Bab 183: Chapter 183: The Hardy Group
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The scandal involving NBC Broadcasting Company had severely damaged its reputation, making it challenging for the network to recover its standing. The repercussions lasted for weeks, with protests against the company continuing for an entire week. Columbia TV's reputation also suffered somewhat due to the poaching incident.
Meanwhile, ABC took advantage of the situation to solidify its position as the top network among the three major TV stations. Hardy's strategic moves played a crucial role in this outcome.
Henry's activities were far from over. He managed to acquire a planner and an editor from NBC TV, as well as a text secretary and a reporter from Columbia TV. These acquisitions provided him with invaluable intelligence on the projects and internal affairs of these TV stations.
The expansion of the HD Security Intelligence Office's functions allowed Hardy to gather a broad range of information, including spying, secret investigations, and tracking. This information proved essential for undermining the competition.
For instance, Columbia TV was in the process of negotiating with Broadway Theater for new programming. While the theater was initially hesitant, ABC TV signed a contract to broadcast ballet, opera, and musical performances just a day later. The quick move was facilitated by Hardy's connections through an influential contact, leading to a smooth deal.
The competitive landscape saw ABC TV emerge as the dominant player, while NBC and Columbia TV struggled to recover from their setbacks. ABC's success was further boosted by the positive reception of its programs and the flourishing TV shopping segment.
Andy reported on the recent gains, highlighting that the 5,000 motorcycles previously acquired were sold out, generating $126,000 in revenue. The success also positively impacted the stock price of the motorcycle factory. Andy asked Hardy if he wanted to retain the shares, which had increased in value from $140,000 to $520,000.
Hardy, confident in Andy's judgment, allowed him to make investment decisions. Andy also detailed investments in various factories, including those producing clothing, shoes, hair dryers, and chocolate, with stock values rising significantly. Initial investments of $1 million had now appreciated to $3 million, achieving a 300% profit.
Andy suggested establishing a group company to better manage the growing number of industries. Although Hardy had managed well so far, Andy's proposal to create a group company for more efficient management and future growth was well-received.
Hardy agreed to the idea and tasked Andy with the establishment of the Hardy Group. When considering a name for the group, Hardy decided on "Hardy Group."
Meyer informed the MGM board about Hardy's offer to acquire shares in ABC TV. The board members were intrigued but felt Hardy's offer was too high, especially given the current stock prices. Meyer assured them that Hardy's proposal was reasonable and suggested showcasing Hardy's upcoming hotel in Las Vegas to demonstrate its profitability.
The Las Vegas Hardy Hotel was set to open soon, with all facilities completed and promotional efforts ramped up. ABC TV broadcast daily ads for the casino, and a new passenger transport service was established to facilitate travel from Los Angeles to Las Vegas.
Hardy invited around 500 friends, including Los Angeles officials, Hollywood stars, and business partners. The grand opening of the hotel was scheduled for a clear and pleasant October evening.
Prior to the opening, HD security personnel ensured everything was secure and in order. On the opening day, an HD airliner transported guests to Las Vegas, and shuttle buses were filled with excited visitors.
By the afternoon, nearly 3,000 guests had gathered at the hotel, with some already enjoying the gaming tables and amusement areas. At 8 PM, the ribbon-cutting ceremony commenced, featuring Hardy and Mike along with several distinguished guests. Fireworks lit up the sky, creating a spectacular display.
As the night progressed, guests flocked to the casino, and the real festivities began. The casino featured various games, including a betting game with a growing prize pool of over $11,300. The lottery, held every two hours, drew significant attention.
For fairness, Hardy employed a glass lottery device for the draw. The winner, an ordinary gambler who had bet just $2, was overjoyed to receive the grand prize of $10,000. Hardy instructed Elaine to document the event, ensuring the story would be reported in the newspapers and on ABC News.
The successful opening of the Hardy Hotel and casino, coupled with the strategic moves made by Hardy and his team, set the stage for continued success and growth in the future.
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Bab 184: Chapter 184: This is a Gold Mine
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The excitement of the casino's big prize winners stirred up the enthusiasm of gamblers. People were eagerly betting, knowing that the chance to get rich overnight was just around the corner.
This tactic was highly effective in keeping a large number of gamblers engaged.
The casino operated 24 hours a day, with no windows or clocks, and the lighting was perfectly designed for comfort. Inside, there were slot machines, poker tables, baccarat, roulette, craps, and lottery betting activities.
Visitors could play as long as they wished, indulging in their energy and passion without restraint.
For those not interested in gambling, the casino offered other attractions: bars, karaoke rooms, swimming pools, sports fields, and performance halls featuring shows like striptease and acrobatics.
Hungry guests could visit the cafeteria, and those needing rest had access to luxurious hotel accommodations. Various services, including massage, foot baths, spas, and even private performances, were available, with carefully selected staff to ensure quality.
Everything was designed for maximum customer enjoyment.
In addition to gambling, Nevada's legal framework allowed for other businesses. The casino also offered a range of entertainment options.
That night, five grand prizes were awarded, ranging from $7,000 to $15,000. Among the winners were three regular gamblers, a small Hollywood star, and a shareholder of MGM Studios.
The following day, major newspapers like the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and Las Vegas Newspaper covered the grand opening of the Hardy Hotel. The reports highlighted the celebrities, the casino, and the lottery, noting how a $2 bet could lead to tens of thousands of dollars in winnings. This generated considerable excitement and prompted many people to consider visiting Las Vegas to try their luck.
The allure of getting rich overnight was a powerful motivator, one that resonated strongly with people across the country.
ABC TV featured a documentary on the opening. The broadcast showcased the lively ceremony, Hollywood stars, fireworks, a bustling casino, and a crowded swimming pool. The excitement of the gaming tables and the attractive performances added to the appeal.
The lottery also drew attention. A young woman won the first grand prize of nearly $10,000, and the frequent prize draws every two hours kept the audience deeply engaged.
The next day, the number of visitors to the casino had increased, even as previous guests and celebrities departed to return to their jobs. The bus service between Los Angeles and Las Vegas operated every half hour, with no empty seats and long lines of people waiting to board.
These visitors were the real future revenue source for the casino.
Hardy chose not to stay at the Hardy Hotel but resided in the former Siegel manor. Following Siegel's death, Hardy had taken over the casino and its assets, including the manor. Despite its grim history, Hardy was unperturbed; his past experiences had hardened him to such matters.
The Beverly Hills mansion where Hardy now lived had also belonged to Siegel, as had the Hardy Hotel and other properties.
The manor was expansive, covering dozens of acres with multiple villa rooms. Ava Gardner, Han Yizhen, Elaine, Heidi Ramah, Taylor, and her parents all stayed there. Hardy also invited Mike, Meyer, and the mayor of Los Angeles, making the manor lively and bustling.
While the men enjoyed their time, the women took to the casino as well. Women, too, enjoyed the excitement of gambling, and some gathered to try their luck together.
Meyer and the mayor took advantage of the opportunity to relax at the hotel, while Hardy and Mike chatted under the shade of a tree.
"The TV factory is operating at full capacity, with a daily output of 1,100 sets, meeting our annual target of 400,000 sets."
"We've partnered with Citibank, First Bank of New York, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo, and the results have been excellent. All produced TVs have sold out, and new orders are already being placed months in advance."
"Based on current sales, each TV yields a gross profit of around $50, totaling an annual gross profit of $20 million."
"We have a $6 million loan, which should be repaid in less than a year," Mike reported with a smile, clearly pleased with the progress.
"By the way, Hardy, I'm running for Congress. The Democratic candidate for New York's third district will be decided in mid-November," Mike said with a grin.
"Are you with the Democratic Party?" Hardy inquired.
"Yes, is that a problem?" Mike asked, surprised.
"No problem; it's actually quite the same," Hardy replied. Hardy's California was a Republican stronghold, while New York was Democratic territory. He mused about the possibility of Mike advancing further and possibly running against the Republicans for the presidency. The thought intrigued him.
"How is the campaign going?" Hardy asked.
"Pretty well. I'm currently leading in the polls with the highest support," Mike said.
With the Corleone family backing him, and their influence in New York, Hardy wasn't surprised at Mike's success. It seemed like becoming a state legislator was well within reach.
"I studied editing in college, so text isn't an issue. But Congress requires a broader knowledge, so I'm planning to study law and finance."
"I've applied to New York University for further studies," Mike added.
"With your abilities, preparing for a state legislator role is a good move, and preparing for a future presidential run could be beneficial," Hardy encouraged.
"Ha, president? I haven't set such high expectations yet," Mike laughed.
"Don't be modest, Mike. Believe in yourself, set high goals, and work towards them. Even if it seems far off, you could end up as a vice president or governor," Hardy said.
"To make a name for yourself as a congressman, how about an interview show? Participating in Elaine's program could be a great boost. Veterans, battle heroes, young entrepreneurs, and the largest TV set manufacturer in the U.S.—there's a lot that could get people's attention," Hardy suggested.
"I've seen Elaine's talk show, and it seems there might be a bit of an interest between you two," Mike teased.
"One of my women," Hardy admitted candidly.
"Oh, it's not hard to guess. How many women do you have?" Mike joked.
"Haha, my personal preferences are different. I'm not involved in politics or planning to marry, so having multiple partners doesn't matter to me," Hardy said without reservation.
Mike was left speechless.
Two days later, the casino business continued to thrive.
Meyer approached Hardy with a request, "Hadi, the MGM shareholders want to meet with you to discuss further business."
"Sure," Hardy agreed, anticipating their interest in the booming casino business.
In the lounge of the Hardy Grand Hotel, Hardy met with several MGM shareholders, greeting them warmly. "How have you been finding the casino?"
"It's fantastic, just as the ABC ad promised. The Hardy Hotel is indeed a paradise for men," a shareholder responded with enthusiasm.
Hardy smiled in response.
"Las Vegas once thrived due to gold mines, but after the gold ran out, people left. Now, we've rediscovered a new gold mine in the form of the gambling business."
"Currently, the Hardy Hotel has struck the first vein. Do you want to know the results from the past two days? According to the latest report,"
"In just two days, the casino generated $680,000 in revenue and $160,000 in profit. With one lottery draw alone earning about $10,000 per day."
"Given the high profile of the initial guests, even with a more conservative estimate, we anticipate a yearly income of $14.6 million based on daily earnings of $40,000."
"Actually, this is just the beginning. The more we invest in this gold mine, the greater the returns. I plan to add horse racing and dog racing to create the largest racing events in the U.S., attracting countless tourists."
"Currently, we estimate attracting 500,000 visitors annually. In the future, this number could reach between 3 to 5 million people, bringing significant revenue from both tourism and gambling."
The MGM shareholders' eyes lit up, envisioning the vast profits ahead.
"I agree to the transaction with Mr. Hardy, but we want assurances regarding the safety of MGM's investments in Las Vegas," the largest MGM shareholder said.
Hardy smiled confidently.
"If you're concerned about official matters, I have a strong relationship with the Mayor of Las Vegas, and HD Security ensures the city's safety."
"If you're worried about gangsters,"
Hardy's silence spoke volumes.
He was the undisputed king of the underground in Las Vegas, and anyone attempting to disrupt the city would have to deal with him first.
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