The Rise Of A Billionaire 1943

Talented people must be cultivated.

Three hundred people is just the beginning.

Besides this batch of 300 students majoring in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, hydraulics, mining, metallurgy, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and other science and engineering fields, in the future, Pierre would gradually send all the engineering students to study in America, or to train at large American companies. In short, the foundation of talent must be solidified first.

But for now, transferring several hundred people was already the limit—after all, the front lines still needed manpower.

Among those being transferred, some would be sent to study abroad, while another group would accompany Pierre to Italy. Some would stay by Pierre's side to learn how to acquire companies, while others would enter the acquired companies for training.

Once things in France were on track, Pierre led his team straight to Italy.

...

Naples, the largest city in southern Italy, had been under Allied occupation since last year...

Under occupation, although the Italian civil authorities were still performing their duties, it was the British and American military police patrolling the streets of Naples. Jeeps shuttled back and forth, carrying soldiers from both countries, constantly reminding everyone: this city was under Allied occupation.

Naples under Allied occupation was different from other regions. For example, some of Mussolini's supporters were subject to retribution, including the industrialist Nicola Romeo. This industrial tycoon was arrested by the Allies, and at the same time, his company, Alfa Romeo, was seized by the occupying forces.

Occupation came in the name of liberation.

Plunder came in the name of justice.

After all, during the war, Alfa Romeo had produced a large number of vehicles and tens of thousands of aircraft engines. As a major company fully supported by Mussolini, it was only natural for it to be targeted for retribution.

However, Nicola Romeo's detention by the Allies did not last long. He had already been released two months ago. Yet the once-renowned industrialist had now fallen on hard times—his factory had suffered severe damage in the bombings, the banks were demanding repayment of loans, and he himself was still technically "on bail"—meaning the Allied investigation into him was not over, and he could be thrown back in jail at any time.

"God is my witness, I am just a businessman!"

Once again, facing Pierre, the tycoon from America, Nicola Romeo earnestly defended himself.

"I only did what every businessman must do: I received orders and fulfilled them, nothing more."

Listening to his defense, Pierre cut straight to the point.

"That's not important, Mr. Romeo. What matters now is that the Allied investigation into you isn't over. As the war progresses, they could arrest you again at any moment, just as they've already done with some war criminals."

With a slight smile, Pierre almost wanted to thank the Allies. After the Kingdom of Italy laid down its arms, the Allies finally bared their fangs—arresting war criminals, both generals and capitalists alike.

It was precisely for this reason that people like Nicola Romeo lived in constant fear.

"My God, since when did businessmen become war criminals? This is simply absurd!"

Although helpless, all Nicola Romeo could do was complain a little—he didn't even have the courage to complain much, since the Allies could throw him in jail at any time.

But for now, praying to God was useless. Looking at the young man before him, Nicola Romeo said,

"Pierre, tell me, what is your purpose in coming here?"

"Your company."

"What?"

Nicola Romeo was taken aback, then suddenly burst out laughing.

"You should know my factory has already been seized by the Allies."

"I know. And most of your equipment was destroyed in the bombings. There's no point in acquiring it."

"In that case, why are you still interested in my factory?"

"Technology."

Pierre answered bluntly.

"I'm very interested in the engine technology your company possesses. That's why I'm here."

Although Italy was only a second- or even third-rate power among the great nations, that didn't mean it lacked its own strengths. Alfa Romeo's engine technology was absolutely world-class, and its production quality was also top-notch. Take Italy's SM.75 aircraft, for example—it used three Alfa Romeo 1278 engines. In 1942, it flew to Tokyo and back, a total journey of 20,000 kilometers, demonstrating the excellence of its engines.

In sharp contrast, transport planes from Germany, Japan, and even the United States were plagued by engine fires and reliability issues. Alfa Romeo's engines might not have matched the power of those from other countries, but their reliability was second to none. Moreover, Alfa Romeo was among the earliest companies to research jet engines, having already produced them during the war.

And its products weren't limited to aircraft engines—they also included automotive and naval engines. The engine technology held by this company was a veritable treasure trove. Acquiring this company would allow the North Borneo Company to instantly possess world-class engine technology of all kinds.

No matter whether the future lay in developing the automobile industry, shipbuilding, or aircraft manufacturing, engines were indispensable—the true "crown jewel" of industry!

"What!"

Nicola Romeo suddenly stood up, visibly agitated.

"Li, even when the Germans occupied Naples, they didn't take our technology…"

Facing the agitated Nicola Romeo, Pierre glanced at him and replied calmly,

"Mr. Romeo, Italy has already disbanded its military. The Allies will surely demilitarize the country. The core technologies you're trying to protect will soon lose their value—without a military, who will need those military engines?"

Confronted with Pierre's question, Nicola Romeo was stunned. Indeed, without military orders, the company could only sell automotive engines—after all, the British and French would never use Italian engines.

With that, Pierre turned to Guan Shan beside him and said,

"Bring that document over."

Guan, who had been standing nearby, immediately...

Shan hurriedly took out a document.

"Mr. Romeo, this is a document—from the Russians to the White House. It mentions certain Italian companies. The Russians believe that these Italian companies should be included as part of postwar reparations and be handed over to Russia. Hmm, I think the Russians would definitely be very interested in your factory."

This was the final straw that broke the camel's back. As for whether the document was genuine... that didn't matter at all!

Taking the document, Nicola Romeo only glanced at it briefly before his expression turned extremely grim.

"These damned thieves! How dare they…"

Faced with Nicola Romeo's indignation, Pierre went straight to the point with an offer.

"One million US dollars!"

In truth, they were all robbers—only Pierre was the kind who paid, not only offering money but also giving them hope.

"Cash. With this money, you can immediately take a ship with your family to Spain, and from there go to South America. There, you can make a fresh start, or, after things calm down, return to Italy."

Confronted with Pierre's suggestion, Romeo fell silent. In fact, he had considered fleeing while in prison, but he had little foreign currency on hand. Like almost all industrialists, his money was tied up in his factory, in the bank… all in Italian lira, all frozen.

And those Americans who were snapping up banks, hotels, and other assets had no interest in his factory.

After thinking it over, Romeo said,

"One and a half million!"

"1.1 million!"

"1.4 million!"

"1.15 million!"