Leaving the hotel, Daniel, now inhabiting the body of Nikolai, hailed a taxi while recalling Nikolai's memories. Many people had gathered in a red square partially veiled by the white snow.

Even after passing through the square, he witnessed countless people crowding the streets and roads. The reason people in a communist country could express such dissatisfaction was a direct result of Gorbachev's long-awaited "freedom of speech and criticism," which has been suppressed for decades.

The impact of the coup d'état in August was also significant.

Although the coup ended in failure, it dealt an irreparable blow to the already strained Soviet Union, which had been on the verge of adopting the "New Union Treaty." Gorbachev's subsequent resignation led to Yeltsin assuming the presidency and paved the way for Putin to become the next president in the original history.

"To think that I have traveled back 32 years..."

Indescribable emotions surged within him. The confirmation that his situation had changed came in the form of a remark from the taxi driver.

"We're called Russia now, and you're my first passenger today."

"Ah, I see."

"I'm at a loss as to what to eat and how to navigate life from this point forward."

"...?"

In the US, it was not uncommon for taxi drivers to engage in various conversations, and it appeared to be similar in Russia.

"Only 3,000 rubles per person are allowed, so I haven't exchanged all of it yet."

3,000 rubles per person? Daniel recalled and realized that 3,000 rubles was the amount that a household could live on for about a month. He seized the opportunity, he asked, "Was there a currency reform?"

"Huh? You didn't know? Starting today, they're replacing the old currency with the new one for the next 20 days."

"Ah, I see. I've been on a trip for quite some time, and I only returned recently."

"I see. You must have come from an impressive background. Going abroad is like a dream for ordinary people. Even stepping out of a hotel feels like a dream."

Daniel understood why the driver made such a comment. Going abroad was a privilege reserved for the financially well-off, not necessarily for an ordinary person. It was something that could only be done with strong financial backing.

Most hotels catered to domestic elites or foreigners, charging significantly higher prices than the local cost of living. There were various restrictions that barred regular people from accessing them. That's why the driver made such a remark.

"The world has changed in a funny way, hasn't it? It's harder to support those without money than those who possess it."

"You're absolutely right."

"After the 20-day period, the old currency will become nothing more than worthless scraps. It's a worrisome world even for those who have money..."

"I imagine there are people in the countryside who don't even possess 3,000 rubles, right?"

"Well, the funny thing is, I was actually planning to pick up a passenger and head to the countryside."

During the hour-and-a-half ride back home, Daniel engaged in several conversations with the driver. Thanks to that, some of the immediate questions had been partially resolved.

"We've arrived."

"Thank you. Here's your fare."

"Oh, you've already exchanged it for the new money?"

This money had been given to Nikolai by his mother. As he was about to leave the car, the driver quickly rolled down the right window. Then, he leaned his head out, gazing at the house with eyes brimming with envy.

"Wow, what a magnificent house... I could tell as soon as you got into the taxi. Your parents must have held high positions in the government, right?"

"Well, um... Take care, please."

Mumbling his words, Daniel headed towards his home. Standing before him was a grand Russian-style mansion reminiscent of a famous sports star's residence.

With just a glance, it would take several minutes to fully appreciate its size.

"Hmm. So, I came into this world as a descendant of an ancient noble family... In Russian terms, would they call it 'blue blood'?"

During the Soviet era, most ordinary people lived in five-story apartments provided by the government, regardless of their region. Therefore, it was impossible to officially buy or sell houses. Only bribing government officials or engaging in covert transactions through connections was possible.

Even the wealthy couldn't spend money freely. If they spent money conspicuously or bought expensive items, they would be investigated by the police each time. Living in such a grand mansion meant two things: immense wealth and significant power.

Before opening the main door, Daniel recollected a part of Russian history that he had studied since childhood- the Yusupov family. They not only wielded substantial influence over the Soviet economy but also left their mark on Russian society. Even Daniel, who was once a journalist, was familiar with their name.

The "Yusupov Duke" was the mastermind behind the death of the enchanting "Rasputin," throwing the "Russian Empire" into turmoil. Ironically, he, too, was the eldest son, just like Daniel. To think that he became a son of such a prestigious family, he unconsciously took a deep breath, gathering fragments of memories. Daniel pressed the doorbell, but before he could finish, he was interrupted by a man of imposing stature who swung the door open.

"Out late? Wow, it seems like it's snowing in the middle of summer."

Shasha, 26 years old, five years older than Daniel. He possessed a slightly mischievous charm. Ever since the accident that claimed their parents' lives, they had been living together in this house. Despite being younger, he had taken on most of the responsibilities in the household and had been like a friend to Nikolai. When Daniel approached without saying a word, Shasha raised an inquisitive eyebrow.

Standing before the entrance door, Daniel passed through a garden larger than a soccer stadium.

"Phew. Let's stay calm and act as naturally as possible. From now on, I have to live as Nikolai."

Daniel, or rather, now determined to live as Nikolai, slowly opened the entrance door. And what lay before his eyes was...

"Nikolai."

His father, Ivan Yusupov, stood there, his face devoid of emotions.

Ivan Yusupov held a prominent position as the representative of a company that handled a substantial portion of consumer goods in the Soviet Union. With a demeanor as cold as ice, he casually posed his question, legs crossed on the sofa.

"Where have you been since this morning?"

Nikolai was taken aback by his father's unexpected question. He had returned after spending just one night, and this was the first thing his father said. 'He has no interest in his child. No, he has no interest in me.'

Considering the Soviet culture that emphasized the importance of punctuality, it was a reasonable assumption for a fragile person like him.

"Why aren't you saying anything?"

"...I went for a workout."

"You? Exercising? Well, that's something. You were always busy drawing pictures."

With that, his father lost interest in his son and resumed reading the newspaper.

Meanwhile…

"Nikolai, you went for a workout?"

"Yes."

Even in the heart of winter, a middle-aged woman emerged from the kitchen carrying a tray of strawberries and bananas. She was Maria, Nikolai's mother.

"Oh, well. It's good to exercise as a hobby. It's much better than staying indoors because of the cold, right, Ivan?"

"Hmm."

Ivan kept his gaze fixed on the newspaper while his wife glanced at him and turned her attention to Nikolai.

"Is it crowded outside?"

"The Red Square and the roads are packed with people."

"It seems like the country is going through changes, and the currency reform has left people feeling quite uneasy."

Maintaining a composed expression, Nikolai sat facing his mother. Maria, with a worried expression, turned to her husband, "Ivan, how much money do we still need to exchange?"

"I already exchanged everything."

"Oh, really? So soon?"

"People with connections in the government took care of it long ago. It's a big deal for ordinary people but nothing for people like us. By the way, Nikolai..."

"Yes, Father."

"What about Zhenya? What happened between you two?"

Zhenya, whom he mentioned, was Nikolai's fiancée and the second daughter of the Romanov family. The Romanov dynasty, an esteemed European family, had produced kings of Greece, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, and the United Kingdom and held great prestige.

Since the 19th century, they have been renowned for their beauty and charm. However, as the years passed, some family members gained a reputation for indulgence and moral laxity. Unfortunately, most male members of the family suffered from male-pattern baldness...

When Ivan posed the question, Nikolai remained silent, causing Ivan to furrow his brows and set the newspaper aside.

"Zhenya's father called me earlier, suggesting we cancel your marriage. Do you know how shocked I was when I received that call?"

Concerned, Maria asked with an anxious expression, "Nikolai, what happened?"

"..."

"He just notified us of the cancellation over the phone without showing any courtesy. We should have been properly informed about our own matters."

Having knowledge of the current situation through his memories, Nikolai nonchalantly remarked, "I was actually planning to discuss this with you, but they brought it up first. I am willing to accept the breakup."

"What?"

Thunk! Ivan, who was eating strawberries, forcefully struck his fork against the glass table and raised his voice.

"You're telling me this now? Do you have any idea how much effort your grandfather and I put into connecting our families?"

"It's Zhenya who said she doesn't want it. Not me."

Since Daniel had already absorbed all the memories of Nikolai, he decided to approach the situation from Nikolai's perspective.

"When young people date, they may have fights and temporary separations. Why jump to breaking off the engagement over something like that?"

"That's something you should say to Zhenya, not me."

Ivan was taken aback by the audacious remark for a moment. However, he quickly composed himself and continued.

"Look at yourself. We sent you to an art school, and then you insisted on attending an art university instead of a regular college. Then, you constantly complained about being an office worker, and now you bring up breaking off the engagement! Even if I were Zhenya's father, I would have reacted the same. Tsk, tsk."

As a child prodigy, Nikolai had once been hailed for his exceptional abilities, with high expectations placed upon him. But now, he found himself completely ruined.

"Ivan..."

In response to his wife's voice, Ivan only looked at his son with dissatisfaction and remained silent. However, Nikolai's thoughts diverged. If the conversation ended like this, it could jeopardize his future plans. Ivan's evaluation of him might be permanently tarnished.

"The reason for the breakup is because of an affair."

Ivan, who was seated on the sofa, abruptly stood up at the unexpected revelation. "What...?"

"I saw Zhenya entering a hotel with another man."

"...!"

"Although our family may not be on the same level as the Romanovs, isn't it a matter of pride that we proceed with the marriage despite knowing such a fact?"

If Nikolai had been his usual self, he wouldn't have been able to voice such words. But now, he was Daniel Mitchell; he found the courage to speak his mind. He had no intention of marrying a woman like Zhenya.

"Zhenya is not qualified to be a member of our family. So please leave the marriage to me. I will not disappoint you."

"Oh, dear..."

Ivan looked at his wife, Maria, with a puzzled expression. She had a similar expression.

"If you have nothing more to say, I will go upstairs."

With those words, Nikolai went upstairs. The couple exchanged perplexed glances, their faces etched with confusion. They had never expected such words to come out of their usually silent and timid son's mouth.

"Sigh. It's more shocking than the collapse of the Soviet Union. That's still Nikolai, right?"

"You're right, dear."

"How can a person change so drastically overnight?"

Given his past demeanor, Ivan's surprise was even more profound. "If what he said is true... we might have no choice but to break off the engagement, as Nikolai suggested. Should I inform Father of the truth?"

"Hmm."

"If Zhenya suggested breaking off the engagement first because she knew Father's business was struggling..."

"That could be the case. I've always been aware of Nikolai's true nature. With the country undergoing changes, I expected individuals from our family to step down from their positions."

The Yussupov family, to which Nikolai was related, possessed economic expertise. Their in-laws had abilities in the legal field.

"Do as Nikolai said."

"I know it will greatly anger you... and Father might disown me completely now."

Author's Note

Hey there, wonderful readers. I'm thrilled to announce that you can now read the advance three chapters right now on Toodat!

If you're a fan of thrilling adventures, compelling characters, and exciting twists, head over to Toodat and read those chapters.

Thanks a million for your incredible support. You make writing truly rewarding.

You can click this external link ~ writing/detail/4mVoBDbDRnel2EON