Chapter 450 What else could I do but sacrifice myself?: The Mediator
Wang Xiao did not wait for the military plane to arrive before taking action. Instead, after hanging up with Dyachenko, he immediately called Gusinsky.
Gusinski is a very busy man these days. Theoretically speaking, a phone call to him would have to go through several hands.
But some people's calls always receive special treatment, and no one dares to delay them even for a moment.
As it happened, Wang Xiao was on the list that Gusinski had to accept.
So Wang Xiao immediately spoke to Gusinsky: "My dear friend, I just heard Ms. Diachenko mention something about you in Moscow."
Gusinski, on the other end of the phone, interrupted her impatiently: "God, my dear Miss Wang, please don't try to persuade me."
He's now regretting it so much he's going crazy.
No, to be more specific, he regretted it terribly as soon as the bidding results were announced.
He was incredibly frustrated. Why had he been so foolish in South Africa? He had abandoned the collaboration with Wang Xiao simply because he was worried she would usurp his position.
He must have been kicked in the head by an African elephant. If Miss Wang had teamed up with him to participate in the bidding, Potanin wouldn't have dared to collude with Chubais and his gang to steal his communications investment company even if he had ten lives.
Wang Kai's ability to tear things apart is obvious to all!
Gusinski felt increasingly aggrieved: "They've gone too far! You know, I orchestrated the privatization of the communications investment company from start to finish! To persuade those military generals to agree, I drank vodka with them until I vomited blood!"
Wang Xiao completely believed him.
In 1991, when she took people to Moscow to buy military aircraft, they almost got drunk at the dinner table.
She called a halt because she was afraid of causing a murder and felt it wasn't worth risking her life for a little money.
Gusinsky must have suffered quite a bit at the drinking table to have been able to persuade these generals who drank like water.
Gusinsky, deeply wronged, was furious: "That's how it's always been done, that's the rule. Whoever organizes the privatization of the company wins it. Khodorkovsky organized the privatization of Yukos, so Chubais kept you, Mr. Ivanov, and the other bankers out, letting Khodorkovsky win Yukos. Even Potanin organized the privatization of Norilsk, so he got it. Why is it that when it comes to me, they can gang up on me?"
Actually, his statement is not entirely accurate.
At the very least, Siberian Oil Company was privatized through Berezovsky's own efforts, but in the end, he didn't even get the chance to participate in the auction.
But the situation was different. Berezovsky couldn't raise enough funds in time, and he had offended the president.
Now, Gusinski has not done anything to offend the Kremlin, and he has ample funds at his disposal!
Wang Xiao patiently listened to him pour out his grievances and anger like a machine gun, until she heard him panting heavily on the other end of the phone. Then she seized the opportunity to speak: "Alright, my dear friend, I'm not here to advise you to move on."
Nonsense, if Gusinski were to give up now, how would she raise $1.87 billion?
Be angry, keep your anger going, only then can I rightfully get the money I want.
Wang Xiao tried to make his words sound more sincere: "If you believe me, my friend, please don't act rashly for now. I'll fly back to Moscow immediately, and we'll deal with the rest once I get there. I assure you now that I will fight for a final solution and I will make sure you don't suffer any losses."
Gusinski was skeptical: "Can you convince them to cancel the bid? Good heavens, you have no idea how stubborn Chubais is!"
Wang Xiao laughed and said, "There are always more solutions than problems. Don't worry, my friend. The world hasn't ended yet. We'll always find a way. Now, my dear friend, can you give me a guarantee that you won't take any further action before I return to Moscow?"
Gusinsky muttered to himself, but hesitated before speaking, "But..."
“My friend,” Wang Xiao interrupted him, “you have to give me your assurance right now, because we’re about to board a plane, and I won’t dare to get on without your assurance.”
“Alright!” Pusinski finally made up his mind. “But Potanin must also take a truce. I can’t just stand here and take a beating.”
Wang Xiao thought to himself: You just punched someone, and now you won't let them fight back? That's too domineering.
But she still promised, "Okay, I'll make him wait. We'll resolve the issue when I get back to Moscow."
The next call she made was actually to Potanin.
The latter felt even more aggrieved: "The rules are right there. Mr. Chubais emphasized long ago that the highest bidder wins. What's wrong with him losing to me because he paid less? Now he's starting to slander and spread rumors, which is simply unreasonable."
Wang Xiao didn't argue with him about who was right or wrong, and went straight to the point: "Alright, Mr. Potanin, I advise you not to rush into a counterattack now, because a cold shoulder is the best approach for you right now. Gusinsky controls NTV, and Berezovsky controls Channel One. If you fight a media war with them now, where will you find a battlefield? So, sir, according to the principle of 'the fortunate avoid,' please refrain from any retaliation for now. We'll talk about it when I get back to Moscow."
Potanin immediately became alert: "What are you going back to Moscow for?"
Good heavens! Is she planning to interfere again?
She didn't do anything before, yet she still managed to extort 500 million US dollars. Has she gotten a taste for it now?
Wang Xiao said irritably, "What can I do? Of course, I'll mediate. If you don't care about being chased and cursed by them every day, then I'll just reply to Ms. Diachenko directly, and I won't make this extra trip. As long as you don't mind being treated like Zyuganov or General Lebed."
Potanin felt the veins on his temples throbbing.
Never offend a media mogul; they can easily kill a person using public opinion.
He had no choice but to back down: "Alright, Miss Wang, I'll give you face. I'll wait until you get back to Moscow before we talk about it."
See how adept they are at forcing others to owe them favors?
He claimed that he couldn't defeat the combined forces of Berezovsky and Gusinsky in the public discourse, but in his words, it became that he only endured the humiliation because of her.
Wang Xiao smiled and assured him, "Thank you for your presence, Mr. Potanin. I will return to Moscow immediately."
She hung up the phone and went to say goodbye to Ivanov.
When she arrived at the restaurant, she called out "Ivan," and everyone at the table looked up at her. To her surprise, she saw a familiar face—Yura.
He looked thinner than last summer, travel-worn, and his face betrayed his haggardness.
Wang Xiao nodded and smiled at him as a greeting, before speaking to Ivanov: "I have to go back to Moscow, right away."
Ivanov was taken aback: "So soon?"
Wang Xiao nodded, subconsciously glancing at the flatbread she had previously placed on her plate but hadn't had time to eat yet.
Never mind, I'll just pack it up and eat it on the way. Even though it's cold, it's still pretty good.
Every grain of rice on your plate represents hard work; don't waste it.
As she packed, she explained, "Ms. Diachenko was very anxious and even called in military aircraft. I promised her I would leave immediately. Kusinsky and Potanin have already broken off relations, and I'm afraid they will turn Moscow upside down."
Ivanov frowned and pulled out a tissue to wipe his mouth. "Then I'll go back with you."
Wang Xiao laughed: "What are you going back for? You all continue with your work here."
It was already the end of July, and Yura had come all this way, clearly not for a vacation, nor was it just a coincidence that he was here—there was an extra suitcase in the corner of the restaurant, which he probably brought with him.
His appearance at this time must mean that Ivanov summoned him.
Why did Ivan call him here? Was it because he found the scenery here exceptionally beautiful and wanted him to enjoy it?
Of course not.
The only reason he called him was that Ivan needed a spokesperson, a senior official who could represent him and the central government of the Russian Federation.
In any country, the relationship between the local and central governments is always delicate, and often in a state of constant power struggle. In Russia, a federal country, this situation was even more pronounced in the 1990s.
For central policies to be implemented at the local level, senior White House officials must personally step in and take a tough stance against local governments in order to improve efficiency.
Unfortunately, Nemtsov's current position is equivalent to being seconded to the central government; he remains the governor of Nizhny Novgorod Oblast.
This situation is indeed unacceptable. In fact, if Ivanov had made even a slight effort and nominated him, neither the White House nor the Kremlin would have objected to Nemtsov being appointed to a ministerial or similar position.
But Punonin was always worried that Nemtsov would be groomed by the president as his successor.
If the latter reaches the central region, it will stimulate the nerves of Pronunin.
Ivanov still needed the power of the tax police and the Ministry of Internal Affairs under Punonin's control to keep local forces and oligarchs in check, so he naturally wouldn't displease Punonin in this regard.
Fortunately, Nemtsov didn't really want to be stationed in Moscow permanently. Being an official in the White House was too risky, and it could very well end his political career.
It's better to leverage the central government's influence to do your own thing, so you don't end up getting yourself involved.
However, this made Nemtsov's agricultural business in the local area difficult to establish due to his unclear status.
Ivanov came over and cleared obstacles for him along the way.
But as Deputy Prime Minister, Ivan had too many responsibilities and couldn't stay in the rural areas of Siberia and the Far East indefinitely.
He needs someone to do this job for him.
He probably had to search around for a while before he found Yura.
Putting everything else aside, Yura at least has the right status and background, which will be a great help in getting things done.
Moreover, Ivan's current support for Yura is seen by Punonin as a sign of his deep affection.
Given Punoning's older brother's personality, this would make him very gratified.
Besides, Wang Xiao hadn't heard Ivanov mention that Yura would be coming, so it was highly likely that Ivanov hadn't had a chance to say so yet.
What does this mean? It means that they originally agreed on a different time, but Yura arrived early, having traveled a long way.
Whether he wanted to rekindle his friendship with an old friend or he cherished this opportunity to get closer to the core of power, it meant that Yura took this matter very seriously.
If Ivanov had gone back to Moscow with her at that time, it would have been equivalent to leaving Yura behind in Siberia.
Without Ivan's personal guidance and step-by-step mentorship, even with his high status, he would struggle to fulfill his true role and cooperate effectively with Nemtsov.
So no matter what, Ivan has to stay now.
Wang Xiao laughed and pointed at him, "You'd better not go, your presence will affect my performance."
Several people at the table laughed, and even Yura, who had been somewhat uneasy, couldn't help but smile.
She is indeed ruthless and vicious, and her methods are extremely cunning.
Wang Xiao then reminded Ivan, who was about to speak again, "You really can't go back to Moscow now. What if Berezovsky and Gusinsky team up and force you to agree to let them take Russian gas?"
Nemtsov's smile vanished instantly, his expression turning drastically: "No, unless they step over our dead bodies!"
In June of this year, Berezovsky lobbied Soros to participate in a bid to help him become Gazprom chairman.
In response, they even flew to Sochi to meet with Gazprom's former chairman and current Russian Prime Minister Chernomyrdin, who was vacationing there, in an attempt to persuade him to agree.
But when Nemtsov found out about this by accident, he flew into a rage.
As a liberal reformer, he hated robber capitalists the most. In his view, these oligarchs were nothing more than robbers who plundered the people's property.
He was able to get along well with Ivanov because after taking over the oil field and factory, the latter invested a lot of money to introduce technology, build and upgrade the refinery, and build staff and family housing for the workers.
He could barely make amends, and he did try his best; and considering the situation in Russia in 1995, he shouldn't be too harsh on him.
But Nemtsov absolutely could not tolerate Berezovsky's attempt to seize control of Gazprom.
Therefore, upon receiving the news, he immediately called Ivanov to express his strong opposition.
Ivanov contacted another deputy prime minister, Soskowets, and then approached Chubais. All three opposed the matter, and the issue was dropped.
Now that Wang Xiao is bringing up Russian gas, it's practically stepping on Nemtsov's cat tail; it's no wonder he's provoked.
Ivanov quickly assured him, "I will absolutely not agree, don't worry, this is the bottom line."
The nation's energy lifeline must ultimately remain in the hands of the government. At present, there is absolutely no need to push for the privatization of Gazprom.
Wang Xiao also reassured Nemtsov: "Don't worry, I won't give them a chance to bring up Gazprom."
The sound of helicopter rotors churning the air could already be heard outside. Lyuba had also helped her boss pack his luggage and was carrying the suitcase over.
"Alright, gentlemen, I wish you all the best." She waved her hand, turned and left, her demeanor as graceful as a general breaking through his camp.
Ivanov chased after her and saw her out.
Just before boarding the plane, Wang Xiao cupped his face and kissed him again, full of confidence: "Wait here, I'm going to get the ammunition."
$1.87 billion is enough to trigger a financial tsunami.
Her movements were already so fast, but for the anxious Tyachenko, each day felt like an eternity.
Good heavens! As the president's daughter who experienced her father's entire re-election campaign, she understands the power of the media all too well.
It can instantly transform an ordinary person of average quality into a god, or it can trample someone who was originally not bad into a pile of mud.
Therefore, she felt a strong sense of unease.
To outsiders who don't know the full story, the dispute between the telecommunications investment companies might seem like nothing more than a fight between two businessmen—no big deal.
But the situation is different in Russia, where the relationship between oligarchs and the government is ambiguous.
If the three oligarchs were to fight each other, it could potentially cause political turmoil.
This is something that Diachenko absolutely does not want to see.
She was waiting for someone at the airport, and the fire in her heart almost burned her to ashes.
It was almost dark when she finally received Wang Xiao's call. Her watch was approaching 10 p.m.
Upon seeing the person, Diachenko immediately went up and hugged him: "My God, you've finally come."
Wang Xiao made no attempt to hide her disdain: "Darling, let me tell you, I really don't want to come."
Diachenko forced a smile: "What, you're having such a good time in Siberia that you don't want to leave? Is it that beautiful?"
"Wow! It's absolutely beautiful."
Even the stars in the Moscow night sky at the end of July couldn't outshine Wang Xiao's eyes. She enthusiastically shared her observations: "Everyone here is so capable and intelligent. The local agricultural college at the university has even cultivated early-maturing pumpkins. I originally thought pumpkins couldn't be grown in Siberia. But they did, and I even ate a dish of stir-fried young pumpkins today."
Dyachenko couldn't understand why she was so excited about an ordinary pumpkin.
Okay, the pumpkin carriage in Cinderella is indeed very famous, and pumpkins are needed for Halloween, but it is just a pumpkin after all.
However, Tyachenko's lack of enthusiasm did not dampen Wang Xiao's excitement. She continued to talk at length: "The acorn pumpkins they cultivate only need 80 to 85 days to grow, and they grow to this size."
She clenched her fist loosely. "They are grown indoors and then transplanted outdoors. Fresh horse manure, compost, or cut grass are buried about 30-40 centimeters below the planting hole. When these fertilizers ferment, they generate heat, which can heat the roots of the pumpkins, like a heated bed. Covering the pumpkin patch with black mulch absorbs sunlight and can raise the temperature by 5-10°C. The mulch also inhibits weed growth, retains moisture and warmth, and reduces management hassles."
Even Tyachenko was bewildered by the string of numbers she rattled off, and still couldn't understand her passion for pumpkins.
Until Wang Xiao's face lit up with joy: "As long as the Siberian pumpkins can be grown well, then we won't have to worry about fat pigs not having enough to eat in winter."
She counted on her fingers, “Alfalfa and kale silage preserve the nutrients of green fodder; pumpkin, beet, and small, broken potato silage ensure carbohydrates; and peas, lupins, and soybean meal provide protein. This way, we can use summer-growing plants year-round, perfectly solving the problem of the shortage of green fodder in Siberia during the months-long winter, and completely eliminating our dependence on purchasing feed.”
Dyachenko paused for a moment, then blurted out, "You want to develop pig farming in Siberia?"
Wang Xiao shook his head with a smile: "No, it's the local farmers who raise pigs."
She sighed, “Siberia is so cold, and the winters are so long, you have to eat enough fat. Of all the livestock, none is better at providing fat than pigs.”
This time, Dyachenko was truly silent.
She even felt her face swell.
Anyone with aspirations will feel moved when they see others diligently and earnestly doing practical things.
But Dyachenko can't worry about that right now.
She abruptly changed the subject: "I really wish Moscow could do things this steadily, but it's not allowed now. It's terrible, absolutely terrible, the situation is beyond saving."
In fact, after the auction ended on July 25, Dyachenko held meetings with Malashenko, Chernomyrdin, and others for several days in a row, trying to prevent a war from breaking out among the oligarchs.
Tyachenko looked worried: "Our main conclusion was that canceling the bidding results and taking back the assets would calm the situation. But Mr. Chubais is firmly against it."
Good heavens, when he gets stubborn, he's like a bull.
Wang Xiao stared at Jiyachenko in astonishment, utterly speechless.
No, is it really because the winters are so long that Russians are so prone to going from one extreme to another?
Madam, I beg you, madam, have you so quickly forgotten how the government dealt with the oligarchs so harshly at this time in 1995?
In just two short years, have you really come to this complete kneeling?
Let's get this straight: the Kremlin and the White House are the ones who govern Russia.
Even if you're working, you're working for the Russian people, not for the oligarchs!
Just because the oligarchs want to fight, you want to cancel the bidding results? Do you think this is child's play?
Besides, if you really cancel it, what will happen to my $1.87 billion?
Wang Xiao mentally cursed a thousand times, but before she could speak, she had to take a deep breath: "Darling, Mr. Chubais is right. Russia is currently a hot investment destination in the world, and everyone hopes that Russia will act according to the rules. From a rules perspective, there is nothing wrong with this bidding process; the highest bidder wins. If the bidding results are arbitrarily canceled just because of fear of disputes, then who will dare to invest in Russia in the future?"
Changing policies frequently is a major taboo! Did your heads all get caught in a door?
Tyachenko sighed, "We know it's inappropriate, but if they really cause trouble, it will get out of control."
She lowered her voice and said, "They used the same methods to deal with Zharzakov and Lebed, and they will likely use the same methods to deal with Chubais, Koch, and all the government officials they don't like."
At that time, the government will fall into chaos, and everyone will be doomed.
Russia may not only fail to achieve its long-awaited economic recovery, but could even disintegrate.
Wang Xiao felt that Russia had experienced too few presidential elections, so much so that last year's presidential election seemed to have completely transformed everyone's personality and behavior.
She rubbed her temples. "It's alright, I'll find a way to stop them and prevent them from going that far. Let's go, where are they?"
Even though it's completely dark now and it's late at night, it doesn't stop her from continuing to work.
Time was of the essence; she needed to get the money as soon as possible to plan her operation against Soros.
Dyachenko truly admired her resilience and energy, but this was exactly what Dyachenko needed right now, so she nodded without hesitation: "In the office of Gusinsky NTV."
When she told Potanin to come and wait, he was unwilling, fearing that the enraged Gusinsky would kill them all by planting a bomb in the office.
Later, after much persuasion and assurances from Dyachenko, and the dispatch of the Kremlin guards, Potanin reluctantly agreed.
These rich people are excessively afraid of dying.
Tyachenko brought up the matter with a hint of complaint, which made Wang Xiao laugh: "He's overthinking it. NTV is Gusinsky's lifeblood. Even if he dies, he'll still hope that NTV will go down in history."
Letting him orchestrate a bombing on NTV would be worse than killing him.
Wang Xiao's rant made Kiachenko's lips curl up, and the previously tense atmosphere finally eased a bit.
Bulletproof cars sped through the streets of Moscow. The Kremlin had already switched to Mercedes-Benz cars, but after Ivanov became deputy prime minister, he successfully persuaded the president and prime minister to replace the cars in the Kremlin and the White House with domestically produced cars.
The scenery outside the car window was fragmented by the neon signs of countless newly opened banks, trading centers, travel agencies, and cafes.
The entire city of Moscow seemed to have been divided into patches of color.
Seeing her lost in thought, Dyachenko couldn't help but ask, "What are you thinking about?"
Wang Xiao shook his head: "Moscow has changed so fast. When I first came here in 1991, it was completely different from what I see now."
Dyachenko perked up: "It will get faster and better."
Wang Xiao smiled and didn't say anything more.
The car drove all the way to NTV television station.
After parking, they didn't linger and went straight upstairs to Gusinski's office.
Potanin was standing at the office door smoking when he saw Wang Xiao and his first reaction was to quickly put out his cigarette.
This is a crucial moment, and he doesn't want to annoy Miss Wang with this small detail, causing her to side with Gusinski during the mediation.
Wang Xiao smiled slightly at him: "Come in, sir. It's getting late. I'd like to finish our talk as soon as possible so I can go back and rest."
Potanin replied politely, "Of course, I believe you, Miss Wang. You have always been fair."
Wang Xiao's response was still a smile.
She entered the office, clapped her hands, and reminded Gusinski, who was sitting sulking in his boss's chair: "Alright, my sir, I've arrived. Please at least show me a welcome."
The curtains in the shadows stirred, and Berezovsky jumped out first, revealing an exaggerated smile: "Of course, Miss Wang, we would love to welcome you!"
"My God!" Wang Xiao couldn't help but clutch his chest. Berezovsky really lived up to his nickname "best man," how come he's everywhere?
Wang Xiao rolled her eyes at him, annoyed: "Sir, you can make noise, but don't scare people in the dark. It's late at night, and it'll scare them to death."
Berezovsky chuckled, looking at her expectantly: "Miss Wang, are you here to uphold justice for us?"
Wang Xiao lowered her hand from her chest, still annoyed: "No, I'm here to bleed you dry, gentlemen. The reason I insist on resolving this tonight is because I'm afraid I'll regret it if I don't."
She sighed heavily. "There's only one telecommunications investment company, with 25% of the shares. You two companies are not happy about splitting it in half. So what can we do? I have no choice but to cut my losses. Gentlemen, listen carefully now: 20% of the power company's shares, $2 billion. That's my mediation plan."
Those who were in the office and those who came in were all taken aback.
To their utter surprise, Miss Wang didn't use any forceful means to compel the two sides to shake hands and make peace; instead, she chose to give up her shares in the power company herself.
Berezovsky opened his mouth, instinctively saying, "2 billion US dollars, isn't that a bit outrageous? Miss Wang, could you please..."
"No!" Wang Xiao refused decisively. "Sir, everyone here knows perfectly well that I'm taking a loss. They say that in the stock market, our power company sells each cable for 2 cents per kilowatt of electricity, 50 cents per kilowatt in Brazil, and $5 per kilowatt in the United States. A 20% stake would sell for $2 billion. I'm taking this loss simply to quell the conflict between you!"
Dyachenko opened and closed her mouth repeatedly, a feeling of near shame flowing through her chest.
Good heavens! Just as the king said, everyone knows that if the king were to put these shares on the market, the price would more than double.
The only reason that Tyachenko could think of for her to bring it up now was that Wang had truly spent real money and used all his strength to resolve the dispute as quickly as possible.
Wang Xiao glanced at the clock on the wall, looking impatient: "Five minutes. You only have five minutes to consider. If you can't give an answer after five minutes, I'll withdraw my suggestion, and these 20% of the shares will go directly to the market."
“I’ll buy it!” Potanin spoke first. “Miss Wang, I can return the 25% stake in the communications investment and use the $2 billion to buy the 20% stake in the power company.”
Whether it was a telecommunications company or a power company was irrelevant to him. He never intended to run the company; he simply wanted to sell his shares.
Wang Xiao answered without hesitation: "OK! Deal!"
Neither she nor Ivanov intended to hold the power company long-term. They were well aware that such a vital national energy enterprise would most likely be nationalized again in the future.
Why not use it to make some money now?
Now, she needs to raise a large amount of money.
Otherwise, how could she have taken a piece of flesh from Soros that would have been enough to make him bleed and suffer excruciating pain?
————————!!————————
[Let me see] Good morning! Historically, Gusinsky and Potanin had a falling out over a communications investment company, causing a huge uproar. Neither the Kremlin nor the White House could do anything about it (unbelievable, but true). Therefore, it's perfectly normal for Russians to crave a strong leader.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
