The Tyrant Billionaire

Ambassador Kato was overjoyed.

"That would be wonderful. Thank you so much, Mr. Hardy, for working hard on behalf of the Japanese people. We are sincerely grateful." He bowed deeply again.

Hardy smiled lightly. "Persuading them to visit Japan for industrial inspections is one thing, but whether you can keep them is another. You must understand that this is a rare opportunity. When you return, have the government prepare a list of investment worthy companies. This will make it easier for these companies to invest once they arrive in Japan."

"When we were investing in Europe, other European countries did the same. I hope Japan shows sincerity because this might be the only chance."

"Yes, Your Excellency, I will inform the Prime Minister of your words," Ambassador Kato said, bowing again.

The plane landed at New York Airport. As Hardy stepped off, he saw Dave Rockefeller standing next to a car. Hardy smiled and walked over, and the two embraced briefly.

"Thank you for coming to pick me up, Dave," Hardy said.

"It's been four or five months since we last saw each other at President Johnson's inauguration party. Hop in the car, and let's find a place to catch up properly," Dave Rockefeller said.
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Dave Rockefeller owned a small estate on Manhattan Island. Though it wasn't large, owning such a place on the expensive real estate of Manhattan was quite rare.

This wasn't even Dave's official home; his wife and children didn't live there. It was just a place where he rested while working.

Dave poured Hardy a glass of wine, and they sat under the shade of a tree in the yard, with their bodyguards standing at a distance.

"Hardy, are we going to lose everything we've invested in Hong Kong?" Dave asked right away.

He was referring to HSBC.

"I've heard that you've spent the past few months in Hong Kong and made many investments. Are you confident about it?"

"I can only say I'm half sure," Hardy shrugged.

Fair enough, nobody could be entirely sure about such things.

"I'm curious why you've decided to invest in Japan. From what I know of you, you wouldn't support Japan's economy for no reason. I'm well aware that you fought in Asia, and your enemies were the Japanese. You were even shot in the chest by one of their bullets."

Hardy smiled, "My goal is simple—making money. I think there will be great opportunities to profit in Japan in the future, so I'm planning to go there. As for becoming a special economic envoy, that was unexpected."

"I was talking with President Johnson about my plans to invest in Japan and acquire some industries there, which might involve government seized assets. You know the government has imposed economic sanctions on Japan, breaking up their conglomerates and confiscating many industries and machines. I plan to acquire some of that, so naturally, I had to mention it to him."

"Then we talked about Japan's economy. After the Dodge Plan was implemented, Japan's economy suffered another blow and became even more sluggish. I checked the numbers. Japan's total industrial output last year was only $58 million, and this quarter is even worse than the same period last year."

"Japan is currently facing a food shortage and severe economic decline. The Japanese government has been asking our government for continued aid and support, but President Johnson is clearly unwilling to invest more money in Japan, so he rejected their request."

"When I mentioned my plan to invest in Japan, President Johnson saw it as a response to Japan's request and gave me the title of special envoy. So I'm sort of half private, half official."

Hardy smiled as he explained.

"I see. But if you're investing in Japan, do you think its economy is worth the risk?" Dave Rockefeller asked.

"Do you have a world map or a globe?" Hardy asked.

"Of course, I have a map hanging in my study and a large globe. I love looking at maps when I have free time," Dave replied.

"Let's go to your study."

The two went to the study, and Dave wasn't exaggerating. His globe was enormous, nearly as tall as a person, and exquisitely made, clearly expensive. Hardy spun the globe until it reached the East.

Then he pointed to Japan and the Soviet Union's positions and explained some of the recent conflicts in the East, finally revealing his reasoning. Dave now understood.

"So Japan is going to become a very important piece in the game," Dave said, enlightened.

"Exactly. So the strict controls over Japan will be loosened. A country with 80 million people and a complete industrial system can recover quickly. I dare say within ten years, our investment will double, if not more."

"Yes, I trust your judgment—more so than your assessment of the investment in Hong Kong," Dave replied.

Hardy was a bit helpless.

This guy was still hung up on the Hong Kong investment.

Hong Kong was indeed risky, and very few people believed in it. But how could Hardy tell him that he knew the future?

Hardy quickly changed the subject.

"Dave, I have an idea. Since we're going to invest in Japan, we should aim for control. Otherwise, once they recover, they might turn around and expel us."

When they are weak, they will naturally welcome your investment, but once they grow stronger, people's minds will change. They will start thinking of ways to break free from your control, maybe even expel and devour you. This is a common occurrence in the business world, and Dave certainly understood this principle.

"What do you plan to do then?" Dave asked.

"I want to take as many people with me as possible and gain control of the core industries there. Even if Japan recovers, they won't dare develop other thoughts. Also, if any local companies rise, we can work together to crush them, maintaining our long term advantage.

"Otherwise, we'll open up the market only to let others take it away, which wouldn't align with our pursuit of profit."

Dave pondered for a moment. "Shall we bring in other financial groups? I can help make some connections."