Chapter 208: This Is Business, Just Business

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Victor completed his speech, and the cocktail party transitioned into a networking session.

Victor was the epitome of sophistication and charm. His skill in handling people, honed during his days as a con artist, now served him well in his legal endeavors. He effortlessly navigated conversations, starting with the secretary of the governor's office, then moving on to the police chief, and finally engaging with the presidents and representatives of major commercial firms.

These large conglomerates controlled almost every civilian production industry in Hong Kong, from electricity and water to clothing, food, housing, and transportation. They were keenly interested in the potential impact of Hardy Group's planned entry into the Hong Kong market.

"Mr. Victor, could you elaborate on what business Hardy Group plans to pursue?" inquired the President of Jardine Matheson.

The room fell silent, all eyes on Victor.

Victor smiled. "I've only been in Hong Kong for less than a month and am still familiarizing myself with the local landscape. Currently, I've established an auction house and a trading company. What we pursue next will depend on the gaps in the market here."

He continued, "Hardy Group is involved in numerous industries. We have a California consortium behind us, covering everything from finance and petroleum to metallurgy, and a range of manufacturing sectors including screws, construction steel, machine tools, automobiles, and even aircraft."

Victor's expansive claim included transportation, shipping, real estate, media, television, radio, newspapers, and magazines. "If you need an aircraft, tank, or even an aircraft carrier, we can provide it. Likewise, if you require medicine or chewing gum, we can deliver that too."

Victor's words were not an exaggeration; the Hardy Group had the means to deliver on such promises. The executives of these British-owned companies felt a mixture of apprehension and intrigue, wondering whom the Hardy Group might challenge next.

However, some saw an opportunity for cooperation rather than competition. After all, business often thrives on collaboration.

The cocktail party was a success. Victor had efficiently introduced the Hardy Group to Hong Kong's political and business circles, making his presence known and securing numerous business cards. The event served as a stepping stone for future engagements with government officials, foreign companies, and influential families.

The next day, Victor dispatched eight of his high-definition security personnel, not as bodyguards but as managers for Hardy's Hong Kong branch. He divided them into four teams and sent them out to establish contacts with major hospitals in Hong Kong.

At Queen Mary Hospital, when Hardy's representatives offered penicillin for sale, the hospital director was initially skeptical, suspecting them of deceit. However, when one of the representatives produced a box of penicillin, the director was visibly surprised. The box was legitimate, labeled with a production date from two months prior and bearing the mark of American Mersey Pharmaceuticals, the second-largest producer of penicillin during World War II.

Seeing the medicine was genuine, the director was excited. "How did you acquire this? Is it smuggled? How much do you have, and at what price?"

One of the security team members replied, "We obtained it through legitimate channels. We have a substantial stock, not just a few bottles smuggled from American hospitals."

"We can offer you 5,000 bottles. What's your price?" he asked.

The director's excitement was palpable. Penicillin was a life-saving drug, crucial in treating infections, which were a leading cause of death at the time.

"$6 per bottle?" the director proposed.

The security team member shook his head. "The black market price is currently around $25 to $30 per bottle. Our price is $15, which is significantly lower."

"$15 is still too high. In the U.S., it costs only $3. You should consider the patients' needs," the director argued.

"We're businessmen," the representative said. "Our price reflects the risks and costs involved in transporting the medicine across such a distance."

After negotiation, the final price was set at $11 per bottle, and the hospital purchased 5,000 bottles. Victor successfully sold over 50,000 bottles in a short period, with prices ranging from $10 to $12, resulting in more than $500,000 in revenue.

With over 40,000 bottles remaining, Victor was in no rush. The Hardy Group's reputation for selling penicillin had spread quickly. The scarcity of the drug, coupled with the Hardy Group's prominence, had caught the attention of mainland buyers eager to procure supplies for the ongoing conflict.

One day, as Victor dined in a restaurant, a middle-aged man in a suit approached him. Two of Victor's security personnel stood ready, one with a hand discreetly resting on a concealed weapon.

"Don't misunderstand," the man said, displaying no fear. "I'd like to discuss a business proposition with Mr. Victor."

Victor nodded to his security team, signaling that the man could proceed. They left the restaurant, and the man joined Victor in his car, which headed toward the Hardy Auction Company.

Upon arrival, the man noticed the sign: HARDY Auction Company. The building had an auction house on the first floor but currently only dealt with antiques and had no active auction business. The second floor served as Victor's residence.

Seated comfortably, Victor addressed the man. "I assume you're not here to discuss antiques. What business brings you here?"

The man replied straightforwardly, "I want to buy penicillin."

"Of course," Victor said. "The price is $15 per bottle, no negotiations."

The man was taken aback. "That's higher than the hospital rate!"

"Hospitals receive a price with a humanitarian discount. For non-regular business, this is the rate," Victor explained.

"Can you reduce the price? I need a large quantity," the man asked.

"How much do you want?" Victor inquired.

"All you have," the man responded.

Victor considered for a moment. "If that's the case, $13 per bottle. This is the final offer."

The man agreed to the price, indicating he would pay $600,000 for 46,000 bottles. He requested two days to arrange the funds.

Victor agreed but added, "Please expedite the process. If other buyers come along, I may have to consider them."

The man left, and Victor resumed his meal, maintaining his focus on business.