Chapter 380: 376. Uncle? (Please subscribe, monthly tickets!)

In the evening, Zhang Sicheng and the others put on the clothes that the Nikolayev Family had helped prepare; Zhang Ran had not brought many things when he arrived, so these were all prepared on the spot.

The banquet was held at Ilya's residence; Ilya did not live inside the manor, but had a small manor of his own.

It was not very far from here, about a thirty-minute drive.

Zhang Sicheng and Liu Lu looked at the people in the banquet hall and both felt a bit uncomfortable, especially since they did not know Russian, making communication here somewhat inconvenient.

However, Ivan and Zhuoya were both by their sides, so they were not left at a complete loss.

"Honey, I'm never coming to something like this again, it's so awkward," Liu Lu whispered to Zhang Sicheng.

Zhang Sicheng also felt a bit awkward, but he knew he had to adapt to this kind of atmosphere.

"Mm, just take a look this time; if you don't want to come, then you won't have to attend such banquets in the future," Zhang Sicheng said.

Zhang Siyan and Qian Li were quite adaptable; they had attended similar events a few times before, and although they were not as high-end as this, they could at least manage.

As for Tu Yu, it goes without saying; he knew Russian himself, and combined with his personality, he could be said to be like a fish in water here.

He Qing was much more silent; she did not enter this circle, but watched and observed from the periphery.

Last night, He Yong had spoken to her about Zhang Ran's plans and also asked for her opinion.

From the few things revealed by He Yong alone, He Qing knew this was her chance to soar, though it would naturally require sufficient ability and loyalty.

He Yong had also told her directly without the slightest concealment that the reason she had this opportunity now was because Zhang Ran trusted him, He Yong, and not her, He Qing.

Once she became Zhang Ran's secretary, she would naturally come into contact with many of his secrets, and she might face many challenges then; he hoped He Qing would consider it carefully.

"Cheng, let me introduce you; this is..." Ilya walked over with a few people, men and women, old and young, and introduced their identities to Zhang Sicheng.

Ilya's attitude toward Zhang Sicheng was very cordial, which made others look at Zhang Sicheng with newfound respect.

Ilya did not give an overly detailed introduction for Zhang Sicheng, only saying he was his uncle's son.

However, everyone was no fool; from Ilya's attitude, they could discern a great deal.

Not long after the banquet started, Nikolayev came forward and said a few words, which served to back Ilya up and also show his own stance.

Everyone understood that it seemed Ilya was to be groomed as the successor from now on.

"Mr. Ilya." Yu Mingcai had just arrived; after exchanging a few pleasantries with some people, he went straight to find Ilya.

"Hello, who are you?" Ilya asked politely.

"I am with the Chinese Delegation this time; I came over to get to know Mr. Ilya. My name is Yu Mingcai," Yu Mingcai said with a smile.

Ilya also knew about the Chinese Delegation, so he said very politely on the surface, "Hello, Mr. Yu."

Afterward, the two began to chat with smiles, and Yu Mingcai was in no rush to discuss business, just making small talk.

After chatting for about ten minutes, Yu Mingcai finally said, "Mr. Ilya, I believe you are very clear about our purpose this time. I wonder what your family's view is on this?"

Ilya pondered for a moment and said, "I don't know about this for the moment, but cooperation with Huaxia is inevitable; this is a common goal everyone shares."

Yu Mingcai nodded; this was a fact.

Such a matter was a good thing for both sides and was also inevitable, but there were still many details involved.

And the Nikolayev Family had a high degree of influence in the oil sector, so the details needed to be discussed with them carefully.

Yu Mingcai had come this time to sound out Ilya, hoping to reach a certain agreement with the Nikolayev Family in private to help with future negotiations.

That way, his contribution would be undeniable, and his future job transfer would be much smoother.

"Mr. Ilya, shall we go to the side to talk in detail?" Yu Mingcai invited.

Ilya also needed to know the stance of the Chinese Delegation, so he had no objections to this.

"Of course, and I happen to want to introduce you to someone; he is also from Huaxia and is my good brother," Ilya said with a smile.

As he spoke, he signaled for someone nearby to go and fetch Zhang Sicheng.

During this time, Nikolayev had already discussed many things with Ilya, especially last night.

The stance Nikolayev expressed was for Ilya to also ask for Zhang Sicheng's opinion on future business matters, and it would be best if the two could reach a unified opinion.

At first, Ilya was a bit confused; this was clearly a matter for his own family's business, so why ask for Zhang Sicheng's opinion?

At the time, Nikolayev had only said quietly, "As long as I am alive for one day, I believe Zhang Ran will not ignore you and will do his best to help you.

But what if one day I am gone? And the Zhang Family's business is handed over to Zhang Sicheng to manage?

Your Zhang Shu and I are indeed friends through life and death and are fully worthy of mutual trust, but you and Sicheng are not; for you two to walk together for a long time, you often need the binding of interests."

Although Nikolayev did not say anything explicitly at the time, Ilya caught the meaning.

Although he was a little bit unhappy about this in his heart, he trusted his father.

Ilya was even more convinced of his father's wisdom and foresight; his father had brought the family from decline to glory, so how many things had he experienced in his life?

Therefore, Ilya quickly adjusted his mindset, took his father's words to heart, and began to sincerely befriend Zhang Sicheng.

Yu Mingcai, on the other hand, was a bit curious; why let an outsider participate in such a matter? What kind of relationship was this?

But when he saw Zhang Sicheng, his expression changed instantly; ever since Zhang Ran revealed his identity, he had looked up some information on the Zhang Family and naturally knew of Zhang Sicheng.

After Zhang Sicheng came over and saw Yu Mingcai, he was also slightly stunned; it wasn't that he knew Yu Mingcai, but that Yu Mingcai's facial features were somewhat similar to Yu Qingwan's, though Zhang Sicheng did not think much of it at the time.

However, when he heard Ilya's introduction, Zhang Sicheng's brow furrowed slightly; was it such a coincidence?

"I wonder where Mr. Yu's hometown is?" Zhang Sicheng asked, seemingly casually.