Becoming a Russian Oligarch After Rebirth
Chapter 891 - 846: Tough Guy Image_2

Chapter 891: Chapter 846: Tough Guy Image_2

At the very least, for the next decade, Wang Ye didn’t want to be labelled as either a "Hawk Faction" or a "Dove Faction" member.

What he needed to do was to benefit from both sides, able to advance and retreat freely, without appearing overbearing but also not seeming weak and easily bullied.

In short, it was about finding the right balance, preferably keeping others from deciphering his thoughts so he could secure the greatest benefit.

......

On April 28th, just two days before the General Election in May.

Puding delivered a formal TV speech, announcing that in response to certain unfriendly countries’ actions, a mechanized heavy division and a Strategic Missile Force would be deployed to the Kaliningrad region!

What attracted the most attention was the Strategic Missile Force, equipped with the recently officially deployed Iskander D missile...

And in his speech, he emphasized that this move wasn’t targeted at any country or region but was solely for national security and to deal with the increasingly complex surroundings.

This speech immediately caused a huge sensation both domestically and internationally.

Many domestic citizens took to the streets, shouting "Hooray".

Clearly, Puding’s actions had gained widespread public approval.

The international reaction, however, was much more complex.

Neighboring smaller countries, especially those near the Kaliningrad region, were greatly shocked, feeling anxious and uneasy.

No one is a fool; everyone knew what Russia’s moves were truly about.

It was said that following Puding’s TV speech, certain countries quickly convened Emergency Meetings.

What was discussed at those meetings remains unknown, but it would probably take a few more days to see their response...

......

Another person affected by this TV speech was Khodorkovsky!

According to some experts’ estimates, influenced by Puding’s TV speech, Puding’s popularity among the public surged by nearly twenty percent!

Originally, the support rate for Puding and Khodorkovsky was around sixty-forty in favor of Puding, giving him a definite advantage, but it didn’t mean Khodorkovsky had no chance at all.

After all, the General Election hadn’t started yet, and anything could happen during the election process.

But now, the support rate between the two had become eighty-twenty, so what was there left to compete for? Khodorkovsky might as well admit defeat and surrender!

Somehow he found out that it was Wang Ye who first brought up this idea and was the driving force behind it.

For a moment, Khodorkovsky didn’t know whether to cry or laugh; in any case, his feelings were complicated.

Because of this matter, he even specifically called Wang Ye for a meal, intending to have a good chat with Wang Ye...

......

It was in Khodorkovsky’s apartment where the two sat face to face.

There were no outsiders this time, just the two of them, uncle and nephew.

The two first silently smoked cigars for a while, as if comparing who could maintain their composure longer.

Wang Ye certainly knew why Khodorkovsky had sought him out, but he also had his own difficulties that he couldn’t openly discuss with Khodorkovsky.

Moreover, he had advised Khodorkovsky many times to recognize the difficulty and back down, but to no avail.

While he had never explicitly promised Khodorkovsky or Puding his support in the election,

his previous actions had made it clear to everyone that he belonged to the neutral Faction, not supporting anyone, or perhaps supporting everyone...

But this time, the event meant that Wang Ye had indirectly supported Puding, significantly boosting his support rate!

So Khodorkovsky’s request to meet him probably carried a sense of seeking accountability...

Only Khodorkovsky didn’t seem to have figured out how to broach the subject yet.

After a while, having smoked through most of a thick, long cigar, Khodorkovsky finally raised his head and said, "It seems I have no hope in this election."

His tone was tinged with bitterness and a touch of reluctance.

Hearing Khodorkovsky ask so directly, Wang Ye felt it would be too awkward to continue playing dumb.

He set down the cigar in his hand and responded earnestly:

"The hope... is indeed slim.

Uncle, you must understand, it’s not because your abilities fall short, but rather everyone in our country hopes for stability, a strong leader who can guide us all back to glory...

As it stands, he’s doing quite well, and on top of that, his response to the crisis showcased a tough side.

You know, a tough-guy image is very popular domestically.

But that’s exactly where you, Uncle, don’t have an advantage.

There’s no helping it. Who could have predicted such timing? In the face of a complex and severe surrounding environment, we need someone with his character and style of doing things..."

Indeed, Khodorkovsky had always given the impression of being cultured and gentle, and his temperament was more agreeable.

Even during his campaigns, he consistently emphasized economic aspects and so-called cultural matters.

As for military and diplomatic matters, he really didn’t understand them...

If it were in a peaceful environment, Khodorkovsky might still have hope.

But the current situation in Russia is riddled with both internal and external troubles!

One could only say that Khodorkovsky was born at an inopportune time...

After listening to Wang Ye’s words, Khodorkovsky fell into thought again, the cigar between his fingers emitting a wisp of smoke.

Sighing, Wang Ye spoke again, "Take it slow. Being a leader of the opposition isn’t too bad either, right? We can’t all have the same voice. The faction you just formed this year managed to secure that many Duma seats; you’ve already done quite well."

Perhaps it was Wang Ye’s consolation that worked; Khodorkovsky cracked a smile, shook his head, and said, "I could accept it if others said that. But when you say it, it feels odd to me. Your faction secured far more seats than ours this year!"

Wang Ye spread his hands, helplessly saying, "Actually, I didn’t expect it either. I originally thought that securing a hundred and twenty seats would be enough, but then we ended up with thirty extra seats all of a sudden."

His behavior of taking advantage and then acting innocent was obviously somewhat annoying.

Khodorkovsky pointed at him with a finger, not knowing what else to say.

However, Wang Ye’s "meddling" had at least lightened the atmosphere, and it wasn’t so heavy anymore; Khodorkovsky’s mood had also improved somewhat.

"Forget it, this time let’s focus on participation. I no longer harbor any hope for the outcome," he said, resigning himself to the situation.

Wang Ye laughed, "As long as you can let it go, that’s good. It’s the highest position after all; it’s not that easy to obtain. If not this time, then prepare for the next one."

Leaning back on the sofa, Khodorkovsky said with a hint of melancholy, "Why did you have to pass that regulation to extend the term so long? The next time is six years from now!"

Wang Ye couldn’t help but chuckle, as this matter involved him too!

It was under his initiative that the Duma proposed a change to the Constitution, extending the term directly to six years!

This included the term of Duma Members as well.

Effective from this election...

They used to only have to wait four years, but now suddenly it was six years, no wonder Khodorkovsky was complaining.

Wang Ye could only vaguely reply, "It’ll pass quickly, six years. During this time, Uncle, you can participate more in social activities, continue to accumulate strength and influence. By the next time, he won’t be running for election either, and then no one else will be a match for you."

Speaking of this, Khodorkovsky became interested.

He sat up and eagerly discussed with Wang Ye who else might be his potential rivals in the next election.

Counting them over, there really wasn’t anyone who could match Khodorkovsky in the next election.

Of course, if one had to mention someone, there was indeed one person.

That person was sitting right in front of Khodorkovsky—Wang Ye!

"Misha, tell me the truth, will you join the election in six years?" Khodorkovsky stared at Wang Ye with piercing eyes and asked.

Before Wang Ye could answer, he quickly added, "If you’re going to run, then there’s nothing to talk about; I will step aside willingly!"