The next day, Dejoka went to Paris again. He cashed the check and transferred the money into his own account, as Shire was still a minor and couldn't open an account.
Afterwards, Dejoka acquired a checkbook. This was for future business considerations, as he still needed to pay Francis a commission of 110,000 francs in the present, which would be much more convenient with a check.
When Dejoka returned, he was driving a black glossy Ford Model T, with a smooth leather cushion and a shiny silver grille. As he arrived at the doorstep, he intentionally honked the horn a few times.
Dejoka had not informed Camille beforehand; he wanted to surprise her.
Camille, who was preparing lunch inside, did not react immediately. She quietly complained about this rude person honking the horn at someone else's door.
Peeking out, she saw Dejoka sitting in the car, smiling and waving at her, "Hey, beautiful, want to take a ride with me?"
Camille covered her mouth in surprise, then excitedly shouted. She quickly rushed to the door and then came back, shouting to Shire, who was reading in his room, "Shire, it's your father. See what he's brought back!"
Shire smiled, closed his book, and walked out. He had already known that Dejoka would drive a car back.
To avoid getting stranded in Paris like last time, they felt it was necessary to buy a car.
Compared to the 990,000 francs they had just earned, the cost of a Ford Model T seemed trivial. It only cost 1,248 francs and came with three maintenance services.
(Note: The Ford Model T was sold for 260 US Dollars at the time, which was equivalent to 1,248 francs at the exchange rate then.)
Moreover, due to the Germans reaching the outskirts of Paris and causing panic among the citizens, cars were not selling well. Manufacturers even feared keeping these cars in their warehouses as they might become spoils of war for the Germans, hence the huge discount.
Just as Shire stepped out, Dejoka boasted gleefully, "Can you believe it, Shire? I only spent 910 francs in the end to buy it!"
This could be considered one good thing done by the Germans; it was a quarter cheaper than usual.
Camille, excitedly scrutinizing the car from all angles, was cautious, worried that too much force might strip away a piece of the paint.
Was all this real? She could hardly believe it, feeling as if she were dreaming!
She had thought that she would never live such a life, neither was she prepared for this abrupt happiness, which seemed to overwhelm her.
"What are you waiting for?" Dejoka waved at both of them and hollered, "Get in the car!"
The car drove smoothly down the street, with neighbors casting envious glances.
If it were someone else sitting in the car, they might have cursed, "Damn bloodsuckers, flaunting their wealth from our money!", and spat angrily on the ground.
But seeing it was Dejoka's family in the car, everyone waved in greeting:
"Nice car, Mr. Dejoka!"
"Happy for you all!"
"Be careful on the road, Mr. Dejoka, the road to Thiérry is still under construction!"
...
They deserve this, the neighbors thought. They're conscientious capitalists, rare ones that we need!
While Dejoka nodded back all along the way, Camille seemed a bit uneasy sitting in the soft seat, not used to being the center of attention, and carefully waved her thanks.
Only when the car reached the deserted highway did Camille relax. She extended her hand out to feel the breeze, shouting and laughing like a little girl, her face beaming with a happiness unrestrained.
Suddenly, she turned around, hugging Shire, and kissed him on the forehead.
"Thank you, Shire, you are my pride!"
"Mom?!" Shire protested, now it was his turn to feel uncomfortable.
Dejoka laughed heartily, his eyes slightly red.
Camille had said what he wanted to say; he was genuinely grateful to Shire.
Dejoka always wanted to give Camille and Shire a happy life but had never managed to do so. Even looking into the future, it seemed difficult, but Shire had made it happen.
What regrets could there be?
This was all he ever wanted!
Maybe that's why Francis thought he was unambitious!
...
After lunch, Dejoka and Shire went to visit Francis' villa, driving the car there.
Francis stood by the study window looking down at Dejoka's new car. As Dejoka brought Shire inside, he smiled, "Congratulations, Dejoka, a very nice car!"
He then sat down in a chair and added sarcastically, "You have a good son, unlike mine!"
Besides being selfish and unkind, Francis was notoriously caustic.
Dejoka seemed accustomed to this and pulled out a check from his pocket, placing it in front of Francis, "Here's your commission, Father..."
For some reason, it now felt difficult for Dejoka to utter the word "father".
Francis took a monocle with a gold chain from a drawer, put it on, and glanced at the amount on the check. He gave a 'hmm', lifted his head to look at Dejoka and Shire, and asked, "Not considering it?"
"Considering what?" Dejoka put on a puzzled expression.
Shire had already told him that if Francis took the bait, he would try to push his motorbike factory.
Francis said, "The motorbike factory, at the price we agreed upon!"
Dejoka glanced at Shire.
This action made Francis snort disdainfully, unambitious fool, relying on his child to make decisions!
But Shire was indeed outstanding, though it was a pity...
"Mr. Francis!" Shire pointed out of the window, "I believe you've already seen that we bought a Ford, we don't need motorbikes!"
"But you could manufacture motorbikes to sell to others!" Francis said, "I originally intended to hand over the motorbike factory to you!"
Dejoka found this somewhat ironic. If that were the case, you shouldn't be selling it but rather handing it over!
"Sorry!" Shire shook his head, "We're unfamiliar with the motorbike market and do not intend to invest in it before understanding it fully! It's too risky!"
These words applied to themselves, but they were actually aimed at Francis.
Francis deeply agreed and even felt a pang, stung by Shire's words.
He had been in business all his life but only working in two industries: textiles and tractors. Motorbikes were a foreign territory to him, and keeping them would only continue to drain his funds.
Dejoka raised an eyebrow and said, "Maybe I can help you find someone willing to buy it, Father!"
Saying this, he prepared to leave with Shire...
This, of course, was all an act, with premeditated statements.
Francis' first reaction to this was: Who would be mad enough to buy a motorbike factory for 600,000 francs at this time?
"Wait!" Francis stopped Dejoka, "Let's discuss it further!"