Chapter 499: One More Condition

As a capitalist, Charles certainly would not easily reveal his cards.

He continued to speak along with Browning's words, with a look of regret: "Yes, I don't seem to have a reason to cooperate."

This was actually a reminder to Boyata.

Reason, yes, find a reason!

"General." Boyata pondered for a moment: "If we cooperate, the French army's bullets and shells can be produced by FN, which can save a lot of transportation costs and time."

Charles said "hmm": "This is indeed beneficial, but I think this is also a problem for Belgium."

The French army came here to liberate Belgium. Belgium, not France, should be more concerned about this issue. You should help the French army produce ammunition, and this cannot be used as a negotiation condition.

Boyata was a little embarrassed. He only thought about the reason and didn't think of this level.

Then he frowned and said: "We also have a branch in the United States. Cooperation can facilitate you to open up the US military market."

Charles raised his eyebrows. This is indeed tempting. In fact, it is very tempting.

The United States will join the war in about a year and a half, and his troops will need a lot of equipment, including light and heavy machine guns, submachine guns, mines... all of which are in short supply in the US military. In addition, there are tanks, armored vehicles and the like, which is definitely a big business.

However, Charles still shook his head: "It's a pity that the United States is a neutral country, Mr. Boyata, and they don't have much demand for equipment."

Boyata was so anxious that sweat broke out on his forehead.

No, this cooperation cannot be ruined. This is not just a problem of cooperation, but also related to the future of FN.

If there is no Browning, FN may have to go back to its old business of producing motorcycles and bicycles.

At this time, Browning added: "Brigadier General, we can buy a lot of military and civilian supplies through FN's branch in the United States. I heard that France is in short supply of these now."

Charles was moved, really moved.

The war has been going on for more than a year, and France has experienced varying degrees of shortages in both military and civilian supplies, and some are even in short supply, such as boots, kettles, home appliances, machinery, etc.

This is also the reason why the British can rely on the supplies in their hands to influence the selection of the French commander-in-chief.

Seeing that Charles was interested in this aspect, Boyata immediately added: "That's right, and it's not just the United States, but also the Netherlands. She is also a neutral country. She borders us on land, and we can get supplies more easily."

Charles thought for a while, then slowly nodded: "Add one more condition."

Boyata and Browning looked at each other, and saw excitement and excitement in each other's eyes.

"Okay, General." Boyata agreed: "As long as we can do it."

...

September in Paris is the flowering season of dahlias. The fresh fragrance and light floral scent, as well as the colorful flowers swaying in the breeze, add some joy to this righteous city.

(The picture above shows dahlias, which come in all colors. It is said that they are the favorites of Napoleon's lover Josephine, who often invites many dignitaries and ladies to enjoy the flowers together)

Dominic has his own laboratory at the police training base, so that he can design new guns and take care of the work of the training base.

Sometimes, Steed would persuade Dominic: "You can quit the training base and concentrate on designing new guns. I will send someone else to take charge of that work."

But Dominic refused: "That's not just a job, father. It's a place to understand the army and understand the needs. Only by fully contacting them can I know what they really want."

Steed thought this made sense.

One of the reasons for the decline of the "Saint Etienne" arsenal was that the design was out of touch with reality, and the things developed were not needed on the battlefield.

And Charles was able to drive the prosperity of "Saint Etienne" because he personally led the troops to fight and knew the real needs.

Thinking of this, Steed no longer objected.

The laboratory is luxurious, as big as a basketball court, divided into five rooms, one for making gun barrels, one for producing parts, one for testing, and even a dedicated shooting range.

There are more than 70 assistants and staff members.

In order to reduce Dominic's burden and design a new gun as soon as possible, Steed spent more than one million francs to build a "small gun factory" here.

However, Dominic was in trouble.

He was drawing a blueprint under the desk lamp in the office. While drawing, he suddenly crumpled the blueprint into a ball and threw it into the corner. The wastebasket was actually full, and there were paper balls scattered everywhere around, all of which were failed designs.

They cannot be considered failures, but Dominic is too familiar with firearms. No matter what he does, he can't get rid of the shadow of existing firearms. As he draws, it becomes Mauser, or Lebel with a new look.

Dominic sighed heavily.

His head is a mess. All guns seem to be the same, and the designs are also similar!

Is it possible that he can't do anything without Charles' guidance?

He remembered what Charles said: "You will become another Browning, the Browning of France."

"No!" Dominic sighed: "I am nothing!"

Knowing how to use a gun and being obsessed with guns are two different things from designing a rifle of your own.

"Colonel." At this time, the secretary handed Dominic a telegram: "It's from the brigadier general. He asked if you are willing to be Browning's assistant?"

Dominic said "hmm", he was still thinking about his design.

After a while, he suddenly looked up at the secretary: "What? What did you say? Browning?"

The secretary repeated the content of the telegram again.

Dominic took the telegram in disbelief and read it again and again, then laughed bitterly: "The key is whether Browning is willing to have me as an assistant. I can't do anything and will only cause trouble for him!"

At this time, another telegram was delivered: "He is right next to me, you just need to answer 'yes' or 'no'."

Dominic was stunned. He seemed to understand what Charles meant: Browning has agreed, and now it depends on his intention.

The next second Dominic woke up suddenly and shouted to the secretary: "Call back immediately, yes!"

"Wait." Dominic stopped the secretary who was about to leave and added: "Add a few words: I am honored!"

The secretary was a little surprised. Dominic, who never paid attention to etiquette, knew politeness today.

How could the secretary know that Browning was a "god" in the field of gun design, and it was an unattainable dream for many people to want to be his assistant.

Dominic walked around the office excitedly:

"Can I really become Browning's assistant and design guns with him?"

"How did the brigadier general convince him?!"

"God, this must be a dream!"