Chapter 207: The Biggest Specialty Is Fooling People
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After ten days at sea, a freighter from the United States arrived at the Hong Kong port, where Victor was ready with a truck to collect the cargo.
Hardy had only informed Victor that the shipment consisted of medicine but did not specify which type. The cargo came with an inspection exemption certificate and was successfully delivered to the company.
When Victor opened the cargo box, he was astonished.
"Oh my god, it's penicillin! It's penicillin!"
No wonder Hardy hadn't mentioned it in the telegram; he probably wanted to keep it secret. Victor realized something must have gone wrong along the way.
After counting, the total came to 100,000 bottles.
Victor estimated that if sold on the black market, these goods could fetch over a million dollars.
He quickly sent a telegram to Hardy, "Boss, the goods have arrived. Is there anything else you need?"
Victor stayed at the telegraph office, waiting for a reply.
Two hours later, he received a response: "Handle the medicine as you see fit. There will be similar shipments every month from now on. The proceeds should be deposited into the account and used for purchasing antiques and land."
"This year, we're planning to partner with Mersey Pharmaceuticals to open a factory in Hong Kong. You can either select a site in advance or purchase a Western-style pharmaceutical factory for conversion. After the New Year, more staff will be sent to Hong Kong, and you'll be in charge of the arrangements."
Victor's hands trembled with excitement as he read the telegram.
100,000 bottles of penicillin every month was like bringing gold into the country. The plan to open a pharmaceutical factory and invest further in Hong Kong indicated Hardy's serious commitment to the East Asian market.
The Hong Kong auction house, named "HARDY Auction Company," was set up on Queen's Road in Central. Victor understood the importance of presentation and rented a Western-style office building, formerly a bank with three floors, now renovated with a vault for storing antiques.
Hong Kong's dense population and influx of labor due to the war meant there was no shortage of manpower.
Victor focused on how to sell the penicillin, aiming to maximize profits without mistakes. He decided to register a trading company to make the sales appear more legitimate and to provide excuses if questioned.
Victor promptly registered the trading company.
He also decided to visit the US Consulate at 9 Ice House Street. Handing over his business card, he introduced himself.
"Hello, I am Victor, a citizen of the United States and the general representative of the Hardy Group in Hong Kong. I would like to request a meeting with Consul General Jim Rhodes."
The staff, recognizing the importance of the matter, reported to the consul.
Consul General Rhodes examined Victor's business card carefully. Although he hadn't heard of the Hardy Group, a large American company could have significant connections, and it was wise not to offend them.
"Mr. Victor, please come in," Rhodes said.
Victor entered the consular office. Rhodes, noting Victor's demeanor, suspected that he might have substantial influence.
After shaking hands, Victor introduced himself as the general representative of the Hardy Group in Hong Kong, responsible for local business. He mentioned plans to invest in the area, including establishing an auction house and trading company, and hosting a grand cocktail party to invite Hong Kong's prominent figures.
"Consul Rhodes, as I am new here, I hope you can assist in inviting government officials, business elites, and high society to the event."
Rhodes smiled, "As fellow Americans, I'm happy to help. I look forward to seeing local investment in Hong Kong."
"Thank you so much. I will book a hotel and return once the arrangements are made," Victor said, shaking Rhodes's hand and departing.
Though Rhodes was still skeptical, he decided to verify the Hardy Group's credentials. Instead of sending a telegram, which was cumbersome and limited in information, he contacted Carlson, the manager of Citibank's Hong Kong branch, known for its financial insights.
Rhodes called Carlson, "Carlson, this is Jim."
"What can I do for you, Consul?" Carlson responded with a hint of amusement.
"I need information about a company."
"Which company?"
"The Hardy Group. Have you heard of it?"
Carlson paused briefly. "Of course, I know about the Hardy Group. Why do you ask?"
Rhodes was surprised, "Oh, really? What can you tell me about them?"
Carlson replied, "The Hardy Group is a recent major player, headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Their boss, Jon Hardy, acquired a bank and now has assets of around $400 million. They're part of the California consortium."
Rhodes was astonished. With such wealth, the Hardy Group was significant, and he, as a consul, was a minor figure compared to them.
Realizing the potential of a connection with such a powerful company, Rhodes became eager. However, he still needed to ensure Victor wasn't a fraud. If Victor turned out to be a scammer and Rhodes had helped make contacts, it could ruin his career.
"Carlson, do you know what the Hardy Group plans to do in Hong Kong?" Rhodes asked.
Carlson responded, "Victor came to me to complete financial transactions for the Hardy Group. I personally handled a substantial sum."
The large sum of money confirmed the Hardy Group's legitimacy.
"Victor is organizing a reception and asked for my help to invite influential people," Rhodes added.
Carlson assured him, "I'll make sure everything is in order."
Rhodes, now confident in Victor's authenticity, eagerly prepared for the event. He enlisted his staff to compile a list of prominent figures, including the Governor of Hong Kong, police officials, major British-owned companies, and notable families—around fifty to sixty invitees.
Victor requested the invitations be co-branded with both the Hardy Group and the US Consulate, a somewhat dubious request but one Rhodes agreed to.
The reception at the Peninsula Hotel was set for ten days later. As the day arrived, many distinguished guests attended, though the Governor himself did not appear; his secretary represented him.
Conversations among attendees focused on the Hardy Group's potential impact on Hong Kong, given its large-scale entry. Little did they know, the entire setup was orchestrated by Victor.
Victor reveled in the deception, his specialty being fooling people. He enjoyed the grand display and the thrill of manipulating perceptions.
As the event began, Consul General Rhodes and Victor took the stage, capturing the audience's attention. Rhodes introduced Victor and the Hardy Group's mission in Hong Kong.
Victor took the microphone, his confidence apparent.
"Let me introduce the Hardy Group. Although relatively new, we have considerable strength."
"The Hardy Group owns Wells Fargo Bank, with over $1 billion in assets, all under the private ownership of our boss, Mr. Jon Hardy."
The announcement of $1 billion stunned the audience.
Victor continued, "Our group owns ABC TV, the largest network in the United States, and holds substantial influence over television ratings."
"We also have the largest private security company in the US, with over 5,000 armed veterans."
The crowd was shocked by the scale of private forces.
Victor exaggerated further, "We own the largest TV manufacturer, top Hollywood studios, airlines, and numerous industries, including a significant presence in the California consortium."
He concluded with a hint of Washington influence, urging discretion about the information shared.
"I hope you take these words to heart and support our efforts in Hong Kong."
Victor's grand display and masterful manipulation left the audience impressed and intrigued, unaware of the extent of his fabrications.
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