"Mr. Hardy, I didn't expect to see you again so soon. What can I do for you this time?"
Inside the bank's reception room, Kevin Madison asked Hardy with a smile on his face. He had to be accommodating, who knew if those robbers would tie him up again?
"I'd like to apply for a loan," Hardy replied.
"A loan? How much are you looking to borrow, and what will the money be used for?" Kevin asked.
"I have a film company and plan to shoot a movie. We're a bit short on funds right now, so I'm looking to borrow some money from the bank."
"I see. Do you have any collateral or guarantees?" Kevin inquired.
"What kind of collateral do you need?"
Kevin quickly explained to Hardy, "The most common form is physical collateral, such as valuable items like gold jewelry, fine artworks, real estate properties, or shares in other companies."
"There are also intangible assets. In Hollywood, there are some unique collateral options. For example, if MGM wants a loan, they can use a film like 'Gone with the Wind' as collateral. Even though 'Gone with the Wind' has been out for years, it still earns hundreds of thousands in revenue for MGM annually, so this can also be considered as collateral."
"How much can I borrow against my toy factory?" Hardy asked.
Kevin was taken aback.
Mr. Hardy had just bought the toy factory yesterday, and today he was already using it as collateral for a loan. That was quite fast. Was this planned in advance?
"How much are you looking to borrow against it?" Kevin cautiously asked.
"I consulted professionals, and they said the land plus the factory and machines could fetch 60,000$. I'll borrow 60,000$" Hardy said.
Kevin quietly took a deep breath.
Hardy bought it for less than $40,000 yesterday, and today he's here to borrow $60,000 against it. If the higher ups at the bank find out about this, they'll surely think he's helping Hardy scheme to profit from the bank.
Well, maybe that's actually what's happening.
But he couldn't refuse.
The torment of those three days in the cellar was something he never wanted to experience again in his life.
"Can I have some time to think about it?" Kevin whispered.
"Sure, please handle it, Mr. Madison."
"No trouble at all. Please wait here," Kevin returned to his office and sat down, pondering. He was the head of the credit department, and for loans under $50,000, he had the authority to decide without needing approval from higher-ups.
Perhaps it would be best to lend him $50,000 to avoid unnecessary complications.
Kevin prepared the loan paperwork and returned to the meeting room. "Mr. Hardy, my maximum authority allows me to approve a loan of $50,000. Anything higher would require approval from upper management and take longer, at least two weeks or more."
This was the first time in his life, as a credit manager, that he spoke in such a tone to someone seeking a loan.
Usually, it was the company bosses begging him.
"50,000," Hardy pondered. "That should be sufficient."
After deducting $150,000 for the film production, he would still have over $30,000 left, enough to cover the expenses of new hires for some time.
Besides, If push came to shove, he could always rob again, maybe even the Spanish gang this time.
After all, he was determined to finish them off.
"Alright, $50,000 it is," Hardy agreed.
Kevin Madison breathed a sigh of relief. "Very well, I'll process the paperwork. The money should be ready in three days."
After they exited the bank.
Hardy checked the time; it was afternoon. He drove back to the Noah's Ark Film Company, where he had arranged with two screenwriters to review the first draft this evening.
Arriving at the company, Director Nolan was already there. It was almost 6 o'clock when the two screenwriters, David and Newton, rushed in.
Both of them looked exhausted with red eyes but excited.
"Assistant Hardy, Director Nolan, we stayed up all night yesterday and worked through the day today. We finally finished the first draft of the script. We both feel very confident about it and believe this script has great potential."
Hardy took the script, and with Nolan standing behind him, they quickly read through it. The script was around thirty to forty thousand words, and they finished reading it in just fifteen minutes.
The first draft of the script essentially captured all the essence of Hardy's outline, and Hardy was reasonably satisfied. He looked up at Nolan, who seemed lost in thought.
"Nolan, what do you think of this script?" Hardy asked.
Nolan snapped out of his reverie and quickly responded, "As I was imagining the scenes in my mind, I came up with a rough story line that feels even more compelling than what we discussed yesterday. To be honest, I have high hopes for this film."
"This film isn't just about heroism and a lone hero, it has elements that many Hollywood films lack. The plot is clear and refreshing, the backbone is solid yet complex, and the protagonist isn't the typical embodiment of justice. Initially, he agrees to help for money, but it's not just about the money he is after all a living, breathing person..."
Nolan immersed himself in his creative thoughts.
"Let's meet with Cohen tomorrow. I plan to use Noah's Ark's crew and equipment for filming," Hardy suggested.
Nolan waved it off indifferently. "That's your business. I'm only responsible for the film."
After dismissing Hardy, Nolan turned to the two screenwriters. "I think there are some details that need tweaking and refining. Let's discuss."
The three artists gathered in Hardy's office to discuss the script.
Hardy glanced at the time; it was past nine in the evening. Ignoring the artistic folks, he drove to Ava's house.
Knock, knock, knock!
He lightly tapped on the door.
Ava Gardner, dressed in loose home attire, opened the door and was pleasantly surprised to see Hardy, giving him a hug.
"Haven't seen you in days, Hardy."
"I've been busy these days. Have you eaten? I haven't had dinner," Hardy walked in, took off his coat, and Ava hung it on the rack.
"What would you like me to cook for you?" Ava asked.
"Anything is fine."
"How about spaghetti, and I'll fry a steak for you?"
"Sounds good."
Ava started cooking in the kitchen while Hardy poured himself a drink and stood nearby. Ava turned to look at him, "What have you been busy with lately?"
"Quite a lot, mostly business matters. But there's something you'll find interesting," Hardy said, taking a sip of his drink.
"Oh, what is it?" Ava asked with interest.
"You always wanted to act, right? I've found a role for you."
Upon hearing this, Ava turned around immediately, her face filled with surprise. "Really, Hardy? What kind of role is it? Does it have lines? Actually, it doesn't need lines, just a solo shot would be enough."
Hardy said with a smile "No, you will be the heroine of this movie!"
Ava was stunned.
She looked at Hardy with disbelief written all over her face.
"A leading role? How is that possible?"
Hardy smiled gently at her. "This film is my investment, a Western film, and it has a leading female role. Although not a significant part, the film mainly revolves around male characters. Are you interested in this role?"
"I am, I am!!"
"Ah!"
Ava Gardner let out a scream.
Dropping the meat fork in her hand, she rushed over to Hardy, "Really, Hardy? A leading role? Oh my God, I can't believe it. Thank you, Hardy."
"Ava, the meat is burning."
"Forget about it, Hardy!"