Chapter 348: Chapter 348: Another Christmas Day
Hardy initially thought that if Han Yezhen rejected the request, it would be forgotten. However, Li Chunshan unexpectedly visited Hardy the next day.
In the study, Li Chunshan began, "Mr. Hardy, I want to start by apologizing."
"There's no need for that," Hardy replied calmly, already speculating about the visit.
"A few days ago, I asked Yezhen to find someone who could indirectly seek your help. I wanted to make a special apology for that now," Li Chunshan explained.
"You mean the situation in Malaya?" Hardy asked.
"Yes," Li Chunshan confirmed. "The Malays there are fighting for their rights but are being suppressed by the British and Malays. They are aware of your connection with Yezhen and your influence in the UK. They hope you might help."
Hardy remained silent, contemplating the situation based on his knowledge of future events.
Li Chunshan, sensing Hardy's contemplation, sat in awkward silence, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere in the room.
After a long pause, Hardy said, "Describe the situation in detail."
Li Chunshan took a moment before explaining, "I only know bits and pieces. In Malaysia, the Malay and Chinese populations are roughly equal, each exceeding 3 million."
"During World War II, the Japanese expelled the British and occupied Malaysia. The local sultans surrendered to the Japanese while we Chinese formed guerrilla groups to resist them, suffering significant losses."
"After the Japanese surrender, the British returned. Fearing a Chinese uprising, they allied with the Malays to oppress us," Li Chunshan concluded.
Hardy listened attentively, piecing together the situation.
Li Chunshan finished his account, and Hardy said, "Yezhen is not involved in politics and is unfamiliar with such complex matters. This situation involves not only Malaya but also British and American policies."
"I understand there are differing political opinions. The people you sent to Yezhen prefer a democratic approach, seeking political means to achieve peace and convey their concerns to the UK. Is that correct?"
"Yes, Mr. Hardy," Li Chunshan confirmed.
After some thought, Hardy said, "I'll handle this matter directly and will not involve Yezhen further. I'll send someone to meet with them and assess the situation."
Li Chunshan was relieved and thanked Hardy profusely. "Thank you, Mr. Hardy."
"Don't thank me just yet. I haven't committed to helping. It depends on how things develop," Hardy said.
After Li Chunshan left, Hardy contacted John Wick, director of the Hong Kong branch of HD Intelligence Company. Hardy briefed Wick on the situation, instructing him to meet with the representatives from Malaya.
Hardy's interest in the matter was driven by both personal and strategic reasons. With his knowledge of future events and Southeast Asian dynamics, he hoped to influence the outcome.
Additionally, there was potential for manipulation. Indonesia had achieved independence, but Malaya would not until six or seven years later and was still under British rule. Hardy owned two large military bases in Malaya, bought from the British with permanent use rights. As British control waned, Hardy saw an opportunity to potentially secure a territory for himself, even if it were an autonomous region.
That night, John Wick returned with a report. The "Democratic Alliance" in Malaya sought a peaceful coexistence, aiming for equal rights.
After hearing Wick's detailed account, Hardy decided, "Inform them that I won't make any promises. No one can guarantee the outcome, but you can continue discussions with them. You'll handle this from now on."
"Understood, boss," Wick replied.
Hardy was cautious, knowing that future developments would dictate his level of involvement. Building connections now might prove valuable later.
---
After four days in Hong Kong, Hardy prepared to leave. Having been away from the U.S. for nearly four months, he needed to return and address matters there before heading back to Japan after Christmas for more pressing issues.
Han Yezhen accompanied Hardy to the airport. They said their reluctant goodbyes as Hardy's plane took off.
After a long flight, Hardy's plane landed in Los Angeles on December 20th. With Christmas approaching, Ava Gardner greeted him eagerly at the manor.
Ava hugged Hardy tightly. "My dear, it feels like ages since I last saw you."
"This trip has been quite hectic. How's your new movie?" Hardy asked.
"It was released recently. It's a literary film, and despite the genre's typically smaller market, the response has been positive," Ava said.
That night, Hardy and Ava enjoyed a passionate reunion.
The next day, Hardy contacted Bulgari Jewelry. He had given them a batch of jewels six months earlier, which had been turned into exquisite jewelry.
Additionally, a batch of Rolls-Royce Silver Spirits had arrived in Los Angeles and sat unused in the warehouse for over two months. Hardy arranged for them to be sent to the manor.
In the courtyard, Hardy revealed a purple Rolls-Royce roadster to Ava. He also presented her with a diamond necklace.
"Christmas present," Hardy said with a smile.
"Thank you, dear," Ava said, hugging him excitedly.
---
At the ABC TV station, a green Rolls-Royce convertible caught everyone's attention. Elena noticed the car and asked her secretary, "Who bought this from our station?"
The secretary replied, "It's the latest Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, worth $200,000. Quite a luxury."
A man in a tuxedo approached Elena and said, "Ms. Elena, this car is for you."
"Me?" Elena asked, surprised.
"Yes, there's a letter for you inside," the man said.
Elena found a letter in the car, which read, "Christmas gift for Elaine. I'm back at the manor."
Elena squealed in excitement, realizing Hardy had returned. She quickly drove to Hardy Manor.
At the manor, she excitedly asked the butler, "Has Hardy come back?"
The butler replied with a smile, "Mr. Hardy is in a meeting with President Andy. He asked you to wait in his room until he's free."
Elena entered Hardy's master bedroom and found a delicate jewelry box on the table. The note on the box read, "Another gift for Elaine. Open it and see if you like it. If you do, I hope to see you wearing it later."
Inside the box was a set of diamond jewelry: a necklace, earrings, and a brooch. Elena admired the pieces, planning to wear them later.
---
During Hardy's four-month absence, the group operated smoothly, thanks largely to Andy's efforts. Hardy's absence underscored Andy's role as a crucial part of the team.
Over the past four months, the Hardy Group made significant strides. The security company expanded to half the U.S. cities, with a growing number of employees. The film division's performance was average, but the record and brokerage companies flourished. Hardy Records emerged as one of the top three Hollywood studios, and the brokerage firm became a leading industry player.
The casino continued to be a lucrative source of income, and the investment company managed substantial funds. The lottery industry showed promising future potential.
The Caesar Palace Hotel and Venetian Hotel were under renovation, with completion expected by mid-year. Wells Fargo Bank experienced rapid growth, expanding across the U.S. and internationally, becoming a major global player.
Hardy's shipping company thrived as global trade rebounded. New supermarket chains opened in Los Angeles and San Francisco, operating successfully.
Hardy Mining discovered a significant iron ore deposit, leading to a surge in stock value. Other ventures, like the TV factory, Estee Lauder, and Playboy, performed well.
Andy reported on the winery's success, noting increased sales in Japan. The Cayman Islands project was progressing, with construction underway and numerous businesses already registered.
The future looked bright for Hardy's ventures, and the groundwork laid during his absence promised continued success.
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