Bab 278: Chapter 278: The Land is in Hand, the Size of France
Christmas Eve
On Christmas Eve, every woman in Hardy's life received a gift from him. Among these were luxury items from his recent acquisitions in Italy and France, including Bulgari jewelry. Han Yizhen, in far-off Hong Kong, also received her share—a luxurious piece of jewelry mailed directly to her.
For Hardy, jewelry was the quintessential gift: valuable, lavish, and ideal for feeding the vanity many women had. He understood that, despite any other claims, most women cherished jewelry for its ability to make them feel special and admired.
Given his numerous romantic interests, Hardy had adopted a straightforward approach: extravagant jewelry for every festival and birthday. This ensured his gifts were both impressive and well-received.
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**Christmas Eve—The "Super Idol" Finals**
The Sacred Citizen Auditorium in Los Angeles, famed for hosting the Oscars, was now the venue for the "Super Idol" finals. The audience was a dazzling array of Hollywood stars, politicians, and prominent figures, making it an event as glamorous as the Oscars.
Hardy's influence was evident. As the chairman of the Screen Actors Guild and a major player in Los Angeles, his presence drew a high-profile crowd. His efforts to improve Hollywood's safety during the 1940s gang turmoil had paid off, leaving the city secure and vibrant. The reduction in gang activity had contributed to a flourishing entertainment industry and attracted more investment.
The "Super Idol" competition, a sensation with a staggering 90% TV rating, featured 32 finalists. The finale would determine the champion, runner-up, and third place based on audience votes.
The finalists, including Sunni, Monroe, and Patty Page, each showcased exceptional talent. The audience, rather than judges, would decide the winners, making the voting process highly anticipated.
As votes were counted, Monroe's lead grew, surprising Hardy. With the majority of the audience being men, he noted the possible influence of Monroe's appeal. It was a reminder of how public preferences could sometimes overshadow talent.
Monroe ultimately won the title of "Super Idol" with 211 votes, with Sunni and Patty Page taking second and third places, respectively. Monroe also earned the "Most Popular Singer in the Audience" award, and her excitement was palpable as she received her trophy.
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**Post-Finale Celebration**
After the show, the festivities continued at Hardy Manor in Beverly Hills, where a Christmas carnival party took place. While some officials departed, many from the entertainment industry remained to enjoy music, dancing, and celebrations. Fireworks illuminated the night sky, adding to the festive atmosphere.
As the new year approached, Hardy received a telegram from the Western Australian government. The council had decided to delay the sale of the 500,000 square kilometers of land—approximately the size of France—despite his readiness to proceed. The council believed retaining some land would better attract future investors.
Displeased with the delay, Hardy traveled to Australia to negotiate with Governor McGowan in Perth. McGowan explained that the council's decision was firm, and any new proposal would take considerable time. However, Hardy was allowed to choose from the available land.
Over three days, Hardy studied the maps meticulously. Using his strong memory of the Australian mining industry, he identified key areas: the Pilbara Hamersley Basin for iron ore, Bloom for nickel, Jinwan for gold, and Shake Bay for oil. He circled these regions, focusing on known mineral deposits.
After finalizing his choices, Hardy acquired 50 million hectares for $220 million. Despite the high price, the investment aimed to secure future resources. The announcement of the purchase led to skepticism, causing Hardy Mining's stock price to drop. Nonetheless, Hardy remained confident, having secured financing through a bank mortgage.
This acquisition marked a significant move for Hardy Mining. Next, Hardy planned to explore opportunities in the UK and Hong Kong, and invest in recovering industries in East Asia.
Bab 279: Chapter 279: New Year Plans
**January 1st**
Hardy Mining allocated $5 million for the development of gold mines. Partnering with the Kaiser Group of the California Consortium, which not only operates a mining company but also sells mining equipment, Hardy Mining secured both the necessary equipment and assistance for mining operations.
For the remaining land, Hardy enlisted Columbus to recruit additional prospectors. With confidence in finding more mineral deposits, Hardy anticipated that new discoveries would naturally drive up Hardy Mining's stock value.
Columbus and his team recently uncovered a gold mine, resulting in substantial bonuses for everyone involved. Columbus received over $40,000, supervisors earned tens of thousands, and ordinary prospecting team members received $4,000 to $5,000 each—equivalent to two years' salary for many. The prospecting team, now expanded to 300 people, was equipped with more tools and divided into six groups to explore the vast terrain.
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**The Annual Work Meeting**
In Hardy Group's expansive conference room, the annual work meeting was underway. The presidents of major companies gathered to review the previous year's performance and set plans for the new year. While a three-year plan guided overall direction, each year's plan was refined based on current circumstances.
Hardy surveyed the more than twenty company presidents, noting the growth of his team. One by one, the presidents delivered their reports.
Lanster from the security company spoke first. Despite the company's future industries, Hardy prioritized the security division.
"HD Security developed steadily last year," Lanster reported. "We established branches in six cities and formed two subsidiaries: an information consulting firm and a security and defense company. Our focus this year includes expanding our branch network, partnering with major banks and enterprises, and enhancing our overseas presence with shipping escorts and military training."
Some details were intentionally vague due to confidentiality.
Next, Wells Fargo's vice president, currently in Finland, reported on the bank's progress.
"Wells Fargo's focus will be on expanding our branch network across the U.S. and into Europe and Asia. We will also increase our investment activities, having already purchased shares in several promising companies, including IBM, Motorola, Colgate, Mobil Oil, General Motors, and others. Additionally, we will develop our angel investment business and establish a professional investment consulting company, bringing in the McKinsey team for senior consulting."
Edward from HD Pictures took his turn.
"Due to the 'Paramount Act,' many film companies have reduced their production. HD Pictures will also scale back but continue focusing on high-quality projects. We plan to increase TV series production and continue our partnership with ABC TV. The first season of 'Captain America' has been filmed, and 'Super Idol' will fill prime-time slots."
Edward mentioned that the agency had signed hundreds of new talents who would be trained and then launched into the market with new songs, albums, and performances.
Hardy had a couple of additional requests.
"Edward, write down two things," Hardy said. "First, we need to establish a TV drama award. Movies have the Golden Globes and Oscars; TV dramas need their own recognition. We'll call it the Emmy Award."
"Second, we need a music award. Let ABC TV handle this one, and name it the Grammy Award."
William Fox, ABC Television's president, noted Hardy's instructions to create the Grammy Award.
With the ABC TV's plan to continue "Super Idol" and other projects, Hardy was satisfied with the progress. He then reviewed reports from other divisions: Global Times, Hardy Casino, Airlines, Barbie, Playboy, Marvel, Art Auction Company, Occidental Petroleum, Hardy Mining, logistics companies, supermarket chains, Caesars Palace Hotel, Venetian Hotel, and more.
Hardy's six pillar industries—security, media, banking, gambling, retail logistics, and luxury goods—were all progressing well.
After the meeting, Hardy called Edward aside.
"I've drafted three screenplay outlines," Hardy said, presenting the documents. "Have the best screenwriters turn them into scripts."
Edward took the outlines, aware of the success of Hardy's previous scripts. Hardy's films, including "Across the World" and "Song in the Rain," had been box office hits and critical successes.
Edward asked, "Are you planning to film these this year? Any suitable candidates?"
"'The Seven-Year Itch' and 'Enthusiasm Is Like a Fire' are specifically for Monroe," Hardy replied.
Edward noted that Hardy seemed to be quite invested in Monroe.
"And 'Roman Holiday' is for Audrey Hepburn," Hardy added.
Edward pondered Hardy's interest in Hepburn, suspecting she might be his next target.
"By the way, how is Hepburn doing lately?" Hardy inquired casually.
"She's still training. We've arranged a small role for her next month—a show reflecting British aristocracy," Edward responded.
"Have some makeup photos taken of her and show me the results," Hardy instructed.
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**Post-New Year**
Taylor departed for France to film "Beauty and the Beast," and Ava went to Africa with the crew for "Kilimanjaro's Snow," as American interest in Africa grew. Han Yizhen continued working on a museum in Hong Kong.
With Elaine, a French girl, currently the only real woman around, Hardy felt content.
As "Captain America" premiered, depicting American soldiers gaining extraordinary combat abilities through gene fluid, it garnered over 80% ratings, surpassing other major TV stations.
Isha enjoyed the show, lying on the bed while Hardy reviewed documents.
A telegram from Wells Fargo reported that a company called Nile Shipping, based in the Netherlands, sought cooperation with Hardy Group. With a strategic location in Europe and Hardy's extensive fleet, Hardy decided to invest in Nile Shipping.
As Hardy reviewed the information, Elaine shifted under the quilt, catching Hardy's attention. He set aside the documents and joined her, enjoying a moment of relaxation.
Hardy stroked Elaine's hair, reflecting on the successful start to the new year and the exciting prospects ahead.
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