Chapter 232: Hongmen Society

Hearing from Bill that the shipment was from the Tang Dynasty Gang, Hardy had some suspicions. However, he considered that the gang might be able to utilize the supplies effectively.

"Bill, how's your contact with the Tang Dynasty Gang?" Hardy inquired.

"Not bad. Shortly after arriving in San Francisco, I had dinner with Luo Jincheng, the deputy leader. We met in Chinatown and discussed potential cooperation. I wanted to meet their leader, but Luo Jincheng mentioned that Situ Lao, their leader, is currently out of the country. Luo Jincheng is handling all matters in the U.S.," Bill explained.

Hardy recognized Situ Lao as Han Yezhen's grandfather.

"Bill, can you help me arrange a meeting with Luo Jincheng? I have a significant deal to discuss," Hardy requested.

"A significant deal? How big are we talking about?" Bill asked, intrigued.

"Something in the hundreds of millions," Hardy replied.

Bill was taken aback. Even as the head of the Los Angeles gang, the largest deals he typically handled were in the millions. The scale Hardy mentioned was unprecedented.

"Boss, don't forget Los Angeles when you strike it rich. It's still your turf," Bill said, half-jokingly.

"Don't worry, Los Angeles will get its share," Hardy assured.

"Alright, I'll contact Luo Jincheng now."

After hanging up, Hardy called Andy. "Andy, start the truck sales plan tomorrow. Make sure to advertise in the Global Times and ABC."

"Got it, boss."

"Also, register a shipping company," Hardy added.

"A shipping company? Are you planning to enter the shipping business again?" Andy asked, surprised.

Hardy smiled. "The U.S. military has over 500 Liberty Ships and more than 100 Victory Ships sitting idle in ports. It would be a waste not to use them."

"I plan to acquire all of them. Even if I don't use them myself, I can make a profit by reselling them."

The cost for Liberty Ships is $180,000 and for Victory Ships $350,000—prices that are essentially scrap metal rates. Hardy's plan was straightforward: buy the ships cheaply through the new company, then sell them or use them for shipping, making money on both fronts.

Even though these ships are cheap, buying all of them would cost $170 million. Fortunately, Hardy had an advantage—he could incur debt. The sales contract with the military allowed for deferred payments, up to 10 years.

Andy took notes and began working on these tasks.

The next day, ABC TV aired an advertisement promoting the sale of used trucks by Hardy Trading Sales Company, showcasing various truck models.

"Low prices on Dodge WC62 trucks, down payment $200, with a 10-month loan at $50 per month. GMC 2.5-ton military trucks, down payment $300, with a 10-month loan at $50 per month. White 6666 trucks, down payment $500, with a 10-month loan at $50 per month."

"Performance guaranteed. Includes original spare parts. Owning a truck could be the cornerstone of your business."

"Additionally, to support veterans, Hardy Group is waiving the first two months of loan payments for those with a veteran certificate."

Trucks are highly profitable in this era. Many people, especially veterans, are tempted by the opportunity to buy a truck at a fraction of its original price. With a down payment as low as $200 and affordable monthly installments, many see it as a chance to achieve their dream of owning a truck.

White, a 26-year-old veteran, saw the advertisement and was thrilled. He had saved $600 while supporting his family and had long dreamed of owning a truck. The advertisement offered him an opportunity to realize his dream sooner than he had hoped.

White hurried home to gather his savings and documents. At the bank, he completed the loan paperwork and benefited from the two-month interest waiver for veterans. He then arranged for a friend to drive him to the nearest armory, where many people were already gathered.

White chose a White 6666 truck, which he was familiar with from his army days. After selecting the truck and completing the pickup procedures, he drove away, ecstatic about his new acquisition.

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Hardy Shipping Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hardy, was registered and immediately signed a contract to purchase 662 freighters from the military for $168 million—535 Liberty Ships and 127 Victory Ships. The payment terms allowed up to March 1958 for repayment.

The U.S. military, having an excess of ships and other equipment, was eager to offload these assets. Whether through destruction or scrapping, it was in their interest to dispose of them quickly.

Bill contacted Luo Jincheng, who was surprised by Hardy's request for a meeting. Given their previous good relations, Luo Jincheng agreed to the meeting without hesitation.

Two days later, Hardy's plane landed in San Francisco. Bill picked him up, and they headed to the manor Bill had purchased in the city. Luo Jincheng arrived shortly after.

In the living room, Hardy and Luo Jincheng shook hands.

"Hello, Mr. Hardy," Luo Jincheng said.

"Hello, Mr. Luo," Hardy responded.

"I understand you wanted to discuss something. What is it?" Luo Jincheng asked.

Hardy smiled slightly. "I have a business proposal for you. I'm looking to sell military supplies, and I believe the Tang Dynasty Gang could help with that."

Luo Jincheng was intrigued. "What sort of business are you proposing?"

"I have access to a large quantity of military supplies from the U.S. I'm looking for partners who are familiar with the Asian market. I believe the Tang Dynasty Gang could assist with this," Hardy explained.

Luo Jincheng was taken aback but interested. If the deal went through, it could make the smuggling operations redundant.

"I'm curious about the details of this cooperation," Luo Jincheng said cautiously.

"I'll handle the logistics and transport. You would be responsible for sales in Asia, including countries like Thailand, Myanmar, the Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Indonesia," Hardy outlined.

"Does this include weapons?" Luo Jincheng asked.

"Everything except heavy weapons," Hardy confirmed.

"What about China?" Luo Jincheng inquired.

"Currently, the U.S. has an arms embargo on China. We can sell to other regions, but any smuggling into China would be outside my scope," Hardy explained.

"Mr. Hardy, what kind of profit margin are we talking about?" Luo Jincheng asked.

"Ten percent," Hardy replied with a smile.