The Tyrant Billionaire

Closing the notebook, General Williams face showed a victorious smile. If verified, Brigadier General Bob Ernst would be in big trouble, giving General Williams a significant chance to become deputy director and even be promoted to major general.

The general, now more cordial, asked, "Hardy, are 10 planes enough?"

"Actually, they aren't. I plan to establish my own airline," Hardy said.

"How about this, Hardy, I'll help you secure more. How many do you want?" General Williams asked.

"The more, the better."

Hardy thought to himself, If the military is selling 120 C-53s and 200 C-47s, if the general can get them all for him, he wouldn't hesitate to take them all, even if it meant getting a bank loan.

"OK, I'll do my best to help you," the general replied.

With an improved mood, General Williams extended their meeting to include dinner.

Over dinner, Hardy casually mentioned, "General, I know you handle veterans affairs in the logistics support management bureau. My security company, HD Security, would like to hire some veterans and retired officers if possible."

The end of the war had left many veterans without enough job positions.

Hearing this, General Williams was delighted. "How many veterans can you hire each year?"

Hardy thought for a moment, "About a thousand each year."

The general was overjoyed, as this would help solve a significant problem for him.

"Hardy, I must thank you on behalf of those veterans. Good jobs are hard to come by, and many lack professional skills, making security work ideal for them."

"You can come and select the best veterans for your company," the general promised.

Hardy believed in the future of his security company, even though it was still new.

"There's one more thing I need your help with," Hardy said.

"Oh? Let's hear it," the general replied, not immediately agreeing.

"My company is new and lacks a strong foundation. I'd like to invite a few esteemed generals to be consultants, guiding our company's direction," Hardy said sincerely.

"An annual consulting fee of $20,000 plus other benefits," Hardy added.

$20,000. Equivalent to 10 years salary for an average person, and this is just the consultant fee. Hardy told Brigadier General Williams that during his tenure as a consultant, he would also enjoy various benefits provided by the company, such as a company car, free fuel, and an annual trip.

In essence, it is spending money to maintain connections.

As for the job content, it involves attending a few meetings each year, pointing out deficiencies in the security company, and suggesting development directions.

After Hardy finished speaking, he looked at Brigadier General Williams, "General, as a friend, I am willing to offer you a consultant recommendation."

"And after you retire, you can also become a consultant for HD Security, with a minimum contract of 6 years."

Bribery. This is blatant bribery.

But damn, this method is legal, and no one can find any problems with it.

Brigadier General Williams is the first high ranking U.S military officer Hardy knows. He plans to use him as a breakthrough point to win over a group of retired generals. Although they are retired, never underestimate their influence.

The U.S while it is a society based on competence, wealth and experience in politic, It is often said that the army is based on personal relationships especially in time of peace. These generals, though retired, still have strong connections, which are their capital.

Inviting some retired generals as consultants to back the security company can invisibly elevate its status.

There are some things that these consultants can help with. Sometimes, a phone call from them can solve very tricky problems for you.

Spending money on consultants is definitely worth it.

Hardy gave Brigadier General Williams a consultant position, leaving the decision entirely to him. Williams could use this position as leverage. If a respected general speaks for him during a promotion review, his chances of promotion would significantly increase.

Over a meal, Hardy and Brigadier General Williams became close friends.

When Hardy left, Brigadier General Williams saw him off at the door, waving until Hardy's car disappeared before going back.

Hardy and Henry returned to New York. Hardy ordered Henry, "Increase the surveillance on the Barzini family, and start monitoring Bob Ernst's son in law's gallery from now on."

"Okay, boss."

...

The weather was nice. The driver drove Hardy and Richard to Manhattan, stopping at a gallery. This gallery was owned by Bob Ernst's son in law.

The gallery was very quiet.

Hardy admired the paintings on the walls one by one. He had been collecting artworks for nearly a year, with over a thousand paintings in his collection. With more exposure, he had developed some discernment.

After looking at dozens of paintings in this gallery, he found no works by famous artists. He didn't recognize any of the painters' names, not even those with some current fame.

"Richard, do you like any of these?" Hardy asked casually.

Richard shook his head, "I have no interest in these artworks."

If you gave Richard a gun, he would absolutely love it, but looking at artworks was indeed a bit difficult for him.

Last year, Richard had eye surgery to treat an old injury. Afterward, he had a prosthesis installed. With non prescription glasses, it was hard to tell he was a one eyed man.

Hardy waved to a nearby attendant and inquired about the prices of a few paintings. The prices generally ranged from a few thousand to tens of thousands.

Hardy thought to himself, such lousy paintings dared to sell at such high prices; the cost probably wouldn't exceed a few dollars, and the frames were likely worth more than the paintings. No wonder the place was so deserted. It seemed this gallery was primarily used for money laundering.

A few days later, Hardy received a call from Brigadier General Williams. The military had approved the logistics support bureau's report, allowing the bureau to handle the batch of aircraft.

"So, I guess they'll take action soon," Brigadier General Williams said.

"I'll keep a close watch on them," Hardy said. content hosted on m _vlempyr

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