Chapter 157 If you give money, it’s not robbery (first update, please subscribe)
Sometimes, the sheep can only catch one.
Not for other reasons, but because this sheep is easier to shepherd and doesn't even know how to bark.
So, I need to collect wool a few more times later.
Once again, on Christmas Day, Li Yian came to Italy.
There are other assets worth buying in Taranto. As one of the few industrial towns in the south, it is also the most important naval base of the Italian Navy. For this reason, it has both an arsenal and a shipyard.
However, Li Yian made his move a little late. The shipyard had already been bought by Onassis’s agent, the future Greek shipping king, who was also the young widow who later married the imaginative widow. .
Although the shipyard started a little late, the arsenal was not late at all. However, after learning about the current situation of the arsenal, Li Yian directly chose to give up - the Allied bombing almost razed the entire factory to the ground, most of which were destroyed. Most of the equipment was turned into scrap metal.
We have no interest in scrap metal at all.
But it depends on what it is. Some scrap iron does have purchase value. In fact, he came here this time just to buy scrap metal.
Just like now, looking at the naval colonel in front of him, Li Yian didn't even know how to describe his mood.
"I'm just a businessman, Colonel."
After taking a sip of tea, Li Yian was a little confused, what did they take themselves to be?
Is he an arms dealer?
Are we that kind of person?
"Yes, we know very well that Mr. Li is definitely a businessman, and he is the most successful one."
Colonel Mario said respectfully.
“That’s why I found Mr. Li. After all, you already have your own fleet. It is very dangerous for the fleet to sail on the sea now. How can it be safe without escort? Where is the voyage? That’s why I found you and provided you with a solution.”
Colonel Mario continued his sales, but as an officer, he was obviously not a very good salesman. From beginning to end, we failed to grasp the initiative.
Even when he talked about solutions, his confidence was still lacking.
"There are still some Italian warships in the Port of Taranto, including destroyers suitable for escort missions. The best-performing destroyer is the Soldati-class destroyer. Its standard displacement is: 1690-1820 tons, fully loaded Displacement: 2460-2475 tons, total length 106.7 meters, total width 10.15 meters, draft 3.5 meters; total steam turbine power is 48,000 horsepower, and the maximum speed can reach 38 knots. It has two twin 120mm guns, which can be said to be high speed. It's fast enough, and the artillery is powerful enough..."
Listening to the colonel's unwillingness to introduce it, he was lying if he said he wasn't interested. The reason why he didn't agree directly was because... he wanted to lower the price.
Business negotiations have always been like this. The more interested you are in something, the more you have to show that you are not interested. Moreover, Li Yian came here originally for the Italian warship heading for Taranto, but to his surprise, no, when he took action, the other party actually came directly to the door.
I have to say, sometimes people are so lucky!
"The most important thing is that it requires very few crew members. It only needs 160 people in peacetime and 200 in wartime. Moreover, Mr. Li, if you are willing to buy it, I can be responsible for it for you. Recruiting crew members, from captains to ordinary sailors, is guaranteed to be the best..."
Before Mario could finish speaking, Li Yian said.
"In Taranto, there are unemployed sailors and naval officers everywhere. If I want, I can hire a lieutenant commander with only a few kilograms of sugar."
In Italy, Who doesn’t know that we are a conscientious capitalist? The employees of the companies we acquired are paid with sugar and camel cigarettes. We are absolutely conscientious!
Looking at Mario, Li Yian said.
"I need to be honest, why do you want to sell me warships, and they are the best ships... Let me see, Musketeer, Grenadier, Machine Gunner, Legion , Javeliner, tsk tsk, that’s five destroyers, how much does it cost?”
"1.2 million US dollars."
Colonel Mario sighed helplessly, and then said.
“Actually, as we all know, Italy is an ally on the surface, but in fact it is a defeated country. It is difficult for us to keep these warships. Just like the Germans lost their warships, 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, but there are no buyers for the warships, and no one will dare to buy them..."
Looking at Li Yian, this A friend of the President of the United States, he is not only rich, but also has connections with the President and high-level Allied forces. He even has an army of his own, and he also played an unimaginable role in the battle. That's why they put their minds on him, Mario said.
"Only you can buy these warships without worrying about interference from allies. After all, you are the president's agent."
See, this is the benefit of 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 am a businessman. It doesn't seem to make sense to buy a warship."
"That's no problem. We can sell it in the name of scrap iron. We will only charge you 1.2 million for more than 7,000 tons of scrap iron. The average price per It’s less than US$200 per ton, which is just a little more expensive than scrap iron.”
“It’s too expensive. If it’s scrap iron, it’s only worth US$100 at most.”
Li Yian lit a cigarette and looked at the other person and said.
“You know, I am taking a big risk. You want to sell scrap metal, but the problem is, no one dares to buy it. There are cruisers and battleships in Taranto, why don’t you sell them? I also know that the allies will definitely intervene, so these destroyers are your attempt. You just want to ask for directions, right?"
Frowning, after thinking for a while, Li Yian finally figured it out. the other person’s thoughts.
“It’s not that no one wants your warships. It should be said that there are many people who are interested. For example, Argentina, they made a lot of money in the world war, and they may have taken a fancy to your battleships and cruisers, eh , other South American countries are also potential buyers. The only problem is...how to avoid interference from the allies."
After revealing the Italians' thoughts, Li Yian 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? Your calculations are really shrewd."
Even if the true expectation was revealed, Colonel Mario did not feel embarrassed, but praised it. "Mr. Li, you are indeed the shrewdest businessman. You can see through our plan at a glance. Indeed, some people are indeed interested in our warships, but there will be certain difficulties on the Allied side, so..."
< br>Before he finished speaking, Li Yian stared at the other party and sneered:
“So, you have to use me, right?”
“Mr. Li, this deal is indeed very important to you. What a bargain, now they can escort your fleet until after the war..."
"It's not important!"
Li Yian said coldly.
"The important thing is that there is a price to pay for using people. If you want to use me to achieve your goals, you have to pay a price."
"Then what Mr. Li means is... …”
“1 dollar!”
After Li Yian made the offer, Colonel Mario screamed excitedly.
"What, 1 dollar, why don't you go and grab it!"
"Robbing? I gave you the money!"
Li Yian just missed turning it over to the other party Just roll your eyes, don’t accuse people unfairly!
Isn’t a dollar money?
If you give money, it is not robbery!
After that, Li Yian picked up 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 without even seeing the other party. After leaving, turning his back to the naval colonel, Li Yian's mouth raised.
Sometimes, luck comes and you can’t stop it!
(End of this chapter)