Chapter 180 Fleece Can Be Used: The Island King

The next morning, representatives from both Party A and Party B had breakfast at the hotel—

Well, to emphasize, all the food at the hotel, apart from local specialty seafood, either comes from Wuzhou Company's farms in Siberia or is imported canned food from China.

In short, the atmosphere is extremely strong.

The oil company representatives ate in silence, then wiped their mouths and immediately went to inspect the oil and gas field project where they would soon have the opportunity to enter.

This time it was the American oil company's home turf, because they were the ones who did the preliminary exploration and assessment work.

Douglas didn't hold back; with great professionalism, he led everyone to inspect the site thoroughly, both inside and out, and introduced their exploration progress.

Finally, he remarked, "If the Russian government hadn't been so untrustworthy and changed its mind so frequently, we would have already started construction."

Even now, he remains deeply resentful. He had been negotiating this development project since the Soviet era, going through periods where both countries had changed presidents. Just when an agreement was finally reached, it slipped away at the last minute.

Neither of the two client company owners made any comments, only reminding the oil company representatives: "The bidding process will officially begin in three days. I hope we can have a pleasant cooperation."

Douglas asked, "Stay on the island, or go back to Moscow?"

Ivanov replied without hesitation: "Right on the island, the oil and gas fields are right here."

He doesn't want to hear about Moscow at all now; just hearing the syllables of that word makes his head feel like it's going to explode.

Moscow is a terrible place; just mentioning it makes everyone sick.

All he wanted to do now was savor the Sakhalin Island specialties: giant crab claw meat, abalone, and red and black caviar, and let damn Moscow go to hell.

However, Ivanov's small wish was not fulfilled, because the Sakhalin regional government also had its own set of problems.

Three days later, the bidding meeting was held at the Sakhalin Regional Government.

The reason for choosing this location instead of renting a hotel meeting room was not because the hotel lacked meeting rooms, but because Wuzhou Petroleum Company wanted to convey its attitude.

Their oil and gas field project on the island is closely related to the Sakhalin Regional Government; it's a major event for the entire island. They are willing to cooperate with the authorities and hope to receive their strong support.

The atmosphere was initially quite good, and as expected, the American oil company won the bid; Wuzhou Oil Company also expressed goodwill to the other participants.

Although the collaboration was not successful this time, Wuzhou Company still welcomes visitors to learn from our experience and jointly explore the development of the Sakhalin oil and gas project under the new circumstances.

Although Doug Dass was somewhat surprised, he didn't object. After all, the client was the one paying, and they, as the service providers, were just employees. Employees shouldn't interfere with the client's actions.

In fact, this was a countermeasure that Wang Xiao and Ivanov came up with after racking their brains.

There's no way around it, really no way around it; every industry is like a mountain to climb. Developing offshore oil and gas fields is inherently difficult, and the Soviet Union lacked experience in this area, let alone Russia, which inherited its legacy.

As for China, I'm sorry to say, we only started oil exploration and extraction after the founding of the People's Republic. To be honest, compared to our predecessors, we were complete juniors and had absolutely no experience in this area.

How could Wang Xiao and Ivanov not feel uncertain about hiring Americans to do the work?

From a theoretical perspective, the Americans really don't need to cheat Wuzhou Oil Company in this regard. The Americans also need to follow up from beginning to end and accumulate valuable experience.

But one should never be afraid of the unexpected.

What if Americans suddenly act crazy, or are tempted by greater profits?

The sad thing is, insiders know the tricks of the trade, but outsiders really can't see them.

Unfortunately, oil and gas field development inherently carries the risk of failure. Many projects, despite extensive preliminary exploration, ultimately fail to find either oil or gas.

At that point, how would you, an outsider, know whether it's because they really can't dig it out, or because they're deliberately not letting you dig it out?

When you can't keep going and have to give up and leave, I'll dig a few more times, and lo and behold, the oil's come up and the gas's rising. Tsk tsk, I don't know how that happened.

What if Wang Xiao and Ivanov can't find any help? I'll just find you a competitor.

I invited other large oil companies with the capability to develop the area to come and give them a tour. It's not easy for competitors to fool each other.

As for whether these large oil companies will collude with each other?

Sigh, do you even know what a capitalist is? When it comes to profit, competitors become enemies.

Of course, both Wang Xiao and Ivanov had their own ulterior motives. The former wanted to give the Chinese oil company a rare opportunity to learn and grow, while the latter was thinking about the Russian oil company, which he was frustrated by but unwilling to abandon.

He may not say it out loud, but he already agrees with Wang Xiao's statement: Russia's industrial rise is a long way off, perhaps at least a generation from now. This country, which still has the world's largest territory after its split, will have to rely on exporting energy to make a living.

Given this situation, Russia must improve its mining capabilities. Otherwise, even if it has a gold mine, it won't have anything to eat in the future.

The proposal from Party A, which Party B had no grounds to object to, resulted in all the unsuccessful oil companies receiving a surprise gift package. However, amidst the harmonious atmosphere in the meeting room, discordant elements emerged.

Just as everyone was signing the contract, the door was suddenly pushed open, and a blond man in his forties, frowning, said: "Ladies and gentlemen, we need to sit down and renegotiate the Sakhalin oil and gas field project."

The group looked at each other, wondering if there was something wrong with their ears.

The deputy governor, who was following behind, looked embarrassed at the foreign guests. She tried to ease the tension: "It's just a small problem, ladies and gentlemen, please be patient, it's really just a small problem."

Douglas turned his head away and let out a soft snort.

He could hardly believe that the Soviet flag had once flown over this land.

That steel giant, the Soviet Union, which caused them both headaches and helplessness, had left behind a group of robbers and scoundrels.

From the moment he set foot on this land, he was deeply puzzled by one question: how much tolerance must the Russians have to endure such a despicable, incompetent, hypocritical, and untrustworthy government?

See, he wasn't exaggerating.

The contract had barely been signed when the Sakhalin regional government jumped in.

Renew negotiations? Negotiate what? We've been negotiating for years, endlessly.

He feels like vomiting just looking at those disgusting officials.

Yes, there are plenty of corrupt officials, and the US has a ton of shameless parasites. But the basic principle is to get paid to do things. Why aren't those who take money, don't do their jobs, and even cause trouble shot by the Mafia?

Ivanov wanted to curse.

His country's government will only ever make him lose face in front of outsiders!

What would you like to discuss?

The state leaders seemed completely unaware of the low pressure in Ivanov, or if they were aware, they didn't care and simply ignored it: "Exploiting oil and gas fields will cause serious environmental damage to Sakhalin."

Ivanov, who had been sitting, stood up abruptly upon hearing the noise and kicked his chair away, saying, "Fine, we give up then."

He nodded politely to the representatives of each oil company, "I'm sorry to trouble you all with this trip. Wuzhou Company will cover the airfare and hotel expenses."

Douglas was the first to stand up and say, "It's okay, my dear friend. We all know this isn't your fault."

The deputy governor panicked and tried to get everyone to sit down and talk things over: "It's a misunderstanding, it's all a misunderstanding, that's not what we meant."

This time, Wang Xiao was definitely not going to side with her, and pressed her directly: "Which clause in the already signed contract are you dissatisfied with?"

"The profit-sharing method," the middle-aged man emphasized, "is that we can only receive a share after you've recouped all your costs? Who knows when you'll even break even? Are you going to never recoup your costs, and then we won't get a single penny?"

Douglas couldn't take it anymore: "This is international practice! Developing oil and gas fields is inherently a high-investment, high-risk project that doesn't necessarily guarantee high returns. In any other country or region, this is the most basic profit-sharing model if capital is to be invested. You're right, my sir, it's indeed possible that we might never recoup our costs, and no one will get a penny. But you just won't get a share of the profits; the losses from your investment will be borne by the extraction company!"

"Do you want to see how low international crude oil prices have fallen? Do you want to see how much capital is needed to develop oil and gas fields? My God, do you still think it's the era where you just dig with a shovel and oil gushed out? If that were the case, why would you be seeking foreign investment cooperation?"

At that moment, he felt genuine sympathy for the two naive young men; and he was also sincerely grateful that the board of directors had terminated the project on Sakhalin Island.

Otherwise, he would be the one suffering this humiliation now.

The middle-aged man, still exuding confidence, said: "Don't give us excuses. Deceiving people is what you do best. You can always turn profits into losses and still invest all over the world."

Ivanov ignored him and strode out.

The deputy governor panicked, abandoning her professional image, and was forced to open her arms and hug him tightly: "Please calm down, my dear friend, this can be discussed."

Laughter erupted in the meeting room, and some people even whistled.

Wang Xiao couldn't bear it, and finally spoke up: "Ivanov."

She stepped forward, gently patted his arm, and looked at the embarrassed but forced-to-hold-up deputy governor. "My dear lady, you must understand that Sakhalin Oblast needs this oil and gas field project more than we do."

The deputy governor could not refute it.

God help us; ever since the economic reforms of the Soviet era, they have been hoping that oil and gas fields could attract foreign investment. Two years ago, the Japanese announced the resumption of negotiations on a joint oil and gas field development project worth $4 billion, which had been suspended for 15 years; the whole island rejoiced.

Everyone is waiting for this big project to boost Sakhalin Island's economy.

The project encountered numerous setbacks. First, American oil companies joined in, and then the investment amount exceeded 10 billion US dollars. Before everyone could celebrate for long, Russian oil companies were unable to come up with the funds, and American and Japanese companies were unwilling to increase their respective investment amounts.

Just when the project was about to be shelved, Wuzhou Company appeared as if riding on a colorful cloud, saving Sakhalin State from dire straits.

Even after American and Japanese companies withdrew one after another, Wuzhou Company still gritted its teeth and raised funds to support the entire project.

It can be said that it is Sakhalin Oblast's only hope for now and for who knows how many years to come.

“We are just—” the lieutenant governor didn’t know how to explain, “our state government is also struggling.”

The middle-aged official interrupted her forcefully, his attitude toward Wang Xiao aggressive: "The oil and gas field belongs to Sakhalin. Without a share of the profits, we get nothing but pollution."

"You got jobs, you got infrastructure investment. A huge project with a total investment of over 10 billion US dollars, believe me, whatever it does, it will be snapped up all over the world."

Wang Xiao suppressed his anger, "We are about to launch a project to build an oil workers' community with an investment of tens of millions of US dollars. Tell me, who else on this island is willing to invest so much money in a construction project?"

At this moment, she also wanted to quit and leave.

I quit! Let whoever wants to do it!

She's going to buy houses in Hong Kong, and she's going to buy up all the traditional courtyard houses in Beijing and the old villas in Shanghai. As a time traveler, why shouldn't she just lie down and make money?

I'm exhausted from dealing with these bastards every day, it's so annoying!

Seeing that both bosses of Wuzhou Company had lost their tempers, the deputy governor also broke down: "That's enough! What more do you want? If they leave, who will bring in new investors?"

Currently, the largest source of foreign investment in Sakhalin is Japanese capital. The Japanese build shops and invest in factories on the island, but no one is willing to undertake infrastructure projects here.

Because the shops and factories are readily available, foreign investors can quickly pack up and leave if unrest or other issues arise that make it unsuitable for continued investment.

This already speaks volumes; people don't have much confidence in Sakhalin's future.

Especially after the devastating May turmoil, the foreign businessmen who didn't flee should all go to church to thank God.

Now, if the biggest investor runs away, will all the capital in Sakhalin State withdraw?

How will the 500,000 people on the island survive at that time?

"There's no need to amend the contract," the deputy governor said firmly. "Please continue to implement the current contract."

The middle-aged man tried to say something, but she yelled at him, "Don't say a word until we find another investor for a multi-billion dollar project!"

With a bang, the conference room door slammed shut. The uninvited guest had vanished.

Douglas raised his hands, seemingly unable to express himself clearly, and finally managed to squeeze out only one sentence: "My friends, please think carefully before you act. We can all understand if you give up now."

Representatives from other oil companies also nodded in agreement.

A local official is more powerful than a distant one.

Russia is not a country with a sound legal system; even if it has laws, they are basically worthless.

Now, if you encounter a state government that changes its mind every few days, it can easily make things difficult for you, and you'll be in deep trouble.

Ivanov led the way: "Let's go, my dear friends, thank you for making this trip, we should go eat now."

Upon arriving at the most luxurious "Ocean" Hotel on Sakhalin Island, the discussion about the oil and gas field project ceased. Wang Xiao stared intently at Douglas, his curiosity piqued: "Mr. Douglas, that outfit you're wearing has a very distinctive feel to it."

This topic seems abrupt and impolite, but considering Miss Wang's background, it seems quite normal.

She made her fortune selling clothes in Moscow.

Good heavens, everyone says the energy industry is incredibly profitable. But in reality, compared to the clothing industry, the energy industry is a real hodgepodge of high investment and high risk.

“Oh, Miss Wang, this is Patagonia,” Douglas explained with a smile. “Please forgive my rudeness, it’s so cold and windy here, so I chose an outdoor outfit.”

For a business event, this attire is indeed a bit inappropriate. But he didn't think it was too much, considering Patagonia's prices. Luxury goods are never considered impolite.

Wang Xiao's curiosity was bursting, and she even rudely asked, "Can I touch your clothes? I'm sorry, this is the first time I've ever seen this kind of fabric."

She suspected it was fleece, a major revenue-generating fashion item for Uniqlo.

But when she went to Tokyo, she didn't see anyone wearing fleece, nor did she see any Uniqlo stores. She guessed the other party hadn't yet made their fortune.

Douglas flashed a smile exactly like Harrison Ford's, his eyes practically brimming with affection: "Of course."

Ivanov wanted to roll his eyes. That's just how middle-aged men are; they're particularly keen on showing off in front of young women and releasing their so-called sexual attraction.

but--

Ivanov wasn't worried at all, because Wang had a keen sense of smell and couldn't stand his body odor.

God, he suspected that the genes of their entire race had failed to evolve, otherwise why would others smell so good while they smell so bad?

While Ivanov was wallowing in self-pity, oblivious to his own reflection in the mirror, Wang Xiao had already touched Douglas's coat.

Upon handling it, she was certain that it was indeed fleece.

Before she time-traveled, fleece was popular when she was a child. Later, during the pandemic, fleece became popular again. She couldn't even remember how many fleece items she sold through live streaming.

But she remembered the advantages of fleece very clearly.

Lightweight and soft, it's said to be even warmer than cashmere. Well, at least for her, it's just as warm as cashmere. Best of all, it's machine washable, unlike cashmere which needs to be dry cleaned.

Seeing that she wouldn't let go for a long time, Douglas extended a further invitation: "Would you like to try it on?"

These words were quite ambiguous, and when Douglas spoke, he deliberately moved closer, making it almost flirtatious.

However, Wang Xiao did not show any displeasure at being offended, but instead reached out and said, "Take it off."

She actually tried it on.

The people at the table were so surprised that they all had subtle expressions on their faces.

Some people stared in disbelief, some smiled knowingly, and some simply didn't know which reaction to make, so they just kept a blank expression.

Wang Xiao carefully examined it, even standing up and jumping around, and finally confirmed: Yes, it was fleece, and a good quality fleece at that.

Douglas immediately and generously said, "Miss Wang, you look stunning in it. Here, it's yours."

Ivanov clapped his hands and smiled broadly: "Thank you so much, Mr. Douglas, for your generosity."

Douglas shrugged and smiled affectionately at Wang Xiao: "It's my pleasure."

See? Rich women are always the most sought-after mates for males. Especially when the rich woman is young and beautiful.

Unfortunately, Ivanov was not going to give him that chance.

An old American man, just as smelly as him, and not particularly good-looking, really not a suitable one-night stand.

As everyone finished their seafood feast and was about to leave, the assistant brought out a finely crafted designer cashmere coat and respectfully handed it to Douglas.

Wang Xiao smiled broadly: "Thank you for the clothes. I'll give you one too. I hope you like it."

The oil company representatives once again held their breath slightly.

In any other place, whether it's London or New York, acquiring a designer cashmere coat in the time it takes to eat a meal is a piece of cake.

It's commonplace even in Moscow or St. Petersburg.

Only you have money.

But this is Sakhalin Oblast, a veritable island. The most upscale shopping places on the island are Japanese stores, which sell things that, well, middle-class Japanese wouldn't even glance at—all inexpensive goods.

With Wuzhou Company here, how many connections and influence would one need to obtain a designer cashmere coat?

Damn it, it looks like it was made to fit Douglas's measurements.

Douglas tried and tried, but even in the end, he couldn't guarantee that the smile on his face wasn't stiff.

He tried to keep his tone gentle: "Of course, it's my honor."

This time, none of the oil company representatives showed any ambiguous smiles.

Back in the room, Ivanov curiously reached out and touched the hem of Wang Xiao's clothes: "Is there anything special about these clothes?"

Wang Xiao knew she was simply attracted to Douglas's clothes just because he had been staring at them.

But no matter how he looked at it, he couldn't find anything particularly unique about the sweater.

It's really ugly. It's only because Douglas didn't gain weight in middle age and has the face of a Hollywood star that he's a complete fashion disaster.

"Its fabric is a synthetic material, but it has good warmth retention and breathability, and it doesn't absorb water. When it gets wet, its weight only increases by 1%. For an outdoor three-piece set, the inner layer absorbs sweat, the middle layer keeps you warm, and the outer layer protects you from wind and rain. It is the best choice for the middle layer."

Wang Xiao's eyes shone brightly, "Because it is artificially synthesized, its cost is highly controllable, and its price can remain relatively stable."

Ivanov also tried it on once.

Okay, he admitted it was nice, but he didn't feel it was better than a down jacket.

The fact that Douglas can wear this male peacock so openly in public suggests that it must be quite expensive.

Ivanov considered himself a fashionista, and any fabric he hadn't even noticed must be new. And new fabrics, naturally, wouldn't be cheap.

"So we need to control costs." Wang Xiao's eyes were bright. "Even if we control the cost of down jackets, the cost will still fluctuate. This year, pork prices have dropped, so people feel that it is more cost-effective to eat pork. Fewer people are eating chicken, duck, and goose, so there are fewer farmers. Duck and goose down will naturally decrease significantly, and the price will definitely go up."

Down feathers have always been a byproduct of poultry farming, and their price is subject to too many uncontrollable factors.

With the down jacket boom last year and even more people entering the industry this year, coupled with limited raw material supply, manufacturers have no choice but to increase production costs to maintain quality. And these cost changes are directly reflected in prices.

But fleece is different; it's a synthetic fabric, so the price is controllable and can remain stable over the long term.

Wang Xiao sighed heavily: "My dear friends, everyone thinks that Chinese goods are good and cheap now because China's economy is backward and labor is cheap. But once China's labor costs also rise, will we still be able to win the price war easily? We need to plan ahead."

Ivanov opened his mouth, then finally nodded in agreement: "Okay, we'll make the new fabric."

Anyway, doing anything now is better than those damn oil and gas fields.