Bab 213: Chapter 213: Wool
Many promotional games and contests have come and gone: card games, computer game lotteries, New Year collections, mobile phone picture collections, and red envelope games. There's always a catch—some words or images are almost impossible to collect. Why? Because event companies don't want to give away too much money. If everyone easily won big prizes, the cost would be astronomical.
Penguin and other companies can't tolerate the financial strain.
The simplest method is to limit the availability of certain words or images.
Hardy observed Coca-Cola's promotional strategy and knew what they were up to. For an average person, there would be no way to counteract such tactics. But Hardy isn't just anyone; he's Jon Hardy.
Play dirty.
Why discuss rules with an opponent? Why reason with someone who doesn't follow them?
Seeing that Walter Mack didn't fully understand, Hardy explained:
"It's quite simple. If 12 bottle caps can be exchanged for 1 U.S. dollar, and Coca-Cola sold around five to six billion bottles last year, do the math. If the patterns were evenly distributed, they'd have to spend around forty to fifty million dollars in prizes."
Walter Mack's eyes widened. "So, Coca-Cola would spend five cents per bottle. With that volume, it's not enough to cover the prize redemption."
"Exactly," Hardy said with a smile. "They'll control the number of the two constellations to limit the number of prizes. Do you know what we should do?"
Walter Mack's excitement grew. "We should expose Coca-Cola's scheme. Once the public realizes they're being deceived, their reputation will suffer, and their sales will drop."
Hardy shook his head. "That's not enough. Even if we expose them, Coca-Cola will simply explain it away, and people will eventually accept it. Their sales will still overshadow ours."
"I have a better plan. We can use this issue to make Coca-Cola suffer a significant loss. We'll force them to cancel their reward redemption activity, damaging their reputation severely. This will give Pepsi a golden opportunity to catch up."
Walter Mack looked at Hardy in surprise. "Can we really make Coca-Cola suffer and force them to cancel the redemption?"
"Yes," Hardy assured him. "I'll handle it. You just focus on production and sales, and prepare for a potential surge in demand. Consider expanding our production base."
Walter Mack nodded, understanding Hardy's intent. "I'll do my part, Mr. Hardy."
After Walter Mack left, Hardy called Bill.
Bill's life had been thriving lately. As the boss of the Los Angeles underworld, he managed over a thousand people and numerous businesses, earning millions annually.
When Bill saw Hardy, he greeted him respectfully. "Boss, what can I do for you?"
Hardy poured a glass of wine for Bill. "I hear you've been enjoying yourself recently. Is it true you've been seeing a celebrity?"
Bill chuckled. "Kristin Tina. She was a child star and did a few movies, though she's done less acting as she's gotten older. We met her at a cocktail party and became friends."
"I know Christine Tina. She's worked with Elizabeth Taylor before. Is she of age?" Hardy asked.
"She's 18 now," Bill said quickly.
"That Christine is short. I thought she was under 18," Hardy commented.
"Well, you know, I like shorter girls. They're cuter," Bill said with a grin.
"As long as she's of age, don't break the law," Hardy said.
"I've always been a law-abiding citizen," Bill replied with a laugh.
"Actually, Christine hasn't had much work in the past two years. I'm considering investing in a movie for her. Can you help with that?" Bill asked, looking anxious.
"Sure," Hardy agreed.
Spending money to support women was something Hardy had done before. Since Bill was using his own money, Hardy saw no reason to stop him.
Bill smiled. "Boss, I know you're good with movies. What kind of project would suit her? Do you have a suitable script?"
Hardy thought for a moment. "You might want to invest in a TV series instead. TV series are becoming increasingly popular, and it might be better for her career to become a TV star."
"Here's an idea: invest in HD Pictures to get a script and make Christine the lead. Even if the show isn't a blockbuster, it will still generate income from TV broadcasts. Plus, you can use the revenue to launder money at the casino. What do you think?"
Bill nodded enthusiastically. "That sounds great. I'll invest in a TV series and discuss it with Edward."
Currently, a TV series called "Fairy Wife" was airing on ABC TV. The lead actress, once an unknown, had gained significant fame.
"By the way, what else do you need from me?" Bill asked.
"There are two things. First, I plan to take down the Mafia's Selton family in San Francisco and establish our dominance there," Hardy said.
Bill became serious. "I've been gathering information about the Selton family. They control a few blocks in the peninsula and East Bay. The gang scene in San Francisco is even more chaotic than in Los Angeles, with various groups including the Tang Gang, Mafia, Latino Gang, Russian Gang, Brazilian Gang, and several smaller gangs."
"The Selton family is one of the top families in San Francisco, alongside the Tang Gang. The Mexicans are fragmented into three groups, often competing with each other. There are four or five Latino gangs and numerous other gangs, making the situation very chaotic."
Hardy nodded. As the original largest city on the west coast, San Francisco's complex power dynamics were to be expected.
"I've had Henry and the others search for the Selton family patriarch. Henry recently discovered that he's been hiding in a private estate in Florence, Italy," Hardy said.
"What's your plan? Should we send someone to kill him?" Bill asked.
Hardy shook his head. "That would be too obvious. I'll have Henry report the location to the FBI. They'll notify the Italian police, who might let him slip through. Meanwhile, we'll discreetly inform the FBI of his location. Do you think they'll be at odds with each other?"
"Definitely," Bill agreed.
Hardy continued, "Regardless of whether the Selton family patriarch is killed, there will be chaos in San Francisco. We'll have our security company work with the police to arrest the Selton family under the guise of maintaining order. At the right moment, we'll seize their territory, and the Selton family will be no more."
Bill was excited. "The boss's plan is brilliant. If they don't go down this way, it will only show they have extraordinary luck."
"Also, contact the Tang Gang in advance. We have a good relationship with them in Los Angeles. We don't want any misunderstandings in San Francisco. Business cooperation should remain possible," Hardy said.
"I understand, boss," Bill replied. As long as the Tang Gang didn't interfere with the Los Angeles company's expansion, other smaller gangs would be deterred. With time, the Los Angeles Gang would establish its foothold in San Francisco.
"Will there be any reactions from other Mafia families?" Bill asked.
"I anticipate that the Selton family has ties with the Basini and Tataquilia families. The 'Venetian' casinos of other Mafia families are under construction. This will be a test of the Mafia Committee's reaction and the response from other families," Hardy said with a smirk.
Bill looked at Hardy, impressed by his deep thinking. "You're always so strategic. Aren't you worried about becoming overly stressed?"
Hardy's gaze fixed on Bill. "What's that look?"
Bill quickly forced a grin.
"Oh, and there's one more thing: a money-making opportunity for you," Hardy said.
Bill's interest was piqued. "What's the business?"
"Wool."
Bill was puzzled. "What does wool have to do with anything?"
Hardy picked up a Coca-Cola bottle cap from the table. "Coca-Cola recently launched a promotion where bottle caps can be exchanged for prizes."
Bill examined the bottle cap with interest. "I saw the ad. It says 12 caps can be redeemed for 1 dollar. I have a guy who collects these caps obsessively. He just puts aside every bottle cap he comes across."
"That guy doesn't need the money, but he enjoys collecting," Hardy noted.
"Have you spotted an opportunity here?" Hardy asked.
"What opportunity?" Bill wondered, not seeing the potential.
"A bottle of Coke costs 5 cents, so 12 bottles amount to 60 cents. With 12 caps, you get 1 dollar. Do you think Coca-Cola is losing money?"
Bill considered this and agreed.
"Exactly. Coca-Cola won't lose money," Hardy said. "But there's a trick. Coca-Cola claims all 12 constellations can be exchanged for 1 dollar, but there are very few patterns. They control the number of these constellations to limit the number of rewards."
Bill's eyes lit up with realization. "Boss, making bottle caps is simple. We could set up a factory to produce the limited-edition bottle caps and sell them. This could be very profitable."
"Not just in Los Angeles, but across other cities as well. We could wholesale them to local gangs. With enough volume, this business will definitely make money," Bill said excitedly.
"Precisely. The Los Angeles company will stay out of it, but we'll secretly wholesale. Local punks in other cities can handle the rest," Hardy instructed.
"Got it. I'll arrange for someone to make bottle caps—10 million each of Gemini and Maiden. We'll shut down production after that and distribute the caps across major cities in the U.S. in about half
a month," Bill said.
"You'll be well-paid. After all, you're contributing to our cause. The more caps we sell, the more we'll make," Hardy said.
Bill's eyes shone with determination. "I'll get started right away."
As Hardy watched Bill leave, he knew that they would soon be making a substantial profit.
Bab 214: Chapter 214: "Super Idol" Audition Show
After Bill left, the butler arrived with a tray and a letter.
"Mr. Hardy, you have a letter," the butler said.
Hardy was surprised to receive a letter. He picked it up and discovered it was from Victor in Hong Kong.
The letter was thick, containing dozens of pages. It wasn't just a work report but a detailed account of Victor's activities over the past two months.
Despite the convenience of telegrams, Victor opted for a more secure method to convey sensitive information.
In the letter, Victor described his progress in Hong Kong. Upon arrival, he rented a prominent facade house in a busy district, aiming to establish the Hardy Group's presence. Hardy appreciated this move; maintaining a strong public image was crucial.
Victor leveraged his connections with the consulate and organized a reception that attracted key figures from Hong Kong's political and business circles, successfully smoothing the way for future operations.
Hardy nodded in approval. Victor's worldly experience and sharp mind were precisely why he was assigned to this task. Skilled individuals often come from diverse backgrounds, and Victor's resourcefulness was evident.
Victor detailed his efforts in acquiring antiques. Initially, the collection was modest, with a few dozen pieces daily. However, when penicillin arrived, Victor sold some to a local hospital, signaling that he had a significant supply. This attracted two major buyers.
Hardy reviewed the transactions. The first buyer, a middle-aged man named Mr. Kong, brought in two full trucks of antiques. Victor's appraisal was initially high but adjusted downward for this transaction. Despite the lower price, Mr. Kong was willing to sell and indicated he could supply more antiques if needed.
Hardy was aware that some individuals exploit national crises for personal gain, such as selling cultural relics. Historical accounts mentioned similar activities during periods of upheaval.
Hardy felt a mix of anger and concern. He had initially bought Chinese cultural relics to preserve them, considering it both an investment and a way to protect heritage. The increasing acquisition of these treasures had become a significant part of his interests, reflecting his commitment to preserving Chinese culture.
Hardy decided to accept the antiques but at a reduced price, instructing Victor to offer more than a 30% discount and issue payments via Wells Fargo checks, which could only be cashed upon arrival in the U.S. Each check would be numbered for tracking purposes.
He wrote these instructions and handed them to a bodyguard for dispatch to the telegraph office.
Next, Hardy called Mark Keane, President of the Global Times. "Has the newspaper established a branch in Hong Kong yet?"
"Not yet, boss. We only have a branch in Japan," Keane replied.
"Set up a branch in Hong Kong immediately. The Hardy Group has a company there, Hardy Auction Company. It will be beneficial for the newspaper to have a local presence. Once established, send reporters to cover China, the Korean Peninsula, Southeast Asia, and other regions."
Though Keane was unsure of the exact reason for the urgent setup, he agreed promptly.
Hardy then contacted John Ston, President of Wells Fargo. "John, the Hardy Group is expanding into Hong Kong and Japan. It's essential for Wells Fargo to open branches in these locations."
"Hong Kong and Japan? You're focusing on the East?" Ston asked.
"Yes. While current conditions may not be as favorable as in Europe, they are likely to improve, and there are fewer competitors compared to Europe, where each country has numerous banks."
"I understand, boss. I'll arrange for branches to be opened in both Hong Kong and Japan," Ston assured.
In the evening, Hardy received a call from Heidi Ramah, inviting him to dinner. He agreed.
Dinner was at Heidi's studio, a casual and relaxed setting compared to a formal villa. To Hardy's surprise, Heidi cooked the meal herself.
"I attended a noble girls' school where I learned how to be a proper lady, including cooking," Heidi explained with a smile.
"Congratulations on the box office surpassing 10 million. What are your thoughts?" Hardy asked.
"I'm thrilled. It's a dream come true," Heidi responded.
Hardy shook his head. "It might not be your highest dream. The film company has applied for Golden Globes and Oscars. Taylor's 'This Killer Is Not So Cold' and your 'Human and Ghosts Are Coming' could be nominated."
"Really?" Heidi asked, excited.
"Certainly. I'm arranging for some influential support," Hardy said. Meyer, the chairman of the Oscar jury, and Hardy's role as the chairman of the actors' union made securing awards feasible.
Heidi, thrilled, showed her excitement with a kiss.
Later, as they lay in bed, Heidi turned on the TV, adjusting the stage to a show called "Vampires and Werewolves." Heidi, from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, found the show frightening but intriguing.
Hardy noticed the program was from Columbia TV, not ABC. NBC and Columbia TV had been ramping up their investments to compete with ABC's prime time, which had resulted in increased viewership for other channels.
With ABC's ratings down to 67%, Hardy realized it was time to introduce a new show. He had planned the "Super Draft" program but had previously delayed it due to high ratings.
"William, let's launch the 'Super Idol' audition show this year. It will energize the American entertainment scene," Hardy declared.
Irina, hearing this, was enthusiastic. "The 'Super Draft' will overshadow other programs and set a new standard."
Hardy outlined the details: the "Super Idol" show would focus on singing, open to all ages between 12 and 28, regardless of nationality. It aimed to find talented singers and potentially sign them to record deals, creating future revenue streams for the company.
"I'll arrange suitable judges for the show. I have candidates in mind," Hardy said, concluding the discussion.
The next steps were clear: it was time to make a significant impact on the entertainment industry.
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