Chapter 78

The Bear Country is Now Mine Chapter 78

Chapter 78: Currency Swap / Vacation with Salary as Bonus

The South Korean government has officially announced the signing of a 'currency swap agreement' with Russia, with a scale of $70 billion over five years.

Currency swap.

It is also known as a 'currency exchange agreement.'

It is a method where two countries exchange their currencies when funds are needed.

Thus, South Korea has avoided the risk of the country collapsing due to a lack of dollars for the next five years.

The bloody battle has come to an end.

When there is a battle, there must be a winner and a loser.

“...Ah!”

This short exclamation carried many meanings.

Regret, anxiety, despair.

And the fear that lies ahead.

Elliot Management and the speculative forces were unable to accept this unbelievable reality and lost their composure.

“...Ah!”

The same exclamation, but with a completely different meaning, came from Blackhole Investment.

Relief, joy, cheers.

And the anticipation of what lies ahead.

The winners of this war were the Russian funds led by Blackhole's Nikolai and Denis.

The losers were the American funds led by Elliot's Harrison and the speculative forces.

- The government officially announces that it has signed a 'currency swap agreement' with Russia for five years. We will devote all our efforts to rebuilding the economy from this point on.

The president's special address to the nation was broadcast not only in South Korea but also in news outlets around the world.

- The exchange rate has stabilized, but unfortunately, many companies are still facing bankruptcy. The government will work with the next president to support the companies... and to ensure the stability of the people and the overall...

While Harrison, who was in Tokyo, watched the president's special address in a daze, his team leader cautiously spoke up.

“...We have received a call from the U.S. headquarters.”

“...”

“They want you to come back quickly... and Quantum Fund and Tiger Fund are also calling non-stop.”

Even as the team leader continued to speak, Harrison closed his eyes tightly, denying the reality over and over.

“Guh...”

In contrast, in the CEO's office of Blackhole Investment in the U.S., Denis clenched his fist.

“I doubt I'll ever experience such an exhilarating moment in my life.”

- This time, your skills have been thoroughly proven. Good job, brother.

“Thank you.”

- What are you thanking me for?

“For trusting me with such a huge amount of money.”

- You're saying anything. Do you think we wouldn't find you if you ran off with the money? The Moscow headquarters is monitoring the situation daily. What have you been up to?

A system was in place to detect any issues almost in real-time, allowing them to identify problems immediately.

“Talking about it... Anyway, thank you. But can I take a break for a while? I want to disappear from the U.S. as soon as possible.”

- I was going to suggest that. It's best to close the U.S. branch for a while. You can reopen it when things calm down.

“Okay. I'll close the office and send the employees on vacation.”

- Don't just send them; give them vacation pay. Two years' salary for those who have worked for over a year, and half of that for the rest. Also, give the London branch employees a generous amount.

“What?”

Denis was once again surprised by Nikolai's generosity.

- You should be properly rewarded for a job well done. What do employees have besides their salary and bonuses?

“Damn. Even though he's my brother, he's just too cool. I need to show some confidence in front of the employees today.”

- You can today. And pay off all the loans.

“Sure. They'll be shocked when I pay back the loans I borrowed for three months right away.”

After hanging up, Denis gathered all the employees.

“Is everyone here? Raise your hand if anyone is missing!”

“No one is missing!”

“Good. I will convey a special instruction from CEO Nikolai. Starting today, our U.S. branch of Blackhole Investment will be on a special vacation. You can take a long break until further notice, of course, with full pay.”

The employees' faces brightened up.

While a paid long vacation was special, their reaction did not go beyond being happy.

However,

“A special vacation pay will be given. For those who have worked for over a year, it will be equivalent to two years' salary. For the rest, it will be one year's salary as a special bonus and vacation pay.”

“Woooh!”

With the additional announcement, they almost screamed like fanatics, jumping around.

“Thank you! CEO Nikolai.”

“I love you!”

Denis also enjoyed the joy with them and headed to France, where his lover was.

* * *

Moscow Kremlin.

Familiar faces gathered in the president's office.

Starting with Chief of Staff Sergei, Yuri Yusupov, Ivan and his wife Victoria, and Yegor with his two sons.

Everyone's eyes were fixed on one person.

“...This is how Elliot and the speculative forces suffered astronomical losses. Conversely, we made profits twice as much as what we gained from Thailand and Indonesia.”

As Nikolai continued his explanation, people's mouths and eyes grew wider.

“Our Russian government has secured funds that are not inferior to any country except a few major developed countries. Of course, Blackhole Investment has also made a considerable amount of money.”

When his explanation ended, a long silence filled the president's office.

This silence was not due to bad thoughts but because the joy had exceeded a certain level.

Breaking the silence, President Zahir spoke first.

“Hmm. Good job. Now we won't have a situation where we can't do things due to a lack of money.”

“That's right.”

“Thanks to you, our Russia's status in the international community has significantly improved. Everyone used to see us as a Russia that is still struggling with economic difficulties after the collapse of the Soviet Union. I wonder what good karma I have to have you as my grandson. You've worked hard.”

Following President Zahir, Chairman Yuri Yusupov also encouraged Nikolai with a smile.

“Calls from the chairman of Ohseong Electronics in Korea and the companies affiliated with the Federation of Korean Industries are pouring in. It's because you're acquiring companies that have gone bankrupt or are about to go bankrupt, right?”

“Yes. So I'm planning to go to Korea.”

“You should. There's a lot to wrap up. With Thailand and Indonesia integrated into the Russian economy, and now Korea, we can expand our influence to Southeast Asia and East Asia.”

“You're right. It's not a dream to reunite with the independent states.”

President Zahir was moved as the dream gradually became a reality.

“Perhaps we can become a Russia even stronger than the Soviet Union.”

“I think the same. If politics and the economy run smoothly, it won't be a dream. Our Unicorn Group will also contribute significantly to make it happen.”

The two wanted to achieve this dream in their lifetime.

They wanted to see and feel the changed Russia with their own eyes.

Although Zahir and Yuri were quite old, they were deeply immersed in the thrilling excitement of youthful energy.

“Then, will Korea also import Gazprom's gas and oil for 50 years like Thailand?”

In response to Chief of Staff Sergei's question, Nikolai nodded.

“Yes. Since Middle Eastern countries are not lending money, the justification is sufficient. It will proceed smoothly without international issues.”

“With almost infinite gas and oil that can be extracted from the ground, the biggest concern was finding buyers, but now we can breathe a sigh of relief. It will be a great help to the national economy.”

“Once the pipelines to European countries and China are connected, there will be no worries about government finances.”

The gas and oil pipelines connecting to Europe will be completed next year.

Although it was a long construction period, it will bring significant rewards.

China's construction will also be completed around the same time, as it was a relatively shorter distance compared to Europe.

Russia's golden age was approaching.

In 1999, about a year from now, international oil prices will steadily rise.

Although there was a brief pause due to the 2008 global financial crisis, it will steadily increase until it reaches over $100 per barrel in 2014.

In the original history, Putin squandered this enormous amount of money on the wrong things, leading to the collapse of Russia's domestic manufacturing industry.

But now, things will be different.

With the power of gas, international oil prices, and Nikolai, Russia is poised for a new leap forward.

“While meeting with President Dudayev of Chechnya about the construction of U-Mart, he said that the oil production facility will be completed next year.”

Ivan was in charge of operating U-Mart and GUM Department Store.

Since both businesses had stabilized, he was helping his son.

Nikolai would bring the business to a certain level, and Ivan would operate it stably.

Of course, Nikolai made the important decisions.

Ivan preferred this system.

So, he was actively helping Nikolai build U-Marts across Russia and Chechnya.

“Once the oil production facility in Chechnya is completed, the increase in sales will not be a problem.”

Moreover, Gazprom's entry into Indonesia will bring even more profits.

“Did you hear this directly from President Dudayev last week?”

In response to Yuri's question, Ivan continued.

“Yes. The production volume will be significant. Gazprom employees are also surveying underground resources, so the profits will likely increase further.”

“You're right. We have gained many benefits by embracing Chechnya.”

President Zahir, who had thought a lot about stabilizing Russia, added.

“We can't rely solely on gas and oil for the national budget, so we need to focus more on developing manufacturing and other industries. With sufficient funds, we can speed up the process.”

“With a construction boom happening nationwide, Russia will change rapidly in the future.”

“That's right. Hearing such good news makes me feel like I've returned to my youth. Ha ha.”

Meanwhile, while everyone was joyfully envisioning a different Russia in the future, Yegor felt uncomfortable.

His position was gradually disappearing.

His eldest son, Ivan, was no longer in his sights.

He needed to find a way to check Nikolai, but no matter how much he thought, nothing came to mind.

While Yegor was caught up in these complex thoughts, his second son's voice, which irritated him, was heard.

“Nikolai, you said you would give me a position. Will you?”

Seeing Dima's pleading eyes, Nikolai nodded.

“Of course. You've followed me well. I'll find a suitable position, so just wait a bit.”

“Thank you. I'll work hard, ready to bury my bones. I'll grow the company and earn more recognition, so watch me.”

“Why are you being so formal? We'll talk about it later.”

“Okay. But what about my brother?”

Although his name was suddenly mentioned, Kirill smiled at his brother and looked at Nikolai, with a similar expression to Dima.

“Kirill has also worked hard. Finding trustworthy people is the hardest part these days. There will be good news for you too.”

“...Thank you.”

Even as the eldest son, he didn't get too excited like his brother.

Watching his two sons, Yegor involuntarily shook his head.

As the meeting was almost over, Maria held Nikolai's hand and stood up.

“Let's go home for dinner. Victoria and I have prepared a lot of delicious food.”

“Oh. Victoria cooked? That's unusual.”

“Grandpa, I'm getting married next year, so I need to learn how to cook.”

Seeing his granddaughter's cute expression, Yuri smiled and stood up.

“Let's go to your in-laws. I'd like to talk about the children's weddings over a casual drink today.”

“Sure. It seems there will be many good things next year. Ha ha.”

Everyone was happy, but Yegor alone headed to Nikolai's house with a stern expression.

* * *

Elliot Management Headquarters, USA.

“What the hell is going on here?”

“Quantum Fund and Tiger Fund are also in chaos.”

“Is it true that all the money we made in Thailand and Indonesia was lost in Korea?”

“It's not just that. Most of our Elliot funds have disappeared.”

In the meeting room, the executives of Elliot's headquarters were shouting and demanding accountability from Harrison.

The victory in Thailand and Indonesia was overshadowed by the defeat in Korea.

However, Harrison did not want to make excuses.

The defeat was a clear fact.

“This is beyond what the headquarters can handle. Not only the losses from Quantum Fund and Tiger Fund, but also the combined losses from other fund companies are astronomical. What are we going to do about this?”

Harrison did not say a word until the end.

* * *

The White House, USA.

President Clinton had a complicated expression on his face after hearing the CIA director's report.

“Borrowing such a large amount from the bank and paying it back so soon?”

“Yes. The loans were secured with IT company stocks. That money was used to defend the Korean exchange rate, along with funds from the Russian government.”

“How valuable are the IT company stocks to secure such an amount?”

The CIA director handed over another document.

“These are the IT companies that the U.S. branch of Blackhole Investment has invested in. The stakes range from a minimum of 10% to a maximum of 51%, with an average of over 25%.”

“An average of 25%...?”

“In effect, these companies are under the control of Blackhole.”

“Hmm.”

“The problem is that the stock prices of IT companies are rising endlessly. If this continues for a year, Blackhole's funds will...”

The CIA director couldn't bring himself to finish the sentence.

It was a matter that touched the pride of the White House, which controls the world.

“As you can see, Blackhole's investments have reached a dangerously high level.”

“It is a serious issue. But...”

“...?”

“What about Disney?”

“...I don't know why they invested in it.”

Everyone had invested in IT companies, but the sudden appearance of Disney confused the director, who couldn't find a reason.

“Since we can't do anything legally, shouldn't we impose sanctions through other means?”

“Hmm. Other means...”

“...”

“If we use such methods, who will invest in the U.S.?”

“Still, we need to find a way. Korea is also importing gas and oil for 50 years like Thailand. Middle Eastern countries can't protest because they didn't lend money.”

Nikolai said this because he owned Gazprom and Blackhole.

“With the current movement of international oil prices...”

Clinton decided to watch for a while.

In fact, there was no proper way to impose sanctions, and there was no strong justification.

Moreover, he had to be cautious due to diplomatic considerations with Russia.

He was already dealing with the NATO agreement issue, and with this problem arising, his head was about to explode, so he decided to wait for the next opportunity.

* * *

CEO's Office, Blackhole Investment Headquarters, Moscow.

Nikolai read through the list sent by the immigration office in Korea.

《Bankrupt Companies》

1. Hanbo Group (Steel, Construction).

2. Sammi Group.

3. Jinro Group.

4. Daenong Group.

5. Hanra Group.

6. Hanshin Public Group.

7. Ssangyong Group.

8. Newcore Group.

9. Kia Group.

10. Haitai Group.

11. Cheonggu Group.

12. Onnuri Travel.

13. Koryo Securities.

14. Taeyil Precision.

15. Samlip Foods.

16. Youngjin Pharmaceuticals.

17. Samsung Pharmaceuticals.

.

.

.

《Companies on the Brink of Bankruptcy》

1. Nasan Group.

2. Far East Construction.

3. Pasteur.

4. Dankook University.

5. Midopa Department Store.

6. Geopyeong Group.

7. Hanil Group.

.

.

.

After reading the detailed descriptions, Nikolai put down the documents and thought for a moment.

‘If I choose carefully, I can find some useful companies.’

How long had passed?

Sasha quickly entered the CEO's office in response to Nikolai's call.

“Prepare it.”

“Are you going?”

“Tell the headquarters staff to prepare. We're going to Korea to acquire companies.”