The Tyrant Billionaire

At the same time, Hammer agreed to provide technical support for the initial years.

During lunch, Hammer expressed his interest in business operations, "Hardy, I've seen some reports about you in magazines. I admire your business approach. For example, Playboy magazine, which was once on the verge of bankruptcy, turned into a nationwide sensation under your management."

"Also, ABC TV. Shortly after you took over, it surpassed NBC and CBS to become the highest rated TV network in the U.S. These achievements are due to your business skills. Honestly, I am very impressed."

Hardy thought to himself that being admired for his business acumen by a 'business genius' was quite flattering.

This made him feel a bit pleased.

After a pleasant lunch, Hardy took his leave. There was no rush to invite Armand Hammer he'd wait for a more opportune time in the future.

President Johnson continued his 'National Tour Speech' campaign. It was now July, and with just over two months until the election, he needed to accelerate his efforts.

The latest poll results showed Johnson's support rating had increased to 44.6%. However, Dewey's support still remained above 50%. Despite Johnson's hard work, most people still favored Dewey.

Sometimes, ingrained patterns of thinking are hard to change.

Unless there's a major shift.

...

Hardy had just returned to Los Angeles when his secretary handed him a file folder. "Boss, this is the information sent over from the Hong Kong and Japan branches of the Global Times."

Hardy opened the file folder and started reading.

"The civil war in China is raging and a major battle is anticipated ....".

Hardy directly skipped that part, honestly, both sides were dirty poor and couldn't really afford his weapons even at the cost price. Besides, he already has the rich Jews to buy what's left of the military supplies in his hand.

"MacArthur, stationed in Japan in the Far East, signed Allied Command Order No. 4 of 1948, releasing 19 Japanese war criminals. This marks the fifth wave of war criminals MacArthur has released since 1946. These war criminals include notorious Class-A criminals, military personnel involved in the war, as well as wealthy families and arms manufacturers who profited immensely during the conflict."

"According to the agreement reached at the Moscow Foreign Ministers' Conference in 1945, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers only had the authority to enforce the conditions of Japan's surrender. The Potsdam Declaration certainly did not grant the Allied Commander the power to pardon war criminals."

Upon reading this report, Hardy's face showed a hint of interest.

MacArthur was amassing wealth in Japan to an insane degree. He would release anyone as long as he was paid enough, no matter who they were.

MacArthur was the current supreme commander in Japan, it can be said he is the current emperor of Japan. Hardy Group's next major investments and acquisitions are going to be in Japan.

Clashing with this general was inevitable for the Hardy Group to control Japan.

He flipped through a few more pages.

Suddenly, Hardy saw a large headline in the newspaper: "A Rally in Support of Dewey's Presidential Campaign Held by the Government in Beijing."

The newspaper also had several photos showing a group of people carrying paper-mâché elephants, some holding pictures of Dewey, and others with banners saying "Good Luck, Dewey!" in both Chinese and English.

Behind them were people in traditional costumes and others playing musical instruments, beating drums, and gongs.

After viewing these photos, Hardy found it amusing. This didn't look like a rally for support; it looked more like a funeral procession.

The culture difference is just so huge, if not for the banners in English, hardy would have thought their beloved president died or something.

Hardy thought this report was something President Johnson should see; perhaps it would make him quite pleased.

He called in the editor in chief of the Global Times and personally instructed him, "Publish this news about China supporting Dewey in a prominent sub headline position on the front page."

The editor in chief looked at him and asked, "Mr. Hardy, do you consider this report very important?"

"I find it quite interesting," Hardy replied.

"I understand," the editor in chief quickly said.

Initially, Hardy wanted to publish the report about MacArthur as well, but he reconsidered, realizing that doing so would have no effect. Americans wouldn't care about events happening in Japan, and it would have no impact on MacArthur. Before the Hardy Group truly landed in Japan, such reports were meaningless.

After the editor in chief of the Global Times left, Hardy picked up the phone and called Michael. Michael had now joined Johnson's campaign team and was touring the country with Johnson for speeches. Johnson had also given him a position: Presidential Assistant and Director of the Liaison Office.

Although Michael was young, he was also a congressman from New York, so this role suited him perfectly.

Michael was very pleased to receive Hardy's call. After exchanging pleasantries, the two discussed the recent campaign tour. There were only two stops left before reaching San Francisco, and after that, Los Angeles, the two most important cities on the West Coast.

Hardy chuckled, "Tell President Johnson that I've made arrangements in San Francisco, and when he gets to Los Angeles, I will make sure he feels the enthusiasm of the people of Los Angeles. There will be many guests supporting him, and there will be a live broadcast as well."

"I think President Johnson will be very pleased to hear this," Michael laughed.

"Michael, there's something important. Make sure President Johnson sees tomorrow's Global Times, no matter how busy he is, especially the report about China," Hardy instructed.

Michael understood that this was the main reason for Hardy's call and immediately agreed. As Johnson's personal assistant, this would be an easy task for him.

The next day.

Salt Lake City, Utah.

President Johnson's speech had brought him here. In the morning, his campaign team gathered for breakfast, which Johnson considered a good time for communication.