Though the IT bubble had brought down countless companies, the rapid progress of the internet was already transforming people’s lives.
From my Myeongdong office, I sat checking the markets of each country on the monitors.
“The drop is bigger than I expected.”
I had anticipated that the fall would be steep since the Nasdaq index had risen more than 50% higher than it had in the past. But this was far too severe.
This wasn’t re fluctuation. Temporary halts in trading and “sidecars” were being triggered. They were ant to give people ti to calm down, but they were useless.
The FRB had raised rates as scheduled, contrary to my expectation. If rates rose, money should have flowed into bonds, but the bond market was quiet as well.
Why did they go ahead with the rate hike?
I couldn’t grasp the FRB’s thinking.
I shut off the monitor, clearing my tangled head.
The stage was already set. In the U.S., Han Kyungyeong was doing his best, and in Japan, Eva was fighting her own war.
My eyes felt dry from staring at screens too long. Leaning back, I closed my eyes for a mont.
How much ti passed?
A knock at the office door opened my eyes.
Manager Ma stepped in and gave a respectful nod.
“Boss, there’s a call from Russia.”
“Russia?”
“Yes, from Chairman Roman Abramovich. He wants to speak with you.”
“Hm...”
The purge of Russia’s oligarchs was slowly underway.
A sweeping tax investigation had begun into Gusinsky. The dia empire he had built over nearly ten years was crumbling.
In the end, Gusinsky surrendered, handing his empire over to Gazprom in negotiations with Putin.
Leaving behind billions of dollars in seized assets, he fled to Spain with just $200 million.
Well, $200 million was enough to live on for life, but his influence in Russia was gone.
Once hailed as the “Emperor of dia” who ruled alongside Berezovsky, Gusinsky had fallen.
“Patch him through.”
I rose from my chair and sat on the sofa. Taking the phone Manager Ma handed , I answered.
On the other end ca English.
― Charlie, this is Roman.
“Yes, Roman. Long ti no see.”
A familiar voice.
― How have you been?
“Always the sa. And you, Chairman Roman?”
― Hm.
From his hesitation, I understood imdiately.
The purge of Berezovsky had begun.
“Is this about Berezovsky?”
― As expected... Charlie knows everything. I called to ask a favor.
Once I opened the subject, Roman seed a little relieved and finally spoke.
“A favor? Is there anything I can do for you?”
― You know Putin is coming to Korea soon? I think I’ll be accompanying him.
“Hm...”
Putin had planned an East Asia tour to counterbalance the West.
Ordinarily, Korea should have been a later stop, but this ti it was first.
For Kim Hakgwon’s governnt, it was like a pumpkin rolling into their lap.
For Korea, surrounded by great powers, relations with Russia held special diplomatic value.
― When he cos, Putin will seek you out.
“I doubt it. Why would he co looking for in Korea of all places?”
― No, he will. Even though I passed materials about Berezovsky’s corruption to him, he hasn’t fully taken him down yet. I think he’ll want your counsel.
“You an you gave him the evidence but still couldn’t take Berezovsky down?”
I frowned at the uneasy feeling.
Berezovsky had taken over the state oil company Sibneft at a giveaway price as a reward for backing Yeltsin. He had committed countless cris in the process.
Kidnapping, blackmail, murder—he had spared no ans. He had killed nurous rivals and wielded the Red Mafia as his tools.
Roman had been his spearhead.
A man as opportunistic as Roman would never have failed to collect a dossier of Berezovsky’s cris.
― Charlie, truth is... I threatened Berezovsky to hand over his Sibneft shares. In return, I promised to help him escape abroad...
I was speechless for a mont.
“What the hell...”
― Please, say a good word to President Putin for .
Unbelievable. Such stupidity defied belief.
“Roman, are you joking? You want to throw away the chance you fought so hard for over a little greed? How can your thinking be that short-sighted?”
When we had t in Russia, I’d actually liked Roman enough to drop him hints.
But people don’t change. The greedy opportunist had made the sa mistake as before.
― But he’s the one who raised . I felt like I owed him. I didn’t want him to rot in prison forever.
“Damn it, don’t make absurd excuses. You’re starting to disgust .”
I was already irritated from the constant variables cropping up, and now this added to it.
In China, Wen Jiabao’s moves were being restrained. In Russia, Berezovsky’s purge was being delayed.
It felt as though sothing, so organized force, was deliberately obstructing .
Perhaps startled by my rough tone, Roman went silent.
I sighed and forced my anger down.
“Roman, if you want to stay close to , don’t ever excuse yourself. Speak honestly, and I’ll help. I liked you, don’t disappoint .”
― Understood.
“You lost the chance at bigger money because of petty greed. Co to Korea first, and we’ll talk. I’ll investigate too.”
Without even saying goodbye, I slamd the call shut.
“Damn it. One damn slippery eel has tangled everything.”
“Are you alright?”
Manager Ma asked as he took the phone back.
“There’s a disruption, but it won’t ruin the plan. For now, we just wait for Putin’s visit. No word yet?”
“None, sir.”
Looking at his calm face, I regained a bit of composure.
“And China? Wen Jiabao’s still tied down?”
“Yes. The Shanghai Clique’s checks are severe, so he’s ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) deliberately lying low. Elder Jang Daeho’s entry into Korea has been blocked as well.”
“The Elder must be bitterly disappointed.”
With Wen Jiabao immobilized, everything was off track. China was always prone to sudden variables.
I should have brought him to Korea earlier.
I rubbed my forehead, and Manager Ma added consolingly,
“Just eting you seed to make him happy. The security team said he looked like he didn’t mind living in China as long as he was with his family.”
“Well, with money, being with family is what matters most. Keep monitoring China closely.”
“Yes, Boss.”
“Go now. I need to think alone.”
After sending him out, I leaned back on the sofa, closing my eyes in thought.
A few days later, on the day of Russian President Putin’s first visit to Korea.
TV was filled with docuntaries about Putin. Newspapers were packed with articles on the aning of his choosing Korea as his first East Asia destination.
[Russia’s New President Putin: Why Did He Choose Korea as His First Visit?]
Such headlines filled the pages. The entire nation’s attention was focused on the Korea–Russia summit.
“What ti at Koryo Hotel?”
“The banquet begins at seven in the evening.”
Putin had brought many Russian business figures with him.
Having been badly burned by Western capital once before, Russia now needed cooperation with East Asia.
After his summit with Kim Hakgwon, a banquet with businessn was scheduled for the evening.
“Let’s head out.”
“Yes, Boss.”
From Pyeongchang-dong to Koryo Hotel was a short trip.
The banquet hall was still sparse, most guests not yet arrived.
As I looked around, I spotted a familiar face.
A friendly-looking man directing people for Putin’s movent and seating.
“dvedev!”
He turned from speaking with Blue House security and looked my way.
“Oh! President Kim. Long ti no see.”
dvedev approached with a delighted face and embraced .
“Haha, yes. I think the last ti was at President Putin’s inauguration.”
“You should co to Russia more often. We ought to have a drink together. I’ll be in Korea for about three days, so let’s share a al if we can.”
“I’d like that. But will there be ti?”
The itinerary of a visiting head of state was surely cramd.
“If you don’t mind it being late at night.”
“Then call later. I should host you while you’re here.”
“Good. For now, let’s talk later. I think you’ve been assigned to my table. I’ll finish up here and join you.”
We parted after brief greetings.
As I headed to my table, I saw corporate chairn and senior officials trickling in.
In the wide hall, groups gathered and chatted like an alumni reunion.
“President Kim.”
I turned at the voice.
It was Kim Seonghyuk, Chairman of Hyeonhwa Group.
“Ah, Chairman Kim. It’s been a while.”
I smiled and extended my hand.
“Yes, President Kim. Long ti indeed.”
He clasped my hand warmly.
“I hear Hyeonhwa is recovering quickly. As expected of your ability.”
Since ousting his brother Kim Seonghak, the new chairman had proven far more competent.
Though he took over during the foreign exchange crisis, once in office he swiftly disposed of failing affiliates to cut losses.
At the sa ti, he launched aggressive investnts in select industries.
Thanks to this, Hyeonhwa recovered faster than most conglorates.
Though he had handed pri affiliates to Ilseong, he used that as a chance to purge all of Kim Seonghak’s loyalists.
“All thanks to you. Without the need to defend managent control, I can focus solely on running the company.”
Because of my Hyeonhwa shares, he hadn’t needed to tie up funds in defense.
“I trust you, Chairman Kim. Just keep doing as you are now.”
“Haha, of course.”
While we spoke, most of the banquet guests had arrived.
I was guided by Blue House security and Russian aides to my assigned table.
There sat dvedev, Chairman of Gazprom’s board; Pri Minister Lee Hyeonjik; and Chief of Staff Aleksandr Voloshin.
Before sitting, I greeted the Pri Minister.
“Hello, I’m Kim Muhyuk.”
He stared at .
“Who are you?”
“I run a small business. My na is Kim Muhyuk.”
“Hmm. I see. Pleased to et you.”
He accepted my greeting halfheartedly and turned away.
A peculiar man. No wonder, despite being conservative, he’d been appointed Pri Minister under a progressive governnt.
“Why are you sitting here?”
As I sat at his table, he asked in puzzlent.
“This is where I was assigned.”
“What? Stop joking and go to your proper seat.”
He clicked his tongue, and I almost laughed at the absurdity.
The table’s air grew frosty.
I t his eyes in silence.
“President Kim is a friend of both Putin and myself, Pri Minister. I personally assigned him here. Is there a problem?”
dvedev interjected at that mont, and shock spread across Lee Hyeonjik’s face.
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