The Tyrant Billionaire

Although President Johnson was busy, he made time to see Hardy.

"Hardy, what's so urgent that you needed to see me?" Johnson asked in his office.

"I've heard Congress is planning to impose a materials embargo on Hong Kong," Hardy said directly.

"There's indeed such a proposal under discussion. The Korean conflict is part of the larger U.S.-Soviet rivalry. Since China has entered the war, we need to impose stronger sanctions to ensure they don't obtain resources through Hong Kong," Johnson replied.

Hardy spread his hands.

"I have no intention of interfering with government decisions or political strategies. However, the Hardy Group has significant business interests in Hong Kong, as you know. If the U.S. enforces a materials embargo, it will undoubtedly impact my company."

Johnson frowned and fell into thought.

He was well aware of Hardy's investments in Hong Kong, which had started when Chiang Kai-shek was still in power there. With over a hundred factories in Hong Kong, Hardy's business would indeed be affected by the embargo.

Hardy was one of Johnson's most reliable allies.

Johnson couldn't justify harming his ally's interests, but this was a matter of U.S. strategy and policy, beyond Johnson's sole discretion.

After a long silence, Johnson said, "Hardy, I have an idea. The embargo on Hong Kong and Macau is unlikely to change.

"But I can grant the Hardy Group a special exemption, allowing it to be the sole American importer and exporter in Hong Kong. However, the Hardy Group must guarantee not to sell products to China. What do you think?"

Hardy's eyes lit up at the suggestion.

In fact, the Hardy Group had never openly done business with China. As for smuggling, that had nothing to do with the Hardy Group—it was clean on the surface.

If the U.S. government granted Hardy this monopoly, it would be an even greater benefit.

Although the Hardy Group was already the largest company in Hong Kong, British and Chinese enterprises still dominated the market. Hardy held only 20-30% of the market share.

With the embargo in place, many British and Chinese companies relying on U.S. materials would lose business opportunities, leaving a vacuum for Hardy to fill.

This monopoly on certain resources would allow the Hardy Group to expand even more rapidly and earn far greater profits.

"I think that's an excellent idea. I can assure you that the Hardy Group will not engage in business with China or the Soviet Union. Our primary markets are Hong Kong, Japan, Southeast Asia, and the U.S. All I ask is that my operations can continue as usual."

After resolving this matter, Hardy bid farewell to Johnson and returned to Los Angeles, leaving McCarthy's case for Henry to investigate further.

As for McCarthy, Hardy had no intention of discussing him with Johnson.

This was not a matter to be approached through political channels, as the Cold War and ideological battles were national strategies.

Hardy had his own plans for dealing with McCarthy.

Hardy didn't intend to let any politician know about his plans.

If he showed overt hostility or disdain toward McCarthy now, people would surely connect the dots when McCarthy eventually fell.

Hardy intended to remain hidden in the shadows.

Back in Los Angeles, Hardy made a call. As soon as Monroe heard his voice, she drove to the villa at lightning speed.

In the bedroom, Hardy unleashed his unreserved passion on Monroe.

It had been a while since he allowed himself to be so unrestrained, as for Sayuri, her sensitive constitution made each interaction a challenge to satisfy Hardy fully, leaving him less than content.

With Ava, Irina, Monroe, and even Taylor, however, Hardy could be completely uninhibited. Their differences in physique made all the difference.

After the storm subsided, Monroe lay contentedly beside Hardy. He asked, "Is the film editing done? When will it be released?"

He was referring to Monroe's film,Some Like It Hot. It had completed filming and was in post-production.

"It's finished, and we've had a preview screening. Everyone has high hopes for it. The studio is working on the release schedule," Monroe replied.

"OnceSome Like It Hotis released, have the company prepare for your next movie," Hardy said.

Monroe turned over in surprise, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "You meanThe Seven Year Itch?"

"Yes. It's already October. By the timeSome Like It Hotis done showing, it'll likely be December. The new movie can start pre-production then. It's a summer story, so we'll use this time to prepare and film it all in one go next summer."

Monroe was thrilled. She had grown increasingly passionate about acting.

Of course, singing remained one of her greatest loves.

The next day, Hardy visited the film studio to meet Edward.

Hardy's growing business empire left him with little time to focus on the film studio, but this time, he made an exception.

"What's the situation with other film studios? Have they been greatly affected?" Hardy asked, referring to McCarthy's investigative committee.

Edward nodded, his tone heavy.

"The impact on Hollywood is significant. They're scrutinizing every film, including past ones. You know about the writers and directors they've sent to prison. Now, everyone's living in fear. Recently, the committee even claimed to have a list of suspected colluding entertainers. This has many people terrified, worried they'll be next.

"Coupled with the Paramount Decree, which hit the studios hard, the major companies have drastically reduced their output." Experience more tales on My Virtual Library Empire

"Our Hardy Group has always produced fewer films—just two or three a year. This year, it's Monroe'sSome Like It Hotand Eastwood'sRaiders of the Lost Ark. Beyond that, there's nothing else.

"But other studios, like Warner, Paramount, and MGM, typically produce dozens of films annually. Without that volume, they're incurring massive losses. This year, these studios have released fewer than ten films each. They're destined to lose money."

Hardy nodded. He had anticipated the situation, though not its severity.

The lack of film production didn't just affect studio revenues; it impacted tens of thousands of Hollywood workers—actors, writers, directors, lighting technicians, crew members, even equipment rental companies and film manufacturers.

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