Take Arada back to the past

Chapter 837, The Current Situation of the Russian Bear

"Ninth Brother~"

Upon arriving at the restaurant, Zhao Ze waved with a smile.

Yang Xiaole smiled and walked over.

Since the reform and opening up, Zhao Ze has been using this form of address since our last meeting.

"Third Brother!"

Yang Xiaole greeted them and cheerfully placed a bottle of wine on the table.

Zhao Ze looked at the wine he had brought and laughed, "It's a good thing you brought wine, otherwise I would have been cursing. You have to be tactful!"

Hearing this, Yang Xiao chuckled and said, "If that's how you want it, then I'll take it back! I said I'd give you some last time, but you didn't want them."

Zhao Ze is getting old, and since we are fellow disciples, we should naturally give him something.

"Hehe, that's because it's inconvenient! Besides, I didn't know your wine was so good! After drinking it last time, my backache was gone, my legs didn't hurt anymore, and my old injuries have healed a lot!"

"Sure! I have some in my car, I'll give you a few bottles later."

He then smiled and asked, "What's wrong this time? What happened?"

He poured wine as he spoke.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ze sighed and said, "I'm retiring!"

These words startled Yang Xiaole.

Then he reacted.

Yes! The time is approaching. As their generation grows up, many of them have reached retirement age.

Many people in the compound have retired.

Because of his special position, Zhao Ze was several years behind ordinary people, but it was time for him to take office.

"So what are your plans for the future?"

"Hey, what other plans do I have? Retire! It's time to take a break."

Zhao Ze sighed, then said, "By the way, your relationship might be transferred to another place."

Yang Xiaole thought for a moment and said, "Even if you don't look for me, I'll still look for you! I'm planning to retire from the army."

The covert front is still a front, and it's time for it to retire.

Hearing this, Zhao Ze wasn't too surprised.

After thinking for a moment, he said, "Have you thought it through? It's such a waste that you're leaving the military. The military rank system should be reinstated next year, which would be beneficial for you."

"no need!"

He then smiled and said, "Of course, if the organization needs anything and I can help, I definitely will!"

Having this identity will make things much easier, but it will also be a hindrance.

There are pros and cons to both.
If I accumulate more and more assets in the future, and I encounter some lunatic who labels me with a big stigma, even if they can resolve the issue, it will still be very annoying.

It's not impossible.

Zhao Ze pondered for a moment, then nodded slightly: "Okay, I understand. Think about it again. If you're sure, then I'll start the process for you."

"Okay, start it!"

Yang Xiaole said something casually.

Zhao Ze nodded.

A plate of peanuts and cucumbers was served shortly afterward.

Yang Xiaole poured the wine and asked with a smile, "Third Brother, is this what you wanted to talk to me about?"

Zhao Ze shook his head: "No, it's about the Russian side."

"Bear, what's wrong?"

"Well, the economic situation there is not very optimistic right now. Many high-end talents are starting to leave Russia. If you have the channels, you can bring some talents, equipment, and data to the mainland."

Yang Xiaole smiled upon hearing this.

Even people in mainland China know about the situation there, which shows that life isn't easy for the Russians.

However, it's not appropriate for people on the mainland to show their faces, as it would have a negative impact.

Therefore, the covert front and patriotic overseas Chinese became the first choice.

He didn't refuse: "Sure, I was going to Russia anyway, I'll keep an eye out!"

"Alright! But this matter is rather sensitive. The mainland can't offer you any assistance. Of course, if you need any cooperation, we can give you the green light."

Yang Xiaole smiled and said, "Yes, I understand. So what kind of treatment will be given?"

If someone is sent over, they naturally need to be treated well.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ze spoke up.

The main benefit is the household registration policy that allows for smooth passage through customs, with a green channel. Depending on the level, the maximum benefit can reach $2500 per month.

In addition, there are various other benefits.

It includes various favorable conditions such as family resettlement, children's benefits, and long-term contracts.

Well, this treatment isn't considered high in the US, but it's shockingly high in mainland China.

Over 100,000 RMB per year.

Of course, the other party is worth the price.

After listening, Yang Xiaole smiled and agreed: "Okay, I understand! I'll go to the Russian side first and get the formalities done when I come back."

"Sure! It's not a big problem!"

Zhao Ze nodded, and the matter was settled simply like that.

The two then discussed some more details.

Yang Xiaole also knew that this was still the preparation period.

After all, the mainland and Russia cannot afford to fall out.

Only in a few years can we directly attract a large number of talents and technical resources from Russia through a dual-track plan of attracting investment and talent.

If the Eastern dragon makes a move, it will definitely not be a small one.

Besides him, there must be many other arrangements.

After discussing serious matters, the conversation naturally turned to personal issues.

Zhao Ze sipped his wine and chuckled, "Ninth Brother, Master is truly enjoying a life of leisure with you! Last time I visited him, the old man was in better health than me!"

Yang Xiaole naturally knew about this.

He laughed and said, "You got beaten up, didn't you? Hehe, serves you right for disappearing for so long without contacting us."

After Suo Ye returned, and with the reform and opening up, Zhao Ze reconnected with Suo Ye.

He got beaten up quite a few times.

Zhao Ze pondered for a moment after hearing this: "Then I'd be willing too. It's a good thing that the old man can swing his cane again!"

Yang Xiaole nodded in agreement.

Yes!

Sometimes, being beaten when you reach a certain age can be a kind of happiness.

The two talked for a long time.

Finally, the party ended.

……

Yang Xiaole drove home.

I can no longer drink and drive.

Because it was already late when he left, he didn't cook dinner.

Qu Ying was cooking at that moment.

Yang Xiaole walked over, hugged her from behind, and laughed, "What delicious food are you making?"

Qu Ying tried to twist his arm a few times, but seeing that she couldn't break free, she let him do as he pleased.

He joked, "Oh dear, you've given up being a model man and gone out to cheat on him!"

"No, I have a mission from above. I need to go to the Russian side."

These words made Qu Ying slow down her cooking.

Then they started cooking.

While busy, he calmly asked, "Oh, going to the Russian side! What are you going there for?"

Yang Xiaole knew that Qu Ying was overthinking things again.

He spoke in a soft voice, "The situation on the Russian side isn't good, which has given us many opportunities..."

I gave a brief explanation of the situation.

Qu Ying gave a soft "hmm".

Then, curiously, he asked, "Tell me! Why is the situation like this on the Russian side? I don't know much about it! Tell me more!"

Hearing that his wife wanted to hear more, Yang Xiaole smiled and said, "Well, the situation is complicated, politically..."

"Economically speaking, its strong industrial strength and abundant natural resources give it an important position on the world stage."

However, the long-standing rigid model, like a heavy shackle, has instead hindered their economic development.

In the industrial sector, low production efficiency has become the norm.

Taking the steel industry as an example, behind the seemingly huge numbers lies the predicament of backward technology and high costs.

Enterprises lack the motivation to innovate, making it difficult to improve product quality and gradually losing competitiveness in the international market.

In agriculture, lagging development and massive grain imports have depleted a significant portion of foreign exchange reserves.

Yang Xiaole gestured to her with the food.

Qu Ying quickly ladled out the scrambled eggs. She came out carrying her rice bowl: "Dinner's ready."

The two children were watching TV, and upon hearing this, they quickly turned it off.

Come over for dinner.

Qu Ying looked at him and asked, "Do you want some?"

"I've eaten, you eat now!"

"Alright, go on!"

Seeing this, Yang Xiaole continued, "Besides these, there is also international pressure, and fierce competition has taken place in fields such as weaponry and technology, which has consumed a lot of resources."

Maintaining a large armed force requires a huge investment of funds, which places a heavy burden on the economy.

Moreover, the Western countries' strategy of peaceful evolution is constantly eroding their ideology.

Through cultural exports and economic aid, Western countries have attempted to change and weaken Russia's power. Under this external pressure, their internal situation is actually quite turbulent.

"In addition, the quiet rise and careful planning of squid capital from Russia have made them very powerful in their penetration of the financial sector."

It is safe to say that it is inevitable that the economic lifeline will be controlled in the future.

Furthermore, there is the plundering of strategic resources, behind-the-scenes manipulation of decision-making, corporate high-interest lending that traps the economy, and currency manipulation that triggers currency crises.

Pushing for privatization reforms and plundering public assets...

Loosening financial controls is tantamount to self-destruction...

There was also the blind push for privatization reforms, which accelerated the collapse...

Yang Xiaole recounted the analysis from later generations all at once.

The subsequent events were not mentioned.

I only mentioned the general trend.

Qu Ying frowned upon hearing this: "If that's the case, then do we have the same problem?"

These words left Yang Xiaole speechless.

After thinking for a moment, he said, "Well, we're all feeling our way across the river, and nobody knows what problems we'll encounter."

He paused for a moment, then added, "Overall, this is something we should think about deeply."

Qu Ying pondered upon hearing this.

After a long while, he finally took a deep breath.

She gave him a meaningful look: "I didn't expect you to know so much about the international situation! It's such a waste that you went into business!"

Yang Xiaole chuckled: "That's all superficial. Mine is all theoretical, but your approach, my wife, is the real deal.

Hearing this, Qu Ying rolled her eyes at him, then asked, "So when are you planning to go?"

Yang Xiaole laughed upon hearing this, "Wife, does this mean you agree to let me go? I guess it'll be in the next few days! I'll go after the formalities are completed."

"Your legs are yours, how can I tie you down? Besides, if your body is here but your heart isn't, what's the difference between you and a walking corpse? Don't you think so?"

After Qu Ying finished speaking, she just stared at him.

Yang Xiaole felt that Qu Ying's words had a hidden meaning!

Is this also a veiled reference to the situation in Hong Kong?
However, he wouldn't be foolish enough to ask that question.

He chuckled sheepishly, "How could that be! My heart is definitely at home! Going out is just for work!"

"Humph~"

Qu Ying snorted coldly and said nothing more.

He simply asked, "Will you be able to make it back for the Chinese New Year?"

"I'm not really sure about that. It mainly depends on the route arrangements on the mainland, and the personnel and supplies there will also take time to arrange."

Yang Xiaole asked tentatively.

If that's possible, then he'll spend the Lunar New Year on Hong Kong Island.

If that doesn't work, then he'll come back.

"Oh, I see!"

Qu Ying said calmly.

Yang Xiaole was torn between agreeing and disagreeing!
Give me a straight answer!
However, he didn't give a definite answer.

"Dad! Remember to bring me a gift this time you come back! You didn't bring one last time you came back!"

Yueyue was talking there.

Yang Xiaole smiled and nodded, "Okay, I got it. I'll bring you some local specialties, okay?"

"it is good!"

Yueyue was overjoyed.

"Dad, now that you're gone, what will we do for food?"

The stars there looked sorrowful.

Qu Ying glared at him upon seeing this: "What's wrong? You think my cooking is bad? From now on, you can cook for yourself!"

Then her face flushed slightly.

Indeed, she, a housewife, couldn't cook as well as a grown man.

It's really quite embarrassing.

Seeing this, Xingxing smiled sheepishly: "No, I love Mom's cooking the most! I'll eat more!"

Then I picked up a few pieces!

It's not actually that bad.

But Yang Xiaole's cooking skills are excellent!

They'll also come up with different variations.

Qu Ying is very busy, so she just cooks something quick and easy after get off work.

This made Yueyue laugh.

After eating and taking a shower, everyone went back to their rooms, and Yang Xiaole lay there reading a book.

Seeing that he had taken a shower and returned, he finally put down his book.

He used a hairdryer to dry Qu Ying's hair.

While busy, he asked, "Oh, by the way, I brought you a fur coat from over there this time. Can you wear it?"

Qu Ying sat there and let him do as he pleased.

Hearing this, he shook his head: "Never mind, it's not appropriate!"

"Get one, you can wear it when you're not working! Anyway, I'll cover for you!"

I know Qu Ying wants it, but it's not very convenient for her because of her position.

"Okay, bring it back so I can take a look! If it's not suitable, I'll let Yueyue wear it."

"Okay, I promise I'll find you the best-looking one!"

Qu Ying rolled her eyes at him reproachfully.

Yang Xiaole breathed a sigh of relief that the matter of Hong Kong Island was not mentioned that evening.

Of course, Yang Xiaole also "worked overtime" until very late at night.

……

The next day, Yang Xiaole went to complete the formalities.

At the end of the month, he finally completed all the formalities and boarded a direct flight to Moscow.

After getting off the plane, Yang Xiaole didn't take a car but quietly went to the city center on her own.

Passing by a store, Yang Xiaole stopped and stepped out of the space.

It is evening now.

At that moment, a number of people were queuing up in front of a bakery.

Everything is sold out.

At this moment, many people were complaining there.

After listening for a while, Yang Xiaole understood the general situation.

This is a queue to buy bread.

Bread is one of the main staple foods of bears.

Currently, the official price for bread is 1 ruble per kilogram, but only officials can buy it at this price. Ordinary people either have to queue for half a day and still might not be able to get any.

There is a severe shortage of supplies here now, somewhat like the difficult times of the past.

Bread on the black market has risen to 8 rubles per kilogram.

You should know that bread here used to cost 0.16 rubles per kilogram.

It's like a food item that costs 16 cents on the black market would cost 8 dollars, just like the situation back then.

However, workers' wages are now generally between 70 and 400 rubles, depending on their rank and job.

Most ordinary people receive around 100 rubles.

A month's salary can only buy 20 kilograms of bread.

This is only temporary. In a few years, when a senior engineer's salary is only enough to buy two steaks, that will be the most terrifying time.

He remembered that the ruble would be publicly devalued in just over a month.

Prices will double again then.

However, the wages here remain unchanged.

(End of this chapter)