Chapter 132: Yevgeny Primakov

The people who brought so many of us here had even thought of scenarios where we might rebel, but their attitude was not overly coercive.

"I'll lead the way. Just follow me," the man said.

The place we arrived at was a building not far from the airport.

It was a bland building with no sign.

Unlike its exterior, the interior was clean.

"The Prosecutor General will be here soon," he said.

When we arrived in the inner room with the sofa and table, the man left without saying anything else.

Only Igor and Manager Ma were allowed to enter the room.

The other mercenaries were all waiting outside.

"I contacted Eric," Igor said.

It seemed that he had contacted Eric as soon as things started happening.

I slowly shook my head.

"It's probably related to my meeting with Berezovsky. There were reports yesterday that Yeltsin collapsed, and the fact that the Prosecutor General is taking action means that Prime Minister Primakov has approved it," I said.

Igor's eyes widened at my words.

"If the Prime Minister is moving, that's an even bigger problem," he said.

Even though Berezovsky was mentioned as Yeltsin's successor, he was Yeltsin's rival.

He seemed to be plotting to expose Yeltsin's corruption because Yeltsin was being hospitalized.

The investigation would start with Berezovsky's corruption.

Instead of FSB Director Putin, it was Prosecutor General Yury Skuratov who was leading the investigation into Berezovsky.

It was surprising that the one being investigated was me, but Yeltsin's hospitalization had happened two months earlier than predicted, so I could handle this kind of variable.

"Good job contacting Eric first," I said.

The only thing bothering me was that Prime Minister Primakov was criticizing the involvement of the U.S. and NATO in the Kosovo War.

That was because Black Bear was deployed in the middle of the Kosovo War.

But that didn't matter for now. The priority was to overcome the financial crisis.

A short while later, a man dressed in a black suit entered the room.

"Greetings. I'm Yury Skuratov," he said.

He quickly got to the point after just a brief greeting.

"Do you know why Kim Mu-hyeok has been brought hee?"

"Not really. You tell me," I replied.

"We are currently investigating Berezovsky, who is colluding with the Kremlin to commit corruption. We've recently detected that you have been meeting with Kim Mu-hyeok frequently…"

They had most likely been wiretapping, photographing, and following Berezovsky.

"I came just to invest in Russia. I was trying to meet with Russian businessmen; it was just a coincidence that I met Berezovsky through Igor here. Is it a crime for a businessman to meet with another businessman in Russia?"

"Hah… Mr. Kim Mu-hyeok, I think you're misnderstanding something. I am aware that you're not just meeting with Berezovsky but also with people in the Kremlin," he said.

"Then tell me why I've been brought here. If discussing investments is a crime in your country, I'll have to reconsider my plans," I replied.

"Mr. Kim Mu-hyeok!"

The calm atmosphere didn't last long.

Our conversation was completely unproductive.

I hadn't even done any business with Berezovsky, and even if I had, it would be ridiculous to say it out loud.

"What did you discuss with Director Yumashev?"

"I asked about the issuance of government bonds. I decided to invest in Gazprom corporate bonds instead of Russian government bonds, since the latter is more credible," I replied.

"Did you give him a bribe?"

"What bribe?"

"Did you give a bribe to issue Gazprom corporate bonds?"

"Why would I give a bribe? I came here to invest in a failing Russian economy! Who would bribe someone to buy bonds when they are lucky enough to have this opportunity? Would you do that?"

"What?"

Without me noticing, I shook my head.

So this guy was Primakov's blade. No wonder Putin could attack his enemies without worry.

"Enough, Director," someone said.

While the unproductive conversation continued, the door opened, and Prime Minister Primakov entered the room.

"So you are Kim Mu-hyeok. Nice to meet you. 'm Yevgeny Primakov, the one who was made Prime Minister by unfortunate circumstances," he said.

I got up from my seat and shook his extended hand.

"It is an honor to meet you, Prime Minister. I heard that you worked hard for the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and the Soviet Union," I said.

"Ah, you remember that? You're quite a knowledgeable one for such a young person. Please have a seat. Did you experience any inconveniences on your way here?"

"Not really. The hundreds of police officers you sent were a bit much, though. I thought a war was about to break out," I answered.

"Hah. I apologize for that. I know what kind of company Black Bear is," he said.

I didn't expect the Prime Minister to come in person.

"I hope you can help us catch Berezovsky," he said, quickly getting to the point.

He immediately brought up the issue with Berezovsky.

"I haven't done any business with the Chairman of Berezovsky."

"I know. You're investing in Gazprom," he said.

"Then why did you block my exit?"

"Well, I plan to summon Berezovsky to the Prosecutor's Office soon. I've found some of his irregularities, but we lack any decisive evidence of his crimes. We need something to pinpoint his actions, something we can use to arrest him,"​ he said.

I suddenly thought of helping Primakov instead of Putin, imagining how great it would be to rid Yeltsin and the oligarchs. However, the result of helping him would not benefit me in any way. The faction supporting him was composed of people nostalgic for the former Soviet Union.

"I met with him a few times, that's all," I said.

"Surely, there must have been some secret discussions between you two. It was probably important enough for you to kill your own driver in the middle of the city," he replied.

Primakov, who took off his glasses, was wiping them while glancing at me as if I were some insignificant thing. It didn't seem like he was aware that I had been observing him; his eyes never left me.

"I was shocked too when he suddenly shot a gun. We didn't discuss anything secret, though," I replied.

"Don't you want to go back to Korea? You won't gain anything from prolonging this. It might be better to get to the point," he said.

Primakov's expression didn't change.

"Is that a threat?"

"Me? You're misunderstanding me, since you're the one who's starting to make demands."

I must have forgotten that I was in Russia.

I felt like punching the grinning face in front of me.

"What do you expect? I'm just a businessman! I came here to do business, not to get involved in the dirty politics of a corrupt country!"

Primakov wiped his glasses before putting them back on.

"Tell me about the things we talked about in the car. Then I'll approve your departure right away," he repeated.

I thought of Berezovsky's warning. This guy would use whatever methods it takes to get what he wants, even if it means threatening me.

While it would make sense to expose him after being threatened, I would only get to hear it from my enemies if I were to expose others. Even if I helped him now, he wouldn't defeat Yeltsin, no matter what. I'm sure he will do anything to keep anyone from taking what he has now. If I helped him out of pity, he wouldn't even have the means to afford his request.

"I only thanked him for introducing me to Director Yumashev, and I told him I appreciated his help with my investment in Gazprom. That's all,"​ I said.

"Hmm. Very well. Call me if you change your mind," he replied.

Seeing that I had no intention of talking, he shook his head and stood up.

"Are you telling me to stay here?"

I didn't respond, but my silence meant yes.

"Is this because I'm a Korean citizen? Would you have done this if I were an American?"

The Prime Minister turned away as if he had nothing else to say.

"If you leave like this, the U.S. and the IMF's promised support will be postponed," he said.

Primakov stopped walking at those words.

"You can do that?"

Manager Ma.

I received a mobile phone and called Rubin.

"Yes, Mr. Secretary," he said.

"Oh! Charlie! What's up?"

I briefly explained my current situation.

"Put him on,"

The Prime Minister was watching me like it was amusing that I was taking action.

"Here. It's Rubin, the U.S. Treasury Secretary," I said, handing him the phone.

Shrugging, I waved my phone at the Prime Minister, who frowned.

"Aren't you going to take it?"

The expression on Primakov's face turned unpleasant. He took the phone and then showed off his fluent English skills.

"Is this the real Secretary Rubin?"

I couldn't hear what they were talking about, but judging from Primakov's remarks, I figured out roughly what they were discussing. The U.S. wasn't going to declare war on Russia because of me, but I might be able to get some delayed support from them.

It would be easy for him to ask for a favor from the secretary of the treasury.

When he gave me the phone back, Primakov's face was twisted in displeasure.

"Yes, Mr. Secretary," I said.

"We warned you about this, but Russia isn't Korea or Japan. Don't expect the White House to take action because of you," he said.

"I know."

I hung up the phone and examined the expression on Primakov's face. He had already begun to control his emotions.

"If you want to talk to the President of Korea, I can give you a call. If this causes a diplomatic incident, Yumashev Director and Berezovsky will be delighted," he said.

To him, the pressure from the U.S. and South Korea might not be a big deal, but for me… It could easily become a problem.

I could already see through Primakov's facade.

"Can you handle that?"

"I think I will reconsider investing in Russia. I will contact some media in Russia and the U.S. for an interview," I replied.

"…"

Seeing that I was firm in my position, his expression darkened.

"A businessman came here to invest in Russia to help deal with its economic collapse, but a country that needs investment is threatening him. Who would invest in a country whose Prime Minister threatens him?" I explained. He was already angry, but he couldn't come up with a rebuttal to my words.

If the Prime Minister wanted to keep the funding pouring into Russia, he should watch his words.

I shook my phone to confirm that his words didn't affect me.

"Are you calling me?"

Primakov turned his back on me without answering. Exiting the room, he instructed Director Skuratov.

"Let him go."​

"But…"

"Forget it. There's a chance we can win if we stick to the original plan."​

"Understood."​

Before leaving, Primakov looked at me once more, and after he disappeared from view, Skuratov explained the situation instead.

"Forget about what happened here."​

"I'm not interested in your power struggles. I can leave now, right?"

I stood up and smiled.

"Also, can you clear my departure? Because of you, my flight has been delayed?"

"Once you arrive at the airport, you will be able to take off immediately," he said.

I called Putin as soon as I got in the car.

"Director."

...

"I think you already know what I want, so I'll keep it short. It's time to make your choice. Make a wise one," I said, before hanging up.

"I see. What an eventful day," I said in mockingly.

But none of the people in the car laughed.

We arrived at the airport.

I was ignored during the check-in process. As soon as I boarded the private jet, I immediately received clearance for takeoff.

The private jet took off without a hitch and began its flight to Gimpo Airport. 1998, which had been a rough year, was finally coming to an end.