The Rise Of A Billionaire 1943-Chapter 145 - 157: If You Paid for It, It’s Not Stealing
Sometimes, you can only fleece one sheep.
Not for any particular reason, but simply because this sheep is easy to fleece and doesn’t even make a fuss.
So, later on, you need to fleece a few more times.
Once again, on Christmas Day, Pierre arrived in Italy.
In Taranto, there were still other assets worth acquiring. As one of the few industrial hubs in the south, it was also the most important naval base for the Italian Navy. Because of this, there were not only munitions factories but also shipyards.
However, Pierre was a bit late—the shipyard had already been bought by Onassis’s agents. That future Greek shipping magnate—the one who later married the imaginative young widow.
Although he was too late for the shipyard, he wasn’t too late for the munitions factory. But after learning about its current state, Pierre immediately gave up—the Allied bombings had practically leveled the entire plant, and most of the equipment was now scrap metal.
As for scrap metal, he had absolutely no interest.
But that depends—some scrap metal is actually worth buying. In fact, his purpose this time was to buy scrap metal.
Just like now, looking at the naval captain in front of him, Pierre didn’t even know how to describe his feelings.
"I’m just a businessman, Captain."
Taking a sip of tea, Pierre was a bit confused—what did they take him for?
An arms dealer?
Was he that kind of person?
"Yes, we’re well aware. Mr. Pierre is definitely a businessman, and a very successful one at that," Colonel Mario said respectfully.
"That’s exactly why I came to you. After all, you already have your own fleet, and it’s very dangerous to sail at sea these days. Without an escort, how can you ensure safe passage? That’s why I’m here—to offer you a solution."
Colonel Mario continued his pitch, but as a military officer, he clearly wasn’t a very good salesman. From start to finish, he never managed to take the initiative.
Even when he got to the solution, he still sounded a bit lacking in confidence.
"There are still some Italian warships in Taranto harbor, including destroyers suitable for escort duties. The best-performing destroyer is the Soldati-class. Its standard displacement is 1,690–1,820 tons, full load displacement is 2,460–2,475 tons, overall length is 106.7 meters, beam is 10.15 meters, and draft is 3.5 meters. The steam turbines have a total output of 48,000 horsepower, with a maximum speed of 38 knots. It’s equipped with two twin 120mm gun turrets, so it’s fast and packs a punch..."
Listening to the captain’s persistent sales pitch, Pierre couldn’t deny he was tempted. The only reason he didn’t agree on the spot was... to bargain, of course.
That’s how business negotiations always go—the more interested you are in something, the less interested you should appear. Besides,
Pierre had originally come here for the Italian warships in Taranto. What he hadn’t expected was that before he could make a move, the other side came knocking at his door.
You have to admit, sometimes people just get lucky!
"The most important thing is that it requires very few crew members—just 160 in peacetime, and 200 at most in wartime. And, Mr. Pierre, if you’re willing to buy, I can take care of recruiting the crew for you—from the captain down to ordinary sailors. I guarantee they’ll all be top-notch..."
Before Mario could finish, Pierre interrupted.
"In Taranto, unemployed sailors and naval officers are everywhere. If I wanted, I could hire a navy major for just a few kilos of sugar."
In Italy, who doesn’t know I’m a conscientious capitalist? The employees of those companies I acquired are all paid in sugar and Camel cigarettes—absolutely fair!
Glancing at Mario, Pierre said,
"I need the truth. Why are you selling these warships to me, and not just any ships, but the best ones... Let me see: the Musketeer, the Grenadier, the Machine Gunner, the Legionnaire, and the Javelin—tsk tsk, five destroyers in total. How much are you asking?"
"1.2 million US dollars."
Colonel Mario sighed helplessly, then said,
"Actually, as everyone knows, Italy appears to be an ally on the surface, but in reality, we’re a defeated nation. It’s very difficult for us to keep these warships. Just like the Germans lost theirs back then, these ships will eventually be taken by the Allies. So, while they’re still in our hands, selling them might be the best option. But there are no buyers for warships, and no one dares to buy them..."
Looking at Pierre—this friend of the US President—he not only had money, but also had connections with the President and Allied high command. He even had his own army, which had played an unimaginable role in the war.
That’s exactly why they set their sights on him. Mario said,
"You’re the only one who could possibly buy these warships without worrying about Allied interference. After all, you’re the President’s agent."
See? That’s the benefit of having a powerful backer. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢
With the title of the Prime Minister’s agent, whatever you do, you get advantages others can’t even imagine. "But I’m a businessman; it doesn’t really make sense for me to buy warships, does it?"
"That’s not a problem. We can sell them to you as ’scrap metal.’ Over 7,000 tons of scrap, and we’re only charging you $1.2 million. That’s less than $200 per ton—just a bit more expensive than regular scrap."
"That’s too expensive. If it’s scrap, it’s worth at most $100 a ton."
Lighting a cigarette, Pierre looked at him and said,
"You know, I’m taking a huge risk here. You want to sell scrap, but the problem is, no one dares to buy it. There are still cruisers and battleships in Taranto—why don’t you sell those? You know as well as I do that the Allies will definitely intervene. So these destroyers are your test run, right? You’re testing the waters."
Frowning, after a brief thought, Pierre finally understood what they were up to.
"It’s not that no one wants your warships. In fact, there are plenty of interested parties—like Argentina. They made a lot of money during the World War. They might already have their eyes on your battleships and cruisers. Other South American countries are also potential buyers. The only problem is... how to avoid Allied interference."
Having hit the nail on the head, Pierre sneered,
"So, you’re using me to test the Allies’ attitude. If they don’t stop me, you can go ahead and make deals with them, right? You really have it all figured out."
Even with his true intentions exposed, Colonel Mario didn’t feel embarrassed. Instead, he praised him, "Mr. Pierre, you really are the sharpest businessman. You saw through our plan at a glance. Yes, there are indeed interested buyers for our warships, but there are certain difficulties with the Allies, so..."
Before he could finish, Pierre stared at him and sneered,
"So, you want to use me, is that it?"
"Mr. Pierre, this deal is actually very favorable for you. Right now, they can escort your fleet, and after the war—"
"That’s not the point!"
Pierre cut him off coldly.
"The point is, using someone comes at a price. If you want to use me to achieve your goals, you’ll have to make an offer."
"So, what price do you have in mind, Mr. Pierre?"
"One dollar!"
As soon as Pierre named his price, Colonel Mario shouted in outrage,
"What? One dollar? Why don’t you just rob us!"
"Rob you? I’m paying, aren’t I?"
Pierre almost rolled his eyes. Don’t accuse me unfairly!
Is one dollar not money?
If I pay, it’s not robbery!
With that, Pierre picked up his napkin, wiped his mouth, and said,
"I’ll be leaving Italy before the 30th. If you make up your mind, you know where to find me."
With that, he didn’t even look back at the other man and turned to leave. As he walked away from the naval colonel, the corners of Pierre’s mouth curled up.
Sometimes, when luck’s on your side, nothing can stop it!
