The Tyrant Billionaire

Hardy considered it for a moment. "Then we'll release it on your birthday. I'll also have them add at the beginning of the film, 'Today is Taylor's birthday.' How about letting the whole world celebrate for you?" Hardy suggested.

"Really? I love that idea!" Taylor exclaimed, wrapping her arms around Hardy joyfully.

After five hours on the road, they arrived in Las Vegas and headed straight for Hardy's hotel. The manager, who had been notified of Hardy's arrival, hurried out to greet the boss.

Hardy took Taylor to the casino, where they played slot machines and had a blast. That night, they stayed at the hotel.

Wearing a cute pajama set, Taylor snuggled up to Hardy and whispered, "I'm about to turn 18, and I'm really looking forward to it."

"So am I."

In truth, societal rules no longer constrained Hardy. The reason he hadn't been intimate with Taylor yet wasn't because of any moral considerations; he found that the anticipation created a different kind of thrill.
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The next day, Hardy and Taylor returned to Los Angeles. Taylor's mother had no objections to her daughter staying out all night; in fact, she was secretly pleased.

Christmas arrived.

Monroe, who had been in New York filming Some Like It Hot, returned to Los Angeles for the holiday. As Hardy stroked her hair, he said with a smile, "Did you know? You're famous in Japan now. To them, you're the most beautiful American woman."

"And to you?" Monroe looked up at Hardy.

"Of course, you are," Hardy replied with a smile.

He never hesitated to tell a woman what she wanted to hear. The words "You're the most beautiful" could easily be said to any of them.

Some words just needed a little preface.

'For this moment.'

...

Meanwhile, in Japan, two new companies had just opened for business.

One was called "American Antique Collateral Finance Company," and the other, "American House of Gold Finance Company."

Both companies were registered in the Cayman Islands.

The owners were not disclosed.

The Antique Collateral Finance Company's business involved accepting antique collateral. With appraisals by the company's professional evaluators, clients could use their antiques as collateral for loans, and the company would invest the collateralized funds on their behalf.

The company promised an annual profit rate of no less than 10%, with potential returns exceeding 20%.

The House of Gold Finance Company operated similarly, allowing clients to collateralize their gold, which the company would then use to invest for profit.

During World War II, how many cultural relics had Japan looted from occupied regions?

By some estimates, over 3.6 million items from various countries.

And how much gold had they taken?

Reports suggested over 6,000 tons.

These two companies began advertising aggressively in newspapers. Japan's Asahi Shimbun even dedicated an entire page to promoting them.

"American Antique Collateral Finance Company is a highly reputable financial investment firm with assets exceeding tens of millions and a customer base of hundreds of thousands. Last year's annualized interest rate surpassed 30%, generating substantial wealth for its clients."

"The main investment focus is on the U.S. financial market, including stocks, futures, and bonds, with the most professional team of American financial experts analyzing stock and futures trends."

"Many customers wish to invest but lack the initial capital. What can they do? The American Antique Collateral Finance Company can help solve this problem. Perhaps you have some valuable antiques or artifacts at home. These items might just be collecting dust, serving no practical purpose. Why not use them as collateral with us and turn them into a tool for making money?"

"The process is simple: bring your antiques to our company for appraisal. Our expert appraisers will authenticate and evaluate the items, setting a value. These items will then be used as collateral at the bank, and the funds generated will be invested in the U.S. stock market on your behalf."

"Our partner bank is Wells Fargo, one of the top three banks in America, with an impeccable reputation."

"Recently, several stocks in the U.S. market have skyrocketed, with some increasing more than tenfold. If you're looking to grow your assets quickly, why not use those unused antiques as collateral? You can earn profits while still retaining ownership of your items."

"The company guarantees complete confidentiality, ensuring that the details of any collateral are never disclosed."

The Industrial Economic News ran similar ads for the American House of Gold Finance Company. Like the antique collateral business, the company accepted gold as collateral, arranging loans from legitimate banks, investing the proceeds, and allowing customers to redeem their gold later if they wished.

Next, ABC Television aired commercials for both companies, showcasing impressive office buildings in the U.S., well-organized operations, and staff appraising antiques for secure storage. The financial investment teams, dressed sharply in suits, held meetings in New York skyscrapers.

At the Wall Street stock and futures trading center, the scenes were bustling, with stocks rising amid shouts. It was the golden era of the U.S. stock market—practically anything bought would yield profits, making it easier to run schemes.

During prosperous times, everyone feels tempted.

After the relentless advertising bombardment, many became interested.

Some Japanese aristocrats owned numerous artifacts, including items of Portuguese, British, Malaysian, and Filipino origin. As Japan was primarily a warring nation, it lacked a significant collection of cultural treasures. These artifacts, stored away and collecting dust, had little practical use. Now, with an opportunity to turn these relics into money, why not give it a try?

Despite harboring resentment towards Americans, the Japanese acknowledged America's strength, especially in finance. The Japanese newspapers frequently reported on the booming U.S. economy, which had been entering a rapid growth phase, with the stock market repeatedly creating wealth miracles.

For a stock to grow 30-50% in a year seemed perfectly normal.

Driven by curiosity, Fukagawa went to the Antique Collateral Finance Company. The receptionist was a blonde Western woman, adding an aura of prestige.