Bab 238: Chapter 238: Fragrant
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Hardy was surprised to receive Victor's telegram. Upon seeing the name 'Dong Haoyun,' he searched his memory. After his rebirth, his mind had become an invaluable resource, retaining everything from his past life.
Dong Haoyun was one of the future "Seven Big Ship Kings in the World." His shipping company would eventually own 150 ships, with a total shipping volume exceeding 10 million tons.
Considering the offer, Hardy found it entirely feasible. His own fleet consisted of over 500 Liberty and Victory vessels. The key challenge now was finding an operator. Only by putting these idle ships into service could their true value be realized.
Hardy responded immediately, expressing his willingness to invest 300,000 tons of carrying capacity in partnership with Dongjia Global Shipping. The Hardy Group would hold 70% of the shares. This would allow both parties to benefit from shared resources, including ports, wharves, routes, and freight information. The cargo ships could even be reflagged as needed.
Victor, upon receiving the call, noted Dong Haoyun's good fortune. With Hardy's investment, Dong Haoyun's shipping company was poised to become one of the world's largest.
Dong Haoyun, after receiving the news, hurried over, feeling anxious. He had been contemplating whether the other party would agree.
Victor greeted Dong Haoyun with a smile. "Mr. Dong, congratulations. Our boss, Mr. Jon Hardy, is eager to cooperate with you."
Dong Haoyun was overjoyed. "That's fantastic!"
Victor continued, "Our boss has agreed to invest 300,000 tons of carrying capacity, which means Hardy Group will hold 70% of the shares."
Dong Haoyun calculated quickly, realizing that the investment exceeded his initial expectation. This arrangement would balance out his own management rights.
"I agree. When can we sign the contract?" Dong Haoyun asked.
Victor explained that accountants and lawyers would visit Dong Haoyun's company to verify the situation. The contract could be signed once everything was confirmed.
"Of course, I'll cooperate fully," Dong Haoyun said.
Victor then inquired about the type of ships Dong Haoyun preferred. "Do you want 15,000-ton Victory vessels or 7,000-ton Freewheel vessels?"
Dong Haoyun requested time to evaluate, as the offshore 7,000-ton vessels and the far-sea 15,000-ton Victory vessels had different applications. He needed to determine which type was more suitable for his development plans.
Victor agreed, noting that the accounting process would take time anyway.
A few days later, everything was set. Dong Haoyun's global shipping operations were stable, and Hardy agreed to the capital injection. Dong Haoyun ordered 10 Victory vessels and 21 Freewheel vessels, increasing his total carrying capacity to 40 million tons. Jon Hardy also became the major shareholder of Hong Kong Global Shipping.
News of the partnership spread, and many envied Dong Haoyun's success in acquiring 31 ships without any personal expenditure. Among them was a young man in his twenties who admired Dong Haoyun. He owned only a small barge for unloading cargo from large ships.
Standing on the deck, he looked up at the Victory ship overhead and thought, "If only I could have one of those ships. I could start shipping directly and earn enough for a second ship in no time."
He admired Dong Haoyun's savvy business moves and mused about surpassing his own family's achievements.
Meanwhile, a middle-aged man was advising his younger brother on the careful handling of a shipment of expensive medical supplies. "Be cautious with this batch. If anything goes wrong, it will be trouble."
"Don't worry, brother. I'll make sure everything is handled perfectly."
As April arrived, Los Angeles enjoyed pleasant weather. Hardy's various ventures were thriving, and all transactions were profitable. The ABC TV Super Idol audition show was complete, with 236 contestants selected. Hardy marveled at the genuine talent of many participants, noting the difference from later generations.
The next phase, the promotion competition, would be more challenging. Contestants needed to prepare at least three songs for a rigorous three-round competition, ultimately narrowing down to 24 finalists.
Marilyn Monroe, having signed a contract, continued to aspire for greater achievements. With professional training from the company, she had an edge over many.
The success of ABC TV boosted advertising revenues and increased TV sales significantly.
One day, Hardy received another letter from Victor, thicker than the previous one. It detailed the acquisition of over 1,400 acres of land in Hong Kong. The government had agreed to create an industrial zone, and Hardy Group's real estate company would own it. The three-link and one-level policy would apply.
Several factories had signed contracts, with Chinese entrepreneurs leading the charge. Victor had also established a business investment company to facilitate further cooperation.
Among the inquiries was a proposal for a plastic flower business, with additional requests for investments in garment factories, electrical appliances, clock and watch factories, toy factories, glasses companies, plastic pipe factories, and buttons.
Victor also reported on the post-war supplies. While some goods sold well, others did not. Hong Kong's Hongmen had taken four batches of goods, paying 2.31 million yuan, though some items remained unsold.
Penicillin continued to sell rapidly, with 100,000 sticks shipped monthly and no issues in selling.
The pharmaceutical factory in collaboration with Mersey Pharmaceuticals was under construction and would take at least six months to start production.
Victor also updated Hardy on the acquisition of antiques. "We've received 18 car antiques from Mr. Kong, totaling more than 6,800 pieces, valued at 1.28 million US dollars. All transactions were handled via Huaqi Bank cheques."
The antiques were stored in underground vaults. Victor asked whether to ship them to the U.S. or keep them in Hong Kong.
Hardy considered the implications. Shipping the antiques to the U.S. would make them American property, complicating future transactions due to high taxes and regulations. Keeping them in Hong Kong as a free trade port and offshore financial center would offer greater flexibility.
Thus, Hardy decided it was better to store the antiques in Hong Kong but realized the need for a secure facility.
He called Han Yezhen, "Hey, Yezhen, I have something to discuss."
"Are you busy this afternoon?" Han Yezhen asked.
"Not really."
"There's an art appreciation meeting this afternoon. I planned to attend and see what's good. Would you like to join me?" she invited.
"Sure, I'll come along," Hardy replied.
Hardy picked up Han Yezhen from her residence. She emerged in a pearl pink cheongsam, adorned with embroidered patterns and a luxurious shawl. She wore the necklace Hardy had given her for Christmas. Her wavy hair framed her elegant, dignified appearance.
"You look stunning!" Hardy complimented as he kissed her softly.
Han Yezhen smiled and got into the car.
They arrived at an art exhibition hall in Los Angeles. Han Yezhen presented an invitation card, as only invited guests were allowed. The exhibition showcased renowned artworks, aimed at finding buyers.
As they walked through the hall, some guests recognized Hardy and whispered among themselves about his impressive wealth and the high value of his net worth.
A middle-aged man with a beard approached with a young woman on his arm. He greeted Hardy warmly. "Mr. Hardy, what a surprise to see you here."
"It's Mr. An Ruisi. I'm here with a friend," Hardy responded, nodding toward Han Yezhen.
The man, the general manager of the Los Angeles branch of Bank of America, introduced himself before moving on with his companion.
After the exchange, Han Yezhen asked, "You mentioned needing something. What's the matter?"
Hardy explained, "Victor reported that we have a large number of antiques in Hong Kong. I thought it would be better to build a museum there to store and display them. What do you think?"
Han Yezhen's eyes lit up with excitement. "Building a museum? That's been my dream! I studied architecture and design, and my graduation project was a museum design. I'd love to oversee this project!"
Hardy smiled. "Absolutely, if you're interested, you can lead the project. You're the auction company's owner, after all."
Han Yezhen's enthusiasm was palpable. "Let's go. I want to show you my graduation project."
They left for Han Yezhen's villa, where she showcased her design concepts for a museum, including exhibit areas, security, and storage. She became more excited as she spoke.
Hardy reassured her, "With me, anything is possible."
Han Yezhen, moved by his support, gave him a light kiss as a reward.
"That's not enough," Hardy said, pulling her close for a more passionate kiss. They fell onto the bed, playfully tangled in the drawing plans.
"Wait, my drawings!" Han Yezhen protested, but Hardy's embrace was firm.
Bab 239: Chapter 239: Miss Han Arrives in Hong Kong
The drawing and the model were intact. After a while, Hardy released Han Yezhen from his embrace. Han Yezhen glanced at Hardy shyly, and the two continued discussing the museum's construction.
"Do you have any thoughts about the museum?" Han Yezhen asked.
"You're responsible for the architectural design of the museum. My only requirement is that the vault must meet the highest global standards."
"Given the value of the antiques and cultural relics the vault will hold, it must be highly secure to prevent theft," Han Yezhen agreed.
"We can refer to the top museums and banks worldwide for security measures. I know several top security companies; we can consult them for the construction."
The two discussed details, growing more satisfied with their plans.
In the evening, Han Yezhen prepared a light Chinese meal. Hardy enjoyed it greatly. After dinner, they settled on the sofa to continue their work. Unknowingly, it was past 10 o'clock.
"Wow, it's already so late?" Han Yezhen exclaimed in surprise.
"Hadi, should we continue tomorrow?" Han Yezhen asked.
Hardy looked at her softly, "Tonight, I don't want to leave."
"How can you say that?"
"I want to stay," Hardy said, pulling Han Yezhen into his arms. Han Yezhen looked at him with a mix of shyness and curiosity as he lowered his head, kissing her neck.
That night was their first time together, crossing a significant threshold in their relationship. For Han Yezhen, who had been educated in the East, this was a moment she had considered deeply. While Eastern traditions emphasized a ceremonial first night, her Western influences led her to cherish it as a special experience with someone she loved deeply.
The next morning, Han Yezhen awoke to find herself in Hardy's arms, reflecting on the previous night with a flush of warmth on her face. It was one of the boldest decisions she had ever made, but she felt no regret.
As Hardy woke, he kissed her gently and suggested, "You should take a shower."
"And you?"
"Of course, I will too."
After their shower, Hardy indulged Han Yezhen, enjoying a leisurely morning together. Following breakfast, Hardy left for work, while Han Yezhen focused on her drawings.
In the evening, Hardy returned, and their time together continued in the same affectionate manner.
A few days later, Han Yezhen assembled a design team. After half a month, they completed the drawings, which Hardy reviewed with satisfaction.
"I plan to take the team to Hong Kong now," Han Yezhen announced.
"Okay, use my private jet," Hardy replied.
Hardy had bought a B-29 bomber for its impressive range, allowing it to fly non-stop to Hong Kong with just one refueling. He arranged for the crew and contacted Victor to ensure everything was prepared in Hong Kong.
Han Yezhen sent a telegram ahead, informing them of her arrival and indicating she might stay for an extended period due to the nature of the project.
The night before departure, the two shared a tender moment, and Han Yezhen expressed her reluctance to leave.
"I might be gone for a year or two," she said, resting on Hardy's chest.
"Don't worry. I'll visit you when I can," Hardy reassured her.
"Promise me," Han Yezhen insisted.
"Certainly," Hardy affirmed.
The next day, Han Yezhen, along with two design and construction engineers and personnel from the Museum Security and Defense Company, boarded Hardy's private jet to Hong Kong.
The luxury of the jet impressed the team. "It's like a mobile hotel room," someone marveled.
"With money, you can have anything," another person teased.
Victor, having received Hardy's telegram, had prepared for their arrival. He booked a luxurious room at the Peninsula Hotel and arranged for a special car—a Lincoln Continental—for Han Yezhen.
To ensure Han Yezhen's comfort, Victor decided to purchase a manor on Victoria Peak, a prestigious location in Hong Kong. After some inquiries, he acquired a mansion once owned by a wealthy British businessman, now vacant. He arranged for repairs to the property.
On the day of arrival, Victor and Li Chunshan went to the airport to meet Han Yezhen. Li Chunshan, who had a connection with Han Yezhen's family, had come to greet her personally.
Upon arriving at the airport, Han Yezhen disembarked with her team. Victor and Li Chunshan approached.
"Miss Han, I'm here to greet you," Victor said, bowing respectfully.
"Yezhen, you're here," Li Chunshan smiled warmly.
The two men looked at each other in surprise, realizing they were both there to pick up the same person. Han Yezhen acknowledged both men.
"Mr. Victor," she greeted, then turned to Li Chunshan, "Uncle San."
Victor, surprised, inquired, "You two know each other?"
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