Chapter 129: First Meeting with Vladimir Putin

I calmly took another sip of coffee as I observed Putin, whose receding hairline still showed some sign of life.

“If you understand me, our conversation will be smoother,”

“Well, I can’t say if it will be smooth or not. The more I learn about you, the more mysterious you become,” he replied.

Putin took a sip of his black tea and shot me an interesting look.

“I find Dream High’s movements fascinating as well. To think you’re playing the same side as the old dogs on Wall Street while holding a position opposite of theirs and taking most of the profits! Giving them only the leftovers is also interesting.”

Even though the Soviet Union had collapsed, the information network of the KGB’s successor, the FSB, was still intact.

If that was the case, then I had to think that the CIA was holding even more information.

‘Maybe they also discovered the existence of the shell company,’ I thought.

Even I, who knew every account, wouldn’t be able to know the flow of funds unless I checked the related documents myself.

Even if it was the CIA and the FSB, I thought it was safe to assume that they were not perfectly tracking us.

Given that they probably had their suspicions, they may have made some correct assumptions.

“Well, it looks like you really are the head of the FSB,” I said.

“I don’t like it when a conversation goes in circles. Please speak frankly,” he said.

His expression was a little sterner than the one he often showed on TV.

“It’s simple. I wish to be your political partner and supporter,” he stated.

“I already have oligarchs like Berezovsky supporting me,” I replied.

“If you come to power, will you let them go? If you want to keep ignoring that after seeing Yeltsin’s fate, I will get up right here and now.”

He became President with the power of the oligarchs, but Putin was known to purge the majority of them, who wanted to be above him.

He allowed the oligarchs who kept their heads down to live, but most of them were seized on charges of corruption. They were also exiled from Russia, including Berezovsky, who was his benefactor.

I could only hope he was still thinking this way. Without any hesitation, I presented him with new options.

Putin frowned and didn’t immediately answer.

“Should I get up?”

Just a few months from now, Putin would suddenly rise as the top candidate for the next presidency with Yeltsin’s full support.

But for now, his interest in the presidency was nonexistent. He could still be swayed by my offer.

Once the presidency was in his sights, there would be no reason for him to accept my offer. It was a stroke of luck for me that Berezovsky arranged a meeting with Putin today.

Putin responded with a question.

“Aren’t you the same? You want to control me with money, don’t you?”

“I’m not Russian. I’m not interested in politics. I just want to be your friend, Mr. Putin. A friend who can help the other out when they’re in a hard place.”

Putin snorted at my mention of friendship.

“A friend? Hah. You have a funny way of putting things.”

“Someone without friends is like a tree without roots,” I replied.

Putin looked dumbfounded when a Russian proverb suddenly popped out of my mouth. He shrugged in response.

“I’ve heard that in Russia, they distinguish between a friend and an acquaintance,” he said.

I looked at Putin, who was obviously suspicious of me, and said, “I want to be your true friend in the best sense of the word, someone you trust and treat as part of your family.”

“Friend…”

While it was difficult to become friends with a Russian, those who did became like family to each other and would help each other in times of hardship.

“Утро вечера мудренéе,”

“The morning is wiser than the evening?”

“Oh, you know that too?”

It was an old saying not to rush in making decisions.

“I’ll put off my answer for now. Whether I’ll consider you a friend or just an acquaintance depends on you,” he said.

I couldn’t help but smile. That was just like Putin.

“A friend is precious, so one cannot carelessly choose them. I hope you won’t take it the wrong way if I put my answer on hold for now,” I said.

I agreed with Putin as he continued speaking.

You couldn’t get full, satisfied from the first meal.

“That’s fine. You will be given an opportunity soon. Don’t waste it. Waiting for something like this will prove to be futile. What I wouldn’t want is for you to waste your future by taking no action, like holding on to both apples without picking one,” I stated.

Putin’s expression stiffened.

Could I call him my friend if I only spoke about the good things?

“Are you calling me an opportunist?”

“No. While you had good results back then, sometimes an opportunity presents itself, and you must make prompt decisions. You’ll understand why when the time comes,” I said.

A few months later, Yeltsin would collapse from pneumonia, and a series of attacks on Yeltsin’s opponents would begin.

At that time, Putin, then head of the FSB, would defend Yeltsin from his enemies, eliminating them. It allowed him to distinguish himself to both Yeltsin’s inner circle and the central political sphere.

Putin held Yeltsin’s hand, not out of loyalty, but since he was a political genius, my words would probably resurface in his mind when he had to make his choice.

“You speak like someone who knows the future,” he said.

Putin’s eyes glinted sharply.

I feigned ignorance and smiled.

“If I could see the future, I would be a god,” I said.

“That’s true,” he replied.

“Let’s say I have a strong intuition. My life has been successful because of it. Right now, my intuition is telling me you’re a good opportunity,” I said.

“Like some mysterious old man in the East?”

“Maybe. Hahaha.”

I spent some time talking about meaningless things with the man. Neither of us mentioned friendship or support anymore.

After an hour of conversation, we stood up and shook hands.

“I had fun. I hope we’ll be friends when we meet next time,” I said.

“I had fun too,” he replied.

After shaking hands, I left the house while being seen off by Putin.

“Manager Ma,” I called out.

As I called for him, Manager Ma ran toward me with a folder of documents.

I took the folder and handed it to Putin.

“These are anonymous bonds. There shouldn’t be any problems with it. Consider it payment for the great coffee,” I said.

Putin didn’t look pleased when he received the envelope, but he didn’t return it.

“How long do you plan to stay in Russia?”

“About a week, I think.”

“I hope we can meet again before you leave,” he said.

“Call me whenever you want good coffee,” I replied.

Standing in front of the door, Putin was still watching me until my car went out of his line of sight.

As I turned around the corner, I muttered playfully, “I thought you’d be rougher since you’re from the KGB.”

“They’re quite good at concealing their true feelings. What you see is not all there is to them,” he replied.

I could sense the negative perception he had towards the KGB from Igor’s reaction.

“Did Igor hate the KGB?”

“No, not really…”

Seeing his bitter expression made me laugh.

“It’s okay. I don’t trust you 100% either,” I replied.

Putin was also a politician.

Even so, I believed he would move according to my expectations to some extent. He was also someone who liked to boast about being from the KGB.

It would be fun to be friends with him.

The streets of Moscow at night, as the sun set, was deserted.

I was excited to see what choice Putin would make.

* * *

“Opposition to the sale! Evil foreign capital must retreat!”

Starting with Jungwoo Motors, which was set to be merged with Ilseong Motors, strikes occurred in most of the subsidiaries where the sale was decided.

“President Han, how much longer do we have to wait?”

Han Gyeong-yeong was talking with the Vice President of Jungwoo Group, Kim Byung-woo, in the president’s office at Jungwoo Building, the symbol of Jungwoo Group.

“Just a little longer,” he replied.

“No, Vice President. This is an illegal strike. What exactly do you want me to wait for?”

“…”

“I understand your position, but the longer we drag this out, the more damage it will do to Jungwoo Group. I should be able to hand over the company while I can still get the right price for it. You know what I mean, right?”

Han Gyeong-yeong rubbed his throbbing head.

Kim Byung-woo, the Vice President, was Short of words in front of the much younger Han Gyeong-yeong.

“Just take your hands off Jungwoo Motors. If the company doesn’t survive, then what are we going to do? You want me to just give the company to Il-sung? Is that what you wwant?”

“Of course not.”

“Bring me a proposal by tomorrow; otherwise, I’ll take matters into my own hands. If it comes down to that, you will be able to negotiate nicely, but I will not let that happen.”

Han Gyeong-yeong, who was usually comfortable and friendly with Kim Mu-hyeok, was nowhere to be een.

His attitude was that of a typical corporate raider.

The Vice President replied obediently, “Got it. I’ll make sure to get results by tomorrow.”

“First, we need to deal with Jungwoo Motors. It’s our top priority. We need to hand it over to Il-sung as soon as we can.””

A big deal to hand over Ilseong Motors was being finalized under the auspices of the government, but Il-sung didn’t want to givee an inch in negotiations. It had to be handed over before they could reach a deal.

“I’ve recommended you as the next president to our investors. Are you going to disappoint me? You’re the one running this giant ship called Jungwoo Group,” he replied.

The Vice President was unable to hide his shock at Han Gyeong-yeong’s words.

“We plan to own it but leave the management to the experts. That’s how we at Dream High operate. We will not be relisted in the stock market for that reason. That’s how we can get out from various regulations. We will handle your investments ourselves,” Han Gyeong-yeong added, soothing Kim Byung-woo’s anger.

Jungwoo Group could create its own advantages as a non-listed firm. The only disadvantage was that it was much harder to attract investors, but Dream High’s financial capacity could solve that issue.

“The new Jungwoo Group will have a no-union policy as its basic principle, just like Ilseong. However, we will ensure our employees have the best treatment in the country. Those who don’t like it can quit.”

“That’s good. I’ll do my best,” Kim Byung-woo replied.

“Best is not good enough. Just do it,” he insisted.

“Understood,” Kim Byung-woo acknowledged.

After the Vice President left, Han Gyeong-yeong frowned and sighed.

“Tsk… If only he could just do his job…”

Like Kim Mu-hyeok, he thought about uing his power to take control of Jungwoo Group.

“I’ll wait until tomorrow.”

However, Kim Byung-woo still failed to make an agreement the next day.

Eventually, he called Lee Sang-geun, the President.

“Yes, Mr. Lee. Are you on your way?”

“Understood,” the President replied.

A lockout was decided.

After arriving at Jungwoo Motors Factory with a group of bodyguards, Han Gyeong-yeong greeted Lee Sang-geun, who was already there.

“The police will probably just look on. I can call them to come if you need more support,” Lee Sang-geun said.

“No, we have enough manpower,” Han Gyeong-yeong replied.

“We need to get some meaningful results before Kim Mu-hyeok returns from Russia Starting with Jungwoo Motors, we are going to be very busy.”

Although there was no legal issue, Il-sung said it could not aaccept Jungwoo Motors, which had a union. Han Gyeong-yeong let out a quiet sigh.

“Let’s get started.”

“Yes.”

As Lee Sang-geun approached the bus, hulk-like figures with masks and hats came rushing out of the tourist bus.

“Alright! Let’s finish this quickly. I want some pork belly and soju for dinner!”

The voice of Lee Sang-geun was the signal to move.

Thugs armed with clubs began advancing to Jungwoo Motors Factory. The faces of the union members watching from afar turned pale.

However, did the thugs care about that? Workers on strike in the factory were dragged out like dogs.

Han Gyeong-yeong bit his lip at the sight. He had no choice but to do this, but seeing the workers’ miserable state made him feel something human.

But he wasn’t a philanthropist. He just had to get rid of them.

Ignoring the cries of the workers who were dragged away from the factory, the thugs surrounded the entrance with their bus.

As if waiting for that to happen, police officers stood in front of the bus.

With the onset of the IMF crisis, the concept of a lifetime job disappeared from Korea. The workers were bound to end up on the streets now.

The Jungwoo Motors Union was ripped to shreds, and 70% of its workers were laid off.

Thus, Jungwoo Motors fell into the hands of Il-sung..

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