Chapter 97: The Shawshank Redemption

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"I have already bought a batch of antiques. Are you interested in seeing them now?" Hardy asked Han Yezhen.

"Okay," Han Yezhen agreed.

Hardy drove Han Yezhen to the HD Security company. When they arrived, Han Yezhen looked around, slightly surprised. "HD Security? I've heard of it. What are we doing here?"

Hardy smiled. "This security company is owned by me. The porcelain is kept here because it's safer."

Han Yezhen's eyes widened in surprise. "The famous HD Security is your company?"

"Yes," Hardy confirmed.

"And what about HD Film Company?"

"That's mine too."

Han Yezhen looked at Hardy with newfound respect. Owning two companies at such a young age was impressive. It made sense now why he was so confident about his business ventures.

They entered the storage room, and Han Yezhen's eyes lit up as she saw the porcelain displayed on the shelves.

"This is a Ruyi bottle. The turquoise green color is exquisite. It was made in the Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty and is an official kiln product," she said, her admiration evident.

"This is an alum black tea bowl, made during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, with imperial inscriptions, making it even more valuable."

"And this cloisonné longevity ear bottle is exceptional—its shape is noble and beautiful, with graceful and intricate patterns, and the golden color is brilliant."

Hardy listened as Han Yezhen identified and described each piece with impressive knowledge. His interest in Chinese antiques had led him to gather such a collection, but he was not as well-versed in the details.

"This place is ideal for our art purchase company. With the security measures in place, it's completely safe," Hardy said.

Han Yezhen smiled. "This is indeed a good location. If even bank vaults are protected here, then this is the safest place."

"I was thinking about registering an auction company instead of just an art purchase company. Auctions involve a wider range of business activities, including acquisition, identification, sales, and transactions. Even if you only want to collect, the company will still be beneficial."

Han Yezhen agreed. "That sounds like a good idea. We can set up an auction company."

They proceeded to find an agency to handle the registration, purchased a shell company, changed its name, and established the auction company under Hardy's name.

"We also need an office location," Han Yezhen said.

"From now on, you'll be responsible for this company. I suggest renting an office building near USC for your office, while the security company will serve as the warehouse," Hardy proposed.

"That works for me," Han Yezhen agreed.

Hardy extended his hand. Han Yezhen hesitated for a moment before shaking it. "From now on, you are the General Manager of Hardy Auction Company. The management and development of the company will be your responsibility."

He handed the company registration certificate to Han Yezhen.

Han Yezhen accepted the certificate, still feeling overwhelmed by how quickly everything had happened.

"This is the startup capital," Hardy said, pulling out a check for $100,000 and handing it to her.

Han Yezhen took the check in disbelief. "You're not worried I might take it and not follow through?"

"The rest of the auction company's management is up to you," Hardy smiled.

That evening, Hardy took Han Yezhen to a French restaurant to celebrate the establishment of the company.

During dinner, Han Yezhen had a strange feeling, but she couldn't quite pinpoint what was wrong.

Hardy felt a sense of accomplishment. Instead of traditional gifts like flowers or movies, he had set up a business opportunity for Han Yezhen. Their future interactions would be in a superior-subordinate relationship, which would provide more chances to get to know each other better.

Throughout the meal, they discussed the company's future operations. Hardy outlined a straightforward plan: establish the company layout, recruit professionals, and begin the acquisition process.

"Han Yezhen, what is your greatest ideal?" Hardy asked.

Han Yezhen pondered for a moment. "I dream of building an art museum, designing it myself, and collecting art from around the world. Of course, I would focus on Chinese cultural relics, showcasing the treasures of Chinese art to people globally."

As the evening wore on, Hardy dropped Han Yezhen back at USC. She waved goodbye and headed inside her dormitory.

Inside, her roommate Irina was pouting on the sofa, looking at Han Yezhen with narrowed eyes.

"What's the matter?" Han Yezhen asked, sensing something was wrong.

"Han Yezhen, I just realized that you seem to care more about men than friends. Did you go out with Mr. Hardy and have dinner together?" Irina asked, her tone irritated.

Han Yezhen smiled and took a seat beside Irina. "Yes, we not only had dinner together."

"What else did you do?" Irina asked, curiosity piqued.

"We also established a company."

Irina's eyes widened in shock. "You set up a company? You're in charge of it now?"

Han Yezhen nodded. "Yes, everything happened so quickly. I haven't had a chance to fully process it yet."

Irina hugged Han Yezhen's arm. "Since you're recruiting for the company, how about hiring me?"

"Won't that interfere with your studies?" Han Yezhen asked.

"No, I'm about to be a senior. I need work experience, and being roommates would make it convenient. You can give me a managerial position," Irina said, rubbing up against Han Yezhen.

"Go away, you're not making it easier," Han Yezhen teased, pushing Irina playfully. Irina clung to her, not letting go.

"Assistant. You can be my assistant for now."

Irina cheered triumphantly. "Oye~~"

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The following day, Han Yezhen called Tang Zheng, the leader of the Tang Gang in Los Angeles, to inform him that she and her classmates had recovered their bags.

Tang Zheng had already received a report from Abao about the thieves being apprehended by Big Ivan from the Bills Gang. He was curious about who had arranged for the return of the bags.

"A new friend helped us. He defended us against the thieves," Han Yezhen explained.

Tang Zheng was intrigued. "What's your friend's name?"

"His name is Jon Hardy. Is there something specific you need to know, Uncle Tang?"

Tang Zheng responded warmly. "No, no. I was just curious. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call me."

After the call, Tang Zheng was deep in thought. Who was Jon Hardy? A prominent figure in Los Angeles? Despite Hardy's lack of widespread fame, his actions had garnered interest.

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A few days later, Hardy received a call from Ava Gardner, who informed him that the crew would return to Los Angeles in three days.

"Looking forward to your return. I'll catch up with you then," Hardy replied.

As he hung up, the phone rang again. It was Big Ivan.

"Boss, the week of hunger is over. What should we do with the thieves now?" Big Ivan asked.

Hardy inquired about the thieves' conditions. Big Ivan explained that they had been suffering, and he had been questioning them about their past crimes.

"One thief confessed to a crime that sounds familiar. He mentioned a burglary where a man and a woman were killed, and the man was wrongfully convicted. It seems like a plot from 'The Shawshank Redemption,'" Big Ivan said.

Hardy's interest was piqued. "What's the thief's name?"

"I haven't asked," Big Ivan replied.

"Don't let any of them go. I'll come over now," Hardy instructed.

"Understood, boss."

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