As Columbus had described, the area was rich in water resources, with several canyon rivers that were abundant and clear. The water tasted slightly sweet when drunk.
The inspectors noted that the water was slightly alkaline, which can taste sweet and is more beneficial to human health.
After collecting ample water samples from several rivers and carefully labeling them, they swiftly returned to Los Angeles. Within two days, a water quality report was produced.
The report indicated that the water was naturally slightly alkaline, having been nurtured in the mountains for millions of years. It contained potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, metasilicic acid, and other essential minerals and trace elements.
The water was naturally pure, crisp in taste, beneficial to health, and suitable for long-term human consumption.
After reading the report, Hardy smiled.
He had initially thought the area was a worthless wasteland, only to discover it held true treasure.
Having this mineral water was akin to finding a gold mine, and it was inexhaustible.
Hardy picked up the phone and called New York. Before long, Michael answered, and Hardy recounted the entire process to him. Michael was also pleasantly surprised.
"That's fantastic, Hardy. I have some good news for you too. There's word from Congress that the television production ban will be lifted soon," said Michael.
Another piece of good news.
It seemed the old godfather had exerted his influence.
He recalled a scene from the movie "The Godfather" where a group of Sicilian prisoners captured were to be repatriated to Italy. These people sought help from the godfather, who persuaded a senator to propose a change in national law in Congress, ultimately allowing the prisoners to become American citizens.
This demonstrated the godfather's considerable influence.
"Michael, let's work hard together to earn back our investment as soon as possible," said Hardy.
"Sure thing" Michael replied with a smile.
Hardy then called in Adams, the mining company manager, and Columbus, the exploration team leader. "I want to build a mineral water plant on that land in New Mexico. Can you handle this? If not, I'll find someone else."
"If you do a good job with the construction, you'll both receive a substantial bonus."
The two immediately became excited when they heard about the bonus, "Don't worry, boss, we will have no problem with anything related to the mine."
Both Adams and Columbus were quite capable, they had experience building mining facilities, and constructing a mineral water plant would be simpler.
"Alright, this task is yours. Keep me updated on the progress," Hardy instructed.
"Yes, boss," they responded, leaving with smiles. They finally had work to do, and having nothing to do made them more uneasy, as it meant they could be fired at any time.
Just after Adams and Columbus left, an aide came in to report to Hardy, "Boss, we just received a shipment from New York. It's marked with your signature."
Hardy immediately remembered—it must be the Oil paintings he had bought from that antique store in New York.
"Move the packages to the storage room," Hardy ordered.
Previously, Hardy had obtained some art work and set up a storage room on the third floor of the security company. The room was filled with wooden shelves, and the art works were placed on them. However, there were only a few dozen pieces, and it looked rather empty.
Upon arriving at the storage room, he instructed his men to unpack the wooden crates and place the art works on the shelves.
The shelves were now filled.
He felt a slight sense of accomplishment.
He genuinely liked this art works. Besides oil paintings, he felt that sculptures were really test less.
He thought about checking out art works stores in Los Angeles or perhaps New York, where there were more Jewish people who were renowned for their richness and art collection.
But gave up since he was pretty much a new comer to the art industry and can be cheated easily.
Feeling idle, Hardy thought about the women.
Ava was still filming in New Mexico, but she should be back soon, within the next two weeks. He hadn't seen Elizabeth Taylor for a week and wondered how her practice was going. Hardy called the Taylor household, and Taylor answered, almost shouting in excitement upon hearing Hardy's voice.
"Mr. Hardy, you're back from New York."
"Yes, I'm back."
"How's the practice going?" Hardy asked.
"I think it's going well. Would you like to see?" Taylor suggested.
This girl wanted to see him.
Hardy drove to the Taylor house, where Mrs. Sarah welcomed him in. Taylor ran over, smiling.
The girl was wearing a casual jacket, looking very different from the pampered princess she was when they first met. Now she looked like a normal high school girl.
"Not bad"
She does have that feeling now. Hardy had to admit that Taylor is a natural actor.
Taylor performed a few scenes for Hardy, who pointed out a few areas, and Taylor kept nodding in acknowledgment.
She now admires Hardy from the bottom of her heart, believing whatever Hardy says.
After the performance, the three of them chatted leisurely. Hardy noticed the painting hanging in Taylor's living room and suddenly remembered that Taylor's father was a businessman who sold paintings. Perhaps he could buy some European oil paintings from him as an investment.
"Mrs. Sara, I really like oil paintings. I wonder if Mr. Taylor has any works by famous artists?' Hardy asked.
"It turns out Mr. Hardy also likes paintings. If you want to see some, why don't we go to the gallery? Even if he doesn't have any, Mr. Taylor can help you acquire some." Mrs. Sara replied.
Hardy thought it was a good idea, so the three of them drove to Mr. Taylor's gallery.
The gallery was quite spacious, with an elegant decor, almost like a small art exhibition. Mr. Taylor greeted Hardy and upon hearing that Hardy wanted to buy paintings, he showed him around the gallery, introducing the paintings and their artists.
"This is a painting by Max Ernst, in the surrealist style, which is very popular now."
"This is a painting by Jean Dubuffet, belonging to the genre of brut art."
"This is a painting by Jackson Pollock, he always likes to express thoughts through abstract art."
Mr. Taylor introduced them one by one.
It's a pity that Hardy doesn't recognize any of these painters. In his knowledge, he only remembers a few European painters, and that's only because he saw news about how their paintings sold for astronomical prices.