Chapter 447 Tearing Off a Piece of Flesh (Bug Fix): Jealousy Leads to Gain

After boarding the plane at Cape Town International Airport, Wang Xiao and Ivanov sat down, adjusted their seats without saying a word, put on their eye masks, and went to sleep.

We're all mature men and women now, after a wild night, of course we need to catch up on sleep, otherwise they'd really think we're made of iron.

The plane traveled from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern Hemisphere, from Cape Town's winter to Moscow's summer. As soon as the cabin door opened, a wave of heat hit us.

It's not that Moscow suddenly turned into an oven this summer.

Even in the sweltering heat of July, Wang Xiao, who had experienced the harshness of a real furnace city, still felt that it had its own unique coolness.

It's the atmosphere, the vibrant atmosphere, as if a South African summer has been brought to Moscow.

Oh no, Cape Town summers are dry and breezy, not like this... well, she didn't know how to describe it.

While Xiao Gao was looking around, he blurted out, "Why does this place look like a hotel in Bangkok?"

Yes, that's exactly how it feels.

From the moment they got off the plane until they walked out of the airport, all they could hear were words like stocks and bonds; it seemed everyone there was caught up in a frenzy of financial investment.

The snow in Moscow hadn't melted yet, and it wasn't this bad when they left.

Ivanov frowned slightly: "Spring is really starting to get lively, and it's getting hotter and hotter."

The word "fanatical" perfectly describes it.

Wang Xiao watched the investors next to him discussing animatedly and said softly, "This means that all the foreign investment from Southeast Asia has been transferred to Moscow."

Although the Thai baht officially began to collapse on July 2nd, almost all Southeast Asian countries were subsequently affected.

But in fact, the exodus of foreign capital from Southeast Asia began at the beginning of this year.

In March, rumors circulated in London that the Thai baht would depreciate, causing a wave of capital flight.

By May, as the situation with the Thai baht continued to deteriorate and capital flight became more severe, other Southeast Asian countries were also affected to varying degrees.

The battle to defend the Thai baht has now been completely lost, and capital is fleeing Southeast Asia in panic. They need somewhere to stay and make money.

Last year, Russia decisively defeated the Communist Party of the Russian Federation and brought under control of its rapid inflation in the second half of the year. With a lack of sufficient financial management regulations and restrictions, and with loopholes everywhere, the Russian financial market has become a new hotbed for short-term capital.

Everything on this land, in the eyes of fervent investors, can be converted into cash in the short term.

Listen to the foreign travelers next to you, who have just gotten off the plane and are looking travel-worn, talking animatedly in English.

They were discussing the newly issued European bonds by Smolensky's capital agricultural savings bank, which they described as a lucrative business that could generate substantial profits.

Why can they trust Russian banks?

The investor who had encouraged his friends to buy was earnestly giving them a "science lesson": "Russians are different from us. They have huge amounts of cash hidden under their mattresses, and they own 30%-40% of Russia's national wealth. They don't trust banks; bank deposits are only a small part of the country's wealth. The Capital Agricultural Savings Bank is a newly established retail commercial bank that is completely different from the old banks and that Russians trust."

Wang Xiao subconsciously turned to look at his bodyguards and assistants, and whispered, "Your family really hides money under the mattress? I thought only Chinese people hid money under their beds."

The Russian she knew best was Ivanov, who never hid money at home. But they had their own banks, so the situation was different then.

What about everyone else? What about other ordinary Russians, Russians who don't have banks at home?

She really couldn't believe that Russians still keep large amounts of cash at home these days.

The bodyguards and assistants all shook their heads, saying that their family wasn't like that, and they hadn't heard of it happening in their relatives' families either.

Ivanov's face fell, clearly displeased. He muttered to himself as he walked, "I really appreciate their wishful thinking. If that's true, then it at least means our economic reforms have already achieved 60% success!"

What does it mean that ordinary Russians typically keep large amounts of rubles at home? It means that they trust the ruble, believe it to be a stable currency, and that it is synonymous with wealth.

But what is the reality? Apart from major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, people in vast remote areas of Siberia and the Far East don't use rubles at all.

Therefore, when they were revitalizing the rural economy, they were forced to use grain as hard currency to maintain the circulation of the market economy.

This is no secret; the White House has publicly discussed this matter during press conferences.

It certainly made the ruble lose face, but the Russian government's first priority is to ensure that the people can survive.

However, these publicly disclosed details seem to be completely invisible to outside investors.

Everyone assumes that people raised in socialist countries are completely ignorant of finance. But the truth is, no one is any better than anyone else; people in developed capitalist countries are just as ignorant in this regard.

When we arrived at the parking lot, the group of people were still chatting animatedly.

Some people expressed their doubts: "Why don't the Russians buy them themselves? They can make so much money from that!"

The man who was lobbying him curled his lip in disdain: "What do they know? Most of them are still living in the Soviet era. They have no financial awareness whatsoever. They wouldn't know how to make money even if it were right in front of them."

Ivanov was visibly shaken. As Russia's Deputy Prime Minister, a violent clash between him and foreign tourists would have a terrible international impact.

So he could only voice his discontent after getting on the bus: "Who's really living in the Soviet Union? They're the ones living in the Soviet era. Keeping money at home instead of in the bank is a Soviet-era habit!"

He really disliked these arrogant investors.

Since they've traveled all the way to Russia, their purpose must be to make money.

Ivanov, a businessman by trade, couldn't stand the fact that people wanted to make money on this land but didn't respect its owners.

"The merchants in the container market are much better than them. They try to understand what customers want and try to understand them, instead of being arrogant and condescending, thinking that customers are idiots and that they can easily make money from them."

He wasn't just boasting about his own wares because he owns a container market.

With the influx of foreign capital into Russia, a large amount of imported goods from Europe and the United States also arrived. Undoubtedly, this had a huge impact on the original market.

Even under these circumstances, Huaxia Goods in Huaxia Commercial Street and Container Market are still able to maintain their customer base, thanks to their attitude of always paying attention to customer needs.

Can you believe it? They can make pencil cases with different designs for each of the 12 zodiac signs, not to mention all kinds of pens. They have all kinds of cartoon characters and beautiful designs. Not to mention children, even the White House staff can't resist them. He has already seen several beautiful pens.

This is the right attitude for doing business: always put the customer first and never arrogantly mock them as idiots.

Ivanov was so angry his hair was practically steaming. He clenched his fists to express his fury: "They don't even want to understand Russia, yet they think they're so smart, believing they can make money recklessly based on what they consider to be information asymmetry. What makes them think they're superior?"

Afraid that he might get sick from anger, Wang Xiao hugged his head and pressed his Baihui acupoint repeatedly to calm him down, comforting him, "Don't be angry. It's not that they don't want to do a thorough investigation, but the actual situation doesn't allow it."

"Mrs. Watanabe knows, how can Japanese housewives investigate and understand the rules of Russia's economic operation? They can only make judgments based on the most superficial things."

"With Japan's economy sluggish, workers' wages are declining, and bank deposit interest rates are low. They have no better way to ensure their family income than to take their money out and deposit it in countries where they believe interest rates are higher to earn the interest rate differential. They are all ordinary people who can only try their best to maintain their own and their families' quality of life by doing everything they believe is right."

The heavy breathing in her arms seemed to subside a little.

Wang Xiao then praised him again: "And this proves that from last year until now, you have at least controlled inflation. Otherwise, people wouldn't believe in the future of the Russian economy and would voluntarily come to give you money."

Ivanov's voice was muffled: "There are many problems, and the problems haven't been truly solved at all. There's nothing I can do."

He had a smooth life from childhood to adulthood, and apart from having to worry about his studies, he had never encountered any real setbacks.

After meeting Wang Xiao, he rose rapidly through the ranks as if he had unlocked a cheat code.

It wasn't until he became vice premier that he gradually realized what a mess he had inherited.

But he couldn't say it, he couldn't tell anyone, just how bad Russia's real economic situation was.

Wang Xiao lowered her head, kissed his forehead, and said softly, "No, you've already done a lot. You've done a great job."

Being in a high position is indeed very enjoyable, but if you still have a conscience and are a person with a strong sense of responsibility, it may turn into a disaster.

You might doubt your own worth because you don't know how to solve the predicament, and then you will continue to torment yourself.

Wang Xiao kissed his nose again, affirming once more, "You did a great job, really great."

Unfortunately, Ivanov's confidence did not immediately soar.

He could only manage a forced smile and absentmindedly said, "I hope so."

He looked listless and a little aggrieved.

Wang Xiao smiled and began to tell him a story, a story of "this fish cares and that fish cares too," and finally concluded: "Look, the rescued little fish all care. As long as they are there, there is hope. As long as hope remains, anything is possible."

Lyuba sighed inwardly; she still had to coax her.

But looking at the current atmosphere in Moscow, and considering their recent stay in Bangkok, it's hard not to suspect that the latter is the future of the former.

In this environment, everyone who tries to hold on remains silent.

It's really quite difficult.

The car arrived at the restaurant, and everyone got out to eat—well, the boss had been sleeping the whole time on the plane and hadn't eaten much.

In the parking lot, they encountered investors again.

Some people are still worried: "Is Russia okay? Don't let it be like Thailand, where they made such good promises, the government made vows, raised interest rates round after round, and finally surrendered."

His companion, as if he'd heard the biggest joke in the world, widened his eyes and emphasized, "What are you talking about? How big is Thailand? How big is Russia? They're not even in the same league. Small countries change leaders all the time, so of course the government can break its promises. But big countries can't do that. Big countries are stable."

Wang Xiao sighed inwardly. Regardless of the size of the country, when making decisions, the first priority is always whether or not the country can survive.

Ivanov felt even more pressured listening to this, and he ate his meal absentmindedly.

After a quick meal, he didn't rush back to the White House to work. Instead, he planned to go home and pet the red pandas to soothe his mood.

Unfortunately, even though he had followed the principle of "escaping is shameful but useful," the social scene in Moscow still had no intention of letting him go.

They had just returned to their villa and taken a nap, each of them holding a baby panda and lost in thought, when Berezovsky called.

Public attention typically lasts only about a week.

In May of last year, media mogul Berezovsky, who faced boycott from the Russian public due to his Jewish heritage, quietly moved into the Kremlin after renouncing his Israeli citizenship at the end of the year, becoming the deputy secretary of the Kremlin Security Committee.

When he appeared in public in his new identity, it didn't cause much of a stir, and not many people even discussed it.

He thus entered politics in a natural and unforced manner.

He is now calling Ivanov to invite him to today's charity dinner.

God help me, and I have to be honest, Berezovsky had absolutely no desire to invite Ivanov to this charity dinner.

July is the holiday season in Moscow, and most senior officials spend their summer vacation either in the Black Sea or in Western Europe.

Very few people remained in Moscow.

This has made Berezovsky one of the most powerful people in the Russian capital, with everyone having to respect his opinions and revolve around him.

Just then, the young Deputy Prime Minister Ivanov suddenly returned from South Africa, drawing everyone's attention once again.

Berezovsky wanted to pretend the other person didn't exist, but he was also afraid that he and Wang Xiao might suddenly change their plans and return to Moscow, perhaps with some wicked intentions.

Good heavens! After wandering around without finding any strong external support, Gusinsky returned to Moscow and found his ally in Berezovsky, who was also a media mogul.

The latter were eager to get a share of the pie and didn't want the uninvited guest to disrupt their plans.

So he had to take advantage of the charity gala to call people over and find out more about them.

He had a string of eloquent words: "Oh, my dear Ivan, you have to come. Your presence represents Russia's emphasis on charity. Look, the wealthy are taking money out of their pockets to help our country become better."

As he hung up the phone, Ivanov couldn't help but complain, "Can't he just focus on being his best man? He has to get involved in everything, it's endless."

Wang Xiao asked curiously, "Best man? What does that mean? Isn't he married? No way, he's been married for a long time, hasn't he?"

In her mind, best men are usually unmarried young men.

Ivanov sighed: "He's always been the leader of the seven oligarchs, telling others what to do. Everything has to be communicated to him. He wants to control everything. If something happens and he's not informed, he gets anxious and restless, like an ant on a hot pan."

The term "best man" was a nickname used by Moscow's social circles to mock him behind his back.

It refers to his desire to be the best man at every wedding and the gravedigger at every funeral.

Wang Xiao found it amusing, but what was even more ridiculous was that despite everyone's dissatisfaction, Moscow's social circles tacitly approved of his actions.

It is evident that the bottom line of human tolerance can be lowered again and again, even to absurd levels.

Ivanov paused for a moment, then nodded and let out a long sigh: "That's true, everyone wants to be a good person."

Nobody wants to offend anyone.

Wang Xiao asked curiously, "Charity gala, who is the organizer of the charity?"

She assumed it was Berezovsky who had called to invite her, as was the usual practice.

But after hearing about his best man exploits, she wasn't so sure anymore. Who knew best if that guy was just forcing his way in?

Ivanov said with a heavy heart, "It must be Soros's charitable foundation; they often host these kinds of banquets."

Wang Xiao couldn't help but wonder: "What kind of charity work does Soros do in Russia?"

Ivanov thought for a moment, then said uncertainly, “He funded the publication of new history textbooks for children, provided living allowances for scientists and scholars, and also funded some long-established magazines.”

He quickly added, "I had someone specifically look at the history textbooks, and I didn't find any problems."

He had previously discussed with Wang the strategy of dismantling a country by starting with education, and textbooks were a very important part of that.

Wang Xiao sighed, "There's no such thing as being able to guard against a thief for a thousand days. He can be careful and discreet now, keeping his own agenda in check, so you get used to it. But when you let your guard down, that's when he'll likely make his move."

What is George Soros best known for? He's not just a financial tycoon.

He is also considered to be the mastermind behind "color revolutions" in countries such as Ukraine and Georgia.

Ivanov wanted to sigh again. He understood the risks, but Russia's economic situation was much worse than the reports published by the government.

A government without money will always be a government lacking in confidence.

Wang Xiao hugged him and gently stroked his back reassuringly: "It's okay, let's focus on the big picture and resolve the main issues first."

As those foreign investors said in the hotel parking lot: Russia is a great power, and it will not and will not easily allow itself to fall.

"Come on, let's see what to wear tonight? I'll come with you."

After such a long period of silence, it's time for her to make her appearance in the world of fame and fortune in Moscow.

The dinner was held at the Metropolitan Hotel, the same hotel where Michael Jackson stayed when he came to Moscow for a concert.

The banquet was very grand, and almost all the officials and businessmen who stayed in Moscow, as well as social celebrities, were present.

Just as Berezovsky was not happy to see, when Ivanov entered with Wang Xiao, they immediately became the focus of everyone's attention.

Countless people, both acquaintances and strangers, flocked over to greet them; they were practically the moon surrounded by stars.

Even Berezovsky couldn't find an opportunity to speak with them alone.

Thank goodness, halfway through the banquet, another distinguished guest made a grand entrance as the final guest.

Everyone's eyes turned to look at him, and Wang Xiao was stunned for a moment when he saw the person.

She didn't expect that Soros would come in person.

It's clear that the financial tycoon possesses exceptional mental fortitude. Even after defeating Thailand and reaping the rewards in countries like Malaysia, he still managed to find time to attend a charity gala in Moscow.

Just as she was beginning to feel jealous, Ivanov delivered a powerful blow in a low voice: "We need to go and say hello; Mr. Soros has helped the government."

Wang Xiao immediately became alert: "What kind of help?"

Ivanov said softly, "From June 25th to July 3rd, he provided the government with a short-term personal loan."

The government had previously promised to pay off the back wages owed to government employees by July 1, but embarrassingly, Russia has been issuing new debt to pay off old debt in order to maintain the normal operation of the government.

There was a gap between these two, and it wasn't until after July 3rd that they were able to raise enough funds to plug the hole by issuing European bonds.

At the time, Ivanov considered using his own money to cover the emergency, but unfortunately, June was the time when Wang Xiao was raising all available funds to short the Thai baht.

Ivanov didn't even need to ask; he knew she couldn't withdraw the money.

Just when everyone was getting anxious, Chubais took the lead in finding Soros—that's right, while everyone was fighting fiercely in Bangkok, Soros didn't go to Thailand at all, but went to Moscow instead.

He provided the Russian federal government with a short-term loan, solving their immediate crisis.

Regardless of his true motives, he did help at a crucial moment, so Ivanov should go and say hello, both morally and logically.

A surge of intense jealousy filled Wang Xiao's chest.

While she was suffering terribly from the bitter herbal tea she had to drink in Thailand, Soros was enjoying a cool early summer in Moscow.

She muttered to herself, "I'm so jealous of him!"

Ivanov, curious, responded in a low voice, "Why not envy?"

Wang has never been a stingy person.

Wang Xiao said calmly, "Because jealousy is about wanting to possess something, even if it means taking it by force. Envy, on the other hand, is about watching from the sidelines."

That's why the song "Laughing and Forgetting" goes: "From crying with jealousy at the beginning, it has turned into laughing with envy."

Not the other way around.

As Ivanov looked into her sparkling eyes, a surge of emotion welled up in his chest.

He was utterly captivated by this ambitious king, brimming with vitality, who fascinated and fascinated him.

He smiled and said softly, "Then go and rob it, my queen, I will always be your most loyal knight."

So what if they're financial tycoons? Every generation of tycoons is torn to pieces by the next generation.

The two exchanged a smile and then went up to greet each other in a friendly manner.

Wang Xiao even clinked glasses with Soros and exchanged a few polite words before standing aside, watching Ivanov exchange pleasantries with him without making a sound, a slight smile always on his face.

According to the historical trajectory before her time travel, Soros suffered a major setback in Russia.

In August 1998, the Russian federal government, unable to bear its debts, suddenly announced a default on its national debt, catching all investors who flocked to the country off guard and causing them to suffer huge losses. Long-Term Capital Management even went bankrupt as a result.

The Russian financial crisis also led to a collective tightening of credit by US banks, making it impossible for the financial giants attacking the Hong Kong dollar to continue to obtain sufficient funding to forcibly short the currency, forcing them to retreat in a panic.

Against this backdrop, the battle to defend the Hong Kong dollar was ultimately won.

These two events have a logical sequence.

But Wang Xiao now wants to change the course of this matter.

Because Russia went bankrupt in the summer of 1998, which was not in her interest.

Once a financial crisis breaks out, the government will definitely try to find a scapegoat.

By then, would there be anyone more suitable than Ivanov?

She went to great lengths to get Ivan into this position, not so he could have a one-day visit to the White House.

Wang Xiao sipped his red wine, having his own plans: since he wanted to protect the Hong Kong dollar but also prevent Russia from going bankrupt, the logic had to be pushed forward, and he had to strike first before Russia's full-blown financial crisis broke out.

The outcome is unlikely to be very positive.

Russia's economic problems existed during the Soviet era, and after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the problems not only failed to be resolved, but worsened, and various new problems arose.

How can things be reversed in just two years?

But it doesn't matter, this fish cares, and so does that fish. If they can hold on, preserve their hope, and wait until international crude oil prices rise again, then there's a chance for them to turn their fortunes around.

After Ivanov finished exchanging pleasantries with Soros, the two nodded to each other and went to attend to other guests.

As Soros turned around, he smiled and asked Berezovsky, "I didn't expect our Deputy Prime Minister's fiancée to be Chinese. She must be a very capable woman."

In his experience, Russia is essentially a very xenophobic nation.

Berezovsky's heart skipped a beat, and he subconsciously said, "She is young, but an old-fashioned businesswoman. Like Mr. Ivanov, she is not very interested in finance. She even sold off all her bonds early on and focused on her retail business."

Soros chuckled, “It’s a real pity that the financial markets’ perception of a company’s viability will influence the final outcome. If a company cannot make good use of the power of the financial markets, it may find it difficult to cope with the risks brought about by changes in market perception, and it may also be unable to use financial instruments to rapidly expand its scale or cope with crises.” (Note ①)

Berezovsky complimented, "There are few people as wise as you who can see things clearly, and besides, socialism always manages to tie the heads of intelligent people down, making them very limited."

He said this, but he was uneasy, fearing that Wang Xiao would find another way to reach out to the telecommunications investment company.

So he seized the opportunity, brought over his wine glass, and greeted Wang Xiao: "Oh, my dear Miss Wang, I really didn't expect you to grace us with your presence."

Wang Xiao was glancing at Soros intermittently, pondering how to tear off as much flesh as possible from him, making sure to inflict severe damage so that Soros wouldn't dare to continue shorting the Hong Kong dollar in 1998 for the foreseeable future.

You have to be ruthless when you strike; you have to make this financial tycoon fear you.

She sipped the blood-red wine, her eyes slightly narrowed, having no interest in Berezovsky's forced conversation.

She smiled and removed the glass from her lips, getting straight to the point: "Alright, my dear Boris, I know you hate me, and you don't want to see me in Moscow at all."

Berezovsky exaggeratedly clutched his chest: "Oh God, my dear friend, who has slandered me so blatantly that you have such an absurd misunderstanding? No, no, no, absolutely not. No one longs for your return to Moscow more than I do. With you here, we have a pillar of support."

"God, please stop!" Wang Xiao felt nauseous drinking wine, as if he were drinking blood. "Dear Boris, I know what you want to know. Don't worry, I never sell the same goods twice. Since I have already promised Mr. Gusinsky, I will absolutely not interfere with his big business again."

She put down her wine glass, took a glass of soda from the waiter's tray, swirled it gently, and even took a step back, saying, "If you're worried, I can leave Moscow."

Although Berezovsky was eager to see it, he still spoke politely: "No, no, no, you misunderstand. Moscow shines brighter because of your arrival. We all welcome you."

But Wang Xiao really didn't plan to stay in Moscow any longer.

Often, taking a step back creates room for further progress.

If she stays in Moscow, and if Gusinsky and Potanin take turns coming to see her, and if someone is eager to ask her to mediate their conflict, how will she continue to get money from them?

Five hundred million US dollars is not enough. She wants to tear a piece of flesh from Soros, this financial tycoon, and the bait she offers must be plentiful.

————————!!————————

Note ① refers to Soros's publicly stated remarks. Additionally, Berezovsky did indeed enter the government at that time. Historically, it was Nemtsov who spearheaded Soros's provision of short-term loans to the Russian government; historically, in March 1997, Nemtsov became the First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation.