The Conglomerate Family Became A Villain [EN]: Chapter 250

250. Moscow (4)

At first, I was worried I’d be meeting with the Soviet General Secretary, Gorbachev.

But that was just a needless fear.

‘Even as America’s number one billionaire, I wouldn’t realistically be able to meet the Soviet General Secretary while the Iron Curtain is still in place.’

The person smiling in front of Jung Hyun-woo was Anna Karnikova, a member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Soviet Communist Party. She was the only female member of the Politburo, placing her within the top 20 in the Soviet Communist Party.

“Mr. Jung, I’ve heard a great deal about you.”

She had been in charge of the media section but had moved to the economic sector after the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident.

“Is there a specific reason you requested this separate meeting?”

Jung Hyun-woo had excused himself from Sarah at the banquet hall to meet with Anna Karnikova alone.

“I want to understand America’s true intentions.”

She believed Jung Hyun-woo possessed some insight into the American government’s plans.

‘Since he’s at the center of this delegation.’

Jung Hyun-woo paused, considering his response.

He debated whether to be evasive or to offer his honest assessment.

‘Tch, telling it exactly as it is won’t do any good.’

Ultimately, he decided to temper his answer.

“You’re seeking to understand the American government’s intentions, is that correct?”

Anna Karnikova clarified.

“The American government didn’t instruct you to remain silent, did they?”

Jung Hyun-woo replied, raising his right hand slightly.

“I received no such instructions. However, what I share may only represent a fraction of the American government’s overall perspective.”

It’s not as if I know everything about the American government.

Anna Karnikova nodded, appearing to understand.

“It’s only prudent to take the words of an American tycoon with a grain of salt.”

They don’t necessarily want the unvarnished truth either.

Jung Hyun-woo nodded in agreement.

“The American government desires to sell American goods in the Soviet Union.”

Anna Karnikova offered a subtle smile.

“That much has already been agreed upon. What we seek is the underlying meaning.”

“Are you unaware of the implications of this matter?”

Anna Karnikova’s tone sharpened.

“The infiltration of capitalism, perhaps?”

Jung Hyun-woo waved his right hand dismissively.

“It’s not about the infiltration of capitalism. It’s about showcasing the appeal of the Western world to the Soviet people.”

Anna Karnikova’s voice turned cold.

“The charm of the Western world, is it? That’s certainly one way to frame it.”

Jung Hyun-woo suddenly suspected she might not be an ally.

‘Is she trying to extract information desired by hardliners through me?’

A misstep could jeopardize the budding atmosphere of East-West reconciliation.

‘That wouldn’t be ideal.’

He needed to proceed cautiously, given his lack of knowledge regarding the power dynamics and political leanings within Soviet circles.

‘Besides, she might be playing a role.’

The Soviet Communist Party might have strategically placed a woman in this position to disarm him.

“I apologize if I’ve caused offense.”

Anna Karnikova waved her hand dismissively.

“It’s quite alright. It’s to be expected when engaging with Americans.”

“I’m not American.”

Anna Karnikova tilted her head, a gesture of surprise.

“You’re not American?”

“Didn’t you conduct any background research on me?”

Anna Karnikova’s eyebrows arched slightly.

“Didn’t you claim to be America’s number one billionaire?”

Jung Hyun-woo responded with a cool tone.

“I possess an American permanent residency, but I am not an American citizen.”

Strictly speaking, Jung Hyun-woo was the owner of a company listed in the United States, or the number one billionaire residing in the United States, but not the number one *American* billionaire.

Of course, American magazines didn’t always make this distinction. They often categorized Jung Hyun-woo as an American billionaire due to his residence in the United States and his leadership of an American company.

“So, your information is inaccurate.”

“It’s hardly classified intelligence.”

Anna Karnikova frowned slightly.

“Then are you Japanese?”

She knew Jung Hyun-woo originated from Northeast Asia.

“I’m Korean.”

The Soviet Union closely monitored the relationship between North and South Korea, so Anna Karnikova was familiar with both Koreas.

“You conduct business in America, so you must be South Korean.”

Jung Hyun-woo straightened his posture and stated.

“In my country, we refer to it as the Republic of Korea.”

Anna Karnikova corrected herself.

“The Republic of Korea, is it? The nation preparing to host the Olympics soon.”

The Olympics served as a symbolic gateway to developed-country status. Of course, hosting the Olympics didn’t automatically guarantee a country’s development.

However, a country’s prestige typically increased as a result of hosting the Olympics.

“Are you well-acquainted with the Republic of Korea?”

“I likely possess a greater understanding than the average American.”

Anna Karnikova sensed the conversation drifting slightly off course.

“It’s unusual for someone who isn’t American to lead the American business delegation.”

“Perhaps it speaks to America’s remarkable inclusiveness.”

Anna Karnikova acknowledged Jung Hyun-woo’s Korean heritage, but she still considered him essentially American in his outlook.

‘His thoughts probably align with American interests, right?’

She crossed her legs and refocused the conversation.

“Let’s return to the matter at hand. What does America truly want?”

Jung Hyun-woo sighed softly before replying.

“Hoo…. Is there really much to analyze? It’s the winding down of the East-West Cold War.”

Anna Karnikova’s eyebrows rose once more.

“The end of the Cold War?”

Jung Hyun-woo nodded in affirmation.

“The Cold War is a significant burden for the United States as well. I believe the reason the American economy has been rivaled by Japan and Germany is ultimately due to the Cold War’s drain.”

Japan’s economy was approximately half the size of the American economy, but considering the American population was more than twice that of Japan, the two were nearly equal in economic strength.

“So, we’re not the only ones struggling.”

The Soviet Union was incurring enormous financial costs to compete with the United States.

This, coupled with the invasion of Afghanistan, was placing a severe strain on the Soviet economy.

“A conflict isn’t a solitary endeavor.”

The Cold War was a struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union.

In other words, if the United States was feeling the pressure, so was the Soviet Union.

“If the United States signals its willingness to cease hostilities, we will reciprocate.”

Let’s both take a step back.

The nuclear arms reduction treaty was also founded on this principle.

Jung Hyun-woo gestured with his hands to the left and right, saying.

“The United States anticipates that if Soviet citizens use American goods, their animosity or hostility towards the United States will diminish.”

Anna Karnikova considered his words.

“If hostility towards the United States decreases, it will facilitate future negotiations. Is that your meaning?”

Jung Hyun-woo nodded in agreement.

“The ultimate goal of the United States is to conclude the Cold War and, furthermore, to establish lasting peace.”

Anna Karnikova, who had been attentively following his explanation, suddenly sneered.

“Mr. Jung, that’s simply not credible.”

Jung Hyun-woo paused, taken aback, and inquired.

“Do you believe I’m being dishonest with you, Madam?”

Anna Karnikova shook her head in response to his question.

“I don’t believe Mr. Jung is intentionally lying. However, I don’t believe what you’ve stated is entirely accurate either.”

Jung Hyun-woo’s brow furrowed.

“Are you suggesting I’ve been misled by the American government?”

“Perhaps.”

Jung Hyun-woo cleared his throat subtly.

“What the American government seeks is not continued confrontation with the Soviet Union.”

Anna Karnikova seized upon his words with a sharp tone.

“The American government may desire to end the confrontation with the Soviet Union and conclude the Cold War. But they likely don’t want the war to truly end and peace to endure indefinitely.”

The military industry constituted a significant portion of the American economy. And the military industry thrived on war, money, and bloodshed.

“You mean they’ll cease the large-scale conflicts, but they’ll perpetuate the smaller ones.”

Anna Karnikova recognized Jung Hyun-woo’s intelligence.

‘The fact that he became the number one American billionaire despite not being American suggests exceptional capabilities.’

She also acknowledged Jung Hyun-woo’s youth as an asset.

“You can see it clearly just by examining the Contra support.”

This incident, commonly known as the Iran-Contra affair, was a significant stain on the Reagan administration.

In essence, the CIA sold weapons to Iran, an enemy nation, and used the proceeds to support the Nicaraguan rebels [the Contras].

Up to this point, it could be viewed as a political maneuver frequently employed by the United States.

However, the CIA didn’t stop there; they also purchased drugs from the rebel Contras and sold them within the United States.

The slush fund generated in this manner was then monopolized by the CIA.

Naturally, the CIA denied all of this, and the US government never officially acknowledged the incident.

However, this affair placed the Reagan administration in danger of impeachment.

Jung Hyun-woo sighed softly when the Contra affair was mentioned.

“Hoo…. I concur. The United States doesn’t desire a major war, but it also doesn’t want a prolonged period of peace.”

If the thief disappears, the police will also lose their jobs.

‘Because the United States acts as the world’s police force.’

Anna Karnikova said with a cold smile.

“Aren’t you concerned, Mr. Jung? There might be a recording device in this room.”

Jung Hyun-woo remained composed despite her provocation.

“I don’t believe I’ve said anything I couldn’t stand by.”

“You mean it’s acceptable if everything you’ve said here becomes known to the American people.”

“I have faith in the intelligence of the American people.”

Anna Karnikova recognized his considerable courage.

“Very well. Let’s conclude here for today. We can discuss this further tomorrow.”

Jung Hyun-woo paused and inquired.

“We’ll be meeting again tomorrow?”

Anna Karnikova replied.

“I will be the representative at the meeting tomorrow.”

She was indeed a member of the Politburo of the Central Political Committee of the Soviet Communist Party, not an imposter.

3 minutes later.

Upon returning to the banquet hall, Sarah greeted him with a sharp tone.

“You were gone for quite a while?”

Jung Hyun-woo sighed softly at Sarah’s question.

“Hoo…. There was a noble lady at the end of the hallway.”

Sarah’s eyebrows rose at the mention of a noble lady.

“What?”

“I received a scolding from a high-ranking Soviet official.”

“A noble lady, you say?”

“That high-ranking official was a woman.”

Sarah followed him, her brow furrowed.

“Charlie, are you simply going to let it go?”

Jung Hyun-woo smiled and softened her sharp tone.

“Sarah, are you jealous? She’s older than my mother.”

Sarah lowered her voice upon hearing she was older than Jung Hyun-woo’s mother.

“Tch, you should have mentioned that sooner.”

The banquet was still in full swing.

“Sarah, did you meet many people?”

“A few. What about you?”

“I told you, I got scolded.”

Jung Hyun-woo reached out and grabbed a mini pie.

“Did something significant happen?”

“Should I call it a preview of tomorrow’s events?”

“A preview of tomorrow?”

“The person I met today, you’ll have the opportunity to meet her tomorrow as well, Sarah.”

Sarah narrowed her eyes at his response.

“Your answer is somewhat evasive.”

Jung Hyun-woo took a bite of the pie and responded to her comment.

“I suspect it’s because I’m hungry.”

Sarah sighed softly and said.

“I’m a little sad because it seems like you’re concealing something.”

“They warned me that there might be a recording device in the room.”

Sarah’s eyes narrowed again upon hearing Jung Hyun-woo’s words.

“Could there be one here as well?”

“It’s possible.”

Jung Hyun-woo realized he couldn’t dismiss the potential influence of the KGB [Soviet Union’s intelligence agency].

‘It might not be as dramatic as depicted in the movies, but it’s still the CIA’s rival.’

The CIA would resort to any means to achieve its objectives.

The KGB was likely the same in that regard.

* * *

To put it bluntly, the Soviet-American economic conference was a chaotic affair.

This stemmed from the fundamentally different objectives of the two sides.

During a break, Jung Hyun-woo and Sarah stepped outside and sighed deeply.

“Haa…….”

“Hoo…….”

The simultaneous sighs were easily audible to those nearby.

“Charlie, don’t be overly concerned. You’re the head of the economic delegation, but you’re not the representative of the US Department of Commerce.”

The one offering comfort to Jung Hyun-woo was IBM’s Chairman John Wood. He was treating Jung Hyun-woo not as a competitor’s CEO, but as a representative of the United States.

“I understand that, but the divergence of opinion is so vast that it’s difficult to bridge.”

Sarah’s expression was equally somber.

“I now understand what Charlie meant yesterday. She’s an incredibly stubborn individual.”

Jung Hyun-woo wanted to argue that she hadn’t seemed so inflexible yesterday.

But in the current situation, defending Anna Karnikova wouldn’t be helpful.

“What are your thoughts, John?”

At Jung Hyun-woo’s question, Chairman John Wood crossed his arms.

“Wouldn’t it be best to seek a compromise?”

Compromise.

Compromise was feasible if you conceded 90 or 80 to a country seeking 100.

But this meeting wasn’t structured that way.

“How can we possibly compromise?”

“If we concede a small portion of their demands?”

“Our objective is to enter each business sector, and their objective is to impose a total amount limit, correct?”

The Soviet Communist Party sought to impose a limit on the total volume of exports when American companies entered the Soviet Union.

This negotiating proposal was rooted in the Communist Party’s planned economy.

According to their proposal, American companies would have to negotiate and limit their exports.

‘Each company has different export items and amounts, so how can they limit it to a certain percentage.’

He felt that Anna Karnikova fundamentally misunderstood the capitalist economy.

‘Tch, this is challenging.’

It was at this moment that Jung Hyun-woo clicked his tongue inwardly.

Coca-Cola’s Jimmy Collins approached and remarked.

“Wow. This is going to be difficult.”

He spoke as if he were discussing someone else’s predicament.

“Jimmy, you’re the only one who seems optimistic.”

Jimmy Collins responded to Chairman John Wood’s comment.

“John, we’re determined to enter Moscow, no matter what.”

“Even if today’s negotiations fail?”

“We’re also considering negotiating separately with the Soviet Union.”

Chairman John Wood groaned softly.

“Umm…….”

If certain companies were to be excluded from Soviet exports, John Wood’s IBM and Jung Hyun-woo’s Victoria Corporation were likely candidates.

Both companies dealt with advanced technology, raising concerns about potential leaks of American technology to the Soviet Union.

On the other hand, Coca-Cola was a prime candidate for entry. The Coca-Cola they produced was a popular beverage, but it didn’t involve any cutting-edge technology.

“Charlie, how do you intend to resolve this?”

Jung Hyun-woo touched his chin thoughtfully and replied.

“I’m considering asking them to divide the export volume by item.”

He meant he would propose limiting the export volume not by the total amount, but by specific export item or by individual company.

“Does that mean you’re raising a white flag and surrendering?”

Jung Hyun-woo shrugged.

“It’s not raising a white flag and surrendering; it’s demonstrating the generosity of capitalism.”

Chairman John Wood chuckled at Jung Hyun-woo’s words.

“That’s an amusing joke.”

He assumed Jung Hyun-woo was making an American joke. But Jung Hyun-woo’s words were sincere.

“The reason they want to propose a total export amount is because they’re afraid of us.”

Chairman John Wood nodded.

“You’re right. To be precise, they’re afraid of the money we possess.”

He had a strong sense that the Soviet Union was apprehensive about American capitalism.

‘There was Lend-Lease [American aid to the Soviet Union during World War II] before the Marshall Plan [American aid to Western Europe after World War II].’

Jung Hyun-woo pondered as he listened to Chairman John Wood’s words.

‘Hmm, perhaps the reason they didn’t investigate or prepare for us properly is because they want to deny us.’

It was at this point that he narrowed his brow.

‘What should I do?’

A staff member who appeared to be managing the conference hall approached and announced to everyone.

“The break time is coming to an end!”

The break time between meetings was 10 minutes.

Jung Hyun-woo approached him and raised his voice slightly.

“Could we have approximately 10 more minutes?”

The staff member’s eyes widened at his request.

“I don’t have any authority here.”

“Then please ask Ms. Karnikova.”

Was the staff member burdened by Jung Hyun-woo’s request?

The staff member swallowed nervously.

“M, me?”

Jung Hyun-woo asked in a deliberate tone.

“Is it not possible?”

The staff member glanced around, but there was no one else available. He bowed his head as if resigned to his fate.

“Okay.”

Sarah watched the staff member walk away with heavy steps and asked Jung Hyun-woo.

“What did you say?”

“I asked him to request a little more break time.”

“Is that all?”

Sarah didn’t understand why he had such a concerned expression at those words.

“It seems that in a planned economy, you can’t deviate from the meeting schedule.”

Jung Hyun-woo said it as a joke, but it wasn’t a joke to someone.