The Rise Of A Billionaire 1943

As a life mentor, one always needs to tell stories.

Not just stories, but motivational tales.

People of the 21st century have long been immune to motivational 'chicken soup,' but for those in the 1940s, such words were very effective.

Don't be fooled Truman, from high school student to failed businessman to politician, is definitely the protagonist of a motivational story. But even the most inspirational figures have moments of confusion, and that's when a spiritual mentor steps in to offer guidance.

In this respect, Pierre was undoubtedly qualified not for any other reason than his knowledge of history and having read countless motivational tales.

Any one of those motivational stories, if brought into this era, would be considered a delicacy.

After a round of motivational storytelling, Truman was no longer confused; he found his purpose in life and became more confident. Of course, his friendship with Pierre also grew deeper.

Finally, after listening to the 'chicken soup,' Truman said,

"Pierre, you must be curious why I suddenly invited you to Washington."

"It was a bit unexpected," Pierre replied, leaning back on the sofa with a smile, sensing that they were finally getting to the main topic.

Is this going to be a dramatic revelation?

"Actually, it's not just that I need your help there's someone else who needs your assistance."

"Oh?"

Looking at Truman, Pierre of course knew who that person was.

Who could make Truman come forward?

Or rather, who could make Truman personally seek him out? After all, very few people knew about their relationship.

This person must have a lot of influence!

The answer was obvious.

Besides, all of this was part of his own careful planning! Of course, he still had to play along.

"Is it the President?"

Truman was slightly taken aback and asked in surprise,

"You know?"

Seeing Pierre remain silent, Truman leaned forward slightly and said,

"Yes, the President needs your help!"

"Recently, because of the 'Europe First' policy, the President has been having a tough time. Dewey keeps stabbing him in the back, and even John Basilone has been complaining to reporters, saying the rifle he uses might as well be the M1903 his father used in Europe, and joking that the Marine Corps is like a stepchild..."

John Basilone, the 'Machine Gun Immortal' who killed over a thousand Japanese soldiers on Guadalcanal, had just received the Medal of Honor and was now touring the country for war bond drives. He was the hottest figure in America, and his complaints to reporters made things even harder for 'Old Roosevelt.'

For Roosevelt, who was determined to win a fourth term, he was desperate to get out of his current predicament.

The only question was: what kind of help did he want?

Or rather, what was he willing to offer?

Or, what price was he willing to pay?

Truman... was just the middleman!

"So, the President needs to show the public that he values the Asian theater just as much as Europe, and that... he has personally done a lot," Pierre said in a steady tone. In fact, when he was orchestrating all this, he had considered how the butterfly effect might impact Roosevelt.

Would this affect his re election?

Actually, it didn't matter.

In history, Roosevelt was elected by a narrow margin, and Dewey... was more than just a supporting character.

That's why Roosevelt was so nervous after all, this was his fourth term!

Would the American people accept it?

Roosevelt was anxious now! He was worried that this incident might affect his re election!

So he had to buy himself some insurance!

And where was that insurance?

It was with me!

That's why he had Truman come find me!

Everything was going according to plan, even...

As part of the plan, even Truman himself didn't know everything he was just another cog in the wheel!

That's the advantage of standing on the shoulders of giants in history!

Truman couldn't help but freeze, looking at Pierre in astonishment.

"You know all of this?"

Pierre glanced at Truman calmly, smiled without saying a word, looking as if he was thoroughly enjoying himself.

"The weapons," Truman said.

"The President would like you to tell the public that those weapons were handed over to you under his authorization by General Clark, commander of the Italian Fifth Army. The captured German supplies were then shipped to China by your shipping company as a personal donation, of course."

As he finished speaking, Truman fixed his gaze on Pierre.

Pierre didn't respond either, silently taking a sip of tea.

That unexpected batch of weapons had brought about so many changes.

Lately, because of those weapons, he had become a famous patriotic tycoon and, naturally, a fat sheep in the eyes of many.

Almost everyone wanted to get something from him.

Money, or benefits.

But what they would never know was that from the moment he decided to donate those weapons back to China, he had already started playing his cards.

In this house of cards, where would the ultimate trump card be played?

It would be played on Luo Quezi!

Luo Quezi would never have imagined that he had been set up months ago!

And now, Luo Quezi had come knocking as well!

Just as planned, he needed to use that batch of weapons to respond to the public's doubts.

In fact, Pierre didn't care much about the empty fame that came with those weapons. After all, it was just an empty title.

But he needed Roosevelt's favor.

Business, after all!

There's always a deal to be made.

"With such a statement, there will still be questions from the public. For example, why were they captured weapons? And why the secrecy?"

"That's very simple," Truman explained.

He took out a folder from his desk and continued, "These photos were taken by photographers on the front lines."

Pierre took the folder and saw the soldiers in the photos cheering.

After that, Truman looked at Pierre.

"What do you think?"