Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 100, 99 A Wake-Up Call (Informing the Public of the Impending Outbreak of World War II), Discussions on Flights from Asia to Europe

With the completion of the equity transfer of Taishan Airlines, Fang Wen has officially become the controlling shareholder of the company.

Although there were some minor hiccups and it made the newspapers, overall it was a happy ending for everyone.

Fang Wen, who owns the company, is preparing to implement some reforms.

Fang Wen, from the future, clearly understands that employees' motivation comes from many sources.

Salary is an important part, but not the whole story.

There are also benefits, career development prospects, corporate culture, and so on.

He had discussed these things with Kwong Ming-chu, whose family had been in business for generations. Kwong Ming-chu had never imagined that her husband would have such insights into business.

Kwong Ming-chu generally approves of these views.

In her words, "This is really good. In the past, it would take several years for my family to recruit apprentices. With your system, you offer incentives, teach with reason, and care about everything. I can't think of any reason why someone working at Taishan Airlines would leave."

Since Kuang Mingzhu accepted this theory of future business management, Fang Wen simply laid it all out.

He also explained the future promotion model to Kwong Ming-chu.

"I've come up with an internal promotion system for Taishan Airlines employees. They will be promoted based on their work performance, and the benefits will vary depending on the level. As long as they are willing to work hard, they can reap the corresponding rewards."

Kuang Mingzhu had never heard of a job promotion system, or rather, such a thing didn't exist in the Republic of China.

But after hearing what Fang Wen said, he was greatly surprised.

"Sir, your vision is fantastic. The job levels range from 13 to 22, each further subdivided into A, B, and C grades. Employees will be promoted at least one grade annually, but the exact pace depends on individual performance, ability, and contributions; a high-performing employee could even be promoted two grades. The salary also varies significantly between levels: 50 silver dollars a month for level 13, and a whopping 120 silver dollars for level 17! I guarantee that once this promotion system is announced, all employees will be incredibly motivated. But what about levels 1-12?"

Fang Wen smiled but remained silent. He had always wondered where levels 1-12 went, since large companies started assigning job levels from level 13.

Now, as a manager, he's figured it out.

The numbers 1-12 are not included; they are for external display, to show that Taishan Airlines employees are all highly talented, skipping directly from job levels 1-12.

Another point is that job titles only apply to employees outside his inner circle. People like Manager Liu do not need job title evaluations; they are considered veterans and meritorious employees.

After all, it's completely unnecessary for even them to compete for promotion.

Therefore, they all belong to level 23 employees.

Kuang Mingzhu, deputy general manager of Taishan Airlines, acted swiftly and decisively, completing the establishment of new systems.

The employees now have a comprehensive career development plan.

The job promotion system, through a non-targeted competitive model, fosters a sense of competition among all employees, thereby increasing their work motivation.

Motivation alone is not enough; they need to continuously learn and improve their abilities.

The internal employee training mechanism is also being improved.

The company has publicly announced that employees can receive basic business skills training, firearms shooting training, mechanical repair training, and flight apprentice training, among other things.

Everything else is fine, but firearms shooting training was something the employees hadn't expected. However, since the company allows them to handle guns, most employees are willing to accept shooting training.

The final change was the introduction of various considerate welfare systems.

The employees receive four sets of uniforms per year, one for each of spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

There are allowances and gifts for employees during holidays.

The employee cafeterias are standardized, and employees will be issued meal tickets every month. The cafeterias at airports in various locations will be managed uniformly by the company's food department.

This food department will also be responsible for supplying food to Taishan Airlines, launching the in-flight meals that passengers have been eagerly anticipating.

Taishan Airlines is developing into a fully-fledged airline.

Meanwhile, Fang Wen, the company's chairman and general manager, took time out to attend to other matters.

The more detailed intelligence that Zhao Jiu obtained from Far Eastern intelligence dealers in Shanghai revealed the delicate state of the current world situation.

The economic crisis that began in 1929 swept the globe, causing enormous turmoil.

The US stock market experienced a major crash, with the index falling by 84% by December of this year, resulting in a market capitalization loss of over 70%.

5000 banks failed, at least 13 businesses went bankrupt, and the auto industry declined by 95%.

Total industrial output and national income plummeted by nearly half.

Germany, also known as the Weimar Republic, was in a similar predicament. As a defeated nation in World War I, it was already economically vulnerable.

After von Papen resigned from the Weimar Republic, the new Chancellor, Kurt von Schleicher, fully aligned himself with Hitler.

Nearly 500 million workers lost their jobs or suffered significant pay cuts, and in their struggle for survival, they took to the streets, where demonstrations and fights took place everywhere.

Workers, landowners, and even businessmen no longer trusted the parliamentary nobles whose names contained the character "Feng," and instead turned to the Nazi Party, which had a stronger social foundation.

But how could a little mustache possibly solve the domestic problems? His speeches deceived everyone, but in the end, he could only alleviate the domestic conflicts by plundering, just like Japan.

In another European country, France.

At this time, France, which had long enjoyed a surplus due to its overseas investments, was also affected by the economic crisis, but its situation was quite different.

France is mired in severe deflation, with exports plummeting while its currency remains strong and it even holds a quarter of the world's gold reserves.

In the context of the global crisis, France today appears as a tempting pie to other countries facing economic difficulties.

Having witnessed the substantial profits gained by the Japanese invasion of China, it's believed that Hitler, upon taking power, would be eager to do the same.

Only by occupying France could the crisis facing the Weimar Republic be resolved.

This is indeed what happened in history: a blitzkrieg saved Germany and also set the stage for World War II.

1932 12 Month 17 Day.

Fang Wen, who possesses memories of the future, has a clear understanding of the outbreak of World War II.

Although he knew he couldn't change anything, he decided to give it a try.

Write a wake-up call to warn our 400 million compatriots.

He wrote this article himself, and then had Kuang Mingzhu polish it.

"Sir, I've fixed it, please take a look."

Fang Wen took the paper from his wife and looked at the article that had been revised to the style of the Republic of China era.

[A Notice to the Public: Taishan Airlines' Fang Wen's False Statements]

Chaos has arrived, war is imminent, the people must be vigilant! Since ancient times, the world has been divided for a long time before uniting, and united for a long time before dividing. Looking at the global situation today, a storm is brewing, undercurrents are surging, and signs of war are already evident. Since 1929, the economic crisis has swept across the world like a violent storm, affecting every country, causing people to be displaced and widespread suffering.

The American stock market, once a thriving spectacle, is now a desolate wasteland. Indices have plummeted, market capitalization has evaporated, banks have collapsed, businesses have gone bankrupt, and the auto industry has halted more than half of its production. National income has plummeted, industrial output has been halved, and the nation's fate hangs in the balance.

The Weimar Republic in the West was teetering on the brink of collapse. Its previous defeat had already weakened its economy, and now an economic crisis compounded its woes. The Weimar government was unstable, with a change of prime minister and the rise of Schleicher, who completely aligned himself with the Nazis. The people suffered, unemployment was high, and discontent was widespread. The Nazi Party seized the opportunity, inciting public discontent and attempting to save the nation through aggression and plunder—a strategy that was ultimately self-destructive.

Although France was also affected by the economic crisis, its substantial overseas investments allowed it to remain relatively secure. However, its strong currency and abundant gold reserves made it a beacon of hope in turbulent times, inevitably attracting covetous eyes. Considering Japan's invasion of China and its immense plunder, the Weimar Republic was bound to follow suit, seeking to make France its next target to alleviate its immediate domestic crises.

We, the people, must be aware of the difficult circumstances of our times and must not be blindly optimistic. The shadow of world war has already quietly descended. We must be vigilant, unite as one, and jointly resist foreign aggression. The rise and fall of the nation is the responsibility of every citizen. We must prioritize the nation and the people, overcome these difficult times together, and safeguard the peace of our homeland.

May the national crisis end soon, the world be at peace, the people be healthy and prosperous, the nation flourish, and peace be enjoyed forever!

Fang Wen nodded. His wife's classical Chinese skills were much better than his, so it seemed like the article was ready for publication.

He folded the paper and was about to put it into the envelope.

"Sir, are you about to publish it?" Kuang Mingzhu asked.

"Yes. If we don't publish it now, when will we?"

"Leave that to me. You go and talk to Neil about the trip to Europe."

"You agree?"

"Having seen what you wrote today, sir, I, from a merchant family, deeply agree with your sentiments. This world is probably going to be in great chaos. Since you understand this clearly, you must have your own plans. I am willing to maintain the business at home and wait for you to return."

Seeing that Kuang Mingzhu supported him, Fang Wen was overjoyed. He handed the letter to Kuang Mingzhu and went out.

Watching her husband's departing figure, Kuang Mingzhu revealed an adoring look in her eyes, then turned and said loudly, "Chuncao, Qiuju, go and call our family members here. I have something for them to do."

Kuang Mingzhu was referring to the managers and employees of the Kuang family who came with her dowry, which could be considered the foundation upon which she established herself at Taishan Airlines.

These people will follow her instructions to go to the city and find all the major newspapers in Shanghai to publish this wake-up call in all the newspapers, and it must be published by tomorrow.

Fang Wen left home to meet with Neil to discuss Boeing's round-the-world flight.

Neil now rents an office in the American Concession of Shanghai, and has nothing to do all day long, living the extravagant life he has always dreamed of.

Fang Wen couldn't go to Shanghai; he went directly to the company office and called Neil.

The call is connected.

“Neil, come here. It’s about what we talked about last time.”

"Fang, you've agreed. This could be dangerous, and I personally don't recommend you go, especially since you're my best business partner. I really shouldn't have told you this."

"Stop arguing and bring everything you need. We need to discuss the details."

"Ok."

An hour later, Neil drove over.

Now, with the commission from two Boeing 247s, plus the price difference from the tung oil business, even if he splits it equally with Fang Wen, he can be considered a small tycoon in Shanghai.

Therefore, he changed his entire outfit.

He wore a handmade, well-fitting suit, a gold watch, slicked-back hair with full wax, small round sunglasses, and a cigar.

Upon seeing Fang Wen, Neil threw away his cigar and opened his arms.

"Fang, my dearest partner, I wouldn't have this kind of life without you. Thank you so much."

Fang Wen took a half step back, refusing the hug.

"I'm not used to this kind of intimacy, so let's not do it again."

"Okay. Let's go upstairs and talk."

The two went up to the general manager's office of Taishan Airlines, where Neil opened his small leather suitcase.

He took out a magazine and a few sheets of paper from it.

Let’s start with the introduction.

"These were delivered by sea. Based on the telegrams I received, this is the company's activity plan."

"Because our Army Aviation Corps received the first batch of P-26 fighter jets this year and the response was good, it has also attracted the attention of the militaries of other countries, including your Republic of China government, which has also expressed its intention to purchase them from Boeing."

"A commercial version of the military aircraft, similar in design to the P-26, has been completed and is largely identical in structure. However, there are still some concerns about the actual performance of the aircraft, and we need to convince them through more effective demonstration methods."

"Since our main target customers are in Asia, the company has developed an ultra-long-range cruise demonstration starting from Asia to showcase the performance of our military aircraft."

After listening to Neil's explanation, Fang Wen looked at the poster and other materials again.

He asked, "Can they fulfill my requests?"

"No problem. The company has communicated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and can provide support for your cruise through diplomatic channels. In other words, the transit airports for your cruise will be contacted by our embassy staff. If you agree, you will receive an employment agreement jointly signed by Boeing and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and you will become a temporary diplomatic staff member with the same rights."

Neil's words touched Fang Wen's heart.

His concern was about landing. Central Asia was in a state of chaos these days, and going there without any preparation would be suicidal.

Having temporary U.S. diplomatic status would be a good solution to this problem.

However, there are still many details to discuss, so we can't be careless.

He continued asking questions.

"What is the route you have designed? How do I contact the local embassy personnel during the landings? How will the resupply issue be resolved? Can my Shrike carry machine guns and ammunition?"

These are all important issues, and if they cannot be resolved, Fang Wen needs to reconsider them.

Neil nodded and replied with a serious expression:
“We’ll discuss the flight routes later. First, let’s talk about how to contact the local embassy. You’ll need a radio transmitter and receiver. Except for the first transit airport, you can use it to send messages to the local embassy during all other layovers. Of course, this is just in case you can’t find our embassy staff and don’t know how to get to the embassy. Therefore, you need to be skilled in sending telegrams.”

Sending telegrams was a skill Fang Wen had already mastered long ago.

But he couldn't say that outwardly. He nodded in agreement and said he would learn how to send telegrams.

Neil continued, “As for resupply along the way, considering your language barrier, the embassy will handle it for you. You can communicate with the embassy staff in English. As for the machine guns on the Shrike, don’t worry about that. This cruise is mainly to showcase the aircraft’s various capabilities, including its weapon systems. After you land at the transit airport, our embassy staff will accompany local military representatives to view your aircraft so that they can learn more about the P26 series of aircraft.”

Fang Wen nodded. This was Boeing's real purpose in promoting cruises: to directly sell its products to the militaries of the countries along the route.

That's fine. The more Boeing and the US military need us, the smoother this flight to Europe will be.

Write it down; this is what Fang Wen is most concerned about: the design of routes from Asia to Europe.

(End of this chapter)