Golden Spoon Investment Portfolio - Chapter 470

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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470. Things have gotten messily tangled.

Moscow, Russia.

[The Prosecution conducted a surprise raid this morning on the residence and office of Igor Kolesnikov, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Independent States Executive Committee, on suspicion of tax evasion, money laundering, and illegal foreign currency smuggling. Igor Kolesnikov, who is also a major shareholder of the oil company Sibneft and Logovas, as well as Aeroflot Airlines…]

Alexei Smirnov, chairman of Sibneft mentioned just now in the news, crumpled his face and spat out words through gritted teeth.

“Prime Minister Vasily has completely lost his mind!”

On the television mounted across from the sofa where he sat, stern-faced Prosecution investigators were entering the familiar residence of Secretary-General Kolesnikov, bathed in the glare of camera flashes.

“I had my suspicions, but he actually drew the blade. Something about this feels ominous.”

Igor Kolesnikov was President Ivanov’s closest confidant and a core figure in what was called the Ivanov family’s inner circle.
Known by the nickname “the Gray Cardinal of the Kremlin,” Kolesnikov wielded vast influence and power, and drawing a blade against him was a clear challenge to President Ivanov himself.

“It’s also a declaration of war against the oligarchs.”

Igor Kolesnikov was both a power broker and a representative figure among the oligarchs.
The Prosecution’s comprehensive investigation into such a Kolesnikov would be met with great acclaim from the Russian people, who harbored negative views toward the oligarchs who had enriched themselves enormously through illicit means by acquiring state assets at rock-bottom prices.

“By gaining public support while simultaneously severing the limbs of his rival President Ivanov, Prime Minister Vasily couldn’t ask for a better card in his bid for the presidency in two years’ time.”

The problem was that he himself was also a target for purge—an oligarch.
Moreover, Igor Kolesnikov, upon whom the Prosecution’s blade had now been turned, was his business partner who jointly owned the oil company Sibneft.
To be precise, it was entirely thanks to Kolesnikov that Smirnov, who had lived as a middleman oil trader in the black market, had been able to become an oligarch.
That meant if Kolesnikov wavered, he too would inevitably be in danger.

“Damn it. Why now of all times!”

Smirnov, his lips pressed tightly together, brought his clenched fist down hard on the armrest of the sofa he was sitting on.
He had been planning to acquire the government-owned Sibneft shares being sold to improve national fiscal health and expand his control, but this disaster had caused everything to unravel.
As he leaned back against the sofa and exhaled a long sigh, his mobile phone rang from his inner jacket pocket.
Smirnov checked the number on the screen, narrowed his brow, and answered the call.

[Dayse.]

Through the phone, Igor Kolesnikov’s heavy voice made Alexei Smirnov’s face stiffen as he spoke.

“Where are you right now?”
[London. I slipped out of Moscow on a private jet before the Prosecution could issue a travel ban.]
“The Prosecution is frantic, tearing through everything. They’ve already ransacked the company offices.”
[I know. They’ve even issued an Interpol red notice to capture me.]
“Then isn’t London dangerous as well?”

Igor Kolesnikov let out a scoff and spoke with confidence.

[I’ve taken precautions, so don’t worry. Right now the Prosecution is dancing to Prime Minister Vasily’s tune, but soon they’ll realize they’ve grabbed a rotten rope.]

Alexei Smirnov, who had been anxiously wondering if the balance was tilting entirely toward Prime Minister Vasily, relaxed visibly at his unshaken demeanor.

[I can’t talk long. Let me just state the matter briefly.]
“Go ahead.”
[Withdraw from the government’s oil company stake auction.]
“…!”

Alexei Smirnov’s brow furrowed sharply as he adjusted his grip on the phone.

“Is this because of what happened?”
[Exactly. The Prosecution is seething with rage—there’s no benefit in giving them ammunition.]
“But….”
[This isn’t my decision. It’s an order from the Kremlin.]

Since the Kremlin meant President Ivanov’s will, Alexei Smirnov, who had been about to protest, closed his mouth and let out a groan.

[The other oligarchs will also withdraw from this auction. Bear with the disappointment.]

Realizing that the situation was worse than he’d thought if they were taking such precautions, Alexei Smirnov’s expression hardened again.

“…It’s better to avoid the storm. I’ll do as you say.”
[Good thinking. And there’s one more thing I should tell you.]
“What is it?”
[Your name has also come up as a Prosecution investigation target. Be careful.]

Alexei Smirnov’s eyes widened as he spoke urgently.

“Is that so?”
[It seems they’re trying to pin me down by dredging up the Ukhta Refinery diesel theft case.]

The Ukhta Refinery diesel theft case had involved stealing and selling diesel fuel equivalent to fifty-five tanker loads by using forged documents to make it appear as though the shipment was being transported to a military base.
At the time, Alexei Smirnov had been identified as the primary suspect, but the investigation had been closed without any indictment, fizzling out entirely.

[It appears they have evidence of your deep involvement. For now, it would be wise to lay low like I am.]
“…Understood.”
[Then I’ll contact you again later.]

After ending the call, Alexei Smirnov’s face contorted in fury.

“Damn it all!”

Having clawed his way to this position with such difficulty, only to stumble over an unforeseen obstacle—the frustration was unavoidable.
Rising from the sofa, Alexei Smirnov paced anxiously through the spacious President’s Office, struggling to maintain his composure.

“If the Prosecution gets their hands on me now, there’s no telling what they’ll do.”

The Ukhta Refinery diesel theft case might be merely a pretext—or perhaps they had originally targeted Igor Kolesnikov, who had fled to Britain one step ahead, and were now trying to capture him instead by seizing someone closely connected to him.

“Then they’ll torture me and extract a confession that somehow implicates Kolesnikov.”

The remnants of the Soviet era still lingered heavily, and if he were taken into custody by the Prosecution, the ordeal would be brutal and predictable.
Deciding he had to flee first, Alexei Smirnov went to his desk and pressed the intercom button installed on one side.

[Yes. What can I do for you?]
“I need to leave for Dubai urgently. Prepare the private jet immediately!”
[Understood.]

Hearing the response, Alexei Smirnov straightened his posture and ground his teeth.

“Everything’s gone to hell.”

* * *

Seok-won, dressed in a white dress shirt, stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows of the President’s Office, one hand thrust into his trouser pocket as he spoke on his mobile phone.

“How did it go?”

Landon in Moscow responded immediately.

[As instructed, I successfully acquired a 23% stake in Sibneft through auction for $740 million.]
“Well done.”
[The moratorium declaration and low oil prices have depressed the stock significantly, and thanks to the Prosecution’s corruption investigation causing the oligarchs to shy away from bidding, we were able to acquire the stake at a lower price than anticipated.]

Seok-won spoke with a satisfied expression.

“I heard that not only Kolesnikov but Chairman Smirnov also fled abroad to avoid the Prosecution’s investigation.”
[That’s correct. The Russian Prosecution, having come up empty-handed twice because of this, is absolutely furious. They’re not only conducting raids on offices and residences, but also continuously summoning and investigating current and former officials connected to Chairman Smirnov.]

Seok-won gazed out at the forest of buildings in Yeouido beyond the floor-to-ceiling window as he replied.

“They may never be able to return to Russia.”
[Pavlovich found decisive evidence that can prove criminal conduct and handed it over to Prime Minister Vasily’s side. It’s quite possible.]

Landon continued with admiration in his voice.

[I knew he was former KGB, but I was genuinely shocked at how he uncovered such evidence in such a short time.]
“That’s proof of his capabilities. I think we can trust and entrust the Russian branch to him going forward.”
[I share that sentiment. I was initially a bit worried about whether he could handle it well. But in Russia, it seems right to entrust the branch to someone like Pavlovich.]
“So we’re essentially done with everything in Russia?”
[Yes. So I’m planning to return to New York next week.]
“Let’s do that.”

After exchanging a few more words, Seok-won ended the call and removed the phone from his ear.
Standing by the window, he was briefly organizing his thoughts on how to utilize the stake he had just secured when a knock sounded from outside.

“Excuse me.”

Na Seong-mi, his secretary, entered carrying approval documents.
Seeing her carefully place a considerable stack of approval documents on the desk, Seok-won stepped away from the window.

“There’s quite a lot of work today.”
“I apologize. I brought only the documents you absolutely need to review, but….”
“It’s fine. It just means the company is running smoothly.”

To be honest, the daily accumulation of approval documents was partly due to his taking on numerous projects.
Seok-won settled into his chair at the desk and spoke.

“Would you bring me a cup of coffee?”
“Of course.”

Na Seong-mi turned to leave when Seok-won, who had been holding the approval documents, suddenly stopped her as if remembering something.

“Oh, wait a moment.”

As Na Seong-mi looked at him with a puzzled expression, Seok-won opened a drawer and pulled out a thin envelope from inside.

“Take this.”
“What is this…?”

Na Seong-mi accepted the envelope with both hands, her eyes cautiously searching his face.

“It’s not much, but it’s a bonus.”
“I’m sorry?”

At Na Seong-mi’s startled expression, Seok-won leaned back in his chair and offered a gentle smile.

“Ever since the Securities Company, you’ve always been by my side in the closest position, supporting me so well. I’m truly grateful.”
“I was only doing my job.”
“Still, your attentive care in ensuring I lacked for nothing has been invaluable. I hope you’ll continue to support me as you have been.”
“President.”

Na Seong-mi was deeply moved by Seok-won’s unexpected words.

“By the way, this bonus is only for you, Na Seong-mi. It’s a secret from the other employees.”

Seok-won playfully winked, and Na Seong-mi couldn’t hide her grateful expression as she nodded.

“Yes, thank you so much, President.”
“Now go on.”

Na Seong-mi bowed her head respectfully, then quietly closed the door and left the office.
She made her way to the pantry to brew coffee for Seok-won, and as she filled the kettle with water and set it to boil, she barely managed to calm the surge of emotion welling up in her chest.
Truthfully, among the senior executives at other companies, there were those who treated secretaries as nothing more than errand runners handling trivial tasks.
But Seok-won was different—he seemed to genuinely recognize and appreciate all her efforts, filling her with profound gratitude and pride.
Though she had always followed Seok-won with sincere faith, her loyalty deepened even further.
A sudden thought crossed her mind, and she glanced around cautiously before pulling out the envelope she had just received and peeking inside.
The envelope felt thin, so she assumed it wouldn’t contain cash, but sure enough, there was a single check inside.
The moment she saw the amount written on the check, her eyes widened in astonishment.

[₩10,000,000 (Ten Million Won)]

“Oh!”

The sum was far larger than she had anticipated, and she nearly gasped aloud before hastily covering her mouth with her hand.
She checked the numbers on the check once more to make sure she hadn’t misread it.

“One… ten… hundred… thousand… ten million…”

No matter how many times she counted, it was indeed ten million won.
Na Seong-mi was overjoyed by this generous bonus and resolved to continue trusting and following Seok-won with unwavering devotion.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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