In just two months, the annual company meeting would take place. At that time, he planned to bring together all his subsidiaries, including Google, V-Guest Video, Blizzard Entertainment, and Marvel Comics. Then, he would rent out an entire tropical island, allowing everyone to enjoy themselves and have a great time. There would be no shortage of gifts and bonuses—the only question was who would be lucky enough to win them.
"Understood, Chairman Mavi! I will do my best!" Mike Mokahan said enthusiastically, full of determination. With the secret techniques Mavi had provided, Blizzard Entertainment could avoid many detours in game development.
…
After handling Blizzard's affairs, Mavi was preparing to board a plane back to Russia.
However, at that very moment, a piece of news from Ukraine disrupted his travel plans—so much so that he even sensed a looming crisis.
The news was none other than a report from the European Union (EU), which had, through negotiations, decided to offer "$25 million in direct financial aid, along with a $500 million loan," in an attempt to persuade Ukraine to dismantle its arsenal of 1,300 nuclear warheads, along with over a hundred Tupolev strategic bombers, 230 Kh-22 air-launched cruise missiles, and 483 X-55 cruise missiles, all under EU supervision. In exchange, Ukraine would receive EU assistance.
The reason the EU proposed such an offer at this time was largely due to the recent joint naval exercises between Ukraine and Russia. These exercises had prompted the EU to speed up its plans—they wanted to weaken one side before either country could fully develop its economy. Once one side was dismantled, they could slowly wear down the other. (Russia had always been the EU's main competitor, and the two sides had never seen eye to eye.)
"Young Master, what should we do? If Ukraine really goes through with this, then…" Ivan, Mavi's butler, asked anxiously. His young master had just forged an alliance with Ukraine, and now the EU was trying to use both coercion and incentives to neutralize the Ukrainian threat. If Ukraine succumbed, Mavi's support system would be cut in half.
"As expected… It has finally come to this." Mavi couldn't help but think to himself. Damn it, he hadn't even completed a third of his plans, and the EU was already charging in like a raging tiger!
To make matters worse, this wasn't just a single country—it was a coalition of European powerhouses, including Germany, France, the UK, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. They were playing as a team, while Russia and Ukraine were just two brothers trying to hold their ground. The disadvantage was glaringly obvious.
Adding to the complexity, Ukraine had a significant number of pro-EU factions, many of whom held high-ranking positions in the Ukrainian government and had substantial voting power.
As Mavi was deep in thought, wondering what to do next, a call from the Kremlin in Russia added even more pressure to his situation.
"Hello, is this Mr. Mavi? I'm Mikhail. Do you have a moment? I have a few questions for you," a deep voice of a middle-aged man came through the satellite phone.
If Mavi remembered correctly, Mikhail was the Assistant to the Russian President for National Security Affairs—essentially, the National Security Advisor.
The National Security Advisor was a senior aide in the presidential administration and the President's chief advisor on national security matters. This role was directly loyal to the Russian President and was not influenced by any other governmental departments. Even the Russian parliament could not interfere with his decisions or recommendations.
"I have time now, Mr. Mikhail. Please go ahead," Mavi replied, gripping the satellite phone tightly as his right hand began to sweat. There was no way he wasn't nervous. But it wasn't the National Security Advisor on the other end of the line that made him nervous.
It was the sheer weight of these national affairs. He had never dealt with anything of this magnitude before, and now, out of nowhere, he was being thrown into the middle of it! Who wouldn't be uneasy in such a situation?
"Mr. Mavi, have you received any updates regarding the EU's proposed economic aid package to Ukraine?" Mikhail asked in a serious tone.
"I just received the news, Mr. Mikhail," Mavi replied honestly.
"Good. Here's the situation, Mr. Mavi. I am calling you under direct orders from President [Redacted]. I have a very serious question for you: What are your thoughts on the EU's proposal?" Mikhail inquired, wanting to hear Mavi's perspective.
This was also the second test the Russian President had given him, following his visit to the Kremlin.
Given the current economic situation in both Ukraine and Russia, neither country could afford to help the other. Even if they wanted to assist their ally, they simply lacked the resources.
As a brother nation, Russia did not want to see Ukraine cripple its own military power. However, providing financial support to Ukraine was incredibly difficult—after all, about 40% of Russia's population was struggling with basic needs, and that percentage was still rising. It was expected to reach 50% soon…
"My opinion, Mr. Mikhail? I believe Ukraine is a strong ally of Russia. If it's within our means, providing some assistance wouldn't be a bad idea," Mavi said cautiously. His suggestion was just that—a suggestion. He had little actual influence in this decision.
"Is that all, Mr. Mavi?" Mikhail pressed further.
Mavi's response had been very "diplomatic." To put it bluntly, the Russian government already knew Ukraine needed help. The real issue was figuring out how to help—otherwise, they wouldn't have made this such a complicated matter.
"Uh…"
At this moment, Mavi was faced with two choices.
The first was to abandon Ukraine, allowing it to accept EU aid and dismantle its nuclear arsenal.
The second was to take on this enormous responsibility himself, ensuring the EU's scheme did not succeed.
Either choice carried immense risk.
If he abandoned Ukraine and its nuclear weapons were destroyed, he would lose half of his support system.
But if he intervened, whether he succeeded or failed, he would inevitably draw the EU's hostility and face sanctions. If he managed to prevent Ukraine's disarmament, the benefits would outweigh the risks—he could always sever ties with the EU later. But if he failed, he would have gained nothing and wasted his efforts.
This was a critical decision.
Mavi had to think carefully. A wrong choice could severely weaken him.
After struggling with the dilemma for half a minute, Mavi finally made up his mind. He spoke firmly into the phone:
"Mr. Mikhail, I've thought this through. If His Excellency the President trusts me, then I assure you—I will do everything in my power to stop this ploy!"
Mavi had made his choice. He was all in!
(End of Chapter)