Bab 358: Chapter 358: The Underground Vault is Officially Opened

Hardy stared at the telegram in disbelief, a rush of emotions he couldn't quite describe washing over him. His heart raced in a way it never had before. The thrill of violence, the achievement of his first million, and even his rise as an American tycoon had never caused such a reaction. But the news of Yezhen's pregnancy was different—profoundly personal, and profoundly real.

He swiftly donned his jacket and instructed his assistant, "Call the airport. I'm heading to Hong Kong immediately." Then, he added, "Send a telegram to Victor in Hong Kong. I need him to pick me up at the airport."

Hardy rushed out to his waiting car, his driver and bodyguard already on standby. The flight to Hong Kong was swift, and within four hours, Hardy landed, arriving in the city at around 11 p.m. Victor and a small team awaited him on the tarmac.

"Boss, you seemed urgent. I have the security team ready," Victor said, his serious demeanor hinting at his concern.

"No need for the security team. Just take me to Yezhen," Hardy replied, a smile on his face.

They drove to Mid-Levels Manor, where the butler greeted him with surprise. "Master, you didn't give us any prior notice."

"I came in a hurry. Where's Yezhen?" Hardy asked.

"She's asleep," the butler answered.

Hardy dismissed the security team and entered the bedroom quietly. Yezhen was sleeping soundly, and Hardy approached the bed, careful not to wake her. A change in light stirred her, and she opened her eyes, seeing Hardy beside her.

"Am I dreaming?" she murmured groggily.

Hardy smiled, brushing his thumb across her face. "I came as soon as I saw the telegram. I had to see you."

Yezhen, now fully awake, stretched out her hand and embraced Hardy. "You really came. I thought I was dreaming. I only wanted to let you know, but you came so quickly."

Hardy gently touched her abdomen. "How did you find out?"

Yezhen explained her symptoms and the subsequent confirmation from both a Western and a Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor. "I wanted to tell you later, but I thought you'd be surprised if you came and found a child already here."

Hardy chuckled. "If I came back a year later and found a child, I'd be shocked. But that's not going to happen. I'd have heard about it from someone here."

As they settled into bed, Yezhen reminded Hardy of the doctor's advice to avoid physical intimacy during the early stages of pregnancy. Hardy, though understanding, simply wanted to be close to her and talk. They spent a long time chatting about the pregnancy and other details before falling asleep in each other's arms.

The next morning, Yezhen woke to find Hardy gone. After freshening up, she entered the living room to find a group of distinguished elderly figures there. Hardy stood with them, holding her hand. "I wanted you to meet some experts from the Chinese Medicine Research Institute. They'll check on you."

The Hong Kong Academy of Chinese Medicine had assembled over thirty renowned doctors. Old Mr. Zhao Weihan and Master Zheng Youqian both confirmed that Yezhen's pregnancy was healthy and that no immediate medicinal intervention was necessary. They advised maintaining a proper diet and avoiding certain foods.

Hardy ensured that all recommendations were noted, and the chefs would follow the guidelines.

After the experts left, Yezhen and Hardy were alone. Hardy expressed his concern and care, while Yezhen, touched by his attentiveness, assured him that she was fine. They talked about their plans and the antiques Hardy had recently acquired from Japan.

Curious about the treasures, Yezhen led Hardy to the vault. The museum building was nearing completion, and the vault housed both antiques and a substantial amount of gold. They began inspecting the antiques, unpacking them with excitement.

When Hardy opened a box filled with calligraphy and paintings, Yezhen identified a scroll by Zhao Ziang, a celebrated calligrapher. Then, Hardy uncovered a painting by Tang Bohu, depicting a classic romantic scene. Yezhen blushed, and Hardy commented on the vividness of the artwork.

Amused by Hardy's commentary, Yezhen shook her head, teasing him as they continued their exploration. The vault was filled with treasures, promising more surprises to come.

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Bab 359: Chapter 359: Arthur with a Strong Heart

Hardy spent a few days with Han Yezhen in Hong Kong. The woman seemed to be in particularly high spirits lately. One evening, as they lay in bed together, Han Yezhen leaned against Hardy and said, "You've got a lot on your plate back home. You should go back and handle things. There's no need to stay here with me."

Hardy ran his fingers gently along her back. "I worry about you. I'd rather be here with you as much as possible."

Han Yezhen laughed softly. "There's no need to be so concerned. With all the housekeepers, chefs, babysitters, bodyguards, and regular visits from traditional medicine practitioners, I'm well taken care of. You don't need to be so anxious."

Hardy shifted closer. "Well, if it eases your mind, I'll stay."

Han Yezhen smiled and nodded, her eyes reflecting a warm affection.

After a few days, Hardy returned to Japan, where the scene was bustling with activity. Various managers reported that all enterprises were running smoothly. Industrial businesses had turned into parts processing centers in the U.S., and light industry had become a production base for American living materials. Despite shipping costs, labor in Japan was so inexpensive that it significantly lowered production costs, making operations profitable.

The Japanese consumer market was thriving, stimulated by the influx of money from the profitable enterprises. With more disposable income, the black market began to flourish. The red-light district had opened, featuring nightclubs, taverns, and entertainment venues where men could indulge freely. The area quickly became a lively hub of activity.

Men with money found the red-light district particularly appealing, where they could enjoy drinks, socialize, and gamble. Although gambling was technically illegal, Hardy had devised a clever workaround. Pachinko machines, billiard balls, and slot machine tokens provided a seamless closed loop of gambling disguised as entertainment.

The red-light district near the U.S. military base was especially lively, with American soldiers frequenting it and spending nights out, indulging in its offerings. General MacArthur, known for his unorthodox methods, didn't mind the soldiers' escapades, allowing them to enjoy the district's attractions, including its more illicit offerings.

Hardy, while no longer personally involved in the drug trade in the U.S., had his Japanese operations thriving. Japanese gangs had continued the tradition of drug trafficking, with Hardy's chemical companies secretly producing and distributing large quantities of drugs, including ice, a potent form of methamphetamine. The profits from this business flowed through a complex network, eventually reaching Hardy, making him substantial gains.

One day, Hardy contacted the editor-in-chief of the Japanese edition of the Global Times. He instructed them to establish an expert column focusing on Japan's political, economic, and cultural issues. The column would feature critiques of Japan's shortcomings and advocate for American ideals and influence.

Hardy also directed the editor to arrange interviews with high-ranking U.S. military officials, including General MacArthur, to enhance the image of American strength and discourage Japanese resistance. The aim was to strengthen the psychological impact of American power on the Japanese public.

George Sutherland, Chief of Staff of the Allied Command in Japan, was one of Hardy's contacts. Hardy had been introduced to Sutherland by Major General Williams and had arranged a meeting with him in a prestigious Tokyo club. The setting was a traditional Japanese courtyard-style venue with a long table filled with delicacies.

As they conversed, Hardy expressed his intention to promote American military strength through the Global Times. Sutherland agreed, recognizing the mutual benefit of reinforcing the image of American power. Hardy requested interviews with high-ranking officers, and although Sutherland hesitated about securing an interview with General MacArthur, he promised to make arrangements.

MacArthur, who was in Osaka at the time, welcomed the idea of an interview. The prospect of showcasing his achievements and the strength of the American military was appealing to him. He agreed to the interview, seeing it as an opportunity to bolster his public image and the perception of American dominance.

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