Chapter 452 We Must Find a Replacement: Don't Let This Cause a Major Incident

This August, Wang Xiao ultimately did not leave Moscow.

It wasn't because of Tyachenko's earnest request to stay, but because she had things to do.

First, she has to wait for the $2 billion in funding to arrive.

Okay, the case is finally solved.

On July 25th, Gusinski did not submit a higher offer because his partner, Telefónica, required board approval before making a higher bid.

Because of this short delay, he lost the competition for the communications investment company.

Now that he has finally regained control of the communications investment company that he believes rightfully belongs to him, he naturally has to raise enough funds immediately to solidify the deal.

Secondly, aside from handling several important matters for the group, Wang Xiao focused his main energy on the container market and Huaxia Commercial Street during his time in Moscow.

She needs to make arrangements in advance to deal with the financial crisis that could come at any time.

During this period, she also met Soros again in a social setting.

The latter seems to have truly regarded Russia's financial market as its new investment hotspot, and has not left.

He also raised a toast to Wang Xiao, praising her generosity in helping Moscow avert a crisis.

While some in the Kremlin and the White House worried that her continued presence in Moscow would stir up trouble beyond their control, they were also relieved that, with her around, Gusinsky, Potanin, and others behaved themselves and stopped causing trouble.

That's right.

The president didn't actually care that they were dividing up the nation's assets, but he wanted them to do it quietly rather than making a big fuss, causing chaos, or even trying to influence the government.

Between money and power, they can only choose the former.

The turmoil dissipated without a trace, and August in Moscow could be described as a time of peace and tranquility.

In contrast, Southeast Asia, which is 8,600 kilometers away, can only be described as a place of dire straits.

Even after the plane had flown very high, Zhou Liang still felt enveloped by the scorching, humid air.

It wasn't until the plane arrived in Moscow and the cabin door opened, letting in the cool autumn breeze from 55.75 degrees north latitude, that his spirits lifted.

Without saying a word, the chief financial officer got into the car that had picked him up and rushed off to report to his boss.

Accompanying her was White House economic advisor Belikov, who had originally returned to Moscow in July, but after much deliberation, he still felt that his investigation was not thorough enough, so he applied to go to Southeast Asia again and stayed for more than a month before he felt a little more confident.

Wang Xiao was sitting in the living room of the villa, holding a small panda in each hand, staring blankly at the yard outside the window.

In the courtyard, the Melba apples, greenish-white with red stripes, were ripe and emitted a faint fruity aroma. Xiao Gao and Xiao Zhao were busy picking apples to give to the housekeeper to make apple pie.

When they saw Zhou Liang, their eyes lit up. Xiao Zhao even came down from the ladder to greet him.

Zhou Liang didn't exchange many pleasantries with them and went straight to the point: "Boss, I need to report to her about my work."

Both bodyguards were in a dilemma.

Because their boss has a habit: when she's daydreaming, unless there's an earthquake, a huge hole appears, or the house is about to collapse, even if a deity comes along, don't disturb her.

Zhou Liang wiped the sweat from his nose and nodded to show that he understood.

Wang Xiao noticed that everyone in the courtyard was standing there motionless, and called out, "Hey, what are you all doing standing there? Hurry up and come in."

She spoke in English because Zhou Liang hardly spoke Russian, and Belikov couldn't speak Chinese, so the two communicated in English.

Wang Xiao nodded to them and got straight to the point, asking Zhou Liang, "Is everything finished?"

Zhou Liang nodded repeatedly. For the past month, he had been busy looking for a suitable opportunity to leave.

Actually, he felt a little sorry for himself. He felt he had come out too early, and that Southeast Asian stock markets and currencies would continue to fall.

Wang Xiao smiled and gestured for the guests to drink apple tea, then pressed Zhou Liang for an answer: "So, who do you think will be in the most serious condition? And recover the slowest?"

Zhou Liang quickly put down his teacup, hesitated for a moment, and then answered, "I think it's Indonesia."

"Oh? Why?" Wang Xiao raised his eyebrows and asked with great interest, "Indonesia has a lot of oil reserves, and half of the world's merchant ships pass through Indonesian waters. Its per capita GDP increased from $70 in 1968 to $1,264 in 1996, while the poverty rate dropped from 60% to 18% during the same period. It is praised as the most poverty-friendly growth in the history of world economic development."

The air was filled with the sweet aroma of apple tea, and the owner was lounging on the sofa, looking extremely relaxed. The whole atmosphere could only be described as relaxed and leisurely.

But Zhou Liang couldn't relax at all.

Before he arrived, his grandmaster—or rather, his boss's boss, Brother Tang—had warned him that the boss would definitely test him during this work report.

Whether he passes the exam will determine how heavy the burden will be for him in the future.

Zhou Liang is sure to make progress.

Although the social atmosphere has changed in recent years, and not all college and graduate students are aiming for a secure job, if you work in a non-public sector and your position isn't high enough, you'll be too embarrassed to attend class reunions.

The boss was still rattling off data: "Last year, Indonesia's fiscal surplus was 1% of GDP, central government debt dropped to 23.2%, savings rate was as high as 30.1% of GDP, and unemployment rate was only 4.9%."

Hearing this, Zhou Liang became even more certain that this was indeed an exam.

No matter how good a boss's memory is or how knowledgeable they are, it's impossible for them to remember so much data at all times.

Unless she had prepared beforehand.

Even if it's prepared in advance, it's still impressive.

She can rattle off data from so many countries without hesitation.

Wang Xiao's questions didn't end there: "Moreover, President Suharto had a powerful team. His 'Berkeley Clique' of civil servants were trained in the United States and have proven themselves to be true technical experts through more than 30 years of economic development achievements."

"Moreover, Indonesia is known for its staunch Western stance on foreign policy. Foreign investors and creditors have no reason not to like this emerging market."

With each additional word she spoke, Zhou Liang's back was covered in more beads of sweat.

Since the boss has blocked all those avenues, it means she only wants to hear the solid stuff and doesn't need any of his empty platitudes.

Zhou Liang took a deep breath and organized his thoughts before speaking: "Because of the political instability in Indonesia, it is very likely to fall into turmoil."

Only now was Wang Xiao truly amazed.

As a time traveler, she was naturally aware of the major unrest that occurred in Indonesia in 1998.

But it was late August 1997, and at least in the newspapers, Wang Xiao saw no signs of unrest.

How did he determine that the political situation in Indonesia was unstable?

"Oh?" Wang Xiao looked at him seriously. "President Suharto seems to be quite popular with the Indonesian people."

Throughout history and across the world, ordinary people have always been quite pragmatic. To paraphrase Chairman Mao, "If you don't have rice in your hand, you can't call a chicken."

If you can improve people's lives, then you will be popular.

Suharto was the kind of leader who could improve the lives of ordinary people. After he was sworn in as president in 1968, Indonesia, under his leadership, gradually became a model for developing countries.

Not only is the political situation stable, but the economy is also booming.

Zhou Liang nodded and then shook his head, explaining, "The problem in Indonesia lies with President Suharto. Last year, a major event occurred in Indonesia: President Suharto's wife, Ibrahim, passed away."

Theoretically speaking, the death of a head of state should indeed be considered a major event, but it is unlikely to shake the foundations of the country. After all, the head of state's spouse is more like a political mascot.

"But this First Lady is different. She is more like a political partner of President Suharto, and she has a lot of power in Indonesia. This is because many Indonesians believe that President Suharto's power comes from the Solo royal family's little princess, Ibn Tian."

Wang Xiao felt a bit shocked when she heard this.

Wait, is this a story about a son-in-law living with his wife's family?

I didn't realize that President Suharto, who had been married into the family for almost 50 years, had failed to successfully turn his in-laws' influence into his own.

Is he too conscientious, or too incompetent?

Seeing the strange look in his boss's eyes, Zhou Liang quickly explained the truth: "Indonesians believe that the head of state's power comes from cosmic energy, that cosmic energy has brought the head of state or someone closely related to him. Historically, Indonesia has been heavily influenced by Indian culture. Ibn Tian is considered by Indonesians to be someone who has been chosen by cosmic energy."

Wang Xiao was stunned and couldn't believe his ears. Cosmic energy? It sounded like aliens had found Earth's puppets.

Upon hearing about the influence of Indian culture, well, she immediately accepted it.

After all, when it comes to abstract concepts, no one is more abstract than India to her. She finds everything that happens in India, and every whimsical idea Indians have, perfectly normal.

The only thing she found unusual was: "Did this theory of cosmic energy only emerge after Princess Ibn Tian passed away, or has it always existed?"

If it's the former, then without a doubt, President Suharto was set up. They're using this tactic to question the legitimacy of his rule.

“It has always been there,” Zhou Liang answered honestly. “This claim has been circulating for many years, since when President Suharto first came to power.”

Belikov nodded in agreement, endorsing Zhou Liang: "We asked many people, men and women, young and old, from all walks of life, and they all affirmed that this saying has a long history."

Suharto came to power through a typical coup.

For people in socialist countries, his predecessor, President Sukarno, is more familiar. This is because Sukarno was a typical anti-imperialist and anti-colonial fighter who stood on the socialist side.

Suharto's situation was quite the opposite. His rise to power was inevitably accompanied by bloodshed, and his methods of suppressing the Indonesian Communist Party were extremely harsh and bloody.

Undoubtedly, the theory of cosmic energy power was proposed at the time to consolidate his rule.

Wang Xiao was increasingly confused: "So they never prepared any alternative measures? If Ibn Tian were gone, didn't Suharto think about what he should do next?"

Zhou Liang subconsciously exchanged a glance with Belikov, and the two shook their heads in unison: "No, there is no explanation."

Oh my god! Even while drinking fruit tea, Wang Xiao felt like she had low blood sugar and her vision went black.

The world really is a huge makeshift operation; even a powerful figure like him can act without considering the consequences.

Zhou Liang still subconsciously spoke up for Suharto: "I guess it's because Ibn Tian wouldn't allow it. She's very capable and wouldn't allow her unique position to be challenged."

Wang Xiao sneered: "She's been dead for over a year!"

The closest of relatives are husband and wife.

Humans naturally prioritize their own needs; this is a perfectly normal biological instinct.

As the wife of a powerful and ruthless leader, Ibn Tian's choice to ensure her power and status was quite wise and shrewd.

As for how her husband would maintain the legitimacy of her rule after her death?

Ha! How can the dead control the living?

After I die, I will not care about the great flood. (Note ①)

Can a living person treat themselves like a dead person? Of course, they need to think carefully about what to do.

A voice came from the direction of the stairwell: "What about President Suharto?"

Everyone's eyes turned to the sound, and several people immediately thought to themselves: Holy crap!

On the stairs stood Mr. Ivanov, Mr. Chubais, Mr. Nemtsov, Mr. Koch, Mr. Yura, and Mr. Soskowets.

It's fair to say that if the person standing at the highest point were to fall down, dragging others down with them and causing them serious injury, the entire Russian political scene would come to a standstill.

Chubais, who was only half a shoulder behind Ivanov, smiled at Wang Xiao and said, "Excuse me, madam, we didn't mean to eavesdrop or disturb you."

In fact, he insisted on visiting Wang Xiao today, taking advantage of Ivanov's return from the Far East, instead of waiting until tomorrow when Ivanov would go to work at the White House for a working meeting.

Good heavens, Miss Wang is used to handling crises and has always had a way of suppressing oligarchs, so she seems to have no idea just how powerful she is in suppressing Gusinsky and Berezovsky.

You know, Gusinsky has always given the Kremlin a lot of headaches.

When the Chechen War broke out, he continuously broadcast live footage of the war back to Moscow for all NTV viewers, completely disregarding how embarrassing the Kremlin was.

In an effort to stop him, then-Grand Clerk Korzhakov even mobilized the guards to stage the infamous "Face in the Snow" incident, causing a huge uproar and putting the Kremlin in an increasingly passive position in the public eye.

In the end, Gusinsky did not give in, but instead went abroad.

Later, due to the 1996 presidential election, he temporarily reconciled with the Kremlin and became a staunch supporter of the presidential succession campaign.

But without a doubt, he remains a hidden troublemaker, and is fully capable of leaving the Kremlin and the White House helpless.

After all, as a media tycoon, he can easily mobilize the power of the media.

Unfortunately, the government could no longer deploy its guards to threaten him as it did on December 2, 1994.

Because doing so is authoritarian and violent; it is a slap in the face to the democracy and freedom that the government is striving to maintain.

So when Gusinski lost the bid and flew into a rage, the Kremlin and the White House were caught in a bind, completely at a loss as to how to quell the storm.

Even though Wang Xiao used drastic measures when she returned to Moscow, she managed to stabilize the situation, which is what makes her so remarkable.

What made Chubais admire its prowess.

He came to Ivanov's villa to find someone and discuss how to deal with the possible economic crisis, secretly hoping to hear Wang Xiao's opinion.

She always manages to find angles that seem quite bizarre to outsiders, and then solves problems unexpectedly.

This is extremely important for the current Russian economy.

Unfortunately, Wang Xiao refused to cooperate and firmly refused to go to the study with them.

She emphasized that she is just a businesswoman and will never get involved in any political work.

Despite Chubais's emphasis that she is a presidential advisor and should listen before offering her own judgment and opinion.

Wang Xiao also insisted, "I'm just the president's image consultant. If the president asks me what clothes he should wear today, then I can offer some advice. As for the rest, that's my job, and I have nothing to do with it."

Well, what else can we do?

Those who could only go upstairs to the study went to discuss things there, while those who were lost in thought downstairs continued to daydream.

Now that she's no longer daydreaming, and is discussing the Indonesian political situation with her weary subordinates, Chupais can't sit still and has to come over and listen.

He had a gut feeling that exceptionally intelligent people could never tolerate the stupidity of others and would try to subtly point out their shortcomings.

Just like the British writer Oscar Wilde, who, when looking out the window, saw a ragged beggar and was unmoved, had to give the beggar a set of fine new clothes, because only in this way could he not affect the scenery in Wilde's view.

Nemtsov's curiosity was purely out of curiosity, not about the strange cosmic energy in Indonesia—India had always been an important ally of the Soviet Union, and Russia inherited that alliance after the latter's collapse.

So Nemtsov did have some knowledge of India, and besides, things like cosmic energy and superpowers were very popular in the Soviet era.

His curiosity lay in: "What should be done? Did Ibn Tian pass on her ability to communicate with cosmic energy to her daughter?"

Wang Xiao shook his head: "I don't know. I know nothing about Indonesian culture. I don't know how Indonesians think, nor do I know what kind of statements they can accept. All I know is that President Suharto shouldn't just sit there like this without taking any countermeasures."

What Nemtsov is most admired for is his childlike persistence.

He didn't accept Wang Xiao's perfunctory answer and continued to press, "There has to be a direction, right? If it were you, Miss Wang, what would you do?"

Wang Xiao, as if there was no other way, clenched his fist and rubbed his forehead: "This is actually a matter of psychological support. Okay, let me give you an example. Boris, do you remember Qigong?"

Nemtsov nodded. When he went to the Yangtze River Delta region of China to inspect township enterprises, he saw a large number of people gathered together to practice qigong, and some even had pots on their heads, supposedly to receive cosmic energy.

See? See? Asians are really obsessed with cosmic energy.

Wang Xiao explained, "This situation has only emerged in the last ten years or so. Before the reform and opening up, this would have been absolutely impossible."

Chubais didn't understand why she suddenly brought this up. Was she talking about the liberation of thought?

Wang Xiao couldn't read minds, so she wasn't swayed by other people's thoughts. She simply continued speaking at her own pace: "Qigong suddenly swept across the country because of the government's tacit approval and even guidance. And why did the government do this?"

Nemtsov's eyes lit up: "Because you are looking for superpowers, superpowers that can break through international technological barriers and various embargo policies."

Wang Xiao nodded and then shook his head, smiling at Nemtsov: "Do you really think that way?"

Nemtsov had some doubts. He had dealt with all sorts of leaders in the Yangtze River Delta region, from provincial government officials to village cadres.

His overall impression of them was that they were extremely pragmatic, emphasizing realism and pragmatism.

Is such a mysterious superpower really the goal they are pursuing so ostentatiously?

Wang Xiao laughed: "This is just a very small goal. What really turned it into a nationwide movement is that after the reform and opening up, the Chinese people needed a new ideological sustenance."

How significant was the impact of opening the country's doors on its borders? To put it simply, the most stubborn anti-China elements and so-called public intellectuals were mostly people who were impacted by the developed state of foreign countries in the 1980s and 90s.

It is no exaggeration to say that many people's values ​​were shattered at the time, and they felt that they had been living in a world of huge lies.

The education we received in the past, the education that brought us to the depths of imperialism, has become a joke, a joke that they ridicule and hate.

The collapse of previous thought systems has turned us into a generation of nihilism.

"This is a very dangerous time. If you don't occupy the ideological front and control public opinion, they will become tools of others."

Wang Xiao said slowly and deliberately, "At that time, Qigong flourished. Yes, it was indeed a mixed bag, and many fraudsters emerged. Now, the Chinese government no longer endorses Qigong. Now, the emphasis is on science."

"But we must admit that Qigong played an important role in this transitional phase. As a combination of traditional Chinese culture and metaphysics, it perfectly met the psychological needs of most ordinary Chinese people; it prevented China from being completely Westernized when there was a void in the ideological front."

"Whether Westernization is good or bad is not within the scope of our discussion today. I just want to say that the existence of Qigong has achieved the goals of the Chinese government, which is an effective alternative."

Wang Xiao smiled. "What President Suharto needed was precisely this kind of alternative. Whether it was entirely correct or not was not important. What was important was that it had to be effective."

The Russian officials standing on the stairs fell silent, pondering the phrase repeatedly: "As long as it's useful."

Wang Xiao ignored them and turned to Zhou Liang, asking, "Besides that, what else makes you think the situation in Indonesia might be unstable?"

Zhou Liang quickly pulled himself together and began to state the second reason he had given: "The corruption within the Suharto family is extremely serious, and the Indonesian people have a lot of complaints about it."

Corruption is extremely common in authoritarian regimes. After all, it's a family-run state. And the people under authoritarian rule are very receptive to this.

Indonesia is similar.

“Indonesia’s crony capitalism was well-known before, but it was very regulated. The amount of money people had to give was limited, and they wouldn’t be charged repeatedly, so everyone could accept it.”

Zhou Liang sighed, "These things should all be under Ibu Tian's management. She manages them very well, and no one else in the family dares to interfere."

"But as soon as she passed away, things went into chaos, and no one could control them. All these people reached out and tried to take over everything, which caused a lot of resentment among the Indonesian people."

Upon hearing this, Nemtsov's expression turned grave: "Why? Is it because President Suharto's health is failing?"

Good heavens, the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a 76-year-old man is his twilight years. No wonder his family wanted to make as much money as possible while he was still alive.

For officials in Moscow, hearing this part is difficult; it's hard not to think of their reclusive president in the Kremlin.

He's had major heart surgery, so his health isn't great.

Wang Xiao laughed and said meaningfully, "Maybe they're afraid his health is too good."

Nemtsov glanced at Ivanov instinctively. What kind of strange talk was this? Wasn't it a good thing for the children that their father was in good health and could continue to serve as head of state?

Ivanov, feeling the intense gaze on him, had no choice but to explain: "If you're in such good health, you might remarry. And with a new wife, you're likely to have new children. Grandparents dote on their eldest grandchildren, and parents love their youngest. Young children are always more likely to receive parental affection and support."

The crowd downstairs nodded vigorously, agreeing. Anyone who had watched a few more movies about wealthy families fighting over inheritance would know just how fierce the battles between different branches of the family could be.

Those upstairs were thinking, how absurd! The future of the country is so closely tied to the head of state's family.

Nemtsov couldn't help but sigh: "Ibn Tian should have held on a little longer."

The departure of one woman has planted so many landmines for this country.

Wang Xiao picked up his teacup and stroked the pattern on it: "Everyone may leave, without warning. So there must always be a replacement, a replacement that can keep the whole system running."

Her gaze swept over them, silently asking: Gentlemen, are you ready? Ready to meet the challenge?

She didn't wait for their answer, but turned to Zhou Liang and instructed him, "Now that the work in Southeast Asia is finished, take a break and prepare to go to Seoul tomorrow. President Tang will be waiting for you there."

Zhou Liang's eyes lit up instantly, and he nodded repeatedly in agreement.

If the boss gives such instructions, it means he has passed the test.

Wang Xiao added, "Pay attention to the impact of political changes in South Korea on the economy."

Nemtsov couldn't help but press, "Why?"

Wang Xiao smiled and said, "Because this is a presidential election year in South Korea, a new president will be elected at the end of the year. The current government is currently in a stability-seeking phase and is unlikely to take any radical economic measures to avoid affecting the glory of the 'Miracle on the Han River.' I need my financial manager to observe how the government's actions will affect the economy."

Chubais immediately became alert: "Are you going to Seoul too?"

Good heavens! How could she leave at this time? She had to stay and act as a stabilizing force to keep the oligarchs in check.

Russia is not South Korea. The election was over last year, and now is the time for Russia to embark on a new economic phase. They have no miracles to maintain, and they can change things.

Wang Xiao shook her head: "No, I'm not going to South Korea."

Since this matter has already been handed over to Tang Yicheng and Zhou Liang, why should she interfere? If the boss doesn't delegate authority, he'll never cultivate capable subordinates.

Just as Chubais's heart, which had been in his throat, began to settle, he was struck by another thunderous blow.

Wang Xiao solemnly bid them farewell: "I'm going back to South Africa. Spring has arrived in Cape Town, and I need to keep an eye on the spring planting."

Chubais felt a sudden darkness before his eyes. God, is farming addictive?

Whenever she met Diachenko, she would always talk about Siberian farmland and farm enterprises, how to increase the production of soybeans, potatoes, wheat, and buckwheat, how to keep poultry and livestock through the winter, and how sows should eat more carrots when they are nursing piglets. Diachenko could only flee in panic.

Now it's finally their turn. She's determined to go back to South Africa to farm during this crucial time!

Chubais quickly turned his head and silently pleaded with Ivanov.

Good heavens, my lad, please unleash your charm and bewitch Miss Wang so that she'll stay and enjoy the allure of autumn in Moscow.

However, Ivanov, that good-for-nothing, was destined to disappoint the father of privatization.

He walked down the stairs, looked at his fiancée, and the only thing he said was, "Thank you for your hard work."

The most terrible consequence of any unrest is the lack of food.

As long as there's food to eat, everyone can endure it.

The consequences of food shortages are absolutely unimaginable.

South Africa has favorable climate conditions, and a large number of water conservancy projects were built during the white rule. Now that the white farmers have left, many farms need to be sold, making it an ideal place for planting.

Russia could not complete such a large amount of land reclamation work in such a short period of time, so it had to seek foreign assistance from overseas.

South Africa was the location of the farmland they chose.

Wang Xiao smiled, reached out and touched his face, and said softly, "Take good care of yourself. Stop being busy, I'll come back."

Given the impressive track record of these old sixes, she was truly afraid they would cause a major disaster if she didn't keep an eye on them.

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Note 1: "After me, the deluge," is said to be a quote from Louis XV.