The Tyrant Billionaire

"Not yet, boss. We only have a branch in France in Europe." said Kean.

"Set up a branch in London as soon as possible. Hardy Group has a company there, Hardy Auction House. Seek Victor's help, it will make things easier for the newspaper."

Although Kean didn't understand why his boss was insisting on urgently establishing a branch in London, he agreed immediately.

Hardy hung up the phone, thought for a moment, and then called John Stone, the president of Wells Fargo Bank. "John, Hardy Group has begun expanding its business in London and France. I think Wells Fargo Bank needs to open branches in these places too."

"London and France? Boss, do you have high hopes for the current European market?" asked Stone.

"Yes, although the conditions there aren't as good as the U.S now, the future is promising. Plus, there's less competition there compared to the U.S, where each City has hundreds of banks."

"I understand, boss. I'll arrange to open branches in London and Paris," Stone replied.

Time quickly passed to the evening.

The butler received a call and reported to Hardy, "Mr. Hardy, Miss Hedy Lamarr called and would like to invite you to dinner."

"Sure."

The dinner was at Hedy Lamarr's place. She still lived in her studio, preferring its relaxed atmosphere over the formality of a villa.

Hedy Lamarr cooking was a surprise to Hardy. After all, she came from a truly aristocratic background, her father was a banker, and she had been pampered since childhood.

Hedy Lamarr smiled, "I attended a noblewomen's school where I learned how to be a noblewoman. Although a lady doesn't need to cook personally, she must know how to cook."

"The box office has officially surpassed 10 million. How do you feel?" Hardy asked with a smile.

"Very excited. I've achieved my greatest dream," Hedy Lamarr replied.

Hardy shook his head, "It may not be your greatest dream. The film company has applied for Golden Globe and Oscar awards. Both Taylor's 'Léon: The Professional' and your 'Ghost' have a chance to be nominated."

"Really?"

"Of course, I'm working on it."

Mayer is the chairman of the Oscar judging committee, and Hardy is the chairman of the actors union. Together, they can secure a few awards.

Hedy Lamarr was so excited that she jumped on Hardy and kissed him all over.

After a long while.

They walked out of the bathroom and lay on the bed. Hedy suddenly remembered something and jumped to turn on the TV.

After adjusting the channel, she quickly ran back to snuggle in Hardy's arms.

Hedy Lamarr, originally from the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, had exceptionally smooth skin, feeling wonderful to the touch.

"The TV show is starting. This one is called 'Vampires and Werewolves.' It's quite scary. I get scared watching it alone at night, but I can't help watching," Hedy Lamarr said.

"Vampires and Werewolves?"

Hardy knew ABC TV didn't have this show. The channel logo appeared on the screen, revealing it was a Columbia Television show.

Under pressure from ABC TV, NBC and Columbia Television had increased their investments, extending their programming hours to match ABC TV, broadcasting from 8 a.m. to past 11 p.m.

They produced many shows, some clearly imitating ABC TV, such as Tonight Show, sports programs, and TV songs.

Even TV shopping started to mimic ABC, though without the direct phone order segment. If they dared, ABC would sue them. Their TV shopping resembled advertisements, with hosts incessantly promoting various products.

They then informed viewers where to buy the products.

Recently, these two TV networks' efforts clearly recaptured some viewership. A recent survey showed a noticeable drop in ABC TV's ratings. Although the top rated shows were still ABC's, viewers were gradually getting interested in other networks' programs.

Currently, ABC's total viewership was about 67%, with the remaining 33% divided among the other two networks.

Maybe people were tired of the same shows and sought something new.

Hardy thought it was time to launch a new wave of programs.

For instance, the talent show he had planned for a long time. He had discussed the talent show plan with ABC president William Fox, but with ratings so high before, Hardy felt it wasn't needed yet.

While thinking, Hardy suddenly felt a tightness below and a sharp pain, followed by a scream from Hedy Lamarr, who buried her head in his chest.

On the TV, a man was transforming into a ferocious, ugly werewolf with sharp fangs, indeed quite scary.

But, You can't just grab there.

Hardy quickly pried Hedy's hand away, feeling relieved. Hedy, realizing something was wrong, looked at Hardy with guilt in her eyes. "Sorry, I forgot in my panic."

"Does it hurt?"

"A bit."

"Do you need medicine?"

"No, just a little blowing will do."

The next day.

Hardy went to ABC TV to check on the situation. William Fox reported, "NBC has collaborated with Disney Films to introduce 'Disneyland' and 'Mickey Mouse Club,' which are very popular with kids.

"Columbia has partnered with Universal Pictures. Their TV series 'Vampires and Werewolves' has very high ratings, surpassing all other shows except 'Bewitched.'

"Both networks have also launched baseball games, football games, fashion shows, shopping programs, and talk shows, all very well received."

Hardy nodded, "It seems it's time to play a trump card. William, initiate the 'Super Idol' plan. This year, focus on launching this show and bringing a wave of nationwide excitement."

Irina got excited upon hearing this. Having seen the Super Idol plan, she said, "I bet once we launch the Super Idol show, all other networks' programs will pale in comparison."

Hardy said, "This time, I plan to launch the 'Super Idol' talent show, focusing on singing talents, selecting those with beautiful voices. There are no restrictions on gender, participants can be aged 12 to 28, and nationality doesn't matter. Anyone who can come to Los Angeles can participate in the auditions."

Talent shows like 'American's Got Talent' are lively, but they don't contribute much to talent scouting and resource expansion. However, with singers, they can sign contracts with record companies and, once they become famous, they can continuously earn for the company.

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Hardy explained the competition format, with many rules directly taken from the future "American Idol" which would debut decades later. Hardy's "Super Idol" was original in this era.

"I will also find suitable judges. I already have some people in mind," Hardy said.