While Wang Ye was meeting with the employee representatives and Rusal headquarters representatives, Deripaska was still aboard a passenger plane flying from Siberia to Saint Petersburg.
He had only received word that morning that Duma Deputy Speaker Mikhail had come as a special representative to handle the matter. Only then did Deripaska take it seriously and rush over himself. He had not yet reached Pikalyovo, though—after all, he had not bought a private jet yet.
Sitting in first class, Deripaska discussed Wang Ye with his deputy.
"I hear this Mikhail is quite capable. How do you think he'll handle this aluminum plant incident?"
The assistant adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, thought for a moment, then answered confidently.
"Judging from his usual style, combined with your background, sir, I estimate he'll have the Saint Petersburg city government come forward to negotiate with the aluminum plant employees. That would effectively shift the conflict elsewhere.
"As for our group's internal affairs, naturally, they'll be left to us to handle ourselves."
Deripaska raised his brows and asked with interest, "Why do you say that? As far as I know, Mikhail isn't as approachable as he looks. Sometimes, he hits hard. Just look at what happened to the former Moscow Oblast governor—Mikhail sent him straight into an iron cage!"
The assistant explained calmly.
"That was a different situation.
"The former Moscow Oblast governor struck at Mikhail first. Mikhail was merely retaliating.
"He is certainly merciless toward enemies, but he is far more tactful toward friends or people with even the slightest connection to him.
"If you really look at it, you and he belong to the same faction, sir. Both of you have unusual ties with the Kremlin.
"Even if he doesn't give you face, surely he has to give face to your wife's grandfather?
"Even