Becoming a Russian Oligarch After Rebirth
Chapter 775: Low-key Development_1

Chapter 775: Chapter 775: Low-key Development_1

Wang Ye seemed distracted throughout the day at work.

He was well aware that on the surface he would casually chat over dinner with Gavriil.

But the meeting certainly conveyed the Kremlin’s intent; they wanted to ascertain his stance, which side was he on?

Didn’t this mean that the Kremlin was about to take action?

Hence, he needed to respond cautiously.

A single misstep could potentially bring about a major crisis...

Conventionally, these troubles were caused by Khodorkovsky.

It wouldn’t be hard for Wang Ye to resolve them. All he needed to do was delineate his position from Khodorkovsky’s at some occasion or over some trivial matter, and express his resolute support for the Kremlin’s faction.

Then naturally, he wouldn’t be troubled any further.

However, he was unwilling to do so as he simply couldn’t bring himself to...

Although it’s often said that true politicians can’t be swayed by emotions and should only consider pros and cons without involving feelings,

Wang Ye couldn’t quite achieve that!

Khodorkovsky’s abundant assistance meant a lot to him. Maybe initially he had thought to use him, but now their relationship had gone beyond real uncle-nephew ties!

Wang Ye’s principle was to pay back the smallest kindness with a wellspring of gratitude.

In turn, what Khodorkovsky had given him was a wellspring of kindness, and he hadn’t even begun to repay him yet...

If he were to betray Khodorkovsky for his personal political career, it would be Wang Ye who would most likely lose sleep due to an unsettlement of his conscience.

On one side were relationships and on the other, his future prospects!

Wang Ye couldn’t make a choice; he didn’t want to give up either...

So he would need to employ exceptional tactics, walk a tightrope on the cliff edge, and maintain a delicate balance.

Ideally, he shouldn’t offend the Kremlin, or put Khodorkovsky in any real danger.

Whether he could do this or not, even Wang Ye wasn’t sure, but he had to!

......

In a small private room of the Turandot Restaurant.

Today, Gavriil had arrived about ten minutes early, and Wang Ye arrived promptly at six o’clock.

When they first started dining here, it was always Wang Ye who arrived first and waited for Gavriil or the others to arrive.

But somehow, over time, they began to arrive almost simultaneously, sometimes it’s Wang Ye who arrived first and other times it’s Gavriil.

Maybe it’s due to their growing relationship. They had become less formal and more relaxed about arrivals.

Or perhaps it was due to Wang Ye’s rapidly rising status. Most of the time, others would think about his feelings and accommodate him, instead of him having to cater to them...

It was mealtime now, so after settling down, they called the waiter to serve the dishes, and they began conversing while eating.

"Misha, you should be aware of your uncle’s move to set up the New Faction," Gavriil brought up after some casual chat.

Wang Ye nodded and responded directly, "That’s exactly why I hurried back so soon. My original plan was to return today or tomorrow."

Gavriil raised an eyebrow, asking concernedly, "I heard that some key members of the Third Faction have been co-opted. Did they inform you in advance?"

"No, I only found out about the establishment of the Faction and other matters when I was in London. Mr Rilinov’s comeback took me by surprise," Wang Ye confessed honestly.

Mentioning Rilinov, there was a fleeting change of expression on Gavriil’s face, but he managed to conceal it.

He laughed it off nonchalantly, "Heh heh, maybe Rilinov just got bored after retiring. When your uncle was planning to establish the New Faction and approached him, they hit it off instantly. But it’s surprising that your uncle didn’t discuss it with you in advance. I thought he would seek your advice, given that you are a seasoned politician now!"

Wang Ye grinned modestly, "What seasoned politician, I’m barely a novice! My uncle indeed hinted about his plan to enter politics before, but I always thought he would wait for the next election to participate formally. I didn’t anticipate he would act so quickly."

Gavriil, agreeing wholeheartedly, chimed in, "Indeed! Your uncle’s unexpected move this time has caught many off guard, so swift and decisive with such a huge impact!"

Given how the conversation had evolved, Wang Ye decided to be straightforward.

He put down his fork and knife, looked earnestly at Gavriil, and said, "In terms of political philosophy, I don’t agree with my uncle, a fact he knows. Hence, he didn’t consult me before establishing the faction. We chatted last night and agreed that while we are uncle-nephew privately, in the political arena, we are competitors. We shall compete fairly, and both strive towards a common goal: a better country!"

Wang Ye had effectively divulged the situation to Gavriil.

His implication was clear; the Kremlin need not worry that he would join forces with Khodorkovsky.

Wang Ye, along with the Third Faction, took a middle, and somewhat Kremlin-leaning stand.

You all carry on with your struggles, just don’t involve me or the Third Faction...

......

That was the strategy that Wang Ye had figured out, to remain neutral in the initial stages and prevent being implicated by any side.

This would afford him some "development" time!

First, he would continue growing low-profile, enhancing his own strength!

When the conflict between both sides escalates, he would possess sufficient power and influence to mediate and play the peacekeeper.

Even if the Kremlin doesn’t appreciate his contributions and refuses to make peace with Khodorkovsky, Wang Ye should have enough strength to ensure Khodorkovsky’s safety...

Of course, simply making verbal commitments isn’t enough to convince the Kremlin.

Wang Ye would also apply this principle in practice, maintain neutrality, and refrain from extending any extra support to Khodorkovsky’s faction.

Having heard what Wang Ye had to say, Gavriil was all smiles.

This was exactly what he had hoped to hear!

This lad Misha was indeed intelligent. He understood that in politics, familial relationships like that of uncle-nephew meant nothing!

What mattered the most was to clearly identify the grand scheme and not join the wrong side!

There were many capable people, but those who made erroneous choices at crucial times, could never recover.

However, those who were both capable and made the right choices at critical times, are the ones who go the distance...

"Good, now that you think so, I am relieved. Misha, even though you hold a high office now, you’ve only entered politics recently and still have much to learn. Especially in such complex circumstances, staying clean and not getting involved in factional strife is indeed the most prudent choice!" Gavriil exclaimed gleefully.

With Wang Ye’s assurance, he could now go back and report!