Chapter 106: What About the Mafia

Meyer put down the phone, contemplating his next move. He wanted to call Hardy. "Hadi, the resolution was unexpectedly effective."

"How did it get resolved?" Hardy asked.

"Don't you know?" Meyer inquired with surprise.

"Hehe, I just made a call and don't know the specifics," Hardy replied.

Meyer detailed the resolution, and Hardy smiled upon hearing it. "It seems I need to thank the old man in New York."

Meyer, unsure who Hardy referred to, guessed it must be a significant figure. Meyer had previously seen Hardy as just a junior under Siegel, but now realized Hardy was much more influential.

"Working with you has proven to be a great decision," Meyer remarked.

"We'll find plenty more opportunities to collaborate in the future," Hardy said with a smile.

After hanging up, Hardy called Mike. Mike was unaware of the crew's situation, and Hardy chose not to disclose it.

"Mike, I'm heading to New York tomorrow. I've booked a flight," Hardy said.

"You're finally coming over! The TV factory is on the right track now. Come see what needs improvement," Mike responded cheerfully.

"I trust your abilities," Hardy said.

"Thanks for that. I'll pick you up at the airport tomorrow," Mike offered.

---

The following day, Hardy arrived in New York after a long flight. It was past 10 PM when he saw Mike waiting outside the airport.

"Hardy!"

"Mike!"

They shared a warm hug, and the driver loaded Hardy's luggage and painting into the trunk before heading to the hotel. Mike stayed with Hardy that night, and they spent hours catching up.

"Currently, the TV factory produces 120 units a day, which translates to about 40,000 units a year," Mike explained.

"Professor Ward has optimized the production model, reducing the cost of each TV to $58. We're wholesaling them at $85, and retailing at $127."

Hardy calculated in his head. With an annual output of 40,000 units and a $27 profit per unit, that would be a $1.08 million profit annually. This was a substantial return, but it would take time to recoup their $2 million initial investment.

They planned to introduce new production lines for different TV sizes and color TVs in the future, which would require additional investments.

Mike expressed concern about the slow sales, with only a dozen units sold daily. "The war's aftermath means people are short on money. With the current price, many hesitate."

Hardy asked, "How do you plan to address the sales issue?"

"Advertising and promotions could help. We can lower prices to attract buyers," Mike suggested.

Hardy pondered, "I don't have a solid solution yet. Let me think about it."

The next day, Hardy visited the TV factory, which was in full production. The TVs were housed in wooden cabinets and had a somewhat distorted picture by modern standards, but were the best available at the time.

Hardy later visited the Corleone Manor for lunch. The old godfather greeted him warmly, and Hardy presented him with an Italian landscape painting.

"This is St. Mark's Square. I visited there when I was young. It brings back memories," the old godfather said, clearly pleased.

During the meal, the old godfather inquired about the TV factory's progress. Mike mentioned the sales issues, and Hardy shared his idea for improving sales.

"I proposed an installment sales model. Instead of lowering prices, we could partner with banks to offer interest-free loans. Customers would make a 30% down payment and pay the rest in installments. This maintains our retail price while making it more accessible," Hardy explained.

He also suggested a zero-down payment option for military personnel, to be repaid in 12 installments. This approach would attract more buyers and maintain brand value.

Mike and the old godfather were impressed. The old godfather praised Hardy's business acumen, noting, "Hardy's suggestion is excellent. It's worth trying."

---

Later, on set, Taylor, excited about her food, found her apartment door ajar and smelled blood. She saw her brother's shoes on a corpse and feared for her family. As she approached, a police officer emerged, holding a gun.

When Taylor saw Hardy on set, she ran to him. "Mr. Hardy!" she exclaimed, jumping into his arms.

The director and producers smiled, pleased with the outcome of the scene and Hardy's presence.

That evening, Hardy took Taylor to a French restaurant. During dinner, Taylor asked, "Mr. Hardy, I heard rumors that the explosion was staged by gangsters to extort money. I also heard you resolved it and that you have connections with the Mafia. What's the Mafia like?"

Hardy chuckled at her curiosity, amused by the misconceptions about his connections.