Chapter 306: A Small Business Opportunity

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The weather was perfect as Hardy took Han Yezhen to Macau by boat, accompanied by Victor and a dozen bodyguards.

Macau, located at the mouth of the Pearl River, began as a small fishing village. Its name originates from the Portuguese word "A-Má," which means "Mother," referring to a local temple. The Portuguese were granted the right to reside in Macau in 1553, and it became a Portuguese colony in 1887.

During World War II, Macau was not occupied by the Japanese, making it seem more stable and peaceful compared to Hong Kong.

As Hardy and Han Yezhen walked through the streets, they saw numerous gambling stalls on either side, including makeshift booths on the sidewalks. Several teenagers were playing dice on the ground, surrounded by copper coins.

Victor explained, "To operate a casino in Macau, one needs a gambling license approved by the Portuguese government. Currently, there is only one such license, held by Fu Laorong, who has been running a casino here for over ten years."

"All gambling operations, big or small, fall under Fu Laorong's control, and he receives a share of every business," Victor continued.

Hardy nodded. Although Macau's gambling industry wasn't as large as Las Vegas's, its monopoly made it very profitable. As the only legal gambling area in Asia, its value would only increase.

"Fu Laorong is the most powerful figure in Macau," Victor added. "He commands hundreds of employees and maintains a strong relationship with the Governor of Macau."

The gambling profits often flowed to Portuguese officials, strengthening Fu Laorong's influence.

Hardy wasn't interested in gambling. The local casinos and stalls were outdated and smoky compared to the Hardy Grand Hotel.

The presence of Hardy's team, consisting of more than a dozen foreigners, drew considerable attention.

They continued to the iconic St. Paul's Church, the most famous landmark in Macau, and took some photos. Afterwards, they visited the Matsu Temple, which has a history of 500 years and holds significant local importance.

Han Yezhen prayed at the temple, lighting incense and offering a silent prayer. When she finished, she turned to Hardy and asked, "Will you be praying as well?"

Hardy smiled and said, "Different cultures have different ways of worship. I believe in God, but it's natural to respect and participate in various traditions."

Han Yezhen chuckled and helped Hardy light incense. He knelt and made his offering, donating 1,000 US dollars to the temple, a significant amount at the time. The temple acknowledged the generous donation with deep gratitude.

After leaving the temple, Hardy instructed Victor, "Register a trading company in Macau. Purchase a piece of land or an existing company, but use a different name to avoid detection."

"Understood, boss," Victor replied.

The new company would focus on future business with the mainland, separate from the Hardy Group to avoid complications.

Regarding the Macau casinos, Hardy planned to wait until the market matured. By then, he would build a more robust foundation and potentially acquire a casino license through connections with the Governor of Macau. If necessary, he could explore alternative strategies if Fu Laorong's control weakened.

Back in Hong Kong, Hardy's butler informed him that Li Chunshan wished to visit.

"It's Uncle Chunshan," Han Yezhen noted.

Realizing Li Chunshan likely wanted to discuss business, Hardy suggested, "Let's invite him to dinner. It's easier to discuss matters over a meal."

"Okay," Han Yezhen agreed and called Li Chunshan to invite him over.

Half an hour later, Li Chunshan arrived. Han Yezhen greeted him warmly, given his status as her uncle.

"Uncle Li, welcome," Han Yezhen said, leading him inside.

Li Chunshan greeted Hardy and said, "Mr. Hardy, please excuse the interruption."

"No trouble at all. Let's discuss matters in the study. Yezhen, please prepare some additional dishes," Hardy replied.

"Of course," Han Yezhen agreed, heading to the kitchen.

In the study, Hardy offered Li Chunshan a Cuban cigar. "Try this. It's authentic."

"Thank you. I'll give it a try," Li Chunshan said with a smile.

As they lit their cigars, Li Chunshan spoke. "Mr. Hardy, I've considered the business ideas I mentioned before and consulted with my associates. We have a few proposals."

"Let's hear them," Hardy encouraged.

"One idea is to open a few high-end nightclubs and bars. We have some properties in Lan Kwai Fong and could develop them into upscale venues to attract British clients and businesspeople," Li Chunshan proposed.

Hardy considered this. "That's a viable idea, but if we're going to invest, let's aim high. We should make Portland Street the premier destination for high-end entertainment in Hong Kong. Central is a prime location. We could buy additional properties and develop an entertainment district."

Li Chunshan sighed, noting that doing business with someone like Hardy meant thinking on a much larger scale. "The investment for this is considerable."

"Discuss the specifics with Victor. I'd suggest an investment of around one million dollars," Hardy said.

Li Chunshan was taken aback by the large figure but understood the potential.

"There's another proposal from one of my managers," Li Chunshan continued. "He suggested collecting scrap metal from islands in Xisha, where remnants of battleships, tanks, and other equipment are left. It could be profitable to dismantle and sell this scrap."

Hardy was intrigued. "How much is scrap metal worth now? Was it profitable in the past?"

"I'm not entirely sure. My manager has the details. Should I call him in?" Li Chunshan asked.

"Please do."

Huo Qingdong, who had been waiting in the car, was surprised when summoned. He quickly followed the bodyguard into the study.

Hardy examined him and asked, "What's your name?"

"Huo Qingdong," he replied.

Hardy scrutinized him, thinking this might be a significant figure in Hong Kong's future.

"You proposed collecting scrap metal from the islands?"

"Yes."

"Explain your plan in detail," Hardy instructed.

Huo Qingdong gathered his thoughts and began. "I operate ships and transport goods. I previously went to Xisha to collect seaweed, but it wasn't profitable."

"During the war, the U.S. left behind a lot of equipment. There are wrecks of landing crafts and tanks on the beaches. The Japanese also left behind warehouses and barracks with valuable materials. Americans abandoned these items because they deemed them useless."

"If we gather and sell these scraps, it could be quite profitable. We need freighters for the job, and we can recruit laborers from Hong Kong for a daily wage. The cost of scrap steel is around 30 US dollars per ton. I estimate that each freighter trip can yield about 200,000 US dollars, with expenses around 20,000 to 25,000 US dollars, leaving a profit of 170,000 dollars or more."

Hardy smiled, impressed by Huo Qingdong's calculations. "This seems like a promising venture. We'll operate under the U.S. Logistics Department's name. I'll provide the freighters, and you'll handle the operations. You'll receive 20% of the profits. Does that work for you?"

Li Chunshan agreed readily, appreciating the fair deal.

Hardy looked at Huo Qingdong and said with a smile, "Stay and join us for dinner."

Huo Qingdong was honored and surprised by the invitation.

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