Chapter 133: Chapter 133 I Have a Dream
Joe Ga actually knew that what Eric said was right.
For most large companies, putting in this kind of effort, taking such risks, and then following up with huge investments of funds and manpower, such an investment just to fight for two mining properties really isn't worthwhile because the payback period is too long, and things can easily go south if not handled carefully.
But Joe Ga was different; he didn't blindly worship capital; instead, he held an extraordinary fondness for industry.
This was the 'big business' in his heart. Foreigners talk about money, but they don't understand the feeling the Chinese have towards 'mines'.
'Mine Boss' was once a synonym for 'tycoon' in Joe Ga's mind; owning a mining property meant a leap in one's life.
Yes, if Joe Ga continued to engage in the business of smuggling arms and dealing with those anti-government forces or even terrorists, he indeed could earn extremely high profits, but that wasn't business. Those who followed him would only be considered members of organized crime, and Joe Ga didn't think that suited him.
In Joe Ga's heart, making money was certainly important, but he preferred to earn it standing tall and straight, rather than becoming a portrait on a wanted list, worrying about being targeted by the police in whatever country he visited.
Now with Colonel Ka's arms depot as a foundation, the worst-case scenario was just earning a bit less, but what if he succeeded?
By then, along the line from Kenya to Central Africa, Joe Ga would become a crucial figure.
Once this route was opened, Joe Ga would be able to continuously transport arms in, allowing the surrounding countries to re-equip their militaries.
The operation was somewhat challenging, but through contact with Mary Aenola, Joe Ga felt that as long as the kickback was sufficient, there was nothing that couldn't be discussed.
These countries were accustomed to reaching out to 'big brothers' for military aid, but that didn't mean they lacked their own procurement quotas.
Even if they had no money, it wouldn't matter, I'd take mines, I'd take land, I would find ways to turn them into money, letting those big shots take some dry shares as a protective umbrella, and I might even sponsor your reelection campaign.
At that time, Joe Ga could establish a mining route that traversed four countries; all the mined resources could be sent to Kenya through this route and thereafter shipped by sea to any country in the world.
His homeland might not appreciate him now, but it was the world's largest resource consumer, and they should still need these mines.
If all else fails, just hire professionals to set up a steel mill, consuming the raw materials on-site and selling the steel locally. In Africa, steel is a valuable commodity; there are plenty of places in need of steel for reconstruction efforts.
Make a profit from raw materials, make a profit from selling steel, and then through those high-level government contacts, obtain subsidies and tax incentives from the government.
In addition to the social effect brought by providing employment opportunities, once this idea took shape, the subsequent profits would be continuous; there would be no worries for at least three generations.
This was the 'long-term investment to make big money' that Eric referred to; the cycle might take ten, or even twenty or thirty years, and success wasn't guaranteed, but if he succeeded, Joe Ga could walk anywhere with his back straight.
Selling arms would always just be a means; earning money while gaining social status was the ultimate goal.
There are too many people in the world doing this line of work, but how many soar to social status?
Too many people naively believe that having money is everything, but in reality, if your existence is of no benefit to others if you don't create reasonable social value, money is ultimately just a number, just a luxury item in your cupboard, just your lofty and extravagant dwellings. But once you are in trouble, you won't even have the qualification to negotiate and make deals.
This principle applies all over the world!
Joe Ga knew he was far from this goal, but now he knew what he wanted.
As for Eric's 'little angels'...
I've already handled nine-figure deals; you're talking to me about this?
One reason Joe Ga was sure this kind of business could work was his network of mine bosses.
The most typical one was Boss Lu; his family had invested so much money in South SD, they didn't even mine for gold at the beginning, but were wholeheartedly solving local people's hunger problems to earn a long-term income and stabilizing the situation.
Chapter Stay:
Joe Ga couldn't learn this mentality and approach because he didn't have that kind of capital.
But for Boss Lu's family, who were in the mining business, purchasing mining machinery and finding reliable technicians was no issue at all.
If in the end, things turned out to be unfeasible, selling the mining property to Boss Lu's family at a discount wasn't out of the question.
500 million too expensive for you? Then I'll make it 100 million. You just add a bit for security costs, and I guarantee the safety of your construction and mining operations.
In the end, it's all about making money, just a matter of how much!
A man should have dreams, otherwise what's the difference from a salted fish?
Joe Ga didn't tell Karman and the others all of his inner thoughts, worried they might think he was crazy.
Moreover, his current subordinates, although adept at fighting, were much worse when it came to business.
That sissy Eric only heard a rough idea, yet guessed Joe Ga's thoughts.
Putting aside his personality and character, Eric's education and family background meant he naturally looked further than most.
This annoying fat guy might be a bit mean, but he was truly capable. If Joe Ga wanted to finalize contracts and find reliable mercenaries in a short time, he truly couldn't do without him.
Looking at the few veterans who had reached an agreement, Joe Ga said with a smile, "That's enough talk for now, it's time to give you guys a sweetener.
Let's talk about a raise!"
"The salary I offer you guys isn't high, so the people we recruit later on can't be getting almost the same as you."
With a spread of his hands, Joe Ga said, "Now I can basically confirm that I'm going to get rich. It's just a question of how much I'll make.
If you have any demands, just let me know. As long as I can comply, I certainly won't refuse."
When a boss takes the initiative to bring up a raise, employees generally don't act too haughty because being too forward can make the boss think they're greedy. Someone who could take the lead to say 'Thank you, boss' would be considered quite emotionally intelligent.
Seeing that the group had fallen silent, Joe Ga laughed heartily and said, "I'm serious. If you don't make any demands, don't blame me for being stingy later on."
After hearing this, Karman gave Dorian a sidelong glance and then said in a deep voice, "The boss sets the salary. If you have a problem, take a hike."
Feeling unjustly accused, Dorian clutched his head and cried out, "Dragon Gecko, why are you always targeting me? What did I do wrong?
I think the current salary isn't bad. Let's just all agree not to take a raise. Let the boss decide on the bonuses.
I believe with the boss's character, the bonuses will definitely be more generous than the salary."
Upon hearing this, Joe Ga pointed at Dorian and joked with a laugh, "Dream on!"
Then Joe Ga rubbed his nose and gently tapped the table, saying, "Dragon Gecko and Devil Bird, an annual salary of one hundred thousand, Owl and Elephant, eighty thousand.
During times of war, daily wages for everyone will be one thousand, and I will give bonuses at the end of the year depending on the situation.
In a couple of years, if things are good, I'll get you all Greek passports and buy you comprehensive insurance.
That way, even if I have an accident, you guys will still have something to fall back on."
Joe Ga's words once again made the atmosphere heavy. In the end, it was Karman who saw through it all. He was the first to pat Joe Ga's arm and said, "I don't need the insurance. Cash it out for my son.
Whether or not the boss will have an accident, I'm not sure, but I'm certain I'll die before the boss does."
Nis, moved by Joe Ga's words, said, "I don't want insurance either. Just give me a gun."
Antar nodded and said, "I'll take the cash, too. Just give the money to my family."
Dorian looked at the three men who were intent on sharing life and death with the boss. He said morosely, "Well then, I... ah, I don't need it either...
But taxes and insurance in Greece aren't expensive, and the nurses in their private hospitals are quite pretty. Even if we don't open retirement accounts, we should at least sign up for health insurance!"
Joe Ga looked at the embarrassed Dorian and laughed heartily, "Go ahead, go ahead. If you don't like Greece, go to Italy.
We're brothers in arms who've been through life and death together. Now that I have money, it's my responsibility to take care of you all.
Nobody should refuse. I'll handle it. Like I said, we might not be the most successful team, but we can be the happiest team."
Karman stared at Joe Ga's profile, possibly thinking of something. Finally, he nodded seriously and said, "I don't understand what 'happiness' feels like, but I like how I feel right now.
If this is 'happiness,' then I think I should live a few more years."
With that, Karman very earnestly told Joe Ga, "I can live a few more years!"
Joe Ga, not quite comfortable with Karman's attitude, waved his hands and said, "Buddy, you're in better shape than I am. Every time we go running, I feel like I might not outlive you.
You're only 45, it's not too late to find a woman and have a few kids to mess around with."
As Joe Ga spoke, he gestured to stop Nis who wanted to speak and said, "Let's not beat around the bush among ourselves. I was too polite to eat while discussing business, so go get me something to eat.
I'll have a chat with 'Walnut' and 'Cannon.' They're from the special forces too. Let's start by recruiting people nearby, which can also reduce the workload later on."
Nis obediently stood up and went to the dining area to find some food for Joe Ga.
Antar, seeing the eager Anna coming to look for Joe Ga, stood up smilingly and intercepted the girl. She pulled Anna along to the dining area, chatting and laughing, swearing to make sure she gained three pounds today.
What's this little girl so enthusiastic about? Isn't practicing ball enough?
Dorian, seeing Karman standing behind Joe Ga ready to protect him, heaved a sigh and volunteered to act as the go-between, fetching 'Walnut' and 'Cannon,' then simply took his place behind Karman.
You're the boss, I can't compete with you, so I'll just stand behind you.
Caught up in his spirited mood, Joe Ga didn't sense anything unusual. He stood up to greet 'Walnut' and 'Cannon,' and after asking them to sit opposite him, said: "I need manpower, the best manpower, people who can work long-term.
Helicopter pilots, fighter pilots who know how to handle propeller aircraft, veterans familiar with jungle warfare.
Do you have any good recommendations?"
As Joe Ga spoke, he looked at the silent 'Cannon' Kowacevich and said, "Don't get the wrong idea. With 'Professor' getting off to a good start, you'll definitely benefit. Those who don't want to give up opportunities in Seville Country can stick with 'Professor.'
My point is, do you have any comrades who are idle? You're from Seville's most elite airborne brigade. I can be a bit more lenient with my requirements for you guys. Even if you're not so familiar with the jungle, I can offer the same salary as others.
Because I feel that you guys are good people, and I think such people wouldn't disappoint me."
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