The Tyrant Billionaire

"We've contacted several shipping companies to promote our maritime security services. So far, apart from the group's own shipping companies, no other companies have been willing to work with us. They think our prices are too high," he added.

"How is the intelligence department's knowledge of the pirate situation?" Hardy asked.

"We've already gathered some information."

Hardy smiled. "There's no need to rush. This is just the development phase. Our income from protecting our own shipping companies is enough to sustain the base's operations. As for the pirates, we can let them be for now. Once other shipping companies start suffering losses, they'll naturally come to us."

Hardy then visited his film company.

Edward reported on the current status of the film company, talent agency, and record company.

Hardy Films didn't produce many movies, usually only two or three per year, with a focus on high-quality productions. So far, they had only produced titles like The Wild Bunch, Léon: The Professional, Ghost, Once a Thief, Singin' in the Rain, and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.

Currently in production was the live action/animation hybrid Beauty and the Beast, starring Taylor, which was already in post-production.

"Boss, Some Like It Hot is in the early stages of preparation. We're selecting a suitable director and male lead. Since other studios aren't doing well these days, directors and actors have plenty of availability. We can take our pick," Edward reported.

"Choose carefully. I want this film to be a classic, with Monroe shooting to stardom and creating the perfect start," Hardy said.

"Don't worry, boss. I'll put in my best effort," Edward responded respectfully.

How could he not be diligent when it was the boss's woman involved?

Besides Some Like It Hot, the film company didn't have many other projects in the pipeline, which Hardy found a bit too monotonous. He pulled out a few sheets of paper and handed them to Edward. Find adventures on empire

"I had some free time yesterday and thought of a story idea. It's about an archaeology professor named Indiana Jones who helps the U.S. military decode German messages and embarks on a treasure-hunting adventure. This is the story outline. It can be made into either a movie or a TV series," Hardy explained.

The outline was only about four to five thousand words long.

The specific details could be filled in by the screenwriters.

Edward quickly took the pages and, after skimming them, thought for a moment before saying, "Boss, I think this story would be excellent whether made into a movie or a TV series. As for the character of Professor Indiana Jones, I think Clint Eastwood would be perfect for the role."

Hardy smiled softly, "I had him in mind when I wrote the character."

The two of them were in perfect agreement.

Afterward, Hardy made the rounds to his other businesses: the television factory, Hardy Mining, the toy factory, Marvel, the airline company, The Global Times headquarters, ABC Television, and more.

Then he flew to San Francisco.

There, he inspected companies like Wells Fargo and Hardy Shipping. After his inspections, Hardy arranged a meeting with Amadeo Giannini, the president of Bank of America and the head of the California financial consortium.

Meeting Giannini was actually the main purpose of Hardy's trip to San Francisco.

Giannini invited Hardy to lunch. After their meal, they strolled through the garden and chatted. Giannini asked, "Hardy, I've heard you've made significant investments in Hong Kong. Are you confident about its future? The newspapers report that the CCP is steadily taking over cities, and it won't be long before they reach Hong Kong. The British may not be able to hold on to it."

Hardy shook his head.

"It's more of a risky investment. No one can fully control politics, and no one can predict the future. There will be a lot of maneuvering, and I'm simply betting on the most likely possibility that people are avoiding out of fear."

"If I lose the bet, I'll withdraw my assets in time to minimize losses. But if I win, and Hong Kong remains stable, I believe my investments there could increase five to ten times in value within five years."

Giannini looked at the young man before him.

He thought to himself, 'Young people really do have drive, daring to take such big risks.' Perhaps, in his younger days, he would have done the same, but now that he was older, he tended to prioritize stability deep down.

That was the biggest difference between the elderly and the young.

Caution often overshadowed the spirit of adventure.

As they continued walking, Hardy spoke again: "Mr. Giannini, I have another major investment plan. During my recent trip to Hong Kong, I passed through Japan. I took some time to look around and had people gather some information about Japan. I think investing in Japan could be a good direction."

Hardy revealed the main purpose of his visit.

"Invest in Japan?"

Giannini had never really considered investing in that eastern country. Japan was the only nation that had ever attacked American soil, with the attack on Pearl Harbor, leaving most Americans with a poor impression of Japan.

Even Africa seemed better than Japan in comparison.

Recently, the U.S. had been gripped by an "Africa fever," with even many films being shot in Africa. For example, Ava's film The Snows of Kilimanjaro was being shot there.

"Why do you think Japan is worth investing in?" Giannini asked.

"Based on a few factors," Hardy replied.

"First, Japan used to have a complete industrial system and a mature workforce. The reason its economy is currently depressed is primarily due to post-war economic sanctions."

"From an international perspective, Mr. Giannini, have you noticed that the U.S. and the Soviet Union have gradually become opposing forces? A columnist for the New York Times recently used the term 'Cold War,' which I think is quite fitting. I believe this confrontation will only escalate."

"So, I predict that the U.S. government will eventually relax its restrictions on Japan. Japan's economy will recover quickly, and now is the perfect time for us to invest. We can take advantage of their economic downturn, absorb their industries, and once they recover, our assets will grow exponentially."