I was a tycoon in World War I: Starting to save France

Chapter 3: Everything is a Business

But Francis was obviously not so easily convinced. He put away the disdain in his mouth and said seriously:

"Unfortunately, we also cannot command the French Fifth Army. We cannot even influence the top leaders. We are just... businessmen with some achievements."

Francis shrugged slightly in embarrassment, admitting in front of Charles that he had no background in military or politics embarrassed him.

The capitalists who can control the lifeline of the country are not from the real economy, but from the 200 major shareholders of the Bank of France, the so-called "Two Hundred Families". They enjoy the privilege of issuing banknotes, controlling national loans, mastering the national economy, and even influencing national decisions.

Although the Francis Tractor Factory is among the top 100 companies in France, it is just a worker in front of bank capital. Every year, 7% of its net profit falls into the pockets of bank capital in the form of loan interest.

Ciel rolled up the map and put it aside, then answered calmly:
"We don't need to command them, nor do we need to influence the military brass, sir!"

"Think about it, the French Fifth Army was being chased by the Germans all the way. They may have lost their food, ammunition and even rifles. The soldiers may have been hungry for several days."

"If you can prepare as much food as possible, coupled with the newly acquired machine gun factory, you can provide the necessary supplies for the Fifth Army."

"It's not much, but it's better than going into the chaos of Paris and waiting to be surrounded, don't you think?"

Francis understood Charles' idea, which was to use food to attract small fish, then use the small fish to attract big fish, and finally turn the whole battle situation around!

however,
"Are the Germans so easily fooled?" Francis asked doubtfully, "Just because the Fifth Army changed its escape direction, will they change their plan to encircle Paris?"

It surrounds Paris, the political center and transportation hub of France!
Charles answered calmly:
"If it was just the Fifth Army, they might not be fooled. But what if they mistakenly believed that France had no intention of defending Paris?"

"Government officials have already retreated, civilians have fled, and the defenders are panic-stricken and have no desire to fight."

"If we spread the 'rumor' that the defenders are ready to retreat, the Germans will only get an empty city. Do you think it is necessary for the Germans to surround Paris?"

Francis was stunned. If Paris was an empty city, there was obviously no need to encircle it. Instead, only by pursuing the French Fifth Army would there be results.

After all, it is an obvious truth that only by killing the enemy's manpower can France be defeated quickly, effectively and thoroughly and be left with no chance of fighting back.

In this way, the possibility of the Germans being deceived is greatly increased!
Charles added:
"I believe Paris is full of German spies who will bring these 'rumors' to the Germans."

Francis nodded slightly, looking at Charles as if he were a stranger he met for the first time.

Is this something a 17-year-old came up with?
Is this the wisdom that a high school student can have?

Perhaps, I usually pay too little attention to him, so I was surprised by his performance today.

Then, as a businessman, Francis weighed the pros and cons in his mind:
This approach is difficult to implement, but it does have the potential to succeed.

As long as there is a 1% chance, it is worth trying, because it will save France from danger and also save its own factory!

Charles took the coffee and leaned back in his chair, took a sip, and said calmly:

"Sir, if we succeed, you will be a hero of France."

"You will be famous, and everyone will know you. This is the best advertisement. Then, whether it's tractors, motorcycles or machine guns, they will all be sold out!"

"France will cheer for you!"

Francis' eyes gradually brightened, and he was shocked by the business benefits that Charles described.

Do not!
Not only commercial interests, he may also enter the military and political circles and become an important figure in France, and even compete with the 200 families!

The only thing at stake was to purchase some food and then inform the military.

However, Francis still had a gloomy face, and his tone turned cold:

"You think I'd steal your idea and take credit for it?"

Ciel shook his head. "No, sir. I beg you to do this."

"Otherwise, they might draft me for this!"

Francis was stunned. He had never thought about this question.

Indeed, if Charles had such military talent and France was at war, he would probably be called up as an exception even though he had not yet reached the age of enlistment. After all, this was the need of war!
So, this could only be Francis' idea.

Francis looked at Charles with a guilty look:

"So, you..."

He felt like he had stolen something from the boy, and the point was that this boy was the one he had always despised.

Charles smiled generously:
"I don't have any questions."

"This was always your idea, sir. I'm only here for a cup of coffee!"

As he spoke, Charles raised the coffee cup in his hand and praised:

“Great coffee!”

Francis thought about it for a while, and then he was calm. Businessmen always seek mutual benefit and win-win, and there is no such thing as "stealing" as long as it is viewed as a business.

他 说:

"You are right, Charles. I think we are going to start the operation soon. Can you help Mr. Joseph to run the tractor factory?"

The tractor factory does not need assistance. This is a certain degree of recognition of Charles' identity, as well as a test for Charles, or it can also be said to be an exchange.

Of course, Charles understood what this seemingly light-hearted sentence meant. He originally wanted the machine gun factory, but he should take it step by step.

"Yes, sir," Charles replied. "It would be a pleasure!"

……

When Francis walked downstairs, Pierre and Dejoka, who were whispering, stood up to greet him at the same time. They seemed to want to know what the conversation in the study was about.

Francis suddenly understood why Charles wanted to avoid other people. If this matter got out and was known by the Germans, they would not be able to change their marching route to the east of Paris, and Charles would also be drafted into the army.

"What a smart guy!" Francis praised inwardly.

Then he turned his gaze to Djokovic and nodded in appreciation: "You gave birth to a good son, Djokovic, and you educated him well!"

"Father!" Djokovic was flattered.

Francis seldom praised him. In his father's eyes, he was always indecisive and sentimental. As a successful businessman, he should be as decisive and unscrupulous as Pierre.

Francis said nothing more. He turned his gaze to Pierre:
"I'm going to Paris. You can use all our reserves to buy food. If necessary, we can even exchange it for tractors!"

Pierre was horrified: "Father, this will make us penniless and turn us into beggars..."

"Do as I say!" Francis interrupted Pierre sharply.

"Yes, father!" Pierre answered helplessly.

Francis took his hat and coat from the hanger again and hurried out of the room. As he got into the Ford Model T, he couldn't help but sigh in his heart:
His two children are not even as good as one child!
At the same time, Francis was a little confused: How could a maid's child be so outstanding?

(End of this chapter)