The Caesars Palace Hotel and the Venetian Hotel had just opened their doors, and Hardy's entourage—Elizabeth Taylor, Ava Gardner, Marilyn Monroe, Elena, and even Heidi Lama—had arrived in Las Vegas, along with a host of their friends. While the men flocked to casinos and boxing matches, the women had other plans. Their passion was shopping, and the luxury brands available in the shopping areas of the two major casinos were irresistible. Hardy had given each of them a gold shopping card, allowing them to spend freely.
As the grand opening festivities wound down and the city settled into its regular rhythm, Hardy took the opportunity to inspect the latest developments in Las Vegas. The Hardy Building was now open, and the city was more vibrant than ever. The new hospital and supermarket chains were up and running, contributing to the city's growth. The University of Las Vegas, set to become a branch of the University of Nevada, was under construction. Hardy was also planning to launch a chain of fast-food and coffee shops.
In September, Hardy's focus shifted to Hong Kong. Victor had informed him that Han Yezhen was about to give birth, and Hardy wanted to be present for the arrival of his first child. He flew back to Hong Kong, where he met Han Yezhen's parents for the first time. Though there were initial reservations, they welcomed Hardy, especially given his stature.
Two days later, at St. Mary's Hospital in Hong Kong, the birth took place. Renowned for its blend of Western medical expertise and traditional practices, the hospital was the ideal setting for this momentous event. The delivery was smooth, and Hardy's pride swelled as he held his newborn son for the first time.
The baby, with brown-black hair and Western features, was a healthy boy. Hardy gazed at him with a deep sense of connection and love. He named his son Byrne, with the nickname An jr. As he cradled the baby, he whispered the name, feeling an overwhelming sense of responsibility and affection.
The baby's first cry was a reassuring sign of his health. Hardy was elated, envisioning future days spent teaching his son about hunting, boxing, and the responsibilities of being the eldest sibling. The arrival of his first child marked a significant milestone, and Hardy was already thinking about the future, anticipating many more children and the legacy he hoped to build.