The trip to Russia was very high-level, and he was accompanied by Daniel, former president of BNB News Network, who had just been promoted to executive vice president of NB Electric and in charge of news and publishing business, Chen Hao, president of NB Power Transmission and Distribution, Bierman, chairman of NB Airlines, Tong Jiaming, director of the computer center of NB Laboratory, and Lin Zucheng, vice president of NB Bank.

To ensure safety, the group arrived on NB Airlines flights and business jets, as well as Aeroflot and Lufthansa flights, in accordance with the company's regulations on air travel safety for executives.

Last year, it generously donated computer and medical imaging diagnostic equipment with a total value of more than $4 million to Moscow University and St. Petersburg University, and donated food worth $2 million to St. Petersburg.

The president of NB Electric (Russia) company, Rorel, and more than a dozen colleagues of BNB News in Moscow have shared hardships with a group of Russian political upstarts, including the president, at the most critical moment, and have made outstanding contributions to the process of democratization in Russia.

And Moscow is in the midst of an eventful time, with the Kremlin and the White House (the Russian parliament) at loggerheads. The political future is uncertain, no one knows which side will win in the end, and many countries, including the United States, have been waiting to see if they are investing in Russia at this time.

Their visit, in a sense, can be regarded as a kind of support for Lao Ye.

In an interview with major media throughout Russia, President Rorel even bluntly said that NB Electric is very confident in the future of President Yeltsin and Russia, and will not affect NB Electric's investment plan in Russia because of the current political differences.

The Kremlin and the Moscow city administration attach great importance to their visit. He was personally received by the Chief of Staff of the President, Valentin Yumashev. And arrange the charter and his party to the most luxurious Universe Hotel in the city.

The Chief of Staff of the President has just walked on the front foot. Zhang Tingxiu, who was transferred to the vice president of the Russian company last year, said with a smile while helping the charter pack her luggage: "This hotel is a joint venture between France and Russia, designed and built by French architects, and was completed during the 1980 Olympic Games, that is, the Olympic Village. The company held two events here, one was the New Year's reception and the other was the All-Russian Agents Conference last month. Very successful. ”

The design of the hotel resembles a spaceship, and the exterior and interior give the impression of being in the universe. If you walk to the window, you can see the tallest TV tower in Russia, the Ostankino TV Tower, the towering Aerospace Monument made of titanium, and the beautiful scenery at night.

However, most of the Western-style modern hotel buildings in Moscow, including this hotel, were built in 1980 to host the Olympic Games, and the internal software and hardware are generally inferior to those of Western countries. Although the exterior has a five-star appearance, the interior is only a two-star standard.

The charter looked around, turned around and said, "Tingxiu, alone in Moscow. I've wronged you. ”

Of all the female executives in the company, she is the only one who can be called so by the charter. Zhang Tingxiu couldn't help but think of her time in East Germany. Taking care of their two siblings as a "guardian", he put down the clothes in his hand and said with a smile: "There are so many colleagues here, what is alone?" Besides, coming to Moscow is my own request, even if I am really wronged, I will not complain about the company, let alone you. ”

"My second sister asked me to remind you to think about your husband, you are Chinese New Year's Eve second today, and you are already an older mother."

Zhang Tingxiu shook her head and smiled: "Lao Linlin bothered, he, like me, is not ready, and the child's affairs will be discussed in two years." ”

"I've brought everything I need to bring, so it's up to you to make up your own mind."

The president of the Russian company Rorel, the general manager of the St. Petersburg branch, Frederick, the deputy general manager, Frank Estner, the director of BNB News Network Russia, Andreya, the manager of the Russian branch of NB Airlines, Helena, as well as Daniel, Chen Hao, Bierman and others nodded slightly, and said with a smile while beckoning them to sit down: "The buffet just now is too rich, the variety is complete, the taste is excellent, there is a long row of salad alone, I am afraid that I can't digest it at night." Let's have a meeting first, and after the meeting, we will go downstairs to the casino to see our luck, five hundred dollars in chips per person, and I will treat you. ”

"Mr. Zhang, you may not be able to go to the casino."

President Rorel glanced at Jan-Joseph and Lin Zhiguo, who were inspecting the room, and said with a smile in fluent English: "I just received a call that President Victor and Professor Vladimir are coming to visit you. ”

The rector of Moscow State University came to the door in person, and the charter was very surprised, sat down at the conference table and said: "It seems that we have to hurry up and not let the guests wait outside the door." ”

Jan Joseph was busy for nearly half an hour, and finally put away the instrument and said, "Mr. Zhang, it's okay." ”

You have to be careful when dealing with Russians, especially at this critical moment of political confrontation, seeing the two bodyguards bring the door of the presidential suite, Daniel leaned into his ear and said: "Zhang, when I reported to the headquarters that I was safe just now, Director Song mentioned the trouble caused by the laboratory again, why don't you call her back first?" ”

For those health care product companies that falsely advertise and deceive, the articles of association are hated in addition to hatred. Since the two graduate students in the lab fired the first shot, there is no reason to back down.

As for the possible negative impact, NB Electric, which has decided to stay in the dark and temporarily slow down the pace of expansion in the domestic market, does not care. Time can smooth everything out, and after three or five years, when China's economy has really developed, we can regain lost ground with more technologically and price-competitive products.

"I believe that Mr. Wu and Mr. Xu can handle this matter."

He replied lightly, and immediately said straight to the point: "Ladies and gentlemen, the purpose of my trip is twofold, one is to discuss with you the future development of the Russian company, and the other is to explain to you the new round of adjustment of the company. We'll talk about the first topic later, Mr. Roller, please talk about it first. ”

"Okay."

President Lorel cleared his throat and said worriedly: "As you know, the political situation in Russia is unstable. The contradictions between the Kremlin and the White House have intensified to the point of irreconcilability. Once the White House wins. It will affect all our investments and operations throughout Russia.

There is great political uncertainty and the economy is also worrying, with inflation last year being 2,200%! Hyperinflation caused the ruble exchange rate to plummet, and the purchasing power of the currency decreased significantly. Large banknotes of 1000 and 5000 were introduced one after another, and rumors of 10000 rubles would be issued. ”

The opinion of the Russian company will determine the Russian strategy of the headquarters, and Lorel paused, then explained: "Overall, Russia is now facing four problems. First, production has fallen sharply, according to the data of the Russian National Statistics Service, the GDP of the United States was equivalent to 23% of the year before, and it was only equivalent to 13% last year, and it is even lower this year;

The second is the difficulty of taxation, because the government budget revenue mainly depends on taxes, but of the 89 oblasts, territories and republics in Russia, only 10 contribute to the central finance, and the rest are subsidized. This is despite the President's order to establish an Extraordinary Temporary Committee with the participation of the Prime Minister and the President's Chief of Staff, among others, to strengthen tax and fiscal discipline. Taxes still can't be collected;

Third, there was a shortage of funds, when economic reforms were implemented last year. The Kremlin had high hopes for Western aid and investment, but soon became disappointing. From last year to now, the total amount of foreign investment in Russia has been less than $500 million, but Russia's foreign debt has increased to $26.5 billion. Due to political turmoil and economic crisis, between $30 billion and $50 billion have flowed abroad since last year...... By all indications, a second payment crisis is taking shape and is beginning to intensify, and we agree that it is now inopportune for NB banks to enter Russia. ”

The analysis is exhaustive, which shows that they have put a lot of effort into it.

Lin Zucheng, vice president of NB Bank, glanced at each other and asked in a low voice: "Mr. Rorel, do you think there is any possibility that Russia will forcibly abolish the old ruble and issue a new ruble?" ”

"There is this possibility, and there are even rumors about it, but if it is implemented, it will be an even worse disaster for the country."

The charter took note and shifted his gaze to the general director of the St. Petersburg branch: "Mr. Frederik, do you think that the company's business in St. Petersburg will be affected by the further economic downturn?" ”

Shengsoft mainly undertakes software outsourcing business, almost all wires and cables are exported, and high and low voltage switchgear has business to do, and no business is stopped. As for the elevator company invested by NB Industrial Manufacturing, the entire assembly plant, traction machine and other core equipment are all from Germany, and the production is ordered, even if it loses at most the wages of workers.

Frederick is confident: "Mr. Zhang, CEOs, at the moment, the company's investment in St. Petersburg is not large, and at the same time, most of it is export-oriented, and I think the economic downturn will have little impact on us. ”

Seeing the big boss looking at him, Helena, manager of NB Airlines' Russian branch, immediately said: "Mr. Zhang, the impact on the aviation business is minimal, and it can even play a huge role in promoting our tourism business." ”

"Thank you."

He nodded with satisfaction and said, "The current political and economic situation in Russia is indeed worrying, but it is also an opportunity for us. It is entirely possible to take advantage of this precious opportunity to lay a little foundation for the future development of Russian companies, such as investing in real estate, saving several times or even dozens of times the capital spent in the future, and renting or building the headquarters and branches of Mosoft, Shengsoft, NB Bank, and NB Electronics in Russia. ”

The European company hosted the embassies of the former East German government in Moscow and St. Petersburg, and although it did not cost much, the property rights always belonged to the German federal government. And the area is not large, and it is far from the city.

Mo Ruan and Shengsoft don't even have their own venues, and have been renting Moscow University and St. Petersburg University. The same is true for the wires and cables, elevators and high and low voltage complete sets of companies invested by NB Industrial Manufacturing, and the factories are all rented, and they have to pay a lot of rent every year.

It's not that President Rorel hasn't thought about it, but all the business of the Russian company is operating in a bleak way, and the previous investment has not been recovered, so where dare to buy his own office buildings and factories.

Seeing that Birman, chairman of NB Airlines, smiled at him, Rorel realized that the big boss was not joking, and hurriedly said: "Mr. Zhang, the Russian government does not allow foreign companies to participate in the privatization process, and if you want to purchase real estate, you can only use intermediaries. We have a lot of options for this, depending on which level you want to work with. ”

Zhang Tingxiu added: "The chief of staff of the president who sent you here is a good candidate, and his wife is the daughter of Mr. President. ”

Not only did he know that his father-in-law was Yeltsin. It is even known that his daughter will marry the Russian aluminum magnate Oleg Jeripaska in the future. The whole is like a fake oligarch.

NB Electric has an eye on the future. That's why the Compliance Department was established. Those crooked and heretical things can be done, but we must not let others grasp the handle, let alone be labeled as political.

After weighing the charter, he put down the ballpoint pen and said: "Director Valentin Yumashev has a prominent status, and it is too ostentatious to cooperate with him. If there is an opportunity, I would like the Russian company to work with Ms. Yelena-Baturina. ”

President Rorel asked with a puzzled look: "The wife of the mayor of Moscow, Mr. Yuri Luzhkov?" ”

"Yes, she is not a government official, and her status is neither high nor low. And as far as I know, she and her brother have just started a company and are in the entrepreneurial stage. In our Chinese parlance, the icing on the cake is not as good as charcoal in the snow. ”

Lorel is worthy of being a Russian expert, pondered for a moment, and then introduced: "Her company is called Ingek, which is mainly engaged in the manufacturing, processing and sales of various hardware accessories and small commodities, and is inconspicuous in Moscow. ”

Being inconspicuous now does not mean that it will be inconspicuous in the future.

It won't be long before the mayor's wife will deduce a "self-made" myth. The business continues to expand, and the assets expand rapidly. At its peak. Nearly half of Moscow's real estate projects are owned by her company. The charter clearly remembers that she will not only become the "richest woman" in Russia. She even spent more than $100 million to buy the second largest mansion in London after Buckingham Palace.

What's more important is that her husband, known as the "officialdom tumbler", can be the mayor of Moscow from now until 2010!

During this period, the Russian political scene changed several times, the president changed three terms, the prime minister changed ten terms, and the State Duma changed six terms, but he was the only one who always stood tall, so that a saying later circulated: "Time is advancing, the country is changing, Moscow is changing, only Moscow Mayor Luzhkov remains the same." ”

How much can you do in 18 years, isn't doing business just trying to be stable?

Moreover, he does have a set of rules for governing the city, and the leading group that has worked hard is composed of experts and doers, who do not like to show their heads, but work diligently, fulfill their duties, and obey his unified command and will. Although the contradictions and struggles of the upper echelons of Russia, and even internal scandals, have been frequently exposed, there are very few reports that reveal the internal contradictions and factions of the Moscow city government, which is many times stronger than Sobchak in St. Petersburg.

As for the future when he provokes Xiaomei and is ousted, that is in the future. With the relationship established with Xiaopu and Xiaomei last year, the charter is confident that it will not be affected.

NB Electric has invested so much in Russia, and it is no problem to cooperate with the president, Rorell never thought that he would choose an insignificant woman. But when he thinks of the company's newly established compliance department, the fact that NB Airlines has just been listed in the United States, and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act in the United States, he is also relieved.

After all, no one dares to guarantee that the U.S. government will use this as an excuse to launch another investigation into the company.

"Mr. Mayor is an energetic and tough scientist, who has not only demonstrated outstanding leadership and organizational skills since taking office, but also has been quite innovative in science and technology, published a number of scientific papers, and has a number of invention patents. Mr. Zhang, you have a lot in common with him, and I am sure he will be very supportive. ”

"Then you can help me arrange it, and treat them and their wife to a meal tomorrow."

"No problem."

The matter in Moscow was decided, and Frederick couldn't help but ask: "Mr. Zhang, what about St. Petersburg?" ”

"The day after tomorrow, I will go to St. Petersburg University to give a lecture, and when the time comes, I will visit the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Executive Committee of the city government, and I believe that the two directors will not let us down."

After a pause, he continued: "I would like to officially announce that no matter what changes occur in Russia's political situation and economy, it will not affect the investment of BNB News Network and NB Bank in Russia." Mr. Rorel, President Daniel and President Lin Zucheng will study the specific details with you later, and strive to come up with a negotiation outline as soon as possible. ”

"Okay."

As soon as he finished speaking, there was a knock on the door. The rector of Moscow State University and Natasha's father, Professor Vladimir, arrived, and the meeting came to an end.

More than a million dollars worth of computers were donated in vain, and as soon as he saw the charter, Rector Victor expressed his heartfelt thanks and warmly invited him to Moscow State University.

"Mr. Principal, there are too many things to go this time. However, we have an opportunity, and your university has reached a cooperation agreement with our laboratory, so there are many opportunities for us to communicate in the future. ”

"yes."

Professor Vladimir echoed: "We have 6 graduate students in the NB Lab, and 12 professors serve as the third tutors of the graduate students in the NB Lab, and the NB Lab also organizes researchers and graduate students from various departments to come to Moscow every year, including Professor Guo Junru, another discoverer of the giant magnetoresistance effect. ”

Principal Victor's face was straight: "Cooperation is cooperation, and donations are donations, which are two completely different things. Mr. Zhang, in order to express my gratitude to you, the faculty congress of our school discussed and decided to name the newly expanded computer laboratory after you. ”

The charter is not the kind of person who sells fame and fame, and is not at all interested in naming it after himself, but he would prefer Moscow University to be "affordable".

Looking at Principal Victor's sincere face, he suddenly smiled and said, "Mr. Principal, please believe me, there is really no need. If you have to say thank you, let's go a little deeper. ”

"Go deeper, Mr. Zhang, can you be specific?"

"For example, on the basis of graduate student exchanges, a professor exchange program is added. I have always admired Professors Kintsburg and Abrykosov, and if I could, I would like to invite them to our laboratory to work on superconductors and superfluids. ”

Ginzburg and Abrikosov were the recipients of the highest award of the Soviet Union in 1966 - the "Lenin Prize", and they have made achievements in many fields of physics, one proposed a theoretical formula to describe the phenomenon of superconductivity as early as 1950, and the other successfully explained theoretically that type 2 superconductors have both superconductivity and magnetism, and are one of the few masters of Moscow University.

Prices are rising, the ruble is depreciating, and the real standard of living of scientific researchers has fallen to an all-time low. University graduates who are in business and young people who leave universities to become government officials earn more than 10 times as much as PhDs and academicians. Even the janitor of the diplomatic apartment earns more than a university professor.

Thinking that the two of them were living a tight life, and were about to accept the invitation of the American university, President Victor agreed without hesitation: "Mr. Zhang, as long as they are willing, our school will definitely support them." (To be continued......)