Becoming a Russian Oligarch After Rebirth
Chapter 1377 - 1088: Laying the Cards on the Table_2

Chapter 1377: Chapter 1088: Laying the Cards on the Table_2

"Chairman Rilinov, I came here today because I want to clarify one thing.

Why did you suddenly decide to join forces with Chairman Grezlov to participate in the General Election? It seems that you did not have such an idea before, right?

Oh, don’t misunderstand, I’m just asking out of personal curiosity, without any other purpose."

At this point, he was somewhat betraying his intention to conceal something, but since it had come to this, Gavriil couldn’t care about that anymore.

If he didn’t figure out the reason why Rilinov and Grezlov were teaming up, he would have no idea what to say when meeting Grezlov later.

Rilinov didn’t mind and said with a chuckle:

"You might not believe it if I tell you, but joining forces with Grezlov in the General Election was a spur-of-the-moment decision.

As you know, the two of us have relatively relaxed jobs, with more free time, so we often drink tea, have coffee, and chat together.

Recently, I remember one afternoon, while we were having coffee together, we started talking about what we planned to do after our current terms at the Duma concluded.

Grezlov said he wanted to settle in a scenic small town by the Black Sea, to fish and swim every day, which sounded like a pleasant life.

As for me, I can’t sit still, so I suddenly suggested that he wasn’t that old, and since there was a General Election this year, why not give it a try?

Even if we don’t win in the end, it’s still a life experience, and it won’t affect anything if we retire afterwards.

Grezlov was intrigued by the idea and felt that it was indeed worth a try, but he believed that his chances were slim if he ran in the General Election alone.

So, he turned around and persuaded me, suggesting that I join the Election with him since both of us have been old-timers at the Duma for many years and staying here was no longer interesting.

Moreover, by combining our strengths, we would have a better chance of succeeding in the General Election.

I realized he was right!

Anyway, as for the General Election, I might as well join in for the excitement, it doesn’t matter whether I win or lose, I’ll just be an assistant. The one who will really put in the effort is still Chairman Grezlov..."

He rambled on with a "story" that left Gavriil dumbfounded.

Is it that casual?

Just a whim from two old guys having coffee and they want to run in the General Election, turning the election upside down?!

If Rilinov wasn’t lying, then it’s just Medvedev’s "lot of bad luck and mishaps"...

After listening to Rilinov’s "story," Gavriil chatted with him awkwardly for a while longer, then stood up to take his leave. He was off to see the last person, Grezlov.

Rilinov sent him off from the office with a full smile, cheerfully saying that he is welcome to come over more often in the future...

...

The atmosphere in Grezlov’s office was a bit tense.

Because Gavriil’s visit today could be said to be ill-intended, aiming to negotiate and perhaps even confront Grezlov.

This was naturally instructed by the Kremlin. Before coming, the father-in-law, Medvedev, and Gavriil discussed for a long time how to persuade Grezlov to withdraw!

Because Grezlov and Rilinov’s candidacy had become the biggest obstacle to Medvedev’s victory in the election!

As for Rossiyana, to be honest, they did not pay too much attention to her and even welcomed her candidacy.

After all, it is a General Election, and it is better to have a relatively strong opponent, making the Election seem "fair and just"...

If there isn’t even a decent opponent, it would be just a one-man show, and the scene wouldn’t look good.

But Grezlov and Rilinov, these two old guys are different!

They are not here to play "supporting roles" but to directly snatch the "leading role" from Medvedev, which made the Kremlin a bit uneasy.

Originally, they had written the "script" and everything was going fine, but suddenly someone isn’t following the script, and this drama can’t go on...

Therefore, it is necessary to stop Grezlov from participating in the General Election, and the sooner, the better!

But in this matter, my father-in-law can’t personally get involved. His status is sensitive, and if he steps in and is rejected by Chairman Grezlov, there would be no room left for easing the tension between the two sides.

Therefore, after discussion, the three of us unanimously believe that Gavriil is the most suitable to step forward.

He is fully capable of representing the attitude of the Kremlin and is also very familiar with Grezlov, some things can be laid out on the table directly.

Most importantly, even if Grezlov does not give face to Gavriil and directly refuses, there is still room for maneuvering. Gavriil can say that this was just his own idea and unrelated to the Kremlin...

Regardless of whether Grezlov believes it or not, at least everyone still has a way to step down!

So he came to the Duma today, and without stopping, he also visited Wang Ye and Rilinov one after another, all in preparation for meeting Grezlov.

Now that he’s arrived at Grezlov’s office, both sides, or rather, the two major forces, are finally going to lay their cards on the table...

...

"Chairman Grezlov, forgive my candor, but your decision to participate in the General Election this time is very unwise!

As you might know, within our Faction, we have coordinated and communicated multiple times, planning to fully support Medvedev as the candidate.

Although Medvedev’s age, experience, and prestige may all seem a little lacking, his performance since joining the Government has been noticed by everyone.

Without a doubt, he is the best candidate for the next term. Currently, in the political arena, there is no new-generation politician who can match him!

Of course, Misha is the exception...

Now with your sudden decision to run, it has completely disrupted our Faction’s plans, and I believe you are also aware of the consequences—it will cause a split within our Faction.

Originally, as long as our entire Faction was united in fully supporting one candidate, securing the final victory was almost a certainty.

But now, you and Medvedev each garner a portion of the Faction’s support, which actually amounts to weakening each other’s strength.

We might even be surpassed by Rossiyana!"

Gavriil said with a solemn expression.

At this point, there’s no need for anyone to hide things anymore; anything that needs to be said should be laid out directly on the table.

Grezlov was also sitting across from Gavriil with a cold face, legs crossed on the sofa, and silently puffing away at his cigarette.

It was only after Gavriil finished his speech that he fiercely stubbed out his cigarette butt, took a deep breath before speaking, and then, with a sharp look, fixed his gaze on Gavriil. He didn’t scold Gavriil for not having the right to speak to him in such a manner because he knew very well who Gavriil was representing here today.

"Let me correct you on one thing, that is, concerning the candidate matter, our Faction has not reached a consensus!

You know very well the reaction your forceful promotion of Medvedev has stirred within the Faction.

At that time, there were no other heavyweight members in the Faction desiring to run for the General Election, so those opposing voices weren’t very strong.

Likewise, the voices in support weren’t strong either.

Now that I am interested in running, and have secured a very powerful support—Rilinov.

He not only has the backing of The Third Faction in the Duma, he might even win over a portion of the Mikhail Faction’s support, as that Faction was originally led by Rilinov as the Party leader!

It’s just that he stepped down as Party leader for various reasons and left the Duma in disappointment.

You should know more clearly than I do about the specifics, so it’s normal for him to bear a grudge against you all. Whether he wants revenge or truly wishes to join hands with me to run, either situation is not bad for me.

These past few days, I’ve also communicated with quite a few members within our Faction, and the voices in support of me are not small.

Because in the eyes of many, my joint governance with Rilinov would be much more reliable than Medvedev taking office!

So, my original intention was not to destroy Faction unity; I merely don’t want to miss this opportunity.

That position is not privately owned by anyone; as long as one has the ability, prestige, and the support of the majority, they are eligible to sit there!"