Chapter 165: Entering the Newspaper Business?

Chapter 165: Entering the Newspaper Business?

After breakfast, Charles followed his usual routine: a visit to the motorcycle factory first, then a stop by the tractor plant.

There, he saw Matthew chatting animatedly with his team of mechanics by a tank, smiling and gesturing to various parts as he explained something. Charles was glad to see the old, lively Matthew again—the man seemed to have put his lost leg behind him.

When Matthew noticed Charles and Deyoka entering, he greeted them with a wave and hobbled over, leaning on just one crutch.

Charles glanced around, noticing the missing crutch. "Where's the other one?" he asked.

"No need to look for it," Matthew chuckled, answering before Charles could finish the question. "I left it at home. Two crutches just get in the way of work."

Charles nodded, seeing that Matthew had come to terms with his new reality. He led Matthew aside, adopting a more serious tone. "I have an important task for you, Matthew."

"I'm aware," Matthew replied, glancing back at the mechanics clustered around the tank. "They're practically part of the army now."

Many of these mechanics would follow the tanks directly into battle, maintaining and repairing them in the field, sometimes replacing parts so the tanks could continue advancing.

"That's not what I meant," Charles said calmly. "I heard that Schneider is in talks with Francis about purchasing a tractor production line. And I also know Schneider has a technical team in Britain studying Holt's technology—they plan to buy the 'Holt 120.'"

Matthew's expression turned serious. "Schneider?"

"Yes," Charles replied with a nod. "Not long ago, I used the 'Holt 75' to defeat Francis's 'Holt 60.' If Schneider acquires the 'Holt 120,' you know what that means."

Matthew nodded gravely.

Schneider was no ordinary competitor. With his considerable financial resources, he could easily overpower Charles's tractor factory and tank production if he obtained the more advanced Holt model. Schneider could even copy Charles's tank designs, swapping in the Holt 120 engine to create something superior.

For Matthew, there was another layer of significance. If Charles's factory were forced out of business one day, what would he do? Go back to the motorcycle factory and work on tires? No, he'd rather die than return to that life—the tractor factory was his life, his purpose, his everything.

"What's our plan?" Matthew asked, his gaze steely.

Charles looked at him squarely. "The engine, Matthew. It's the heart of it all. The Holt 120 has 120 horsepower, while the Holt 75 only has 83. That's the difference."

Charles omitted a few details, such as the Holt 120's heavier weight—1.3 tons versus the Holt 75's 1 ton. Though their power-to-weight ratios were similar, at around 0.9, Matthew only saw the numbers: 120 versus 83 horsepower.

"I understand," Matthew replied firmly. "We need to improve the engine, make it stronger."

"Yes," Charles added, "or make it lighter while retaining the same horsepower. That's progress, too."

"I'll get you results you'll be proud of," Matthew promised, then turned back to his team, eager to begin. Schneider wasn't an opponent to be taken lightly.

As Charles's satisfied smile started to creep across his face, a man approached him, hand extended. "Charles, I need to speak with you."

Charles looked closer—it was the same reporter who had mingled with his classmates yesterday to give him a bouquet. This time, he'd disguised himself as a factory worker and successfully snuck into the plant.

Charles couldn't help but smile at the effort this journalist was putting into his story, practically becoming a spy.

"Alright," Charles said, resigned. "What do you want to know?"

"No, no," the man clarified, "you misunderstand me. I'm not here in my role as a journalist."

"Then what?" Charles asked, curious.

"A media company of your own, Charles!" the journalist said with barely concealed excitement. "Have you ever thought about owning your own newspaper?"

Charles was taken aback. The journalist made a valid point.

Most influential capitalists owned media outlets: the Right had Le Figaro, the Left had Le Petit Journal, The Morning Post, Le Petit Parisien, and others. For them, media ownership wasn't about profit but about wielding influence, shaping public opinion, and creating favorable publicity when needed.

"It's time you had your own media," the journalist continued, glancing around nervously and quickening his pace. "Think about it: your popularity, your battlefield achievements—these all need a platform to solidify them. Otherwise, the press will slowly chip away at your legacy, and soon enough, people will forget about you."

Charles nodded thoughtfully. Before the Battle of Lafoux, the papers had suddenly turned against him, sowing seeds of doubt despite his spotless record. If he hadn't won that victory so decisively, he could have easily been smeared into obscurity.

"What's your name?" Charles asked.

"Kobbod," the journalist answered, his face lighting up. "I used to work for The Morning Post, in the military column, but I've resigned."

Kobbod emphasized his resignation to show his loyalty. He hadn't needed to quit to talk to Charles, but he had done so, leaving himself no fallback option.

Of course, The Morning Post was controlled by Schneider, so Charles wondered if this might be a trick.

Kobbod sensed his doubt and quickly added, "If Schneider had really wanted this, he wouldn't need to send one of his own reporters."

Charles agreed—it made sense. Schneider could have easily sent an unknown emissary to avoid suspicion.

"I'll consider it, Kobbod," Charles said, shaking his hand. "How can I reach you?"

Kobbod eagerly handed him a business card. "My phone number's on there. I'd be honored to work for you, sir!"

With that, Kobbod hurried off.

Noticing something amiss, Deyoka approached, watching the journalist leave. "Who was that?" he asked.

"A very interesting journalist," Charles replied. "He might even become my editor-in-chief one day."

Deyoka's eyes widened in surprise. Was Charles really considering entering the newspaper business?

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