Chapter 209: ‘Hardy Group’ Established

Two days later, late at night, a truck rolled into the backyard of HARDY Auction Company. A middle-aged man emerged and directed workers to carry four heavy wooden boxes upstairs.

The boxes, though not large, were weighty and made a thud when placed on the ground. The middle-aged man opened one, revealing bricks of yellow gold inside.

"Mr. Victor, this is 240 kilograms of gold, standard treasury bricks. You can verify them. This gold is worth approximately 300,000 US dollars," he explained.

Victor had the gold counted and secured in the vault. Observing the Americans handling the gold, the middle-aged man appeared distressed.

"For the remaining 300,000, I've brought 100,000 US dollars in cash and 40,000 pounds. Additionally, there are a few boxes of antiques in the truck. Please have your appraisers assess them," the middle-aged man continued.

Victor sent staff downstairs to retrieve the antiques from the truck. The appraisers soon set to work.

"A Qing Dynasty ivory cloud dragon ball, valued at 350 US dollars."

"A Ming Dynasty volume of Thousand-Character Classic, valued at 800 US dollars."

"Tang Yin's Lady's Portrait, priced at 1,260 US dollars."

"A lamb fat jade bottle, valued at 1,680 US dollars."

"A superb jade bracelet, priced at 2,400 US dollars."

"A Yongzheng period colored glaze bowl, valued at 185 US dollars."

"A Qi Baishi painting of shrimps, valued at 600 US dollars."

"A Qi Baishi painting of chrysanthemums, valued at 320 US dollars."

"A Qi Baishi painting of insects and birds, valued at 380 US dollars."

"A Qi Baishi landscape painting, priced at 310 US dollars."

Victor, puzzled, inquired, "When did Qi Baishi become such a prolific painter? How come so many paintings?"

The middle-aged man smiled, "Qi Baishi is renowned in our country for his artistic skill. His works are highly valued, often trading for the price of a house in a major Chinese city."

The middle-aged man skillfully downplayed the situation, wary that Victor might learn Qi Baishi was still alive and possibly undervalue the paintings. To meet his needs, he had amassed numerous paintings, figuring Qi Baishi could always produce more.

After the appraisal, Victor found the antiques worth 316,000 US dollars—more than anticipated. He agreed to offset the remaining balance with the antiques, and the middle-aged man was pleased with the fairness of the transaction.

"I'd like the remaining ten thousand dollars in cash," he requested.

Victor complied, ensuring the middle-aged man was content with the exchange. The man left, and Victor mused about the transaction. He understood the strategy behind the sale: drawing in more sellers of valuable antiques.

Victor's keen understanding of human nature played a role here. By securing such deals, he prepared for future transactions and cemented his role as a prominent figure in the market.

A week later, another prospective buyer, Mr. Xu, arrived at HARDY Auction House. 

"I'd like to purchase penicillin," Mr. Xu announced.

Victor, having anticipated this type of inquiry, responded, "Penicillin is currently out of stock, but we expect new supplies next month. How much are you interested in?"

Mr. Xu, relieved, said, "I need 20,000 bottles. What's the price?"

"$15 each, though I can offer a discounted price of $13 per bottle," Victor replied.

Mr. Xu agreed, understanding the deal. He inquired about payment options, which included US dollars, pounds, gold, jewelry, or antiques—terms Victor had previously established.

Mr. Xu left to arrange payment, and Victor speculated about the nature of his business. He anticipated more buyers would approach, each with their unique circumstances and demands.

A few days later, a new batch of penicillin arrived in Hong Kong. Mr. Xu returned, providing a check for 260,000 US dollars, which Victor verified at Citibank.

Upon confirmation, Victor informed Mr. Xu that the goods were ready for collection.

By early January 1948, Hardy was bustling with activity. On January 8, Hardy formally applied to establish the 'Hardy Group' in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas welcomed the Hardy Group with enthusiasm, recognizing the potential for economic growth. 

A grand event was held at the Hardy Hotel to mark the group's establishment. ABC TV and Las Vegas TV covered the event, and city officials, including a congressman and the mayor, attended.

The mayor praised the Hardy Group's impact on the city, noting that the new developments would significantly enhance Las Vegas's status as a tourism and entertainment hub.

Hardy announced plans to invest 200 million US dollars in constructing two large hotels, Caesar Palace and Venetian Hotel, both to feature shopping, entertainment, and international exhibitions. 

In addition, Hardy would build the "Hardy Group Building," a 69-story skyscraper, and a hospital to improve the city's healthcare services. The first university in Las Vegas would also be established as a branch of Nevada State University.

With these ambitious projects, Hardy Group solidified its role in shaping Las Vegas's future.