After taking over the Spanish territory, Hardy had new plans. He joined the gang for developnt, but his aspirations were not limited to just being a Los Angeles gang boss.
The 1930s to 1950s were the golden age of gangs.
Many big shots dominated the scene.
However, in the following years, the governnt intensified its crackdown, crushing the montum of the gangs, making significant developnt difficult.
One by one, families were wiped out, unable to enter mainstream society.
A certain magazine once ranked the 50 most powerful gang leaders in the United States. But decades later, most of these individuals were either imprisoned or dead, with only a few surviving.
Hardy sought more than temporary glory.
As a ti traveler, he understood the changes in future societal developnt. There were plenty of opportunities to make money and progress, and he had no intention of remaining in the underworld.
During this ti, he had Bill take over gang affairs, delegating everything to him, intentionally Training his ability to stand on his own.
Hardy planned to conceal his identity.
At the very least, he wouldn't appear publicly as a gang boss.
After observing Hardy for a while, Sigel asked, "Do you want to imitate and hide behind the scenes?"
"Sothing like that."
"Do you trust your brother?"
"I do."
Sigel considered this.
"Alright, do as you see fit."
"I'll call Fred and inform him of your situation. In the future, you can cooperate with Fred."
"Thank you, Mr. Sigel."
"No need to thank . In fact, all of this cos from your own efforts. Co, let's go inside. I'll share my vision for this place with you." Sigel stood up, leading Hardy into the casino construction site.
As they walked and talked, Sigel explained his vision to Hardy. He was ticulous in every detail, even personally overseeing the tile designs. Hardy could tell that Sigel treated this project as a work of art.
The creek had been dug through, drawing water from the mountains. The two stood by the riverbank, smoking and chatting.
"The biggest problem remains insufficient funds. I've invested 1.3 million, and the other four shareholders have put in 2.4 million. But I know this isn't nearly enough. We've already spent over $3 million, and at least another $4 million is needed for the remaining work. Those guys are procrastinating when it cos to making further investnts." complained Sigel.
"Mr. Sigel, after taking over the Spanish territory, I had my n re-organize our businesses. Excluding the drug trade, we make around $450,000 in profit annually," Hardy stated.
Sigel calculated in his head. $450,000. If he took 40%, that's only $180,000.
A drop in the bucket.
He also knew that the main inco of the Spanish gang before was from cocaine, but Sigel was against drug trafficking, so normal inco was the only option.
Hardy continued, "Recently, I've set my sights on another venture—installing slot machines and punching machines in places like bars, barber shops, and convenience stores. I've calculated that the annual revenue could reach around $300,000, which is a good business."
According to Bill's previous calculations, they could make around 1.6 million annually. However, that wasn't pure profit, including gang mber salaries, other expenses, bribing Director Ed, and market issues. In the end, Hardy provided a conservative estimate of 600,000 to 800,000 in annual profit.
He reported 300,000 to Sigel.
The most conservative estimate.
When Sigel heard that he was interested, If this business were included, he could earn about $300,000 annually.
Hmm, that wasn't much less than what his Austrian gang earned for him.
"Installing slot machines and punching machines might attract police attention. I'll call a few friends to take care of this business," Sigel suggested.
"That would be great."
Although Bill had already dealt with the police chief, others might still keep an eye on them, so it was best for Sigel to handle this.
The two arrived in Las Vegas.
They found a restaurant and continued chatting over dinner.
Sigel was well inford, and Hardy ca from the age of the information explosion, so their topics were broad and enjoyable. They moved from the restaurant to a bar.
Taking a sip of his drink, Sigel sighed, "That guy Fred has never been able to chat with like this. chatting with you is second only to chatting with Virginia."
Only then did Hardy rember not seeing Virginia Hill, Sigel's lover. "Isn't Miss Virginia Hill in Las Vegas?"
"She's in New York, attending a fashion festival. She's tired of being here, saying her skin is sunburned. We argued, and she left by plane," Sigel lanted.
Spending two days in Las Vegas, Sigel made calls to the mayor and two counciln in front of Hardy and also called Fred.
The Arican gangs system is built on benefits sharing, where the subordinates give part of their gains to the boss of the gang anwhile the boss of the gang also provided for his subordinates as well by using part of that money and his connections to clear paths and smooth relationships, forming a perfect symbiotic relationship.
After bidding farewell to Sigel, Hardy returned to Los Angeles and called a eting with his brothers at the security company. Bill looked at Hardy and asked, "Boss, any good news?"
Hardy smiled, "Indeed, I'm planning to officially establish a gang."
"Great!"
Bill, Henry, Matthew, and others cheered together.
Hardy raised his hand in silence.
"But I don't intend to be the boss. I want Bill to take charge," Hardy said.
Henry and the others were stunned.
Bill was also taken aback.
"Boss, you've built all of this. Why let be the boss?" Bill asked in surprise.
He was already content being second in command and had never thought of taking Hardy's place.
Hardy smiled and gestured for Bill to calm down, "I plan to divide our operations into legitimate and gang businesses, security companies, film companies, economic companies, and potential future businesses. These are all legitimate enterprises that require a legal identity to operate."
"For gang related businesses, I want Bill to handle them."
Bill understood.
"Like Mr. Sigel and boss Fred's relationship, I'll be the executive and you will be the chairman" Bill said.
"Exactly." Hardy smiled.
Hardy had long planned to use this opportunity to whitewash himself, let Bill take charge, and control the gang's strength without being tied down by the gang.
Lancer agreed with Hardy's decision.
"This way, Hardy won't be completely imrsed in gang activities. He can have a legitimate identity and enter the mainstream society, leading everyone to greater developnt in the future."
"Now let's discuss the personnel allocation. Bill, you'll manage gang operations in the future. I'll assign half of our manpower to you, and Big Ivan will join you as well. That should give you enough manpower to operate, and you can recruit more if needed."
"As for the security company, Major Lancer, you'll arrange for the transition to official business providing security services to banks and large companies."
"In the future, gang related and legitimate businesses will develop separately, with no connection unless there's a serious situation."
A few days later, a rumor spread in the Los Angeles underworld a gang called the "Red Dani" gang, which was second only to the Austrians and Irish gangs, had a new boss nad Bill. The gang was renad "Red Bill" due to the new boss being Dani's nephew.
Bill beca the boss.
His subordinates beca leaders.
Sean managed finances.
Simon handled the loan company.
Reid and Big Ivan had their own responsibilities.
Richard, Neil, Henry, Matthew, Leo, and Chris were left at the security company under Hardy's command.
With the security company providing backup, no one could touch Red Bill.
Other businesses operated normally, with slot machines and punching machines spreading everywhere and thriving. Bill managed this profitable business diligently.
If run well, this could beco the most profitable venture for the gang.
Just as things settled down, Hardy said to Bill one day, "Let's go et Fred and discuss business with him."
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