Major General Williams began to complain, "During the war, we produced a massive amount of planes, tanks, ships, guns, and various military supplies. Now that the war is over, these materials are piling up in warehouses and on desert lots, much like those planes you bought last time.
"At least those were sell able. But now, we have even more items that are difficult to sell. These planes, tanks, and warships even if we leave them untouched, the annual maintenance costs alone are astronomical."
"Recently, the government decided to get rid of them, so they set up a 'War Assets Management Bureau' and put me in charge. Do you know how much stuff we have? There are tens of thousands of types, spread across 181 storage bases around the country.
"I can sell some of the more desirable items, like transport planes and vehicles, which are indeed in demand. But who would want tanks? Who would buy fighter jets? And how am I supposed to deal with those warships parked in the harbors?"
"I'm currently in contact with other countries to see if places like Argentina, Mexico, Peru, or Chile might be interested in buying warships. Maybe we can sell one or two. If not, we'll have to dismantle them and sell them as scrap metal."
Hardy knew how well funded the U.S. military was. Half of America's biggest manufacturers had made their fortunes from the military. They made money selling to the military, Hardy could make money selling the military's surplus. This was definitely a lucrative business.
Hardy saw an opportunity and sensed the scent of money. "Major General Williams, I'm just assembling a sales team. Perhaps we could help you sell these items."
"Oh, what's your plan?"
"I believe that selling things is best left to a professional team. You're already busy with international trade, contacting other countries, which is exhausting enough. The rest of the business could be outsourced. You wouldn't have to do everything yourself. Just review the solutions we propose and make decisions. This way, the problems are solved, and it's all very easy."
"Hmm, that's a good idea. Hardy, why don't you come over, and we can discuss this further," Major General Williams suggested.
"Alright, I'll head over now," Hardy agreed.
...
Hardy, along with his bodyguards and secretary, boarded his private plane and flew directly to the U.S. Army Logistics Headquarters at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, the same day.
The plane landed at a military airfield, where several military vehicles were already waiting. A military officer greeted Hardy with a salute as he disembarked. "Mr. Hardy, General Williams sent us to pick you up."
"Thank you," Hardy replied.
They got into the vehicles and soon arrived at the logistics headquarters.
After smoothly passing through security, Hardy walked into the Major General Williams office. The general stood up with a smile and embraced Hardy.
The two sat down as someone brought them two cups of coffee. Major General Williams said, "It's been about six months since we last met, hasn't it?"
"Yes, time flies."
The major general looked at Hardy and smiled. "You've made quite some progress in that time. Congratulations on establishing the Hardy Group, acquiring a bank, and joining the California Consortium. Many of the weapon manufacturers in the California Consortium are suppliers to the U.S. military logistics, and I know some of them."
"By the way, your television station is doing great. That 'Super Idol' talent show has become the most popular program in the country. Whenever I have time, I watch it with my family. We all love it."
"A while ago, my niece was visiting us and mentioned she wanted to participate in the competition but was hesitant because she was afraid of being eliminated right away and felt it would be too embarrassing."
"How old is your niece?"
"Nineteen."
"What's her name?"
"Linda, Linda Williams."
"The talent show is for those who love to sing. I'm sure your niece would do quite well. You should encourage her to participate. There's still a month left for the auditions, so now is a good time to go," Hardy said with a smile. Sёarᴄh the ηovёlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.
"I'll let her know," Williams said, smiling.
Hardy nodded. He would later arrange for Edward to ensure this girl named Linda made it to the finals. As long as she wasn't utterly talentless, Edward should be able to find a way.
"Come on, I'll show you the supplies. Sorting this out has been giving me a headache," Major General Williams said as he stood up.
The two walked out of the building and got into a Jeep. The convoy drove to a row of large warehouses, stopping in front of one.
There were guards at the entrance who saluted immediately when they saw the general approaching.
The warehouse door was opened, and the lights were switched on. Inside, there were countless tall shelves filled with various items. Read exclusive chapters at m_v-l'-NovelFire.net
"This is a sample warehouse. To make it easier to handle, I had them bring a bit of everything here so it's more straightforward."
"These logistical supplies cover tens of thousands of categories, and the variety is so vast it's impossible to count. The catalog files alone are taller than a person."
They walked to a shelf where rows of wooden crates were stored. "These are field ration boxes, divided into B, C, K, and D types."
He opened one of the boxes first. Inside, Hardy saw a bunch of tin cans.
"This is a B ration pack. The cans contain butter, instant coffee, crackers, chocolate, chewing gum, cigarettes, matches, soap, water purification tablets, a can opener, and a towel."
"The other ration boxes here are similar, though each has different combinations. Some include candy, instant orange drink powder, different brands of cigarettes, or items like dried vegetables, macaroni, and powdered eggs."
The two walked further down.
Opening another box, they found it filled with canned luncheon meat. "These luncheon meat cans were a staple for the military. Over the course of the war, billions of these were consumed. Do you know what the production cost is?"
Hardy shook his head.
Major General Williams smiled. "Each can only costs 12 cents."