from the loan market?"

"We haven't reached 50% of our target yet. Applying a fixed interest rate is causing delays…."

We shouldn't borrow with a variable interest rate.

"Then, let's go with a fixed interest rate, but increase the interest rate a bit."

"How much?"

"Up to +5% from the current rate. If they ask for more, report it to me."

"+5% should be manageable."

"We don't have time. Use collateral or credit, but borrow as much as possible."

"Yes, we're using all our resources."

While Yuri Yusupov is borrowing money, most people are depositing money in banks to benefit from the higher interest rates.

Or some are keeping cash at home due to anxiety.

That's why, despite borrowing a large amount from the bank, Yuri expected quick approval.

Unlike Yuri Yusupov, Alexei of the Romanov family had all his funds in the bank.

When Nikolai's prediction becomes reality, the Romanov family will suffer an unimaginable blow.

"How much have we secured in dollars and gold?"

"The bank said the loan approval will come soon, so we should reach our target once the money is available."

"While that's true for gold, the government is monitoring dollars. We need to handle it discreetly."

"I've been doing this for over 20 years by your side. Don't worry."

"…"

"Was it really Nikolai who suggested this?"

"The boy has a good sense of the future. What has he been up to lately?"

"He's been wandering around Moscow."

"Report immediately if anything unusual happens."

"Understood."

After hearing Nikolai's words, Yuri checked the government and market situations and realized something was off.

From then on, Yuri began to feel tense.

But this tension was not from fear, but from immense anticipation for the future.

'Some will face despair, but for us, it will be a golden opportunity. The question is how much of a difference it will make, as Nikolai said.'

The challenge is to pinpoint the exact moment to sell dollars and gold, but he remained calm.

Yuri Yusupov is prepared.

He is confident that by observing, he will know the right moment.

'Even if I wait a few months before selling, I can still make at least a few dozen percent profit. If it gets too difficult, I can seek Nikolai's advice again.'

He believed his grandson had a way.

Such confidence is not easily acquired.

Meanwhile, Alexei Romanov and Zhenya, having finished their business, also got into their car.

Alexei, frowning, rolled down the window.

"He's not usually so quiet…."

"Grandpa, is it certain that the Yusupov family is short on money?"

"You know they abandoned the acquisition of the companies. If they had money, they would have bought them. And the fact that they went to the bank suggests it's true."

Yuri Yusupov would never go to the bank in person.

But he did?

This is solid evidence.

Evidence that the Yusupov family is out of money.

Alexei Romanov was relieved that his decision to break the engagement was correct.

"I met Nikolai in the parking lot before. That crazy man threw eggs and ran away. He must be out of his mind."

"He must have been shocked by the engagement break. Avoid him if you see him in the future."

"I will. It's best to avoid crazy people."

Alexei and Zhenya were enjoying their victory, but it wouldn't last long.

Soon, an economic storm would sweep across Russia.

* * *

"AAAAH!"

A scream shattered the silence of 3 AM, and the entire family rushed in their pajamas.

"What, what is it?"

"What's going on?"

"Nikolai, what's wrong?"

"Hey, what's the matter with you?"

"Look at the sweat on his forehead."

Sasha, who was in the next room, arrived first.

"What happened?"

"I, I had a…."

"A nightmare?"

"Yes."

Ivan Yusupov, looking at his son, who was sweating profusely even in the middle of winter, turned to his wife.

"Bring a towel."

"Oh, my. Just a moment."

Maria quickly brought a towel from the bathroom and, with a sympathetic look, gently wiped the sweat from Nikolai's forehead.

"Nikolai, what kind of dream made you like this?"

"Well, it's…."

A dream he couldn't tell his parents.

The vivid memory of his body rotting and dying.

The memory of dying while clutching a newspaper.

The painful memory felt real even after Putin's death and his new life.

"Mother, Nikolai has been exercising and seems more relaxed lately, but he might still be under mental stress."

Dennis's words made Maria look at Sasha.

"That could be. Sasha, do you have any good suggestions?"

"Um, I'll prepare something."

"Thanks. I think you're better suited to handle this than me."

"I'll take care of it, so don't worry too much."

Victoria, yawning, washed the towel in cold water.

"We'll leave now."

"Go back to sleep. I'll stay with him."

With complex expressions, the family quietly left the room.

"Phew. I need to take some medicine."

A tonic would be perfect right now.

But there's no such thing here….

"Want to try some chaga mushroom tea?"

"Huh? Chaga mushroom?"

"It's a famous mushroom among Koreans, but Russians don't know about it. Eating it for a long time improves blood circulation and mental clarity."

Wow! The expensive original chaga mushroom.

In this situation, it's best to pretend not to know and just accept it.

"Thanks, Sasha. By the way, do you know about ginseng?"

"Of course. Most people only know it as a root."

"Can you get some ginseng? Very old ones."

"I can try, but it won't be easy. But why are you so scared after that dream?"

"A dream about dying."

"A dream about you dying?"

"Yes. It's really creepy."

Sasha, who had been lost in thought, smiled and got up.

"A dream about you dying is a good omen."

"What? You can interpret dreams?"

"When I was a kid, my mother was surprisingly good at predicting dreams. I learned a bit from her."

"You know everything. What does a dream about dying mean?"

"It means your business or other matters will go well, and you'll have unexpected good luck, increasing your wealth and bringing many good things. So, you're going to have a huge success."

I hope so.

I wish I could win the lottery, or even the American lottery.

The next day, Sasha and Nikolai went to a mountain four hours from Moscow to buy top-quality chaga mushrooms.

There were people who looked like ginseng diggers.

"Do you dig and sell these in the mountains?"

"I've been doing this for a long time. If you buy chaga mushrooms and ginseng, will you buy all of it from us?"

"Yes, don't sell to anyone else. We'll buy everything, no matter how much you have."

"They pay 1 ruble per kg, so of course, we'll sell to you. The Chinese offer too low prices, and I was thinking of cutting ties with them anyway. This is great."

Of course, the Chinese know that chaga mushrooms are valuable.

I wonder how that Xi Jinping is doing. I should visit him sometime.

"Ginseng too."

"We occasionally find ginseng, so let's do it that way."

I remember seeing it on the internet during the war.

Top-grade chaga mushrooms cost over 400,000 won per kg.

But now, they only cost 1 ruble per kg.

About the same as a bottle of soda.

No matter the time difference, it's too cheap.

We loaded two boxes of chaga mushrooms into the car and headed back to Moscow, stopping at a restaurant.

"Looks like it was a good dream. We got two boxes of such good chaga mushrooms."

"But why are you buying chaga mushrooms?"

"Family can eat it, and it's a good gift for relatives and friends."

"Is that the only reason?"

"I'll tell you later."

It's a matter of accumulating wealth, but now isn't the time to talk about it.

"They're selling newspapers here. It would be great if they delivered to our home. It's quite a hassle to buy them on the street every time."

After ordering food and looking at the top of the newspaper...

'Huh? What's wrong with this newspaper?'

The newspaper is strange.

The date...?

Today's date is February 15, 1992.

But it says May 1.

'The content is also strange. There are only a few lines of news?'

Flipping through the pages, the back pages are all blank.

Is something wrong with my brain?

Why am I like this lately? My dreams have been unsettling too.

Should I go to the hospital?

Nikolai, still looking at the newspaper, kept blinking, becoming more serious.

But since the interpretation of the dream about his death was a sign of great success...

Maybe something good will happen?