Bab 351: Chapter 351: Sudden Circumstances, Opportunities Arise
Antique mortgage investment has become increasingly popular, though the identities of those mortgaging their antiques remain confidential. However, the figures are publicly shared, and the company is capitalizing on this by running a new advertisement campaign.
The advertisement states:
"Our company has processed 856 mortgages, totaling $16.52 million in funds, all of which have been invested in the U.S. stock market futures. Over the past week, we've achieved a 6.3% profit. Given the strong economic outlook in the U.S. and the recovery in Europe, our experts predict this year's returns will surpass last year's, potentially reaching over 80%."
"If you invest $1,000, we will repay you $1,800. For $10,000, we'll repay $18,000. A $1 million investment will yield $1.8 million."
"The company has a professional investment team to ensure the safety of your capital and profitability. Even if the minimum promised profit is 10%, it is more cost-effective than any other investment. So, what are you waiting for? If you have antiques at home, contact us at xxxxxx."
"Participate, and you will become an investor in American companies. Miss it, and you will regret it forever."
The advertisement was compelling enough to tempt even Hirohito. As the emperor, he had amassed a vast collection of treasures during Japan's war of aggression, including antiques and a significant amount of gold. Most of the royal family's assets were confiscated, leaving the emperor and his family reliant on a meager annual stipend from the government, which amounted to only $500,000 in 1949.
When a royal family member visited Hirohito, they mentioned the profits from antique mortgage investments. Despite the confiscation of royal assets, Hirohito had retained part of the art collection. His brother urged him to consider investing.
"I've checked. Wells Fargo is linked to Hardy's special envoy and is among the top U.S. banks, with assets exceeding $5 billion. They've assured us of confidentiality, so our artworks will be safer with them."
"We can mortgage the artwork, and the annual returns will help cover the royal family's expenses. The profits from Hardy's investments are legal, which means Americans won't pursue us. Also, MacArthur seems intimidated by Hardy, so we'll likely face no repercussions."
Hirohito was persuaded. "You handle this. But remember, these are royal antiques. If word gets out, it would be deeply embarrassing. Also, only mortgage Chinese antiques, not Japanese ones, so no one will suspect they belong to the royal family."
With that, a large portion of royal treasures was secretly mortgaged to Wells Fargo Bank, amounting to over $8 million, all of which was funneled into the U.S. stock market.
The Antique Mortgage Financial Investment Company thrived, and Golden House Financial Company, specializing in gold as collateral, followed suit. In a time of widespread poverty in Japan, some nobles, warlords, and chaebols, who had hidden their gold and silver treasures, saw this as an opportunity to safely invest their assets in the U.S. stock market.
Golden House received many large customers, some mortgaging tens of kilograms of gold, others hundreds, with the largest investment being two tons. All this gold was mortgaged with Wells Fargo Bank, and the financial companies managed the investments.
...
As the new year began in 1950, Hardy focused on his U.S. ventures. The heads of all Hardy Group companies gathered for a meeting to review the past year and plan for the future. Before the meeting, Henry briefed Hardy on the situation in Japan. The success of the Antique Mortgage Financial Investment Company and Golden House exceeded expectations.
Hardy pondered for a moment. "If we're going to squeeze the Japanese people, we might as well do it thoroughly."
He instructed Henry to expand the mortgage financial investment companies to other major cities and to introduce real estate as another mortgage option. "Also, have all mortgaged antiques and gold secretly shipped to Hong Kong and stored in a vault with the utmost confidentiality," Hardy added.
...
During the group meeting, company presidents reported on their annual operations and plans for the coming year. Hardy provided feedback and guidance. For instance, the Hardy supermarket chain, which opened three supermarkets in 1949, planned a large-scale expansion, aiming for 20 locations in major cities across the U.S.
The dog and horse farms established last year were doing well, and the two casinos in Las Vegas, Caesars Palace and The Venetian, were set to open, each with over $100 million invested. Their successful operation would be crucial to Las Vegas's future.
With over 30 branches, the meeting lasted two days. The Hardy Group's rapid development and profitability over the past year were evident.
On the final day, Hardy delivered a closing speech, highlighting a crucial decision made after two days of discussions with Andy.
"The last point is very important. The company has established a reward mechanism. Those with shares or equity are not excluded from this; the company heads will receive bonuses based on the year's performance and profits."
The executives smiled, pleased with the prospect of bonuses.
"The group has opened an account with Wells Fargo Bank in the Cayman Islands. Group Finance will send you a digital account. The biggest advantage of this is that the money is tax-free."
The room filled with laughter, as the executives appreciated avoiding the U.S. personal income tax.
"However, 30% of these bonuses can be freely used, while 70% will be placed in a trust fund. As long as you remain with the Hardy Group, you'll receive annual injections into this fund. Upon retirement, you can live off the trust fund."
"The Cayman Islands has no inheritance tax, so even if you pass away, your families can continue to benefit from the trust fund."
The executives felt valued and appreciated Hardy's foresight. He understood that in business, financial rewards and a sense of loyalty were key to maintaining a motivated workforce.
Hardy emphasized the importance of establishing a reasonable bonus system for all employees across the group's many branches. "Submit your bonus systems to the group headquarters by early February."
With over 20,000 employees, including more than 9,000 in the security company and thousands more in Wells Fargo, Global Times, ABC TV, supermarket chains, express companies, and shipping companies, distributing bonuses was no small task. But Hardy believed in rewarding those who contributed to the company's success.
The meeting concluded, and Hardy returned to his manor, where a red Rolls Royce Silver Spirit, a gift for Monroe, awaited him.
Monroe, dressed in workout clothes and glistening with sweat, was in the gym when Hardy found her. Despite her public persona, Monroe was highly disciplined, dedicating herself to her craft, exercising regularly, and continuously improving her skills.
Monroe invited Hardy to spar with her in the boxing ring. Hardy, ever the gentleman, focused on defense. After some playful wrestling, they both laughed, enjoying the moment.
Monroe mentioned her impending return to New York to resume filming. Hardy offered to accompany her, but she declined, understanding his busy schedule.
As they prepared to shower, Hardy received a call from Major General Williams. Lieutenant General Jason, the head of the Logistics Administration, had suffered a sudden brain hemorrhage and was unlikely to fully recover. Williams subtly hinted at an opportunity for Hardy.
Hardy quickly grasped the situation. "I'll visit General Johnson in Washington tomorrow," he replied, understanding the implications without needing further explanation.
As Hardy entered the bathroom, Monroe playfully pulled him inside, ready for another round of fun.
---
Bab 352: Chapter 352: Deceptive Tactics, But Effective
The next morning.
Hardy and Monroe arrived at the airport. Hardy's private jet was ready, and they boarded with their assistants and bodyguards saluting them as they passed.
Once seated and buckled in, the plane quickly ascended. After the flight reached cruising altitude, Hardy and Monroe moved to the back room.
Seeing the bed, Hardy recalled a humorous memory. "Remember the first time you did this on a plane?"
Monroe could never forget that incident—it was too embarrassing. She had fallen asleep and was thrown off balance when the plane landed. When they found her, she was wedged in the bed's crevice, unable to move, with a sprained ankle.
The flight was about nine hours long. The two of them lay in bed, chatting and napping in the afternoon. While half-asleep, Monroe felt someone touching her. With their impending separation, knowing they wouldn't see each other for months, she didn't mind the touch. Grabbing the other hand, she brought it to her lips, softly sucking on Hardy's fingers.
It didn't take long for their gentle exchange to escalate into something more passionate.
Outside the window, the sky was a canvas of blue and white. Below him was the most captivating actress in the United States. Hardy savored the thrill of the moment.
...
They landed in New York, where someone was waiting to pick up Monroe. After a reluctant farewell, the plane was refueled and took off again, this time heading to the U.S. Defense Logistics Base in Fort Bevor, Virginia, to meet with Major General Williams.
It was a short flight from New York to Fort Bever, but by the time they arrived, it was completely dark. Major General Williams had been waiting at the airport since he received the call. Once the plane landed, the staircase was lowered, and Williams boarded.
Hardy remained on the plane, and they discussed matters there. Some things were too sensitive to be discussed over the phone, especially with the FBI potentially monitoring their calls.
Major General Williams first updated Hardy on Lieutenant General Jason's situation. Jason had suddenly fallen ill the day before, and after two hours in the hospital, he was finally out of danger but clearly couldn't return to work.
Hardy and Williams had originally planned to wait for Jason to retire next year before moving forward with their plans for his successor. But the situation had changed unexpectedly, and Hardy saw this as an opportunity.
Luckily, he was in the United States; if he were in Japan, this could have been delayed.
Williams then briefed Hardy on the current state of the Logistics Bureau, mentioning that he now had six deputy directors, each with their own responsibilities. He also noted that some had strong connections with military chiefs or political leaders, making their positions difficult to challenge.
"In fact, the competition isn't just within the Logistics Bureau," Williams said. "According to past trends, it's more likely for a new director to be appointed from outside rather than promoted internally."
"Who makes the final decision?" Hardy asked.
"The President and the Secretary of Defense. They have the final say," Williams replied.
Hardy smiled. "I'm heading to Washington now. If all goes well, I'll meet with President Johnson tomorrow and recommend you. Hopefully, it leads to a favorable outcome."
"Hardy, thank you, whether it works out or not," Williams said sincerely.
Williams disembarked, and after about an hour, Hardy's plane took off again, bound for Washington.
They arrived in Washington after 9 PM. Hardy's first order of business was to check into his hotel and place a call to the White House. After identifying himself, the call was forwarded to President Johnson.
"Hardy, it's been a while since you've called. I take it you're back in the States?" President Johnson asked, his tone casual.
"Not only am I back, but I'm also in Washington. I called you as soon as I checked into my hotel. I'd like to meet tomorrow to report on the situation in Japan," Hardy said.
"Haha, of course, I have time. Tomorrow afternoon would work. I have an important meeting with Congress in the morning. We can meet in the afternoon and maybe have dinner together," Johnson replied.
With the time set, Hardy finally allowed himself to relax. After a day of flying and a two-hour romp with Monroe, he was exhausted and quickly fell asleep.
The next morning, Hardy rested well and mentally prepared what he wanted to say to Johnson.
It wasn't just about Williams. There was also the issue of Japan's business transformation, the situation in Southeast Asia, and the broader implications for the future. He spent the morning fine-tuning his thoughts.
In the afternoon, Hardy had lunch at the hotel before his assistant and bodyguard drove him to the White House in a luxury car rented from the hotel. Mike was already waiting at the door.
Mike, dressed in a sharp suit and looking increasingly like a politician, greeted Hardy with a smile and a warm hug.
In the President's office, Johnson welcomed Hardy with a smile, offering him a drink as they settled into a more relaxed conversation.
"I've heard about your efforts in Japan. To be honest, Hardy, you've exceeded my expectations. I was just telling Mike the other day that you'd make a great politician. Your political acumen surpasses that of some of our current members," Johnson said.
Hardy waved it off with a smile. "What I've done in Japan plays to my strengths—economics and culture. But if I had to handle everything else, I'd struggle. Real leadership involves managing countless details and making tough decisions. That's not something everyone can do. Take you, for instance; you've got thousands of issues to juggle, and your opinions carry weight. Politics isn't for the faint of heart."
Hardy's ability to compliment was certainly better than any politician's.
Johnson, visibly pleased, took another sip of his drink. Only someone who had reached his position could fully appreciate how challenging it was to lead without making critical mistakes.
Hardy then delved into the details of Japan's situation.
The transformation of heavy industry had effectively dismantled Japan's military production capabilities. The restructuring of light industry ensured that Japan's industrial base became an extension of the U.S., making it hard for them to escape American economic control.
Financially, Hardy had targeted Japan's powerful chaebols—Mitsui, Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, and Yasuda—who once controlled nearly half of Japan's economy and had backed the war effort. By acquiring their banks, Hardy had severed the nerve center of these conglomerates.
Then there was cultural transformation.
"ABC TV has caused a sensation in Japanese society since it began broadcasting. Japan has been relatively closed off, and its people had little exposure to the outside world. This has had a profound psychological impact. I've had private surveys conducted, and many people now harbor less resentment toward the United States. More are beginning to admire it."
"By exporting cultural and entertainment products, we're subtly changing their worldview. Within a few years, Japan's conservative government mindset will likely be softened. The traditional Bushido and Shinto spirits will be significantly weakened."
"We're also promoting our social values through TV, radio, and newspapers. Japan has a rigid class structure, and it's hard for those at the bottom to rise. If the lower classes start to embrace liberalism, they might dream of their own version of the American dream."
"I've also had the Global Times open a special column, where I've enlisted a group of university professors and intellectuals—people who've studied in the U.S. or the West and are willing to support our ideology. They're writing articles that criticize Japan's feudal ideas, the Bushido spirit, Shintoism, and even aspects of Japanese culture. These people have social credibility and can influence public opinion."
Hardy was using tactics known to later generations—strategies that, while underhanded, were undeniably effective. Even in the 21st century, these methods still worked.
"I'm also planning to push for the emancipation of Japanese women. This will not only unlock productivity but also disrupt the traditional family balance. The family is the fundamental unit of society; if it's unstable, society as a whole becomes unstable."
"Alongside women's liberation, we can promote a culture that diminishes men's power. Men are the backbone of any society. If the men in a society become weak, the society's momentum will weaken too."
"The Bushido spirit teaches people to embrace death without fear. We don't need that. Instead, we can promote a 'soft gun' culture, encouraging men to grow their hair, wear makeup, and adopt a more androgynous appearance. By creating a trend of effeminate male stars, we can weaken their masculinity. If this becomes a societal norm, the spirit of Japan's men will gradually be eroded, and the society will become more feminine."
Johnson silently acknowledged Hardy's strategies. While they were certainly devious, they were also remarkably insightful. MacArthur, with his more heavy-handed approach, could never have imagined this. He only knew how to suppress, not how to manipulate human nature for long-term change.
Suppression breeds resistance. Transformation can last a century.
"I agree with your approach, Hardy," President Johnson said.
With that, Hardy relaxed. The two took a sip of their drinks and lit cigars. Hardy then asked casually, "I heard that Lieutenant General Jason of the Logistics Bureau had a brain hemorrhage and is still in critical condition?"
"Yes, very suddenly. It's unlikely that Jason will return to work. I'm considering who might replace him. How did you find out?" Johnson asked, surprised.
It seemed odd to him that Hardy would be interested in the head of the Logistics Bureau.
"I've been in Japan for a few months, and since returning, I've made it
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