Chapter 92: Rocky Mountain Spring is a Bit Sweet

Hearing Hardy agree to cooperate, Mike stood up excitedly. "Hardy, I'll take you to meet someone."

"Who?"

"Professor George Ward from New York University's Electronic Research Laboratory. He's worked for American Radio Corporation before. I know he has extensive knowledge of electronic equipment," Mike explained.

The two drove to New York University. Along the way, Mike told Hardy that Professor George Ward was an Italian who had sought help from the old godfather due to family connections, and had become friends with him.

The godfather's extensive network was truly impressive.

Hardy couldn't help but envy Mike for the advantages he had, thanks to his father's connections. It made Hardy reflect on how hard he had worked to achieve things on his own.

They arrived at the laboratory, where Professor Ward was present.

"Mike, what a surprise! What brings you here?" Professor Ward greeted Mike with a warm hug.

"Uncle Ward, this is my friend Jon Hardy. We're planning to set up a TV production company, and I know you're an expert in electronics, so I thought I'd ask for your advice," Mike said.

Professor Ward and Hardy shook hands.

"I'd be happy to help you with your TV venture."

Professor Ward led them into one of the research rooms, which was filled with various scientific equipment.

"This is our TV research room. Due to the war, materials were prioritized for military use, and the TV industry was halted by the government. The most common TVs on the market now are about 12 inches," Professor Ward explained.

"We've continued research despite the war. We've developed a flatter screen that can support sizes of 14 inches, 17 inches, and even 21 inches."

"Our main focus now is on color TVs. The BBC has already produced color models, and I've obtained some information that reveals many areas for improvement."

He continued, "If you're looking to start a TV company, it's better to acquire an existing one rather than starting from scratch. I recommend you consider buying a company called Baird."

"Why Baird?" Mike inquired.

Professor Ward smiled. "Baird was established in 1939 with advanced assembly line equipment. The factory was equipped with over $3 million in investment. However, with the outbreak of the war, TV production was halted, and the owner went bankrupt. The factory was taken over by the bank and has been closed ever since."

Hardy recognized the similarity to the toy factory he had bought. It seemed many factories had been affected by the war.

"The factory's production line can produce 12-inch TVs and with a simple modification, it can produce 14-inch TVs," Professor Ward said. "The factory has all the necessary qualifications and patents, so acquiring it will save you a lot of trouble."

Mike was thrilled. "Thank you, Uncle Ward."

Hardy then interjected, "Professor Ward, in addition to buying your technology, we'd like to hire you as the company's technical consultant and head of the research department. How does a 10% dividend of technology stocks sound?"

Mike looked at Hardy in surprise, then understood his intention. Having an expert like Ward would be crucial for their TV company's future development.

Professor Ward considered the offer and shrugged. "My research laboratory is always in need of funds. Your offer is quite tempting."

And so, the television company gained a technical director.

Mike immediately got to work. By the afternoon, he had visited the bank to check on Baird TV's situation. The company was listed at $2.1 million, but after the old godfather's intervention, the price was reduced to $1.2 million.

With the deal finalized within a week, Hardy and Mike acquired the TV factory in New York, and Hardy retained 45% of the shares.

Hardy's own funds were significantly reduced, with only $500,000 remaining from the $4 million he had earned from Wash Mining.

Before leaving New York, Hardy said his goodbyes to Mike. "I'm heading back to Los Angeles tomorrow. I'll leave the TV factory in your capable hands."

"Don't worry. I'll handle the management, Professor Ward will take care of technology, and we'll recruit workers. Production should resume in under two months," Mike assured.

"The only concern is when the government will lift the ban on TV production," Mike added.

"Given the current situation, the ban is likely unnecessary. If Mr. Corleone's connections in Congress push for it, I expect the ban will be lifted soon," Hardy replied.

As for the mineral water company, Mike mentioned he was searching for suitable water sources. Hardy decided to investigate resources on the West Coast to avoid high shipping costs from the East Coast.

The next day, Hardy returned to Los Angeles. He was greeted by news that the mining company wanted to see him. Hardy, now the major shareholder of Walsh Mining, had left the company's operations neglected, causing frustration among the staff.

Columbus, the prospecting supervisor, was particularly upset. "We've been waiting for months, and now we hear the company's changed hands without any communication. We need our salaries, and if we don't get them, we'll make sure you regret it," Columbus warned.

Adams, the manager, admitted the company was struggling financially. "The accounts are empty, and there's a pile of debts. The new boss is Jon Hardy. I haven't met him, but I was informed he's in New York."

Determined, Columbus and Adams traveled to Los Angeles to find Hardy, even if they had to confront him directly.

In Hardy's office, the two men stood apprehensively before him.

"What's the issue?" Hardy asked.

Adams spoke first. "Boss, the company's accounts are empty, and there's a backlog of salaries. The prospecting team hasn't been paid for two months."

Hardy turned to Columbus. "Did the prospecting team find any valuable mines in New Mexico?"

Columbus shook his head. "No, the area is poor for mining. We haven't found anything worth extracting."

"So, the land is essentially worthless?" Hardy asked, frowning.

Columbus nodded, conveying that the 8,000 acres of land were not profitable and could not be sold.

Hardy decided to keep the prospecting team active for the time being. "I'll deposit funds into the mining company's account to maintain operations and cover overdue salaries. I'll review the situation and notify you of any new tasks."

The two men were relieved and grateful for Hardy's support. As they prepared to leave, Hardy remembered something and asked, "Columbus, are there any better water sources in New Mexico?"

Columbus responded, "Yes, the Rocky Mountains have plenty of mountain spring water. It's excellent, with a naturally sweet taste. We used it during our exploration."

Hardy's eyes lit up. He suddenly envisioned a new slogan: "Rocky Mountain Spring, a Bit Sweet!"