Sometimes, you can only catch one sheep and pluck it.
It's not because of other reasons, but because this sheep is easier to pluck and doesn't even cry.
So, I need to pluck it a few more times later.
Once again, on Christmas Day, George came to Italy.
In Taranto, there are other assets worth buying. As one of the few industrial towns in the south, it is also the most important naval base of the Italian Navy. Because of this, there are both arsenals and shipyards here.
However, George was a little late. The shipyard had been bought by Onassis's agent, the future Greek shipping king, who was later married to the young widow with a big brain.
Although it was a little late to start with the shipyard, it was not late at all for the arsenal. However, after learning about the current situation of the arsenal, George chose to give up directly - the Allied bombing almost razed the entire factory to the ground, and most of the equipment became scrap metal.
I have no interest in scrap metal at all.
But it depends on what it is. Some scrap metal is indeed worth buying. In fact, he came here just to buy scrap metal.
Just like now, looking at the naval colonel in front of him, George didn't even know how to describe his mood.
"I'm just a businessman, colonel."
After drinking a sip of tea, George was a little confused. What do they think of him?
Is he an arms dealer?
Am I that kind of person?
"Yes, we know very well that Mr. George is definitely a businessman, and the most successful one."
Colonel Mario said respectfully.
"That's why I found Mr. George. After all, you already have your own fleet. It is very dangerous for the fleet to sail on the sea now. How can it sail safely without escort? So, I will find you and provide you with a solution."
Colonel Mario continued his sales pitch, but as an officer, he was obviously not a very good salesman and failed to grasp the initiative from beginning to end.
Even when he talked about the solution, his confidence was still a little insufficient.
"There are still some Italian warships in the port of Taranto, including destroyers suitable for escort missions, and the best destroyer is the Soldati-class destroyer, with a standard displacement of 1,690-1,820 tons, a full load displacement of 2,460-2,475 tons, a total length of 106.7 meters, a full width of 10.15 meters, and a draft of 3.5 meters; the total power of the steam turbine is 48,000 horsepower, and the maximum speed can reach 38 knots. With two twin-mounted 120mm guns, it can be said that the speed is fast enough and the guns are powerful enough...."
Listening to the colonel's persistent introduction, it would be a lie to say that I was not tempted. The reason why I didn't agree to it was because... I wanted to lower the price.
Business negotiations have always been like this. The more interested you are, the more you have to show that you are not interested. Besides, George came here originally for the Italian warships in Taranto, but to his surprise, there was no Italian warship. When he made a move, the other party actually came to his door directly.
I have to say, sometimes people are really lucky!
"The most important thing is that it requires very few crew members. Usually only 160 people are needed, and 200 people are enough in wartime. Moreover, Mr. George, if you are willing to buy it, I can be responsible for recruiting crew members for you, from captains to ordinary sailors, guaranteed to be the best..."
George said before Mario finished speaking.
"In Taranto, there are unemployed sailors and naval officers and soldiers everywhere. As long as I want, I can hire a naval lieutenant with just a few kilograms of white."
In Italy, who doesn't know that I am a conscientious capitalist? The employees of the acquired companies are paid with white and Camel cigarettes. Absolute conscience!
Looking at Mario, George said.
"I need to tell you the truth. Why did you sell me the warships, and the best ones... Let me see, the Musketeer, the Grenadier, the Machine Gunner, the Legion, the Javelinman, wow, five destroyers, how much did they cost?"
"1.2 million US dollars."
Colonel Mario sighed helplessly, and then said.
"In fact, as we all know, Italy is an ally on the surface, but it is actually a defeated country. It is difficult for us to keep these warships, just like the Germans lost their warships back then. These warships will eventually be taken away by the Allies. So, while these warships are still in our hands, selling them may be the best choice. However, there are no buyers for warships, and no one dares to buy them..."
Looking at George, the friend of the US President, he is not only rich, but also has connections with the president and the Allied high-level officials. He even has his own army, and he has played an unimaginable role in the battle.
That is why they are thinking about him, Mario said.
"Only you can buy these warships, and you don't have to worry about the interference of the allies. After all, you are the president's agent."
See, this is the benefit of the tiger skin.
With the tiger skin of the prime minister's agent, no matter what you do, you will have conveniences that outsiders can't imagine. "But, I'm a businessman, and it doesn't make sense to buy warships."
"That's no problem. We can sell it to you in the name of scrap iron. More than 7,000 tons of scrap iron will only cost you 1.2 million, an average of less than 200 US dollars per ton, which is just a little more expensive than scrap iron."
"Too expensive, if it is scrap iron, it is only worth 100 US dollars at most."
Lighting a cigarette, George looked at the other party and said.
"You know, I'm taking a big risk. You want to sell scrap metal, but the problem is that no one dares to buy it. There are cruisers and battleships in Taranto, why don't you sell them? You know that the Allies will definitely intervene, so these destroyers are your attempt. You want to test the waters, right?"
Frowning, after a little thought, George finally understood the other party's idea.
"It's not that no one wants your warships. It should be said that there are many people interested, such as Argentina. They made a lot of money in the world war. They may have already set their eyes on your battleships and cruisers. Well, other South American countries are also potential buyers. The only problem is... how to avoid interference from the Allies."
After revealing the Italian's thoughts, George sneered.
"So, you want to use me to test the attitude of the Allies. If the Allies don't stop you, you can trade with them, right? You are really smart."
Even though the real expectation was exposed, Colonel Mario didn't feel embarrassed, but praised. "Mr. George, you are indeed the most astute businessman. You saw through our plan at a glance. Indeed, someone is interested in our warships, but the Allies will have certain difficulties, so..."
Before he finished speaking, George stared at the other party and sneered:
"So, you have to use me, right?"
"Mr. George, this deal is indeed very cost-effective for you. Now they can escort your fleet, and wait until after the war..."
"It doesn't matter!"
George said coldly.
"The important thing is that using people comes at a price. If you want to use me to achieve your goals, you always need to offer a price."
"Then what Mr. George means is..."
"1 dollar!"
After George made the offer, Colonel Mario screamed excitedly.
"What, 1 dollar, why don't you just rob it!"
"Rob? I paid for it!"
George almost rolled his eyes at the other party, don't wrongly accuse me!
Isn't one dollar money?
If you pay for it, it's not robbing!
After that, George took the napkin and wiped his mouth and said.
"I will leave Italy before the 30th. If you make a decision, you know where to find me."
After that, he turned around and left without even seeing the other party. With his back to the naval captain, George's mouth corners rose.
Sometimes, when luck comes, it can't be stopped!