The attempt to merge with another successful company failed. The IT company “KomProd” faces serious problems and turns to a consulting firm to optimize its business processes. However, the choice of firm turns out to be a bad one—especially because of the strange consultant named Regus Patov. This tall, thin man with a bow tie and an odd smile behaves in an unusual way.
At first glance, Patov seems like a boring nuisance, asking inappropriate questions. But soon he starts controlling the company, as if he were its actual manager. Patov arbitrarily changes office rules, installs cameras everywhere, making employees paranoid, and calls them at any time, threatening their loved ones. Those who resist him are fired or face even more serious consequences.
The employees realize their struggle is not only for their jobs, but for their lives. Based on this novel, a TV series of the same name was made with Christoph Waltz in the lead role.