The $50 million aid fund that Mavi pledged was transferred to the Russian government shortly after his initial commitment. With this substantial donation,
Not only were the soldiers who were injured or killed on the battlefield well compensated, but even the civilians who had suffered the horrors of war were able to quickly regain a peaceful life. They could spend the rest of their days in tranquility, gradually healing from their inner wounds.
For the war orphans who had lost both parents, Mavi specifically arranged for schools and communities to be built for them. Seeing the lost and confused expressions in the children's eyes, he couldn't help but think of his own childhood—deeply empathizing with their pain.
---
After the Chechen War came to a complete end, on July 16, 2001, the Russian leadership announced to the world that Russia had finally achieved unification! This war had safeguarded the territorial integrity of Russia.
Watching the Russian president deliver his composed speech on television, Mavi, despite not being Russian, couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.
If he felt that way, then there was no need to mention how the native Russians around him felt—it was a moment of national pride, a cause for celebration across the entire country!
The Chechen War was indeed hailed as Russia's defining battle of nationhood. Not only did Russian media report on it extensively, but news agencies worldwide also scrambled to cover this historic event.
Though Mavi hadn't fought on the battlefield himself or personally traveled to the front lines, his foresight and strategic suggestions, given from an experienced perspective, helped minimize casualties among Russian troops and reduced collateral damage to civilians. His contributions were significant.
Thus, two days later, Mavi received a call from the Russian Ministry of Defense inviting him to attend an award ceremony in three days.
---
"Hello, Mr. Mavi! This is Yuna, and I'm calling on behalf of the Russian Federation Ministry of Defense. We formally invite you to attend the award ceremony being held in three days. The President himself will be presenting the awards…"
"Award ceremony?" Mavi scratched his head in mild surprise—he hadn't expected to receive an award. More importantly, it would be personally presented by President XX. Did that mean he was about to meet the great leader face-to-face?
"Understood, Miss Yuna. I will be there on time," Mavi responded over the phone. This was the first honor of its kind in his life, and with the Russian President personally bestowing the award, it was truly something to be proud of—a moment that could be called a great honor for his family.
---
Three days later, inside the grand banquet hall of the Russian Federation Ministry of Defense, numerous high-ranking government officials and military leaders were seated.
When Mavi, dressed in a formal suit, arrived at the venue, he instinctively assumed that his seat would be in the back, considering the sheer number of influential figures in attendance.
To his surprise, Yuna, the secretary, greeted him warmly and led him to a seat near the front of the banquet hall.
"Mr. Mavi, this is your seat," Yuna said sweetly.
Before he could take a good look at the high-ranking officials seated around him, two distinguished army generals—one a full general and the other a lieutenant general—stood up and extended their hands toward him.
"You must be Mavi? Thank you for your contributions to our military!" one of them said.
"It was nothing, General," Mavi responded modestly, trying to maintain his composure.
He didn't recognize these generals, but that didn't matter—what mattered was that they recognized him. After all, the strategic plans he had provided, along with the $50 million post-war relief fund, had been of great help to the military.
This wasn't just about business relationships—his contributions had earned him genuine respect and gratitude from the military.
In addition to the two army generals, several high-ranking Russian officials also approached, eager to meet the young man who had become somewhat of a legend.
"Mr. Mavi, I've often heard General Grelov, the Minister of Defense, praise you in his office. I never expected you to be so young," said the Russian Federation's Deputy Prime Minister.
Standing next to him were various senior government officials, all in their forties or fifties. In contrast, Mavi, just in his early twenties, looked noticeably out of place among the older, more seasoned politicians.
"You flatter me, Deputy Prime Minister," Mavi responded humbly.
In such a formal and high-level setting, he made sure not to appear overly proud or arrogant. Humility and restraint were key to leaving a good impression on these influential leaders.
After shaking hands with many people, Mavi suddenly realized something: as a wealthy second-generation businessman in Russia, the hands he had touched most in this lifetime weren't those of beautiful women or glamorous models—but those of older men in positions of power…
At this thought, he suddenly felt a bit guilty toward his right hand. He made a silent promise to himself: I must make up for this later by shaking hands with more beautiful women…
Just as this amusing thought crossed his mind, the banquet hall doors were suddenly opened by security personnel. A middle-aged man in a suit—someone extremely familiar to Mavi—walked in, escorted by security guards.
As soon as the man entered, the entire room stood up at once. Some nearby military officers even removed their hats and saluted.
"Mr. President!"
There was no mistaking it.
"Mr. President, welcome!"
This was the first time Mavi had ever seen the Russian President in person, and compared to his presence on television or in photographs, the aura he exuded was far more powerful.
It was a charisma that couldn't be replicated by actors or impersonators.
From his seat in the front row, Mavi barely had time to take a good look before the President walked past him and took his seat at the very front—just two rows ahead.
As the President sat down, he glanced at Mavi briefly before focusing his attention elsewhere, waiting for the ceremony to begin.
Looking at the back of the President's head, Mavi suddenly had a wild thought: If someone had the nerve to walk up and pat him on the back, would their life be over on the spot…?
---
Once all the attendees were seated, the award ceremony officially began under the direction of General Victor, Deputy Minister of Defense.
"Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend this award ceremony, organized by our Ministry of Defense…" General Victor began, delivering a fifteen-minute opening speech.
(End of Chapter)