Books of this era, especially professional works, were expensive. One book could cost dozens of dollars, making this collection quite valuable.
As for the newspapers, there were two large bundles weighing dozens of pounds, including the New York Daily News and the Wall Street Financial News, covering the past six months.
Andy was a bookworm. As long as he had books to read, he didn't feel the passage of time. Having been out of touch with society for so long, he desperately needed to understand the current situation.
In prison, he only knew that World War II had started and then ended. He was unaware of the current state of society, but these newspapers provided him with answers. After reading about half of them, he felt like he was re-entering the real world.
In these newspapers, he read an article about HD Security. To him, HD Security's operations were classic, and the owner of that company was Jon Hardy.
When he saw the surname Hardy, Andy paused, wondering if this Jon Hardy could be the same Mr. Hardy who had helped him.
On September 5th, Andy was taken to the state court.
When he sat in the interrogation area, he felt a sense of déjà vu. It was in this very courtroom that he had been sentenced to life imprisonment.
Lawyer Bob presented the facts and evidence.
After a not-so-intense debate and courtroom investigation, the judge finally delivered the verdict.
Andy was acquitted and released in court.
Upon hearing the not guilty verdict, Andy couldn't hold back his tears, finally feeling the injustice he had suffered being righted.
Andy walked out of the courtroom.
Outside, a large group of reporters surrounded him, frantically taking pictures with their cameras.
"Mr. Andy, what do you think of the court's verdict? How has being imprisoned for seven years impacted your life?"
"Mr. Andy, will you sue the judge who sentenced you back then? How will the court compensate you?"
"Mr. Andy, did you kill your wife, or was the confessing thief an arrangement by you to take the blame?"
Henry and his men helped Andy push through the crowd and get into the car, which quickly drove away.
In the car, Henry asked Andy, "Mr. Andy, do you have a place to go? We can take you there."
"I have no home now, and nowhere to go. Mr. Henry, can I see Mr. Hardy?" Andy asked, looking at Henry.
Henry smiled, "Of course. How about I find you a hotel first, so you can take a bath and change your clothes?"
"Okay."
At HD Security.
As the car drove into the security headquarters, Andy looked dazedly at Henry and said, "Mr. Hardy is the owner of HD Security, Jon Hardy?"
"That's right," Henry replied with a smile.
Entering the office, Hardy stood up with a smile and shook Andy's hand, "Mr. Andy, congratulations on your release."
"I have to thank Mr. Hardy for everything you did for me. If it weren't for you, I might never have cleared my name or left Shawshank Prison."
He was filled with gratitude towards Hardy.
The two sat down, and Hardy poured them each a drink. They chatted about various topics, including prison life.
Finally, Hardy asked, "What are your plans for the future?"
Andy shook his head, "I don't know. I have no home or property left. I'll just find a job and start over slowly."
Hardy smiled. "I know you understand finance and were once a bank vice president. Why not come help me? I have several businesses that need management and require an economic assistant."
"I would be willing to work for Mr. Hardy."
Hardy smiled, finally having a reliable economic advisor.
When he saved Andy, it was partly because of his love for the movie and Andy's unfortunate situation, but also out of self interest. If Andy could become his economic advisor, it would be very convenient.
He wasn't short of other economist assistants, but he felt that training someone himself would be more reassuring, but that would take time, so he opted for the second option to help an expert economist and gain his loyalty.
Andy's services wouldn't be needed for the mafia's finances, as those were handled by the original Spanish advisor, Simon.
Simon alone was more than enough for the mafia's business.
"Take a few days to rest and adjust, then come to work," Hardy said.
Andy shook his head, "I don't need rest. I've had enough rest for seven years. I feel somewhat disconnected from society and want to familiarize myself while working."
"As you wish."
No boss would refuse a subordinate eager to work hard.
Arrangements were made for Andy to live in a small villa in a wealthy area, providing a quiet and safe environment. A car was also bought for him, along with a driver.
Andy officially became Hardy's economic advisor.
HD Security Company. HD Film Industry. HD Agency Company. Walsh Mining. Mineral Water Company. Television Company.
Art Auction House. Shares in Las Vegas casinos.
Andy took a week to sort out the financial situation of all of Hardy's businesses and found numerous problems.
"Mr. Hardy, your funds are used very chaotically. There are issues with unclear sources of funds and large amounts of untaxed money. It needs to be organized carefully. If the tax authorities find out, you could be in trouble," Andy said.
"That's why I needed a good economist to help," Hardy replied with a smile.
Andy nodded, "Don't worry, I'll handle all of this for you and ensure there are no issues when the tax authorities audit."
Andy spoke with confidence.
Hardy thought to himself, It was definitely worth it going to great lengths to get Andy out. With such a capable accountant to manage his books, the tax authorities wouldn't be able to touch him.
The thought was satisfying.
"Andy, I have a suggestion. My companies accounts will only increase in the future, and you might not be able to manage it all alone. I suggest you set up an accounting firm and hire a team. That way, you can manage everything more easily."