CHAPTER 678: CHAPTER 678: SHIRE’S TACTICS REMAIN THE SAME

Namur Castle Command.

When Gilles stood in front of Shire, he realized that it was impossible not to hand over the steel factory.

Otherwise, Gilles had reason to believe that the Seren Steel Factory would be bombed to ruins, and he would be left with nothing but 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 was that Shire, this iron-fisted figure, would be stationed at the steel factory, and Gilles wouldn’t need to worry about risks and could enjoy the dividends.

Comparing the two options, Gilles thought there was no reason to hesitate.

He took out a document from his briefcase and handed it to Shire, speaking respectfully but with a look of reluctance: "General, this is our offer. If you are satisfied..."

Shire opened the document and glanced at it, 12.5 million US Dollars.

This was a huge amount of money, but Shire knew it was definitely worth it, even though he had seen the Seren Steel Factory.

Shire readily agreed: "No problem, I will transfer the funds to you immediately..."

"No, General." Albert I interrupted Shire: "You can wait for the situation to stabilize before making a decision. At that time, the situation might change."

The implication was that Liege Fortress had not been recaptured yet, and the German artillery could directly bomb the Seren Steel Factory. The stock price might drop, and the 50% shares wouldn’t cost so much then.

Gilles glanced pale-faced at Albert I, as if to say: Your Majesty is wise and unambiguous in using someone else’s generosity.

Shire had no intention of taking advantage of this small gain. The Seren Steel Factory was very important to him. It could allow the Bernard Group to completely break Schneider’s monopoly, which was worth far more than tens or hundreds of thousands of USD.

Therefore, Shire politely declined Albert I’s offer: "Thank you very much, Your Majesty. But this amount of money is nothing for the Bernard Group; I am very willing to reach an agreement with Gilles as soon as possible."

Shire could clearly see Gilles let out a sigh of relief.

...

In Davaz Town, Dejoka was discussing possible industrial property issues of tank cannons with Stokes.

"Although our tank cannons are different from the 75 cannons." Stokes looked worried: "But they are actually modified from 75 cannons. The principles and parts are very similar, some even just reduced in size. I am worried that Schneider would make things difficult for us."

Dejoka also felt this might be a trouble after listening. He thought for a moment and asked thoughtfully: "Then, are these principles and parts similar to those of the British 6-inch cannon?"

"Of course." Stokes nodded affirmatively: "Although there are some differences, they are not significant..."

Dejoka pointed in the air with his finger and said seriously, "So, we have the technology and samples for imitation. We don’t need to imitate the 75 cannon at all, Mr. Stokes!"

Stokes was taken aback. The difference in caliber was too great. A 6-inch cannon was a 152MM howitzer. Of course, imitating the 75 cannon would be more suitable.

But when he saw the faint smile on Dejoka’s face, he instantly understood:

"Yes, of course, Mr. Dejoka."

"We have the technology of the 6-inch cannon, still producing smooth bore cannons."

"This is completely different from the French 75MM rifled cannon, it is certainly different! It definitely comes from the 6-inch cannon, even the production line!"

Dejoka and Stokes looked at each other and smiled.

The fact was that the 75 cannon had been modified beyond recognition. If anything was similar, it was only the caliber being 75MM, but this was not within the scope of industrial property.

Just then, there were a few knocks on the door, and after getting permission, the secretary brought in a telegram: "Mr. Dejoka, General Shire has sent a telegram asking you to transfer 12.5 million US dollars to this account to purchase 50% of the ’Seren’ Steel Factory’s shares."

Dejoka didn’t feel much as he hadn’t been in business for long and although he had heard of the Seren Steel Factory, it was only hearsay. He had no concept of this Belgian steel factory.

But Stokes exclaimed in shock: "’Seren’ Steel Factory? 12.5 million US dollars to buy 50% of the shares?"

Dejoka asked: "Is it worth it?"

"Are you kidding?" Stokes looked incredulous: "Of course it is worth it, Mr. Dejoka. This is almost buying the right to speak in Belgium. No one would sell at such a low price, even if they had the money..."

Before he could finish, Stokes understood. It was because the buyer was Shire.

Dejoka raised an eyebrow and joked, "This is the victor’s prize."

Military, politics, business, under Shire’s manipulation, they were forming a virtuous cycle, growing bigger like a snowball.

...

In Namur Command.

After confirming the fund transfer and signing, Shire saw off Albert I and Gilles.

Their expressions were different. Albert I was ambitious and full of confidence, while Gilles sighed in melancholy and regret.

Shire was very satisfied with this deal. He understood Albert I’s intention: as long as Liege was recaptured and held, the ’Seren’ Steel Factory would be truly safe. The two were inseparable.

But Shire was willing to board this ship.

Wasn’t it just Liege Fortress?

After crossing the Arden Mountains, the Germans stationed in Liege would feel their backs chill, and their frontline would need to extend to the Arden Mountains.

Just as Shire was contentedly flipping through the ’Seren’ Steel Factory’s documents, Tijani, who was guarding the radio, suddenly ran over with a telegram.

"General, the Russians have launched a counterattack, a large-scale counterattack. They have concentrated 570,000 troops from four armies to attack Austria-Hungary’s defense line and broke through the enemy’s line from two places within a few hours, achieving significant victories!"

Shire was momentarily stunned. He glanced at the calendar on the table to confirm that it was only April.

"He attacked early." Shire said.

"What?" Tijani didn’t understand Shire’s meaning.

"I’m talking about Brusilov. He should have waited until June to launch the attack." Shire frowned.

But then Shire thought that this might not be Brusilov’s decision. Russia was on the brink of collapse, and they urgently needed a victory to quell a potential revolution at home.

So, upon learning of a feasible plan, they hastily seized the opportunity.

"How do you know the commander is Brusilov?" Tijani looked at Shire in shock.

In the next second, Tijani understood: "You’ve met him, haven’t you? Is this your tactic or is this victory also your handiwork?"

Shire did not answer, which was a tacit admission.

Tijani looked dejected.

Just now, he thought there would be another commander with different strategies in the world besides Shire.

But it turned out it was still Shire’s tactics!