By Friday Noon
July 23, 1993, Friday. The fund gains momentum fast: Roman and Marina devise schemes, and Zhorik promises a large deposit to the account.
Arrived at the Office
July 24, 1993, Saturday, 12:13 p.m. Roman spends Saturday preparing documents. Zhorik hands out the first paychecks and invites everyone to celebrate at the Terem.
Smoke Filled the Restaurant
July 24, 1993, Saturday, 8:00 p.m. Roman and Zhorik find themselves in the Terem, roaring with vodka and music, among businessmen and gangsters who look like characters from the Wild West.
The Band Took a Break
July 24, 1993, Saturday, 9:30 p.m. Roman reflects on the collapse of the Soviet world and on people turning into loners forced to adapt to a new reality.
My Head Was Pounding
July 25, 1993, Sunday, 12:00 p.m. After meeting Vera, Roman realizes how pragmatic their relationship is and envies her business acumen.
We Drove Out to the Countryside
July 25, 1993, Sunday, 4:00 p.m. Zhorik explains to Roman how time and space work and what déjà vu is, unraveling the mysteries of his visions.
Expectations Betrayed Us
July 26–31, 1993. Millions of rubles and more than two hundred thousand vouchers are circulating through the fund, and Zhorik proposes improving how it operates.
Zhorik Woke Me Up
August 1, 1993, Sunday, 7:40 a.m. Zhorik takes Roman to the owner of an apartment, telling the story of a family that got rich in Soviet times.
Chicha Was Sitting There
August 1, 1993, Sunday, 2:45 p.m. Zhorik arms Chicha's crew and prepares it for work, explaining to Roman why they need their own muscle for protection.
The Second Week
August 3, 1993. The second week of work begins with confusion and anxiety.
Zhorik Frowned at the Calendar
August 6, 1993, Friday. Zhorik sums up the unencouraging results of the first two weeks, pays the staff their salaries and bonuses.
I Couldn't Sleep at Home
August 7, 1993, Saturday. Zhorik announces early dividend payments and creates a frenzy.