Chapter 49: Chapter 49 General Aselev_l
Translator: 549690339
Three hundred thousand US dollars, this price did not make Li Lixue lose her bearings. She remembered the words of the man who introduced her to the business, Sixth Grandfather, who had once told her that there is no such thing as unconditional love in this world.
Sixth Grandfather, a legendary figure in the world of the hawkers. The biggest wholesaler in the Astha Market. Unfortunately, he’s gone now. Many people thought Li Lixue was Sixth Grandfather’s lover. But what they didn’t know was that the Sixth Grandfather was a close friend of Li Lixue’s father.
“Third Brother, why are you offering such a high salary? The income you calculated belongs to Brother Su and others. I don’t have much capital. My annual income is approximately between five thousand and eight thousand US dollars. Sixty times that amount, do you think it’s worth it? Perhaps my contribution is not that obvious. Someone once told me that there is no such thing as a free lunch in this world. If you want me to do that kind of job, I cannot agree.” Li Lixue looked at Nie Zhenbang and asked.
Being self-aware, quickly positioning herself knowing her own role, Li Lixue’s attitude impressed Nie Zhenbang. The way this woman behaved only made him more pleased with her.
If at first, Nie Zhenbang valued Li Lixue’s beauty as an advantage in business negotiations, now, Nie Zhenbang recognized Li Lixue’s abilities.
Soon after, Nie Zhenbang also laughed, looking at Li Lixue and said, “Li Xue, we are familiar with each other now. It’s okay to address you like this, isn’t it?” Li Lixue’s face blushed at this affectionate address, but she agreed, nodding her head.
Nie Zhenbang continued, “Given your abilities, your performance, and your familiarity with the entire China-soviet trade, fifty thousand dollars a year is a reasonable price. Do you know why I am giving you so much?”
At this point, Nie Zhenbang raised two fingers, smiled lightly and said, “Two reasons. First, your potential is worth this price. Don’t underestimate your business because it’s small right now. You lack opportunities and capital. If you could find the source of the goods and the funds, your business would surpass any hawker. I am capable of recognizing this potential. Secondly, I feel that a girl from a financially difficult household has a tough time outside alone, so I am giving you a bit more. Are you satisfied with these reasons?”
Li Lixue chose to ignore the first reason, as she was stunned by the second one. Her clothing and appearance were of a reasonable standard. No one amongst the hawkers on the train knew about her financial circumstances, other than the fact that she travelled in the lower berth. Many of the rich hawkers too travelled in the lower berths to save money. Everyone believed that she was hiding her wealth. How did he know?
Li Lixue blurted out, “How did you know?”
Nie Zhenbang laughed at her reaction. Since they had met, Li Lixue had always appeared calm and steady. This was the first time he had seen her this agitated.
He proceeded to laugh and said, “Hiding one’s wealth is an inherent mindset of your circle. I am an outsider, so it’s easier for me to see clearly. From my point of view, if you are traveling in the lower berth, it implies that you either can’t afford anything else, or you are saving money. Additionally, although your clothes are average, the items you buy are low-profit daily necessities. Also, seeing how hard you tried to sell things on the platform, and almost getting robbed for a potential deal, I realized that your family circumstances must not be good. Otherwise, no family would let a girl of seventeen become a hawker.”
Li Lixue fell silent. This man was terrifying. Judging by the company he kept, he was a person of high status. His excellent skills and keen observation power made Li Lixue feel powerless for the first time.
At this moment, Nie Zhenbang stood up, and with an aura of dominance, declared, “The matter is decided then. You won’t sell anything during this part of the journey. Once we reach Astha, dispose of your goods as quickly as possible, and then we can begin formal work.”
Afterwards, Li Lixue didn’t leave. Nie Zhenbang and Liu Kun, after their initial curiosity and excitement, also lost interest. This was a long journey, lasting six days and nights. It may well be the longest single-trip train in the world.
The car stopped at the Moscow Railway Station. Su Zhenhua had also packed up his goods. From five large bags of goods that he started with, Su Zhenhua had already sold quite a bit along the way. By the time they got to the station, only one bag of goods was left.
Long and Tiger also carried two large bags on their backs at this moment. These were Li Lixue’s goods. The group, imposing in their numbers, entered Astha Market. Here, it was a hub for Huaxia goods and businessmen. The most conspicuous buildings were the houses assembled from two containers. Around them, many locals had built tents.
Astha at this point was far from being as bustling as it would be after the normalization of China-soviet relations. Li Lixue had been running this operation for many years and naturally had her own connections. She quickly found a Huaxia businessman who often stayed in that place, and sold her goods at almost cost price.
This once again made Nie Zhenbang admire her. This woman could indeed be called extraordinary. She could dispose of such important goods without much effort. Her decisive actions showed she was someone who could handle big affairs.
The Metropol Hotel was a five-star hotel near the Kremlin Palace located in the center of Moscow. It was close to the Moscow Grand Theater and the Soviet Union National History Museum, and not too far from the Kremlin Palace. This hotel was on par with Capital Restaurant in terms of its scale during this era.
At this moment, Nie Zhenbang and his group had changed into new outfits. Long and Tiger were both dressed in dark-colored woolen coats with fur collars, Liu Kun wore a wolf fur coat, and Nie Zhenbang himself had changed into a black mink coat. Li Lixue, however, was wearing a fiery fox fur coat. Her high-quality clothes emphasized her elegant aura.
Nie Zhenbang made a gesture for her to take his arm and looked at a somewhat embarrassed Li Lixue, saying, “Evelina, my current identity is Kim Jungsung from North Korea. Liu Kun is my assistant, Long and Tiger are my bodyguards, arm.
Nie Zhenbang had a tall and well-proportioned figure of about one meter eighty-three. Despite his young age, he had a mature face. Standing beside Li Lixue, they complemented each other well. Li Lixue’s face flashed with blush, her cheeks a little red. She hesitated for a second, but still took Nie Zhenbang’s arm.
The group boldly walked into the hotel. Liu Kun, who had already checked in, greeted them, “Master Nie, the rooms have been arranged. The 505 and 506 suites on the fifth floor. It seems that you and Miss Li will have to share a room tonight.’
Nie Zhenbang didn’t think much of it. There were only two rooms left in the hotel. It couldn’t be helped. He waved his hand and said, “Kun, let’s not discuss such trivial matters. Have you called General Aselev?”
General Aselev was the vice-chief of staff of the Soviet Union’s General Staff. He was an old friend of Nie Zhenbang’s grandfather. In the Soviet military, he was quite influential. This time, when Nie Zhenbang came over, the old man introduced Nie Zhenbang to his old contact. As it was Nie Zhenbang’s first visit, he was unfamiliar with the place. Even if Nie Zhenbang knew about the future, he had no connections, but if he could connect with Aselev, the path to the future would be much smoother.
Liu Kun quickly replied with a serious face, “I just borrowed a phone from the hotel reception and called him. I made an appointment with the general and told him you will visit him later. When Aselev learned that you are the grandson of your grandfather, he was very pleased and said he would send a car immediately.”
Just at this time, outside, two GAZ jeeps with Soviet military license plates pulled up at the hotel entrance, and two servicemen got off the car. Upon entering the lobby, their eyes immediately focused on Nie Zhenbang and they marched straight toward him.
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