Bab 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.
Bab 349: Chapter 349: Antique Mortgage Financial Investment
After discussing the company with Andy, Hardy felt relieved as he watched Andy leave. The butler informed Hardy that Elaine was arriving, so he went to his room to meet her.
When Hardy opened the door, he was greeted by Elaine, who was strikingly beautiful and slender, draped only in a necklace. She walked barefoot towards him and asked, "Do you think this outfit looks good?"
"Very beautiful," Hardy replied.
Elaine wrapped her arms around Hardy's neck and crossed her long legs as he carried her into the bathroom. After their intimate moment, Elaine rested in Hardy's arms and mentioned the popularity of the current 'Super Idol' TV show, noting that the finals were set for Christmas Eve. She also updated Hardy on new programs and TV series, keeping him informed about the TV station's situation.
...
Tyler was the last to know that Hardy was back in town. Hardy drove to Tyler's house and rang the doorbell. When Tyler's mother, Isha, saw Hardy, she greeted him with enthusiasm, "Ah, Your Excellency Baron Hardy."
Isha, being English, held a deep respect for the nobility. With Hardy now a British Baron and Governor of the Cayman Islands, he held a higher status in her eyes.
"Is Tyler here?" Hardy inquired.
"Yes, I'll call her," Isha replied and hurried upstairs. Tyler, thrilled to hear Hardy had arrived, raced downstairs. She leaped onto Hardy, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him.
Tyler's mother, observing from upstairs, smiled contentedly, pleased with her daughter's good fortune in finding someone like Mr. Hardy. She refrained from interrupting their affectionate moment.
Hardy suggested taking Tyler out, and Isha agreed, "Have fun, and don't worry about the time."
Leading Tyler outside, Hardy showed her a yellow Rolls-Royce roadster. "This is your Christmas gift. It's now yours, so feel free to open it," Hardy said with a smile.
Tyler was delighted with the car, especially since it was a Rolls-Royce in her favorite color. At nearly 18, she had learned to drive and eagerly took the wheel while Hardy settled into the passenger seat. As they sped away, the pleasant Los Angeles climate and the wind in her hair made Tyler feel a profound sense of freedom.
"Where should we go?" Tyler asked.
"It's your car; you decide," Hardy replied.
Tyler pondered for a moment and suggested, "How about Las Vegas? Many people go there for weekend getaways."
"Sounds good," Hardy agreed.
As Tyler drove toward Las Vegas on Highway 15, she enjoyed the liberating feeling of driving freely. After two hundred kilometers, she grew tired and let Hardy take over the driving.
"Is the 'Beauty and the Beast' movie ready? When will it be released?" Hardy asked Tyler, who was still buzzing with excitement.
"The production isn't complete yet. The animation part is slow, so it probably won't be out until February, which happens to be my birthday," Tyler replied with a smile.
"Then let's schedule the release for your birthday, and I'll have them write 'Today is Taylor's Birthday' in the title. That way, people around the world can celebrate with you," Hardy proposed.
Tyler hugged Hardy happily, thrilled by the idea.
After a five-hour drive, they arrived in Las Vegas and headed straight to the Hardy Hotel, where the staff had been informed of Hardy's arrival and were prepared to greet him.
In the casino, Hardy and Tyler enjoyed gambling and playing slot machines, spending a pleasant evening at the hotel. Tyler, dressed adorably, hugged Hardy and whispered, "I'm about to turn 18. I'm really looking forward to it."
"I'm looking forward to it too," Hardy responded.
The next day, they returned to Los Angeles. Tyler's mother had no issue with her daughter staying out all night and was pleased to see her happy.
As Christmas approached, Monroe, who had been filming "Enthusiasm" in New York, returned to Los Angeles. Hardy stroked Monroe's hair and said with a smile, "You're now famous in Japan as the most beautiful American woman in their hearts."
"And what about in your heart?" Monroe asked, looking up at Hardy.
"Of course, you're the most beautiful," Hardy replied with a grin.
Hardy was generous with compliments, using them freely with any woman.
...
In Japan, two new companies were launched: the "American Antique Mortgage Finance Corporation" and the "American Gold House Financial Corporation." Both are registered in the Cayman Islands, with unknown registrants.
The Antique Mortgage Finance Company accepts antiques as collateral, appraises them with professional evaluators, and uses the mortgaged funds for investments. They guarantee an annual profit rate of at least 10%, potentially exceeding 20%.
The Gold House Financial Company operates similarly, accepting gold as collateral and investing the funds for profit. The gold remains the customer's property, though it is used as collateral and can be redeemed later.
During World War II, Japan plundered numerous Chinese cultural relics—over 3.6 million pieces by some estimates—and more than 6000 tons of gold.
...
Both companies began aggressive advertising campaigns. The Asahi Shimbun newspaper devoted an entire page to promoting the Antique Mortgage Finance Corporation, emphasizing its large assets, numerous clients, and impressive annualized interest rates. They touted their investment expertise in U.S. financial markets, including stocks, futures, and bonds.
The advertisement explained how valuable antiques could be used as collateral for investments, with the promise of high returns and confidentiality.
Similarly, the Golden House Financial Company's advertisements, featured in the Industrial Economic News, focused on accepting gold as collateral, with promises of high investment returns and confidentiality.
The companies also aired advertisements on ABC TV, showcasing their impressive U.S. buildings and successful operations. The footage included appraisers pricing antiques, investment teams in New York, and the bustling Wall Street Stock Futures Trading Center.
The advertisements stirred interest among many Japanese, particularly those with valuable Chinese antiques or gold that was no longer useful to them. Despite their resentment toward Americans, the Japanese respected U.S. financial strength and were intrigued by the opportunity to profit from their antiques and gold.
Fuchuan, a Japanese aristocrat, visited the Antique Mortgage Finance Company. He was greeted by a blonde receptionist and a business manager who spoke broken Japanese. Fuchuan proudly mentioned his collection of thousands of antiques.
The business manager explained the process: bring the antiques for appraisal, then mortgage them with the bank to receive investment funds. Fuchuan was pleased with the process and signed the necessary agreements, including the mortgage and investment contracts.
The company arranged for the antiques to be appraised and mortgaged at Wells Fargo Bank, with Fuchuan receiving $112,000 based on 70% of the valuation. The business manager assured him of high potential profits and informed him that the company would take a 5% fee from the profits.
Fuchuan was satisfied, excited about the prospect of substantial future gains from his otherwise idle antiques. The operations of the Antique Mortgage Finance Company and the Gold House Financial Company were legal, but the true nature of their schemes would remain hidden until they executed their plans.
The U.S. stock market was thriving, making it easier to manipulate investments. Hardy's schemes were sophisticated, involving legal operations and investments, with plans to eventually funnel funds into controlled pharmaceutical companies. The process was complex but legally sound, and even if lawsuits were filed, they would unlikely succeed.
The end goal was to manipulate the market and financial systems to Hardy's advantage while keeping all operations within the bounds of legality.
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