Chapter 349: Antique Mortgage Financial Investment

After discussing the company with Andy, Hardy felt relieved as he watched Andy leave. The butler informed Hardy that Elaine was arriving, so he went to his room to meet her.

When Hardy opened the door, he was greeted by Elaine, who was strikingly beautiful and slender, draped only in a necklace. She walked barefoot towards him and asked, "Do you think this outfit looks good?"

"Very beautiful," Hardy replied.

Elaine wrapped her arms around Hardy's neck and crossed her long legs as he carried her into the bathroom. After their intimate moment, Elaine rested in Hardy's arms and mentioned the popularity of the current 'Super Idol' TV show, noting that the finals were set for Christmas Eve. She also updated Hardy on new programs and TV series, keeping him informed about the TV station's situation.

...

Tyler was the last to know that Hardy was back in town. Hardy drove to Tyler's house and rang the doorbell. When Tyler's mother, Isha, saw Hardy, she greeted him with enthusiasm, "Ah, Your Excellency Baron Hardy."

Isha, being English, held a deep respect for the nobility. With Hardy now a British Baron and Governor of the Cayman Islands, he held a higher status in her eyes.

"Is Tyler here?" Hardy inquired.

"Yes, I'll call her," Isha replied and hurried upstairs. Tyler, thrilled to hear Hardy had arrived, raced downstairs. She leaped onto Hardy, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him.

Tyler's mother, observing from upstairs, smiled contentedly, pleased with her daughter's good fortune in finding someone like Mr. Hardy. She refrained from interrupting their affectionate moment.

Hardy suggested taking Tyler out, and Isha agreed, "Have fun, and don't worry about the time."

Leading Tyler outside, Hardy showed her a yellow Rolls-Royce roadster. "This is your Christmas gift. It's now yours, so feel free to open it," Hardy said with a smile.

Tyler was delighted with the car, especially since it was a Rolls-Royce in her favorite color. At nearly 18, she had learned to drive and eagerly took the wheel while Hardy settled into the passenger seat. As they sped away, the pleasant Los Angeles climate and the wind in her hair made Tyler feel a profound sense of freedom.

"Where should we go?" Tyler asked.

"It's your car; you decide," Hardy replied.

Tyler pondered for a moment and suggested, "How about Las Vegas? Many people go there for weekend getaways."

"Sounds good," Hardy agreed.

As Tyler drove toward Las Vegas on Highway 15, she enjoyed the liberating feeling of driving freely. After two hundred kilometers, she grew tired and let Hardy take over the driving.

"Is the 'Beauty and the Beast' movie ready? When will it be released?" Hardy asked Tyler, who was still buzzing with excitement.

"The production isn't complete yet. The animation part is slow, so it probably won't be out until February, which happens to be my birthday," Tyler replied with a smile.

"Then let's schedule the release for your birthday, and I'll have them write 'Today is Taylor's Birthday' in the title. That way, people around the world can celebrate with you," Hardy proposed.

Tyler hugged Hardy happily, thrilled by the idea.

After a five-hour drive, they arrived in Las Vegas and headed straight to the Hardy Hotel, where the staff had been informed of Hardy's arrival and were prepared to greet him.

In the casino, Hardy and Tyler enjoyed gambling and playing slot machines, spending a pleasant evening at the hotel. Tyler, dressed adorably, hugged Hardy and whispered, "I'm about to turn 18. I'm really looking forward to it."

"I'm looking forward to it too," Hardy responded.

The next day, they returned to Los Angeles. Tyler's mother had no issue with her daughter staying out all night and was pleased to see her happy.

As Christmas approached, Monroe, who had been filming "Enthusiasm" in New York, returned to Los Angeles. Hardy stroked Monroe's hair and said with a smile, "You're now famous in Japan as the most beautiful American woman in their hearts."

"And what about in your heart?" Monroe asked, looking up at Hardy.

"Of course, you're the most beautiful," Hardy replied with a grin.

Hardy was generous with compliments, using them freely with any woman.

...

In Japan, two new companies were launched: the "American Antique Mortgage Finance Corporation" and the "American Gold House Financial Corporation." Both are registered in the Cayman Islands, with unknown registrants.

The Antique Mortgage Finance Company accepts antiques as collateral, appraises them with professional evaluators, and uses the mortgaged funds for investments. They guarantee an annual profit rate of at least 10%, potentially exceeding 20%.

The Gold House Financial Company operates similarly, accepting gold as collateral and investing the funds for profit. The gold remains the customer's property, though it is used as collateral and can be redeemed later.

During World War II, Japan plundered numerous Chinese cultural relics—over 3.6 million pieces by some estimates—and more than 6000 tons of gold.

...

Both companies began aggressive advertising campaigns. The Asahi Shimbun newspaper devoted an entire page to promoting the Antique Mortgage Finance Corporation, emphasizing its large assets, numerous clients, and impressive annualized interest rates. They touted their investment expertise in U.S. financial markets, including stocks, futures, and bonds.

The advertisement explained how valuable antiques could be used as collateral for investments, with the promise of high returns and confidentiality.

Similarly, the Golden House Financial Company's advertisements, featured in the Industrial Economic News, focused on accepting gold as collateral, with promises of high investment returns and confidentiality.

The companies also aired advertisements on ABC TV, showcasing their impressive U.S. buildings and successful operations. The footage included appraisers pricing antiques, investment teams in New York, and the bustling Wall Street Stock Futures Trading Center.

The advertisements stirred interest among many Japanese, particularly those with valuable Chinese antiques or gold that was no longer useful to them. Despite their resentment toward Americans, the Japanese respected U.S. financial strength and were intrigued by the opportunity to profit from their antiques and gold.

Fuchuan, a Japanese aristocrat, visited the Antique Mortgage Finance Company. He was greeted by a blonde receptionist and a business manager who spoke broken Japanese. Fuchuan proudly mentioned his collection of thousands of antiques.

The business manager explained the process: bring the antiques for appraisal, then mortgage them with the bank to receive investment funds. Fuchuan was pleased with the process and signed the necessary agreements, including the mortgage and investment contracts.

The company arranged for the antiques to be appraised and mortgaged at Wells Fargo Bank, with Fuchuan receiving $112,000 based on 70% of the valuation. The business manager assured him of high potential profits and informed him that the company would take a 5% fee from the profits.

Fuchuan was satisfied, excited about the prospect of substantial future gains from his otherwise idle antiques. The operations of the Antique Mortgage Finance Company and the Gold House Financial Company were legal, but the true nature of their schemes would remain hidden until they executed their plans.

The U.S. stock market was thriving, making it easier to manipulate investments. Hardy's schemes were sophisticated, involving legal operations and investments, with plans to eventually funnel funds into controlled pharmaceutical companies. The process was complex but legally sound, and even if lawsuits were filed, they would unlikely succeed.

The end goal was to manipulate the market and financial systems to Hardy's advantage while keeping all operations within the bounds of legality.