He is Already a Tycoon at a Young Age! - Chapter 123



Only Krnovel

Episode 123 – Efforts for Salvation

New York

Hitler Company

“How about importing X-ray machines from Germany, France, and the UK?”

“Even if I send a telegram right away, it will probably take several weeks.”

Just after returning from Morgan Mansion.

My office has been transformed into the Compound H control tower.

The staff moved busily around, setting up red telephones. The atmosphere was similar to the battle formation of a battleship.

Perhaps because this happens so often, the employees seemed familiar with it.

“As you know, Adolf, it takes some time to cross over from Europe by ship.”

“What about a Zeppelin? How about an airship?”

“If you’re talking about Zeppelins, you mean the ones the Germans used to raid Britain? I didn’t know they could cross the Atlantic.”

“Maybe they did a transatlantic flight experiment…”

It seems that airships are not widely used yet.

The Chapellin airship, named after its inventor.

In 1937, the Hindenburg exploded in mid-air and was completely destroyed.

“And I expect that if we suddenly decide to buy an X-ray machine like this, all the labs will raise the price. They will charge at least three or four times the selling price.”

“Then tell them later that you will limit the supply of Compound H.”

I also had a card to play against hospitals and research institutes.

That’s Compound H.

Now that the Rockefeller Foundation has given up on mass production, I’m the only supplier.

“I think it would be acceptable to raise the price by 20 or 30%. And other issues are…”

I stared at the documents, lost in thought.

“I guess they’ll be sending all the X-ray machines they purchased to the Advanced Invention Research Institute one by one.”

The only thing available right now is the train.

But the current American train system isn’t that fast.

It took at least several weeks, and sometimes more than a month, to arrive after going around and around.

A speed that is unacceptable for a Korean living in the 21st century.

There has to be a better way.

Faster than a train…

“Joseph, how about trying an airplane?”

“Airplane? Are you planning on transporting the X-ray machine by airplane?”

“There are many civilian pilots, so it should be possible.”

After World War I, the number of civilian aircraft increased dramatically in the United States.

The same goes for aerial stunts and mail.

“We could take the machine apart and ship it in parts. It would cost twice as much as sending it by train, though…”

You can just send the receipt to Morgan.

What’s important now is time.

“Then I’ll check if there’s a possible landing pad around the Advanced Invention Research Institute. But I’ll also need to recruit pilots.”

Joseph muttered.

“Wouldn’t that take some more time?”

“…”

It’s a bit inconvenient without internet.

If only we had SNS, we could have gathered hundreds of people in 30 minutes.

‘But even if it’s not SNS, there are media that can be used right away.’

Radio and newspapers.

Anyway, I own the Tesla radio. Since we have a partnership with RCA, I should be able to use their stations too.

“Let’s ask Hearst about the newspaper.”

The emperor of the newspaper industry.

If it’s a newspaper company run by Hearst, it can spread the news quickly.

There must be something to be gained from that person’s perspective as well.

“It would cost a lot of money to place an advertisement like that in a newspaper.”

“Well, I think it would be the opposite for Hearst. I’ll call him myself.”

After waiting a few minutes for the call to be made, Hurst answered the phone.

[It’s been a while, Hitler. There’s been a lot of chaos in East Texas these days. Have you found some oil fields?]

“That’s not it. I contacted you because I had a favor to ask of you, Chairman.”

[I will do whatever you ask. What is it?]

“I would like to place an ad on the front page of tomorrow’s morning paper.”

[Tomorrow’s morning paper, front page? Hey, Hitler. Do you know how important an ad on the front page of a newspaper is? It’s scheduled weeks in advance, and tomorrow’s paper is already being printed, and you suddenly… cancel it. The cancellation fee is going to be huge. It won’t be a problem if you pay it.]

It seems like they’re asking me to pay more for advertising.

No way.

“I see. If the chairman says it’s difficult, I’ll contact another newspaper. Wouldn’t the New York World be interested?”

There was a brief silence, and then Hurst spoke again.

[No. There must be something about it that would make you ask for something like that. Isn’t there?]

“You could say that.”

I gave a brief explanation of the current situation.

A plan to hastily recruit researchers, X-ray machines, and pilots from across the country.

I guess I don’t have to tell you about the Morgan family.

[Yes, I thought you had a reason to ask me this. You really want to grow Compound H with the money from selling the oilfield. I thought you were lying.]

“The most important thing to me right now is time, Chairman. Shouldn’t we save at least one more life?”

[I see what you mean. Have you told any other newspapers about this?]

“I haven’t done it yet. I contacted the chairman first.”

As expected, he’s a fox-like person.

Did you smell opportunity?

[Well done. Others will just write nonsense without even checking the information properly. Hey, Hitler.]

Hurst said, clearing his throat.

[I’ll put whatever you want in tomorrow’s morning paper. And it’ll be on the front page for free.]

“That’s an impressive proposal.”

[Instead, I have a favor to ask. Send reporters to your company right now. Give my newspaper an exclusive interview.]

“You’re telling me to reject other newspapers?”

I guess I have an idea what you’re aiming for.

Are you trying to raise the issue by leaving other newspapers behind?

If Hearst is bluffing, I benefit too.

[Yes, I am glad that you understand quickly. Isn’t this good news for you too? A free front page in the morning paper? I have never made such an offer while running a newspaper company.]

“Okay, then send the reporters.”

[You can never tell any other newspapers. That’s the only condition.]

Twenty minutes after I finished the call, dozens of cars and bicycles stopped in front of the company building.

“Move quickly, quickly! You idiots!”

Leather bags and wooden camera tripods. They look more like mafia than journalists.

Reporters poured into the office.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Hitler. I am from the Journal.”

“Everyone, please sit comfortably.”

The interview itself didn’t take that long. The reporters took notes of my explanation, took a few photos, and then quickly left.

The next morning.

I stared blankly at the morning newspaper on the table.

A headline written in bold letters at the very top, not even an advertisement.

[Hitler declares All-out War on diseases!]

[Hitler revealed that tens of thousands of lives could be saved if the mass production of Compound H was brought forward even by one day!]

[A call for participation from all over the world! Hitler, who requested cooperation from research institutes and hospitals not only across the United States but also around the world, decided to continue to announce the development status of Compound H through this newspaper…]

As I read the text below, I couldn’t tell whether to laugh or be dumbfounded.

‘If someone saw me, they’d think I was starting a crusade.’

Actually, it wasn’t an unfamiliar word.

In 1971, President Richard Nixon declared war on cancer.

‘Cancer has not been conquered even after the 21st century…’

Penicillin is different.

Staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus, gonococcus, meningitis, diphtheria, pneumococcus, anthrax, syphilis, and numerous other bacterial diseases.

Penicillin won this war.

A war with guaranteed victory.

‘There’s no need to worry about failure.’

As I was looking through the newspaper, I noticed something strange.

Not only page 1, but also pages 2 and 3.

It was all covered with stories and pictures about Compound H.

Even in full color, not just black and white.

“What the heck is this…?”

I couldn’t help but laugh. It must have cost a lot of money.

Is Hurst all in on this too?

Soon this news will hit the world.

What happens after that…

I guess I couldn’t have predicted it either.

＊＊＊

State of Nebraska

Civil aircraft hangar

“You’re willing to pay this much for one flight?”

“It’s not just once. It’s two round trips, so it’s actually four times.”

“Even considering that, it’s still a lot of money.”

The young pilot muttered as he looked at the newspaper.

[Hitler declares all-out war on disease!]

Beneath the large headline was an advertisement for recruiting pilots.

Anyone can apply as long as they have an airplane.

The job was to transport X-ray machines from all over the United States to the Advanced Research Institute for Invention.

“This time, an army officer’s son was saved thanks to Compound H. After that, people kept flocking in, so they’re pushing forward mass production.”

“And there was this KKK guy who got shot in the ass. He said he was selling his oilfields in a hurry because of Compound H. I guess that was true.”

The pilot said with a smile.

Having just completed flight training in Nebraska, he was nicknamed the “half-and-half rookie.”

With little experience in solo flying, he barely managed to save up enough money to buy his own biplane.

He shouted as he climbed onto his beloved horse, JENNY.

“Then I’ll go and give it a try. It’s not far, so I don’t think I’ll lose anything by going.”

The propeller spun around, making a whirring sound. The mechanic ran after the plane, shouting.

“Hey, Charles! Don’t crash your new airplane by going overboard!”

“Don’t worry! I don’t plan on dying yet!”

Charles Lindbergh smiled as he took control of the plane.

The vast sky spread out before him.

“I tell you, it’s really beautiful no matter when I see it.”

＊＊＊

Advanced Invention Research Institute

“Damn it! They’re all sensitive machines! And if they break, you’re going to be responsible for them?! Do you know how much all that costs?”

“Careful! Be careful!”

Workers and supervisors were shouting everywhere.

The Advanced Invention Research Institute staff came outside and looked at the bustling scene.

There were partition walls erected throughout the medical research center.

Even lead plates for radiation shielding.

“Are all those things X-ray machines?”

“Yeah, I heard it consumes a ton of electricity. I heard they even installed a new generator.”

“If anyone saw this, they would think there was a war.”

Dozens of trucks arrived at the scene carrying X-ray machines.

Tesla and Edison’s assistants were busy checking the power lines.

[All-out war against disease!]

Since the publication of the Journal newspaper, public attention has been drawn to this Advanced Invention Research Institute.

The miracle drug, Compound H.

At first, many people were skeptical, but researchers around the world also acknowledged it.

There were also quite a few people who sought out Compound H to save their families and friends.

“When on earth will mass production start!”

“Please save my mother!”

Hitler’s massive project for mass production and improvement.

And as always,

The American public was focused on the latest updates.

As this happened, the burden felt by researchers also increased.

“What happened to sample numbers 165 through 177?”

“We are currently testing the effects. Results will be out in two days.”

“Don’t wait for the results, and proceed with additional testing right away. We have enough manpower anyway.”

Dr. Curie said as she walked down the corridors of the laboratory.

There were more than five researchers surrounding her.

It was the first time since she became a scientist that she had commanded so many people.

Even in France, there were at most one or two assistants.

Other scientists considered it dishonorable to work under a woman.

But this Advanced Invention Research Institute was different.

Hitler, true to his promise, gave her full control over the project.

“The new X-ray machines that just arrived won’t be able to operate right away. We don’t have enough power because of the generators…”

“Then connect it to a car or truck and operate it.”

“What do you mean by using a car or truck?”

“That’s the method I used during the last great war. If we’re short on generators right now, we’ll have to test it that way.”

Curie said.

Why is Hitler in such a hurry to conduct experiments?

He asked for new samples whenever there was progress.

‘Has anyone around you gotten sick?’

Dr. Curie shook her head to clear her mind of distracting thoughts.

Since coming here, she has realized that radium can be fatal to the human body.

Animal experiments conducted dozens of times.

All animals that ingested even small amounts of radium developed fatal diseases and died.

‘So far, hundreds of people have died from eating the radium that my husband and I discovered.’

If only to alleviate his guilt, he had to make this Compound H improvement a success.

As she was taking steps, another researcher came running.

He opened his mouth, panting for breath, and shouted.

“Doctor! A telegram has arrived from Germany. A new process that can greatly improve production efficiency and effectiveness…”

“A new process? Who sent it?”

“This is Dr. Fritz Haber.”

“Fritz…Haber?”

Curie muttered.

There were few scientists who did not know the name Fritz Haber.

[Developer of artificial fertilizer.]

[The man who created gunpowder and food from the air.]

[The scientist who created poison gas and caused the deaths of hundreds of thousands.]

“That guy was researching Compound H?”

===＊＊＊===

Author’s Note

Q: Was Hearst’s interest in the scoop that great?

A: William Randolph Hearst was the founder of numerous successful newspapers and magazines, including The Journal.

He has been called Joseph Pulitzer’s spiritual successor, and is considered to have surpassed his teacher.

Pulitzer and Hearst focused on for-profit reporting, called yellow press, or tabloids.

Hearst’s Journal even had an elite unit dedicated to investigating murders, the Murder Squad.

They wore badges like police officers and even carried licensed firearms.

They personally arrested one of the suspects in the 1897 dismemberment murders.

It was common at the time for reporters to tail detectives when they had a good story to tell, for detectives to tail reporters, and for competing reporters and detectives to tail each other.

When one of the suspects in the 1897 murders was arrested, Hearst rode his bicycle to the suspect’s apartment.

He rented the house where the suspect lived from the landlord and restricted access to only reporters and police officers from his company.

Rival reporters who were denied access to the suspect’s home went to a nearby telephone to call for backup, but the lines had already been cut by Hearst staff.

In a time when photography was not yet widespread, Hearst’s reporters would take photographs of courtroom scenes and send them back to headquarters via homing pigeons.

These drawings were printed straight into the lunch and evening papers that day.

Hearst, who had helped start the Spanish-American War, had asked the US military to form a regiment sponsored by the Journal, but was turned down.

Afterwards, he personally traveled to the port of Havana during the war and commanded reporters on the battlefield.

A Journal correspondent was shot in the shoulder and fell to the ground, only to open his eyes to find the company president bending over him, looking at him.

He was dressed in a straw hat with a ribbon and a pistol on his belt.

“I’m sorry you got hurt.”

Even as enemy shells whizzed by, Hurst had a big smile on his face.

“But wasn’t it a great fight? We have to beat every newspaper in the world.”

(Source – Tabloid Wars, Paul Collins)