Chapter 412: Education Starts with a Baby

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Andy didn't know the girl's last name. Although he had encountered many beautiful women, both on screen and in reality, he was seldom moved. Yet, today, a trace of emotion stirred within him.

It was the girl's sunny smile and energetic laughter that captured his heart. Her smile and laughter were pure and untainted. Andy had long been wounded emotionally, which had eroded his confidence in love and left him fragile. Even the most stunning Hollywood actresses couldn't touch him.

But today, something about that smile struck a chord deep within him.

As the girl walked away, Andy followed her with his gaze until she was out of sight. Once she was gone, he slowly lay down, lost in thought.

Facing American presidents, senior parliamentarians, British prime ministers, and financial tycoons, Andy spoke with assurance. Yet, in the moment, he had lacked the courage to approach her.

He knew he was still grappling with past pain and was hesitant to embrace new feelings, fearing further hurt.

He could have easily found out the girl's information with a wave of his hand, but he chose not to. Instead, he lay back and gazed at the sunset, captivated by the colorful clouds drifting across the sky.

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**Later that Day**

Andy returned to Hardy's temporary governor's mansion. The actual governor's mansion was still under construction. Hardy was playing with his son Byrne in the yard. Children over a year old are especially fond of running around outside.

"Byrne, Uncle Andy wants a hug?" Andy extended his arms with a smile.

Byrne, recognizing the familiar face, willingly moved from his father's arms to Andy's. Andy gently kissed the chubby cheek of the little boy.

Andy, who had no children of his own, had a special affection for Hardy and his family.

As they walked and chatted, the conversation turned to the development of Penang and Malacca. Although Hardy had experience with the Cayman Islands, Penang was a different challenge. The Cayman Islands had a small population that Hardy had relocated. In contrast, Penang already had over 600,000 residents, a number that was quickly approaching one million. The challenges here were significantly greater.

Hardy had previously discussed the economic development plans for the Hadi Dominion with Andy, but today's focus was on education.

"Andy, I'm planning to invest heavily in education. We'll implement compulsory elementary and junior high school education, and I want to establish at least three universities. Education should start early," Hardy said.

Andy looked at him in surprise. "Education?"

Hardy cleared his throat, realizing he had been too candid. "I meant to say that education should begin from a young age."

Andy nodded in agreement.

"We'll provide free compulsory education for elementary school, covering all expenses including books, and we'll allow people to revise the teaching materials," Hardy explained.

"The government will also provide free lunch, which will help attract more children to school and save families money."

"For middle and high schools, we'll exempt tuition and textbook fees, but we won't provide lunch."

"For universities, I plan to set up three institutions: a comprehensive university with programs in business, law, medicine, engineering, science, architecture, and art; a specialized science academy with disciplines like architectural technology, civil and structural engineering, biotechnology, chemical engineering, and information technology; and a financial academy focusing on accounting, human resource management, finance, international trade, and corporate management."

"These universities will be run in partnership with top institutions in the UK and the US, such as Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, and Stanford. They'll help design the curriculum and provide access to their educational resources. Our best students will have the opportunity to study abroad."

Andy supported Hardy's vision. "Education can transform the future of a region. Your plan is excellent."

"You may not see immediate results in the first ten years, but it will definitely play a crucial role in the dominion's development. After all, progress is driven by people," Andy added.

The conversation then shifted to regional security. Hardy's recent actions in Sudan had heightened surrounding nations' vigilance. Andy advised Hardy to remain cautious and be prepared for potential threats.

Hardy responded confidently, "I plan to strengthen our military. We'll expand the army and acquire advanced weapons to build a modern force."

"I aim to make the Hadi Dominion one of Southeast Asia's top military powers, despite its small size," Hardy continued. "We'll have a complete land, navy, and air force, with a planned 10,000 troops. Our defense company will handle the training."

"We'll equip our forces with tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery. I'll review the weapon list and procure what's needed."

"For the Air Force, we'll start with an aviation wing, including 60 to 80 aircraft, covering combat, bombing, and transport roles. Southeast Asia is not heavily fortified, so we'll be well-prepared."

"As for the navy, I'll negotiate with the US and UK to acquire warships. An aircraft carrier would be ideal, though the US might not sell one. I'll inquire with the UK."

Andy was impressed. "It's expensive to maintain a military. With these plans, the dominion's income might be heavily invested in defense."

Hardy shrugged. "Money is less important to me than real power. The Hardy Group's profits are more than enough for me. My goal is to build an empire," he said with a grin.

Andy chuckled, thinking Hardy's ambition was grandiose. Hardy's true aim was to ensure that the Hadi Dominion's military prowess exceeded that of future Southeast Asian powers like Singapore, which would be known for its strong army.

Hardy had significant advantages, with stakes in major arms dealers like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Litton Industries. The Hardy Group's partnerships with top US defense contractors gave him a distinct edge.

As the evening darkened, a servant came to announce that dinner was ready. Hardy and Andy were invited in to eat.

At the table, Han Yezhen greeted Andy warmly and took Byrne from Hardy's arms, preparing for the meal. She was visibly pregnant, expecting another child.

During dinner, Hardy mentioned a reception for government officials, parliamentarians, entrepreneurs, and celebrities the following day. "You're welcome to join and meet the key figures of the Hardy Group," he said.

Andy inquired, "What will be discussed?"

"Mostly future development plans, including the educational initiatives we talked about. It's a casual event, so feel free to bring family members. I'll have Yezhen with me, as she's the speaker of the dominion," Hardy replied with a smile.

Han Yezhen, sitting next to Hardy, added with a smile, "As speaker, I've only worked a few days. I'll soon be on maternity leave."

Hardy took her hand and said seriously, "Giving birth is a national issue, more important than work. If anyone has a problem with it, I'll address it personally."

Han Yezhen gave Hardy a fond glance.

Andy, enjoying his meal, couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy at the couple's affection. As he ate, his thoughts wandered back to the girl from the beach.