The Tyrant Billionaire-Chapter 640 Who Was Really Benefiting

Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida shook his head.

"Those firms are foreign entities, and their investments took place in the U.S. We have no jurisdiction to investigate them."

At that moment, someone proposed, "What if we ask Hardy's envoy for assistance? I believe Hardy has the influence to uncover the truth."

"Hardy is in the U.S., isn't he?"

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"Yes," replied a cabinet member. "Recently, Hardy was appointed Governor of Penang and Malacca, as widely reported in the papers. He returned to the U.S. afterward, as his primary business operations are based there."

"Hardy is truly remarkable. A British hereditary viscount with three fiefdoms and businesses across the U.S., Europe, Japan, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, and the Cayman Islands. It's said his total assets exceed $8 billion."

"Send a telegram to Hardy. If we want to investigate these investment firms, we'll need his help," said Prime Minister Yoshida decisively.

Meanwhile, Hardy was en route to the airport when his secretary handed him a telegram. "Boss, this just arrived from Japan."

Hardy glanced at the message.

It was from the Japanese government, explaining that the financial panic caused by failed investments had led to numerous suicides. They hoped Hardy could intervene and investigate whether the investment firms had engaged in fraud.

Hardy shook his head.

"They really know how to pick their guy," he muttered.

"Make the arrangements. After wrapping up in Italy, we'll head to Japan," Hardy instructed his secretary after reading the telegram.

"Got it, boss."

The Japanese were looking for Hardy, assuming he was in the U.S., but he was actually in Rome, Italy.

Roman Holidayhad begun filming.

The director chosen for the project was William Wyler, the same man who directed the originalRoman Holidayin the previous world. Although this version was being made two years earlier, Wyler was still a perfect fit for the job.

As for the male lead, Gregory Peck was once again cast in the role.

In the previous world, the originalRoman Holidayfaced budget constraints. Initially, they had planned to film in a studio, but after scraping together more funds, they managed to shoot on location in Rome. However, the budget was only sufficient for black-and-white film.

Many lamented that they couldn't enjoy a color version ofRoman Holiday. This time, with HD Studios providing the funding, there were no financial worries, so of course, they were using color film.

Some might argue, "The black-and-white version ofRoman Holidayis a classic, and a color version might lose its charm." Hardy, however, didn't see it that way.

He simply wanted a color version.

He was the boss.

This world'sRoman Holidaywas his call to make.

Besides, if anyone really wanted to watch it in black-and-white, it was easy enough to desaturate the film. Turning a color film into black-and-white was far easier than the reverse.

When Hardy appeared on set, the entire crew was abuzz. After all, he was the hottest name in America right now—a bona fide tycoon.

Gregory Peck, who had already met Hardy before, greeted him respectfully. Hardy then turned to William Wyler to inquire about the progress of the shoot. Audrey Hepburn stood nearby, dressed in the film's iconic white dress. Her large, expressive eyes blinked curiously as she gazed at Hardy.

"How's the progress?" Hardy asked the director.

"We've completed about a third of the shoot. Everything is going smoothly," Wyler replied.

With no financial constraints, the director felt like he was in heaven.

Hardy glanced at Hepburn. "How is Hepburn's performance?"

Wyler looked at her and praised, "Her charm is unparalleled. Those expressive eyes alone are enough to captivate any audience."

Hardy smiled.

"After working so hard, I imagine everyone must be feeling a bit worn out. Let's take a day off. Use the time to explore Rome or relax at a bar. I'll personally give each cast and crew member a $200 bonus," Hardy announced.

"Wow!"

Cheers erupted from the crew.

Everyone was elated.

Two hundred dollars was no small sum. For many of the cast and crew—excluding stars like Gregory Peck or the director—it was equivalent to a month's wages.

Giving $200 to over a hundred cast and crew members meant Hardy was shelling out at least $20,000 to $30,000—a significant gesture.

A day off with extra money? Who wouldn't be thrilled?

As for Hepburn, Hardy took her hand without hesitation and led her away.

Some crew members whispered among themselves. One person remarked, "Our big boss sure is charming. Ava Gardner, Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe—all of them are Hollywood's most famous stars, and they've all been his girlfriends."

"Now Miss Hepburn is starring in this movie. She'll probably rise to fame quickly. And now she's also become the big boss's girlfriend. My god, the boss has basically claimed all of Hollywood's top beauties."

Another chimed in, "Haven't you noticed? All these women were made famous by the big boss. Starting with Ava Gardner, then Taylor, Menroe, and now Hepburn. The boss writes the scripts himself, funds the movies, and promotes them. Without him, do you think they'd be as famous as they are now?"

"That's true."

"And let's not forget, such flowers need powerful protection to bloom for long. Is there anyone in Hollywood more capable of protecting them than the big boss?"

"Nope. Whether it's wealth, influence, or power, nobody in Hollywood compares to the boss," another agreed wholeheartedly.

"Besides, the boss is so young and handsome. Don't you think it's actually a blessing for Ava, Taylor, Monroe, and Hepburn to be his girlfriends?"

The group fell silent, realizing there was some truth to this. Stay updated via novelbuddy

Who was really benefitting here?

In reality, these women were the ones who gained the most by being with Hardy.

In this world, Hardy was arguably the best choice for ensuring their safety and success.

So, being with him was their good fortune.

Hepburn held Hardy's hand, occasionally glancing up at him with her big eyes, radiating happiness from the depths of her heart.

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