Chapter 179: The Wicked Can Live Happily

Meyer knew how powerful Hardy was. In just two years, Hardy had unified the entire Los Angeles underworld.

HD Security, Hardy's company, was now more formidable than even the Los Angeles Police Department.

The industries under Hardy's control provided him with the financial strength to support any venture he chose to undertake.

Whether in open conflict or behind-the-scenes maneuvering, Meyer realized he couldn't defeat Hardy. This realization filled him with dread.

The two men were silent on the phone for a full minute.

Hardy finally broke the silence. "Mr. Meyer, we've had a mutually beneficial relationship so far. I hope we can continue as allies and work together to create even greater success. In fact, we can expand beyond the film industry."

Meyer was intrigued. "What do you suggest?"

"My Hardy Hotel will open next month. I believe Las Vegas is on the rise, and there's a goldmine there that we can keep mining indefinitely. If we work together, that goldmine will only grow larger."

Hardy dangled the bait.

Meyer knew that Hardy had already established a strong presence in Las Vegas. Anyone wanting to enter the city would have to deal with Hardy.

Many had their eyes on the Las Vegas gambling industry, but it had always been under the Mafia's control, making it impossible for outsiders, even powerful families like Meyer's, to intervene.

The idea of MGM building a casino in Las Vegas excited Meyer. The potential profits were enormous.

"Hardy, are you serious?"

"Of course. And it's not just MGM—I want to bring more capital into Las Vegas. The only way for Las Vegas to thrive is for us to build it together," Hardy assured him.

Meyer now understood the "cake" Hardy was referring to.

Las Vegas was indeed an incredibly enticing opportunity. If Hardy could bring in more significant investors, his influence would only grow further.

Meyer realized this was the perfect time to get on board.

A few days ago, he regretted not buying shares in ABC, and he didn't want to make the same mistake twice.

"Hardy, I agree to your terms."

"MGM will open up its film library to ABC, and we can negotiate the costs and production of the shows. The Los Angeles Times shares will be sold to you at the current stock price."

"This year's election for Chairman of the Actors' Union—I will fully support you."

When faced with profit, any scruples can be thrown away.

Hardy was pleased with Meyer's promises. His plan was moving forward successfully.

"As for the 20% of ABC shares, I'll offer $12 million," Meyer began to negotiate.

"No, no, at least $18 million. You know the value of ABC. Just the TV shopping alone will bring in substantial revenue every year. The partnership between MGM and ABC is a huge business opportunity," Hardy countered.

They haggled over the price for a long time and finally settled on $14.5 million.

Hardy had bought ABC for $12 million, and now, by selling 20% of the shares, he was earning $14.5 million back. Meyer couldn't help but admire Hardy's shrewdness.

The alliance with MGM would also benefit ABC greatly, ensuring a steady stream of quality shows in the future.

Hardy also secured a few other benefits.

The Los Angeles Times shares and support for the Actors' Union chairmanship were significant wins for him.

This deal was unquestionably profitable.

"Hardy, once the transaction is complete, I'll gather some friends to explore the casino venture together. How many shares are you planning to take?" Meyer knew Hardy would definitely be involved in the new casino business and wanted to include him to secure their position in Las Vegas.

"I want 40%," Hardy replied.

"That's impossible. 40% is too much. I'll bring in some very capable partners, and there won't be enough left for you. The most I can offer is 20%."

When someone has no power, they focus on survival.

When they have power, they focus on dividing the world.

Although Hardy and Meyer had a productive discussion, Meyer still needed to consult with the other members of the board, who had to approve the transaction.

After all, the deal involved tens of millions of dollars.

The board also needed to approve the sale of MGM's shares in the Los Angeles Times.

Meanwhile, ABC's evening programming continued to impress. The cartoon "Ultraman" featured Hardy defeating a giant monster.

The primetime show was the American version of the new series "A Family with a Fairy Wife."

The next day, during the third day of TV shopping, they began selling televisions directly. MEBO TV Factory was now in full trial production and could produce 1,000 14-inch and 17-inch black-and-white TVs daily.

Hardy decided to sell them through TV shopping, not for profit, but for advertising.

The real sales push would come later, with interest-free loans in partnership with banks.

TVs, however, didn't create the same frenzy as the discounted motorcycles. The original price of a 14-inch TV was $127, discounted to $108, and the 17-inch TV went from $169 to $142.

Even so, more than a thousand TVs were sold that day.

A week later, the Los Angeles Times conducted a survey in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York to gauge the ratings of the three major TV networks.

The results came in two days later and were shocking.

Previously, NBC and CBS dominated, but within just one week, the survey showed that people now preferred ABC's programs.

ABC's ratings captured an astonishing 68% share.

The survey also revealed that the top five most-watched shows were all from ABC: "A Fairy Wife," "TV Shopping," "Elaine Tonight Show," "Colorful Cartoon," and "Andy Economic Forum."

NBC and CBS programs only started appearing from the sixth position onward.

The survey further showed that 85% of viewers tuned in to watch "A Fairy Wife" when it aired.

The show had become a phenomenon.

People eagerly followed every new episode, and the once-unknown actors in the series had become household names.

ABC's success was undeniable.

Hardy decided it was time to celebrate. Since acquiring Siegel Manor, he had never hosted a party there. It was high time to make use of such a splendid venue.

He invited all the ABC staff to a party at the manor, giving them a chance to celebrate and unwind.

The party was lively.

People sang and danced, and Hardy drank quite a bit.

By the time the party ended around one in the morning, the inebriated guests were escorted home by HD Security personnel. Hardy waved goodbye to the others with a smile.

Once everyone had left, Irina approached Hardy. "Boss, I need to report something to you."

"What's the matter?"

"Someone approached me and tried to lure me to another network, promising better terms if I joined them," Irina said.

"Was it NBC or CBS?"

"NBC approached me, but I've heard that CBS has also reached out to others in the company," Irina explained.

Hardy frowned slightly.

ABC had only been on the rise for a week, and already rivals were trying to poach his people.

"Did they approach many of our staff?"

"Yes, they targeted many in the company—news anchors, TV shopping hosts, even the lead actors of 'A Fairy Wife.' They're trying to entice them with better offers."

"Not just them. I've heard they're even trying to lure away our editors, directors, copywriters, lighting and stage crews, and video props team. It seems more like they're trying to create instability rather than genuinely recruit talent," Irina said, clearly frustrated.

Hardy smiled coldly. "They're definitely trying to cause trouble. They're worried because we're stealing their ratings, so they're resorting to these tactics."

"Boss, we can't take this lightly. What if someone is tempted? It's one thing to lose staff—we can always replace them—but if the stars of 'A Fairy Wife' are poached, we'll suffer a huge loss," Irina warned.

Seeing Irina so concerned, Hardy appreciated her dedication. He smiled and said, "All of our hosts and artists have contracts with the company, most of them for 10 years."

"They all have significant penalty clauses. Do you know what the fines are for the lead actors of 'A Fairy Wife'?"

"How much?" Irina asked curiously.

"Ten million dollars," Hardy replied.

Irina's eyes widened in surprise. "With such a high penalty, it would be cheaper for those companies to develop their own stars."

Hardy continued, "And the contract stipulates that even if they leave ABC, they cannot work in related industries or perform for five years, or they'll face more penalties and the show will be suspended."

"Do you think those companies would take such a loss? Not a chance."

Irina blinked.

"Boss, I'm also a host in the company, but I don't remember signing such a contract. Does that mean I'm not as valuable as they are?"

Hardy looked at the French girl and smiled.

He leaned in close to her ear and whispered, "You know too many of my secrets. Do you think I'd ever let you leave?"

"If you tried to leave, it wouldn't be a matter of money."

The French girl's eyes widened in realization.

If she ever left Hardy, she knew he might not let her go easily.

It was terrifying!

At that moment, Hardy suddenly swayed.

He had drunk a lot that night, and the cool night air made him dizzy. He was starting to lose his balance.

Irina quickly supported her boss.

"Boss, you're drunk. Let me help you upstairs," Irina said as she guided the unsteady Hardy up to his bedroom.

The butler

 and housekeeper had also consumed some alcohol and were already asleep. The two made their way to Hardy's bedroom, where Irina helped him undress and settle into bed.

When she turned to leave, Hardy grabbed her hand.

"Stay with me."

Irina hesitated for a moment.

But looking at her boss, she couldn't refuse.

"Okay," she agreed.

She slipped off her shoes and lay down beside Hardy.

Hardy pulled her into his embrace, and the two drifted off to sleep.

The moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow on the room.

The night was peaceful.