Bab 354: Chapter 354: Hans Biopharmaceuticals
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In the Hardy Group, those who work closely with Hardy have acquired management shares, enabling them to share in the company's profits and grow alongside it.
Within the California consortium, Hardy has led investments in Europe and Japan, yielding significant profits for the group. When Hardy requires support, these companies, which have benefited from his leadership, are inclined to back him.
The collaboration with the seven major consortia has always been a win-win model. Numerous companies have been established in the Cayman Islands with cross-shareholdings, ensuring that all parties can reap the benefits.
Businesspeople, often driven by self-interest, nonetheless value honesty, trustworthiness, and loyalty in their partners. Hardy has built an excellent reputation among these consortia during this time.
In the business world, reputation is crucial. Those outside the circle may not grasp its importance, but a good reputation can make borrowing money easier, as others are more willing to lend to someone with a trustworthy track record. Hardy's reputation will lay a solid foundation for future collaborations.
Hardy has also established strong relationships with politicians. He played a key role in Johnson's re-election but never displayed arrogance or made excessive demands, earning Johnson's respect.
Similarly, Hardy's relationship with Major General Williams has evolved. Initially, Hardy sought Williams' help, but over time, he aided Williams in becoming deputy director, rising to the rank of major general, and eventually becoming the director of the logistics bureau. Despite the shift in power dynamics, Hardy continues to treat Williams as a partner and friend, not as a subordinate.
Williams, now promoted to Director of Logistics and on track to become a lieutenant general, manages all logistics supplies for the U.S. military. His growing network is an extension of Hardy's connections, promising substantial benefits in the future.
"Williams, do you know anyone at Pacific Command?" Hardy asked.
"MacArthur? I have a good relationship with George Rufus Sutherland, Chief of Staff of Pacific Command. We studied together, and he's involved in military logistics, so we often interact. Why do you ask?" Williams inquired.
"I'm planning to arrange for the Global Times to interview Pacific Command and report on their achievements in the East. It would be easier with someone familiar there," Hardy explained.
Williams smiled. "That's a great idea. I'll send a telegram to Sutherland and ensure he accommodates the Global Times."
"But if your newspaper reports on Pacific Command, MacArthur might not be too pleased," Williams added with a tone of disdain.
"Why? Do you dislike MacArthur?" Hardy chuckled.
"Most people in the military don't like him. He's arrogant and defiant, more suited to acting than soldiering. He has poor relationships with his peers and subordinates alike. Sutherland once told me that MacArthur never listens to others' opinions, making it difficult for anyone to work with him," Williams shared.
After a long conversation and a few too many drinks, Hardy's bodyguard escorted him to his hotel.
The next day, Hardy returned to Los Angeles.
Hardy had initially planned to return to Japan after the Christmas and New Year holidays, but Williams' matters delayed him. His supermarket chains and shipping companies were also set to collaborate with the military's logistics department, requiring his attention. Thus, Hardy decided to stay.
Japan was already on track with a competent management team, so Hardy's presence wasn't immediately necessary.
Seizing the opportunity, Hardy decided to implement a plan he'd been considering. He called Andy.
"Andy, find a listed pharmaceutical research company with some research capabilities. It doesn't need to be large, but it should be moderately priced. Register a new company in the Cayman Islands and discreetly acquire it," Hardy instructed.
"What's your plan?" Andy asked, intrigued.
Hardy leaned in and shared his strategy with Andy, who was astonished by the scope of the plan. "Alright, I'll start searching now."
A few days later, Andy presented a medical research company to Hardy. "Hans Biopharmaceuticals of America."
"I reviewed several pharmaceutical companies and ultimately settled on this one. I also had Henry investigate it, and his report confirms that it's a suitable choice," Andy said.
Hardy examined the report thoroughly.
Hans Biopharmaceuticals, founded a decade ago, is headquartered in New Jersey. Its owner, Dr. Claire Hans, is a Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduate in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences.
Hans Biopharmaceuticals was a promising company when Dr. Hans developed a successful fever-reducing drug during his studies, earning recognition and numerous awards. This success led Dr. Hans to establish the research-focused pharmaceutical company.
The anti-fever medication brought early success, and Hans Biopharmaceuticals flourished. The company expanded its research into multiple projects, eventually employing eight doctors in medicine, medical technology, bioengineering, and chemistry, along with over 100 researchers.
The company also ventured into medical device research.
However, Dr. Hans' luck eventually ran out. Despite significant investments, the company failed to develop any valuable new drugs. Although they developed several instruments, market reception was lukewarm, leading to a decline.
Fortunately, the fever-reducing drug provided some financial stability, allowing Hans Biopharmaceuticals to continue operating. In recent years, the company began researching treatments for tuberculosis, a highly infectious disease with a previously high global incidence.
Hans Biopharmaceuticals had previously attempted to develop tuberculosis treatments without success. However, the advent of streptomycin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic effective against tuberculosis, offered new hope. The company invested heavily in developing a more effective drug but saw no results after several years.
To raise funds, Dr. Hans took the company public, initially raising enough to alleviate financial strain. However, last year brought a series of setbacks. First, a new anti-fever drug with fewer side effects entered the market, rendering Hans' original drug obsolete. With production halted, Hans Biopharmaceuticals lost its primary revenue stream.
The company's financial woes led to a mass exodus of researchers, many of whom were lured away by better opportunities. As a result, Hans Biopharmaceuticals was left with a mere shell of its former self—only a research facility, a building, and a handful of employees, with Dr. Hans as the sole remaining leader.
Today, Hans Biopharmaceuticals operates in debt. Dr. Hans has mortgaged the company and even some of the research equipment in a last-ditch effort to develop a specific tuberculosis treatment. Success could restore his fortunes, but failure would leave him bankrupt and burdened with enormous debt.
Investors have lost confidence in Hans Biopharmaceuticals. With no research breakthroughs and the market for anti-fever drugs lost, the stock price has plummeted to a few cents, rendering it little more than junk stock.
Hardy decided that Hans Biopharmaceuticals met his criteria perfectly.
"Let's move forward with this, Andy. Contact Dr. Hans and see if he's willing to sell. Have Henry assist, but make sure there's no connection to the Hardy Group," Hardy instructed.
"Of course, I understand," Andy replied with a knowing smile.
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Hans sat in a tavern, nursing a drink. His face showed the toll of exhaustion and despair. The research had stalled, money had run out, and he owed his employees over two months' salary.
The company was mortgaged, and he had exhausted all options, even pawning equipment from the research lab.
Hans had a heated argument with his wife a few days ago. Unable to cover household expenses or pay the utilities, Hans feared his children might have to drop out of school. Desperate, he suggested selling their home, hoping the proceeds would keep them afloat a little longer.
His wife exploded in anger, and they had a terrible fight.
Hans now avoided both the company and his home, unable to face his disappointed employees or his family.
With the experiment halted due to lack of funds, Hans was utterly hopeless.
His thoughts turned dark as he imagined the inevitable outcome: declaring bankruptcy, losing his business, watching his wife leave with the children, and ending up as a homeless man, scavenging for food.
Hans downed his drink, seeking solace in the alcohol's burn, hoping to drown his worries in a drunken stupor.
At that moment, a middle-aged man in his forties sat beside Hans. Hans glanced up, and the man offered a slight nod and a smile. "Hello, Dr. Hans. Care to talk?"
"Talk about what?" Hans mumbled.
"About Hans Biopharmaceuticals. About whether you're willing to save it. About whether you're willing to save yourself and your family," the man replied with a smile.
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Bab 355: Chapter 355: God Does Not Exist, the Devil Is Real
When a person is starving, they may drink even poisoned water just to survive.
Hans Biopharmaceuticals had mortgaged everything it could to the bank, yet still owed over a million dollars. When someone offered to take over the company, it felt like a glimmer of hope breaking through the storm clouds.
Hans and the potential buyer, who introduced himself as Baker from South Africa, found a private room to discuss the acquisition. South Africa, once a British colony, became a dominion in 1910 and a member of the Commonwealth, similar to Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Today, the country's governors and major capitalists are predominantly white.
"I've investigated Hans Pharmaceuticals' situation thoroughly," Baker began. "All your assets are mortgaged, and you owe the bank $1.26 million, correct?"
Hans nodded, feeling the weight of his situation.
"Your anti-fever medication has been pulled from shelves, you're behind on wages, and the utility bills are unpaid. The research has stopped entirely, hasn't it?" Baker pressed further.
Hans nodded again, his expression grim. The man across from him had done his homework.
"Mr. Baker," Hans said, irritation seeping into his voice, "if all you're going to do is recite my problems back to me, what's the point of this meeting?"
Baker smiled. "I'm willing to buy Hans Biopharmaceuticals for $500,000, including all debts."
Hans was stunned. Given that the buyer knew about the massive debt and mortgaged assets, why would he still be interested?
"Are you serious about buying?" Hans asked, skeptical.
"Absolutely. But I have a few conditions," Baker replied smoothly.
Hans knew it couldn't be that simple. "What are your terms?"
"First, I want all your shares," Baker stated.
"No problem," Hans quickly agreed. His shares were worthless to him now.
"Second, I'll only give you $100,000 upfront. The rest will be contingent on your cooperation," Baker added.
Hans, not naïve, realized something was off. "What exactly do you want me to do?"
Baker leaned in, his eyes locking onto Hans's. "Do you think anyone would spend millions on a worthless company?"
Hans shook his head.
"Neither would we," Baker continued. "What I'm about to tell you is very confidential. If it leaks, your life—and your family's—could be in danger. Are you sure you want to hear it?"
Hans swallowed hard, his mind racing. After a moment, he nodded.
"We plan to use Hans Biopharmaceuticals for stock market manipulation, to inflate the stock price and profit from it," Baker revealed.
Hans had suspected as much, and now his fears were confirmed.
"What do you need me to do?" Hans asked, resigned.
"You'll cooperate with us. As the CEO and chief researcher, you'll help us create the appearance of a thriving company. Push the stock price higher, and you'll get the remaining $400,000. Do well, and there could be even more," Baker said, his smile like a devil's invitation.
Hans understood the true nature of the deal now. The $500,000 wasn't a purchase price—it was an incentive to pull him into a financial scam. He would be the frontman.
Should he take the offer?
If he didn't, the bank would seize Hans Biopharmaceuticals within a month, and he'd be buried under a mountain of debt. Bankruptcy was inevitable. His family would lose everything and face a life of hardship.
If he agreed, he could secure the money to solve his immediate crisis, but at the risk of future imprisonment if the scheme unraveled.
Hans knew God didn't exist. Only the devil was real.
He took a long drink of wine, then looked Baker in the eye. "I agree."
For the sake of his three children, Hans felt he had no other choice, even if it meant plunging into the abyss.
"But I want $200,000 upfront to secure my family's future," Hans demanded.
Baker thought it over. "Agreed. I'll give you $200,000."
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When Hans returned home, his wife, Mary, noticed his drunken state and retreated to their bedroom, upset. Their children were already asleep, and Hans quietly visited each of them. His eldest daughter, Laura, was seven; Reese, the second daughter, was five; and his youngest son, Hans Jr., was just three. He kissed them gently as they slept.
In the master bedroom, Mary lay with her back to him. Hans felt a deep sense of helplessness. He had met Mary during the peak of his career, and they had been happy together. But now, with his company in ruins, their relationship was strained.
Love, Hans realized, could wither. Money was the catalyst—whether it drove love in a good or bad direction depended on how much you had.
"Mary, I need to talk to you," he said softly.
"What is it?"
"I want us to emigrate," Hans replied.
Mary turned to him, surprised. "Emigrate? Where to? And how could we even afford that right now?"
"I borrowed some money from a friend. I'm not putting it into the company anymore. You always said it was a bottomless pit, and you were right. I'm going to use it to secure a future for you and the kids. I'll handle the debt on my own," Hans explained.
Mary, seeing the strain on her husband's face, felt a pang of sympathy. She helped him to the bathroom to wash up. That night, they reconnected, sharing an intimacy they hadn't experienced in a long time.
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The next day, Hans began the process of emigrating his family. Mary, originally from Portugal, had lived there as a child before moving to the United States just before World War II. Hans decided to relocate her and the children to Porto, Portugal, where she would feel at home.
The arrangements were swiftly made. Within days, Hans had completed all the necessary paperwork and personally accompanied his family to Portugal. He bought a house with a yard in Porto, ensuring they were well-settled.
Handing Mary a passbook, Hans said, "There's $150,000 in here for you and the kids. It's in Wells Fargo Bank, and you can access it in Portugal as well."
Mary looked at him with concern. "Hans..."
"Don't worry. Once I've dealt with the company, I'll join you. Maybe I'll find a job teaching or as a researcher here. The scenery in Porto is beautiful, and I've always loved the sea. I can go fishing. I believe life here will be good," Hans reassured her with a smile.
A few days later, Hans returned to the U.S. and headed straight to Hans Biopharmaceuticals. The first thing he did was call a meeting with the remaining staff to pay their overdue wages.
Curious, one of them asked, "Boss, did you find new funding?"
Hans smiled confidently. "Yes, I've found a new investment partner. Hans Pharmaceuticals is back on track. From now on, your salaries will be paid on time."
The staff cheered, unaware that Hans Biopharmaceuticals was no longer his. The company had been acquired by an offshore entity based in the Cayman Islands, with ownership dispersed across numerous accounts, making it nearly impossible to trace.
As for the legalities? In the Cayman Islands, Hardy made the rules.
Hans Pharmaceuticals, now a publicly listed company, had a stock price of just 4.6 cents. During this time, Baker's associates quietly acquired shares, waiting for the right moment to manipulate the stock.
Hans, now the chief researcher, focused all his efforts on developing a treatment for tuberculosis. He kept all research data to himself, entrusting only auxiliary tasks to others. With his family secure, he threw himself into the work.
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Meanwhile, Hardy enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle, balancing business with pleasure. He spent time in Los Angeles with Ava, Sarah, and Taylor, and occasionally visited Heidi Lamar.
Hardy also made trips to the Cayman Islands, which were rapidly developing. The islands were like a massive construction site, with new infrastructure projects springing up everywhere—expanding docks, building roads, and constructing an airport capable of handling large aircraft.
In the city, new government buildings, a military port, company offices, banks, and utility companies were being established. Wells Fargo had constructed the largest and most luxurious building on the islands, complete with a vast underground vault to store gold, jewelry, and currencies from around the world.
A grand casino, larger than any in Las Vegas, was also under construction, alongside luxury beachfront villas, hotels, and a shopping district that would become a duty-free paradise, offering thousands of luxury brands.
In the Cayman Islands, Hardy envisioned a future where finance, tourism, and shopping converged, creating the world's largest luxury shopping destination.
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