The Tyrant Billionaire

After the old godfather's birthday party ended, all the guests bid farewell and left. Hardy and Michael also left each other their contact information before leaving.

After dinner, the godfather's family sat together, chatting. While the others were enthusiastically discussing various topics, the old godfather noticed that Michael always had his head down, lost in thought. He softly asked, "Michael, what are you thinking about?"

In fact, he valued this youngest son the most, feeling that Michael's personality was the closest to his own. However, the youngest son had no interest in the family business, and he couldn't do anything about it.

"Father, at the party, I met someone named Jon Hardy. I wonder if you've heard of HD Security. It's his company," Michael said.

The old godfather immediately remembered the young man Sigel had brought.

"I know him. Sigel brought him over. He gave me a birthday gift, and I heard from Sigel about how he runs HD Security. He's a very sharp young man," the old godfather said.

Michael continued, "We met at the party and talked a lot. It turns out he's also a former soldier who returned home after being wounded. He told me many things, and I very much agree with his views."

The old godfather was somewhat surprised.

His youngest son had always had strong opinions and rarely agreed with others. Yet this time, he seemed to value Jon Hardy highly. He wondered what they had talked about.

The old godfather thought for a moment, "Michael, let's go to the study. Tell me everything Hardy said to you."

"Okay, Father."

They went to the study. The old godfather opened a cigar box and slowly trimmed a cigar while Michael recounted his conversation with Hardy.

"Hardy told me that although the gang business is profitable, it has significant barriers. Once it reaches a certain point, it's difficult to improve further."

"For example, some gray businesses like gambling and smuggling can continue, but he strongly opposes getting involved in drugs. He said the government has zero tolerance for drugs and would crack down on them with full force eventually. Such money isn't worth making."

"The government will inevitably suppress gangs, and when that happens, the good days for gangs will be over. If we rely on our current strength alone, the outcome will be inevitable destruction."

As someone who had run a gang for decades and perfected the gang business, the godfather understood how accurate Hardy's words were.

A gang is a gang.

It can never enter the mainstream society.

Even though he had good relationships with senators, governors, and mayors, he knew that if something went wrong, they would ruthlessly abandon him.

The power displayed by the big capitalists in this country far exceeded that of a gang leader like him.

The room was silent for a while.

The old godfather lit his cigar.

"Transforming into legitimate business isn't easy. Did he mention any industries he sees as promising in the future?" the old godfather asked.

Michael nodded. "He said that with the war over, people are exhausted and just want to live happy and stable lives. He believes that products serving people's daily lives will become mainstream."

"For example, consumer goods like clothes, shoes, bags, watches, luxury items, cosmetics, telecommunications products, aviation services, automobiles, electronics, retail products, insurance, entertainment, health products, and real estate. The elderly want health care and medicine, and the rich want various services. As long as an industry can meet these needs, it can thrive.

It's interesting and makes a lot of sense."

"Father, after listening to Hardy, I have many ideas. I plan to start my own business, grow it big, and then enter politics. I believe this path has more potential than the family's current business."

Michael looked at the old godfather after speaking.

Previously, the father and son had argued about Michael's future development, both having strong opinions.

This time, Michael hoped his father would agree with his idea.

The old godfather, smoking, stared at the curling smoke, seemingly lost in thought. Michael didn't interrupt and quietly waited beside him.

After a long time, the old godfather finally spoke, "Michael, since you have a plan, go ahead with it. If you need any support from the family, we will fully support you."

Michael was overjoyed.

He hadn't expected his father to agree so readily.

Just moments ago, he thought his father would refuse him as before.

"Are you serious, Father?" Michael asked, somewhat incredulous.

"Heh, of course, I'm serious. Actually, I've long sensed the limitations of the gang's development. What Hardy said is very true. The Corleone family has reached its ceiling, with no room for further growth."

"I previously refused other families proposals to get into the drug business to leave a way to go legitimate. If we got involved in drugs, the Corleone family would never be able to leave the underworld, not just us but even future generations of Corleone."

The old godfather finished speaking and looked at his youngest son.

Michael was surprised.

He now realizes that part of the reason his father had always refused the drug business was for him.

The two had often argued before.

Their relationship had become somewhat cold.

At this moment, Michael suddenly felt his father's deep and profound love.

Michael stood up, walked over, and gave his father a strong hug.

"Father, happy birthday."

The old godfather patted his son's back with a happy smile on his face.

"That Hardy is a good guy, very smart. You should keep in touch with him," the old godfather said.

"Thank you, Father."

Hardy was taking a bath when the phone in his room suddenly rang. He came out in slippers and answered it.

"This is Jon Hardy. Who is it?"

"Hardy, it's Michael."

"Hey Michael, what made you call?"

"When are you planning to return to Los Angeles?"

"If nothing else comes up, I'll go back tomorrow."

"Why don't you stay in New York for a few more days? You said it was your first time here. I'll show you around, and I also have something to talk to you about." Michael said.

"Alright then." Hardy agreed readily.

Regardless of whether Michael would become the second generation godfather, it wouldn't hurt to be friends with him. Besides, Michael was a friend worth having, and they had plenty to talk about.

"Okay, I'll pick you up from the hotel tomorrow morning."

"OK."

After hanging up, Hardy called Sigel to say he wanted to stay in New York for a couple more days. Sigel chuckled. "We're not on the same flight anyway. Suit yourself. I'll be heading back tomorrow. The construction of the casino needs to speed up, so those damn bastards stop pestering me."

...

The next day.

The two drove to several spots and finally came to Broadway, where they found a street side bar and sat down.

They ordered a few beers and chatted.

"Hardy, I've thought a lot about what you said yesterday. I plan to go into legitimate business. Where do you think I should invest?" Michael asked.

"That depends on how much capital you have." Hardy thought for a moment.

"What if I only have $100,000?" Michael asked.

"Then start a mineral water company," Hardy said without hesitation.

"A mineral water company?"

Michael didn't expect Hardy to suggest mineral water.

Hardy smiled and said, "Don't underestimate the profit from selling mineral water. Find a place with good water quality and abundant supply, and set up a mineral water plant. I think $100,000 would be enough."

"The cost of mineral water is extremely low, almost negligible. How do you sell it for a high price? The key isn't the water, but the marketing. Present it as natural and rich in minerals and trace elements that the body needs. Daily consumption can enhance health and reduce diseases."

"Don't underestimate this business this is a multi million dollar business."

Michael hadn't expected Hardy to turn something as simple as water that can easily be ignored into such a lucrative business.

No wonder he could orchestrate such a brilliant publicity stunt as the Los Angeles bank heist.

"What if I have $1 million?" Michael continued.

"If you have a million, I suggest you invest in building a television factory, specializing in manufacturing TVs. Hire a team of technicians to continually improve TV technology and make the best TVs," Hardy said.

"You have high hopes for TVs?" Michael asked.

"Absolutely. People's entertainment options are too limited now. They used to love going to the movie theater, but in the future, they'll prefer staying home to watch TV. I predict the movie industry will gradually decline and never regain its former glory."

"But the government hasn't lifted the ban on manufacturing TVs yet," Michael said.

Before World War II, due to various material shortages, some entertainment industries were shut down. One notable example was the halt in nylon stocking production to make parachutes, leaving women unable to buy stockings. The TV industry was also shut down.

Although the government hadn't lifted the ban yet, Hardy thought it would happen soon. With the war over, the government's focus would shift to consumer needs.

Now was the perfect time to buy a TV factory.

Why? Because it was cheap. During the war, many factory owners couldn't sustain their businesses and went bankrupt. Now was the best time to acquire a TV factory.

Even if Michael doesn't do this business, Hardy will do it himself.

Michael looked at Hardy, sincerely saying, "Hardy, let's partner up. Let's set up a TV factory and a mineral water plant."

Hardy was slightly taken aback.

It seemed Michael really took his advice to heart, following it exactly without making any changes.

"Alright!"

Hardy answered with a single word.

Michael is a loyal and principled man, collaborating with him was good for Hardy.