The Tyrant Billionaire

The board member replied, "We've priced our televisions at $100 each, which is $27 cheaper than "N.Y.T" televisions, but sales are still not very strong."

"Families who can afford a Japanese-made television often prefer American ones, and those who can't afford it struggle to come up with $100."

"How many televisions are the three companies producing per month?" Hardy inquired.

"Each company is producing around 1,000 units per month, totaling roughly 4,000 units," the manager replied.

Hardy thought for a moment and said,

"Let's have Wells Fargo introduce an interest-free mortgage loan program. If someone has an asset worth more than $100, they can apply for a mortgage loan with Wells Fargo, interest-free, to purchase a television. Wells Fargo will issue a television voucher that can be redeemed at a store, and the loan will be repaid over one year."

The managers were delighted upon hearing this.

Such an initiative, where Wells Fargo would essentially subsidize the businesses without earning any interest, was unheard of for any bank.

The company executives expressed their deep gratitude to Hardy.

For Hardy, however, the cost was negligible—no more than $400,000 per month. He had a bigger vision: rapidly expanding television access in Japan to increase ABC Television's influence, which was far more valuable than $400,000 a month.

Even if it were considered an advertising expense, the investment was worthwhile.

Besides, the money would eventually be repaid, only tying up funds for a year.

The next day,

Global Times

published an advertisement.

"Hardy Group's Wells Fargo Launches Interest-Free Loans for Television Purchases."

"If you work for the government or a corporation and have a stable income, you can apply for a credit loan at Wells Fargo to buy a television and enjoy entertainment at home."

"If you own assets worth more than $100, including real estate, land, cars, or jewelry, you can use them as collateral at Wells Fargo to secure a loan for a television and enhance your entertainment experience."

"This initiative was ordered by Envoy Hardy, aimed at enriching the cultural and entertainment lives of the Japanese people by enabling widespread access to television programs."

Hardy set up televisions in public squares, where many Japanese saw TV programming for the first time and were deeply captivated.

Now, every evening in Japanese streets, a unique scene unfolded. Crowds gathered around public television sets, and the vibrant atmosphere drew numerous small vendors selling drinks, snacks, and other items, creating a small but lively market.

Many people had long dreamed of owning a television but couldn't afford one. This interest-free loan was a golden opportunity.

Many worked for the major zaibatsu companies, earning over $20 a month. With televisions priced at $100 and a year to repay, they only needed to allocate $10 per month for the loan, leaving enough for daily expenses.

People flocked to Wells Fargo to apply for loans, sparking a television sales boom and making more Japanese eager to own a TV.

Compared to MacArthur, many felt deep gratitude toward Envoy Hardy. While Hardy had indeed acquired Japanese companies, he had genuinely helped restore Japan's economy.

Whether those companies were controlled by Japanese or American conglomerates mattered little to the general public, as long as their lives improved. In fact, having American ownership seemed preferable to some, because Americans have more mature structures and promotion systems.

And so, Hardy had supplanted MacArthur, becoming Japan's new revered figure.

...

Hardy inspected dozens of companies, gaining a deeper understanding of their operations, offering guidance on some issues, and even resolving certain practical problems.

On this day, Hardy visited ABC Television.

Currently, Tokyo Television, having developed for half a year, has achieved a considerable scale with well-established departments. However, its program production still lacks compared to America's ABC, primarily because ABC has the entire Hollywood industry backing it, a production power unparalleled globally, let alone in Japan.

At present, the station only produces its own news programs, political analysis shows, economic forums, and talk shows like "Hey Xiu's Trio." Hardy ensured that public intellectuals participating in these programs are those who idolize Western culture, have received funding, and often consider themselves more knowledgeable and aware of society than the "ignorant masses."

They often have academic backgrounds, professional expertise, and some social standing, eager to express opinions on societal matters and engage in public affairs.

They are idealists, often possessing a strong critical spirit and a sense of moral responsibility.

Some individuals might not even be in it for the money, nor have they received financial support, but they are innately fascinated by America and voluntarily seek its approval.

Additionally, the television station has introduced some lifestyle and consumer-oriented shows, such as segments on makeup, beauty, fashion, handbags, and shoes, setting the trends and, in essence, encouraging consumerism.

Certain advertising phrases subtly make their way in:

An ad for a cosmetic product: "Women, you should be good to yourself."

A jewelry brand's commercial: "Women must cherish themselves because only when you know how to love yourself will others love you. Many things in this world are expensive, but if you love it, it's never too costly, because you are more precious than anything else."

A women's clothing ad: "Women should treat themselves well. If you don't, who will? Challenge the norm, dress elegantly and confidently, and keep it simple yet comfortable!"

A luxury fashion ad: "A woman doesn't have to be breathtakingly beautiful, but she should live exquisitely! In this life, never compromise on being good to yourself. High-end custom fashion!"
Enjoy exclusive chapters from My Virtual Library Empire

A handbag advertisement: "If there are no gifts or anyone to pamper you, then pamper yourself. Women, indulge yourself and be generous to yourself."

Women exposed to these ads every day are inevitably influenced; these messages slowly take root and trigger a gradual transformation in their hearts.

The women in the ads are all stunning Western models, confidently striding through European and American streets, exuding a sense of self-assurance, which inspires many educated, aspiring young women who yearn for empowerment.