Chương 384: Chapter 384: MacArthur Leaves the Field Sadly
The American Financial Newspaper, despite its grand name, was just a tabloid. Shortly after the New Year began in 1951, it published a report.
"The American Hans Biopharmaceutical Company recently announced that it has developed a specific drug for the treatment of tuberculosis and is conducting Phase II testing in Africa. Sources indicate that the Phase II testing in Africa has been highly successful, with a cure rate exceeding 90% and no significant side effects."
"Our investigation reveals that Hans Biopharmaceuticals initially applied to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for Phase II testing. However, due to the strict oversight and cautious approach to human testing in the United States, Hans Biopharmaceuticals focused their efforts on Africa."
"Now that the Phase II results have fully met expectations, the company may reapply for Phase II testing in the United States. If successful, this new tuberculosis treatment could enter the market. Experts estimate that the market size for this product could be no less than $3 billion, which is expected to cause Hans Biopharma's stock price to rise sharply."
The Financial News of the United States had little influence initially. Even though the report was published, it did not garner much attention. However, the "Los Angeles Financial News," a national newspaper with a strong influence in finance, later quoted this report.
After the Los Angeles Financial News picked it up, financial investors across the United States quickly took notice.
People weren't naive.
Once Hans Biopharmaceuticals' experiments in the United States succeed, the stock price will soar like a rocket.
Over the past few months, under Andy's careful management, Hans Biopharmaceuticals' stock price had steadily climbed, reaching $5.60—a nearly 100-fold increase.
Of course, this was largely due to Hardy's money. There were few other investors, and the stock price was just a set of numbers with no real backing.
But when people saw the stock price,
$5.60,
It still seemed low compared to the $3 billion valuation. Astute investors knew this was the right time to invest. If Phase II in the United States succeeded, the stock price would undoubtedly skyrocket.
Many people began acquiring shares in Hans Biopharmaceuticals, causing the stock price to rise further.
The price surged daily,
And within just over ten days,
The stock price surpassed $30.
But it still hadn't reached its peak.
There were still determined buyers.
Hans Biopharmaceuticals became a star stock in the market. Reporters attempted to interview Hans, the company's boss, but were informed that Mr. Hans was still in Africa, continuing the Phase III trials.
When asked about his return to the United States, the reply was that it might be some time.
Not long after,
The Los Angeles Financial News published another article, where they assigned a freelance journalist based in South Africa to interview Dr. Hans.
In the interview, Hans stated that the trials were very successful. They had tentatively named the new drug "ethambutol." The drug, a white crystal soluble in water, was effective against tuberculosis.
Hans revealed that work on this drug began years ago at the research institute but was paused for some reason. When he found himself alone in the lab, he revisited the old data, hoping to find a breakthrough drug. After persistent efforts, he finally succeeded.
He could only thank God.
All tests had now met or even exceeded expectations. As for human trials in the United States, Hans wasn't overly concerned.
"In fact, it doesn't matter where Phase II is conducted. I now plan to carry out all human trials in Africa, secure marketing approval, and only then enter the U.S. market. This approach is more convenient and also more responsible for American consumers."
Hans explained that this process was perfectly acceptable. In the past, many U.S. pharmaceutical companies conducted experiments abroad and then conducted secondary trials in the United States, which was safer for Americans.
In fact, pharmaceutical companies in Britain and France often did the same, testing on people from underdeveloped regions rather than their own citizens.
Following this report, Hans Biopharma's stock price soared again, quickly surpassing $50.
At this point, Hans Biopharmaceuticals' total market value exceeded $200 million—a staggering figure.
Many people saw the bubble forming. After all, it was all hype. There were no tangible results yet. Some rational investors chose to exit, leaving only the most enthusiastic ones to continue.
...
March arrived in the blink of an eye.
It was time for the annual Oscars. Historically, this particular Oscar ceremony had been rather subdued due to McKinsey's controversies. But with McKinsey stepping down and falling into a coma, the atmosphere shifted.
Several major film companies wanted to revive Hollywood, making this year's Oscars exceptionally grand.
The ceremony took place at the Lei Tai Hua Theater in Los Angeles.
Hardy returned from Japan specifically for the event. Walking the red carpet, he was accompanied by Marilyn Monroe. Their appearance together sparked immediate cheers.
Monroe's performance in "Enthusiasm" had made her a Hollywood sensation, overshadowing every other actress.
If Ava Gardner had been the fastest-rising star in recent years, Monroe had no equal this year. Elizabeth Taylor, feeling jealous, complained to Hardy about the excellent script he had given Monroe.
"You two have different styles," Hardy replied.
"Monroe is perfect for the seductive roles and only those. You, however, can handle serious dramas. Your range is broader, and your acting skills will only improve with time. When the right script comes along, your achievements will surpass hers." Hardy's words placated Taylor.
At the awards ceremony, when Marilyn Monroe was announced as the Best Actress winner, she covered her mouth in excitement.
Taking the stage to accept her award, Monroe held the Oscar and looked out over the audience.
"I love Hollywood, I love movies, and I love Hardy." She blew a kiss.
The crowd erupted in applause and cheers, and the live broadcast camera panned to Hardy. He smiled and waved, eliciting another wave of applause.
Hardy's romantic entanglements were well-known in Hollywood, and no one saw it as unusual.
Not only Hollywood stars but even the general American public accepted it as normal. In this country, dating multiple people wasn't against the Constitution.
After the awards party, Monroe followed Hardy back to the manor.
Monroe's song played on the phonograph. Still wearing her evening dress from the awards ceremony, which accentuated her curvaceous figure, she walked over to the sofa where Hardy was sitting. She knelt on the carpet, rubbing her face against his thigh like a cat.
Monroe looked up at Hardy, her eyes full of adoration, love, and a desire for affection.
Hardy reached out,
His fingers gently tracing her face and lips.
Monroe lightly bit his finger, teasingly.
Such a golden cat,
No man would want to let go.
...
A few days after the Oscars, Hardy returned to Japan.
In the past few months,
The United Nations army, led by MacArthur, clashed several times with the rabbit but was repelled each time, further infuriating MacArthur.
The newspapers clamored for atomic bombing.
They talked about using thirty, fifty bombs, as if they were trivial.
Hardy knew that Johnson would never allow this madman to go unchecked because he didn't want the United States entangled in World War III.
Johnson sent a telegram to MacArthur, summoning him to the United States to report on his work. This was actually a warning to not escalate the war. But MacArthur, in his arrogance, refused to obey the President's orders. As a result, in April, Johnson directly ordered MacArthur's dismissal.
When he received the order, MacArthur was stunned. He hadn't expected Johnson to be so decisive.
In fact, not only MacArthur, but many around the world were surprised by Johnson's decision. This was not just a dismissal—it was a public expulsion, a clear humiliation.
And so,
MacArthur left the field silently.
Returning to Japan to pack his belongings, MacArthur found that the Japanese had planned a farewell ceremony for him, but Hardy advised Shigeru Yoshida against it.
"No, I don't think a grand farewell ceremony would be good for MacArthur. He should keep a low profile now," Hardy said.
Shigeru Yoshida looked at Hardy.
With MacArthur out of power, Hardy, the economic and cultural envoy, now held the greatest influence in Japan. Yoshida dared not oppose Hardy's wishes.
When MacArthur departed, the airport was eerily quiet.
This made MacArthur furious. While ruling Japan, the Japanese had treated him as a Supreme Emperor. Now, as he left, not a single person came to see him off.
A few reporters captured the scene.
One reporter asked, "General MacArthur, now that you're returning to your country, what are your thoughts on the Japanese?"
MacArthur, with a sneer, replied, "The Japanese, including their politicians and entrepreneurs, have the intellect of twelve-year-olds."
"They are true villains. When they're submissive, they're extremely humble. When they're arrogant, they're furious."
"Japan still needs comprehensive reform in military, economy, culture, beliefs, and lifestyle. I hope future leaders won't forget this."
"For Japan, the United States must always remain vigilant, with no slack in political or military matters. The ground inspection teams and military bases must be retained indefinitely..."
MacArthur left.
His interview was quickly published in Japanese newspapers. Upon reading his words, many Japanese were outraged. They hadn't expected MacArthur to belittle them so severely. Any fondness they once had for him evaporated.
After reading the newspaper, Hardy thought MacArthur had a point. Despite his arrogance, the man had accurately assessed the Japanese.
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