The Tyrant Billionaire

This increase in volume would lead to qualitative changes. Though the unit profit might decrease, the overall sales volume would skyrocket, resulting in greater profits.

But this method could only be used for products with a national sales network, making it very selective. Eventually, it would be necessary to establish a logistics system or open large warehouses across various locations.

Walmart.

Hardy thought of this name.

In the future, Walmart would become the world's largest company by market value, holding substantial cash and sales channels, with over 10,000 stores and employing more than 2.2 million people.

Walmart was founded in 1962.

For now, there were too many ongoing projects. Step by step, Hardy would tackle these large service oriented industries once the current tasks were streamlined.

Hardy found Andy and shared his idea of transforming him into a financial stock expert. "In the program, you can first explain some financial knowledge, then comment on the current stock market situation, and finally focus on analyzing a few stocks in detail."

"Using such a nationwide platform for commentary would certainly influence those stocks. Positively reviewed stocks might see a price increase, while those with negative forecasts could experience significant drops."

"This is essentially indirect stock manipulation. Boss, we can operate in advance and make a substantial profit."

"This task is for you."

"Also, select a batch of marketable consumer companies that aren't performing well in sales. I have a use for them," Hardy said.

"What are you planning to do?"

"The TV station is preparing a TV shopping segment to directly sell products on television. This will significantly promote those companies products. Some companies poor sales are merely due to lack of recognition. Through TV shopping, their products will sell well, and their stock prices will surely soar. This has more potential for appreciation than just commenting on the stock market."

Andy understood.

It's similar to Barbie and Playboy, originally on the brink of bankruptcy with plummeting stock prices. After transformation, they became quality enterprises with doubled stock prices.

Identifying a few such listed companies like Playboy would make it easy to recoup the money spent on acquiring the broadcasting company.

"I understand, boss. I'll quickly provide you with a list of listed companies," Andy said.

Two days later, Andy handed Hardy a list.

"Boss, these companies meet your criteria. They are listed, produce consumer products, have decent production capacity, but suffer from poor marketing and regional limitations," Andy explained.

Hardy looked at the list.

"The Bumblebee Motorcycles, capable of producing 10,000 units annually. Currently, sales are poor, with over 5,000 units unsold, and the company is semi shutdown. The stock price is $0.58."

Hardy looked at the photo. It was a women's scooter, much like the one Audrey Hepburn rode in "Roman Holiday."

"How much does this scooter sell for?" Hardy asked.

"Production cost is about $50, retail price $118," Andy replied.

Hardy stroked his chin, thinking this scooter was a good product. "Andy, find the boss and buy the stock, while also repurchasing shares on the market."

"Do you think this scooter will sell well?" Andy asked.

"I believe it will sell well. Try to push the price down. Once we get this scooter factory up and running, we can sell it for a good price," Hardy said with a smile.

Next was a hairdryer factory. Hardy looked at the hairdryer photo and found it very ugly.

"Is this a hairdryer or a blower? No wonder it's not selling. This hairdryer factory needs a designer to create an attractive model. Once it looks good, sales will definitely surge," Hardy said.

"Should we buy this hairdryer factory?" Andy asked.

Hardy looked at the price. The stock was around $0.2, and the factory was worth only a few thousand dollars. Buying it wouldn't hurt.

Hardy decided to buy it, partly because of its name.

Dyson Hairdryers.

There were also factories producing clothing, women's handbags, bedding sets, shoes, juicers, and even a chocolate factory.

These looked promising. Hardy instructed Andy to buy shares. They would be the first batch of recommended products.

Andy and his team went to The Bumblebee Motorcycles Factory. The company owner warmly welcomed them. Looking at the piled up inventory, Andy said, "I can buy all these products, but I need a favorable price."

The owner was overjoyed.

"I'll give you a cost price, $55 per unit. How about that?" the owner asked humbly.

Andy shook his head. "Thirty dollars per unit."

The owner's eyes widened. "My production cost is $50 per unit. Selling at $30 means I'd lose half my money. No one does business like this."

Andy smiled.

"There are plenty of times when people do loss making business. If you don't sell to me now, you might lose more money. You should understand that unsold inventory is worthless. Only sold products are valuable."

The owner understood this well.

After negotiations, they agreed to sell the 5,000 scooters to Andy's trading company for $38 each.

After signing the contract, Andy smiled at the owner and said, "Mr. Weiss, are you willing to sell shares in your motorcycle factory?"

The owner was stunned. They had just bought his motorcycles, and now they wanted to buy shares in his factory.

After some thought, he agreed.

"Yes, how much are you offering?"

"At market price," Andy said.

They haggled again, and Andy bought 40% of the motorcycle factory's shares. He also acquired more shares on the market, making Andy's financial company the largest shareholder in the factory.

First, buy the motorcycles, then the shares. Andy squeezed the motorcycle factory dry.

Andy used the same tactic with other factories, buying shares at the lowest prices and planning to sell them for a profit after revamping them.

Everyone was busy.

One day, Bill called Hardy. "Boss, the Mexicans have taken the bait. The transaction is tonight. Do you want to watch?"

"Sure."

Hardy couldn't miss such an interesting event.

His bodyguards drove him to the Los City gang's base. The French conman Victor greeted the big boss with respect.

"Is the time confirmed?" Hardy asked.

"Yes, boss, it's set for midnight tonight, in the outskirts of Los Angeles. I'll lead the team for the deal," Victor said.

"Any chance of complications?"

"Those Mexicans completely trust my identity now," Victor said with a smile.

Hardy looked at Bill. "Have you notified Lancer and the others?"

"Yes, they'll be hiding around the area. Once the deal is done, they'll move in to arrest the Mexicans," Bill replied.

The hook, line, and net were ready. The Mexican fish couldn't escape.

With few drug sellers in Los Angeles now, prices had skyrocketed. The Mexicans couldn't source enough, so Victor approached them, making them believe they had a fortune at hand. The first deal was 50 kilograms, quickly sold for a good price.

After the successful first deal, the Mexicans trusted Victor. Recently, they ordered a large batch. Victor promised 250 kilograms for $900,000, and the Mexicans happily agreed.

Late at night, two cars arrived in the outskirts of Los Angeles. A few Mexicans got out, led by a big boss.

They smoked while waiting.

After about twenty minutes, they saw headlights approaching.

Two cars stopped twenty meters away, both sides headlights illuminating each other. Victor and his men got out.

The Mexican boss greeted Victor, "Hello, Mr. Macron. Finally, you're here."