The Tyrant Billionaire

"Our investigation reveals that Hans Biopharmaceutical initially applied for Phase II trials with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at the same time. However, due to strict regulations and cautious approaches toward human trials in the United States, the application was denied. Consequently, Hans Biopharmaceutical shifted its focus entirely to Africa.

"Now that the results of Phase II trials are in and meet the required standards, the company is expected to reapply for Phase II trials in the U.S. If successful, the new drug for tuberculosis treatment will enter the market. Experts estimate the market value of this drug to be no less than $3 billion. It is believed that Hans Biopharmaceutical's stock price will see a significant rise."

The American Times not a highly influential publication, might not have garnered much attention with this report. However, the article was later cited by theLos Angeles Times. Unlike the former, theLos Angeles Timesis a nationally recognized publication with substantial influence over financial decisions.

Once theLos Angeles Timespicked up the story, it quickly captured the attention of investors across the United States.

People weren't foolish.If Hans Biopharmaceutical succeeded in its trials in the United States, its stock price was bound to skyrocket like a rocket launch.

In fact, over the past few months, under the secretive manipulation of Andy, Hans Biopharmaceutical's stock had already begun to climb steadily. Its current price had reached $5.6, an increase of nearly 100 times since the initial valuation.

Of course, this was entirely fueled by Hardy's money. Without other investors to shoulder the risk, the stock price was just a meaningless figure. Find your next read at My Virtual Library Empire

But looking at the stock price—$5.6—

This valuation was still negligible compared to the estimated $3 billion market value. Smart investors recognized this as an ideal time to invest. If the Phase II trials in the U.S. succeeded, the stock price would undoubtedly soar.

Many began purchasing shares of Hans Biopharmaceutical, prompting another rapid surge in its stock price.

Every day saw significant leaps.

In just over ten days, the stock price had already exceeded $30.

Still, it hadn't peaked.

There were those tirelessly driving the price higher.

Hans Biopharmaceutical became the market's star stock. Reporters wanted to interview its owner, Hans, but were informed that he was still in Africa, continuing with Phase III trials.

When asked about his return to the United States, it was said it might take some time.

A few days later, theLos Angeles Timespublished another article. They had dispatched a freelance journalist based in South Africa to interview Dr. Hans directly.

In the interview, Hans expressed that the trials had been highly successful. The new drug had been tentatively namedEthambutol. The drug, a white crystalline substance soluble in water, interferes with the synthesis of ribonucleic acid in tuberculosis bacteria, effectively killing or inhibiting the bacteria.

In fact, research on this drug had started years ago, but progress had been halted midway due to certain setbacks. Later, when the research facility faced difficulties and Hans was left working alone, he revisited past data and experiments, hoping to identify a breakthrough. After relentless efforts, he finally succeeded.

"All I can say is, thank God," Hans remarked.

All trial results now met or exceeded expectations. As for the Phase II trials in the U.S., Hans was not in a rush.

"Conducting Phase II trials anywhere doesn't make a big difference," Hans explained. "I plan to complete all human trials here in Africa, secure market approval, and then conduct trials in the U.S. before selling the drug there. This approach is more convenient and responsible for American users."

Hans's strategy was entirely legitimate. Many American pharmaceutical companies had previously conducted trials abroad before pursuing additional trials in the U.S. for safety reasons.

Similarly, pharmaceutical companies in Britain and France often used populations in less developed regions as trial subjects instead of their own citizens.

The report sent Hans Biopharmaceutical's stock price soaring once again, breaking the $50 mark in no time.

At this point, Hans Biopharmaceutical's total market capitalization exceeded $200 million—an astonishing figure.

Some began seeing the bubble forming. After all, the company's value was based solely on speculation, with no tangible product or results to back it up. Rational investors started backing out, leaving only those driven by fervor to continue buying.

By March, time had flown, and it was once again the season for the annual Academy Awards. Historically, this year's Oscars had been somewhat subdued due to McCarthy's controversies. However, with McCarthy now incapacitated and several major studios eager to revitalize Hollywood, the awards ceremony turned out to be exceptionally grand.

The event was held at the RKO Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles.

For the occasion, Hardy returned from Japan. On the red carpet, Marilyn Monroe walked arm in arm with Hardy, causing a wave of cheers upon their appearance.

Some Like It Hothad catapulted Marilyn Monroe to stardom, eclipsing all other Hollywood actresses at the time.

If Ava Gardner had been the fastest-rising star in previous years, Marilyn Monroe had now become Hollywood's most dazzling figure. Even Elizabeth Taylor couldn't help but feel jealous, complaining to Hardy about giving Monroe such an excellent script.

"Your styles are entirely different," Hardy replied.

"Monroe suits the sexy route—and only the sexy route—whereas you can star in serious dramas. Your range as an actress is broader. With more refined acting skills, you'll surpass her in the future when the right script comes along."

Taylor was finally appeased.

During the awards ceremony, when Marilyn Monroe was announced as the winner of Best Actress, she covered her mouth in shock, overwhelmed with emotion.

When Monroe stepped on stage to accept her award, she held the Oscar statuette and looked out at the audience.

"I love Hollywood, I love movies, and most of all, I love Hardy," she said, pressing her hand to her lips and blowing a kiss.

Wowww~~The statement immediately triggered a wave of applause and cheers from the audience. The live broadcast cameras turned to Hardy, who smiled and waved, eliciting another round of enthusiastic clapping.

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