The Tyrant Billionaire

As for the Hardy Group's bank, Wells Fargo, it is already heavily in debt to Bank of America and can't really lend much money to the Europeans. Establishing branches and slowly developing there may be of great significance in the long term, but it won't yield much from that $22 billion.

To be honest, Hardy's current industries have great potential for future development, but they are only suitable for the resource abundant United States. For those still struggling below the poverty line, entertainment is still a luxury.

This is why he involved the California consortium. Only a large consortium has such a diverse range of industries to profit from.

Since there wasn't much to sell, Hardy's plan was to see if there was anything worth buying. In his previously set three year plan, the last of the six main business focuses was the luxury goods industry.

So far, Hardy hasn't genuinely entered the luxury market, with Estée Lauder being the only brand. If possible, he plans to acquire shares of some luxury companies during this trip. Even if they are left untouched, they could yield high returns in the future.

Thinking about this, Hardy said to Andy, "This Marshall Plan involves over two billion dollars, with the vast majority being exports of goods. This will undoubtedly stimulate domestic industries in the U.S., especially for those products that European countries urgently need. The prices will certainly rise in the future.

"Shipping, food, building materials, steel, cement, chemicals, industrial goods, fertilizers these industries' values will surely grow, particularly the companies participating in this European trip. Their stock prices will likely increase significantly. We still have some time before we leave, so let's have the financial team buy up their stocks.

I estimate that growth will exceed twenty percent over the next two years."

"Alright, I'll make the arrangements when I get back," Andy replied.

The flight from San Francisco to Los Angeles wasn't far; it took just over an hour. As the plane landed, Hardy and the others fastened their seat belts. When the plane touched down with a sudden jolt, there was a scream from the cabin.

"Ah~ Bang."

It was clearly a woman's scream. And a heavy object hitting the floor.

The people in the plain were startled. The assistant said, "It seems to be Miss Monroe. Maybe she didn't wake up and secure herself properly?"

Monroe had fallen asleep, deeply asleep. The people in the front had also forgotten about her. As the plane suddenly landed, Monroe was thrown off the bed and hit the floor hard.

The scream was her cry of pain.

After the plane stabilized, Hardy and the others walked into the room and saw Monroe lying in the gap between the bed and the wall, looking quite disheveled.

The assistant quickly went to help her.

"Wait, wait, my leg is hurt," Monroe said with a sob.

An ambulance arrived, and a doctor examined her, finding no serious injuries, just a sprained leg that would need half a month's rest.

Monroe was lifted into the ambulance. After she was taken away, Hardy suddenly chuckled, finding it all quite amusing.

The California consortium finally settled on the team for this European trip.

Hardy would lead the delegation, including Andy, the president of Hardy Group, the president of Wells Fargo, the president of Bank of America, the executive president of Northwest Bank, the president of Crock Agricultural Group, the president of Meton Real Estate Development Company, the president of Kaiser Group, Northrop Grumman and other companies such as Sylvania Electronics, and California Petroleum Company.

Although other companies didn't send representatives, they handed over their business directories. If there were suitable opportunities, Hardy Group would negotiate on their behalf.

Other teams were also organized and ready.

The European trip was scheduled to start on September 20th. There were still a few days left, during which Andy led the financial team to make moves in the market, buying up promising stocks.

Meanwhile, Hardy did something else.

He took the president and editor in chief of the Global Times, Mark Keane and Robinson, to visit Arnold, who was still hospitalized.

Arnold's injuries were not severe; he had only been shot in the shoulder. It had been a while, and he could already move freely.

That evening, the ABC TV news broadcast a story about Jon Hardy, the owner of Hardy Group, visiting Arnold with the president and editor in chief of the Global Times. In the news, Hardy personally promised that Arnold would receive a $100,000 award from the Global Times for his courageous spirit. Your adventure continues at empire

There was also another reward.

The documentary Arnold shot, made into the film documentary "Black Gold 1948" was shown in theaters and grossed over 9 million at the box office. Arnold would also receive a share of the profits, amounting to $450,000.

Many people were shocked when they saw this news.

A $100,000 reward plus a $450,000 profit share.

This Arnold suddenly received $550,000. Becoming a rich man overnight. Keep in mind, this amount of money could buy ten luxury houses in Beverly Hills at the time.

This reporter Arnold suddenly entered the ranks of the wealthy.

Hardy offered such a generous reward to motivate other journalist to be more decisive and bolder.

Though he followed Henry's instructions, he risked his life and was nearly killed by those people. Hardy thought he deserved the reward.

With Arnold's example, Hardy Group employees would undoubtedly be motivated and scramble to work hard, knowing they could also earn big rewards.

What is the most effective way to win people's hearts? Ideals and beliefs?

For some, yes, but for the vast majority, it's hard to reach such lofty heights. Money, however, can make most people submit.

Money talks.

Hardy was never a noble person; otherwise, he wouldn't have developed in the underworld. He's just a common man.

A common man uses common methods.

As long as he provides enough benefits to his subordinates, they will work hard for him and be less likely to betray him. That's all he needs.