Chapter 178 Let's just put out a tender (bug fix): Buying experience with money

Wang Xiao, like a pyramid scheme leader, had bewitched a group of people and then waited patiently for those who were interested to take the bait.

Unfortunately, she clearly overestimated her influence or underestimated how much the vast majority of Chinese businessmen in Moscow value money.

That's tens of thousands of US dollars!

It's May 1993 now, long past the golden age before and after the collapse of the Soviet Union, when people could make a fortune with their eyes closed.

The number of Chinese people coming to Moscow to find work is several times greater than before. The market is only so big, and with more people vying for a living, making money is naturally harder. Those who want to survive have to rack their brains to improve product design, performance, and quality, and find ways to retain repeat customers.

Money is hard-earned, so naturally people are reluctant to spend it lavishly.

Wang Xiao waited for several days before seven or eight people finally approached her to inquire about the situation.

The third sister is considered quite proactive. She owns her own shop and has already built a good reputation in the surrounding area. Her income is relatively stable, and she has spare money to expand her business.

In her words, with more and more people becoming wholesalers, who knows how long a shop can stay open? If we don't find another way, what will we do if our business fails?

only--

She wanted to reassure him: "Mr. Wang, let's not talk nonsense. Just give me your honest opinion: is this oil and gas field project viable?"

To everyone's surprise, Wang Xiao immediately shook her head like a car windshield wiper: "No, no, no, what old lady? You're so young, you're clearly a young lady. But that guarantee, I really can't do it. We'd have to drill down into the oil and gas field to find out what's hidden there."

The third sister was first praised as "little sister" and laughed happily. But when she heard that there was no guarantee, she started to worry: "I have to see some results after I put this money in. It's tens of thousands of US dollars. Money is not easy to earn these days."

Wang Xiao said, half-jokingly and half-seriously, "If you insist on making a guarantee, I can only guarantee one thing: that you've invested, you've become a shareholder in our company, and you're registered with our company. If Russia cracks down on illegal immigrants again, they won't be able to touch you."

What was said without malice may have been taken to heart by the listener.

The third sister's eyes immediately lit up, and she repeatedly said, "That's a good idea."

To be honest, the Russians are really stingy. They have such a big piece of land, but only so few people. They can't even manage it well themselves, and they won't allow outsiders to do it.

Wang Xiao did speak up for the Moscow government: "That's normal. In any country, they have to find a way to protect their own people's livelihoods. Otherwise, if foreigners do everything, what will happen to their own people?"

She fully understands the Moscow government's policy of raising tariffs to curb imports of consumer goods.

The problem is that if the Soviet government had been able to meet the consumption needs of its citizens, it wouldn't have collapsed.

What the Soviet Union couldn't do, Russia, whose industrial chain was torn apart, can now handle?

The final result still proved me wrong.

Even if you're slapped a thousand times, you still have to keep your mouth shut.

Otherwise, angry citizens might just tear the government apart.

The third sister waved her hand: "I can't care about all this nonsense. Fine, $100,000, I'll buy $100,000 worth of your shares. If I make money, consider it a bonus. If not, well, I guess I was blind and just bought a few extra bags."

As she spoke, she couldn't help but complain, "I just don't understand these foreigners. It's just a bag, how good can it be, yet they sell it for such an exorbitant price."

Wang Xiao chuckled: "Sister, why don't you order a few more sets of Yun brocade clothes? If you get tired of wearing the same one, there's also Song brocade. They're custom-made, and there's only one of their kind in the whole world!"

The third sister shook her head again: "How could I have time to fly back to China? I can't get away from it."

"No need, no need." Wang Xiao took the opportunity to promote her product, "Our store has a professional technician who takes measurements for everyone. We'll have it made in China and ship it over to you."

With her third sister agreeing to help find people to promote the oil and gas field shares, Wang Xiao also arranged for several promoters.

Once he figured out that the funds could actually be raised, Ivanov finally remembered the key point—that was, they didn't know how; they were pure investors, and they simply didn't have the ability to extract oil and gas fields!

This is...this is awkward.

Money can move mountains, but work still needs to be done by people; it can't magically turn into oil and natural gas.

What should we do now?

The money they finally managed to raise, and now they're already worrying about how to spend it? What kind of life do they have?!

"It's alright, we don't know how. We'll just pay someone capable."

Ivanov, still reeling, said with genuine shame, "Who can I turn to? Our Russian oil companies won't do."

When the government initially attracted foreign investment for oil and gas field projects, it was partly due to a lack of funds and partly because the technology simply couldn't keep up.

As for China, he wasn't judging people based on a narrow perspective; he was simply stating the facts: in terms of oil and gas extraction, they were not as advanced as Russia.

Wang Xiao chuckled, "Boring. The pot calling the kettle black. Are you happy? It's so funny to see these noobs pecking at each other."

The Soviet Union was the real power, not Russia.

What's wrong with your head? Is it really necessary to mess around like this? There are already developers right in front of us.

Ivanov, his large head still spinning, looked completely bewildered: "Who? The American and Japanese companies have all withdrawn from this project."

Wang Xiao wanted to crack open his skull to see what was inside: "The American oil companies are just withdrawing their investment; it doesn't mean they can't develop it."

"It's not investing anymore, and it's not making any profits. What's its motive for developing oil and gas fields?"

"Labor fees, experience fees, etc." Wang Xiao said seriously, "It's the same principle as us finding a contract manufacturer. What do contract manufacturers want?"

Ivanov blinked several times, struggling to find the right words: "But it's a powerful and renowned large oil company. Why would it give its factory to someone else?"

Those who act as OEM manufacturers are those who can't make a name for themselves and have no choice but to do the work for others.

"Experience, in Russia, in developing deep-sea oil and gas fields on Sakhalin Island. Experience in all aspects, technical, dealing with local governments, with every link in the Russian oil chain, and with the Moscow government."

Wang Xiao couldn't help but feel jealous as she spoke, "Using other people's real money to increase my experience points, why doesn't anyone give me such a good thing?"

Ivanov remained skeptical: "Do Americans even care about this?"

“Rare, of course rare.” Wang Xiao seriously lectured him, “Don’t look at Americans through a filter. We’re all businessmen, and all we see is profit.”

Ivanov persisted: "What if? I'm not arguing with you, my dear King. But the Americans aren't in a hurry, and those who aren't paying aren't in a hurry. It's us who are in a hurry!"

"No! No! No! My dear friend, you're wrong. It's the one paying who shouldn't be in a hurry."

Wang Xiao smiled slightly, "Don't forget, there is more than one oil company in the world, and there are far more than just American oil companies capable of exploiting the Sakhalin Island oil and gas fields."

There's an old Chinese saying: "Without a butcher like Wang, we won't eat a pig with hair on."

As for whether it was Butcher Wang or Butcher Zhang, she couldn't remember, but it didn't matter at all.

“If the Americans aren’t willing to take it on, we can find other oil companies.” She revealed her hand: “We’ll put out a tender and let the right oil company be the contractor.”

"A tender?" Ivanov asked instinctively. "Would anyone be willing to get involved in this mess?"

"They just don't want to spend their own money. Don't underestimate the allure of profits and markets for capitalists. Have you forgotten? After the 1989 events, China's market economy hit rock bottom, and a large amount of foreign capital withdrew, but it didn't affect KFC. Look at McDonald's in Moscow, business is as good as ever."

Wang Xiao said with a smile, "Besides, it's not like they're spending their own money."

Ivanov was finally convinced: "Then let's give it a try."

He was constantly tormented by a mix of inferiority and pride when it came to his motherland.

On the one hand, he was pessimistic about the country's future, and on the other hand, he hoped for a miracle, even if the miracle would be a slap in the face to his beliefs.

Since neither boss had any objections, the tender notice was issued very quickly.

Just as Ye Jingjing guessed, Russia is now the focus of all investors' attention.

Russia inherited most of the legacy left by the developed socialist country, the Soviet Union. It's like a piece of fat meat, and all capital wants to open its bloodthirsty mouth and take a big bite.

If I can avoid hitting my teeth, that would be the best outcome.

Less than a week after the tender notice was issued, three or four companies had already approached the company, expressing their willingness to act as mercenaries.

The marches in the streets of Moscow continued, and the struggle between the presidential party and the parliamentary party intensified in the newspapers. The chaotic scene in Moscow was an eyesore for everyone, and they always suspected that at any moment, they would pull out guns and even bring out rocket launchers to blast each other.

It's something that could very well happen.

The weapons depot has limited capacity, and there are many tanks piled up in front of the depot.

Based on the principle of "out of sight, out of mind," Wang Xiao and Ivanov both decided to leave.

Where to go? Sakhalin Island, of course.

If an oil company wants to take on a contract to develop its oil and gas field project, it at least needs to know what the project will actually look like.

The client (Party A) was willing to let them see, so the oil company that wanted to be Party B naturally had to catch up quickly.

So they didn't stay in Moscow for a full month before rushing to the airport to fly to Sakhalin Island.

It must be said that once May is over, Moscow, a city nestled in the forest, is a beautiful place where flowers bloom in abundance.

The blood of the May Day conflict has not yet dried, and the marching crowds are still chanting slogans, but many more people are already in a hurry, fighting for their own and their families' food.

Today is Friday, and as far as the eye can see on the street, there are crowds of people carrying large and small bags, rushing to the train station.

They were going to their own villa in the suburbs, Kacha, to grow potatoes, vegetables, and carrots so they could feed their families.

The reason I'm not driving is because the ruble has depreciated significantly, and gasoline prices have risen faster than ordinary people can afford.

Thank God! Although train ticket prices have gone up, thankfully the initial prices were low, so most people can still afford them. Furthermore, the train network between Moscow and its suburbs is well-developed, which can barely meet everyone's travel needs.

Ivanov sighed, "The crops we grow are just for filling our stomachs. Without enough protein and fat, how can they have healthy bodies?"

Growing soybeans for oil extraction is clearly impractical. The land in Kacha is limited in size and was originally intended for vegetable cultivation.

Wang Xiao's gaze swept across the square, where large flocks of white pigeons were either leisurely preening their feathers or spreading their wings and flying, each one in a comfortable posture under the sunlight.

She hesitated for a moment, then finally couldn't help but ask, "Don't you Russians eat pigeons?"

Roasted pigeon and pigeon soup are both delicious. Look at these pigeons, each one is so plump and round, they're practically walking fat!

Ivanov was startled; his eyes widened in shock, revealing his innocent and childlike demeanor.

He warned in a shrill voice, "Your Majesty, do not speak of such terrible things."

Wang Xiaoqi found it strange: "I was just asking. When you're hungry, don't you try every means to get more food?"

Ivanov solemnly emphasized, "We Russians have principles; how could we possibly eat pigeons in the square?"

He added warily, "How you Chinese eat in your own country is your own business, but don't try to take our pigeons! Otherwise, you're just robbers."

Wang Xiao chuckled: "Shall we do some calculations? In Moscow, are Russians robbing more Chinese people, or the other way around?"

It's obviously the former.

The latter refers to the era of gangs, where they were also bullies among their own people, targeting their own compatriots.

Ivanov was speechless, and could only say in a show of bravado but with a hint of weakness, "You Chinese people dare to eat anything."

Wang Xiao didn't like hearing this, so she didn't hesitate to stab him in the heart: "Don't worry, Chinese people can all eat their fill, they wouldn't stoop to stealing a few ounces of pigeon meat."

But she was genuinely amazed by the discipline of the Muscovites.

Frankly speaking, if this were in China, these pigeons would be used to their fullest potential, down to their feathers.

This is probably why, among the four ancient civilizations, China is the only one that has survived.

As the car drove forward, Wang Xiao changed her mind again. She was now more convinced that the Muscovites hadn't attacked the pigeons because they were far from running out of ammunition and supplies.

This black soil is so fertile that you can reap a harvest with just a simple reach.

Everywhere in the forest, you could see people crouching down, engrossed in collecting mushrooms.

As soon as the weather warms up, the mushrooms in the forest begin to peek out. They absorb abundant nutrients, and each one becomes plump and juicy.

Wang Xiao saw an old woman holding a bag that was already full of mushrooms.

They can eat these mushrooms themselves or sell them for money.

Governments vying for power may have long neglected them, but Mother Earth will never abandon her hardworking children; every diligent laborer will enjoy the gifts of nature.

Ivanov looked outside, following his gaze with a puzzled expression: "Do you want to eat mushrooms?"

"No!" Wang Xiao refused without hesitation.

She wouldn't dare eat any mushrooms that weren't artificially cultivated.

Red umbrella, white pole, after eating we lie down together on the plank. Lying down on the plank, sleeping in the coffin, then buried together on the mountain.

Her wonderful life has only just begun.

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It would be a shame to give up after struggling a bit. I'll write the next chapter after I finish "My Students in the 70s Are All Bosses." That one is less sensitive, so I wrote it relatively quickly.