Capítulo 686: Chapter 686: The Moment to Halt
The current owner of the Kremlin was a man known for his unpredictability.
Although Medvedev was elected as president, he never relinquished absolute power.
The current president firmly established himself as the real power by directly assuming the role of prime minister.
Medvedev was merely a puppet, unable to grasp true control.
"You're the true president. Aren't you friends with the owner of the Kremlin? Surely, he wouldn't want to give up his power, would he?"
After scanning my expression for a while, Medvedev cautiously spoke.
Yet, he didn't let go of the thread of suspicion.
"That could be true. But aren't you my friend as well? It doesn't matter to me who holds power."
"Still… it's not like you, Boss Kim, to leave a secure card on the table while holding onto uncertain ones."
Seeing his lack of self-confidence brought a smirk to my lips.
People like him are always easier to sway.
"A secure card doesn't exist. When I supported the president, no one cared for him. You know that, Medvedev, right?"
Medvedev nodded.
"At that time, nobody had any idea he would become the center of power. Not Russia, nor the U.S. or any Western European nation keeping a close watch on Russian politics. I was the fastest to approach him and offer my support."
To Medvedev, it might seem like I made him president with my backing.
After all, the amount I supported him with was enormous. But it wasn't just money that fueled my support.
In my previous life, it was said that the siloviki decide the president's successor.
I advised him to stir up competition between the siloviki and the oligarchs for even greater power than before.
Thanks to that, he grasped power much quicker than before.
"No matter what, I don't have the courage to push the president out. If I lose this power struggle, I'm as good as dead. I've watched him longer than you, Boss Kim. He never forgives those who challenge him. I fear him, Boss Kim."
I could see immense fear in Medvedev's eyes.
I couldn't fathom how a man like him had risen to become president, challenging a man like me. Was it a political show they were orchestrating together?
'I should stop the pressure here.'
The person who needed to decide hadn't yet made up their mind; I had no reason to take risks.
"Even if the president takes a step back, I hope Medvedev can fill that transitional role. Even if he hands the presidency back to him later. Think carefully about it. Once you decide, I will mobilize everything I have to help Medvedev become a presidential candidate."
Despite my gentle proposal, Medvedev didn't give an answer.
"I enjoyed the meal. I'll be taking my leave now. You need to rest for tomorrow's schedule."
Medvedev nodded and got up from his chair.
"I had a pleasant time today."
As he said his goodbyes, he extended his hand first.
I didn't respond; I simply shook his hand. His cold, clammy grip felt like it had been soaked with sweat.
* * *
The next day.
Medvedev visited Jungwoo Oil's factory in Ulsan.
The management team at Jungwoo Oil guided Medvedev through the refining facilities.
"As expected, Jungwoo Oil's refining technology is impressive."
Medvedev admired the facilities as he observed.
"I can't believe you can achieve this level of efficiency from Dubai oil. It's truly astonishing."
"Haha, I assure you, our technology at Jungwoo Oil is world-class."
He engaged with the staff and took a few staged photos for the media.
With the visit unfolding in a pleasant atmosphere, Medvedev's tour of Jungwoo Oil concluded.
After wrapping up the tour, Medvedev got into the car to return to Seoul.
Throughout the drive, his mind kept circling back to the proposal he'd received from Kim Mu-hyeok yesterday.
"Kokorin."
Medvedev called to his subordinate sitting in the passenger seat.
The subordinate quickly turned to face Medvedev.
"Yes, Chairman."
Medvedev's lips twitched as if he wanted to say something but then he shook his head.
"Never mind. How long do you think it will take to get to Seoul?"
"About four hours. Fortunately, we should arrive at the negotiation venue on time."
Medvedev nodded, releasing a sigh.
Kokorin seemed to sense something off in Medvedev's demeanor and cautiously asked.
"Chairman, is there something troubling you? Was yesterday's meeting with President Kim Mu-hyeok not good?"
"No, it was a good meeting. I repaired what could have easily turned sour. The problem lies with…"
Medvedev trailed off, contemplating.
Would discussing what's on his mind with Kokorin prevent it from reaching the president's ears?
"Kokorin, you're on my side, right?"
"Yes, I'm on your side, Chairman."
"Then, what would you do if the President ordered me dead?"
"That won't happen, but if it did, I would shoot myself in the head."
"You idiot. If it comes to that, you should at least let me know, even if it's just for show."
"I can't lie to you, Chairman. I can't play messenger between the two of you."
His honest, straightforward response felt trustworthy to Medvedev in a strange way.
"The president also has to step down in four years; you know that, right?"
"As long as there's a clause in the constitution limiting tenure to two terms, that seems likely."
"…Who would you think would succeed him?"
Kokorin's expression stiffened.
Talking about successors this early signified notions of disloyalty towards the president, depending on how you took it.
"Don't worry, just tell me. I just want to hear your thoughts."
At Medvedev's urging, Kokorin cautiously began to speak.
"Isn't that for the president to decide?"
"I know that too. I want to know who you think the likely candidate would be."
"…Could it be you, Chairman?"
"Me? I have almost no support base. If I become the successor, not just the siloviki but the oligarchs will tear me apart. Do you think the president would make me his successor?"
As Medvedev put on a deliberately gloomy tone, Kokorin shook his head.
"The person the president trusts most in Russia is you, Chairman. If he were to choose someone among the siloviki or the oligarchs, it would create numerous problems."
Kokorin spoke with a calm and composed voice.
"Currently, the power in Russia is divided between a president with absolute power and the oligarchs and siloviki beneath him. They are engaged in an intense power struggle without any outright winner. But you, Chairman, are somewhat distanced from that chaos. Thus, the president has no choice but to choose you over the others."
Medvedev was well aware of this as well.
If Kokorin was saying this, most likely everyone shared similar opinions.
Nodding, Medvedev replied bitterly.
"That's true. If I become president, it would merely make me a puppet president, wouldn't it? Am I wrong?"
"…"
Kokorin fell silent, unable to give any response.
Medvedev chuckled bitterly at the silence of his most loyal subordinate.
"I want to live a long and slender life. I have no desire to be a puppet president."
"What did President Kim Mu-hyeok say yesterday?"
"Well, he advised me to think about the future. He said there are not four years left, but only four years remaining."
The president as he knew would never relinquish absolute power.
Medvedev was certain after decades of observing him.
'Still, in the end, there's no alternative to the president but me.'
Even matters he had tried not to consider were casually thrown out by Kim Mu-hyeok.
"Don't tell anyone about our conversation today."
"Yes, understood."
"I need to rest now. Wake me up when we arrive."
Medvedev buried himself deep into the seat, closing his eyes.
It was supposed to be a moment to gather his thoughts, but his mind only became more tangled.
'The true president.'
It felt like Kim Mu-hyeok's words echoed constantly in his ears.
* * *
Several days had gone by since meeting Medvedev.
After a simple breakfast with Grandma, I entered the study.
It was time for Medvedev and the Korean government to announce a joint statement.
I turned on the TV and switched to the news channel, just in time for a related report.
— The Russian and Korean governments will announce a joint statement.
Alongside the anchor's face, a video of the briefing room was being aired.
— There has never been a joint statement made between South Korea and Russia. The eyes of the world are on this joint statement.
At that moment, Medvedev and Minister of Trade and Industry Lee Jin-sik appeared together.
— It seems like it's finally starting. Medvedev and Minister Lee Jin-sik are entering together.
With those words, the anchor's image vanished from the screen.
Instead, the video showcasing the briefing room filled the TV.
The two men stood side by side at the podium, greeting the reporters.
Minister Lee Jin-sik was the first to read the statement.
— Joint statement regarding the construction of oil and gas pipelines between South Korea and Russia.
Minister of Trade and Industry Lee Jin-sik of South Korea and Administrative Chairman Medvedev of Russia have agreed on the construction of oil and gas pipelines connecting Russia and Korea.
This project will become a grand endeavor involving South Korea, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and Russia.
South Korea and Russia will cooperate to involve North Korea and agreed to start the project as soon as possible.
Minister Lee Jin-sik continued reading the statement for quite some time.
After he finished, Medvedev proceeded to read the statement in Russian.
The content Medvedev announced was identical to what Lee Jin-sik had presented.
After both had concluded their statements, the two exchanged documents.
Then, they clasped hands and smiled for the cameras.
The two prepared for a photo opportunity before stepping back to the podium again.
The conference for the reporters commenced.
— Good afternoon, Chairman. I'm Han Ji-woo from Goryeo Daily. I have a question for Chairman Medvedev. What led to this project with Korea?
Having received the question through an interpreter, Medvedev smiled and said.
— Russia and Korea must move forward hand in hand towards the future. I hope we can embark on many joint ventures starting with this project.
With those words, a flood of questions poured towards Medvedev, and he responded kindly to each one.
— Good afternoon. I'm Kim Min-woo from Gyeongseong Daily. My question is for Minister Lee. If North Korea opposes this project, what will happen to the agreement? Does the government have any countermeasures in place?
The questions directed at Medvedev began shifting towards Minister Lee.
— The construction of the oil and gas pipelines will not halt. Our government and the Russian government intend to do everything possible to bring North Korea on board. Should North Korea continue to oppose the project, we plan to lay the pipelines through the East Sea as a second option.
— How many Korean companies will participate in this project? Given that Chairman Medvedev has visited Jungwoo Oil, has it been designated as a partner for the pipeline project?
— That is correct. Russia will be joined by Gazprom and Yugansk Oil Company, while Jungwoo Oil will represent Korea. Jungwoo Oil is set to be granted exclusive rights for the crude oil coming through the pipeline.
The mention of exclusive rights stirred murmurs among the journalists.
— Isn't that giving undue advantage to Jungwoo Oil?
— We chose Jungwoo Oil as our partner between Gazprom and Yugansk. The Korean government has not provided any preferential treatment to Jungwoo Oil whatsoever.
Despite the barrage of questions from journalists, the two continued to offer only fundamental responses.
Once the press conference concluded, I switched off the TV and instructed Manager Ma.
"Manager Ma, please contact the Blue House to arrange a schedule for visiting North Korea."
Now it was time to persuade North Korea.
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