However, Francis was evidently not so easily convinced. He collected the disdain from the corners of his mouth and said solemnly:
"Regrettably, we also have no way to command France's Fifth Army Group. We cannot even affect the higher-ups; we are merely... somewhat accomplished businessmen."
Francis shrugged slightly with embarrassment, admitting to Shire that his lack of military or political background made him uncomfortable.
The capitalists who control the lifeblood of the nation are not industrialists; they are the 200 major shareholders of the Banque de France, the so-called "200 families." They enjoy the privilege of issuing currency, controlling national loans, mastering the national economy, and even influencing the country's decision-making.
Though the Francis Tractor Factory could rank among the top 100 in France, it is just a worker in front of banking capital. Every year, 7% of its net profit would fall into the pockets of banking capital through loan interest.
Shire rolled up the map, set it aside, and answered calmly:
"We don't need to command them, nor do we need to influence the military high command, sir!"
"Think about it, the Fifth Army Group has been chased by the Germans all the way. They might have lost food, ammunition, and even rifles; the soldiers could be starving for days."
"If you can prepare to purchase as much food as possible, coupled with the machine gun factory you've just acquired, you can provide the necessary supplies for the Fifth Army Group."
"Though not much, it's certainly better than squeezing into chaotic Paris only to be surrounded, don't you agree?"
Francis understood Shire's idea; it was to use food to attract small fish, then use small fish to lure big fish, ultimately turning the tide of the battle!
However,
"Are the Germans really so easily fooled?" Francis asked dubiously, "Just because the Fifth Army Group changed its escape direction, would they alter their plan to surround Paris?"
That's surrounding Paris, the political center and transportation hub of France!
Shire replied unhurriedly:
"If it's only the Fifth Army Group, they might not be fooled. But what if they mistakenly believe that France intends not to hold Paris?"
"Government officials have already retreated, civilians are fleeing, and the garrison's morale is in turmoil with no will to fight."
"If we then spread 'rumors' that the garrison is ready to retreat, the Germans would only find an empty city. Do you think the Germans would still need to surround Paris?"
Francis was dumbfounded; if Paris were an empty city, it would indeed be unnecessary to surround it. Instead, chasing the Fifth Army Group would result in gains.
After all, destroying the enemy's active forces would swiftly, effectively, and thoroughly defeat France and render her powerless to resist. This was a very apparent logic.
In this way, the possibility of the Germans being deceived greatly increased!
Shire added another sentence:
"I believe Paris is full of German spies. They will convey these 'rumors' to the Germans."
Francis nodded slightly, looking at Shire as if seeing a stranger for the first time.
Is this a plan conceived by a 17-year-old boy?
Is this a wisdom a high school student could possess?
Perhaps, there had been too little attention paid to him normally, leading to today's surprise at his performance.
Then, the businessman's habit made Francis weigh the pros and cons in his mind:
This plan would be challenging to execute, but it did have the potential to succeed.
And as long as there was even 1% chance, it was worth trying since it would save France from peril, and also save his factory!
Shire then took a sip of coffee and leaned back against the chair calmly:
"Sir, if we succeed, you will become a hero of France."
"Your name will be known far and wide, everyone will know you; this is the best advertisement. By then, whether it's tractors, motorcycles, or machine guns, they will all sell out!"
"France will cheer for you!"
Francis's eyes gradually brightened, amazed by the commercial benefits Shire depicted.
No!
Not just commercial benefits, he would also potentially enter the political and military realms and become a pivotal figure in France, possibly even rivaling the 200 families!
And the stakes? Just buying some food and informing the military.
But Francis still maintained a stern face, his tone turning cold:
"Do you think I would steal your idea and claim it as my own?"
Shire shook his head:
"No, sir. I am requesting you to do so."
"Otherwise, they might conscript me because of it!"
Francis hesitated, he hadn't considered this issue.
Indeed, if Shire had such military talent and France was in turmoil, despite his young age, he could be exceptionally conscripted. This was the demand of war!
Thus, it could only be Francis's idea.
Francis looked at Shire with some guilt:
"Then, you..."
He felt he had stolen something from the young man, especially since this young man had always been someone he looked down upon.
Shire generously smiled:
"I have no issues at all."
"It has always been your idea, sir. I am just here for a cup of coffee."
As he spoke, Shire raised his coffee cup and praised:
"Great coffee!"
Francis considered for a moment, then relaxed. Businessmen always thrive on mutual benefits; as long as it was seen as a deal, there was no "theft."
He said:
"You are right, Shire. I think we should start acting immediately. Can you assist Mr. Joseph in managing the tractor factory?"
The tractor factory didn't need assistance; this was a form of recognizing Shire's status, also a test for Shire, or perhaps a form of exchange.
Of course, Shire understood what this seemingly light sentence meant; he originally wanted the machine gun factory, but it should be taken step by step.
"Alright, sir." Shire replied, "I am honored!"
...
When Francis walked downstairs, the whispering Pierre and Dejoka simultaneously stood up to greet him, seemingly curious about the conversation in the study.
Francis suddenly understood why Shire wanted to avoid others; if this matter leaked and the Germans knew, they wouldn't change their route to chase to the east of Paris, and Shire would be conscripted.
"Brilliant fellow!" Francis silently praised.
Then he turned his gaze to Dejoka, nodding approvingly: "You have a good son, Dejoka, and he's well educated!"
"Father!" Dejoka was taken aback.
Francis rarely praised him; in his father's eyes, he was always one to be indecisive and sentimental, while a successful businessman should be as ruthless and unscrupulous as Pierre.
Francis didn't say much more; he turned his gaze to Pierre:
"I need to make a trip to Paris. Use all our reserves to purchase food, even if it means exchanging tractors if necessary!"
Pierre looked terrified: "Father, this will leave us with nothing and make us paupers..."
"Do as I say!" Francis interrupted Pierre sternly.
"Yes, Father!" Pierre replied reluctantly.
Francis once again grabbed his hat and coat from the rack and hurriedly stepped out the door. As he boarded the Ford Model T, he couldn't help sighing:
His two children, incredibly not even comparable to one child!
At the same time, Francis felt puzzled: How could a maid's child turn out to be so exceptional?