The next day. Hardy, along with Sean and the real estate sales representative, arrived at the Los Angeles City Bank.

  Entering the luxurious bank lobby, the receptionist asked, "Who are you gentlemen here to see?"

  "We're looking for Mr. Kevin Madden, the manager," Sean replied.

  "Do you have an appointment?"

  "Just tell him we're here to discuss the purchase of a toy factory. He should know."

  The receptionist glanced at them and picked up the phone to call Kevin's office. "Manager Madden, there are three gentlemen downstairs asking to discuss the purchase of a toy factory. Do you have time to meet with them?"

  "Great, please have them go to the reception room on the third floor. Daisy, could you show them there? I'm afraid they might not find it."

  After hanging up the phone, the receptionist smiled at Hardy and the others. "Mr. Madden asks you to go to the third floor. Please follow me."

  Leading the way, the receptionist guided them to an elegantly decorated meeting room on the third floor and offered to make coffee for them.

  The sales representative, who was not new to visiting banks, had never been treated this well before. He wondered why they were being so accommodating this time. Could Mr. Hardy be a significant figure?

  Thinking about this, the sales representative looked at Hardy seriously.

  Soon, Kevin entered the meeting room with another middle aged man. Seeing Hardy and the others, they greeted each other with smiles.

  "Hello, I'm Kevin Madden, head of the credit department. This is Dave, head of the credit department's distressed asset management."

  This was Hardy's first time meeting Kevin Madden. Ah, last time this guy had his head covered; he didn't see his face.

  "Mr. Madden, hello, I'm Sean. This is my boss, Mr. Hardy, and this is the real estate sales representative. We're here to discuss the toy factory with the bank," Sean explained.

  Kevin glanced at Hardy, thinking this must be the friend of the gang leader that the robber mentioned. As long as this deal goes through, the gang promised not to ask him for ransom again.

  "Hello, Mr. Hardy," Kevin said warmly, extending his hand.

  "Hello, Mr. Madden," Hardy replied, shaking hands.

  Both sides sat down and entered negotiation mode. Dave smiled at Hardy and said, "Mr. Hardy, I believe you've received information about the toy factory from the sales company. The bank's offer is $98,500, which is actually a very reasonable price."

  Dave continued, "The factory is one of the largest plastic toy factories in Los Angeles. The machinery is also newly replaced, with the initial cost of the batch of machines exceeding $40,000."

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  Dave then looked at Hardy and said, "To be frank, Mr. Hardy, this toy factory is in high demand. Many people have shown interest in purchasing it. If you're interested, it's best to decide quickly before it's taken by other buyers."

  "I visited the site myself. The 18-acre land is correct, but it's far from Hollywood. The price can't possibly reach $1,800 per acre. I think $1,300 per acre is a reasonable price," Hardy countered.

  Dave was somewhat annoyed. How could the price be so low? After discussing for a while, Hardy stuck to the $1,300 price.

  Dave was about to argue when Kevin intervened, "The location of that toy factory isn't ideal, and Mr. Hardy's $1,300 per acre price is fair."

  Dave was stunned.

  Kevin's agreement left Dave puzzled. How could he agree to that price? but Kevin Madden was his direct superior, and Dave didn't want to argue against him.

  The real estate sales representative was also puzzled. A bank isn't charitable. They actually agreed to such a significant price reduction.

  Glancing at Hardy, he recalled that Mr. Hardy had instructed him to negotiate with the bank the day before. He was surprised that the bank agreed to such a significant discount, indicating the involvement of someone influential.

  After settling the land, Hardy continued, "I've seen the factory. It's old and in disrepair. Many parts are ruined. If I buy it, I'll have to renovate and rebuild. So pricing the building at $20,000 is unreasonable. I think $5,000 is the maximum."

  "The factory buildings, warehouses, and dormitories, although built four or five years ago, have no structural problems. With a little renovation, they'll be as good as new," Dave argued.

  "It's still too expensive," Hardy said, shaking his head.

  Dave was prepared to argue when Kevin intervened again, smiling at Hardy and saying, "I've reviewed the information. Those buildings are wooden frame and board constructions. Last year's report mentioned termite issues in the vicinity. How about we settle at $6,000?"

  The sales representative was even more surprised. From $20,000 down to $6,000, Mr. Hardy sure knows how to negotiate.

  Hardy continued, "As for the machines, they're three years old, idle for three years, and many are rusted and corroded."

  "Machinery becomes outdated quickly nowadays. Besides, I'm mainly interested in the location. I don't intend to produce toys," Hardy explained.

  "If those machines are sold out, they would only fetch scrap prices. It is estimated that they wouldn't even sell for $3,000."

  Dave was almost furious. "Even if they're second hand, those machines can still fetch $10,000," he argued.

  "Then you can sell them, I have no objections," Hardy shrugged.

  Dave was speechless. Banks don't sell assets individually. Who would sell these machines? Themselves?

  "Mr. Hardy, banks always sell assets as a package; there's no retailing," Dave grumbled.

  "In that case, reduce the price. I'll consider it as paying extra for the land," Hardy suggested.

  Dave thought, even the land price you're buying isn't expensive. In fact, it's super cheap. Are you planning to buy without spending a cent? We're practically giving this away.

  After a moment of silence, Kevin Madden spoke again, "Mr. Hardy, you make valid points. However, we always sell assets as a package. If you want to purchase the land, you'll need to take the machines too."

  He paused briefly before continuing, "How about this? We'll lower the price a bit, selling them to you at a second hand price. Total price of $8,000. What do you think?"

  Kevin looked at Hardy, clearly seeking approval.

  Next to him, Dave blinked vigorously, still trying to grasp why they sold it at such a low price.

  Hardy quickly calculated the figures mentally.

  He valued the land at $23,400 for 18 acres, the building at $6,000, and the production equipment at $8,000. The total price came to $37,400, which was slightly over half the original price. Kevin Madion seemed hesitant about lowering the price more, So Hardy accepted the offer,

  "Well, I agree to this price. Let's sign the contract."

  Kevin Madion felt a wave of relief when Hardy agreed. It was finally settled, and Kevin felt like he had saved himself $5,000.

  The real estate salesman was visibly surprised. He had expected Hardy to negotiate for a slightly lower price, but the drop from 98,000$ to 37,000$was beyond his imagination a discount of over 60,000 $.

  The most astonished person was Dave. Even after signing over the toy factory to Mr. Hardy, he was still trying to comprehend why it had been sold at such a remarkably low price.