The Tyrant Billionaire

Hardy's prediction was correct—the financial groups were far more enthusiastic about the military supply business than about tech companies, and several were willing to sell him a portion of their shares.

As a result, Hardy acquired 5% of IBM, 3.7% of the Telegraph and Telephone Company, and 7% of Motorola.

Of course, all purchases were made at market value.

Hardy already held some shares in these companies, all acquired on the open market. Now, with 7.8% of IBM, 6.5% of the Telegraph and Telephone Company, and 12.6% of Motorola, Hardy was effectively a major shareholder.

Additionally, Hardy now had legitimate entry into these corporations with a seat as a major shareholder. This would enable him to buy additional shares in the future without raising suspicions, making it easier for him to continue his operations.

The next step was to discuss supply details and allocate production orders.

In the automotive category, there were transport trucks, passenger vehicles, command cars, engineering vehicles, motorcycles, tractors, field kitchens, and more.

In the office category: typewriters, paper, pens, and other supplies.

In the medical category: emergency medicines, surgical tools, IV equipment, battlefield stretchers, ropes, and so on.

In clothing: various types of clothing, including summer and winter wear, single-layer and padded jackets, leather boots, rubber shoes, slippers, blankets, thin and thick quilts, outdoor sleeping bags, as well as personal equipment and camping gear.

In communication: telephones, telephone lines, and walkie-talkies.

In tools: entrenching tools, boards and pliers, barbed wire, and similar items.

In daily essentials: toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, toilet paper, sanitary pads, etc.

In miscellaneous items: cigarettes, lighters, coffee, tea, cola, snacks, and more.

Hardy commented, "The U.S. is in a far better position now than during World War II, and we should improve the logistics support for the troops."

"I discussed this with Director Williams, and we agreed to offer our soldiers better services, starting with their meals. I believe the soldiers are tired of canned rations—I can relate. When they're on the front lines fighting, we should be delivering better food to them."

"Food is incredibly important. It may be the greatest comfort they receive during the war. I've prepared a meal plan."

Hardy handed out a menu for everyone to review.

Monday: Braised beef, hot dogs, mashed potatoes, vegetable salad, broth, condensed milk, coffee, fruit.

Tuesday: Veal, noodle soup, carrots stewed with green beans, butter, coffee, fruit.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, sandwiches, bacon, spinach stew, butter, coffee, sugar.

Thursday: Pork chops, salted potatoes, bacon, pickles, condensed milk.

Friday: Roast beef, cabbage, canned vegetables, butter, coffee, sugar.

Saturday: Sardines in olive oil, beef, fine smoked meat, pea soup, coffee, butter.

Sunday: Sausages, minced pork, apple sauce, creamy soup, coffee, sugar.

"These will not be canned foods but fresh meals prepared on-site in mobile kitchens. The menu will change periodically, and cigarettes, Pepsi, and similar items will be supplied without restriction."

"Of course, we'll still prepare some ration boxes. There could be situations where mobile kitchens can't keep up, such as in field operations."

The meetings lasted several days. Each company received a set production quota, and major allocations were completed. Hardy wouldn't need to handle the finer details himself.

Next, Hardy gathered Japanese government officials and entrepreneurs for a meeting.

Japanese officials and businessmen were overjoyed at securing U.S. military supply contracts. Although a large portion of the income would go to the Americans, Japan would still earn substantial profits.

Moreover, many factories would need to expand production, allowing them to hire more workers and address unemployment issues—a boon for the Japanese government.

All factories sprang into action, with workers putting in extra hours. Some factories expanded production and hired additional staff. Companies like Toyota and Honda also secured many orders; for instance, Toyota was tasked with producing field kitchens trucks.

Agricultural products were mainly imported from the U.S., with entire shiploads of flour, beef, coffee, chocolate, and Pepsi being delivered.

The Global Times reported on the U.S. military's procurement activities in Japan, bringing a sense of optimism and excitement to Japanese society and sparking hopes for economic growth.

"Naturally, news of these developments also reached North Korea and its communist allies."

Reporters from the Global Times even interviewed General MacArthur, with ABC Television's crew on-site as well. A reporter asked MacArthur, "General, could you tell us about your plans for the upcoming operation?"

With characteristic arrogance, MacArthur replied, "I'm planning an amphibious landing at Incheon to cut the enemy's forces in half, then encircle them with the Eighth Army and eliminate them completely."

The reporter, visibly surprised, asked, "General, won't that be very risky?"

MacArthur scoffed, "Their forces are no match for us. We have the world's most powerful army, the bravest soldiers, and the most brilliant commanders."

As the interview concluded, the reporter asked, "General MacArthur, can we report on this interview publicly? I'm concerned it may reveal your military plans."

MacArthur waved dismissively, "Go ahead and report. I'm not worried about the enemy knowing my plans. Even if they do, they won't be able to stop my operation. I want the whole world to see that the U.S. military's actions will lead to inevitable success." Stay tuned for updates on My Virtual Library Empire

"General, when do you think the war will end?" the reporter asked as a final question.

"By Christmas," MacArthur replied with absolute certainty. "I believe my soldiers will be home in time for Christmas dinner."

Under the impression of playing along with MacArthur's smokescreen plan, an ABC reporter unknowingly reported General MacArthur's actual plan.

Everyone knew MacArthur was arrogant, but no one expected him to be so arrogant as to publish his actual battle plan in the newspaper.

However, this incident was confirmed: it was indeed MacArthur himself who authorized the publication, not the newspaper acting independently. This led everyone to believe it was just his smokescreen plan—no one actually thought it was his real plan.

A general revealing his battle plan to the public—it took a great deal of courage and nerve. Of course, it was also a rather foolish move. When the U.S. Department of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff saw the report, they nearly fainted from anger. Unlike the public, they actually knew what kind of character their General MacArthur was and believed it might indeed be his real plan.

Sincerely hoping the general may have changed his arrogant nature with age, they immediately sent a telegram to MacArthur, asking if this was a smokescreen—a deliberate attempt to mislead the enemy, since similar tactics had been used during World War II.