In the dimly lit study room, Simon once again looked at the short-haired woman opposite who was actually Yeltsin's second daughter. There was a bit of absurdity in his expression: "Tanya, you know, there is an idiom in China that fits your mentality at this time. The general meaning is He was so sick that he started looking for a doctor randomly.”
Tatyana Tyachenko, who took her second husband's surname, didn't know what it meant to seek medical treatment in a hurry, but she could understand that the man opposite said something bad.
However, after the initial hesitation and confusion, the woman calmed down at this time. Remembering her father's instructions before the trip, she straightened her waist again, looked into Simon's eyes, and said: "Mr. Westeros, since you heard The suggestion I just made can give such a reaction, rather than the ecstatic or hypocritical response of ordinary businessmen and politicians, which shows that we have a high possibility of reaching cooperation."
"I know what you want, Tanya, but if we reach a cooperation, how can you be sure that I will fulfill my promise in the future?"
"My father has been observing you, Mr. Westeros," Tatiana said, still looking at Simon: "He said that now you have completely separated from your identity as a businessman and entered another level, the entire Westeros business. The Westeros system is currently an economy that can compete with most countries in the world. However, the status of the Westeros system is actually not stable. That is why you have spared no effort in global layout in recent years and suddenly launched a campaign in Africa. Only then would he take great risks to interfere in the mid-term elections in the United States, only then would he buy a large area of land in Tasmania in Australia, and only then would he run a base like Rivne Oblast in Ukraine. All of this was actually for the sake of Stabilize the foundation of the Westeros system."
"Does this have anything to do with the question I just asked?"
"Of course, these all show that you are very aware of where you are at this time, because you have too much, and there are always a lot of unknown potential risks surrounding the Westeros system, so you need a deeper foundation, and more Many allies. The current situation of my family is indeed not very good, but there are still many bargaining chips that can be given to Mr. Westeros. In the future, if Mr. Westeros does not want to alienate other allies, he will definitely take his promises very seriously. , and the key is that you also have enough strength to get rid of the influence of the national position and fulfill your promises."
Simon, who was leaning on the sofa, listened to the words of the woman opposite, crossed his legs, became more casual, and asked: "In this case, Tanya, what kind of bargaining chips do you think you can give me?"
"Russian Telecom Investment Corporation is preparing for privatization. Mr. Westeros, we know that the main layout of the Westeros system in Russia is the two major fields of telecommunications and steel. If you agree, my father can personally intervene and privatize this company. The company plans to sell 25% of the shares in the tender to Friedman’s Alpha Group,” Tatiana said, then added: “This is just a meeting gift.”
Simon also knew about this because he had seen some overview of the layout of the Westeros system in Russia before arriving.
Russia Telecom Investment Corporation is a large state-owned telecommunications holding company that the Yeltsin government just integrated last year. It owns more than 20 telecommunications subsidiaries, large and small, and its status is equivalent to AT-T in the United States before it was split up in the 1980s. Therefore, the privatization of this company is a piece of meat that Russia's major oligarchs are closely eyeing.
At this stage, Russia's two most powerful oligarchs, Berezovsky and Potanin, have secretly begun to compete for the privatization shares of the state-owned telecommunications giant.
Given the chaotic state of Russia at this time, obtaining 25% of the shares and installing corporate executives is actually enough to achieve absolute control over the state-owned telecommunications giant. Then, whether to continue to encroach on the company or quietly hollow out the company, Each one depends on his means.
According to the information Simon has read, the actual value of Russian Telecom Investment Joint Stock Company is approximately between 20 billion and 30 billion US dollars.
No matter how good the relationship between the oligarchs and the Yeltsin authorities is, if they want to take over this business, the price quoted for 25% of the shares will still be around US$2 billion. If it is any less, many people will be regarded as fools, which will inevitably cause a backlash.
A transaction of US$2 billion is definitely not a small deal for Simon now.
And it's just a 'meeting gift'.
In fact, from the moment the woman opposite said the words seeking alliance, Simon began to weigh quickly in his mind.
As far as Yeltsin is concerned.
This kind of behavior is exactly what Simon said, and it completely means seeking medical treatment in a hurry.
However, Simon also fully understands the mentality of the Yeltsin family at this time.
Historically, Yeltsin frequently changed six prime ministers in just four years during his second term, which shows that the other party is almost restless and anxious.
how so
Because Yeltsin knew very well what he had done during his eight years in power and how much public resentment and political opponents he had accumulated. Choosing a prime minister is actually choosing your successor. If the choice is wrong, the Yeltsin family will inevitably be brutally liquidated without mercy after he steps down.
This is one of the great political styles of the land.
Not even Stalin could escape the fate of being liquidated after his death, let alone others.
However, choosing the right person is easier said than done
If Stalin had chosen the right person, he would not have been whipped to death, so it was inevitable that he would consider other options.
For some unknown reason, Simon became a target of this politician.
In fact, the other party's analysis was correct.
Simon has now completely gotten rid of the category of a businessman. The huge Westeros system is now a separate economy that is more powerful and terrifying than the chaebols. Moreover, through these years of operation, the Westeros system has played a major role in the politics of various countries around the world. The field also has a decisive influence.
If such an independent and powerful force is really willing to take action, it will be fully capable of providing sufficient protection to the Yeltsin family in the worst-case scenario.
Of course, Yeltsin would not be so stupid as to pin all his hopes on Simon.
However, if certain intentions are really reached, this will definitely be a major retreat for the Yeltsin family.
Simon had no interest at all in forming an alliance with the Yeltsins if something was not already certain. The traditional values of two generations made him instinctively disgusted with this family, but Simon's position at this time, morals, etc., really didn't matter.
It's better to shoot rabbits in the grass.
After a brief moment of silence, Simon finally spoke again, but shook his head and said: "Tanya, I am not interested in the privatization of Telecom Investment Co., Ltd. If you barely get it, it will bring you a lot of trouble and you may lose it at any time. Things, I won’t do such useless work.”
Tatiana was a little surprised and a little excited: "Mr. Westeros, doesn't this sound like you should be decisive?"
"Do you think I should fight against the two oligarchs Berezovsky and Potanin for my shares in this company?"
"Mr. Westeros, you should know who Berezovsky and Potanin are behind the scenes. In Europe and the United States, the strength of the Westeros system is far behind those capital consortiums."
"I'm not talking about European and American capital consortiums, but just Russia. In my opinion, the greed of these oligarchs has made them completely lose their reason and awe. I don't like to get entangled with these people who have no bottom line at all. In fact, The problem still lies with your father. As the most powerful person in this country, your father cannot even suppress these oligarchs, which can be described as more than just a failure."
Tatyana concealed the displeasure in her heart, and some weakness flashed on her face: "Mr. Westeros, you should understand that it has been very difficult for my father to be in his position over the years. If it were not for this country, he would My body won’t be that bad now.”
When Simon heard the woman's words 'for this country', he didn't even bother to mock. He tapped his fingers silently on the armrest of the leather sofa, and suddenly gestured towards the whiskey on the coffee table: "Tanya, pour me a glass."
The woman opposite didn't expect Simon to suddenly say these words.
That commanding tone made her even more uncomfortable.
However, probably instinctively realizing that the matter was reaching a critical moment, Tatiana hesitated slightly, but finally stood up, poured a glass of whiskey for the man opposite her, and asked, "Would you like some ice?"
"OK."
So he added two more pieces of ice and handed them over.
"Thanks."
Simon took the wine glass and said this.
Tatiana paused slightly as she retreated to her sofa, and some of her small resentments inexplicably dissipated. He sat back down and looked at the man opposite him who was sipping a strong drink. He had a handsome face, a calm temperament, and an indifferent attitude. For some reason, other emotions welled up in his heart.
The kind of emotions a woman feels towards a man.
However, of course, I never thought of any indication. She is 36 years old this year. Although she seems to be the same age as someone's wife, her appearance is much different. Even if you know some of this man's preferences in women, you have absolutely no confidence that he will be interested in her.
Moreover, the status of the other party is not comparable to those beautiful men who are obsessed with her because of her status.
Simon considered for a moment, looked at Tatyana opposite, ignored the other person's subconsciously swaying eyes when he looked over, and said: "Tanya, since you know that I will appear here tonight, then, in this villa, Are you paying attention to the other people?"
Tatiana looked confused.
Simon smiled and said: "It seems there is no more."
"Of course not. I still know the current mayor Sobchak. Mr. Westeros, frankly speaking, my father dislikes this person very much."
"Yes, I also know that the reason why Sobchak lost the election this time was also because of Moscow's intervention."
"Mr. Westeros, what exactly do you want to say?"
"Tell me about your family's future."
"Um?"
Simon took another sip of the strong wine in the glass and said slowly: "Let me tell you my views on the political situation in Russia first. Your father can win this election. However, this can only bring temporary stability to your family. If you want to be long-term, your father needs to prepare for four years after taking office. The key is the position of prime minister. Because this person will run for office as your father's successor in four years, and after success, he will bring great success to your family. Come and bless me, am I right?”
For some reason, Tatyana no longer had any thoughts of tit-for-tat with the man opposite her, and nodded frankly: "That's right."
"Then let's talk about the position of prime minister." Simon changed his posture and continued: "This is a key. With the influence your father has at this time, with all due respect, even if he fully supports it in the future, It may not necessarily help the other party win the election, and may even be counterproductive. Moreover, further, if this person is not as loyal to your father and your family as imagined, think of Stalin, then even if he comes to power, he will not be as loyal as you think. It may not necessarily protect your family, or even quite the opposite."
There was a flash of fear in Tatiana's eyes.
Stalin's fate is unknown to almost everyone in this country. And Tatiana knew better that the situation her father and her family were in at this time was a hundred times worse than Stalin's.
Moreover, Stalin was only liquidated after his death.
The Yeltsin family are all alive.
Simon continued: "Going one step further, even if your father successfully helps this person rise to power and he is loyal enough, if this person's ability is too mediocre, he may still be unable to protect your family in the future."
After saying this, Simon didn't wait for the woman opposite to react, raised his free left hand and raised three fingers in sequence: "Look, one, two, three, Tanya, have you ever played a video game? In game terms, three consecutive fingers Almost all of them are nightmare-level levels, and the chance of passing them all, in my opinion, is almost zero."
Tatyana looked at the three fingers raised by Simon, and this time the weakness in her tone came completely from the heart: "Mr. Westeros, according to you, my family can prepare to go into exile now."
"Speaking of exile, those exiled politicians from Africa and Latin America are a piece of fat in the mouths of governments in Europe and the United States."
"Mr. Westeros, are you raising your price through intimidation?"
"Tanya, I'm just analyzing the facts."
"Then what?"
"That's it," Simon put the wine glass on the side table, finally sat upright, and said, "Tanya, don't you want to form an alliance? I'll give you a chance, now let's take a look at your family How much chips do you dare to bet? If you bet correctly, your family will still be able to stand at the top of this country's pyramid for at least the next thirty years, and accordingly, the Westeros system will also get the benefits it deserves. If you bet wrong, It's a pity. Of course, I have nothing to lose."
Tatiana's eyes widened slightly, and they suddenly became bright after a brief shutdown, with a slight tremor in her tone: "You..."
"You are right and you are wrong," Simon nodded, then shook his head and said, "You are right, yes, I did like a candidate, and he is in this villa now. I think. The wrong thing is that he is not my puppet. In fact, if he really reaches that position in the future, he will not become anyone's puppet at all, just like you, this time you just want to form an alliance with me instead of being attached."
Tatiana didn't speak, just stared at Simon, seeming to judge the truth and falsehood.
"I said, this may be the only way out for your family, because this man is capable and loyal enough, and I also have a complete plan that can allow him to succeed in the unfavorable situation brought about by your father. , and the entire Westeros system as a backing.”
Simon said this, leaned back on the sofa chair again, and continued: "Tanya, this is what I have said. Believe it or not is your own business. After tonight, I will arrange for him to go to Moscow. As for the position, You can give it as you like, your father still has...well, three years to observe and make your own decision."
"Why three years?"
"Because he needs to be given enough time to accumulate popularity, and when the time comes, your father will need to give up his throne in advance."
Tatyana said subconsciously: "This is impossible."
Simon smiled: "I said, you have three years to observe and decide for yourself. I won't interfere. As for the meeting gift you just mentioned, I don't want it either. It's too hot. In short, these are your own affairs. Now , you can leave first."