Chapter Nine, What are you looking at

At first glance, Shelov's words seem to be a direct challenge to another bureau, and those unfamiliar with the situation might mistakenly believe that Shelov has some grievances with the director of the Technical Management Bureau. However, upon a moment's reflection, it becomes clear that this is not the case at all. Given the relationship between Shelov and the current Chairman of the KGB, Sherepin, they could easily achieve the goal of separating the medical institution from the Technical Management Bureau through private discussions, without the need to state it openly.

In Shelov's view, the only thing lacking in this group of high-achieving students is experience. As for the quality of students at Lomonosov Moscow State University, Shelov has no doubts whatsoever. Soviet universities are renowned for their strengths in science and engineering, with the mathematics department being the most powerful. Students in the Soviet mathematics department excel at solving problems using astonishing methods, and this is no exaggeration. The Soviet Union is undoubtedly at a world-class level in the field of mathematics. The Mathematics Olympiad, which has become widely popular in later generations, was originally created by the Soviet Union. Every year, countless students from universities in Moscow and Leningrad participate in this competition.

Even the world's foremost United States Navy cannot do much against the Soviet ocean fishing vessels. The practice of disguising as spy ships is often employed by the United States in later years, but in reality, it was the Soviet Union during the Cold War, when surface vessels were at a disadvantage, that first began this large-scale operation. These ocean fishing vessels took several years to navigate the global shipping routes of the Red Navy's nuclear submarines.

I want to recruit a group of high-quality students from the mathematics departments of various universities, approximately 500 in total, " said Shelov calmly as he presented his second suggestion

Haha, I have no objections! Currently, our headquarters has already collaborated with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and we have also had a partnership with Lomonosov Moscow State University once, which is not a big deal!" General Sakhatovsky chuckled and directly endorsed Shelov's proposal. The benefits of this matter for the First General Bureau are evident, and no drawbacks have been observed yet, so why not go for it?

The prowess of Soviet mathematicians can be evidenced by a counterexample from later generations, namely Boris Berezovsky, one of the seven oligarchs. Berezovsky applied the knowledge of mathematics to capital, becoming the greatest beneficiary of the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Although Shcherbakov did not understand the principles of the stock market, he had no reason to believe that the vast mathematical workforce of the Soviet Union would fail in the stock market.

"What we are doing is inherently risky, isn't it?" said Sherlov with a double entendre in his tone

Is this the case? Are we confident? Xie Lieping glanced at the nearby Major General Sakhatovsky and asked, "What is Comrade Sakhatovsky's opinion? This matter still requires the First General Bureau to make a comprehensive plan!"

There is no issue with the separation of powers, next question! Xie Lieping completely disregards the feelings of others; as long as he believes he is right, he will agree, it is that simple! The strongman style is vividly manifested in Xie Lieping.

The stock market, as a concept, currently does not exist in any of the countries within the entire socialist camp. Since it does not exist, it indicates that the Soviet Union is impeccable in this regard, as no one can exploit the fluctuations of the stock market to extract the hard-earned sweat of the Soviet people. Conversely, the Soviet Union can take advantage of this situation to create turmoil.

Xie Lieping observed the expressions of all the directors with a calm demeanor, silently shaking his head in his heart. If all his directors were like Xie Luofu, who incited unrest around the world, how could one worry that the ideals of world revolution could not be realized

However, Xie Lieping has not opposed it; instead, he is prepared to clarify where this group of students will be utilized.

Has everyone finished speaking? Now I have a situation that I need to discuss with my comrades!" Xie Lieping drew everyone's attention to himself, cleared his throat, and said, "As everyone knows, it is confirmed that the next Olympic Games will be held in Rome. Our Italian comrades are working hard to construct the venues, but everyone also understands that although Italy's economy has recovered, hosting the Olympics alone is still somewhat challenging. Therefore, the Italian Prime Minister, Comrade Palmiro Togliatti, General Secretary of the Italian Communist Party, hopes that we can consider the revolutionary sentiments of the proletariat and extend a helping hand to Italy in some projects. Comrades, let's discuss this matter..."

One cannot help but wonder why Sherlov became a director of the General Administration at the age of 30, adorned with the rank of Major General, inspecting various locations. He decisively acts from a distance, exuding an air of superiority without being overt. He is always able to extinguish a spark before it can ignite a prairie fire. In his spare time, he even engages in actions that challenge the limits, such as bombing the American embassy in Hungary

The construction of the motherland itself requires substantial financial support, and we should indeed think of ways ourselves! There is nothing wrong with using capitalist funds to develop our own socialism! Xie Lieping's attitude is already very clear, and he has also expressed approval of Xie Luofu's second proposal

Comrade Shelov, do you not have your own matters to attend to? For instance, the difficulties faced by the Military Management General Bureau, could you share them so that we may assist you?

My idea is to form a team of traders from this group of students, directly under the First Bureau! We will mobilize a batch of funds to test the waters and cultivate capital to stir up the stock markets in Europe and the United States!" Sherlov spoke confidently about his vision, "The stock market is a double-edged sword; when used well, it indeed appears to be just that, but if it collapses, it can instantly take down a country..."

With the approval of Sheliepin, the suggestions put forth by Shelov have resolved the dilemmas faced by the Traffic Management Bureau. The KGB is currently experiencing a shortage of manpower, primarily due to the dismissal of a large number of underqualified staff, while the influx of highly educated new personnel is insufficient. For everyone present, the difficulties are only temporary

Although I am the director of the First Bureau, there is actually a comrade who has more authority to speak on the issue of Italy!" General Sakhatovsky, being very modest, remained silent, and soon everyone unconsciously focused their attention on Shelov. Shelov glanced around suspiciously, really wanting to ask these people, what are you looking at?

I have two more suggestions, and I ask all comrades to provide their insights!" Shelov extinguished the cigarette butt in his hand, his expression serious and without hesitation as he said, "During my routine physical examination at the KGB Central Hospital half a month ago, I had a very unsettling feeling! The two divisions of the Technical Management Bureau are too close together, and it is very easy for our comrades who go there for treatment to see the scenes of experiments being conducted with spies on the other side. Therefore, I suggest that the medical division be separated from the Technical Management Bureau and that an auxiliary bureau be established, responsible for the medical care of all KGB personnel, the Medical and Health Bureau!"

"Difficulties? What difficulties do I have?" Sherlov said with a bewildered expression, innocently, "I have already handled all matters concerning the Military Management Bureau. Do I really need to mention such trivial matters in this meeting?"