Chapter 224: Selling Post-War Supplies

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March came quickly, bringing with it the annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony. Hardy attended with three women by his side: Ava Gardner, Elizabeth Taylor, and Hedy Lamarr. Both Taylor and Lamarr were nominated for Best Actress this year, with Taylor starring in *The Killer is Not So Cold* and Lamarr in *Ghost Still in Love*.

Competition was fierce, but ultimately, Taylor won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress for her outstanding performance in *The Killer is Not So Cold*. Holding her first major award, Taylor couldn't resist kissing the trophy in excitement.

The two films from Hardy's studio also picked up several awards, and after the event, Hardy drove Taylor home. As they neared her house, Taylor asked him to stop the car a couple of blocks away, wanting to savor the moment alone with him.

The two shared a passionate kiss, and Taylor, her eyes glistening with gratitude, said, "This is the first major award of my life. I'm so excited, and I owe it all to you, Hardy."

Hardy smiled. "You earned it through your hard work."

"No, it was your guidance that made it possible. I've learned so much about acting this past year. Watching other performances made me realize how much I had to improve. Without your help in understanding my character, I wouldn't have won this award," Taylor admitted.

"It's good that you're aware of this. Knowing your weaknesses is the first step to improvement. I believe you'll win an Oscar in the future," Hardy encouraged.

"So, that means I won't win the Oscar this time?" Taylor asked, sharp as ever.

"You've got a nomination."

Taylor was a little disappointed, but she quickly shook it off, smiling. "A nomination is still a big deal."

She leaned in closer, whispering, "Hardy, I want a reward."

"What kind of reward?" he asked.

Taylor closed her eyes, signaling exactly what she wanted, and Hardy obliged, kissing her again.

Later, Taylor returned home, still beaming from the evening. Her parents, who had also attended the awards, noticed the sparkle in their daughter's eyes and the smudged lipstick, but they knew better than to ask questions. After all, she was an adult now, and Hardy was someone they respected.

***

A few days later, the Oscars took place. ABC Television had secured the rights to broadcast the event nationwide, and countless celebrities graced the occasion. Irina was one of the hosts for the night.

Hardy, accompanied by several women, attended once again. This time, Hardy's studio made an even bigger splash, with their two films garnering 12 nominations. Although Taylor didn't win, Hedy Lamarr took home the Best Actress award for her role in *Ghost Still in Love*. On stage, Lamarr's eyes welled up with emotion as she thanked Hardy for his unwavering support.

"If there's anyone I owe this to, it's Mr. Hardy. He came up with the idea for *Ghost Still in Love* and believed in me for this role. He even wrote the theme song for the film. Hardy is the most talented person I've ever met," Lamarr said, prompting another round of applause.

The night continued to be fruitful, with *The Killer is Not So Cold* and *Ghost Still in Love* winning multiple awards, including Best Director, Best Editing, Best Original Story, and Best Original Song.

When Hardy took the stage to accept an award, the applause was thunderous. He was no longer just a businessman; he was a Hollywood powerhouse. His influence had begun to surpass even that of industry veterans, a fact not lost on the likes of Meyer, who had spent decades building his empire only to see Hardy rise in just over a year.

Addressing the audience, Hardy set aside the trophy and smiled. "I'm supposed to give an acceptance speech now, right?"

Laughter rippled through the crowd, followed by more applause.

"Honestly, that song was just a stroke of inspiration. I'm glad you all liked it," Hardy said modestly, eliciting more smiles.

"But if I were to say something meaningful, it would be this: Film is the seventh art, an art that combines the talents of many—actors, directors, screenwriters, lighting technicians, props masters, even stunt doubles and extras. Everyone contributes to this work of art, and while we often focus on the stars, we must also appreciate those who work tirelessly behind the scenes. It's their dedication that allows the art to truly shine."

The audience responded with enthusiastic applause.

At the after-party, Hedy Lamarr, overwhelmed by her win, clung to Hardy's arm. "I'm so happy tonight. I don't want to be alone," she whispered.

They ended the night together, with Lamarr holding Hardy close, her eyes filled with adoration. "Thank you, Hardy," she murmured.

***

With the awards season behind him, Hardy turned his attention to new ventures. He pulled out a planning document, detailing his vision for a national logistics company and a warehouse-style supermarket chain. This was an industry he had been eyeing for some time, and he was ready to dive in.

Building a logistics company and supermarket chain from the ground up would require significant investment—land acquisition, construction of logistics centers, and hiring a large workforce. But manpower was something Hardy had covered. He immediately thought of Major General Williams, who was responsible for veteran placement and had an abundance of personnel looking for work.

Hardy called Major General Williams, who answered after a few rings.

"Hardy, it's been a while," Williams greeted him warmly. The two had become close friends, speaking to each other with ease.

"I know you've been busy, General," Hardy replied with a chuckle.

Williams sighed. "You have no idea. I've been running around selling surplus military supplies like a shopkeeper. It's exhausting."

"That's why I'm calling," Hardy said, getting to the point. "I'm starting a logistics company and a national supermarket chain, both of which will need a lot of manpower. I estimate we'll need two to three thousand veterans this year alone."

"That's music to my ears, Hardy! You're solving a huge problem for me. I'll make sure you get the best of the best," Williams promised.

After wrapping up their business discussion, Hardy asked, "What's this about you becoming a shopkeeper?"

Williams groaned. "Well, with the war over, we've got an enormous amount of surplus—planes, tanks, ships, weapons, you name it. Most of it is just sitting in warehouses or out in the desert, costing us a fortune to maintain. So, the government set up the War Assets Administration and put me in charge of offloading all this stuff."

"There are tens of thousands of items across 181 warehouse bases," Williams continued. "I've been able to sell some of the more marketable items, like transport planes and vehicles, but who wants to buy tanks or fighter jets? And don't even get me started on the ships docked in the ports. I'm trying to interest some foreign governments in purchasing them, but it's tough going. If I can't sell them, we'll have to scrap them for metal."

Hardy's mind started working, sensing a business opportunity. "General, I think I can help with that."

"Oh? What are you thinking?" Williams asked, intrigued.

"I'm thinking you need a specialized sales team. You've already got your hands full with international deals. Let someone else handle the domestic sales. Outsource it. That way, you're just making decisions, not dealing with the day-to-day hassle."

"That's a good idea, Hardy. Why don't you come by my office so we can discuss this further?" Williams suggested.

"Sounds good. I'll head over now," Hardy agreed.