He is Already a Tycoon at a Young Age! - Chapter 33



Only Krnovel

Episode 33

Episode 33 – Your Honor, I’m a Good Person (or Not)

April 1920.

German troops entered the Ruhr industrial area under the pretext of suppressing left-wing workers.

France responded by sending troops against Frankfurt, Hamburg, and other German cities.

The Versailles Treaty remained a hotly debated issue.

Meanwhile, in the United States, two months before the Republican primary, a capitalism fever is sweeping the country.

“I came here after hearing that there were still some left. Are there any?”

“We don’t have it in stock at our store right now. If you reserve it, we will contact you when the next shipment arrives.”

As the winners of the competition were announced in the newspapers every day, interest grew.

A New York newspaper boy at a youth convention.

In the women’s competition, a telephone operator from Ohio.

etc.

Word quickly spread that the winners received prize money and scholarships.

It wasn’t just board games that were popular.

‘My two years in America, the struggle of a German.’

– Dale Carnegie, Adolf Hitler

A sensational price of 15 cents, with extensive newspaper advertising.

‘A successful entrepreneur who was a former enemy soldier.’

Hitler’s book was on everyone’s lips as soon as it was published.

“A German from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Did you write something criticizing the United States?”

The contents of the book were completely beyond their expectations.

[America’s greatness comes from its innovation and inclusiveness. These two spirits are most appropriate for the 20th century and will continue to be…]

[American culture is more advanced than anywhere else in Europe. Now it is Europe’s turn to learn from the Americans.]

[Europe owes a great debt to the United States.]

[What I believe is the most natural thing as a capitalist, as a black cat and a white cat…]

Some critics were offended by the book’s overt glorification of America.

‘The publishing company he took over is publishing this book. Hitler’s book is disgustingly explicit, and his intentions are…’

‘… simply to sell to the public while ignoring the problems facing America today…’

But there were also those who welcomed Hitler’s book with open arms.

‘Hitler evaluated American society with an objective yet sharp eye!’

‘Hitler’s success is proof of the American dream!’

‘Aren’t you selling books for less than the cost price? How can that be considered the actions of a greedy person?’

These were mainly conservative figures from the church and the village.

Those who support orthodox American values.

A month after its publication, its popularity reached its peak when Hitler transferred the copyright of the book to all publishers without compensation.

‘Starting today, any publisher can publish and sell books as they wish. The only condition is that they do not arbitrarily edit existing content.’

Even a shabby local print shop began printing and selling Hitler’s books.

The titles of books also became more and more provocative.

‘Who is Adolf Hitler, the mysterious German businessman who made a movie with Charlie Chaplin?’

‘From poor artist to successful entrepreneur. You can succeed too! A book with the formula for success.’

As the number of readers increased, publishing also increased, and as publishing increased, the number of readers also increased.

Newspapers also ran a series of articles about Hitler’s book.

Tesla store and radio.

To Edison’s Advanced Institute of Inventions.

Hitler’s story was seen as the very embodiment of the American dream.

Meanwhile, something else was happening in Washington, D.C.

[Preliminary hearings on radio industry neutrality to be held ahead of primary.]

The press quickly picked up on it.

A few days later, a man entered the Capitol building in Washington, D.C., through a hail of flashes.

Hearing Room 216.

As he entered, flashes of light went off again everywhere.

As the man struggled through the crowd to take his seat, one of the senators spoke.

“Mr. Adolf Hitler. Welcome to the Reichstag.”

＊＊＊

“First of all, we need to make one thing clear.”

A deep voice echoed throughout the hearing room.

“Please keep in mind that this is only a preliminary step and not a formal hearing.”

“Yes, of course.”

I answered while looking at the man sitting across from me.

Warren Harding.

I knew he was a senator, but I didn’t know he’d be the chairman of the hearing.

He was handsome.

To anyone who looked at him, he seemed like a model politician.

Did his looks play a part in his popularity among female voters?

‘If there are no major changes, he will become the next president.’

The president who led the most corrupt administration in American history.

My neck is tense for no reason.

“I was also deeply impressed by the book written by Mr. Hitler. It well represents the values ​​and beliefs that America pursues.”

Harding spoke in a soft voice, like the uncle next door.

“In the United States of America, everyone, regardless of nationality, can have equal opportunity and success. Mr. Hitler proved it himself.”

“I agree with what you said, sir.”

No matter your nationality.

People of Irish, Italian and Jewish descent seem to have always been discriminated against.

Needless to say, blacks and Asians.

Those who first came to America were always wary of the immigrants who came later.

“Also, the radio industry that Mr. Hitler started saved many lives in disaster areas. I would like to thank you on behalf of the American people.”

“You are kind enough to say that.”

I gave a standard answer and checked the mood.

Now let’s get to the main point.

“But there is no lack of concern in the political world. Mr. Hitler is not only not yet a citizen of the United States, he is currently the only radio operator in the United States. He also fought as an enemy soldier in the last war.”

Harding spoke in a still gentle tone.

“There are concerns that the nature of radio could also affect political neutrality.”

I relaxed my body and stepped back.

U.S. Congressional hearing.

Many celebrities have passed through here.

The same goes for Jack Morgan and his father, Pierpont Morgan.

Whenever public opinion becomes problematic, lawmakers hold hearings and question those involved.

‘There were even people who cried because they were cursed at so much.’

The current atmosphere is the complete opposite.

Harding spoke to me in a gentle manner.

‘My book is popular, so it will be difficult to treat it carelessly.’

It would be hard to openly bash someone who praises the American dream.

I praised Wilson’s League of Nations, but at the same time I agreed with the Republican Party’s promise of stability and normalization.

“There is a bipartisan consensus from both the Democratic and Republican parties that some level of regulation is necessary. What is your opinion, Mr. Hitler?”

“…”

Everyone’s eyes were on me.

Politicians and secretaries, reporters and observers.

I’m standing on ice.

One wrong step and you’ll end up in ice water.

‘But I have no intention of going cautiously.’

Breaking the ice like an icebreaker.

That’s my style.

“I completely agree with what Senator Harding said.”

I leaned forward.

“Radio can have a huge impact on the general public. I think it is only natural that lawmakers who are looking after the people are concerned.”

And here…

“The radio industry began first in the United States. So isn’t it also America’s role to lead the development of radio under democratic values?”

“I am glad that Mr. Hitler understands our position.”

Harding nodded with a satisfied expression.

If someone heard this, they would think it was a rigged game of Go-Stop.

A senator who cares about the people’s livelihood.

An entrepreneur who agrees with this.

“Then, regarding the specific regulations, Mr. Hitler, who runs a radio company, what level of regulation do you think is appropriate?”

I took a deep breath.

Now it’s time to drive the wedge in.

“It’s simple. We just have to apply all applicable regulations.”

“…Applying all possible regulations?”

Harding looked puzzled.

The same goes for other members of the National Assembly who are seated.

The reporters’ flashes went off loudly.

Yeah, you guys didn’t expect this either, right?

19th and 20th century America.

How many businessmen have come forward and asked for regulation?

‘You shouldn’t be surprised already.’

I opened my mouth again.

“First, establish an independent agency to regulate and manage radio…”

As I continued talking, the sound of the flash only grew louder.

After I finished speaking a few minutes later, there was silence in the hearing room.

“If there are any additional regulatory plans that members of the National Assembly have in mind, I would be happy to listen.”

“Well, I think this will be enough for now.”

Harding mumbled in a bewildered tone.

The reporters stood up from their seats in a hurry, as if they were trying to report the news.

“We will discuss the details again at the meeting tomorrow. It was a pleasure to talk to you today, Mr. Hitler.”

＊＊＊

New York

RCA Headquarters

“The results will come out soon.”

Deputy Sarnoff said, stretching.

“It feels like I’m smoking again after decades of quitting. It’s been a while since I felt this relieved.”

“It’s funny to think about that Hitler struggling in the hearing room. Would you like a drink to celebrate?”

“It’s okay, there are still things to finish. You’d better stay sober. There’s going to be a lot of work ahead.”

Sarnoff refused the flask offered by his subordinate.

“While Tesla Radio is faltering, we need to establish ourselves firmly.”

He said.

“There’s no better opportunity than this. Last time, we got hit hard…”

RCA had previously moved to sabotage Tesla’s radios.

However, it fell through due to opposition from key figures including the Democratic Party.

Rather, it only had the opposite effect.

Since then, RCA has been waiting for an opportunity to emerge from the shadows.

‘This time luck rolled in on its own.’

RCA had nothing to do with this issue. The politicians just started fighting each other.

“Once the hearings are over, there will be some kind of regulation. Hitler himself will be ridiculed. Can you cover that up by selling a few books?”

The radio industry today is virtually under Hitler’s monopoly.

It was clear that regulation would target Tesla Radio as well.

That way, RCA can quickly move up and avoid those regulations.

“Tesla’s rapid success has actually been a poison to them. It’s actually a good thing.”

“Okay, let’s get to work as soon as the smoke clears. We just have to avoid the new regulations.”

Sarnoff said.

“No matter how well the media covers it up, once you go to the hearing, your reputation is bound to suffer. A corrupt businessman. Don’t you think that’s what everyone else thinks?”

Then an employee came running.

“Sir, sir! Here’s a telegram that just came in from the hearing room. I think you should read it yourself.”

“Okay, let’s see what that Hitler guy said.”

All the staff gathered around him.

Sarnoff read the text slowly.

“Should all radio companies be subject to external audits and be subject to strict licensing by the state?”

As the telegram was read, more and more people came.

“What the hell is this, establishing a communications commission to monitor this, and then having to revoke the license and impose huge fines if neutrality is compromised…”

Silence fell.

Everyone looked at the telegram with half-dazed eyes.

Soon, Sarnoff’s voice echoed through the office.

“Contact the council immediately! Let them know what’s going on!”

“Huh?! Oh, yeah!”

“Hitler! What the hell did that crazy bastard do?!”

“Isn’t this an attempt to completely destroy the radio industry by dragging us into it?”

“What on earth are they doing to put forth such ridiculous regulations…”

Sarnoff muttered with a pale face.

Is Hitler really out of his mind?

Otherwise, it wouldn’t make sense. Why on earth would someone do something this crazy…

‘no way!’

He waved his arms and shouted.

“Don’t just call, send someone to check right now!”