Becoming a Russian Oligarch After Rebirth
Chapter 351: The Election is about to Start_1

Chapter 351: Chapter 351: The Election is about to Start_1

Apart from dining with a few old acquaintances, Wang Ye also paid a visit to Khodorkovsky.

He had delivered the gifts he had brought with him. Khodorkovsky wasn’t particularly interested in watches, but was pleased with Wang Ye’s thoughtfulness.

After briefly inquiring about investments in Apple and Google, Khodorkovsky changed the subject, asking, "You’re about to start your Duma campaign, right? Are you joining A Bu’s party?"

Wang Ye nodded, "Yes, it starts later this month. I also have to make a trip to Chukotka. Heh, I always feel this is a bit unreliable. At my age and with my limited experience, can I really get into the national Duma?"

Khodorkovsky shook his head dismissively. "It’s not about your age and qualifications meeting the Duma’s standards, but it’s a great opportunity for you to get into the Duma. Gavriil supports you, A Bu is willing to help, and if necessary, I will help you too. But you need to know that getting into the Duma is just the beginning; the influence and power of Duma members can vary greatly!"

The underlying meaning in his words seemed to subtly hint at something to Wang Ye.

Previously, Wang Ye didn’t know much about the Duma, only that it held substantial power and a high social status.

However, since Gavriil had suggested getting him into the Duma, Wang Ye had done some research and gained a deeper understanding of it.

Indeed, as Khodorkovsky mentioned, Duma members vary in status. Some have so much power that they can make the entire Russian political circle shiver with fear just by stamping their foot!

But for some congressmen, whether they speak or not, attend meetings or not, or even if they permanently reside abroad and change their nationality, nobody cares...

The Duma is nothing but a vast "stage." Gavriil, A Bu, and Khodorkovsky could help Wang Ye ascend this stage, but whether he could become the "lead character," a "supporting role," or even an "extra" would test his ability.

"I understand. Don’t worry, Uncle. I’m just getting into the Duma for the sake of it. I’m not planning to have any kind of influence," Wang Ye said nonchalantly.

"Do you realize how many people dream of entering the Duma? Now that you have such an easy chance, you should seize this opportunity!" Khodorkovsky stared at him reprovingly.

Wang Ye shrugged helplessly, "But I don’t know anything about politics. Plus, the more you speak, the more likely you’ll make a mistake and offend some big shot. I don’t want to invite trouble."

His apprehensions were understandable.

After all, the Duma is not like the business world. In doing business, adversaries are generally not too formidable, as long as you don’t tangle with the oligarchs.

But within the Duma, it’s a different game. You might unknowingly offend some big shot you can’t afford to offend!

Wang Ye intended to lay low once inside – showing his face at meetings and keeping his opinions to himself, so as to avoid offending others.

What attracted him were the status of a Duma member and the judicial immunity that came with it...

Khodorkovsky sighed with resignation.

Perhaps Wang Ye just wasn’t interested in politics. He decided he wouldn’t force him.

He waved his hand dismissively, "Forget it. Let’s not talk about this. By the way, is your security company well-staffed? I have some oilfields that need some security personnel. Why not give this business to your company?"

"Really? We don’t have a shortage of staff at all, just tell us how many you need. In Russia, we might not have much of many things, but we certainly have plenty of veterans. It’s so effortless to expand the workforce of my security company," Wang Ye replied, beaming with happiness.

The primary business of his security company was providing security for oilfields and mines.

These jobs come with certain risks, providing higher returns, and these companies usually don’t bargain about the price!

If the Wagner Company wanted to grow and expand, it couldn’t always depend on Wang Ye for "transfusions"; because it’s a "gold-digging beast," and even Wang Ye couldn’t afford to maintain so many employees for too long.

Therefore, the company should be self-sufficient, taking on assignments to sustain and grow itself.

Now that Khodorkovsky effectively rendered assistance in time of need, he was offering several major contracts!

.......

Everything went smoothly, and all the troubles from before were sorted out.

November was also a crucial month for Wang Ye.

Firstly, Angelina’s campaign was about to start. Wang Ye planned to go and support her campaign.

Although the result was all but confirmed, formalities still had to be observed.

So, Angelina would give a few public speeches in Yalta and Simferopol to gather votes. At this critical juncture, Wang Ye certainly couldn’t miss out.

On the other hand, the election for the Russian Duma was about to commence.

Wang Ye’s constituency was in Chukotka. Like Angelina, even though the results were settled, the formalities had to be done, Wang Ye planned to record a few clips, and appear on a TV program with A Bu.

After all, he was a Duma member representing Chukotka. It would be too outrageous if the local voters didn’t even know what their congressman looked like.

.....

On November 11th, Wang Ye called Meshkov to let him know that he planned to go to the Crimea Peninsula to support Angelina’s campaign.

On the phone, Meshkov seemed very pleased, and almost offered to send a plane to pick up Wang Ye.

But after thinking it over, he realized he didn’t have a private jet, so he didn’t make the suggestion.

The political donation that Wang Ye had promised him had already been deposited. It was with this money that Meshkov felt confident about the upcoming election.

Not only would his position be secured, but his party’s seats in the parliament might even exceed half of the total.

With this, his next term would be very comfortable. He wouldn’t have to watch his every step like he did now, or negotiate with the parliament every time he wanted to get anything done.

Meshkov had always been a man of his word. Since Wang Ye had already fulfilled his part, he, too, must deliver on his promise.

Moreover, as a so-called "president," he was actually broke.

The Crimea Peninsula has a small area and a low population. There aren’t many resources to sell, and the tourism industry has been struggling these years.

Although he was the "president" in name, he was far from having the power of a real president.

Therefore, he valued his wealthy friend, Wang Ye, highly. Especially since Wang Ye planned on continuous investment in the Crimea Peninsula, which could improve his performance metrics in the future!