The Tyrant Billionaire

"Oh, it's no trouble at all."

Remembering the previous night, it hadn't been trouble at all; in fact, she had enjoyed it. Being cherished by a powerful man was indeed a happy thing.

After the director left, a thought struck Sayuri.

She picked up the phone directory and began searching.

She planned to enroll in a massage class.

The "First Japan Economic Forum" was held at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo. Attendees included Economic Envoy Jon Hardy, Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida, several cabinet members, and CEOs and directors of major corporations from the United States and Japan.

The event attracted over a thousand participants.

The Japanese Minister of the Economy first reported on the economic situation of the previous year. During the first half, Japan's economy remained stagnant. However, in the latter half, Hardy, leading seven major conglomerates, initiated an in-depth overhaul of Japan's economy, which led to a leap in growth.

In the fourth quarter, the gross production accounted for 80% of the total annual production.

In the first quarter of 1950, production figures even surpassed the entire previous year, indicating a swift economic recovery. The unemployment rate dropped by over 300%, the market gradually became more dynamic, and foreign trade emerged as Japan's leading economic sector.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Yoshida expressed his deep gratitude to Envoy Hardy, acknowledging that it was due to Hardy's presence in Japan that the economy was able to rebound.

Next, Hardy delivered a speech.

Hardy's address covered several key points. The first was that Japan remained a defeated nation and thus could only exercise limited economic freedom, operating under the framework of the United Nations.

The second point was clarity of purpose, positioning Japan as a processing base and production hub for the United States.

The third was to continue with increased openness. In terms of both business philosophy and economic policy, Japan should further liberalize, ensuring that policies do not hinder economic progress but rather serve as a booster for growth.

After the speech, the remainder of the event was dedicated to networking.
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Instead of formal individual speeches, a reception was held where attendees gathered in small groups, casually raising glasses and conversing, sparking ideas and possibly even brokering deals.

Hardy himself mingled, glass in hand.

In one group, someone introduced Hardy, "Mr. Hardy, this is Robert Downey, Chairman of Downey Funds."

Robert Downey, in his forties, respectfully greeted Hardy, "Hello, Mr. Hardy. My name is Robert Downey. Honestly, I'm an admirer of yours—your vision, decisiveness, and business philosophy have all left a strong impression on me.

"Your investments in Hong Kong have already multiplied several times over, and the tax-free policies you implemented in the Cayman Islands are absolutely brilliant."

Hardy smiled and waved modestly, "Often, I take risks; the stakes are high. I simply happen to win."

"No," Robert Downey responded, "I've studied your business cases and found that you actually have a strong grasp on things. I believe your confidence is even higher than your actual risk calculations."

Hardy thought to himself, Could he know that I can foresee the future?

Downey continued, "I'm convinced that your success comes down to your extraordinary economic mind and immense internal fortitude."

It turns out he wasn't attributing it to future foresight but to Hardy's keen economic sense. After all, claiming foresight into the future would likely seem unbelievable, but suggesting conclusions reached through extensive calculations would be far more convincing.

Having flattered Hardy, Robert Downey continued, "Knowing that you were coming to Japan, I made a special trip from the U.S. I found that, despite Japan's economic stagnation, there are indeed opportunities here."

"You know I run an investment fund. Due to the sanctions imposed on Japan, economic activity has been stagnant, leaving the market with few investment opportunities. Meanwhile, the U.S. economy is booming, so I thought, why not raise funds here in Japan to invest back in the United States? Consequently, I established a fund company in Japan."

"How is it going?" Hardy asked.

Downey raised his eyebrows with some pride, "It's going much better than expected. From last year to this, Downey Funds has raised over $60 million, all of which has been invested in the U.S. stock market. As you know, the American stock market has been particularly strong these past two years, which has led to significant profits for our clients."

"Last year's return rate reached 32.5%, a highly satisfactory yield. This year, in the first half alone, we've already achieved 25%, and I believe it will continue to grow."

Hardy nodded, "Excellent. What you're doing addresses Japan's investment dilemma, and with legitimate, legal operations, you should receive support and encouragement from the Japanese government."

"Thank you, Mr. Hardy, for the endorsement. So far, we're doing very well. Mr. Hardy, I understand that Hardy Group has its own investment team, but should you ever require our services, Downey Investments would be honored to assist. I can assure you of returns exceeding 30%."

Hardy looked at Robert Downey with a faint smile, "Not at the moment, but thank you."

"Of course. Should you ever need us, please feel free to contact me." With that, Downey handed him a gold-embossed business card with both hands.

Hardy took the card.

Downey bowed again and went off to connect with others. Hardy watched Downey's retreating figure.

Interesting, So this guy thinks he can deceive me?

What Robert Downey didn't realize was that his very presence in Japan had been orchestrated by Hardy. How amusing.

Just now, Robert Downey claimed to have raised over $60 million in just over half a year. The results indeed seemed promising.

Who says Japan is out of money?

The lack of funds affects those at the bottom. Despite the nation's defeat, the former aristocrats and wealthy elite still have reserves.

Hardy was aware of one particular instance: when Japan initially surrendered, a stockpile of materials originally intended for the war effort vanished just before American occupation. That stockpile was rumored to be worth over $400 million.