Bab 428: Chapter 428: Rabbits Can Be Friends
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The 1960s saw a boom in large-scale industry, and Hardy had strategically positioned himself in sectors like mining, petroleum, and metallurgy. Instead of focusing on traditional ore smelting, he chose to recycle and smelt scrap metals.
As early as the 1950s, Hardy had made significant moves in urban waste recycling. He involved Bill and invited other Mafia families to join him in this lucrative business. The Mafia's expertise in handling waste recycling turned out to be highly profitable. In the U.S., disposal of garbage required a fee, but recycling offered a way to turn waste into wealth. Hardy capitalized on this by acquiring small smelting companies to process scrap metal, a decision that proved financially rewarding from the beginning.
Hardy anticipated that while large steel companies might struggle in the future, scrap metal-based steel production would remain profitable. By the end of the 1960s, scrap metal smelting accounted for 70% of steel production in the United States.
With Nicholas in power, Hardy found himself in an advantageous position. His industries in the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Hong Kong, the Cayman Islands, and Penang expanded rapidly. During this period, Hardy also established a private university in the United States, named 'Hardy University.' The name followed a precedent set by other prestigious institutions like Harvard and Stanford.
Hardy's goal for the university was twofold: to create a distinguished institution in the United States and to build collaborative relationships with universities in Penang, Singapore, and Hong Kong. The university, situated on an 8,000-acre estate near Los Angeles, offered excellent natural surroundings. As a non-profit private university, it avoided taxes and did not generate profit for shareholders.
To fund the university, Hardy invited many investors. This was a strategic move, as investors saw their contributions as a way to secure easier access for their children to the university. Many prestigious universities in the U.S. operate as non-profit institutions for similar reasons.
Hardy University focused on various fields, including economics, law, sociology, medicine, pharmacology, life sciences, electronic information engineering, computers, communications, and media. It aimed to produce both talented professionals for society and skilled employees for the Hardy Group.
With the university established, Hardy worked to attract renowned professors, scholars, and students from around the world. Over the years, Hardy University developed a strong reputation.
By the end of the 1960s, Hardy's industries were valued at an estimated $50 billion, covering numerous countries and regions globally.
In 1968, the U.S. presidential election began. The Democratic candidate was Mike Corleone, who had transformed the Corleone family into a political dynasty over the past decade. Even Italian Mafia families, under Hardy's leadership, had transitioned to legitimate businesses, gradually distancing themselves from their underworld activities.
Mike Corleone's opponent was Republican candidate Rudolph Ford, supported by the Rockefeller family and other influential forces. The campaign was fiercely contested, with extensive publicity and live television broadcasts becoming increasingly common.
Hardy and the head of the Rockefeller family met to discuss the future economic trends of the United States. Their relationship remained amicable despite differing political endorsements, as they both represented their respective interests.
During the election, a significant event occurred: Edgar Hoover, the powerful head of the FBI, died of a myocardial infarction at home. Hoover, who had risen to power during the Roosevelt administration and maintained his influence through knowledge of political and financial secrets, had long been a formidable figure. Hardy decided it was time to act, as Hoover had formed an alliance with Mike's opponents, potentially jeopardizing Mike's campaign.
Hardy's intelligence network, led by Henry, had kept close tabs on Hoover. With Hoover out of the way, Hardy's operatives planted a drug in Hoover's water glass, leading to his death. The autopsy was conducted by a senior official from Hardy's team.
Following Hoover's death, Deputy Director Clyde Tolson, Hoover's right-hand man, was investigated for embezzlement. However, the real reason for the investigation was his possession of Hoover's secret files, which contained compromising information on many high-profile figures. Tolson's capture and subsequent suicide in prison removed a significant threat to Hardy.
Five days after Hoover's death, George Hans, who was Hardy's man, was appointed as the new FBI Director. The internal FBI power struggle remained concealed from the public.
As the election approached, Las Vegas opened betting odds on the outcome. Despite the close competition, Mike Corleone was favored to win, reflecting his strong position. Hardy's efforts in the gaming industry had expanded lottery and betting options across more than 30 states, increasing public engagement in the election.
On Election Day in November 1968, ABC TV provided live coverage of the results. The network, which had become a major player in American television, broadcasted the returns from each state and featured analysis from various guests. After a 20-hour election process, Mike Corleone emerged victorious, becoming the next President of the United States.
In New York, the Corleone family celebrated the victory. Mike embraced Hardy, thanking him for his support. Hardy, in turn, reminded Mike of their bond as brothers. Mike's family also joined in the celebration.
Later, Mike and Hardy discussed the future, including potential cabinet candidates and international relations. Hardy advised Mike to focus on establishing diplomatic and economic ties with Eastern countries, particularly the Soviet Union, which was a strategic opportunity.
In February 1969, Mike was inaugurated as President. Hardy ensured that no scandals, such as the Watergate incident, would disrupt the administration. After the transition, Nicholas was appointed honorary president of Hardy University, further enhancing the university's prestige.
With Mike in office, George Hans continued as FBI Director, and Dr. Key, an associate of the Rockefeller family, became the assistant to the president for security affairs. As Mike's presidency began, Dr. Key prepared for a covert mission, signaling the start of a new chapter in American politics and international relations.
Bab 429: Chapter 429: Hardy’s Centennial
Dr. Key made a secret visit to China and, after successful negotiations, announced that President Mike would visit China at an appropriate time. This marked a significant shift in the long-stalled U.S.-China relationship.
The news caused a global sensation.
In the United States, the prospect of the president's visit was widely supported. With the Vietnam War dragging on and anti-war sentiment growing, the warming of U.S.-China relations hinted at possible changes in the war's future.
The U.S. had heavily invested in the Vietnam War, and Hardy's supermarket chain had become a major supplier of essentials to the military, leading to substantial profits.
For the Soviet Union, this was unwelcome news. The potential reconciliation between the U.S. and China was seen as a strategic setback.
Hardy, however, decided not to join Mike on his visit. He believed it wasn't the right time for investment in China and preferred to wait for the anticipated reforms and opening up that would come in a decade.
Instead, Hardy focused on expanding his operations. The situation in Southeast Asia had evolved significantly. The Federation of Malaysia was smaller than before, limited to a small area on the Malayan Peninsula with Sudanese influences.
Hardy aimed to equip Singapore with weapons, positioning it as a key stabilizer in Southeast Asia. At that time, Singapore's ruler was An Feng, also known as Bern Hardy. Hardy and Mike discussed weapon procurement, and the U.S. was willing to sell everything except aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines.
Several months later, a historic moment arrived. President Mike's visit to China was accompanied by a Global Times reporter. At the airport, Zhou Wei greeted Mike, marking a new phase in U.S.-China relations. A prominent sign read, "Unity of Oppressed Peoples and Nations! Down with Imperialism and Reactionaries!"
During a banquet at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, traditional Chinese dishes were served, and chopsticks were provided instead of knives and forks. Mike used chopsticks with ease, sharing with Zhou Wei that he had learned to use them from Hardy, who was a fan of Chinese cuisine.
Zhou Wei, intrigued, inquired about Hardy. Mike confirmed that Hardy was Jon Hardy, a well-known business tycoon. Zhou Wei had heard of him through various publications and was aware of his significant achievements.
This visit marked the beginning of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and China. The U.S. lifted its embargo on China and allowed the sale of non-strategic goods, which was a boon for Hong Kong. Hardy's industries in Hong Kong, already thriving, saw their value increase dramatically with the embargo lift.
As the 1970s progressed, the electronics industry surged. Hardy had strategically invested in technology giants like IBM, Motorola, and others. He also established investment firms in Silicon Valley and invested in numerous tech companies, including Intel, AMD, Apple, Oracle, and Microsoft.
By the late 1970s, as China began to show signs of reform and opening up, Hardy Group was among the first to invest heavily. Other foreign investors were hesitant, but Hardy seized the opportunity. Through companies in the Cayman Islands, Malacca, Penang, and Hong Kong, Hardy made extensive investments in China.
Hardy's investments included factories and companies across various sectors: textiles, electronics, pharmaceuticals, machinery, and more. Wells Fargo Bank established a branch in Shenzhen, becoming the first wholly foreign-owned bank in New China and partnering with ICBC for overseas business.
In interviews, Hardy expressed his optimism about China's future, despite the country's initial lack of infrastructure. He believed that investing early would yield significant returns.
As the 1980s and 1990s brought the rise of information industries and the Internet era, Hardy Group continued to invest and expand. By 2021, Hardy Group had become a legendary global enterprise, with Hardy himself recognized among the century's most influential figures.
At 100 years old, Hardy still appeared youthful, likely due to his extraordinary recovery abilities. Reflecting on his life, he saw himself as having achieved immense success and created substantial wealth. Despite having numerous descendants and a sprawling empire, Hardy remained indifferent to personal wealth accumulation, focusing instead on ensuring his family could pursue their passions and dreams.
As he prepared for a visit to China, Hardy received an unexpected notification. A voice in his mind announced:
"Ding~ Congratulations to the host for passing the system test and completing the primary tasks. Now you can activate the system. Do you want to proceed?"
Hardy, taken aback, hesitated. At his age, he had little to lose. With curiosity piqued, he decided to proceed.
"Activate!"
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