Chapter 76

The Bear Republic is Now My Turn Chapter 76

Chapter 76: The First Independent Country to Merge? / Should We Follow the Original History?

Belarus.

With a population of 9.34 million, it is a country twice the size of South Korea.

An inland country in Eastern Europe, it shares borders with Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia, and its capital is Minsk.

"Before coming here, I visited the Chechen Republic and had many conversations with President Dudayev."

President Lukashenko of Belarus (43 years old in 1997) sat deeply in a sofa with his legs crossed.

He, like President Dudayev of the Chechen Republic, was a former military man.

While Dudayev was a former Air Force major general, Lukashenko was a former Army colonel.

If President Lukashenko were to be described in one word in the original history, he could be called a 'master of tightrope walking.'

Lukashenko, while publicly aligning with Russia as a 'friend of the Soviets,' also had his eyes on the position of 'leader of the new Soviet Union.'

After becoming president in 1994, he maintained a foot in both Russia and the United States, and almost for 30 years, he ruled Belarus as a dictator.

The person who suddenly visited President Zakhar was someone who, in the original history, had been such a figure.

Although he had the appearance of a friendly neighbor, Nikolai knew something about him.

He was a notorious figure, comparable to Putin, who began to control everything in Belarus from 1994, paving the way for dictatorship.

Thinking that President Zakhar and Nikolai were paying attention to his words, he continued.

"Moreover, I also visited the Chechen Republic during the war. The state of the country was terrible, almost in ruins."

It was still unclear what he was trying to say, so they continued to listen.

"However, when I went back a few days ago, it seemed like they had rebuilt the entire city. They said they would soon start operating an oil production plant, and I even saw a U-Mart from Russia. They plan to turn the city into a tourist destination."

As he said, Chechnya was rebuilding everything, preserving traditional elements while creating new ones, to erase the painful history of war.

"We have only kept the promises we made to President Dudayev when Russia and Chechnya became one."

"…I see."

Lukashenko pondered President Zakhar's words about 'keeping the promises.'

It's not easy to keep promises in the international community.

With the need to spend money on other regions within Russia, it would be even harder to spend money on an incorporated republic.

Considering the local situation in Chechnya, it must have required a massive amount of funds.

Yet, President Zakhar seemed to brush it off lightly with the phrase 'just keeping the promises.'

Lukashenko, who became president from the position of Minister of Justice due to Yeltsin's sudden death, appeared to be a capable person, both now and during the NATO agreement ceremony.

'He is definitely capable. It would have been impossible to develop Russia to this extent without such ability.'

However, President Lukashenko also knew that Nikolai had played the biggest role in Russia's development.

He turned his gaze to Nikolai.

"I've heard a lot about the economic advisor. He helped President Dudayev take revenge on Tanya, the daughter of former President Yeltsin, right?"

"He suffered a great deal of humiliation from Tanya, so I gave him the opportunity."

"Haha. It sounds satisfying. In fact, I also have some grievances with her."

Tanya had disappeared from history, but the traces she left behind still remained.

"I've heard that you received a lot of help from the economic advisor. It's impressive for someone so young."

Why is this preamble so long when I'm so busy?

Nikolai forced a smile and waited for the main topic.

"Actually, I came here because I have a request."

"Please go on. If it's something I can consider, I will."

Not knowing what the request was, President Zakhar decided to delay his decision for now.

"I would like some financial support."

Financial support?

It's just a fancy way of asking for a loan.

Like how 'bribery' is called 'lobbying' in American terms.

"Our financial situation isn't great, but since the president himself is asking, I will consider it deeply."

"Thank you."

Even though nothing was decided, Lukashenko responded as if it were already settled.

Zakhar, ignoring this, asked the core question.

"However, how much do you think you need?"

"I need 1 billion dollars."

Even in 1997, or even when Nikolai was a journalist, 1 billion dollars was a huge amount.

President Zakhar, not expecting the amount to be so large, glanced at the economic advisor.

As if urging him to take the lead.

Nikolai, speaking as the economic advisor, asked:

"Excuse me, but may I ask where this money will be used?"

"Of course, I should be transparent. The current state of the Belarusian economy is terrible. It's embarrassing to even mention it."

Nikolai knew exactly what the Belarusian economy was like.

Not only Belarus, but most of the 14 countries that gained independence from the Soviet Union were experiencing severe economic difficulties.

The saying that women go abroad to make money by selling their bodies wasn't just a saying.

Fortunately, with the recent visa agreement with Russia, travel has become easier, and people can work for a year, which has slightly improved the situation.

However, there's still a long way to go, as long as the 'length of the Trans-Siberian Railway.'

"Seeing how the Chechen Republic, with Russia's help, has completely transformed, I have hope that Belarus can also rise. I want to use the loan to boost the economy."

"You've made a good decision. People shouldn't suffer because of politicians' wrong judgments, right?"

"…Right."

Nikolai's words, while praising Lukashenko, subtly pointed out his incompetence.

"We would like to respond immediately, but this is sudden, so we need time."

"Of course, 1 billion dollars is a significant amount."

"We will respond as quickly as possible after discussion."

"Understood."

President Lukashenko smiled brightly as if the matter was already settled, but who was Nikolai?

He was not someone who would do a losing deal.

"However, if we lend the money, there will be some conditions."

"Conditions?"

"It would be better to discuss those when the loan is provided."

"Agreed."

The meeting ended there for the day.

While President Lukashenko had come simply to borrow money, Nikolai decided to make the most of this opportunity.

After escorting Lukashenko to the Kremlin gates, Nikolai smiled meaningfully and said:

"It shouldn't end with just lending money."

"What do you have in mind?"

President Zakhar had called Nikolai because he knew he would take this approach.

As expected, his grandson was looking ahead to the next step.

"Remember our previous discussion?"

"…?"

"We've already abolished visas between independent countries. What if we proceed with something else this time?"

"What do you mean?"

"How about completely converting the Belarusian ruble to the Russian ruble?"

"Wow. Currency integration… You were already thinking this far when President Lukashenko came?"

Nikolai nodded slightly.

There must be a return for every favor.

It shouldn't be a one-sided deal.

Once the currency is integrated with the Russian ruble, Belarus will inevitably fall deeper into Russia's sphere of influence.

This will accelerate the process of bringing Belarus into the Russian fold, without much effort.

Most importantly, it should be given in a form other than money.

If given in money, most of it would end up in Lukashenko's pockets.

Therefore, Russia should directly manage and supervise the use of funds in building Belarus's social infrastructure.

After the Belarusian economy catches up to Russia to some extent, merging them will result in less shock due to the economic disparity.

"I have clear goals. I always keep these goals in mind. Now that the opportunity has come, we should try it."

"Good idea. If we bring Belarus into the fold after Chechnya, other republics will also be shaken."

One is weak, but two is different.

If another independent country joins, making it three, the independent countries will be greatly shaken.

Nikolai decided to start with Belarus.

* * *

September 1, 1997.

Lee Min-guk, who had become the head of the Korean branch of 'Black Hole Distribution,' had been excited for days.

Not only Lee Min-guk, but his employees and their families were also very excited.

"Dear, did you really say that Mr. Nikolai is sending a private jet?"

"I can't believe it either, but it's true."

"I never thought we would ride in a private jet."

"Me neither."

"I was really worried when you quit your job at a large company to work with Mr. Nikolai."

Of course, Lee Min-guk felt the same.

Although Unicorn was the top company in Russia at the time, the fear of leaving a company he had dedicated his life to and starting anew was significant.

But it turned out to be a stroke of genius.

"Our friends are so envious now. Not to mention my family. The kids are so happy, you know better than I do."

"You gave me the courage to take this step. If you had opposed it, I wouldn't have moved. Thank you."

"I'm more grateful. For protecting our family."

Their eyes showed deep trust.

"These days feel like a dream. Oh, by the way, when are we moving?"

"…We might have to wait a bit longer."

"Is something wrong?"

"Mr. Nikolai said that if we wait a bit, we can move under better conditions."

"If Mr. Nikolai said so, there must be a reason. I understand. I'll tell the kids. So, buying a building will be delayed, right?"

"It seems so. We'll buy it together when Mr. Nikolai says so."

"Alright. Oh, we need to hurry. The employees are waiting at the airport."

"Right, we need to hurry."

When Lee Min-guk and his family arrived at Gimpo Airport, the 150 employees and their families had almost taken over the space.

There were hundreds of people.

"Mr. Lee, welcome."

"Hey, you all came early."

Lee Min-guk, as the head of the Korean branch of 'Black Hole Distribution,' felt a sense of pride.

Most Korean companies had already ended their vacations, but Black Hole had started a bit later.

However, no one complained or showed any dissatisfaction; they were all immersed in happiness.

"Is that a Russian-made plane?"

An employee asked, looking at the plane standing confidently at Gimpo Airport.

"Seems so. It's my first time seeing it too."

"Mr. Lee, did Russia make such a large plane?"

"This is a new model. Mr. Nikolai's family owns Russian defense companies. They sent it to make the trip comfortable for the employees. It's really big, even to me."

Compared to Korean Air planes, it looked much more impressive.

"The person who provides our livelihood is the grandson of the Russian president, whose grandfather is the CEO of the top Russian company, and he himself is the CEO of Gazprom. Isn't this almost a divine combination?"

Another employee, seizing the moment, added:

"Mr. Nikolai is the major shareholder of Yahoo and even bought Apple. I will never quit. I'll work until the end."

"Same here. Let's stop and get the procedures done quickly."

"We checked, and we will be treated separately there."

Lee Min-guk felt a sense of pride again, receiving such special treatment at the airport.

After everyone completed the procedures and boarded the plane, they were surprised again.

"I've flown a lot, but I've never seen anything like this. Mr. Lee, this is very different from other planes."

"I heard Mr. Nikolai was deeply involved in the interior design."

So, the plane had an interior design that was decades ahead of its time.

While they were looking around, an announcement came on.

-We sincerely welcome the employees of Black Hole Distribution's Korean branch. This flight will arrive in Moscow in about 9 hours and 30 minutes. We promise a safe journey and wish you a pleasant trip. Thank you.

After 9 hours and 30 minutes, the group arrived at Moscow Airport and boarded the buses arranged by Nikolai, moving to a top-tier hotel that was almost exclusively rented.

The employees and their families had travel itineraries arranged by the guides provided by Nikolai.

However, Lee Min-guk asked his family for understanding and headed straight to the Black Hole office at Gum Department Store.

"Welcome back."

"Mr. Lee, how have you been?"

Lee Min-guk bowed deeply in the Korean style.

"Why are you asking that? You should spend time with your family after finishing your work. Have a drink first."

After refreshing their throats with a cold Milki, they quickly got to the main topic.

"There must be many companies that have gone bankrupt or are about to go bankrupt, right?"

"Don't even mention it. Even large companies are collapsing, let alone small and medium-sized enterprises."

"Make a detailed list of such companies when you return from your vacation."

"Are you thinking of acquiring them?"

"Your position will rise even higher. We'll buy a suitable building within a few months and move there."

"Of course, you have a plan. My heart is already racing."

Lee Min-guk's heart was pounding so much it felt like it would burst.

To think of acquiring large Korean companies.

Not just one, but to investigate all the companies listed.

By Lee Min-guk's standards, Nikolai was beyond measure.

"Didn't you say you would move and buy a small building?"

"Yes, Mr. Nikolai asked me to wait a bit, so I'm waiting."

"Right. I'll let you know when the time is right, so be sure to buy it then."

"Understood."

"Also, when you return to Korea, meet Chairman Lee of Ohseong Electronics and greet him. I'll call him in advance."

Nikolai was keeping an eye on Ohseong Electronics' semiconductor factory and planned to have a deep conversation with Chairman Lee this time.

"Me… Chairman Lee of Ohseong Electronics?"

"Haha. Soon, the CEOs of Korean large companies will bow to you. Don't be too intimidated."

When Nikolai gives the order, Lee Min-guk, as the branch manager in Korea, will acquire Korean companies.

This will elevate Lee Min-guk's status above everyone else.

Nikolai decided to give the Black Hole Distribution employees a sense of pride in their company.

"Understood. I'll follow your instructions."

"Enjoy your vacation with your family. If you need anything, call anytime. And here's a corporate card with no limit, so use it freely."

In Russia, card usage was widespread, and cards were accepted almost everywhere.

As long as it wasn't a very small store, there was a card terminal, so having a card was enough.

"Thank you, Mr. Lee."

"Go on. Your family is waiting."

The 1997 summer vacation of Black Hole Distribution employees was one they would never forget.

But this vacation was just the beginning.

Considering Nikolai's vision, this would be nothing compared to what was to come.

* * *

A few days later, the Deputy Prime Minister of South Korea's economy visited again.

However, the Deputy Prime Minister's face looked much older, as if he had endured a lot of hardship.

"Have you been well?"

"The Deputy Prime Minister's face… What happened?"

The Deputy Prime Minister sighed deeply in response to President Zakhar's question.

"I must have worried too much, which aged my face."

"Take care of your health. Health is the most important thing. So, how did your trip go?"

He was asking about the trip to Middle Eastern countries.

"…They all refused."

"Such. What did the president say?"

"They want Russia's help."

"Since we offered to help, we suggested a way. We should help them."

President Zakhar, as always, gave a nod to the economic advisor.

Nikolai realized it was time to prioritize Russia's interests.

Therefore, he began to speak more realistically this time.

"First, read this."

"What is this?"