Becoming a Russian Oligarch After Rebirth
Chapter 220 Heavy Burden_1

Chapter 220: Chapter 220 Heavy Burden_1

Most of the assets that Abu now holds are not actually his own.

They were entrusted to him by his "mentor" and good friend Berezov!

As for why Berezov entrusted him, it’s naturally because they have a great relationship and Berezov trusts Abu deeply.

On the other hand, Berezov was left with no choice, as he has already fled the country...

"So, if I want to acquire Siberian Oil Company, I need both Berezov and Abu to agree. Berezov might be easier if the price is right, he is now willing to cash in on assets within Russia. But Abu is going to be more of a problem, he too is greedy, haha."

At the end of his statement, Khodorkovsky chuckled, seemingly slightly dissatisfied with Abu.

By "generation", Khodorkovsky and Berezov should be peers, both were once imperious oligarchs!

And Abu, back then, was merely Berezov’s bag boy. Without Berezov’s support, there would be no Abu today.

However, Abu is shrewd and has held onto the Emperor’s coattails tightly, becoming the closest of the oligarchs to the Emperor.

Of course, this is also because Khodorkovsky and his fellow old oligarchs do not respect the Emperor and won’t lower their pride.

......

Wang Ye pondered for a moment, asking cautiously, "So, Uncle, have you been negotiating the acquisition with Berezov? Is it that you’ve settled things with Berezov, and now it’s Uncle Abu who’s causing some procedural issues, preventing the acquisition process from really moving forward?"

Khodorkovsky nodded, "Yes, I sent a team to London a while ago and reached an agreement with Berezov. For a price of sixty billion US Dollars, we entirely acquired seventy percent of the shares of the Siberian Oil Company. But because he can’t return to the country, you know the reason. So, the legal procedures in Russia are a bit troublesome."

What is making Khodorkovsky frustrated is that the acquisition process has now come to a dead end.

Berezov holds seventy percent of the shares of the Siberian Oil Company, unarguably the largest shareholder.

However, since he has "committed crimes", he has been put on the national wanted list, and the Siberian Oil Company has been entrusted to Abu to manage.

Meanwhile, Abu is also a shareholder of this company, but only a small one, holding just ten percent.

Wang Ye carefully suggested, "Uncle, I believe the key to this matter lies with Uncle Abu. There’s no point in talking with Berezov anymore. As long as you have Uncle Abu on board, the acquisition should not be a problem!"

Khodorkovsky looked at Wang Ye in surprise, chuckling, "Why would you think so? Abu only holds ten percent of the shares, and he has no decision-making power over Berezov’s shares, he only manages them on Berezov’s behalf."

Wang Ye said helplessly, "The problem is, Berezov has already fled abroad. The true wielder of power at Siberian Oil Company now is Uncle Abu! As long as he gives the green light, there will always be a way to transfer the shares. Without his approval, no matter what Berezov says, it’s useless."

"You mean... bypass Berezov and seize his shares through some procedures? That’s out of the question. There’s potential, but it would destroy my business reputation." Khodorkovsky shook his head vehemently.

Both of them were smart. Although Wang Ye made light of it, the implication was clear to Khodorkovsky upon hearing.

It basically boiled down to taking advantage of Berezov’s exile abroad, and not controlling the power of the Siberian Oil Company, thus "colluding" with Abu, transfer all the acquisition funds to Abu, and have him cooperate and "forcibly seize" all Berezov’s share rights!

This method, in the current Russia, can be accomplished!

But Khodorkovsky doesn’t want to do it this way...

Wang Ye had run out of options. He had already told Khodorkovsky the "best", "most effective", and perhaps "only" method. If Khodorkovsky won’t adopt it, what else could Wang Ye do?

"This country cannot continue like this, aggressive militarism, rampant corruption! It can’t even take care of the basic livelihood of its people, business is not thriving. Look at these past few years, foreign investments have been minimal, this administration is just not good enough." Khodorkovsky shook his head.

Wang Ye was taken aback. Was Khodorkovsky dissatisfied with the Emperor?

Planning to stage a coup?!

Such an idea was too dangerous, it was best not to even think about it!

With no time to consider anything else, Wang Ye hurriedly advised, "Uncle, we’re businessmen, we just have to run our business well. Politics has nothing to do with us. You should ... have faith in the Emperor. Give them some more time, and everything will start getting better."

However, Khodorkovsky didn’t agree and laughed coldly: "Huh, you might not know who helped him to his position in the first place! But after gaining power, he turned against us. I’m curious to see, if he can’t get the economy in order, and public resentment mounts, just how long he will be able to keep his position!"

Wang Ye didn’t dare to continue discussing this topic, as who knew whether there was something like a bug in their private room, eavesdropping on their conversation...

I mean, we all know what the Emperor did for a living!

Here’s hoping Khodorkovsky was just mouthing off. God forbid he was planning any shady little operations. If so, not only would Khodorkovsky’s good times end soon,

But also Wang Ye, won’t have the time and space to "lay low and grow."

......

The two remained silent for a while, dining quietly.

Perhaps, inviting Wang Ye over for a meal, Khodorkovsky didn’t really want him to suggest anything. He was just having a rough time and looking for someone to talk to.

After eating their fill, Khodorkovsky put down his cutlery and wiped his mouth with a napkin.

He looked at Wang Ye and said, "I’m planning to take a few days off soon, heading abroad to visit family. But I can’t ignore the acquisition of the Siberian Oil Company. You’ll take over it for a while. Let Ivan assist you, he has a good understanding of this acquisition. Whether or not things work out, you could use the opportunity to meet more people, expand your network, and let people know that there’s someone like you, haha."

Wang Ye’s hand stopped mid-air, taking a moment to process.

What did Khodorkovsky mean?

Hand over the task of acquiring the Siberian Oil Company to him?

The problem was, he hadn’t been part of this from start to finish! Joining the process halfway, what could he do!

Could it really be, as he suggested, that this is just an opportunity for him to meet more people...