Chapter 3 Everything is a business

However, Francis was obviously not so easily convinced. He put away the disdain on his lips 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 embarrassedly, admitting in front of Charles that he had no background in the military and politics, which embarrassed him.

The capitalists who can control the lifeline of the country are not industrialists. They are 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 can enter the top 100 in France, it is just a worker in front of bank capital. Every year, 7% of the net profit will fall into the pockets of bank capital in the form of loan interest.

Charles rolled up the map and put it aside, and answered calmly:

"We don't need to command them, nor do we need to influence the military high-ranking officials, sir!"

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

"If you can buy as much food as possible and prepare, plus the machine gun factory you just bought, you can provide the Fifth Army with the necessary supplies."

"Although it's not much, it's better than squeezing into the chaotic Paris and waiting to be surrounded, don't you think?"

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

However,

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

That's to encircle Paris, the political center and transportation hub of France!

Charles replied calmly:

"If it was just the Fifth Army, they might not be fooled. But what if they mistakenly thought that France had no intention of defending Paris?"

"Government officials have already retreated, the people have fled, and the defenders are panicked and have no intention of fighting."

"If we spread the 'rumor' again, the defenders are ready to retreat, and 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 surround it. Instead, it would be more effective to pursue the Fifth Army of France.

After all, it is obvious that only by killing the enemy's living forces can France be defeated quickly, effectively, and thoroughly and leave her powerless to fight back.

In this way, the possibility of the Germans being fooled is greatly increased!

Charles added:

"I believe that there are German spies everywhere in Paris, and they will bring these 'rumors' to the Germans."

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

Is this a solution that a 17-year-old kid 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 solution is difficult to implement, but it is indeed possible to succeed.

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

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

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

"You will be famous, and everyone will know you. This is the best advertisement. By then, whether it is a tractor, a motorcycle or a machine gun, it will be sold out!"

"France will cheer for you!"

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

No!

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

The bet was just to buy some food and then inform the military.

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

"Do you think I would steal your idea and take it as my own credit?"

Charles shook his head:

"No, sir. I ask you to do this."

"Otherwise, they might conscript me for this reason!"

Francis was stunned, he had never considered this issue.

Indeed, if Charles had such military talent and France was in war, even though he had not yet reached the age of enlistment, he would probably be conscripted as an exception. After all, this was the need of war!

So, this could only be Francis' idea.

Francis looked at Charles with a guilty conscience:

"Then, you..."

He felt that he had stolen something from the boy, and the point was that the boy was still the object of his contempt.

Charles smiled generously:

"I have no problem."

"This was always your idea, sir. I just came here for a cup of coffee!"

Speaking of this, 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 have always been mutually beneficial, and there is no "stealing" as long as it is regarded as a business.

He said:

"You are right, Charles. I think we are going to start the action soon. Can you help Mr. Joseph to take care of the tractor factory?"

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

Charles certainly understood what this seemingly light sentence meant. He originally wanted the machine gun factory, but he should do it step by step.

"Okay, sir." Charles replied: "I am honored!"

...

When Francis walked downstairs, Pierre and Deyoka, who were whispering, stood up to greet him at the same time. They seemed to want to know the content of the conversation in the study.

Francis suddenly understood why Charles avoided other people. If this matter was spread and known to the Germans, they would not be able to change the marching route to the east of Paris, and Charles would be drafted into the army.

"Smart guy!" Francis secretly praised in his heart.

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

"Father!" Djoka was flattered.

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

Francis didn't say much. He turned his eyes to Pierre:

"I'm going to Paris. You use all our reserves to buy food. If necessary, you can exchange it with a tractor!"

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

"Do as I say!" Francis interrupted Pierre in a harsh voice.

"Yes, father!" Pierre replied helplessly.

Francis took his hat and coat from the hanger again and hurried out of the door. When he got on the Ford Model T, he couldn't help but lament in his heart:

His two children are not as good as one child!

At the same time, Francis was a little confused: How could a maid's child be so outstanding?