Chapter 245: Chapter 245: Can’t Find 3 Countries
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"Hardy, you're being reckless," Giannini said, frustration clear in his voice. "The California consortium's strategy for this election is to support Dewey. We're aligned with the Republican camp, yet you've gone ahead and backed Johnson. Many within the consortium are saying you're jeopardizing our future."
"You should be aware of Dewey's high approval ratings. In the latest poll, his approval stands at 68%, while Johnson lags at 32%. Johnson lacks charisma and his stubborn nature isn't favored even among his own party. I really can't understand why you're supporting him."
"Now, there's talk within the consortium about expelling you. Hardy, give me a reason, or I'll have to reconsider our cooperation," Giannini said sternly.
Hardy, unruffled by Giannini's interrogation, remained calm. He anticipated such issues from the start.
"Mr. Giannini, I need to discuss some matters with you in person. There are things that are not suitable to discuss over the phone. I'll be in San Francisco tomorrow. Let's meet and talk this over in detail," Hardy said.
"Alright, I'll be expecting you. I hope you come prepared with a convincing reason," Giannini responded before ending the call.
Hardy, alone, opened a cigar box, lit a cigar, and took a contemplative puff. As the green smoke swirled, he thought about the upcoming meeting with Giannini. He was not just looking to persuade Giannini but to find an advantage in the situation.
Some people view crises with worry and fear, but Hardy saw them as opportunities. His goal was to navigate the situation to his benefit.
In another room, Elaine was using a hair dryer after her shower. Hardy's investment in Johnson was akin to venture capital—high risk, but potentially high reward. Dewey, already popular and well-supported, offered limited returns. Investing in Dewey was like icing on a cake that many others were already enjoying.
In contrast, supporting Johnson was a bold move. While not a large-scale investment compared to those backing Dewey, it was highly visible. Hardy's choice to support Johnson was daring, positioning him as a standout investor in a high-risk scenario.
With the hair dryer still humming, Hardy put out his cigar and walked into the next room. Elaine, in silk pajamas, was drying her hair. Hardy approached her, touching her neck and sliding his hand down her collar.
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The next morning, Hardy flew to San Francisco. Upon arrival, a security team picked him up and took him to Giannini Manor for their meeting.
Giannini greeted Hardy with a serious expression. The California consortium traditionally supported Republicans, and Dewey was their chosen candidate for this election. Supporting Dewey was a strategic move to gain benefits from his potential presidency.
The California consortium was a rising force, seeking to enhance its standing through strategic investments. By backing Dewey, they hoped to secure advantages when he assumed office.
In Giannini's study, the two men sat across from each other. Giannini broke the silence, "Hadi, why am I waiting for you?"
Hardy spread his hands nonchalantly and responded with a question of his own. "Mr. Giannini, if we invest in Dewey and he wins, what benefits will the California consortium actually receive?"
Giannini answered, "We'd gain access to certain investment channels, some defense contracts, and favorable policies."
"How many investors are backing Dewey?" Hardy asked.
"A lot," Giannini replied.
"And will we receive as much benefit as others?"
Giannini hesitated, clearly understanding the implication. The California consortium might end up with less significant gains compared to others, despite their support.
Hardy continued, "Investing in Dewey seems stable and predictable, but it's also crowded. If we support Johnson, who is currently more isolated, we might gain more substantial benefits if he wins."
Giannini looked intrigued. "What are you suggesting?"
"I've received information from reliable sources that a major power is backing Johnson," Hardy said.
Giannini's interest was piqued. "What major power?"
"The Jews, founding a nation," Hardy replied.
Giannini's eyes narrowed. "Explain further."
"Israel will declare independence next month. While this is a certainty, the question is whether Arab League countries will accept it. I anticipate conflict, which will push Israel to seek strong U.S. support. Johnson has been a supporter of Israel. If he is re-elected, he will likely continue this support. Thus, backing him now could be highly beneficial," Hardy explained.
Giannini considered Hardy's insights. If conflict erupted, Johnson would become crucial for Israel, making him an essential ally for the Jewish state. Thus, supporting Johnson might prove advantageous.
Giannini shifted his stance, realizing that Hardy's investment in Johnson could potentially yield greater benefits. He faced a dilemma: whether to continue supporting Dewey or to pivot based on Hardy's predictions.
"Hardy, what do you propose?" Giannini asked.
Hardy suggested, "Continue to support Dewey, but limit the investment. This way, if Dewey wins, we still benefit. I'll continue investing in Johnson. If Johnson is re-elected, the returns could be substantial. Let's agree to support each other regardless of the outcome. This arrangement should be kept private until the election results are known."
Giannini, impressed by Hardy's strategic acumen, agreed. The plan was a sophisticated balancing act designed to maximize benefits regardless of who won the election.
As they concluded their discussion, Giannini reflected on Hardy's tactical prowess, which surpassed even seasoned veterans in the field. Hardy's approach was calculated and shrewd, demonstrating a level of strategic thinking far beyond his years.
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Chapter 246: Chapter 246: Revenge
A few days later.
Giannini attended a local social event where a reporter asked, "Mr. Giannini, the California consortium has chosen to support Dewey, while the Hardy Group, a member of the consortium, has backed President Johnson. Can you comment on this?"
Giannini's previously cheerful demeanor shifted to seriousness. "Hardy decided to support President Johnson's re-election. This was not previously communicated. I want to emphasize that the California consortium remains committed to Governor Dewey."
"Does this mean the California consortium is severing ties with the Hardy Group?" the reporter pressed.
Giannini's expression darkened. "The consortium operates as a unified entity, working towards common goals. With such differences, we are currently evaluating whether the Hardy Group should remain a part of the consortium. This decision will be made by a majority of the members."
The reporter attempted further questions, but Giannini departed with a grave look.
The following day, The New York Times published a report titled, "California Consortium Divided: Hardy Group May Be Expelled."
The article detailed the split: while the consortium supported Dewey, the Hardy Group chose Johnson, a move deemed as betrayal. The report suggested that if consortium members acted independently of collective interests, there might be no need to keep them.
The story quickly spread, with many newspapers reprinting it. ABC, NBC, and Columbia TV covered the story, and talk shows dissected and ridiculed Hardy's decision. Commentators derided Hardy's gamble, labeling it as a misguided risk in a crowded field with little chance of success.
The media frenzy led to a drop in stock prices for Hardy Group's listed companies. Within the group, voices of dissent grew louder, questioning Hardy's investment strategy and its potential fallout.
President Johnson, aware of Hardy's difficulties, called him. Hardy reassured him, "Don't worry, Mr. President. I'm fully behind you and believe in your victory."
Johnson expressed his gratitude.
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A few days later, Johnson's "Grand Tour Speech Activity" began in New York, Dewey's home turf. Despite this challenging environment, Johnson's team managed to gather over 2,000 attendees, a modest number for New York's large population.
To boost attendance, Johnson contacted Hardy, who promptly sent Johnny Fontaine, a popular singer, to New York.
The Global Times announced Fontaine's performance, drawing attention and generating buzz among New Yorkers. Hardy also arranged for ABC TV to broadcast the event live from Times Square, ensuring nationwide coverage.
The day of the speech arrived. Times Square was bustling with over 10,000 people, energized by Fontaine's performance and Johnson's appearance. Johnson, eschewing a prepared script, spoke freely and humorously, captivating the crowd and demonstrating a newfound charisma.
The live broadcast, a first for a U.S. presidential campaign, showcased the event's vibrant atmosphere, drawing enthusiastic responses from viewers across the country.
After the successful speech, Johnson moved on to the next city.
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Meanwhile, Hardy decided to visit France. He had promised Elizabeth Taylor, the star of "Beauty and the Beast," he would visit before filming wrapped.
The B-29, with its impressive range, took Hardy from New York to Chambord Castle in France in a day. As the sun set, casting a warm glow over the castle, Hardy arrived to find Taylor on set, running through a scene.
Upon spotting Hardy, Taylor's face lit up. She ran to him, throwing herself into his arms, ignoring the crew's presence.
Hardy informed a guard to tell the crew they were free to party that night on his tab, which was met with cheers.
As Hardy and Taylor returned to their hotel, they spent time together, sharing stories and enjoying each other's company. That night, they embraced deeply, with Taylor nestled in Hardy's arms.
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Back in the U.S., Dewey seethed with anger as a new poll showed Johnson's approval rating had surged to 41%, a significant increase from 32%. Dewey, feeling threatened, decided to take action against Hardy.
Dewey and his henchmen devised a plan to investigate Hardy's business dealings, aiming to uncover any illegal activities. The focus was on Hardy's hotel chain and its alleged illegal lottery operations. Dewey intended to expose Hardy publicly, aiming to damage his reputation and finances.
"Even if he doesn't face prison time, we can make him lose millions," Dewey declared.
The New York State Attorney's Office was instructed to launch a high-profile investigation into Hardy's operations, ensuring the process was as visible as possible.
Dewey was determined to use his prosecutorial expertise to undermine Hardy and diminish Johnson's support, seeing it as a necessary step to protect his own political aspirations.
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