Chapter 383 Ferrero
The war had destroyed their factory, leaving only a few tailors to make custom suits, bringing them back to their early days as a tailor shop.
Hardy held out his hands while the tailors took his measurements. The Zegna owner continuously smiled and introduced his business, hoping to secure Hardy's investment to open a new ready to wear factory.
Hardy had heard of the Zegna brand in his previous life.
It was one of the world's top men's clothing brands with a very high market share.
"I have a suggestion for you," Hardy said.
"Please go ahead, Mr. Hardy," the owner asked very humbly.
"Open a clothing factory in Italy and also one in the United States. In the future, America's consumption capacity will be the world's highest, so it's best to capture that market now," Hardy said.
"Oh, I would like to, but this would require a larger investment," the owner replied, looking somewhat troubled.
"I will invest. In that case, my shares will certainly be the majority, but I will give you some technical shares. Think it over," Hardy suggested.
The Zegna owner bowed his head and thought for a long time.
"I agree with your suggestion, Mr. Hardy."
After negotiating cooperation with these luxury brands, Hardy had some free time. He planned to take a stroll through Rome and visit the Rome branch of the Global Times.
The newspaper head quarter had a small two story building in Rome.
There were only six or seven people in total. Hardy met with the editor in chief and reporters, gave them some encouragement, and treated them to a lavish meal.
After the meal, Hardy left with his assistant and bodyguards.
As their car drove down a street, Hardy suddenly asked the driver to stop. He looked at the statues ahead and realized this was the Trevi Fountain, as seen in "Roman Holiday."
"I'll get out and take a walk."
Hardy got out, and his assistant and two bodyguards quickly followed, trailing behind him. Hardy stood by the Trevi Fountain for a while, then walked down a nearby street. It must be said that every street in Rome exudes an artistic atmosphere.
Some thoughts flashed through Hardy's mind.
Should "Roman Holiday" be released a few years earlier? The male lead, Joe, could be a reporter for the Global Times, which would certainly be a great promotion for the newspaper. As for the scooter in the movie, the scooter from the motorcycle company Hardy previously acquired would fit perfectly.
All items in the film, if they could be from his companies, would be. Audrey Hepburn's dress? Prada. The jewelry she wears? Bulgari.
The drink she sips? It must be Pepsi.
Hardy said to his assistant, "Make a note of this and inform Henry and the others to find a girl named 'Audrey Hepburn.' She should be in the UK and has either acted in films or performed in stage plays."
The assistant quickly noted it down.
This was all Hardy knew, and finding her might be challenging. It would depend on Henry and his team's capabilities.
After giving his instructions, Hardy was about to get back in the car when he suddenly smelled a rich chocolate aroma. He looked up and found himself standing in front of a candy shop.
He glanced at the sign.
"Ferrero Candy."
Hardy was slightly surprised. The future richest man in Italy was the owner of Ferrero Candy. Hardy stepped into the shop, which had wooden shelves filled with various chocolate candies.
One box contained chocolate balls wrapped in gold paper, which caught Hardy's eye. At that moment, a salesperson approached and smiled, asking, "Gentlemen, what would you like to buy?"
"What is this candy called?" Hardy pointed to the gold wrapped balls.
"This is our owner's creation, 'Hazelnut Wafer Chocolate.' It tastes wonderful. Would you like to try one?" the salesperson said, handing one to Hardy.
Hardy unwrapped the paper, revealing a chocolate ball inside. He took a bite. He had to admit, it tasted delicious.
This triggered some memories from Hardy's previous life.
He hadn't thought of his past life in a long time, but today, a piece of candy stirred memories.
Back then, he was still in college.
Every time he goes to take a lesson he goes to a small shop to buy a Ferrero chocolate, it can be said that the number of the Ferrero he eat is equal to the number of lessons he attended.
Ah, the memories of youth.
"I would like to meet your boss," Hardy said after finishing a golden ball.
"Huh, you want to meet our boss? May I ask why?" the salesperson asked, puzzled.
"I am an investor from the United States, and I think your chocolates are excellent. I am interested in investing," Hardy said straightforwardly.
The salesperson was a bit stunned.
One chocolate, and he's ready to invest?
Is this for real, or just a trick to get a free piece of chocolate?
"Uh, I'll call our boss, he's upstairs," the salesperson hurriedly said, heading upstairs.
Hardy picked up another golden ball, unwrapped it, and started eating. He had to admit, the hazelnut wafer chocolate he was eating now was much tastier than the ones he had eaten in his previous life. Whether it was the chocolate itself or the handmade nature, the flavor was exceptional.
In any case, it was delicious.
It made him want to eat one after another.
Hardy also knew the story behind these hazelnut wafer chocolates.
After World War II, European countries faced material shortages, and cocoa beans were in short supply. To reduce the amount of chocolate used, Ferrero invented these chocolate balls with hazelnuts, crushed nuts, and wafers, allowing them to use only one sixth of the chocolate.
Explore stories at empire
After its invention, the candy was found to taste excellent and became hugely popular, becoming one of Ferrero's most classic chocolate products.
Pietro Ferrero, in his thirties, was surprised when he learned that the guest from America was interested in investing in his candy shop.