Chapter 383 You Shouldn't Have Been So Clever: We Must Unite

What awaits those who have been appeased? Without a doubt, it's work.

Early Monday morning, Ivanov began eating breakfast under the watchful eyes of the cameras.

That's right, eating is also part of working.

Because he needs to film an MTV program called "Our Day" today.

This is a reality show, and the guests who participate in the filming come from all walks of life. Without a doubt, they are all leaders in their respective fields.

Because ordinary people know too well how they live their lives, they are more interested in seeing the lives of those who are glamorous and successful.

Previously, "Our Day" had filmed rock stars and tennis players, and this time they turned their cameras on their boss, diligently filming him enjoying his meal.

Ivanov skillfully used chopsticks to pick up some fermented bean curd and spread it on the broken-open steamed bun, then ate it with milk porridge.

Given his strong recommendation for a variety of flavors, the meal also included stir-fried shredded potatoes with tomatoes, both common vegetables in Russia, though not traditionally prepared this way.

So he even went so far as to promote it to the audience in front of the camera, repeatedly emphasizing, "It's delicious."

Don't always just make soup and bread. Try a different cooking method and you'll discover a whole new world.

After breakfast, the "Our Day" film crew followed him downstairs, got into the car, and went to the Jill Truck Factory to film.

Unlike Wang Xiao, who prefers to stay in the container market, Ivanov prefers to stay in the factory whenever conditions permit.

As he himself said, his goal is to revitalize Russia's manufacturing industry.

A new businessman with industrial ideals can't possibly spend all his time in golf clubs and nightclubs trying to revitalize industry.

He spent most of his daily work and life immersing himself in factories, working alongside engineers, workers, and sales staff to set production targets, solve problems encountered in production and sales, and achieve those targets.

Ivanov's businessman nature meant that he cooperated with the filming without Wang Xiao having to give him instructions.

This is also a good opportunity to advertise for free, to give free advertising to the products of the ZIL truck factory and the Moskvich automobile factory.

A spotless workshop and workers working in a tense but orderly manner—only products from such a production line can be trusted by consumers.

Before leaving the Jill Truck Factory, the film crew interviewed a worker, following the filming outline.

His production team improved the production technology of the Suzuki 50, which was imported from Japan, and eliminated two unnecessary processes, greatly improving production efficiency without adversely affecting the quality of the light trucks.

Therefore, even the Japanese technicians had to admit that this approach was actually more appropriate; and after the Russian side organized experts to conduct a thorough evaluation, the production team was rewarded—all team members were assigned larger worker apartments.

"I love the factory now," the young man said energetically. "We're a factory full of energy. Here, the harder you work, the more you get. Wages, bonuses, and benefits—you get them all."

He shook his head firmly, “Unlike my father, who worked so hard it was meaningless. No matter how much he did, what he got was the same as those who just boasted, chatted, and slacked off. They are different from us; they don’t encourage or reward enthusiasm and creativity.”

He curled his lip. "After all, Lenin had told his American guests bluntly that they would only force enough people to work themselves to the bone to meet Russia's needs, whether these people were the workers they called the masters of the country or prisoners in jail."

Speaking into the microphone, he was full of anticipation. He now lives in a 50-square-meter single dormitory room with all the necessary facilities. It is a standard apartment room, and he is very satisfied.

The next goal is to continue working hard, save up my salary and bonuses, and buy a nice car.

"Moscowmen are fine too. Their cars look pretty good now. I have a friend who works at a Moscowman. I've visited them, and they work very seriously. They're not like those drunkards who just grab a wrench and haphazardly tighten a few screws on the production line, producing a bunch of junk."

The production team of "Our Day" found it unbelievable; their boss was just too serious.

Oh, he meant Miss Wang, who was watching the filming the whole time.

There's no problem with that, after all, today's guest is Mr. Ivanov.

But why, even after Ivanov had finished filming this part and was taking a break, did Miss Wang continue her interview with the worker, a minor character among minor characters?

After taking three takes, she reluctantly nodded and gave an OK sign, which was considered a way of letting them pass.

Then she smiled at the worker and said, "Good luck, and I look forward to you getting the car keys from the Muscovites soon."

Someone joked, "My God! Miss Wang, we thought you were going to say, 'Young man, your car keys are here.'"

Wang Xiao smiled and shook his head: "The fruits of your own labor are the sweetest; there is no future in waiting and relying on others."

Filming at the Jill Truck Factory has wrapped up. The crew split into two groups, one of which stayed on set to film the canteen so it could be edited into the program.

The rest of the people ate a couple of bites of roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), one of the most popular items at the Jill Truck Factory canteen, because anything could be stuffed into the soft dough.

Tomato and egg stir-fry, pickled cucumber and minced meat stir-fry, braised meat chunks and braised tofu can all be chopped up and put in it. Even braised potatoes sandwiched between the pancakes are just as delicious.

But it should be eaten while it's hot.

The remaining members of the film crew disregarded dining etiquette, grabbing roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) and eating as they walked. After finishing, they wiped their mouths, got into the car, and hurried to the Muscovite Automobile Factory.

Although both factories are in Moscow, they are not located together, and it takes time to drive there.

If you encounter traffic jams, the time spent on the road will be even longer.

Fortunately, they had good luck and arrived at the Moskvich Automobile Factory smoothly at 1:30 pm.

As they got off the bus, the host smiled and said, "Thank God."

Ivanov turned around and looked at him seriously: "We should thank the builders of this city."

He pointed to the road beneath his feet, "At this time last year, this road was a complete mess, with terrible traffic jams. This situation had been going on for many years. People had heard for a long time that the road was going to be repaired, but nothing ever happened. Until the city started to move, the bumpy road was paved, and the new subway station started construction. The city began to gradually get back on track."

Thank God!

The photojournalist really has to thank God this time, because the camera was always on, and because he was focused on his subject, he didn't miss the guest's wonderful speech.

As the filming process progressed, he became increasingly grateful for his meticulous and conscientious work.

Their boss is so engrossed in his work that he listens to the car factory employees' opinions without ever offering any himself.

Then his words when he got off the bus can be taken as the key point of his thought process.

This time, at the Muscovite Automobile Plant, they also interviewed the plant's employees.

The only difference was that the interviewee changed from a worker to an engineer, and specifically, a female engineer.

This engineer, whose hair was braided into two pigtails and coiled on his head, didn't discuss automotive technology issues or production process optimization in front of the camera. Instead, he talked about the street protests and demonstrations against privatization.

"I really find it strange that they haven't done anything."

She frowned, as if she couldn't understand or couldn't bear it. "Since they claim that the factory belongs to all the employees, why do they do nothing when the products can't be sold and production can't be maintained? They just sit there and wait for the government to give them subsidies."

She waved her hand forcefully, clearly showing her utter disgust. "They did the same thing back in the Soviet era. When factories weren't profitable, instead of trying to solve the problems, they just waited for government subsidies. Now that it's a market economy, they still want to stick to the socialist system."

“They cry and whine all day long, as if they are some kind of great victim. But in reality, they are parasites, parasites of socialism.”

"The government can't create wealth; all the wealth is created by other hardworking people. The government collects taxes from these people and these businesses, and then uses the money to subsidize those who are crying and complaining."

She waved her arms forcefully again, shouting, "I object! I strongly object! I work hard to provide a better life for myself and my family, not to support lazy bums. If the government continues to mistreat hardworking people like this, I will resolutely vote against it!"

Even after filming ended, the female engineer remained in high spirits, emphasizing to the host, "The country only sucks the blood of its people to support lazybones and appease these scoundrels. I don't want to be sucked dry."

If it weren't for the tea break ending and her need to go back to work, Wang Xiao doesn't know how much longer she could have continued her eloquent speech.

That was truly an exceptional performance.

The film crew dared not interview any more people.

If another person like that comes along, they won't be filming "Our Day," but rather "Our Day and Night."

So they made a quick decision: while the sun was still high in the sky and they hadn't had time to leave, they pulled the guests of this episode down to sit and began the interview in a proper manner.

Wang Xiao stood behind the camera, briefly approaching Ivanov twice to adjust his hair and work clothes, otherwise watching silently.

Facing the camera, Ivanov, unlike Punonin, was not nervous and even joked around: "Of course, we have received a lot of support, from the Kremlin, the White House, and the Moscow City Government. Because we have made technological breakthroughs and production has stabilized, last Saturday night, the President even invited me to dinner at the Kremlin."

The host seized the opportunity to interject, "So, may I ask what we ate at the dinner?"

"Pickled herring".

"With vodka?"

“Of course not.” Ivanov shook his head firmly. “The president is very concerned about production because real money is never created through finance, but is represented by assets. Assets can only be produced by factories and farmland. The president has promised us that as long as our cars meet the production standards, the president’s car will become our car.”

The production team leader was a little puzzled, wondering why the filming had strayed from the topic and why the president had been brought in.

In fact, their viewers have little interest in the president.

Wang Xiao insisted, "No, this part must be retained. For entrepreneurs, government support is crucial."

Are you kidding me? You can't cut this part no matter what you edit. She made dumplings just because she was jealous.

This episode conveyed two key points.

The first key point is that privatization has been very effective.

Those old Soviet-era factories that lacked market competitiveness, had outdated and poorly maintained equipment, and lacked strict accounting systems and labor discipline, yet had thousands of workers demanding wages from them, were revitalized after privatization.

Even the factory workers felt the value of their work and devoted themselves to it with great enthusiasm.

The second key point is that the president is alright.

Didn't you hear what Ivanov said? On Saturday night, the president even invited him to dinner at the Kremlin, expressing his concern for the factory's production and his expectations for its future.

It's already a weekend evening, and they're still working overtime. What could possibly be wrong with the president?

If these two messages are transmitted through television signals and reach the hearts of Russian viewers, then the purpose of this program will be achieved.

Wang Xiao watched as the last shot was filmed, nodded, and finally let the exhausted film crew go: "OK! OK! Let's all have dinner together tonight."

Everyone showed a joyful expression.

Unlike decades later, when all working professionals loathe socializing, in 1995 Moscow, due to several years of economic deterioration and rising prices, most people could only enjoy a lavish meal at business dinners.

When the boss is treating, it's natural to be generous.

Roasted lamb chops, stewed potatoes with large chunks of beef, and the like are all hearty and substantial dishes.

Vegetables, which are rare at this time of year, are served in large bowls as salads, and you can eat as much as you want.

As for the popular dumplings, the ones with Chinese cabbage and pork filling and the ones with tomato and beef filling are available in unlimited quantities.

Everyone enjoyed their dinner, and no one objected to the change from vodka to beer.

After eating and drinking to their hearts' content, Wang Xiao asked the production crew, "Who is your next subject to film?"

"Alla Pugacheva, she is one of the most popular pop stars right now."

Contrary to popular belief, when the economy is in trouble, people have no interest in spending money on entertainment.

Modern Russia boasts a vibrant music scene and a thriving arts and culture scene.

The Russian national character dictates that no matter what happens, even if the enemy is at the gates, it will not affect their immersion in culture and art.

So the program team's choice of topic is quite good.

But Wang Xiao shook his head: "We can film this, but don't rush to broadcast it. You just did a feature on another rock star. Note that 'Our Life' is not a special on entertainment stars."

The program's director was a little embarrassed. He originally wanted to explain that the filming subject he had selected was a movie star, but the star stood them up, so he changed it to another singer at the last minute.

But just like the boss said, whether they are singers or movie stars, they are all celebrities, so it's true that the topic is the same.

He cleverly seized the opportunity to throw out a difficult question: "So, Miss Wang, what do you think we should choose for the next episode?"

God help him, he thought he would be met with disdain and a barrage of insults like, "Why do you ask me everything? Am I paying your salary, or are you paying mine?"

Unexpectedly, Miss Wang actually offered a suggestion: "I think you could do a local interview series, an interview with a political star who emerged during the economic reforms. Since it's called 'Our Day,' it should include all industries, from scholars to farmers to artisans and merchants."

The program director, surprised, immediately realized what was going on: "Could you recommend a suitable interviewee?"

"Boris Nemtsov, the most popular young pioneer among young people."

Wang Xiao laughed, "Considering the way MTV viewers draw pictures, a handsome young man who becomes the governor of Nizhny Novgorod at the age of 32 should be more popular."

The crew members all laughed because there's a joke circulating in society about MTV: viewers of the channel are either choosing their ideal boyfriend or girlfriend, or choosing suitable partners for their sons and daughters.

A 32-year-old young governor—good heavens, even in a romance novel, readers wouldn't think he's too old.

Wang Xiao nodded with a smile: "Most importantly, the privatization reform he led was very effective."

Since supporting Yeltsin in 1991, he has caught the latter's eye. After becoming governor, he promoted privatization reforms in his jurisdiction, first reforming small businesses and then conducting privatization experiments in collective farms, with good results.

Nizhny Novgorod Oblast is one of the few regions in Russia where the economic situation has not deteriorated particularly severely.

Of course, this is also related to the fact that its main economic pillar is the defense industry, and it can also obtain orders from the Ministry of Defense.

In short, whatever the reason, a successful and energetic political newcomer, and to make matters worse, he's also quite handsome, which should be able to pique the interest of MTV viewers.

The production team of "Our Day" quickly accepted the choice, and after finishing their freshly squeezed juice, everyone said goodbye and left.

The boss even gave them red envelopes, so of course they had to go back and work overtime to ensure that this episode of the business celebrity special could be perfectly presented on the screen.

After finishing this task, they will fly to Nizhny Novgorod Oblast to interview the next rising political star.

Wang Xiao waved goodbye to everyone with a big smile, and she didn't leave even after the car drove away.

Only when the car became a tiny black dot and disappeared into the night did she breathe a sigh of relief and slump her shoulders.

Ivanov patted her back apologetically: "Thank you for your hard work, Your Majesty."

This is a crisis for his homeland, and she has to rack her brains and exhaust her efforts to prevent the building from collapsing.

Wang Xiao waved his hand, struggling to stretch his stiff neck: "It's alright, this is our common cause. Let's go, hurry back and rest, we still have a battle to fight tomorrow."

Their battle will not stop until the president can freely appear in public.

Unfortunately, even after returning to Huaxia Commercial Street, they couldn't rest because an uninvited guest arrived.

Berezovsky's bald head seemed to radiate anger under the lights.

His face was grim, bringing with it an early Moscow winter. His fists were clenched tightly, and he glared at Ivanov through gritted teeth: "Dear Ivanov, I really don't understand what I've done to offend you this time? Why do you always try to take my things?"

As he shouted the last sentence, he angrily waved his fist, as if he was about to rush forward and give the young tycoon opposite him a good beating.

The bodyguards quickly blocked their employer's path. Good heavens, has this guy gone mad?

They were with their boss every day, and they knew all too well that the boss hadn't mentioned Berezovsky's name once during this time, let alone plotted against him.

Ivanov was also baffled: "What are you talking about? What did I steal from you?"

Apart from Channel One, he looked down on everything Berezovsky had now.

The All-Russian Automobile Union Securities scam? Ha! He wouldn't dare touch that $30 million that they swindled; he'd rather not get his hands dirty.

"You can't be going crazy just because Punoning was on a news interview on Channel 1 yesterday, can you?"

Ivanov couldn't understand. "Are you really that petty? Do you need to approve such a small thing?"

Berezovsky grew even angrier upon hearing this. This damned fellow was deliberately playing him for fools by beating around the bush.

"Stop rambling, Aeroflot, you know perfectly well I'm talking about Aeroflot!"

What is Aeroflot? It is Russian International Airlines, and one of the two heavily indebted state-owned companies that the president forced upon Ivanov by signing a presidential decree on Saturday night.

Berezovsky was now itching to pull out a gun and kill someone: "You robbed Siberian Oil Company, and I gritted my teeth and accepted it. Now you're trying to rob me of Aeroflot too? What did I ever do to offend you?"

"Wait!" Ivanov couldn't take it anymore. "You want Aeroflot? How should I know?"

Berezovsky cried out, his voice hoarse: "How could you not know? Everyone knows! God, how much effort I put into Aeroflot!"

As a result, he had long been at odds with Gusinsky and several other businessmen.

Ivanov shook his head, completely rejecting his argument: "Boris, you want Aeroflot, so why don't you participate in the auction? I know you have money, so why don't you participate in the auction?"

If Aeroflot hadn't failed to sell, the president wouldn't have forced the company on him.

Berezovsky opened his mouth, as if he wanted to say something but didn't.

Wang Xiao sneered from the side: "Because this gentleman's cleverness has backfired! He wants to acquire Aeroflot with the least amount of money. No, I misspoke, it's more like he doesn't intend to acquire Aeroflot at all. His so-called debt repayment will also be done using Aeroflot's ticket sales revenue."

Ivanov turned his head, stared wide-eyed at Berezovsky, and kept gasping for breath: "My God, I thought you were a smart man, always have been, how could you do such a thing?"

He muttered to himself, "I just couldn't understand it on Saturday night. If the president wanted to warn me, he could have just given me the power company that never collects my electricity bills, but why did he have to add an airline to the mix?"

For a power company to become a "power tyrant," the electricity user must fear its threat; for example, a factory needs a reliable power supply.

But factory shutdowns are common in Russia, so they're not afraid of power outages.

Airlines are different; flights to Moscow have never stopped, and the economic downturn hasn't affected their business.

Airlines can still make money if they use the right methods.

Ivanov looked at Berezovsky with a complicated expression: "So, the president boarded the airline just to warn you, Boris. You've really shot yourself in the foot. Are you convinced that if Aeroflot doesn't sell at auction, the president will sign an executive order to transfer it directly to you at a symbolic price to solve the debt problem?"

Berezovsky roared: "Aeroflot itself was riddled with problems, and it was already quite an achievement that it was able to restructure and resolve its debts. Setting such a high starting price was unreasonable to begin with."

Ivanov shrugged: "There's no point in you complaining now. The fact is, Boris, you've messed everything up. The other people didn't participate in the Aeroflot auction, probably not because they thought the price was too high, but because they assumed Aeroflot was compensation from the president. And yet you're being picky, complaining that this gift isn't generous enough."

Since the privatization auction began in the summer, Berezovsky has not had a single smooth thing happen to him.

Now his eyes were bloodshot as he stared intently at Ivanov: "My young sir, I must warn you not to be too happy. If you are used as a gun, constantly being used against others, you will surely have more and more enemies."

He was making it clear to Ivanov that the president was using the latter as a scapegoat, ready to use him against anyone he was dissatisfied with.

Regardless of whether he was trying to sow discord, Ivanov nodded: "Thank you for your kindness, my dear Boris. But we're already on board, and we must stick together now. If the president is overthrown, you, me, none of us will fare well."

He pointed at Boris, "So instead of complaining now, let's unite and demonstrate our abilities. That way, even if we are purged one day, we can still earn respect through our own capabilities."

Berezovsky squinted at him and tentatively asked, "My dear sir, what do you mean?"

“The meaning is simple: the Duma elections are in December.” Ivanov spread his hands. “Obviously, we’ve already used up our chance in this privatization auction, and the president won’t let us participate in any other auctions. So now it’s time for us to flex our muscles.”

He raised his arm, mimicking Mr. Jianmei's gesture, "Don't forget, my dear Boris, there are far more than 16 companies that Russia wants to privatize. Even the oil fields are more than that."

Berezovsky, a mathematician by training, could quickly regain his composure once rational thinking took over: "Sir, what do you intend to do?"

“It’s very simple,” Ivanov said with a smile. “We need to unite now, cheer for our government, let people fully feel the benefits of privatization, and strive to win more seats in the Duma elections.”

Berezovsky's pupils contracted slightly, and he shook his head, saying, "No, I think you're going in the wrong direction. What we should be doing now is exposing the Communist Party's treachery and letting everyone know how terrifying it would be to return to the rule of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation."

He said meaningfully, "It is the aversion that fear generates that can truly penetrate people's hearts."

Wang Xiao objected from the side: "Sir, your idea is not wrong, but the timing is wrong. The presidential election is not until next year, and the trump card you mentioned can only be used next year. Because fear is abhorrent, people will be eager to forget about it. If we start emphasizing this now, people will quickly get tired of it and even develop resistance. Then next year, we will have no better cards to play."

She smiled and said, "The hope brought by economic reform is different. Hope is like a seed. If you plant it now, it will sprout and bloom when the weather warms up. Hope is something that people can always reminisce about."

So their task this year is to emphasize the benefits of privatization, and next year they should be busy smearing the Communist Party of the Russian Federation.

To protect their own interests, businessmen have no principles and will stop at nothing.

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The young governor mentioned in the article is a real person. He became Russia's Deputy Prime Minister in 1997 and was once considered Yeltsin's successor. He was assassinated in 2015.