ABC now operated five channels.
In early November 1968,
Election Day arrived.
ABC dedicated an entire channel to election coverage, setting up a live broadcast room to report results from each state as they ca in. The nationwide audience could get updates in real ti. The broadcast room featured a panel of guests who provided continuous analysis.
As results were announced state by state, the atmosphere in the studio grew increasingly intense.
After over 20 hours of voting, the final results were in. Michael Corleone won the election with a solid advantage over his opponent, becoming the next president.
In New York, the Corleone estate erupted in celebration as the results were announced on television.
Michael leaped toward Hardy and hugged him tightly.
"Hardy, we did it. Thank you," Michael said, embracing Hardy.
"Don’t thank . Have you forgotten what we are?" Hardy replied.
"Brothers."
Michael clasped Hardy’s hand firmly.
Michael’s wife and children also ca to congratulate him. Michael had three children: his eldest son Anthony, aged 20, still in college and Hardy’s godson; his daughter Jane, 17, a beautiful young lady; and his youngest son John, aged 14.
Michael and Hardy retreated to the study. Michael specifically called his eldest son Anthony in.
Anthony entered and respectfully greeted Hardy, addressing him as "Godfather," before turning to Michael. "Father, did you call for sothing?"
"Now that the election results are out, you must be more mindful of your behavior. You’re still in college, and especially at school, I don’t want you standing out or acting differently from others."
Anthony nodded. "I understand, Father. I won’t beco arrogant or reckless."
"Good. Go and tell Jane and John as well," Michael instructed.
"Yes, Father. Father, Godfather, I’ll take my leave now," Anthony said politely before exiting.
After Anthony left, Hardy remarked to Michael, "Anthony has been well-educated by you. He has great potential to carry on the Corleone family’s legacy."
"Let’s hope so. And what about your kids?" Michael handed Hardy a cigar.
Thinking of his brood, Hardy chuckled. "They’re all doing well, full of energy, each with their own interests. My hope is for them to pursue their paths freely."
Michael laughed. "Having you as their father is a blessing for those 14 kids."
"No, 15 now," Hardy corrected.
Michael was montarily stunned.
"Another one?!"
"Yes, a few months ago, I had another son," Hardy said with a laugh.
Michael could only shake his head in admiration.
The two then discussed a range of topics, including cabinet appointnts, the distribution of power among various factions, future governance, the direction of the U.S. economy, and foreign policy.
When the topic of international relations ca up, the Soviet Union was a key focus.
Hardy said, "During Nixon’s term, there were many plans regarding the Soviet Union. In reality, a nearby Southeastern European region could serve as a valuable breakthrough point."
"Their relationship with the Soviets isn’t good right now. There have been many disagreents, even confrontations. Over the years, Nixon has established communication channels through several countries. Once you take office, you could build on this foundation."
"Our primary target is the Soviet Union. The enemy of our enemy is our friend. We have plenty of leverage, including their lack of United Nations mbership. They could even beco a permanent mber of the Security Council."
"Diplomatic relations could be established."
"We could also collaborate on technology, including weaponry, production techniques, and electronics, and invest in building factories in their region."
In history, there was a brief honeymoon period in the Balkans before they resud doing what they seem to enjoy most—fighting each other again.
Hardy’s suggestion was to rely introduce the U.S investnts as a replacent to the comunist so the the tiline by a few years.
Hardy’s suggestion was to invest in the Balkans region and provide opportunities for engagent, so they could focus on constructive activities instead of being idle and getting into conflicts with one another.
...
In February 1969,
Michael was sworn in at Capitol Hill as the new president of the United States. In this world, there was no Watergate scandal. With Hardy around, such an event would never occur. Nixon smoothly handed over power to Michael and quietly retired.
Soon after, Nixon beca the honorary president of Hardy University. His position boosted the university’s reputation, and in return, Nixon received a generous annual stipend and extensive benefits from Hardy Group.
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Michael entered the White House.
The cabinet lineup was finalized.
Andy once again made it into the cabinet, becoming the U.S. Secretary of State—a move that surprised no one.
George retained his position as FBI director.
Other appointnts represented a variety of factions.
The man later known as ’the Balkans’ old friend, Jas Morgan, was appointed National Security Advisor and Director of the National Security Council. He was a candidate pushed by the Rockefeller family.
Two months after Michael’s inauguration,
Jas Morgan embarked on a secret diplomatic mission.
The Late 1970s
As signs of reform and opening up began to erge in the balkan region, the Hardy Group was among the first to make bold moves.
At that ti, other foreign businessn were unsure about the region’s future and worried about potential policy changes. Most remained on the sidelines, hesitant to invest, which gave Hardy an opportunity.
Through companies in the Cayman Islands, the Penang-Malacca Dominion, and Hong Kong, Hardy Group made large-scale, comprehensive investnts in the balkan region.
In the 1980s, the information industries—computers, software, and telecommunications—rose rapidly. By the 1990s, the internet era finally arrived.
Hardy always managed to seize opportunities early, making investnts in these industries well ahead of ti.
By this point, Hardy Group had grown to an imnse scale. Many speculated that Hardy’s net worth was undoubtedly calculated in trillions of dollars. However, the exact amount remained unknown because, in later years, Hardy took asures to conceal much of his wealth.
Moreover, he owned the three autonomous territories of Penang, Malacca, and the Cayman Islands—private domains whose values were incalculable.
...
By 2021, Hardy Group had beco the most prestigious and legendary company in the world.
Hardy himself had reached the age of 100.
Though 100 years old, Hardy remained vigorous and energetic—likely thanks to his exceptional regenerative abilities. He looked more like soone in their seventies or eighties.
Holding a smartphone in his hand, Hardy felt a strange sense of déjà vu, as if he had experienced a full cycle of reincarnation.
Reflecting on his life, Hardy now had a net worth of several trillion dollars, had created imnse wealth, and had been involved with dozens of won—many of whom had since passed away. When Hardy bid them farewell, they all said they felt fortunate to have been part of his life.
The end.
...
Author’s Note: It has been a long journey, and I am glad I had your company all the way through—thank you. I am especially grateful for your presence, as you cheered up when I felt like giving up. Many unforeseen incidents occurred during this journey, but thanks to your support, I kept going—and I’m so glad I did. Finally, I want to say that you guys are the best, and I wish you all the very best in life.
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