The Rise Of A Billionaire 1943

Tokyo's first "barbecue" was all about making a spectacular debut.

A few hours after the bombing, a B-29 flew high above Tokyo and was stunned by the raging inferno below.

The captain even radioed the base, reporting the results of the bombing in the simplest, most succinct words:

"Tokyo is cooked!"

But Tokyo wasn't cooked—not completely, at least!

The "barbecue master" silently puffed on his pipe without a word, as stoic as ever, while everyone else was swept up in a wave of jubilation.

"No matter what, use as many incendiary bombs as possible,"

Pierre said, standing by his side.

"Even if there aren't enough planes or incendiaries, the houses on the ground make the best fuel, don't you think?"

Li Mei, pipe in mouth, nodded slightly, glanced at him, and asked,

"Was it you who had them bomb the Imperial Palace?"

"It was just an accident. After all, it's the US Army Air Forces—how could I possibly give them orders?"

As he spoke, the corners of Pierre's mouth curled up more than sixty degrees.

No need for orders—just over ten thousand US dollars would do the trick.

"Indeed, just an accident…" Li Mei nodded.

"Given how high they were flying, but I imagine everyone will be quite pleased…"

As Americans cheered the bombing of Tokyo, Pierre, the mastermind behind it all, had already boarded a plane back to New York. Of course, before leaving, he made sure to pay up—he even threw in a $500 bonus.

…

New York was celebrating too—celebrating the "barbecue" of Japan.

On the streets of New York, car horns blared incessantly as a steady stream of vehicles paraded by. At the front of a long procession, excited crowds cheered with wild enthusiasm. Marching bands from high schools and universities played stirring tunes, while cheerleaders flaunted their long legs and alluring figures, their liquid-stockinged legs glistening in the sunlight. Waves of cheers rippled through the crowd.

Bathed in sunlight, women in Army Air Forces uniforms waved to the crowd from floats in the parade, a giant bomb model positioned at the center.

On the bomb was written: "A Gift for the Emperor!"

Standing atop the float, Hedy Lamarr joyfully announced to the crowd: Today, donations across America have reached 100 million dollars!

All the funds would be used to purchase B-29 bombers!

All would be used to bomb Japan.

The bombing of Tokyo—particularly the great fire that roasted nearly a hundred thousand people alive—didn't sadden Americans. Instead, it whipped up a frenzy from coast to coast, a tidal wave of celebration!

People gathered as if for a festival, their faces alight with joy and excitement. The authorities seized the opportunity to launch a fundraising campaign, and "Lame Luo's" prestige soared to new heights.

When news spread that the Air Force had bombed the Imperial Palace, the excitement reached a fever pitch.

"Burn Hirohito alive…"

The jubilant crowds surged like molten lava, the streets littered with confetti and dirt; people tossed colored paper at each other, tooted horns, expressing their joy and fearlessness. Their hoarse voices rang out in cheers.

On the float, as Hedy Lamarr—dressed in a seductive gown—called on the crowd in her sweet voice to show their patriotism and buy war bonds, a sexy woman in a star-spangled skirt watched her with a complicated expression.

"She really is beautiful…"

Ava Gardner herself was a rare beauty, but next to Hedy, she felt plain. Yet when her gaze fell on Hedy's chest, a faint smile appeared on Ava's lips.

Hmm, this is where I have the advantage!

A clear advantage!

In that instant, Ava's smile grew even brighter. She'd already made up her mind to go to him tonight. Thinking of him, of those two nights in Washington that haunted her dreams, of those dizzying, intoxicating peaks, she found herself lost in longing.

She decided to give up her career.

In truth… Ava had long regretted her choices. Even the way she looked at Hedy had changed—if only she had stayed, there wouldn't have been any room for Hedy!

Does he still remember me now?

Ava wasn't sure anymore.

At this thought, her brows furrowed. Her feelings for him were complicated—she had fantasized, but never dared to hope. He was not only young and handsome, but also possessed astonishing wealth.

And she?

Just a divorced woman, beautiful, yes, but so what?

She wasn't as beautiful as Hedy, and Hedy was willing to give up her flourishing career for him!

What did she mean to him, really?

At this, Ava's smile slowly faded.

After the fundraising event, Ava took her luggage by taxi to the address she had longed for. But when the car stopped, she didn't go to the door right away. Instead, she waited across the street, waiting for his return.

In fact, Ava wasn't the only one waiting for Pierre. After the fundraising event, Hedy was also at home, waiting for him.

Sitting by the window, Hedy quietly…

She sat quietly there, sunlight gently spilling over her black wavy hair, making every strand shine with a dazzling luster.

Her gaze drifted through the slightly open window, carrying a trace of anticipation, yet tinged with a hint of confusion, as she looked toward the distant end of the street. As if recalling something, the corners of her mouth lifted in a faint smile.

He should be home soon, shouldn't he?

Full of expectation, Heidi couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions at the thought of his imminent return.

Since coming to New York, she had been living in Pierre's house.

From staying as a guest to living together.

She was a little unsure of what exactly her relationship with him was.

Lovers?

Or perhaps… a couple.

But being a couple seemed impossible.

Thinking of her own age, Heidi couldn't help but feel a pang in her heart. She knew all too well that her age and her experience with divorce made her unsuitable to be Pierre's wife.

Yet she was unwilling to leave this man, because only he could touch her soul, not just her pretty face. Even this fundraising event was for him, because she knew how much he longed to bomb Tokyo!

"Actually, if I could just stay by his side like this for a lifetime, that would be nice too…"

At this thought, Heidi's lips curled into a smile, as if she had finally figured something out.

A black Chrysler turned the corner and, accompanied by the sound of brakes, slowly came to a stop in front of the house.

At that moment, Eva, across the street, felt her heart leap with joy, while Heidi by the window jumped up immediately.

As Heidi joyfully ran outside, Eva also picked up her suitcase and walked over.

He's back!

One crossed the road, the other opened the door.

As Heidi stepped down the stairs, the car door opened and Pierre stepped out.

"Darling…"

Two voices, not one.

Two sweet, coquettish voices came from in front and beside him. In the next instant, accompanied by a waft of perfume, a woman had already thrown herself into his arms.

"Darling, I missed you so much!"

"Darling…"

The next moment, as Heidi stopped speaking, one foot lifted but didn't even touch the step—she stood frozen, staring in shock at the scene before her.

A woman!

A young, beautiful woman, whose looks were at least as good as hers, threw herself into Pierre's arms right in front of her, and even kissed him!

My God, do you think I don't exist?