Chapter 682: Still Charles' Tactics

Namur Castle Headquarters.

When Gilles stood before Charles, he realized that it was impossible not to hand over the steel mill.

Otherwise, Gilles had reason to believe that the "Selan" steel plant would be bombed into ruins and all he would get would be a pile of scrap metal.

However, Gilles' heart was still bleeding. Selling 50% of the shares at half price was not much different from selling scrap metal.

The difference is that the steel mill will have a strong-willed figure like Charles in charge, and Gilles will not have to worry about any risks and can just enjoy the profits.

Comparing the two, Gilles saw no reason to hesitate.

He took out a document from his briefcase and handed it to Charles. His tone was respectful, but his eyes showed reluctance: "General, this is our offer. If you are satisfied..."

Charles opened the document and took a look. It was $12.5 million.

It was a huge sum of money, but Charles knew it was worth it, even though he had seen the Serran Steel Works.

Charles readily agreed: "No problem, I'll transfer the money to you right away..."

"No, General." Albert I interrupted Charles: "You can wait until the situation stabilizes before making a decision. By then, the situation may change."

What this means is that the Liege Fortress had not yet been recaptured, and the German artillery could directly bomb the "Seran" Steel Plant. The stock price might even fall, and then 50% of the shares would not need to cost so much money.

Gilles glanced at Albert I with a pale face, as if to say: Your Majesty is wise, and you are not at all vague about being generous to others.

Charles has no intention of taking advantage of this small advantage. The "Selan" Steel Plant is very important to him. It can enable the Bernard Group to completely break Schneider's monopoly, which is far more than tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars can compare to.

Therefore, Charles declined Albert I's kindness: "Thank you very much, Your Majesty. But this money is nothing to the Bernard Group. I am willing to reach a cooperation with Gilles as soon as possible."

Ciel could clearly sense Gilles' relief.

…

In the small town of Darwaise, Dejoka was discussing with Stokes the possible industrial property rights of the tank gun.

"Although the tank gun we produce is not exactly the same as the 75 gun." Stokes looked worried, "It is actually an improvement of the 75 gun. There are many similarities in the principles and parts. Some are even just reduced in size. I am worried that Schneider will make things difficult for me because of this."

Deyoka also thought this might be a problem. He thought about it for a while and asked thoughtfully: "So, are these principles and parts similar to the British 6-inch gun?"

"Of course." Stokes nodded affirmatively: "Although there are some differences, the difference is not big..."

Djokovic pointed his finger in the air and said seriously, "So, we have the technology and the replica samples. There is no need to copy the 75 gun, Mr. Stokes!"

Stokes was stunned. The caliber difference between the two was huge. The 6-inch one was a 152MM howitzer, so it would be more appropriate to imitate the 75 gun.

But when he saw the faint smile on Djokovic's face, he immediately understood:

"Yes, of course, Mr. Djoka."

"We have the technology for 6-inch guns, and we produce smoothbore guns."

"This is different from the French 75MM rifled gun, definitely different! It is of course derived from the 6-inch gun, even the production line!"

Djoka and Stokes looked at each other and smiled.

The fact is that the 75 gun has been modified beyond recognition. If there is any similarity, it is that the caliber is the same 75MM, but this is not within the scope of industrial property rights.

At this time, there were several knocks on the door. After getting permission, the secretary sent a telegram: "Mr. Deyoka, General Charles called and asked you to transfer 12.5 million US dollars to this account when you are free to purchase 50% of the shares of the 'Selan' steel plant."

Dejoka didn't feel anything. He had not been in business for long and had little experience. Although he had heard of the "Serran" Steel Plant, it was just hearsay and he had no feelings about this Belgian steel plant.

Stokes exclaimed: "Serran Steel Works? $12.5 million for 50% of the shares?"

Djokovic asked: "Is it worth it?"

"Are you kidding?" Stokes looked puzzled: "Of course it's worth it, Mr. Djokovic. This is almost buying Belgium's voice. No one will sell it at such a cheap price, even if you have money you can't buy it..."

Stokes understood before he finished speaking, that was because the buyer was Shire.

Djoka raised his eyebrows and jokingly said: "This is the winner's prize."

Military, politics, and business, under Charles's control, are forming a virtuous circle and are growing like a snowball.

…

Namur Command.

After confirming the funds had arrived and signing, Charles sent Albert I and Gilles away.

The two men had different expressions. Albert I looked very satisfied as if he had won a battle, while Gilles sighed with a sense of loss.

Charles was very satisfied with this deal. He understood Albert I's intention: as long as Liege was recaptured and defended, the "Seran" Steel Works would be truly safe. The two could be said to be one and the same.

But Charles was willing to board the ship.

Isn't it the Fortress of Liege?

After entering the Ardennes Mountains, the Germans defending Liege will feel a chill on their backs, and their defense line should be extended to the Ardennes Mountains.

Just as Charles was contentedly flipping through the information of the "Selan" Steel Plant, Tijani, who was guarding in front of the radio station, suddenly ran up to Charles with a telegram.

"General, the Russians have launched a counterattack, a large-scale counterattack. They have concentrated four armies with 570,000 troops to attack the Austro-Hungarian defense line. Within a few hours, they broke through the enemy's defense line at two locations at the same time and achieved a major victory!"

Charles was stunned for a moment. He glanced at the calendar on the table to confirm that it was only April.

"He attacked ahead of time," said Charles.

"What?" Tijani didn't understand what Charles meant.

"I mean Brusinov, he should wait until June to attack." Charles frowned.

But Charles immediately thought that this might not be something Brusinov could decide. Russia was on the brink of collapse and they urgently needed a victory to defuse a possible revolution in the country.

Therefore, after knowing a feasible plan, one can't wait to reap the fruit in advance.

"How do you know the commander is Brusinov?" Tijani looked at Charles in shock.

The next second Tijani understood: "You have seen him, right? Is this the tactic you gave him? Or is this victory also your masterpiece?"

Charles didn't answer, which was considered as his consent.

Tijani looked frustrated.

Just now, he thought that there would be a commander other than Charles and a completely new tactic in this world.

I didn’t expect it to still be Charles’ tactic!

(End of this chapter)