Father of France

Chapter 240 Return to Africa
“I know you Europeans envy America right now,” Ava Gardner said, her breath almost warm against Koman’s face. “It’s normal to feel a sense of loss seeing the core of power shift from Europe to America, but you can vent your frustrations on me.”

"I really envy the optimism of Americans. Have they forgotten about the Soviet Union?" Koman tilted his head and drew out the words. They all claim to be great, they all think they are the chosen ones, the city on the mountaintop.

The Jews, who are now on the verge of reaching the Promised Land, were originally quite timid, but the repeated Middle East wars have emboldened them and made them increasingly resemble the Third Tehran in their behavior.

But the Jews never dreamed that the small Hamas light infantry force would take two years to defeat. Even if they win in the end, the military deterrence built up in several Middle East wars will be lost.

As long as people exist, history will continue to develop. How can we conclude that history has ended so early?
The US? Oh well, they're not really in trouble. After all, they haven't suffered many losses, so a bit of paranoia is perfectly normal. They'll know the real pain when they lose two combat aircraft every hour.

Eva Gardner was right when she said that Koeman could take revenge on the other side to alleviate his disappointment as a former imperialist power.

Having withstood the attack of the French long stick, Ava Gardner was languid, her body seemingly coated with oil, clinging to Koman. Just being together made her feel completely at ease.

They lit a cigarette together, each taking a puff, and a look of smug satisfaction appeared on their faces. They both thought, without prior agreement, that there was no need to go out today; they should take care of the important business first.

In fact, even if Eva Gardner doesn't return, Corman won't stay in Saigon for long. The situation in French Indochina has been sorted out, and the reactionaries have been gathered. He has already set a time to return to his original job. No matter how good French Indochina is, France's main base is Africa, which is the foundation for France to stand firm and secure its existence.

In comparison, although French Indochina was also very valuable, it was not worth continuing to invest too much in it. The right thing to do was to figure out how to get the Americans to share the military expenses of the French army.

A day later, Corman took Eva Gardner, whose physical needs had been met, to the place where the artisans lived. In all of Saigon, the accommodations Corman arranged for these artisans were by no means bad. He even borrowed some houses from many Gao Hua people to live in. He took great care of these artisans who were national treasures.

Ava Gardner was also very interested when she learned that the new clothes were made. "Are they costumes from which movies? They look really nice."

During the World Wars, the United States significantly reduced its hostility towards other races, and its image as a major Eastern power was barely acceptable.

Koeman knew, of course, that America would soon revert to its old ways, but he couldn't very well use the sword of the previous dynasty to kill the officials of the current one. So he replied gently, "They're better looking than the clothes of those lower-class people."

The reason it took so long, besides the two formal suits he had already worn, was that after meeting with Wang Nengchu and his son Wang Bao, Koman suddenly remembered the Miao ethnic costumes, one of the leading ethnic groups in China. Therefore, he even commissioned a collection of silver ornaments to be made for Wang Bao's future wives, since silver wasn't very valuable anyway, and it was a worthwhile way to win over a warlord.

From the attire of Wang Nengchu and his son Wang Bao, Koman could immediately tell that it was the difference between the ethnic costumes in the short video and the ethnic costumes before liberation.

The difference is similar to the difference between Afghans wearing robes and Middle Eastern oil tycoons wearing robes. They are similar items, but the robes of Middle Eastern oil tycoons are obviously valuable, while the robes of Afghans can be used as rags.

Most people can't really distinguish between Mongolian and Tibetan clothing, but Miao clothing has a high presence in this large Eastern country. When many people see clothing from southern ethnic groups, they subconsciously think it's Miao clothing.

Although the Miao people are indeed unlucky, always associated with terms like "driving the Miao people to expand their businesses" and "reforming local officials," they have still left behind some influence.

Upon arrival, several embroiderers brought out the finished dresses. Ava Gardner immediately spotted the shimmering silver Miao headdress and couldn't help but approach to comment, "It's so beautiful."

Koman glanced at the two different styles of empress dresses that had been taken out at the same time, and thought to herself that the Americans... even American women don't know their stuff, so easily fooled by sparkly headdresses. She pointed to the two dresses next to her and reminded them helplessly, "Those are works of art."

"You're lying to me. Just look at the headdress; this set is the most valuable one." Ava Gardner couldn't take her eyes off it, her eyes seemingly gleaming with silver light. She was the embodiment of being blinded by money, reaching out to touch the headdress and refusing to let go.

"Whatever you like." Coman opened his mouth, seemingly indicating that clothing was secondary; indeed, using more gold and silver was more effective than anything else.

Ava Gardner was already eager to try it on, turning to Koman in a low voice to ask, "How do I wear it? Do I need to take off my underwear when changing? Aren't there many customs in different cultures?" "Hmm, Ava," Koman said seriously, clearing his throat, "Luckily, these artisans don't understand English. Be serious when you speak."

With over ten pounds of silver jewelry draped over her from head to toe, Koeman was worried for Ava Gardner, but to his surprise, she was perfectly fine, twisting her body and making faces in front of the mirror.

What a miscalculation! Koman hadn't expected this outcome. He hadn't anticipated spending the night with the Miao saintess. As for the two carefully prepared gowns, he would consider them a test of the embroiderers' skills. He would try them on later and keep them for now.

Ava Gardner, who took the Miao ethnic costume directly, held the headdress in her hands, making Koman feel neglected. He could only try to make conversation, asking, "Do you think that if this were released to the market, it could greatly boost the French luxury goods industry?"

“You’ve foreseen everything.” Ava Gardner, feeling both physically and mentally delighted, said with a charming smile, “I never imagined you really had the ability to find treasure with just a glance.”

“It’s not something you can find just by looking at it.” Koman smiled. He believed that the craftsmanship of the Indian upper class was also very exquisite, but he didn’t think he had the ability to find gold in the vast sea of ​​people in India.

It's normal for such a great civilization to have some hidden treasures; after all, who didn't emerge victorious from a battle royale competition?

However, India's image has always been a problem, coupled with the tendency of Indians to change their religion. It's better for the British Empire to keep its distance from this civilization. The difficult task has already been undertaken by the British Empire. France, the second colonial empire, simply does not have the capacity.

The first shipment of rice to South Korea has been sent, and the news of payment upon delivery signifies the success of this new market development. The entire Saigon community of Koh Wa is overjoyed. A Frenchman has guided them to find a new market and obtain cash flow. Koh Wa now holds a position of equal importance to God in the eyes of the Koh Wa.

"We don't know how to thank the Major." Guo Cheng arrived with the Gao Hua people's gratitude, then, upon seeing Ava Gardner, blurted out, "Miao clothing?"

Koeman looked unsurprised. He had said that Miao clothing had a high profile, but now was not the time to discuss that. "I'm happy to see your business grow. Remember, the window of opportunity is only two years. Try to accumulate cash, to put it bluntly, US dollars. I'm leaving French Indochina. Lefebvre will stay in Saigon. If you encounter any difficulties, you can let me know."

"Major Coleman, you're leaving already?" Guo Cheng asked, somewhat shocked. "Actually, France's territories in Africa are nowhere near as good as this place."

"Leaving aside the factor of area, you are right," Corman said calmly. "But if we take area into account, you're wrong. Africa is France's stronghold. Compared to French Africa, French Indochina is like Tongguan Pass in front of Chang'an."

“My workplace is also in North Africa, so I can no longer stay in Saigon. However, I will keep in touch with you. Your current situation will not change because of my departure. Furthermore, we need to keep in touch regarding Madagascar. Don’t worry, nothing will happen.”

Koman gently dismissed Guo Cheng's attempt to persuade him to stay, saying, "As for the residences we borrowed from your families, since the artisans all left with me, we'll return them to you. However, I still suggest that you try to sell your fixed assets to officials of the Vietnamese royalist party. Perhaps soon some French expatriates will also sell their surplus residences."

The retreat hadn't started at any particular time; it had already begun secretly. Coman no longer had time to stay in French Indochina and watch as each of his previous arrangements came to fruition.

France is not like Britain. Britain's interests are too dispersed, so it's normal for it to be concerned with one thing while neglecting another. France's interests are very concentrated. If it can protect Africa, it will be a world power. If it can't, it won't even be able to become the leader of the European Community.

The first phase of the planned Sahara Atlantic Railway, which will connect the railway lines along the Mediterranean, has already begun, so there is really no reason for Koeman to stay here any longer.

Guo Cheng was indeed reluctant to part with Koman. Koman was a colonizer, but a gentleman judges by actions, not intentions. He was genuinely good to them, the elites, but he was very stubborn in his thinking, and once he made up his mind, it was difficult for others to change it.

In the following period, Corman began to hand over his work, and Lefevere followed Corman to familiarize himself with the connections at the Governor's House. During this process, the film crew returned to Hollywood, but the British treasure did not go to the United States. Instead, he prepared to return to England, which happened to be on the way.

A week later, a group of people from different races, civilizations and professions boarded a ship in Saigon and set sail westward with the sounding of the ship's horn.

(End of this chapter)