Since the economic crisis triggered by the spike in oil prices and the pressure on the dollar at the beginning of the year, Moscow had since been in a state of depression. Although the rise in oil prices spurred income from Russian oil exports, most of the money went into the pockets of the oligarchies. Even Putin, who dared to go against the capitalist countries, couldn’t change the oligarchies’ monopoly on Russia’s economy. They were the bloodsuckers on top of the polar bear, but without them, the polar bear would be worse off.
Driving out from the busiest city center, the air on the street seemed to cool down. Judging by the hurried pedestrians on the street and the night that seemed to be missing an element, Jiang Chen felt the city had just experienced a chilly winter.
Of course, all this had nothing to do with Jiang Chen. What’s more, in fact, he was also an oligarch of Xin, and what he was doing was even more unacceptable. The only difference was that he earned “tuition” from foreigners, not the hard-earned money of ordinary people.
Natasha didn’t show up, and Ayesha sat across from Jiang Chen. Regarding the woman who suddenly appeared next to Jiang Chen, the bald head only glanced at her before focusing on the front.
His instincts told him that the woman just 160 centimeters tall was much stronger compared to the KGB girl in the morning.
In stark contrast to the depression in the Russian city, the villa in the suburbs was filled with luxury cars. Ladies took the arms of their male partners and showed their invitations to enter the main entrance of the villa.
The driver parked the car. This seat was reserved for him. The waiter at the exit of the parking lot came up, and after taking the invitation from Jiang Chen, he ran back. After a short while, an old man with a long beard crossed the courtyard door of the villa and greeted Jiang Chen.
Almost without asking, just by looking at the huge beard, Jiang Chen guessed his identity.
Commander of the 58th Army Group of Russia, General Nikolaev!
Melodious and magnificent symphonies played on the lawn, serving as the backdrop for those who were dancing with the music. Bars were located in every corner of the lawn to provide a resting place for the people tired from dancing. In this country, only alcohol didn’t have class; even a general with a star on his shoulder was also a loyal fan of vodka.
While Nikolaev was an alcoholic, his ability to command was certainly among the top. Among the 22 existing army groups, the 58th Army Group was the largest and most powerful army group. The Second Chechen War might have nothing to do with him, but in the Georgian War, referred to as the “Five-Day War” in 2008, he was the trump card that served as the main force.
“Welcome, friends from afar.” The bearded old man laughed loudly, patted Jiang Chen’s back, and invited him through the door. He then took two bottles of alcohol from the waiter. “In this prairie, this is my kingdom. There’s a rule in my kingdom-anyone who comes as a guest must drink a shot. Vodka or mineral water, which one do you choose?”
Seeing the Asian who was invited by Nikolaev personally, the young people next to them also turned rowdy. The lights were very dark and it was difficult to distinguish their faces, but it didn’t matter—no identities mattered here. Even if the president chose a bottle of mineral water, they would still be booed to the point of shame.
Looking at Nikolaev’s harm-free but challenging eyes, Jiang Chen smiled and took the bottle of vodka. He pushed away the cup that the waiter handed to him and began to chug directly from the bottle.
Nikolaev’s eyes almost popped out as he didn’t expect Jiang Chen to do that. The young people who were acting rowdy also became silent as they didn’t expect this Asian to be able to drink like this.
It wasn’t beer but 70% vodka. Pure enough to be used as medical alcohol!
After the first swig, Jiang Chen was also sensing the heat of the alcohol, but since he already decided to show off, he couldn’t back down. Except for the first and last swig in which he actually drank it, the rest of alcohol was all wasted and entered the storage dimension.
He tossed the empty bottle to Nikolaev, burped, and wiggled his eyebrows at Nikolaev.
Nikolaev’s beard was shaking before he shook his head and finally spoke.
“You can drink more than I can. I admit defeat.”
Nikolaev was quite straightforward. He picked up the mineral water and chug it down. After finishing the bottle, he tossed the bottle out. Then he patted Jiang Chen’s back while laughing, not caring that he just lost face.
The silent young people finally reacted and instantly erupted into cheers and whistles.
Not many people could outdrink Nikolaev, the old alcoholic. For the young people who loved action, just watching this scene made this cocktail party worthwhile.
There were also several Russian girls attracted by the noise. After learning about Jiang Chen’s fascinating alcohol-drinking abilities, they looked at him differently.
Everyone wanted her man to be a hero. In the eyes of these girls who loved to party, the man who could make Nikolaev drink mineral water was worthy of the name “hero.” While Jiang Chen had a female companion, the enthusiastic and outgoing Russian girls didn’t seem to be bothered.
When Jiang Chen followed Nikolaev to receive warm greetings from the crowd, Ayesha, who was behind him, also caught the attention of many people. For those young people accustomed to big chests, this exotic face and petite body was particularly attractive.
Sitting next to the bar, a person with a hooked nose was biting his glass. He didn’t even drink a few gulps before his eyes became intoxicated. The slightly more mature man next to him wasn’t drunk as he punched his friend on the shoulder and laughed.
“I advise you not to think about it. Take a look at the man beside her.”
“Who? The president of a country or the prime minister of a country? Even God cannot obstruct sincere love. Fyodor, I think I’m in love. If I don’t try, I think I will go crazy.” The young Russian took a sip of whiskey.
“Get out. How many times have I heard the same sentence?” Fyodor laughed and cursed. “Don’t blame me for not warning you. Women from the Middle East aren’t normal. Maybe they look romantic in your opinion. In her eyes, it’s despicable and an insult to her. And rumors say that she’s the chief instructor of the Ghost Agents. Have you heard of the Ghost Agents? They’re like ghosts. You’re just a captain; even you added one more bar here—”
“Fu*k Grass, don’t say it. I’ll pass.” Hearing the name of the Ghost Agents, the officer shrank and looked around. He met the mocking gaze of his comrade and cursed, “Fu*k. If I see your smug smile again, I will put your head into the keg.”
Just after the two officers were bickering with each other, Jiang Chen followed General Nikolaev and walked toward the villa. Inside the villa was a seating area, mainly for those tired from dancing to relax and drink. At the same time, for those young men and women who developed close relationships, the adjacent hall also provided rooms for the “exchange of feelings.”
It was rare to see people entering the seating area right after the start of the party, but no one was concerned about the unusual behavior of the Lord and his guest.
For them, the carnival tonight had just begun.
