The Tyrant Billionaire

"The current logistics structure is too complex. The more complicated a system is, the harder it is to manage. Actually, if we used suppliers like Hardy's chain stores, having just three or four would suffice. We'd place orders, and you'd handle the customized provisioning—simple and efficient."

"And as for the issue you mentioned earlier about overseas military base supply transportation, the logistics department maintaining its own transport fleet is extremely costly. It's far more efficient to lease the service, so I'm planning to outsource some of the transportation needs for overseas bases."

It went without saying that Hardy's shipping business was well-suited for this role.

The benefits of helping Williams into his position were already showing, and such exchanges, though direct, proved highly effective.

Hardy raised his glass, clinked it with Williams's, and smiled. "General, have you heard of my Cayman Islands setup?"

"I read about it in the Global Times. They mentioned there's no tax at all there—is that true?" Williams asked.

"Absolutely. No corporate tax, no income tax, no inheritance tax—no taxes of any kind. The seven major financial conglomerates have set up over 5,000 companies there, along with a dozen financial institutions. The flow of funds is seamless and highly secure."

"Best of all, all company registration information is confidential. No one knows the owners' identities. Bank accounts use digital numbers, and as long as you have the password, you can access the funds. There are also trust funds, which allow you—and your family—to benefit indefinitely."

Williams's eyes sparkled with interest.

Leaning in close, Hardy whispered, "The commission from logistics equipment sales has already accumulated over six million, which I've deposited in Wells Fargo Bank in the Cayman Islands."

Williams's breathing quickened.

He managed billions of dollars, but it never thrilled him since that money wasn't his.

However, this six million belonged solely to him.

Even as the Logistics Bureau Chief with a major general's rank, Williams's monthly salary was only a little over $600.

Military pay in the U.S. wasn't high at that time—ordinary soldiers earned $50 a month, second lieutenants $150, first lieutenants $166, captains $200, majors $250, lieutenant colonels $291.67, colonels $333.33, brigadier generals $500, and major generals $666.

Even a five-star general like MacArthur earned just $1,125 a month.

This six million dollar fortune would allow Williams to retire and continue living lavishly.

Even if he couldn't spend it in the U.S., he could enjoy it elsewhere, like in Europe, with equal pleasure.

Hardy continued, "In the Cayman Islands, you can register a company to hide your identity. I have an idea: you could open a company under your wife's or child's name, transfer funds there, and I'll help you invest it."

"Invest in Hardy's chain stores, Hardy Shipping—even buying just a few percent shares, believe me, Williams, those stocks will be worth a fortune in the future," Hardy said.

Williams's eyes lit up.

He had absolute faith in Hardy's ability to make money, and he was confident that Hardy's chain stores and shipping company, both set to collaborate with the Military Logistics Bureau, would be highly profitable.

"How about under my son's name?" Williams suggested.

"Of course, that's no problem," Hardy agreed with a smile.

They could discuss the specifics later.

In business, it's all about sharing interests. Attempting to take all the profits might succeed once but never a second time.

For partnerships to last, one must ensure mutual benefit. You can take the lion's share, but there should always be enough left for others to profit, ensuring a sustainable relationship.

The Hardy Group, for everyone who works with Hardy, offers management shares that grant them a share in the company's profits, growing alongside the company.

Within the California consortium, Hardy led the corporate group to invest in Europe and Japan, earning substantial returns. Thus, when Hardy finds himself in need, how could the companies that have benefited greatly from him not support him?

Hardy's collaboration with the seven major consortia has always been a win-win model from the outset. By establishing numerous companies in the Cayman Islands and engaging in cross-shareholding, the profits are shared by all involved.

Businesspeople are a group driven by the pursuit of profit and often quite selfish. Yet, paradoxically, it is such individuals who value integrity, loyalty, and strong bonds the most.

During this time, Hardy has established an excellent reputation among these consortia.

The importance of reputation in the business world cannot be overstated. To those outside of this circle, it may be hard to comprehend. For example, if you want to borrow money, others may hesitate or even decline outright due to your previous reputation. But if Hardy were to borrow money now, there would be plenty of people willing to lend to him.

A good reputation lays a solid foundation for future cooperation.

Furthermore, Hardy has worked closely with political figures. He played a crucial role in Johnson's reelection yet never displayed arrogance or made excessive demands that would put Johnson in a difficult position.

The collaboration with Major General Williams has also evolved significantly. Initially, Hardy sought Williams' help. Over time, he supported Williams in becoming Deputy Director, then promoted him to Major General, and now backs him in becoming the Director of the Logistics Bureau. Their relationship has transformed into one of equal partners.

It could be said that Williams is now a political figure nurtured by Hardy. Yet, Hardy still treats Williams with respect, continuing to exchange benefits in a professional and friendly manner without assuming an air of superiority or acting as a benefactor.

Now that Williams has been promoted to the position of Director of the Logistics Bureau, he will eventually rise to Lieutenant General, overseeing all logistics for the U.S. military. Williams' network will only expand, and given their close relationship, Williams' connections are essentially extensions of Hardy's own.

This connection will undoubtedly prove invaluable in the future.

"Williams, do you know anyone at the Pacific Command?" Hardy asked.

"MacArthur's area? I have a decent relationship with the Chief of Staff of the Pacific Command, George Rufus Sutherland. We attended a training course together back in the day. Sutherland is also in charge of military logistics, so our departments frequently interact. Why do you ask?" Williams replied.