The Tyrant Billionaire

As for the remaining land, Hardy instructed Columbus to recruit more exploration personnel to survey the purchased land. Hardy was confident that more mineral deposits could be found.

Once new mines are discovered, Hardy Mining’s stock will naturally rise.

Columbus and his team recently discovered a gold mine, and everyone received a substantial bonus. Columbus earned more than $40,000, department managers got tens of thousands, and ordinary exploration team members received four to five thousand in bonuses.

Don’t underestimate a $4,000 or $5,000 bonus—this amount is equivalent to two years of an average worker’s salary. Keep in mind that these exploration workers were already well-paid, so this was purely a bonus, and the news of a new mine discovery left everyone eager and motivated.

The exploration team expanded to 300 people, with more equipment added. The team was divided into six groups to search across the vast land.

Hardy Group Headquarters Conference Room

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The annual work meeting was underway. All company presidents had gathered to summarize last year’s work and set out the new business plans for the coming year.

Even though the company had a three-year plan, at the beginning of each year, they created an annual plan and made adjustments based on current circumstances.

Hardy scanned the room, looking at the more than 20 presidents sitting before him. The Hardy Group’s ranks were steadily growing stronger.

Each company president began reporting, starting with Lancer from the security company. No matter how many industries he owned, Hardy always placed the security company first.

"Last year, HD Security steadily developed. Business operations were successful, with branches established in six cities. We also formed two subsidiaries: the ’Information Consulting Company’ and the ’Security Defense Company,’ one focusing on intelligence, the other on external defense.

"For the coming year, the security company plans to continue expanding steadily, opening more branches and becoming the security partner for major banks and enterprises. We also aim to develop international business, setting up bases overseas to offer services like shipping escorts and military training."

Some of the security company’s operations were classified, so Lancer spoke somewhat vaguely about certain aspects.

A vice president represented Wells Fargo Bank, as the president was currently with a delegation in Finland.

"Wells Fargo will focus on a few key areas: first, opening more branches to cover all of America and eventually expanding to parts of Europe and Asia.

Second, increasing investment activities by purchasing shares in promising companies. Last year, we bought stock in many companies: 1.5% of IBM, 2.7% of Motorola, 0.6% of Procter & Gamble, 11% of Colgate, 300,000 shares of ExxonMobil, 150,000 shares of General Motors, 0.8% of Johnson & Johnson, 1.8% of Merck, and 2.6% of Pfizer."

This guy listed dozens of companies, with total investments exceeding $150 million.

"We will also vigorously develop our ’angel investment’ business by establishing a professional angel investment company."

"And lastly, Wells Fargo plans to establish a professional investment consulting company and will hire the McKinsey team to be our senior advisory group."

HD Films

Edward reported next: "Due to the recent impact of the ’Paramount Decree,’ major film companies are in turmoil and reducing the number of films they produce. HD Films also plans to reduce its production output, continuing the boss’s strategy of only making high quality films."

"We will increase television production and aim to become ABC’s best partner. The first season of Captain America is complete and will air after Super Idol, filling the prime time slot."

"After Super Idol ended, the talent agency signed over a hundred newcomers. We’ll put them through a new round of training and then launch them into the market, releasing music, producing albums, shooting music videos, TV shows, movies, and live performances."

As Edward was speaking, Hardy suddenly thought of something and said, "Edward, note down two things."

"Oh, yes, boss, go ahead." Edward immediately grabbed a pen.

"First, establish a television awards show. Films have the Golden Globes and the Oscars; TV shows should have their own dedicated awards. Let’s call it the ’Emmy Awards.’"

"And establish a music awards show too. There isn’t a standalone music award yet. Let ABC handle this and call it the ’Grammy Awards.’"

ABC President William Fox quickly jotted down Hardy’s words, preparing to establish the Grammy Awards.

As for the origins of the names Emmy and Grammy, Hardy wasn’t interested in investigating. He simply used names that felt familiar to him.

ABC’s work naturally included the new season of Super Idol. With its immense popularity this year, dominating over the other two major networks, it was clear they had to continue the show.

However, Super Idol wouldn’t start until May and would run until Christmas, promising another exciting year.

Afterward, the presidents and heads of Universal Times, Hardy Casinos, the airline, Barbie Dolls, Playboy, Marvel, the art auction company, Occidental Petroleum, Hardy Mining, the logistics company, the chain supermarkets, Caesar’s Palace Hotel, and the Venetian Hotel all presented their reports. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Some discussed growth, others reported on construction progress. For example, Caesar’s Palace and the Venetian Hotel would take another year to complete. Hardy’s chain supermarkets in Los Angeles and San Francisco, currently under construction, were expected to be operational by the end of the year.

Looking at it now,

The six major industries Hardy had originally established—security, media, banking, gambling, retail logistics, and luxury goods—were all proceeding smoothly.

After everyone had given their reports, Hardy said:

"All other departments should proceed according to plan. Andy, regarding luxury goods, although we’ve acquired some brands, it’s still not enough. Continue increasing our investment in luxury goods. For those companies that refuse to sell shares, have the company sign contracts to become their North American brand agents."

"My idea is that once the two major casinos in Las Vegas are built, we’ll create two luxury shopping streets. Only brands that have signed with us will be allowed to enter. For those who haven’t signed, tell them that if the market gets fully occupied, it will be difficult for them to enter later."

Andy quickly took notes.

Hardy then commented on the development of other companies. The meeting lasted two full days, but the benefit was that the group’s future business operations became much clearer.