Chapter 222: Chapter 222: How Did the Summit Go?
Medvedev probably couldn't understand the conversation between Lee Hyun-jik and me. We spoke in Korean.
It seemed like he only caught on to the tense atmosphere.
This was the reason Medvedev had survived as Putin's closest aide and second-in-command.
He interrupted our conversation in English.
"President Kim Mu-hyeok is a friend of bothPutin and me, Prime Minister."
Lee Hyun-jik looked back and forth between Medvedev and me, clearly surprised.
Medvedev frowned slightly, as though displeased.
"The hotel dinner assignment was solely the right of our Russian delegation. We already submitted the list and coordinated with the Blue House's security team."
At this, Lee Hyun-jik snapped to attention and waved his hands.
"It's not that there's a problem."
"Oh? It's just that the atmosphere seems rather unusual for a simple inquiry."
"It's just… I'm meeting President Kim Mu-hyeok for the first time oday, so it's a bit awkward. Ha-ha. It's fine."
Prime Minister Lee Hyun-jik forced a smile.
Then Medvedev turned to me and asked in Russian.
"President Kim, are you really okay? You don't look well. Would you like me to assign you to another table?"
I smiled in response to Medvedev's concern.
"No, it's just that a young person like me is curious about being seated at the same table as you."
"Ha-ha, does Korea judge people by age? Age is just a number, after all."
"That might be true. It's probably just that they don't know me well. Thank you for your concern."
Observing our conversation, Lee Hyun-jik, who couldn't grasp our dialogue, rolled his eyes and asked the administrative chief Poloshin beside him.
"Chief Administrative Officer, is Medvedev's statement true?"
Poloshin nodded.
"Yes, I understand that President Kim is quite close to President Putin. I've had the pleasure of hosting him in Russia myself."
"Ah…"
Poloshin then responded with a puzzled expression.
"Is President Kim not very famous in Korea? He is a huge figure in Russia, both politically and in business."
Lee Hyun-jik looked rather flustered.
He must have heard my name but only thought of me as the grandson of Cheon Tae-san.
Given how slow his grasp of information was, it seemed he wasn't a particularly influential figure.
Or perhaps my information was being treated as a significant secret over there.
"Uh, President Kim, it seems I misunderstood something. I'm sorry."
It was somewhat refreshing to see someone like the Prime Minister apologize directly.
"It's fine. If you were unaware, that's understandable."
"Thank you for your understanding."
"This is a chance to get to know each other, so let's have a meal together sometime."
"Sure. Let's do that."
Receiving the apology so casually, Lee Hyun-jik's expression seemed to relax a little.
We resumed our conversation with Medvedev.
"By the way, when is the president arriving?"
It was already past the dinner start time, yet Putin had not yet arrived.
No, it would be more accurate to say he hadn't arrived despite having checked in.
The presence of Chief Administrative Officer Poloshin here meant that Putin had already arrived at Goryeo Hotel.
Then Medvedev smiled mischievously.
"He must be busy with something important. He's likely in his hotel room."
"Really?"
"Yes. He had a meeting with President Kim Hak-gwon during the day and came straight to the hotel without any other schedule."
Come to think of it, Putin was known for arriving late to summits.
The term 'Putin Time' had emerged because being late was no surprise for him.
Arriving ten or twenty minutes late was commonplace, and there were instances when he was an hour late for summits.
Other countries might not be aware of this yet, but those close to Putin certainly knew.
No matter how late Putin was, there were no complaints.
This was the power of Russia and of Putin, who was referred to as the tsar.
How did the summit go?
"Of course, thanks to you, President Kim, Putin has a positive image of Korea."
"I hope for good results."
Medvedev smiled.
"Russia spans Europe and East Asia. It was a significant choice for us as well."
Stretching from the Far East of Asia to Eastern Europe, Russia boasted the largest land area in the world. While there were many areas where no one lived, it also bestowed numerous underground resources upon Russia.
However, having such a vast territory could sometimes be a hindrance.
"Putin wants to increase influence in East Asia rather than be dragged around by Western Europe. That's why he chose Korea as the first country for his trip instead of the U.S. or Western European nations. Originally, Japan and North Korea were strong candidates, but it ultimately turned out to be South Korea."
"Don't dismiss Western Europe too much."
Medvedev frowned.
"Those guys always look down on Russia. They'll understand once they experience our strength firsthand."
"Ha-ha-ha."
His earnest response made me smile involuntarily.
The sudden laughter caught the attention of the nearby tables.
"It seems you've been hurt quite a bit."
"Since changing our name from the Soviet Union to the Russian Federation, many of the federal states gained independence. The actions of the Western countries like Western Europe and the U.S. at that time were humiliating for us."
This was a typical Russian reaction, unable to forget the glories of the past.
A nation that once dominated the world alongside the U.S. for nearly half a century.
But even that powerful nation ultimately fell to money.
In an era where money equates to power and national strength, the 21st century was precisely that time.
However, Putin embodied a typical 20th-century mindset. If he was unhappy, he'd resort to force at any time.
'What remains is how I can leverage that.'
Just then, the banquet hall door opened, and Putin walked in.
Everyone stood up and applauded to welcome him.
It was surprising to see such a reaction even though he was thirty minutes late.
I couldn't help but shake my head, but I also stood up and applauded.
With confident strides, Putin crossed the banquet hall and ascended the stage, surveying the dining area.
"Hello, I'm Putin. To everyone here today…"
His short yet meaningful greeting served to remind everyone of the banquet's original purpose.
"Please invest in our Russia. We will offer numerous opportunities to companies that trust in the newly rising Russian Empire."
For the major corporations in Korea, Russia was a land of opportunity.
If they could obtain rights to extract Russia's abundant natural resources, it would be like winning the lottery.
As soon as Putin stepped down from the stage, he approached the table where I was seated.
His gentle eye contact made me smile slightly.
"Prime Minister, good to see you."
He extended his hand to Prime Minister Lee Hyun-jik.
"Good to see you, Mr. President."
"I appreciate your assistance, Prime Minister. The reason I chose a banquet with business people for my first schedule after meeting with President Kim Hak-gwon is simple. I'm asking for investment in Russia."
Putin's typical stern expression was enough to make Lee Hyun-jik feel small.
Once he finished greeting Lee Hyun-jik, Putin turned back toward me as if he had been waiting.
"Long time no see."
Putin embraced me warmly with a smile breaking through his previously expressionless face.
"You should come to Russia more often. Why have you been away?"
"Lately, I've been preoccupied with everything."
"Let's talk more later. For now, let's sit down."
As soon as Putin sat down, he swiftly raised a wine glass.
"To the future of Russia and Korea, let's drink a toast."
Everyone, including myself, raised their glasses.
Putin continued talking with Prime Minister Lee Hyun-jik, with the interpreter sitting between them.
During that time, I whispered to Medvedev.
"Isn't this a bit excessive?"
Medvedev flashed a playful smile.
"Since we're giving President Kim face, it looks like he wants to do it thoroughly."
Sure enough, I could feel the gazes from other tables prickling at the back of my neck.
I understood the intention, but it seemed like it would be a headache later.
I feigned a calm expression while tuning into the conversation between Putin and Lee Hyun-jik.
"We will provide plenty of benefits to companies investing in Russia. I hope you can provide tax benefits as well in Korea."
"Hmm… I can't give a definite answer regarding that. How was your meeting with the President?"
Lee Hyun-jik deflected without providing a clear answer, passing the responsibility to Kim Hak-gwon, who wasn't present.
However, Putin wasn't the type to worry about such things.
"I received a good response from President Kim Hak-gwon. I'd like to hear your opinion as well, Prime Minister."
Lee Hyun-jik, turning awkward, hesitated.
Putin frowned slightly, appearing a bit frustrated.
"Doesn't Korea allow its Prime Minister to express opinions? Then why are you sitting here?"
This was a statement that crossed the line, bordering on inappropriate in diplomatic terms.
As expected, the smile on Lee Hyun-jik's face stiffened.
But Putin appeared unfazed and pressed on.
"Go ahead, speak up. Do you not have the authority to express opinions?"
"No, I do. I have the authority."
Lee Hyun-jik seemed quite riled up.
However, as the current Prime Minister of South Korea, he lacked real power. He was simply a puppet of Kim Hak-gwon.
"Then please share. What specific benefits can we provide to companies investing in Russia, like tax incentives?"
"I would need to discuss the specifics with the working-level staff. However, I will prepare various benefits in advance."
Putin appeared displeased, but recognizing there was nothing more to be gained, he didn't push any further.
Just then, Chief Administrative Officer Poloshin interjected at an opportune moment.
"It's time for you to greet the heads of major corporations, Mr. President."
Putin nodded and rearranged his seating.
Poloshin signaled to the administrative staff, and soon the heads of major corporations approached our table.
In place of Song Young-ju, who couldn't attend due to health reasons, Song Chan-woo from Daehyeon Group was the first to arrive at the table.
"Mr. President, I'm Song Chan-woo from Daehyeon Group."
Chief Administrative Officer Poloshin introduced him instead.
"It's an honor to meet you, Mr. President."
"I'm glad to meet you too. The name Daehyeon is well-known even in Russia."
Song Chan-woo took a seat.
As he glanced in my direction, I slightly lowered my head in greeting.
"What kind of investments does Daehyeon plan to make in Russia? Since it's the top conglomerate in South Korea, it must be something significant, right?"
"For now, we're considering building an automobile factory."
"Oh!"
The automobile industry creates numerous jobs.
Perhaps that was why Putin appeared intrigued.
"In addition, we're also planning to expand into several other businesses. I'll personally bring the working-level staff to Russia soon."
"Thank you. You're always welcome here."
The conversation between Song Chan-woo and Putin remained lively.
"Do you know President Kim Mu-hyeok well?"
In response to Putin's unexpected question, Song Chan-woo glanced toward me again.
"President Kim has a good relationship with my father. I've seen his face a few times."
"Is that so? President Kim has also known me for quite a while. I'm going to delegate all the authority for Russian investment from Korean companies to him."
The sudden proclamation shocked not only Song Chan-woo but everyone around the table.
I turned in surprise only to find Putin grinning at me.
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