The Tyrant Billionaire

Sam Walton was directing the staff in stocking the shelves. When he heard the big boss had arrived, he immediately came over to greet him. Seeing Hardy, he exclaimed with joy, "Mr. Hardy, you’ve returned from the East."

"Yes, I just got back. How much longer until we can open?" Hardy asked as he surveyed the surroundings. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"At most, three or four more days," Sam Walton replied.

"Take me around and explain everything in detail," Hardy said.

"Right this way, Mr. Hardy."

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Hardy, Andy, and Sam Walton walked around the supermarket. The supermarket had signed contracts with more than 2,000 suppliers, with each supplier providing several to hundreds of products. For example, Kroger Agricultural Group supplied half of the supermarket’s fruits, vegetables, and seafood.

The supermarket stocked a wide range of goods, including food, toys, new clothing, cosmetics, household appliances, daily necessities, meat, and fresh produce.

There was even a specialized store for firearms and ammunition inside.

Because the products were purchased directly from the manufacturers, the prices could be kept very low. This was the advantage of large supermarkets—low purchasing costs meant they could sell at lower prices while still maintaining profits. Naturally, lower prices for the same quality products were more attractive to customers.

Sam picked up a can of fruit and said to Hardy, "For example, this can of fruit—other grocery stores purchase it at around 30 cents, but we can get it for 22 cents. They sell it for 50 cents, but we can sell it for 40 cents. A 20% difference is significant, and customers will naturally know who to choose."

"And I’m planning to launch a membership system. Members can purchase a membership card for $100, and they’ll receive a 10% discount on all purchases. The card can be used at any Hardy chain supermarket, with no expiration date. If they don’t want to use it anymore, they can return the card and get their $100 deposit back."

"Isn’t $100 a bit expensive? People’s monthly salary is only about $200," Andy asked.

Sam smiled, "That’s what makes our membership card feel exclusive."

"Since we’re already selling at low prices, our profit margins are slim. With a 10% discount, the margin is even lower. The membership card is just a way to attract people, and we can also use the deposit as working capital."

Hardy continued to walk around the store.

The checkout counters were no different from those in future supermarkets, except they didn’t have electronic alarms like they would in the future.

There was nothing that could be done—those hadn’t been invented yet.

"How do you plan to handle theft prevention?" Hardy asked.

"I’ve already signed a contract with HD Security to hire security personnel responsible for the supermarket’s safety," Sam Walton replied.

Hardy shook his head.

"That’s not enough. The people who steal are much more cunning than you think. Hiring security staff can protect the store’s safety, but it won’t prevent theft," Hardy said.

Sam Walton frowned with concern. "What should we do, boss?"

"I’ll take care of it for you. When some people from The Los City contacts you, just cooperate with them," Hardy said.

Sam Walton knew exactly what The Los City company was and immediately nodded in agreement.

After inspecting the supermarket, Hardy returned to his estate in Beverly Hills. After being away for several months, he really missed home.

Who was at home now?

Ava hadn’t returned from Africa yet, Monroe seemed to be performing out of town and wasn’t in Los Angeles, but the French girl, Irina, should be around. Hardy picked up the phone and called the television station. Irina’s voice was filled with excitement when she heard him.

"I’ll come home right now!"

"Don’t you have a show to record tonight?"

"Oh, right, I do… I have Irina’s Tonight Show, and I’ve invited the Nobel Prize winning chemist. Oh, Hardy, I miss you so much. I wish I could see you right now," Irina said, sounding a little upset.

"Hehe, come over after you finish tonight."

"Alright, I guess I’ll have to wait," she said.

After hanging up, Hardy wondered if Taylor had returned. He guessed she should have finished filming her movie in France by now. He called the Taylor household, and Taylor’s mother, Elsa, answered with delight. She told Hardy that Taylor had gone to England.

"England? Why did she go there? Is she performing?" Hardy asked in surprise.

"No, Princess Margaret invited her. Taylor and Princess Margaret went to school together when they were children, and they were playmates. I didn’t expect Princess Margaret to remember Taylor and send her a telegram inviting her to England. She’s been there for over ten days now."

Elsa’s tone was full of pride, and it was clear she was excited about her daughter being invited by the princess. Hardy could understand her feelings—after all, she had English heritage.

After chatting briefly, Hardy hung up the phone.

Then he called Sam Walton and told him that the grand opening would be in five days. "You can start advertising tomorrow. Put it in the Global Times and on ABC TV. Even if some people can’t attend, we’ll still be promoting the Hardy chain store across the nation. After all, our goal is all of America."

"On the opening day, organize a ceremony and announce that there will be celebrities attending."

"Who will be coming, Mr. Hardy, so I can publicize it in the newspapers?" Sam Walton asked.

"Marilyn Monroe will be there."

"Miss Monroe? That’s fantastic! I’m sure the opening day will be packed with people," Sam said excitedly.

"There will also be some TV stars, like the actor who plays Captain America," Hardy added.

"Haha, honestly, having Miss Monroe is enough. I believe most people will come just to see her," Sam said.

Captain America’s muscles couldn’t compare to America’s sweetheart’s curves and legs.

That’s just how it was.

After hanging up with Sam, Hardy called Bill and informed him about the supermarket opening. Bill laughed and said, "Boss, I’ll definitely bring my people to support you."

"I’m not asking you to support me, I have a job for you," Hardy said.