Becoming a Russian Oligarch After Rebirth
Chapter 904 - 853: Partners

Chapter 904: Chapter 853: Partners

"Even if there are only two, a choice must be made. In your opinion, which of the two is more trustworthy?" Wang Ye asked with a smile, continuing the conversation.

Gu Qima didn’t hesitate and promptly gave his answer.

"That would certainly be Yanukovych!

His governing philosophy is in line with mine, and there could be no better successor to my position. The transition would also be smooth.

As for Yushchenko, well, he was just named one of the ’Time Magazine’s’ 100 most influential people in the world this year.

Heh, it’s all part of building his momentum..."

With everything said to this extent, Wang Ye of course understood Gu Qima’s intentions.

He tentatively asked, "So... will you offer Yanukovych any help?"

Although nearing retirement, Gu Qima still wielded considerable influence, especially during his first term, when his support rate was quite high!

Unfortunately, over these two years, whether due to bad luck or some other reasons, he had faced a series of mishaps, causing many to become dissatisfied with him.

That’s also why he had "leaked" early on that he would not seek re-election and was resolute about retiring.

Because he didn’t want to become the target of everyone’s criticism. Now, he preferred to stay out of the fray and let others fight it out...

If in the end others were to wear each other down, maybe he would have a chance to come out and clean up the mess.

Therefore, regarding next year’s Election, he had never openly supported or criticized any candidate in public. It was as if the affair had nothing to do with him.

Upon hearing Wang Ye’s question, Gu Qima’s smile faded, and he used his fork to spear a piece of steak, chewing it thoughtfully.

After a good while, having swallowed the steak in his mouth, he picked up a napkin beside him, wiped his mouth, and spoke, "I don’t want to influence the Election, nor do I want to get personally involved. Let them handle it on their own. I wish Yanukovych good luck."

Wang Ye nodded slightly but didn’t say anything further.

He wasn’t genuinely seeking any help from Gu Qima.

Of course, if Gu Qima was willing to offer support, that would be the best!

But even if he didn’t, it didn’t matter at all.

The true purpose of Wang Ye’s discussion was to probe the old fox’s real intentions.

Combining the conversation with the information he had gathered beforehand, he roughly understood Gu Qima’s true thoughts.

...

First of all, Gu Qima himself wasn’t without troubles, having even faced an impeachment last year, which was quite embarrassing for him until he had managed to smooth things over.

So even if he wanted to run for office again, he didn’t dare to announce it, or else he would become the target of collective scorn!

Secondly, Gu Qima was certainly well aware that next year’s General Election would be very complicated!

He knew the forces backing both Yanukovych and Yushchenko...

Obviously, he couldn’t afford to offend either side.

Moreover, he was unsure which faction would ultimately prevail.

Therefore, the most beneficial choice for him was not to choose...

Not to take sides, not to make a statement, to remain uninvolved—that was Gu Qima’s best strategy!

In case Yushchenko’s faction won next year, they wouldn’t find fault with him.

Of course, deep down, Gu Qima still hoped that Yanukovych would win since the two shared similar ideals.

But he was absolutely unwilling to openly extend any help.

After clarifying Gu Qima’s true thoughts, Wang Ye shifted the topic and started talking about retirement matters, enthusiastically suggesting that Gu Qima could consider settling in Simferopol after retirement, highlighting its favorable climate and scenery.

With the signing of the Free Trade Zone agreement, the area’s future development would be even better, making travel to other countries convenient as well.

Gu Qima seemed quite intrigued and gladly accepted Wang Ye’s suggestion, saying he would definitely visit Simferopol after stepping down.

If it suited him, he would consider living there.

After a pleasant lunch, everyone moved to the living room. They chatted over coffee for a while, and then Wang Ye stood up to take his leave.

He had other commitments in the afternoon, for he was going to meet with Yanukovych!

...

Yanukovych’s home was somewhat surprising to Wang Ye.

Not because it was luxurious, but quite the contrary; it was rather modest!

It was just an old, "common" neighborhood with rows of six or seven-story Tube buildings, the kind without elevators.

According to Yanukovych, this was a welfare apartment he had been "allocated" back when he was working. Although he had been promoted since, he had become accustomed to living there and hadn’t bothered to move, so he continued to reside in the same place.

The apartment, a little over a hundred square meters, was also modestly decorated. If you were to say it belonged to an ordinary government employee or a doctor, or University professors, it would seem quite normal.

But for someone like Yanukovych to live here, it seemed a bit...

Unexpected!

However, Wang Ye didn’t comment, keeping his expression neutral as he exchanged pleasantries with Yanukovych before they both sat down on the sofa.

Visiting Yanukovych was, of course, not something Wang Ye did alone.

He was accompanied by Nova and several security personnel, while Yelena had been left with the delegation in case there was an emergency and they needed to contact him immediately.

The security personnel stayed outside and did not enter the house. Only Nova followed him into the Room.

There were no outsiders in Yanukovych’s home, perhaps to accommodate Wang Ye’s visit, he had specifically asked his family to leave.