The Tyrant Billionaire

People entered the main hall, where four cash withdrawal counters were opened. Those withdrawing money could see stacks of cash behind the iron bars. Most people had never seen so much money in their entire lives, and many couldn't help but swallow nervously.

It was a clear message: there was plenty of money. This was the bank's confidence on display.

Many people thought to themselves:

"If only one of those stacks were mine."

"No, even just one bundle."

"No, even one wad."

"Even if just one wad of cash were mine, I could live comfortably for six months."

Withdrawals and deposits were handled without pause, and if there were large sums of thousands or tens of thousands, a manager would personally escort the customer to a VIP room for special service.

Everything was progressing in an orderly manner.

The situation was well under control.

The bank remained open until 7 p.m., which was an extended business day. In total, more than 2,000 transactions were processed that day.

The next day, business resumed.

As the days went on, with continuous cash disbursements, people realized that HSBC indeed wasn't short on money, and their urge to withdraw funds subsided. Fewer and fewer people came to withdraw.

Several Hong Kong newspapers,

The Global Times, and even British newspapers, reported on HSBC's cash guarantee efforts. Many of the articles praised the new HSBC board for its responsibility and accountability. There was a growing belief that HSBC would have a brighter future under its new leadership.

People are easily influenced by public opinion.

Gradually, public sentiment toward HSBC improved. The blame was placed on the previous owner, while the new one was seen as responsible and trustworthy.

...

In the suburbs of Hong Kong, there was a small two-story villa where Victor and Bruce Lee met.

Bruce Lee sat with Victor, both sipping tea. After exchanging a few words, Bruce Lee signaled for someone to bring out a large leather suitcase.

"Mr. Victor, here is the remaining balance—$1,253,600. Not a cent short. As for my share, I've already deducted it; I can't resist a bit of greed,"Bruce Lee said with a smile.

Victor signaled his bodyguard to take the suitcase.

He smiled and replied, "This is business, as it should be. I like doing things clearly and cleanly. It's been a pleasure working with you on this deal."

The people who had stirred up trouble earlier were, of course, members of the Triads.

These individuals were perfect for this kind of job—professionals, even.

Victor had approached Bruce Lee and presented him with over 2,000 savings certificates, explaining that if his men could cash them, they would get a tenth of the proceeds.

Victor was only using their manpower and wasn't about to hand over large savings certificates and promissory notes, so all of these 2,000 certificates were for small amounts. Even so, the total reached over $1.3 million.

A tenth of that was more than $100,000.

How could Bruce Lee refuse?

Everything that followed at HSBC—the gatherings, the commotion, the attacks, the siege—was all orchestrated by the Triads. The Triad organization had thousands of members, and on top of that, they had family members too. For one Hong Kong dollar a day, which was less than 20 U.S. cents, they could cause havoc.

But this job was highly sought after. A job paying thirty Hong Kong dollars a month was considered high-paying, and there were many unemployed people. This job could be done by anyone—men, women, the elderly, and even children.

These people would hand over the money they received, unaltered, and in return, they'd get a bonus of around 10 Hong Kong dollars.

In this way, they managed to cash in all those small certificates like ants moving their nest.

As for the large certificates and promissory notes, Wells Fargo's Sandy Will stated that they could be processed through internal bank channels. The certificates would be handed over to HSBC, and the money would be transferred to Wells Fargo's account. As for the depositors' information, that could all be handled.

There's nothing more audacious than money laundering between banks.

It's blatant.

It involves massive amounts of money.

And you can't trace it.

Compared to this, laundering money through criminal organizations is child's play.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Only a select few could even touch this kind of interbank money laundering, unless you controlled several banks yourself.

"Mr. Victor, if there's ever another job like this, just let me know. Don't hesitate," Bruce Lee said.

"Of course, The Hardy Group will begin investing in Hong Kong soon. When the time comes, we'll need to clear up some disturbances."

Victor took his leave.

Watching Victor take the money away, Bruce Lee couldn't help but feel a pang of heartache. Now that's how you make money. He was only getting a small cut.

Still, earning over $100,000 in just a few days was far better than what other gangs made. Feeling pleased with himself again, Bruce Lee smiled.

British newspapers also reported on the events in Hong Kong.

The HSBC bank run crisis had subsided. The major shareholders had changed, and Wells Fargo and Manhattan Bank had brought in large sums of cash to settle the matter, allowing normal business operations to resume.

After reading the newspapers,

David realized that the HSBC situation had been resolved. He thought to himself, "Hardy is just as skilled at solving problems as he is at creating them."

He planned to have a chat with Hardy soon.

...

David Rockefeller poured Hardy a glass of wine, and the two of them sat by the fireplace, chatting. Today, Hardy had received a call from David, who said he wanted to have a good conversation. Since Hardy had no other plans, he took the opportunity to visit the future head of the Rockefeller family and strengthen their relationship.

After taking a sip of his drink, David asked, "Hardy, how do you see the future of the United States?"