Chapter 252: Self-Inflicted

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Hardy had just returned to Los Angeles when his secretary handed him a portfolio. "Boss, this is the information submitted by the Global Times Hong Kong branch."

Hardy had a keen interest in the East and had instructed the Hong Kong branch to send recent newspapers and significant updates regularly.

He opened the portfolio and began reading.

"Chinese Kuomintang and Communist forces are in conflict, with the power imbalance narrowing. A major confrontation seems imminent."

Hardy paused, recalling that the three major battles were approaching.

Another report read: "In the Far East, MacArthur has issued Order No. 4 of the Allied Command in 1948, releasing 19 Japanese war criminals. This marks the fifth wave of war criminals released since 1946, including notorious Class A war criminals, soldiers, and munitions manufacturers."

Hardy's face darkened. MacArthur's repeated indulgence in Japan, driven by greed, was appalling. He resolved that when he eventually visited Japan, those responsible would face justice.

Flipping through more pages, Hardy saw a headline: "National Government in Beijing Holds Parade for Dewey's Presidential Campaign."

The newspaper featured photos of the parade, showcasing a mix of elephants with paper bundles, Dewey's portraits, and bilingual slogans. The spectacle resembled a bizarre parade more than a celebratory one.

The report detailed that despite Dewey's high approval ratings in the U.S., the Republic of China, led by Jiang, organized this grand parade in Beijing to support Dewey's campaign.

Hardy found the situation amusing. Jiang's efforts to garner U.S. support seemed both politically astute and self-defeating.

He decided to share this news with President Johnson. "Send this article to the front page," he instructed the editor-in-chief.

The editor-in-chief acknowledged the request.

Hardy initially considered publishing the MacArthur report but realized it would likely have no impact on American sentiments. 

After the editor-in-chief left, Hardy called Mike, now Johnson's Assistant to the President and Director of the Liaison Office, to discuss the implications. Mike, on the Johnson campaign trail, agreed to ensure Johnson saw the report.

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**Salt Lake City, Utah**

President Johnson began his day with breakfast alongside his campaign team. Amid casual conversation about the day's itinerary, Mike entered with a copy of the Global Times.

Mike, who had already reviewed the newspaper, knew that Johnson would find the report about China's support for Dewey intriguing. He casually mentioned it to Johnson, who soon looked at the newspaper.

Upon seeing the photos and the headline, Johnson's expression darkened. "This Jiang and his group are nothing but corrupt and incompetent," he fumed.

He expressed his frustration with Jiang's administration and his refusal to offer further aid or support. Johnson's anger was evident as he denounced Jiang's actions and vowed to cut off support.

Mike relayed Johnson's reaction to Hardy, who was pleased with the outcome. Johnson's decision to sever ties with Jiang and withhold support was a significant victory for Hardy.

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**Later**

Henry approached Hardy with new information. "Boss, we've been monitoring Dewey's campaign. A recent visit by Chinese official Song Ziwen was particularly noteworthy. He and Dewey had an afternoon meeting at a golf course."

Henry reported that shortly after Song Ziwen's visit, $5 million appeared in Dewey's secret campaign fund, traced back to a Brazilian account likely funded by Chinese sources.

Hardy recognized that the funds, likely embezzled from U.S. aid, could be used to undermine Dewey. Although there was no concrete evidence, the allegations could tarnish Dewey's campaign.

Hardy pondered how best to leverage this information. He planned to use it strategically, potentially through his casino business, to further destabilize Dewey's campaign.

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