I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France

"Hey, Dejoka." As Dejoka appeared at the door, James greeted him with a smiling face and a warm handshake: "Great to see you. I thought of visiting you when I passed through Davaz last time, but they told me you were busy at the factory."

This was a canned statement; James hadn't left Paris at all during this period.

"Yes, there have been a lot of things at the factory recently," Dejoka replied.

"How's it going, the insurance company must have made a lot?" James asked casually.

"Just okay," Dejoka chuckled lightly. "Besides, we can't call it 'making money', wartime risks are unpredictable."

James hummed as he took two glasses of red wine from Paulina, giving one to Dejoka: "Shire's predictions are spot on, no one can match him in this regard, just like he bombed the steel factory."

James's words had a sharp edge, but his face remained kindly, as if conversing with an old friend after a long absence.

Dejoka laughed it off: "Shire is just doing his best to defeat the enemy."

This was a double entendre; the enemy could refer to the Germans on the battlefield or the capitalists targeting Shire in the business arena.

James was momentarily stunned, then exchanged a knowing smile with Dejoka.

After a round of verbal sparring, it was clear to both that neither was a benevolent figure.

But unlike last time, Dejoka was much more relaxed now, wearing his usual old suit, appearing more confident and poised.

On the contrary, James seemed a bit nervous, trying to disguise it, not wanting Dejoka to see his anxious expression.

"Your visit this time." James sat down gracefully on the sofa, raising his red wine towards Dejoka: "You're not thinking of bombing somewhere again, are you?"

"Of course not, Mr. James," Dejoka answered. "I am here to discuss cooperation with you."

"Cooperation?" James feigned surprise.

In fact, he had already guessed that Dejoka's intention was likely to buy some quality assets from Schneider while they were struggling internally and externally.

"Yes." Dejoka put on a helpless expression: "The Bernard Company is not having an easy time either, Mr. James. We bought the steel factory, but we have neither the technology nor the talent, and the steel factory is still in the German-controlled area, not yet recovered."

Dejoka shook his head self-mockingly: "To produce qualified steel ourselves, who knows how many years we have to wait?"

James hummed, understanding the meaning behind Dejoka's words: "You're hoping to buy smelting and forging technology from me to prepare for the steel factory?"

Dejoka nodded heavily: "Yes, Mr. James, if you could transfer some skilled workers, that would be even better."

James smiled slightly: "When do you need them?"

"As soon as possible," Dejoka replied. "I have opened an experimental factory in Davaz, intending to train a group of qualified workers first. You know, preparing in advance for receiving the factory."

"Mmhm." James nodded in approval: "A very good idea."

As he lowered his head to drink his wine, a hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes.

The previous question was a probe.

If Dejoka had given a definite time, James would know that Shire hoped to take over the steel factory before then.

Thus, James could use the Germans' hand to create some trouble for Shire.

However, Dejoka had cunningly given a vague answer.

After thinking for a while, James replied: "No problem, Mr. Dejoka, since you asked, I will certainly do my best to satisfy. Let's arrange a list another day..."

"Thank you very much." Dejoka eagerly took out a document from his briefcase and handed it over.

James's smile became somewhat unnatural.

This wasn't what he wanted; skilled workers are a valuable asset to the company, some even involving industry secrets, and can't be casually transferred.

However, James understood he couldn't stop it.

Shire actually didn't need James's approval; those workers were protesting outside right now. Shire only needed to call out, and most would run to Shire's factory.

Shire wanted James's consent to ease conflicts, or so James believed.

This was advantageous for James because he could claim that Schneider and Shire had reached some cooperation, thereby alleviating people's protests and resistance against Schneider.

James took the form and looked it over, finding no issues. Dejoka demanded a few workers, avoiding sensitive positions, clearly prepared.

"Additionally," Dejoka added, "I heard your company has a batch of 'St. Chamond' in the warehouse that cannot be sold. I can purchase it at 10,000 francs each, just right for training workers. If the price is suitable, I can also buy the industrial property of 'St. Chamond' to avoid any intellectual property disputes."

James heard, good news?

There were over a hundred 'St. Chamond' tanks accumulated in the warehouse, originally intended to be melted down. Now they could sell for 10,000 francs each, plus industrial property, totaling at least two million francs.

Although not much money, earning some is better than none, so he agreed without much thought.

James never expected that Dejoka went through such lengths, seemingly adding a purchase of 'St. Chamond' as a side, but actually, 'St. Chamond' was his real target.

Indeed, Shire's real target.

Dejoka found it hard to understand over the phone:

"You're mad, Shire, buying 'St. Chamond'?"

"Isn't it something the Germans defeats time and again on the battlefield?"

"People have already deemed it unsuitable for the battlefield. Your 'Shire A1' is much stronger, yet you want to buy it now!"

Shire didn't explain much, just responded: "That's because they don't know how to use it, father. 'St. Chamond' isn't completely useless; it can find its place on the battlefield."

Seeing Shire's insistence, Dejoka stopped opposing. After all, a few hundred thousand francs doesn't matter, buying it is fine.

But in the next second, Dejoka felt troubled: "James is not short of money either, Shire. If we directly state our purchase intention, he'll guess 'St. Chamond' has value he missed, making the purchase more difficult."

"Yes," Shire answered calmly: "So, we should make it appear like an insignificant giveaway."

"Giveaway?" Dejoka was stunned.

"Yes, a giveaway." Shire explained: "Our steel factory needs workers, and workers need practice, best with old tanks, so we need 'St. Chamond'."

On the other end of the phone, Dejoka half-opened his mouth without reacting for a while.

Was this still the Shire he used to know?