When people talk about Russia, words like "brown bears," "battle-hardened nation," and "vodka" inevitably come to mind—terms more or less tied to a tough and rugged culture. So what comes to mind when talking about Russia's rich second generation?
As a superpower spanning both Europe and Asia, it has an abundance of natural resources that are world-renowned. It can be said to be the only country in the world capable of complete self-sufficiency in natural resources. However, due to its uneven economic development, the wealth gap in Russia is enormous. The affluent class controls nearly the entire economic lifeline of the country, and in such an environment, Russia's wealthy second generation appears even more eccentric than those of other nations.
Flying private jets, owning heavily armed arsenals, and keeping large carnivorous beasts as pets—various extravagant displays of wealth have even angered the country's president in the past.
They are born into a status that ordinary people can only look up to, and with the wealth accumulated by their predecessors, they spend money without the slightest concern.
Leonid was one such atypical member of Russia's wealthy second generation. Compared to others, he was relatively restrained. He owned a private jet but rarely used it; he bought sports cars only to leave them in the garage for display; he went hunting but was limited by his physical condition; he kept a lion as a pet but, fearing being attacked, confined it to his courtyard. After the novelty wore off, he sent the now-domesticated lion back to the African wilderness—whether that predator, accustomed to being fed, could survive again was anyone's guess.
Leonid often mocked himself with full self-awareness: "I'm just a useless parasite, except for being fat."
Of course, it was only self-deprecating humor—he had no intention of changing his habits.
As a member of Russia's wealthy second generation, he was obscure in real life, but online, he was a big spender and a well-known streamer. He could casually throw tens of thousands of dollars just to have the strongest team in a game act as his bodyguards, or donate unimaginable sums to a streamer simply because he liked their username.
Aside from his unimpressive physique and the fact that he hadn't revealed his real identity, Leonid could rightfully be called Russia's version of a "national husband."
"OH! SHIT! Take him down! Yeah, that guy with the Thompson! Trying to run? FUCK YOU! Sneaking up on me from behind?!" Leonid shouted in fluent English as he commanded the professional esports team he had hired, ruthlessly crushing the opposing side in the shooting game. The viewers watching his stream flooded the screen with chaotic comments, completely covering the gameplay.
After the match ended, he didn't hesitate to reward the player who eliminated his designated target with ten thousand dollars, prompting viewers to sigh at how the rich could spend money so recklessly. In reality, most of them didn't know that not a single cent of Leonid's donations came from his own pocket—his income from streaming alone more than covered his expenses.
After prolonged concentration, Leonid felt a bit fatigued. He shut off the game and, ignoring the audience's protests, casually browsed "Fakebook."
"You followed user Mark Andra, who has released a new song, 'Shout'! Would you like to view it now?"
"You have received 1,918 private messages. Would you like to check them?"
"Your account has gained 2,341 new followers."
······
He browsed through different sections of "Fakebook" with interest, looking for something novel or exciting. Absentmindedly clicking into the animation section's keyframe art category, he was immediately greeted with all kinds of American-style 3D anthropomorphic animal designs.
To be honest, Leonid wasn't particularly fond of American animation. Watching a movie in his private theater occasionally for entertainment was fine, but he had no interest in delving deeper. He couldn't understand what was so appealing about those repetitive, fairy-tale-like plots or shallow comedic scenes. As for adult-oriented animations, he could only admit his intelligence wasn't high enough to understand them.
"'Red-Crescent Rose' crowdfunding project now live. This work will overturn your understanding of animation!" A small banner advertisement popped up on the side of the webpage. Seeing the image of a gothic girl in a red hood, her face obscured, Leonid found it somewhat appealing and casually clicked on it.
"Character design led by Master Uehara Etsuki, chief animation supervisor of 'Violet Blooming Garden.'"
"Highly recommended by Mr. Robert, head of the animation section."
"A work that will change your perception of animation."
"Estimated crowdfunding goal: $30,000."
"Current funds raised: $111.3. We look forward to your support."
"Pfft—!" Leonid almost spat out the cola he was drinking. He didn't understand the animation industry, nor what these promotional claims really meant, but such grand advertising for a mere $30,000 crowdfunding goal? And only $111.3 raised so far?
The stark contrast made him feel amused. Scrolling down to the sparse project description, he shook his head and mocked, "Damn it, since when did this crappy site start running fake ads?"
Just as Leonid was about to close the page, he noticed the crowdfunding amount jump from $111.3 to $564.9. At the same time, several comments are refreshed below the project.
["OH! FUCK! It really is Master Uehara's character design! What's her relationship with Master Yosuganosora? I mean, I'm completely captivated by the protagonist's charm! PS: I'm not into lolis. — 'Shepherd Dog', donated $21."]
["This is unbelievable! I ended up watching a three-minute PV for over half an hour! That damn combat style is insanely cool! The 3D visuals are beautiful too! As expected of a work recommended by Mr. Robert! — 'Turkey Who Sells Matches', donated $5.5."]
["Finally, 3D animation that isn't aesthetically bizarre American fairy-tale characters or anthropomorphic animals. No matter what, I'm looking forward to this work's release. I'd even be willing to spend a whole day's wages—actually, I already donated $132. Can this damn author finish it sooner? — 'Jim, Who Doesn't Want to Work', donated $130."]
["The combat style in this animation is just too cool! To hell with fight scenes in movies—Hollywood directors should hire this creator as an action director! — 'Hamster Eating Chips', donated $2.13."]
["FUCK! Why does it end right when I'm most excited?! Damn it! This crowdfunding model is basically robbery! Fine, everyone, stay calm—let me donate first! — 'American Vagabond', donated $13."]
["Before clicking in, I thought it was just exaggerated advertising. I owe Mr. Robert an apology—at least he didn't make me miss a masterpiece. — 'Devil Pepper Enthusiast', donated $50."]
["I have a feeling this is going to blow up! — 'Don't Shoot! I'm Gay', donated $10."]
Most of the comments were in English, though Leonid also spotted Russian and other languages he couldn't identify.
"WTF!?" Leonid was astonished. Were these just fake accounts, or was the work really this good? After searching around the page, he finally found the video link to watch.
He never expected that this single click of his mouse would lead to him spending over twenty thousand dollars that day—and that it would give rise to the fastest-funded crowdfunding project in the history of "Fakebook."
Less than an hour after its release, the crowdfunding goal for 'Red—Crescent Rose' had already been fully met!