I Became a Tycoon During World War I - Chapter 213

Chapter 213: Wells' Considerations

At the final moment, Falkenhayn tried to force the 4th German Reserve Army to continue surrounding the French forces in the Cape Town area, but it was all in vain.

The French 1st Tank Brigade, accompanied by two special artillery divisions and nearly forty thousand troops, advanced into the heart of Cape Town, which was the core area of the 4th German Reserve Army. The Cape Town train station, in particular, was piled high with ammunition and supplies transported from the rear.

After capturing it, the French replenished their supplies and then set fire to everything, including the train station, reducing it to ashes.

On another front, Gallieni coordinated with the attack on the German defense lines head-on.

Gallieni had no choice but to cooperate. If he had tried to play games while forty thousand French soldiers were surrounded, it wouldn’t have been about whether the French Commander-in-Chief could maintain his position, but whether he would end up facing a military tribunal.

The German forces in Cape Town were under both internal and external pressure, with fires breaking out everywhere. They chose to disregard Falkenhayn’s orders and deliberately opened a gap to allow the French to break through.

This decision proved to be correct. They only withdrew three kilometers to the second defensive line, and most of Cape Town remained in German hands.

Had they obeyed Falkenhayn’s orders and held firm, the entire line could have collapsed, and they would have lost all of Cape Town.

...

At the Paris Defense Headquarters, when the news of the successful breakout arrived, the staff cheered and congratulated Charles:

“A magnificent battle, Charles!”

“You’ve tricked the Germans several times, they’ve been played in your hands.”

“I believe this includes Falkenhayn too!”

...

The staff members shared a knowing smile.

Kobdo seized the opportunity, holding up a camera and snapping pictures, then quickly grabbed a notebook and pen to begin an interview on the spot:

“Major, I heard you weren’t very confident about this battle before it started?”

“Yes!” Charles replied honestly, “It was nearly impossible to succeed, if the Germans hadn’t withdrawn their troops from Cape Town.”

“So… what made you decide to send the 1st Tank Brigade for reinforcement in the end?”

Charles turned to Gallieni, indicating that the question should be directed to him.

Gallieni nodded, took a small sip of his coffee to clear his throat, and answered nonchalantly:

“I know the answer to that. When Charles realized that more than forty thousand men were trapped in the enemy’s encirclement and in imminent danger…”

“He immediately requested to send the 1st Tank Brigade for reinforcement!”

Charles was stunned; it didn’t seem to be quite that simple.

But Gallieni continued, his face serious: “I initially refused. I said, ‘It’s too dangerous, Major. No matter how many troops we send for reinforcement, they might not return!’”

A lie. That was clearly Charles’ exact words.

“But Charles insisted. He didn’t hesitate for a moment. He asked me sternly, ‘Those are forty thousand lives, forty thousand families. Even if it’s dangerous, even if there’s only a one percent chance, we should try!’”

A liar. This was clearly your sentiment!

“I was moved by Charles’ spirit. He is so determined, willing to sacrifice everything for the country, for the army, for the citizens of France. That’s who he is. That’s Charles!”

Charles was starting to find it unbearable to listen, but he noticed the staff around him had expressions of deep emotion, with some even wiping away tears.

Kobdo was also earnestly taking notes.

If it were anyone else, they might not believe it, and might even treat it as a joke.

But this was Charles. He had done so much to save the country and the army, and there were still people who didn’t believe it? If that were the case, it would be an insult to France!

Finally, Gallieni concluded, “I was convinced by him and gave him full authority to command the rescue operation. As it turned out, he was right. He successfully rescued our men!”

“Bravo!”

A round of warm applause erupted in the office.

The staff members rushed forward to shake Charles’ hand:

“Thank you, Charles!”

“Thank you for your dedication to France!”

“You are our pride!”

...

Charles was at a loss for how to respond, casting a puzzled glance at Gallieni, who calmly sipped his coffee and acted as if he had nothing to do with it.

At that moment, the phone rang. Gallieni answered it:

“Hello!”

“Yes, he’s here.”

“Of course, it’s fine!”

Saying this, Gallieni raised the receiver, gesturing toward Charles with a smile in his eyes: “Wells is looking for you!”

Charles took the phone, identified himself, and a composed but slightly trembling voice came from the other end. It seemed as if Wells was trying to suppress his excitement and keep his tone official:

“Good day, Major! This is Wells!”

“That was truly an impressive command, absolutely magnificent.”

“I just wanted to say, if you ever need anything in the future, I would be very happy to be of service.”

...

“Thank you, Mr. Wells,” Charles replied calmly. “It’s what we should do. A battle is a battle, and as soldiers, we must find ways to win. Each of us should do our best!”

Wells on the other end repeatedly expressed his agreement: “Yes, you’re absolutely right. Once again, thank you!”

After that, there was no further conversation before the call ended.

In truth, both sides understood perfectly well. This was Wells expressing his support for Charles, while Charles responded with polite words to avoid suspicion.

...

After Wells hung up, his butler, Denis, couldn’t help but ask: “Sir, are we really going to switch our support to Charles?”

Wells nodded slightly: “Did you forget that Schneider is also our competitor?”

When the butler heard this, he no longer questioned it.

Schneider, starting in the steel and forging industry, had the advantage of obtaining the steel needed to build warships from its own steel plants. While it didn’t have the same level of experience as the Brest shipyard in producing military ships, it had a price advantage and strong competitiveness.

The enemy’s enemy is a friend, so Wells’ decision was understandable.

The butler’s curiosity arose because Wells had always been reluctant to confront Schneider directly. Why was that changing now?

Wells didn’t respond to the butler. He walked over to the window, sat down in a rocking chair, and began gently rocking.

The butler said nothing more, quietly exiting the room and closing the door behind him.

This was Wells’ habit when thinking. The rocking chair made him feel like a ship sailing on calm seas, and only then could he truly consider his thoughts.

Wells’ decision to choose Charles was not because he had saved Tigani. While that was a personal favor, it wasn’t enough to warrant full support.

Wells had seen Charles’ sharp and accurate predictions on the battlefield. He had produced tanks capable of crushing all his opponents, including the “Saint Chamond,” the CA-1, and Germany’s new model tanks.

They all fell before Charles in a single blow.

So, could Charles also see the direction for the development of the navy?

With just a word or a hint, he might be able to guide the French navy, which was in a state of confusion, back onto the right path.

This could also help the Brest shipyard out of its predicament!

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