Chapter 493: Chapter Four Hundred and Ninety-Three: He Must Know
After exiting the airport, Albert I praised Bo Yata and Browning, especially Browning.
He shook Browning’s hand excitedly and said:
"Thank you very much, Mr. Browning."
"If it weren’t for your new design, we might not have secured the production rights for this equipment, which is very important to us."
"I will remember your contribution to Belgium. If you have any requests..."
"It’s my duty, Your Majesty," Browning replied.
Indeed, that’s how he felt. As an American, he didn’t feel the notion of "contributing to the country" for Belgium; he did it more for FN Company and for his own benefit.
Albert I understood this. He glanced at Bo Yata, hinting him to spend some effort retaining this talent.
Bo Yata nodded in understanding.
This did not need to be told by Albert I. Since Browning designed the first pistol M1900 for FN Company, the only thing the company’s owner had to consider was how to make Browning stay with FN.
(Above image is the M1900 pistol designed by Browning in 1900, utilized in the assassination of the Japanese Prime Minister Ito Hirobumi in Korea, and in the attempted assassination of Lenin)
Finally, Albert I said to Browning: "I think we should prepare in advance, Mr. Browning. I mean, Shire may have many more astonishing new equipment in the future. At that time, we will face this situation again."
Browning nodded: "I understand, Your Majesty. I will design some new guns in advance."
Albert I reminded: "New guns that can interest Shire."
"Understood." Browning sighed, "That’s indeed not easy."
...
Albert I sat in the car, satisfied. After driving for a short distance, he said with lingering fear to Colonel Eden: "Fortunately, we have Browning."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Colonel Eden replied. "I am somewhat surprised that, apart from Shire’s military talents, he actually matches FN’s chief firearm designer in gun development, possibly even surpassing Browning."
Albert I stared at Colonel Eden in disbelief, and after a long while said: "God, are you surprised by this? Surprised that Shire can match Browning?"
Colonel Eden was stunned: "Did I, did I say something wrong?"
Albert I waved his hand in front of Colonel Eden and emphasized: "Shouldn’t we be surprised that Browning can match Shire?"
Colonel Eden was at a loss; he didn’t see the difference.
Then he said "Oh": "Yes, Your Majesty, it’s my fault."
My God, who is Shire? He is a genius inventor of a series of equipment such as tanks, fighter jets, bombers, and in the field of firearms, he has "Saint-Étienne 2." Recently, it’s said that there are new guns being secretly trained in his troops.
And he, surprisingly, thought Shire’s talent in firearms was inferior to Browning’s, naturally placing him behind Browning.
"Of course," Colonel Eden emphasized quickly: "Shire also has talent in firearms; no one can surpass him, not even Browning."
Only then did Albert I spare Colonel Eden. He leaned back and said softly:
"Think of Shire’s expression when he received the design sketches, Colonel. He wasn’t very interested. He exchanged with us reluctantly."
"And part of it was due to friendship."
"He considers us friends, so it was hard to refuse our requests."
Colonel Eden nodded repeatedly: "Of course, Your Majesty. Shire is a very reliable friend. He is trustworthy and worthy of befriending."
Albert I smiled slightly and said nothing.
That’s simply redundant; Shire is not just a friend but also Belgium’s savior!
...
On the other road, in the car heading to the Ghent branch, Bo Yata and Browning were also discussing what had just happened.
"Thanks to your design," Bo Yata said with a look of relief, then asked, "How did you come up with this kind of gun?"
"It was ’Saint-Étienne 2’ that inspired me," Browning replied. "At the time, I was thinking if the military needs to lighten the Maxim Machine Gun to make a light machine gun that two people can handle and move quickly, then can it be further lightened to a point where one person can handle it."
Bo Yata nodded: "Then came the BAR, a great idea. It triggered Shire’s determination."
Browning frowned and said nothing.
Bo Yata noticed Browning’s unease and asked in confusion: "Is there a problem?"
Browning was silent for a while and then said thoughtfully: "This is my proudest work, Jonathan."
Jonathan was Bo Yata’s nickname. Bo Yata usually called Browning John.
"I have high hopes for it, even hoping it would eliminate all rifles."
"But to Shire, it seemed insignificant."
"The look in his eyes when he saw the sketches, his expression, his tone... It was like he was feeling pity for me!"
Bo Yata nodded slightly: "I understand, John. But this is already very hard; remember, he is Shire! You should be proud of it..."
"No, you don’t understand." Browning interrupted Bo Yata. "It’s not just that. There was something else in his eyes."
Bo Yata sighed inwardly. Perhaps this was the first time Browning was overshadowed and looked down upon by someone else. It must be hard for someone who had always been superior in this field to accept.
Browning muttered:
"Unbelievable, he spotted all the flaws in BAR at a glance."
"He even knew it couldn’t change the barrel. Is it because the barrel doesn’t have a handle? Astonishing insight!"
"No, no, his eyes were just like, just like..."
Suddenly Browning froze, then exclaimed: "He knows, Jonathan, he knows!"
"Knows what?" Bo Yata was confused, and his eyes flashed with a hint of fear. This guy better not have a breakdown now; if he had a mental breakdown, everything would be over.
"He knows this gun." Browning stared: "He had the same idea; I mean, to develop a similar rifle."
Bo Yata was stunned for a while, and after understanding the meaning of Browning’s words, he felt relieved; at least he wasn’t crazy.
"Are you sure?" Bo Yata asked.
"Yes, I’m sure." Browning nodded heavily: "It must be. He identified the gun’s flaws at a glance. It wasn’t because he reacted quickly, but because he had considered this kind of gun. He even..."
Then Browning’s mouth dropped open: "My God, he might know how to fix these flaws, which is why he showed disdain, which is why he agreed so reluctantly, which is why..."
Recalling Shire’s demeanor, Browning became more certain and immediately shouted excitedly to the driver in front: "Turn around, Stein, we’re going back to the airport!"