Great Power Reclamation

Lev's voice was deep and resonant, tinged with feigned anger, and his tall figure almost blocked the doorway to Yang Xue's office.

He wore a well-tailored dark suit, with diamonds inlaid on his tie clip that were understated yet luxurious. His eyes were sharp as an eagle's, but deep inside, there was a hint of admiration and probing for the young woman in front of him.

Yang Xue looked up from the document instantly, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, but it was immediately replaced by a calm smile.

She stood up, her posture elegant yet respectful: "Uncle Lev? What brings you here? Please have a seat."

She personally led him to the reception area and gestured to her secretary to prepare his favorite Armenian brandy.

"Why am I here?" Lev snorted, took the wine glass but didn't drink it immediately, his gaze sweeping over the office, which was decorated professionally yet tastefully.

"If I don't come soon, will Moscow's brightest new star forget about this old guy and send him to Siberia?"

"Ye Hong and Ye Baitian talk about you every day in the military reclamation city, saying how powerful Sister Xue is in Moscow. But what I see is that my good niece's future daughter-in-law has made such a big fuss, uniting this person and inviting that person, and even someone like Ivanov has become a guest of honor at your salon."

"What? Do you think Uncle Lev's oil field is too old and doesn't match the new layout of your 'Brothers Energy'? Or do you think that I, as your uncle, am too insignificant to help and will only be a burden to you?"

His words were like heavy hammer blows, each sentence striking down, seemingly demanding accountability, but in reality, he was asking for an attitude, a position.

Yang Xue was incredibly astute and immediately grasped the core of the conversation—Lev felt neglected, as Ye Fei's de facto "family member." As a powerful oligarch, he needed a place within the empire Yang Xue was building that reflected his status and value.

Yang Xue didn't immediately defend herself, but instead poured him a drink, her tone sincere and affectionate like that of a junior:
“Uncle, you’re really wronging me. How could I forget you? During our time in Junken City, Ye Hong and Ye Bai were like my own younger siblings, and you and Aunt Kesselring were our elders.”

"Without your stable crude oil supply, Brother Energy's first step in Moscow wouldn't have been so smooth. Ye Fei, Uncle Ye, Uncle Yang, and I will always remember this kindness."

She paused for a moment, her eyes becoming deep:

"The reason I didn't bother you with everything from the beginning is because I know your position and influence."

“You are not a student like Maxim who needs mentorship, nor a friend like Aynur who needs a platform. You are a giant who dominates a region.”

"What I'm doing may seem like trivial matters to you. I'm accumulating experience, practicing, and doing my best to lay a small but significant foundation for Ye Fei and our future shared cause within my current capabilities."

“I’m afraid that using your name before things are done will only tarnish your reputation. I would rather ask for your help when we really need your help, than bother you with trivial matters.”

These words not only fully expressed respect and highlighted Lev's irreplaceable role, but also explained that the speaker's original intention was to make more prudent use of resources, and finally elevated Lev to the level of "ultimate trump card".

The anger on Lev's face gradually dissipated, replaced by a scrutinizing and intriguing expression.

"Little girl, it's been years, and your mouth has become even more sharp."

He took a sip of brandy. "Those two guys, Ye Yuze and Yang Geyong, they've certainly raised a good daughter. So, tell me, how's your practice going? Where do you need me to whack you with this 'old hammer'?"

Yang Xue knew that the opportunity had arrived. Lev's directness meant that he was willing to get involved, but he needed to see concrete plans and returns.

She walked to the desk, picked up a carefully prepared folder, but didn't open it immediately. She sat opposite Lev, leaning slightly forward, her posture focused and confident.

“Uncle, the previous acquisition was just the beginning. Brother Energy has entered the European retail market, but that’s far from enough.”

"The European market is rigid and heavily guarded. We need stronger political backing and more robust upstream resource integration. This is something that can no longer be solved by simple business operations."

"Oh?" Lev raised an eyebrow. "What do you intend to do?"

"What I want to do is build an ecosystem network that spans energy, logistics, finance, and even influences policy."

Yang Xue's gaze was intense. "Ye Fei has a bright future in the military, but his future path cannot rely solely on military achievements."

"He needs a strong, stable, and highly influential support system behind him. This system can not only provide him with resources, but also serve as his shield and backing in critical moments."

She opened the folder, which contained names and relationship diagrams:

“Through the log cabin salon, I brought together a group of future military backbone and technical elites. Through the school and Aunt Angela’s introduction, I came into contact with the younger generation in the political and academic circles.”

“Now, I need to extend my reach to more practical and core areas—current powerful officials, financial oligarchs, and influential figures in the legislature.”

Lev nodded slightly, signaling her to continue. He knew Yang Xue had grand ambitions.

“And all of this,” Yang Xue looked at Lev, “requires a fulcrum. A fulcrum that has both substantial capital and deep political and business connections, and is absolutely trustworthy. Uncle, this fulcrum is none other than you.”

“What you have is not just oil fields and money, but also intangible assets accumulated over decades in the Russian energy sector—connections, information, and an understanding and application of the rules.”

"I hope that, with you at the core and Aunt Angela's vision at the intelligence and strategic levels combined, and me taking charge of the specific execution and coordination, we can jointly build a higher-level platform."

"What's the specific plan?" Lev asked directly, his eyes sharp.

"The first step is to establish a private club or think tank with a low-key name, such as the 'Energy and Security Forum'."

Yang Xue clearly gave it considerable thought, saying, "The location will be a more private and secure place that I've renovated. You and Aunt Angela will serve as honorary chairpersons."

Initially, the membership will consist of only rigorously selected, current mid-level officials with real power in the Department of Energy, the Department of Economic Affairs, and the Security Council, as well as senior executives from several core banks and business leaders of your caliber. I will be responsible for day-to-day operations and coordination.

"This forum doesn't discuss specific business deals, but rather explores macro trends, policy directions, and security risks. Aunt Angela can provide top-notch insider analysis, and you can offer insights from a business perspective."

"For these officials, this is an excellent opportunity to access top-level information and expand their high-level networks, making it extremely attractive."

"For us, this is the best way to infiltrate and influence the decision-making level, obtain forward-looking information, and subtly weave a top-level network of relationships."

A glint of light flashed in Lev's eyes. He knew the value of this high-end, closed circle; it was far more powerful than the "future star" version from the log cabin salon.

Yang Xue's move represents an upgrade from investing in "potential stocks" to directly collaborating with "powerful players." "The second step," Yang Xue continued, "is to leverage the influence generated by this forum so that we can more proactively participate in and even guide discussions on some policies."

"For example, regarding energy development in the Far East, regarding Caspian Sea oil and gas transportation routes, and regarding deepening energy cooperation with China..."

“These are all closely related to Brother Energy, your industry, and the regions that Ye Fei may be involved in in the future. We can make our voice heard and influence decision-making through 'think tank reports' and 'expert advice,' and at least make plans in advance.”

"The third step is financial collaboration. I will persuade Aunt Dasha and Aunt Anna to cooperate deeply with the banks or funds you control, using a portion of Brother Energy's cash flow."

"It's not just about deposits, but about jointly establishing an industry investment fund to invest in key technology areas that forum members favor and that are related to national security and energy strategy, such as shale gas extraction technology, new energy, and cybersecurity."

"This will tie our interests more closely together, creating a dual-engine drive of capital and policy."

After Yang Xue finished speaking, she looked at Lev quietly. Her plan was bold and meticulous, almost a complete integration and upgrade of Lev, Angela, and her own resources, with a direct target of Russia's core power circle.

Lev was silent for a moment, then suddenly burst into loud laughter:

"Good! Well done, Yang Xue! Ye Fei has really struck gold! You're not just paving the way for Ye Fei, you're clearly playing a grand game! Do Old Ye and Old Yang know you have such vision and foresight?"

He stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the Moscow skyline:
"The 'forum' you proposed is very interesting. I do need a young person like you who understands Eastern thinking, is familiar with Russian rules, and has enough skill and patience to manage these relationships."

"I'll talk to Angela. That old fox won't refuse anything that can expand her influence."

He turned around and looked at Yang Xue with piercing eyes: "I can fully support you. Funding, connections, venue, no problem."

"But Xiaoxue, you must remember that once you enter this level, the rules of the game become more ruthless and direct. Every word and action can be magnified and interpreted. You need to be more cautious and more perceptive."

“From now on, you represent not only yourself, nor only Brother Energy, but in a way, you represent the will of the alliance between Lev and Angela.”

“I understand, Uncle.” Yang Xue nodded solemnly, her heart surging but her expression calm. “I will keep your teachings in mind and proceed with caution, step by step.”

“Very good.” Lev nodded in satisfaction. “You can discuss the specific details with my assistant. The first forum is next month. I will personally invite a few ‘old friends’.”

"As for Ye Fei..." Lev revealed a meaningful smile, "Let him focus on honing his skills in the army. We'll build him a solid kingdom outside, waiting for his return."

"When he needs it in the future, he will find that the power he possesses will exceed his imagination."

Lev's decisiveness exceeded Yang Xue's expectations. His addition was like a shot in the arm for Yang Xue's blueprint, instantly elevating the scale and level of the entire plan.

In the days that followed, Yang Xue became even busier. She shuttled between the offices of Brother Energy, the newly prepared private forum club (converted from a secluded villa provided by Lev), and various powerful institutions in Moscow.

She worked closely with Lev's team of assistants to screen the list of forum members, draft discussion topics, and arrange security and confidentiality measures.

Each invitation was meticulously designed, showcasing both sophistication and subtly hinting at the power and influence of the organizers behind it.

After communicating with Lev, Angela indeed showed great interest. She personally reviewed the agenda and agreed to give an opening briefing at the first forum on "Restructuring of the Global Energy Landscape and Russia's Strategic Options." This was undoubtedly a huge draw.

The inaugural forum was a resounding success. The attendees were all influential figures in Moscow's political and business circles, a rare sight indeed.

In the luxurious and private atmosphere meticulously created by Yang Xue, and guided by Angela's insightful analysis and Lev's practically experienced commentary, the discussion was very in-depth and of high quality.

As the host, Yang Xue was poised and fluent, skillfully supplementing business data and reconciling different viewpoints, leaving a deep impression on all participants.

This high-level forum quickly spread within small circles in Moscow, becoming a symbol of status and power.

Many people consider it an honor to receive an invitation to the forum. Yang Xue used this opportunity to successfully establish direct contact with numerous influential figures.

She is no longer the "Brother Energy Representative" who needs to be contacted indirectly through peers, but has become a "young operator of the Lev-Angela Alliance" who can be treated as an equal by these bigwigs and even relied upon in certain areas.

She used this platform to quietly seek benefits for Brother Energy.

Following a discussion about railway transportation pricing, a few private exchanges with the supervising official secured a more favorable rate for Brother Energy.

In another discussion about Far East investment, she paved the way for Brother Energy's future entry into the region.

At the same time, she heeded Lev's warning and became increasingly discreet and cautious. She reduced her public appearances and devoted more energy to managing this core circle and the business of Brother Energy.

Her attire remained elegant, but leaned more towards professionalism and competence; her speech was more composed, with every word carefully considered.

When Ye Fei occasionally returned from vacation, he could clearly sense the changes in Yang Xue. She was more confident and composed, and her eyes held a sharper, more discerning eye and a more serene composure.

She told him about the interesting things that happened at the forum and some non-confidential analyses. Ye Fei listened intently, feeling both proud of her and deeply aware that he needed to grow faster to keep up with her. Their relationship grew stronger and more resilient through this mutual encouragement and support.

Lev was very impressed with Yang Xue's performance and began to entrust her with more important tasks, including sorting out assets and transferring relationships related to Ye Bai's future inheritance. Yang Xue handled these tasks meticulously, earning his complete trust.

One evening at a forum reception, a key advisor from the Kremlin, who was also a forum member, said to Lev, half-jokingly and half-seriously, after several exchanges with Yang Xue:

"Lev Ivanovich, where did you find such an excellent 'diplomat' and 'strategist'? Ms. Yang's understanding of East-West affairs far exceeds her age. She may become an important bridge connecting Russian-Chinese business and strategic dialogue in the future."

Lev glanced at Yang Xue, who was chatting skillfully with a banker not far away, and smiled proudly:

“She wasn’t someone I ‘found,’ she was a gift from fate to our group.”

He knew that Yang Xue's stage would not be limited to Moscow. Her transformation and rise were opening a door to a wider world for Ye Fei, and for all of them.

All of this stemmed from that initial unwavering belief—the desire to stand shoulder to shoulder with her lover. Now, Yang Xue had become a chess player, silently placing her pieces on the chessboard in Moscow, yet a storm was brewing beneath the surface. (End of Chapter)