Chapter 410: Great Harvest
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The news of the incident in Johor quickly spread globally. Reports from newspapers around the world revealed that the Sultan of Johor had been killed, with HD Security, the largest private security company in the United States, implicated in the attack.
**United States**
During a White House Press Conference, a reporter asked about the implications of HD Security's actions and whether it represented the U.S. government's stance. The spokesperson responded:
"We are aware of the situation in Johor. However, there seems to be some misunderstanding. The Sultan's forces attempted to seize HD Security's assets, prompting the company to act in defense of its property."
The spokesperson further stated, "The actions taken in Johor occurred outside U.S. jurisdiction. HD Security's operations are separate from the U.S. government's actions."
This response effectively distanced the U.S. government from the incident.
**United Kingdom**
In London, reporters questioned Prime Minister Churchill outside Number 10 Downing Street. Churchill responded tersely:
"I have delegated this matter to the Governor of Singapore. I trust he will handle it appropriately."
**Singapore**
Governor Mountbatten, facing a lack of support from both the U.S. and the U.K., was left to address the fallout. He stated:
"We have investigated HD Security's involvement, and they claim this was a commercial operation responding to a threat against their assets. We have reported the incident to the U.S. government and requested an investigation into the legality of HD Security's actions."
Mountbatten's response was met with bureaucratic handling from both governments.
**Global Reactions**
Despite extensive media coverage, Hardy himself remained out of sight, avoiding direct comment. Two days later, the Global Times published an article by HD Security titled "On the Impact of Building a Modern Mercenary Force on Future International Situations."
The article detailed the role of mercenaries in modern conflicts and concluded with a direct promotion of HD Security's capabilities:
"With 17,000 security personnel, 12 warships, 36 fighter jets, and three overseas military bases, HD Security is dedicated to protecting its clients and managing regional conflicts."
The publication was seen as a blatant assertion of HD Security's power and influence, signaling their significant impact on regional stability.
**Impact on Malaya**
The killing of the Sultan of Johor had a profound effect on other sultans in Malaya. Hardy's display of power instilled fear among them. The community, previously oppressed, saw this as a turning point. The rescue of the Huang family by HD Security sparked a surge of support from the population.
Many investors, fearing future instability, rushed to invest in Penang and Malacca, areas under Hardy's control. Within half a month, Hardy Group saw a remarkable increase in partners:
- Over 300 large-scale partners
- More than 1,500 small-scale partners
- Tens of thousands of micro-partners
The total assets received exceeded $300 million. Each partner received a brass plaque signifying their cooperation with Hardy Group, solidifying their protection under Hardy's influence.
Businesses in Malaya, previously targeted for harassment and extortion, experienced a dramatic decrease in such issues. The presence of American security forces served as a deterrent.
Penang and Malacca saw an influx of immigrants, leading to skyrocketing land prices. Hardy, holding nearly all land in these regions, benefited greatly from this appreciation. His wealth surged as demand for property and business opportunities increased.
Hardy's strategic positioning ensured his significant influence over the region's economy. With a major portion of the wealth and business in Malaya under his control, Hardy's economic grip was more substantial than traditional corporate methods. His approach transformed the economic landscape, integrating businesses into his economic sphere.