A few days later.
The torrential rain that had poured down until yesterday had vanished as if it were a lie, revealing a flawless blue sky without a single cloud.
Inside a massive hangar at Sheremetyevo International Airport, a Gulfstream IV business jet, painted in a sleek two-tone livery, stood in all its majesty.
The cabin, laid with thick carpeting soft enough to walk barefoot on and decorated with refined interiors, housed Seok-won in a light sky-blue shirt, seated across from Landon, who was dressed in a formal suit.
"I heard President Ivanov has decided to sell off some of the government's shares in the state-owned oil companies," Seok-won remarked.
Meeting his gaze, Landon immediately replied.
"Yes. Sibneft, East Oil Company, Norsi Oil—six oil companies in total."
"Sibneft… that's the one chaired by Alexei Smirnov, President Ivanov's close ally and an oligarch, isn't it?"
"That's correct."
Oligarchs were the new breed of tycoons who had amassed immense fortunes during the collapse of the Soviet Union, buying up state-owned enterprises for a pittance through collusion with those in power.
"Sibneft became notorious when Smirnov intimidated competitors and pressured rivals, snapping up a 49% stake—worth billions of dollars—for a mere $110 million, just one hundred thousand dollars above the starting auction price."
Like Smirnov, most oligarchs had taken advantage of the chaos after the Soviet collapse, employing every unjust and illegal method imaginable to seize the wealth of the nation and its people, building vast empires overnight.
Alexei Smirnov was a prime example—a petroleum magnate with astronomical wealth. Yet for Seok-won, the man was etched more vividly in his mind as the owner of the English Premier League club Chelsea.
He poured in oil money without end, right alongside the Arab princes, showing the world just how powerful money could be.
For a time, Smirnov flaunted untouchable wealth, seemingly fearless of anything in the world. But it hadn't lasted long.
When he fell out of favor with the powers that had propped him up, and later as nations worldwide sanctioned the oligarchs in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, his empire crumbled like a sandcastle in an instant.
Those who rise by the sword fall by the sword. He had built his fortune leaning on power, only for that power to become the boomerang that destroyed him.
Shaking off those thoughts, Seok-won leaned back against the plush seat and spoke.
"The official reason for privatizing these state-owned oil companies by selling off government-held shares was to address Russia's severe fiscal problems, wasn't it?"
"That's correct. The IMF and World Bank agreed to provide an additional $22.6 billion bailout package, but only on the condition that Russia implement a strict economic reform program. This sell-off is part of meeting that requirement."
Hearing this, Seok-won let out a derisive snort.
"That's just an excuse to hand over prime state assets at bargain prices to the oligarchs who bankroll their politics."
Landon didn't bother denying it and continued.
"Officially, the shares will be sold through auction, but as you said, most will inevitably end up in the hands of the oligarchs. There are even rumors that the entire list of who gets which company—and for how much—has already been decided."
"It's probably true."
"I think so as well."
Seok-won stroked his chin in thought for a moment before lifting his gaze to Landon.
"How much of Sibneft's shares are up for auction this time?"
"Twenty-three percent."
"So, with Chairman Smirnov already holding forty-nine percent, that would bring him just shy of an outright majority."
"Correct."
Seok-won's voice grew firm.
"Let's acquire those shares ourselves."
"What? You mean Sibneft's stake?"
Landon's eyes widened, but Seok-won nodded calmly.
"It's a company producing six hundred sixty thousand barrels of crude oil a day. That's prime real estate—well worth the investment."
Landon hesitated, his expression turning uneasy as he answered carefully.
"That's true, but you yourself pointed out that this auction is essentially a formality. It's already been decided that Smirnov—the oligarch and chairman of Sibneft—will take those shares."
"Maybe so. But the shares haven't actually been awarded yet, have they?"
Seok-won shrugged, as if it were obvious.
Landon gave him a puzzled look, clearly wondering what he was planning. Seok-won's voice remained calm and deliberate.
"If Chairman Smirnov has President Ivanov backing him, then we'll use Prime Minister Vasily."
"...Prime Minister Vasily?"
"Unlike his predecessor, who was Ivanov's loyal henchman, Vasily is widely seen as a leading candidate in the next presidential election, just two years away. You know this, of course."
"Of course. The truth is, Ivanov originally wanted someone else as prime minister, but after two failed confirmations in parliament, he had no choice but to appoint Vasily—who enjoys broad support from both the opposition and the public."
"Exactly. And Vasily's core message has always been about restoring the glory of the former Soviet Union and building a strong Russia."
A year later, Vladimir Putin would seize power by championing the very same brand of Slavic nationalism—pushing Prime Minister Vasily aside and rising to the top. The irony of it all was almost bitter.
"Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the economy has been in ruins, so it's only natural that most Russians long for the glorious past, when their country stood shoulder to shoulder with the United States as a global superpower. That's also why Prime Minister Vasily enjoys such strong popularity."
Seok-won's expression turned meaningful as he asked,
"Do you know what Vasily insists must be the very first step toward restoring Russia's glory?"
"I'm not sure."
"Driving out corrupt politicians and oligarchs."
Landon let out a small exclamation as the implication clicked.
"So that's why you want to use him. He won't tolerate oligarchs like Chairman Smirnov snapping up state assets for pennies on the dollar to enrich themselves all over again."
"Exactly."
A faint but deep smile spread across Seok-won's lips.
Landon's eyes gleamed as his mind raced ahead.
"Even if it's not purely out of conviction, Vasily will want to break Ivanov and the oligarchs' grip to strengthen his hand for the next election."
"Right. And Smirnov's rise to power almost certainly involved plenty of illegal dealings. If we dig up a few and put them in Vasily's hands, he'll know exactly what to do."
"You're saying we just need to hand Prime Minister Vasily the pretext he's been waiting for."
Seok-won nodded, as if to say precisely.
"Since Director Pavlovich is ex-KGB, he should be able to track down the necessary evidence if we put him on it."
"Understood."
They continued discussing matters that needed to be handled in Russia until Landon suddenly rolled up his sleeve and checked his watch. His face turned regretful.
"Ah, it's already this late. I should be going."
"I'm counting on you to wrap things up properly on the Russian side."
"Don't worry. I'll take care of it cleanly."
Landon flashed a confident smile.
And Seok-won could let him handle it without concern—Landon had never once failed him yet, just as he promised.
"By the way, isn't this investment only worth around two million dollars? Is it really such an important deal that you had to come all the way to the U.S. in person?"
"Yes. If it grows the way I expect, it'll be an even bigger jackpot than Netscape or Yahoo."
"That big, really?"
Landon looked slightly taken aback.
In the early days, investing $6 million in Netscape had brought in an astronomical $1.08 billion in under two years, yielding an almost mythical 17,900% return—a story still passed around Wall Street and Silicon Valley as legend.
Yahoo, too, had turned into billions in equity value, cementing Seok-won's reputation as the "Midas Touch."
So when Seok-won claimed this new deal would surpass even those staggering returns, Landon couldn't help but be shocked.
Glancing at Seok-won's expression, he noticed there wasn't the slightest trace of jest. Those unwavering eyes spoke only of conviction, making Landon swallow dryly without realizing it.
"If things really go the way you say, you'll be writing yet another legend in Silicon Valley venture capital," he murmured.
Seok-won didn't answer—he simply smiled. That silent assurance alone showed how firmly he believed in this investment, and Landon couldn't help but feel genuine anticipation.
"The startup you're investing in this time… it was called Google, wasn't it?"
"That's right. You'll be hearing the name often enough from now on, so remember it well."
"Haha, I will."
Rising to his feet, Landon bowed once more.
"Well then, I'll really take my leave now."
Still seated, Seok-won inclined his head slightly.
"Keep me updated regularly on the progress."
"Yes, sir."
With that reply, Landon disembarked from the private jet, leaving Seok-won to lift his teacup.
But after such a long conversation, the coffee had already gone cold.
Just then, Bella—her long hair tied back and dressed neatly in her service uniform—approached with a bright smile.
"We'll be taking off shortly, sir. Please fasten your seatbelt."
Seok-won found the buckle and secured it, while Bella cleared the fragile cup that might otherwise tumble and shatter during takeoff.
Once she completed the final checks, she moved to the rear and sealed the aircraft's entry door.
A moment later, the captain's voice came through the overhead speakers with a calm announcement.
["We will be taking off shortly. The estimated flight time to San Francisco is about twenty hours. Please be advised that the air currents may be unstable during ascent, and the aircraft may shake unexpectedly. For your safety, remain seated with your seatbelt securely fastened until the air stabilizes."]
The private jet began to taxi slowly, exiting the hangar and rolling onto the taxiway toward the runway.
Upon receiving clearance from the control tower, the plane halted at the holding line. The engines on both wings roared louder, sending faint tremors through the fuselage.
Moments later, with engines at full thrust, the jet surged forward, racing down the long stretch of runway with fierce momentum.
When Seok-won turned his head toward the window, the airport buildings and parked aircraft blurred past, shrinking rapidly in the distance.
Then came the sudden sensation of lift—the nose rising skyward as the aircraft broke free from the ground and soared powerfully into the air.
As altitude climbed, the vast plains and mountains below shrank into toy-like shapes beneath the rounded window.
Reaching its cruising height, the jet leveled off into steady flight.
Leaning back into the plush seat, Seok-won allowed himself a quiet smile, his expression brimming with anticipation. Ahead lay a contract destined to be remembered as the historic birth of the next titan of the internet age—Google.