Chapter 223: Is What You Said Over the Phone So Different?

I’m entrusting all authority regarding the investments of major corporations in Korea to you.

Everyone at the table stared at me in shock at the unexpected statement.

I, too, was taken aback and looked at Putin, who smiled at my reaction.

Medvedev, sitting next to him, seemed to be in on it, a grin spreading across his lips.

“Boss Kim is the only person I can trust in Korea. So if you have any questions or concerns about investing in Russia, feel free to talk to Boss Kim at any time.”

“Yes, Mr. President.”

Chairman Song Chan-woo greeted and left. Then, Chairman Seo Yong-geon of the Il-seong Group stepped forward..

“I’m Seo Yong-geon, Chairman of the Il-seong Group.””

Putin nodded at Poloshin’s words, and Seo Yong-geon bowed his head to him. Seo Yong-geon’s fluent Russian filled the air.

“President Putin, I’m Seo Yong-geon in charge of Il-sung. It’s an honor to mmeet you.”

“Welcome. Please, take a seat.”

Putin barely acknowledged him as he guided Seo Yong-geon to a chair, and I could clearly see Seo’s face tightening under such contrasting treatment.

Noticing this while chatting with Medvedev, I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“What kind of investments does Il-sung plan to make in Russsia?”

Seo Yong-geon furrowed his brows at my laughter. Yet, as soon as Putin spoke, a smile returned to his face.

“We’re considering an automobile factory and a mobile phone production plant.”

“Sounds good.”

Putin nodded with a customary compliment.

“As the chairman of Il-sung, I’m sure you know Boss Kim. All investment matters related to Russia will be handled by Boss Kim with my authorization.”

“Excuse me?”

Seo Yong-geon asked in confusion, but Putin’s response was icy.

“If you’re not familiar with Russian, you should have brought an interpreter. What’s going on here?”

“Mr. President, that’s not…”

Seo Yong-geon hastily tried to explain, but Putin interrupted him quicker.

“I’ve heard about your investment plans, Chairman Seo. You may leave now.”

After issuing that cold dismissal, Putin suddenly asked in a friendly manner, as if it were a normal conversation.

“Mu-hyeok, how about a drink later?”

“I’d gladly join you for a drink, Mr. President.”

My response must have satisfied Putin, for his smile widened.

Even after Putin’s order to leave, Seo Yong-geon remained still, so Poloshin stood up and approached him.

“Chairman, we have meetings with other chairmen, so let’s get going.”

“Ah… Yes, understood.”

Seo Yong-geon rose from his seat with an uneasy expression and bowed to Putin.

“I look forward to seeing you in Russia next time.”

“Of course.”

Putin replied carelessly, not even looking in his direction.

Unable to maintain his composure, Seo Yong-geon’s face was painted with humiliation once he raised his head.

Seeing that, my smirk deepened.

“But, Chairman Seo, do you think you have the funds to invest in Russia right now?”

Seo Yong-geon glared at me, rage evident in his eyes, but he silently turned away without a word.

“Boss Kim, I understand that relations between you and Il-sung are strained. Stilll, this is an official occasion. Please maintain decorum.”

I turned my head at the low voice beside me. It was Prime Minister Lee Hyun-jik.

“Decorum?”

“We’re in front of the President of Russia. I hope you can suppress any personal feelings. Please.”

Understanding Lee Hyun-jik’s request, I gave a small nod.

In a setting with so many eyes watching, there’s really no need to create a scene.

“Understood. I’ll be careful.”

“Thank you.”

I could see why Lee Hyun-jik felt that way. Being under Kim Hak-gwon, he was in a position that made it hard to mediate between Seo Yong-geon and me.

So he had no choice but to make that plea. It seemed Putin had overheard our conversation through the interpreter and laughed heartily.

“Prime Minister, it’s fine. Boss Kim and I are not that formal. Please don’t be too hard on him.”

Most chairmen of large corporations ranked among the top chose to invest in Russia.

The reason these chairmen, who decided to invest, submitted to Putin was simple.

The underground resources in the vast expanse of Siberia in Russia were their goal.

To achieve that, they didn’t hesitate to invest in the automobile industry, even if it wasn’t necessary, or to set up factories to curry favor with the Russian government.

Russia’s natural gas extraction stood out globally, and the extent of undiscovered resources remained uncertain. It was natural for them to be tempted.

“Mu-hyeok, I’ll get in touch later.”

“Yes, Mr. President.”

After concluding the meeting with the corporate leaders, Putin left the banquet hall, accompanied by Poloshin.

Now the genuine interactions between Russian entrepreneurs and Korean businessmen began.

Prime Minister Lee Hyun-jik, surveying the banquet hall, also stood up from the table.

“Boss Kim Mu-hyeok, let’s meet again nxt time.”

“Yes, Mr. Prime Minister. Please reach out to me.”

I also stood up and extended my hand towards him.

After shaking hands, Lee Hyun-jik nodded and briefly greeted Medvedev before leaving the banquet hall.

Once I finished greeting Lee Hyun-jik, we sat back down.

“Why didn’t you give me a heads-up?”

“Haha, I just wanted to see your surprised face, Boss Kim. Glad it worked!”

Medvedev chuckled with a playful tone.

Even after gaining power beneath the absolute authority of Putin, he remained unchanged, making me smile unconsciously.

Exchanging trivial jokes and glancing around, I noticed the chairmen of large corporations were conversing with Russian oligarchs.

However, their gazes subtly fixated on the table where Medvedev and I sat.

“By the way, you’ve handled Gusinsky well.”

Ignoring their stares, I quietly asked Medvedev. He nodded.

“I intended to keep him locked away for life, but Putin decided to simply exile him.”

“…I see.”

If Gusinsky were alive, he would be a huge headache for Putin. The suggestion of exile naturally created a furrow in my brow.

“However, thanks to that, Gazprom acquired his media group at a bargain. Gusinsky’s influence has dissipated completely in Russia.”

“But if he’s alive, he could spread negative stories about Putin abroad, can’t he?”

Immediately, Medvedev’s cheerful expression darkened. Malice flickered across his face.

With a look I had never seen before, he softly continued.

“If that happens, he will just lose his life. That is Putin’s logic.”

Indeed. To Putin, that would be an easy task. I scanned the surroundings while conversing with Medvedev.

At that moment, Roman, who made eye contact with me, came over to our table.

“Chairman, it’s been a while.”

While Roman bowed to Medvedev, he received a lukewarm response, clearly unsatisfied.

He nodded with a discontented expression but said nothing.

“Charlie, it’s been a while.”

Unfazed by Medvedev’s lack of enthusiasm, Roman then greeted me.

“Roman, it’s been a while. How have you been?”

“I’ve been well. May I sit?”

I glanced at Medvedev, who still looked displeased, but he reluctantly nodded.

“Please, have a seat.”

Roman, sensing Medvedev’s displeasure, awkwardly sat down.

By his reaction, it seemed Putin and Medvedev were already aware of Roman’s previous actions. I was just glad he was still alive.

“Roman, what was that about?”

Realizing there was no need to tiptoe if he already knew, I directly brought it up with Roman.

I was the one who had shown Roman the path to survival. And he had accepted that.

To throw away that trust from Putin for a minor gain was akin to stepping on the path to ruin by oneself.

“…”

Roman hesitated, unable to respond.

As the silence stretched on, impatience thickened the air. Medvedev opened his mouth first.

“Did you ask Boss Kim for help?”

I guessed he wouldn’t be deceived. I nodded slightly.

“Boss Kim offered advice to Putin, didn’t you? Use Roman to catch Berezovsky?”

“Yes, I did.”

“But our Roman here made a foolish move. He revealed our entire plan to Berezovsky.”

Medvedev, seemingly furious, shot a glare at Roman, tongue-clicking at the annoyance.

“I told him to flee overseas, promising money upon reaching the UK, but he insisted on handing over the Sibneft shares held by Berezovsky.”

The situation was more dire than what Roman had previously confided in me. If Berezovsky was given time to escape, it would land a critical blow on Putin.

Unlike Gusinsky, who had been an ally to Putin, Berezovsky knew many of Putin’s darker secrets.

“Fortunately, we caught him trying to flee abroad. For now, he’s under house arrest.”

“Ah, that’s very good news.”

“Had Putin held no affection for Boss Kim, had he not considered him a friend, this encounter could have been the end of it for both of you.”

Had I mishandled that, all my efforts over the years could have gone to waste.

Fortunately, as Medvedev said, I had established my friendship with Putin before he seized power, maintaining trust.

After hearing everything from Medvedev, I fixed a flat expression on Roman. He wouldn’t even look me in the eye.

“Is what you said over the phone so different?”

“No, that’s not it…”

“No excuses. If you’ve made a mistake, just explain the reason and apologize. And then fix it. Why do you keep trying to rationalize yourself?”

Roman fell silent, his lips pressed shut. Instead of him, I turned to Medvedev.

“What did Roman say?”

“It wasn’t worth listening to. After seeing Gusinsky flee to Spain, I could only figure he wanted to reap benefits before dealing with Berezovsky. Putin was furious when he heard the report. Roman’s actions only served to rile Putin.”

Should I help him this time? Or just pretend I didn’t see it?

Hearing that Putin was enraged, I fell into deep contemplation.

Seemingly sensing my thoughts, Roman hurriedly spoke up.

“Please help me this once. If you do, I won’t forget your kindness.”

Right now, I was the only lifeline for Roman.

Having seized power, Putin made it clear he could deal with any oligarch or anyone opposing him roughly, especially when exiling Gusinsky.

To provoke someone like Putin is akin to poking a hornet’s nest and then pleading for mercy.

“Sigh… Foolish man. I’ll talk to the President later, but you also have much to lose.”

“…Understood. Please, I beg you.”

“I’ll contact you later, so for now, please go.”

Roman seemed to have more to say, his lips twitching, but he soon left without any further comments.

After he disappeared, Medvedev asked.

“Is it really necessary for you to help him?”

“Wouldn’t it be fine to give him a chance? He’ll surely learn from this incident. Someone needs to control the oligarchs, and it’s easier to have a debt over their head than to have none.”

Medvedev still appeared displeased.

“I just don’t mind if it’s not him.”

“He does possess certain talents, though he’s a relentless opportunist.”

Roman was someone who would survive regardless, nearly seizing control of half of the Russian industry.

While he had skills, he was unpredictable, so keeping some control over him felt prudent.

“I don’t know.”

Medvedev shook his head. I smiled gently to reassure him.

“Don’t worry too much. I’ll handle it.”

Looking around the banquet hall, I noticed Chairman Kim Byung-woo watching us.

With a light gesture, he quickly approached our table.

“Chairman, I’m Kim Byung-woo of Jungwoo Group. We’re quite close.”

I introduced Chairman Kim Byung-woo to Medvedev. Rising from his seat, Medvedev extended his hand with a smile.

“I’m Medvedev.”

“I’m Kim Byung-woo. I’m responsible for Jungwoo Group.”

Medvedev shook Kim Byung-woo’s somewhat trembling hand and said with a friendly tone.

“I’m familiar with Jungwoo Group. A company that invested heavily in various places in Eastern Europe, if I recall? Although it has mostly withdrawn now.”

“That’s right. However, I still believe there are investment opportunities in Eastern Europe.”

As Kim Byung-woo took his seat, the conversation became more engaging.

“Jungwoo Group is my enterprise.”

“I’m aware of that.”

“Indeed, but the management is taken care of by Kim Byung-woo in front of me. I refrain from interfering in the management at all.”

“Is that so? I wasn’t aware.”

After bantering a few times, the atmosphere loosened, turning friendly.

As I was about to delve into the main topic, Administrative Director Poloshin approached me.

“The President is calling for you.”

“Oh? I still have plenty to say. Please enjoy your conversation with Chairman Kim Byung-woo, Chairman.”

I stood up and spoke to Medvedev. Nodding, he squinted his eyes and smiled.

“If you’re feeling down, let’s have a drink tomorrow.”

At his cheeky offer for drinks, I couldn’t help but smile and nod.

As I left the banquet room, all eyes in the hall were on me.

Ignoring the stinging sensation at the back of my neck, I followed Poloshin out.