Chapter 56 – Combat Research Office

With the issue of the two daughters resolved, Lanster felt a sense of relief. Hardy, seated in the security company's conference room, discussed the next steps.

"Lanster, I want you to oversee the security company and manage operations here," Hardy said, exhaling a cloud of cigarette smoke.

Lanster nodded. "Don't worry, Hardy. I'll do my best to get things in order."

"Our primary concern now is dealing with the Spanish Gang. Do you have any ideas?" Hardy inquired.

Lanster, leaning forward, outlined his plan. "I propose setting up a 'combat research room' to gather and analyze all available intelligence on the Spanish Gang. We'll look into their operations, armed forces, personnel, and contacts. This will help us formulate a comprehensive strategy."

He continued, "The security company currently has over 20 employees. I suggest assigning them to collect intelligence as their first task. I recall that one of our recruits has experience in communication monitoring and call interception."

Hardy listened intently, impressed by Lanster's detailed plan. The concept of using military-style tactics to handle a gang was bold but seemed effective. Hardy appreciated the strategic approach.

"I support your plan. I'll be looking forward to your results," Hardy said with a smile.

Just then, Henry entered the room and greeted Hardy. "Boss, I was about to contact you. Didn't expect to find you here."

"What's up?" Hardy asked.

Henry's expression was serious. "We dealt with the Polish gang members easily, but we found something interesting among their belongings. I think you should take a look."

"What is it?" Hardy's curiosity was piqued.

"Art and antiques. They seem valuable, but we don't know much about them. I thought you might be able to help us evaluate them," Henry explained.

"Let's go see it," Hardy agreed.

Henry drove Hardy to Nanxia City, where they arrived at a modest two-story red brick building. The building was unremarkable, save for its few windows, which were securely barred.

A small group of men in suits, all recently recruited, stood by the cars outside. Hardy and Henry entered the building and proceeded to the basement, which was hidden behind a shelf in the main hall.

The basement was surprisingly large, around 100 square meters, and filled with a variety of items. Shelves lined the walls, holding an assortment of silverware, bronze statues, and various artworks. Hardy's eyes were drawn to the collection of Chinese porcelain.

He examined several pieces, including a vase with intricate floral patterns and a base marked as from the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty. Hardy's knowledge of Chinese antiques, gained from a friend in his previous life, led him to identify the vase as a potentially valuable famille rose piece, worth millions in later years.

Among the collection were also items from the Yongzheng and Kangxi periods, suggesting that the collection could be worth hundreds of millions in the future.

Henry inquired, "Boss, do you think these items are valuable?"

"I'm not an expert in antiques," Hardy replied, "but these porcelains seem significant. We should move them to the security company for safekeeping. Handle them carefully during transport. Wrap them in newspaper and box them up."

He added, "As for the other items, find someone who specializes in antique appraisal and see how much they are worth. We need the funds."

Henry agreed, and Hardy's team carefully transported the porcelains to the security company. The remaining items were sold to a Jewish gang member specializing in underground antiques for $45,000.

A few days later, Henry reported back. "Boss, the porcelains and paintings are secured in the security company. The rest of the antiques were sold for $45,000. What do you want to do next?"

Hardy, satisfied with the results, responded, "Good job. Let's proceed as planned."

The operation against the Polish gang proved successful, not only in eliminating the threat but also in acquiring valuable assets. Hardy was pleased with the outcome, seeing it as a testament to the effectiveness of his strategy.