Marvel 1919 : Rise of an Empire

Another reason Vito came to George was to mediate on behalf of the Basini Family, who had been indirectly involved in the recent incident.

Now that all the high-ranking members of the Jewish Gang who directly participated had been eliminated, the Basini Family feared that similar retaliation might befall them.

Seeking to avoid conflict, they approached the Corleone Family, hoping to receive forgiveness.

George felt that the previous actions were sufficient to deter those blinded by profit, and he didn't want to escalate things further.

He accepted a $500,000 check from the Basini Family, signaling that he would not pursue the matter any longer.

However, George stated that the liquor business would need to switch suppliers, and he would reassess future cooperation with them next year.

As for the new supplier, George left that decision to Vito and chose not to interfere.

After seeing Vito off, George temporarily shelved liquor-related matters.

At least until October, before the arrival of the new wine, all existing shares would remain under the current terms.

Once the new wine arrived, expanding the sales channels might become necessary.

George returned to working on patents (albeit plagiarized ones), and even the success of his newly popular novel failed to lift his spirits.

Four days later, in the afternoon, George had just finished lunch when the doorbell rang.

The servant opened the door to reveal Boeing, who appeared slightly travel-worn.

George assumed Boeing had come directly after getting off the train.

Once settled in the study, the servant brought in two cups of coffee.

After the servant left, George asked, "Mr. Boeing, how is it? Have you given it any thought?"

"Yes, Mr. Orwell. In this current environment, I can no longer support Boeing Company.

If your offer still stands as promised, I am willing to accept the acquisition."

"Of course. First, let me inform you that besides Boeing Company, I've also acquired another aircraft company.

You must have heard of Lockheed Corporation, right?"

"Yes, their F-1 aircraft is quite well known."

"Exactly. That company now belongs entirely to me.

So, you can see how much importance I place on the aviation industry."

"I plan to acquire Boeing Company for $1 million.

Afterward, Boeing Company will merge with Lockheed Corporation to form a new company named PL Airlines.

You will serve as the General Manager.

I'll grant you a 10% management bonus. As long as you remain with the company, that 10% share will be yours."

"Take some time to think it over; I can wait for your answer."

There was a long silence before Boeing finally said, "Alright. But I don't want to be treated merely as a tool."

"Of course. I will not interfere with the airline's operations unless a fatal mistake is made.

Lockheed personnel will be assigned to the R&D department and won't participate in management.

Roles will be reassigned once the merger is complete.

Can you decide now?"

"Alright, boss."

"Don't worry, PL Airlines will become the world's strongest airline. I believe in you.

By the way, can you handle the contract yourself?"

"Yes, boss."

"Great. Please wait."

George called Paul, who then brought a lawyer. Lunch was also prepared for Boeing.

That afternoon, after finalizing the contract, they discussed a few key points regarding PL Airlines.

First, the merger would happen, with Boeing as General Manager, and the original design teams from Boeing and Lockheed would become the new R&D department.

The company's headquarters would be established at the current Boeing Company site, and all reward bonuses George previously promised would be written into the company's policies, ensuring R&D personnel's income and incentives.

Part of PL Company's New York office would be allocated as PL Airlines' branch office.

Paul would handle the relocation of Lockheed Corporation.

The broader strategy was set; execution was left to Boeing.

After the acquisition, George visited Arthur and General Arthur to inform them of the Boeing acquisition and that Boeing would now represent the company in military procurement.

General Arthur was astonished. Just a few months ago, George was a high school student seeking a university recommendation letter.

Now, within months, he had quietly acquired three major American companies.

This made George even more confident about securing military contracts.

From now on, Boeing and its team would handle the details. George would simply observe.

The next day, Ryan returned to New York, bringing Baird with him.

George noticed Baird's thin, malnourished appearance.

At lunch, Baird moved from nervous to talkative.

"Boss, when do I start work? And where will the lab be?" he asked eagerly.

"Don't rush, Baird. Your health is poor and needs attention.

You've seen Ryan's ability. After I activate the seed for you, Ryan will guide you on using it.

You'll cultivate for only half an hour a day to gradually restore your health.

I'll also arrange proper nutrition for you."

"Okay, boss. I've been recovering well lately. I think I'm ready to work."

"Take it slow. We still need to purchase lab equipment.

But I won't leave you idle.

You're currently developing mechanical television, right? Well, someone is already working on electronic TV."

"Electronic TV? Is that even possible?" Baird was shocked.

"Nothing is impossible. Science advances, and there are many geniuses in this world.

Next, I need you and Ryan to invite that person. You'll collaborate on future television development."

That afternoon, George implanted a Chakra seed in Baird and had Ryan teach him the Extraction Technique.

Baird's physical issues were due to long-term exhaustion and malnutrition, easily treatable with time.

Implanting the Chakra seed also helped gain his trust quickly.

After all, as a high-IQ scientist, he wouldn't just follow someone abroad without a compelling reason.

George decided to let them rest for a few days, then head to Idaho to find Farnsworth.

Farnsworth was still farming potatoes, having recently moved from Utah.

Though George only knew he was somewhere in Idaho, the state's low population made it feasible to locate him within two months.

Ryan was only to teach Baird the Extraction Technique—combat training like the Three Body Technique wasn't needed for researchers.

The following day, Baird and Ryan departed. Baird was eager to meet the 14-year-old genius George had mentioned.

After they left, George's villa became quiet again. He resumed working on small, livelihood-related inventions.

He also had Pineapple find language teachers to teach him multiple foreign languages.

With a super brain and the Clone Technique, it would be wasteful not to learn more.

Soon, George's school interview approached.

University interviews were common at the time. By the 21st century, they were less frequent as grades and recommendations became enough.

However, U.S. universities, regardless of era, mostly served wealthy families.

Ordinary students had to support themselves after turning 18, usually through jobs at McDonald's or coffee shops.

Though not difficult, such jobs didn't cover university expenses.

Before leaving for his school interview, George shipped August's liquor shipment.

This time, Corleone paid a substantial $2 million.

George accepted it, and his bank account neared $3 million.

The day before heading to Cambridge, he transferred $2 million to the company's account and instructed the purchase of all circulating shares of Boeing Company and Coca-Cola.

He also asked for research into Pepsi and to acquire all its circulating stock.

It was an ideal time to buy at the bottom.

Pepsi still survived by imitating Coca-Cola. Some called it role modeling, others called it commercial plagiarism.

While such tactics build initial brand awareness, constant imitation eventually harms brand identity.

George planned to own both Coca-Cola and Pepsi, having them appear as rivals while he profited behind the scenes.

Merging them wasn't an option due to U.S. antitrust laws, enacted after trusts monopolized industries post-Civil War.

Currently, George owns two aircraft companies, Coca-Cola, and a light weapons company.

After merging the aircraft companies, they'd still face competition.

He envisioned Coca-Cola and Pepsi forming a visible rivalry, like certain brands in modern China that were owned by the same entity.

The weapons company only needed to launch a classic firearm to make its mark.

In capitalism, total control is unsustainable.

Though George had caused minor ripples, he hadn't attracted serious attention yet—not even from HYDRA.

At this stage, HYDRA was still a fringe cult in some small European families. Only after Red Skull's takeover would it become the behemoth seen in Marvel.

However, George had drawn the attention of century-old families and powerful financial groups.

Look at the DuPonts (gunpowder), Rockefellers (oil), and Morgans (finance).

Just because they're not in Marvel doesn't mean they don't exist.

Capitalism is a world where the rich get richer.

As capital accumulates, financial groups or interest blocs form.

Does George have anything they want? Absolutely: battery technology and injection molding machines.

That's why he hasn't released the latter yet—he's wary of losing control.

Still, George has a plan: if he can't beat them, he'll join them.

In the capitalist world, what matters is capital.

As long as he offers value, many things can be negotiated.

End of Chapter 35

Translator's Note: Thank you for reading! Please comment, share your thoughts, or point out any mistakes so I can keep improving. 😊