Take Arada back to the past

Chapter 824, Exchange of Goods

These people have their offices outside the trading area, in a dedicated camp.

After the car entered, everyone got out.

We had just stopped when we heard the sound of a helicopter.

An old helicopter slowly came to a stop on the camp's helipad.

Several people disembarked from the plane.

The loud noise began to decrease as the plane came to a stop.

Several people quickly jogged over.

"Sir, the 6th Battalion of the Siberian Training Camp, Battalion Commander Russell Heck reporting for duty."

The middle-aged man at the head of the group saluted him.

Yang Xiaole knew the other party.

The twenty-odd people that Ivanka initially brought with her.

The other person looked to be only around forty years old, but was actually over fifty.

He nodded slightly, hands behind his back, and said, "Let's go inside and talk!"

The group quickly followed.

This is a house built of cement, and it is a reinforced concrete structure with thick walls and an underground passageway.

not bad.

After entering, they asked Aku to wait in the next room, while the group went to the conference room.

After Yang Xiaole sat down, he asked, "Russell, how is the training camp being arranged now?"

Russell stood up and began to report what he knew.

The official membership consists of 2000 people, divided into 6 battalions of 300 people each, with an additional 200 people as special forces.

Those who have retired will become logistics personnel.

There are also many reserve personnel.

About 700 official members and a number of reserve personnel remained in South Africa.

Everyone else was sent out.

A large brigade from Myanmar.

The Siberian Battalion, specifically Russell's battalion, was responsible for the areas near the three border crossings of Manzhouli, Heihe, and Suifenhe.

Leave a small team of thirty men at each checkpoint, while the rest hide in the forest for training.

Two other battalions were concentrated in the vicinity of the Black Sea and around Moscow.

There was a reason why Yang Xiaole arranged for a large team to go to the Black Sea.

Because there are two major shipyards in Russia, and Russia has integrated one-third of Russia's military industry.

The black soil there ranks among the top three in the world.

There are also many mineral resources.

Once you have a lot of money, it's really just a number, and it doesn't have much significance.

Real industries and mineral resources are what are truly useful.

Scientists and data were among the purposes of his visit, and the various mineral resources here were naturally an important part of that as well.

It has been said that whoever controls food controls the world.

Of course, there are many other similar explanations, such as those related to oil.

Russell finished his report and continued, "As for the situation of the black market for foreign exchange, I'm not very clear about it. Only Captain Ivanka knows about that."

After listening, Yang Xiaole pondered it.

The black market for foreign exchange is a very important place.

Vanta was able to use US dollars to drain the ruble back then because of the black market for foreign exchange.

Back then, he used $50 billion to buy 1400 billion rubles on the black market for foreign exchange, and then used those rubles to buy local assets.

It's worth noting that back then, the official exchange rate between the ruble and the dollar fluctuated between 1:0.6 and 0.7.

That means 1 US dollar can be exchanged for nearly 2 rubles, which is a huge profit margin.

This was still the result of Vanta paying a high price. That year, the black market exchange rate was 1:100, but Vanta bought it at a high price of 1:28.

However, all of this requires the cooperation of people on this side, as someone wants to transfer the official assets of the Russian side abroad.

Otherwise, such a large amount of money would not be able to flow out, nor would it be possible to purchase so many assets.

However, it is not suitable to use it at this time.

One reason is that the Russian economy has not yet been fully liberalized.

Another reason is the exchange rate. The Russian ruble is currently on an upward trend, with 1 ruble being able to be exchanged for about 1.5 US dollars.

It wasn't until two years later that it began to decline.

The Bald Eagles' actions have only just begun on a large scale.

He had Ivanka and the others arrive ahead of time, naturally so they could deal with the local officials.

It will be easier to do things later if these people are well fed.

Bringing his thoughts back, he looked at Russell and said, "Call Ivanka, I need to talk to her about something."

Russell agreed.

He picked up the phone on the table and dialed directly.

After a while, someone answered the call.

After waiting a while, he said, "Sir, the call has been connected."

Seeing this, Yang Xiaole finally took the phone.

"Ivanka!"

"gentlemen!"

Yang Xiaole hummed in agreement and asked, "How have you been lately?"

Ivanka replied, "Sir, some of our people have already returned to their home countries and started contacting some businesses, mainly major machinery factories and some military enterprises. As for others, we are also contacting them through these people."

Hearing this, Yang Xiaole pondered for a moment.

You can't talk about anything too sensitive over the phone.

He then said, "Have someone prepare a batch of harvesters and hand tractors. We'll exchange them for supplies later! Make sure they give us a discount."

The Russian bear is not yet at the point of collapse.

The military industry cannot be dealt with for the time being; it will take at least two or three years.

Therefore, he needs to come early to make arrangements so that he can get the meat as soon as possible, instead of just drinking soup with the bald eagle.

Only through long-term and substantial exchanges of interests can one gain an advantage in future matters.

If military applications aren't enough, then we'll use civilian applications as a springboard.

Only gradually can one come into contact with people from military industrial enterprises, and even government officials.

Of course, people in the financial industry can't miss it either.

The living standards of ordinary people are very poor nowadays, and they can't buy many things.

This has also spawned a large black market.

Prices have been inflated to exorbitant levels.

Instead of thinking about how to solve the problem, those in power used their connections to siphon off large amounts of resources and sell them on the black market.

Here, money is not as useful as supplies.

The official price of pork is 1 ruble, but it has risen to 3 rubles on the black market, a three-fold profit.

Ivanka agreed: "Okay, what type do you need? If the quantity is too large, transporting the machinery will be a problem. After all, too much stuff might attract attention."

"It's alright, I'll take care of the transportation. You have someone prepare 1000 of each of the following: rice transplanters, combine harvesters, and tractors. ...I'll go pick them up and bring the supplies over with me. We'll set up a large warehouse, and our own people can manage it."

Yang Xiaole was making the arrangements there.

Ivanka agreed upon hearing this.

After giving a brief explanation, he hung up the phone.

He still needs to go to Moscow, since the Russians' industries are concentrated in the northwest region.

After hanging up the phone, he said, "Russell, continue with the arrangements here according to Ivanka's plan. Don't change anything else. Make arrangements in Heihe. Some equipment may be transported to the other side from the Heihe or Suifenhe border crossing. You are responsible for clearing the checkpoints."

Russell agreed: "Okay! I'll arrange it right away!"

There were already channels available, it's just that this time there were more items and the kickbacks were higher.

"Alright, that's all. You can go about your business."

After Yang Xiaole finished speaking, he stood up.

Lost in thought, I heard a report coming from the doorway.

Upon hearing the report, Russell then said, "Sir, your friend's lost items have been recovered. What should we do with those people?"

Yang Xiaole thought for a moment and said, "Let them go. Tell them that this kind of thing shouldn't happen again. Oh, and arrange a place for my friend in the trade zone."

“Okay!” Russell agreed.

Seeing this, Yang Xiaole led his men out and called Aku and the others from next door.

"Aku, everything is here. Take it in a bit. From now on, you can trade in the trading area. It's still a bit chaotic outside."

Upon hearing this, Aku's eyes widened: "Teacher, did...you really bring it back? But the trade zone is just too expensive."

"It's alright, I won't charge you. But there's something I need to tell you: no matter where you are, you can make money, but you need to have a bottom line. Understand?"

Aku nodded: "Okay, teacher, are you leaving?"

"Yes, I have other things to do and I might have to leave in a few days. You guys go ahead with your business."

Aku nodded slightly upon seeing this.

Once the matter was settled, Aku and his men left.

Yang Xiaole originally planned to stay here for a few days before contacting Zhang Shaoting, but considering the customs on the mainland, he estimated that it wouldn't be a problem that could be solved in the short term.

He then decided to leave first.

He had already planned the route.

At that time, we will fly directly from within the country to the Far East.

The transaction took place there, and Suifenhe is also under the jurisdiction of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps.

Furthermore, there are flights from Vladivostok to Japan.

He will also have to go to Hong Kong Island at that time.

Having made up his mind, he explained the arrangements for Suifenhe to Russell before boarding the train to Moscow.

This time, he wasn't riding a train from the mainland, but rather a Russian train that was already running on the Trans-Siberian Railway.

……

Three days later, Yang Xiaole got off the train, but instead of going to Moscow, he stopped halfway there.

Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant
Located in southwestern Siberia, it was one of the core manufacturers of agricultural equipment during the Soviet era.

Ivanka was waiting for him here.

When he arrived at the destination, he was greeted by a blanket of white snow.

The snow outside is very thick.

Without lingering, they disappeared from the spot and headed straight for the largest hotel in the vicinity.

Ivanka had already arrived at the location and was waiting at the hotel.

……

Yang Xiaole appeared by the roadside. It was snowing heavily, and there were long queues in front of the shops.

People huddled
……

"gentlemen!"

Upon seeing him, Ivanka immediately stood up.

Yang Xiaole nodded slightly: "Yes, is everything arranged?"

Ivanka nodded: "It's all arranged. As soon as the supplies arrive, we can pick them up anytime. The price is one-third cheaper than the market price, that's the limit. And that's with the supplies already in place. If it's just about the money, it'll be the original price."

Yang Xiaole naturally understood.

After all, they also need to balance their accounts.

"Okay, let me see the price list!"

Ivanka handed him the list.

Yang Xiaole took a look and saw that there were 1,000 tractors, 1,000 large grain harvesters, and 1,000 rice transplanters.

A tractor costs 1000 rubles, while large harvesters are more expensive, around 6 rubles each, and rice transplanters are about the same price.

The total price is 1300 million rubles.

If converted to RMB, that would be over 60 million.

The reason he can offer such a low price is because of the large volume of goods he sells; he also uses a system of exchanging goods. Otherwise, you wouldn't be able to get this price.

The Fengshou-27 tractor in mainland China costs 8500 yuan, which works out to more than 1700 rubles.

There is currently a significant shortage of various agricultural equipment in mainland China.

The amount of machinery and equipment imported each year is also enormous.

Yang Xiaole handed him the list and then gave him another copy: "This is our price list. The prices are on it. Go and talk to them. If there are no problems, then go with this. The maximum quantities are at the end."

He brought with him liquor, a down jacket, a synthetic leather coat, canned meat, a lighter, and other items.

There was no fresh meat.

These are all high-profit products.

As for the down jackets, they are all produced by Huang Xintong's down jacket brand.

Most of them are from Guangdong.

cheap price.

I deposited it when I went to Hong Kong Island this year.

The quantity is large.

As for the price, it will naturally be based on the standard price here.

Too high is also not good.

That profit margin is frightening enough.

Light industry is neglected in Russia, and there is a shortage of light industrial products. Down jackets, faux leather clothing, and lighters are very popular here.

Especially because of the Prohibition law, the profit margin for a bottle of vodka here is extremely high.

Vodka making isn't limited to Russia; it spread to other countries after World War I because it's a favorite base spirit among blenders.

Japan also has many vodka production techniques.

The alcohol consumed here in Russia is mostly brewed in small workshops, and some even contain industrial alcohol mixed with aviation kerosene and flavorings.

I heard it has a unique flavor.

Ivanka looked at the list and smiled: "Okay, I'll talk to them and see if we can keep some of this wine for ourselves."

Once they arrived here, it became inconvenient for them to drink alcohol.

The goods they get are all imported wines or wines from small workshops.

It's been a long time since I've had vodka.

Yang Xiaole smiled and nodded, "Okay, you can keep some for yourselves. I'll bring some more drinks over later."

With so many people, the amount of alcohol consumed is quite substantial.

Ivanka happily agreed.

"Okay, I'll go talk to someone first. If there are no problems, we can proceed with the transaction later."

"Okay, I won't leave. I'll wait for you here. If anything happens, just call the phone in the room."

Ivanka agreed.

Then he went out to negotiate with his men.

Yang Xiaole waited quietly inside the house.

In his mind, he was pondering the price.

The cost of a 1-pound bottle of vodka is about 1.2 yuan.

Previously, a bottle of 50% vodka cost 4 rubles, but now it has skyrocketed to around 15 yuan.

The profit can be several times the initial investment.

Nowadays, resellers rarely bring in liquor anymore, for many reasons.

Its large size makes transportation inconvenient, and it is heavily targeted even at checkpoints.

Another very important factor is that most liquor in mainland China requires coupons, while in rural areas, coupons are not required, but quotas are still set.

If a large amount of liquor is found on a train, there's a 99% chance someone will be arrested.

Even if they bring liquor, the amount is very small.

But these problems are no problem for him.

There are no transportation costs, and there's no need to spend money on distribution channels, so it's essentially free.

This is also why he carries the most vodka.

A million bottles only amount to 500 tons.

In terms of current space reserves, it's just a drop in the ocean.

Radius 500 meters.

Based on current freight trains, it could carry approximately 700 million carriages.

Even after removing what originally occupied the space, it's still a huge number.

(End of this chapter)