Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 198, Section 197: Taishan Flying Club, Exploiting America's Wealth in Progress, Mandalay Palace

The Fang residence diagonally opposite the main entrance of Shanghai Airport.

Chuncao, Qiuju, and Wu Ma were keeping watch outside. They weren't just standing there idly. The three women held melon seeds, with a winnowing basket at their feet to collect the shells. The three women made a scene, chatting away.

Inside the Fang residence, the doors were tightly closed, but a heated discussion was taking place inside.

Everyone is trying to find a solution regarding the gold issue.

Some people are worried.

Manager Liu asked, "Will the US Gold Reserve Act pass? If it doesn't, won't the gold we've collected be stuck with us?"

Yes, everyone stop. If it succeeds, that's great. But if it doesn't, a month of hard work is nothing. All the money was exchanged for gold, and we still have to exchange it back. The losses in between are a loss.

Fang Wen knew it would definitely succeed; otherwise, Roosevelt's New Deal would not have been able to be implemented.

But that's not how it should be said; he explained it in a different way.

"You may not know this, but the Federal Reserve is not a national institution. It is made up of a group of bankers. If the United States wants to print money, it has to go through these bankers. Now Roosevelt wants to stimulate the economy with a lot of money. The bankers can't just print money out of thin air, so they have to reserve a lot of gold and use the gold as collateral to exchange for paper money to issue into the market. Now the president and the Federal Reserve have reached an agreement. Power and money have reached an agreement, and it will definitely be done."

Everyone was quite surprised, as it was the first time they had heard of this kind of financial system in the United States.

The statement that power and money had reached an agreement made them no longer doubt it, and coupled with their trust in Fang Wen, they began to discuss it again.

In their view

It's not easy to collect large quantities of gold among the general public.

In these chaotic times, gold is the best hard currency, and those with some savings will hoard some for future use.

To get gold from them, a high price alone is not enough; you also need to promote it extensively and send many people to organize the acquisition.

This road won't work.

That leaves the Shanghai and Guangzhou gold exchanges, where buyers can purchase directly through block trades.

After doing the math, Manager Liu spoke quietly with Fang Wen.

"General Manager, we have 112 million silver dollars in cash, including 83 in airline surplus and 29 in funds for the tobacco and pharmaceutical distribution business with a three-month payment period. That's enough to exchange for 370 kilograms of gold, and earn the profit of 3 kilograms of gold."

Earning 100 yuan out of 30 million yuan, and spending a month preparing, is not a small amount, but it's not a huge amount either.

But Fang Wen has more than just these in his possession.

He whispered, "We can make a 30% profit on a ton of gold from the War of Resistance against Japan in the south. Could our company use it as collateral to get more short-term funds to buy gold? We feel like we don't have enough money on hand."

Manager Liu quickly stopped him: "Our domestic assets consist of only five airports. The planes don't belong to us, so we can't use them as collateral. Besides, many people are envious of Taishan Airlines. If we use them as collateral, it'll be like throwing good money after bad. They'll use all sorts of methods to deal with us."

Fang Wen nodded. Raising a large amount of gold in a month was not as simple as it seemed.

We can't gamble everything on Taishan Airlines, otherwise something risk-free would become risky.

Are there any other ways to raise gold?

Fang Wen looked at everyone.

But no one offered a solution.

Sun Debiao, on the other hand, seemed hesitant, as if he wanted to say something but couldn't.

Fang Wen asked, "Sun Debiao, just say what you want to say."

“Yes, back when I was in the underworld, I heard a story that those with little capital who wanted to succeed would set up a scheme, lure others in, and use them to their advantage,” Sun Debiao replied.

Manager Liu remembered it too.

“There are people in the underworld who are skilled in cheating, from small-scale gambling and fraud to large-scale schemes to make money and build businesses. One of their tricks is called ‘The Cuckoo’s Nest,’ which is roughly the same idea as what Sun Debiao said. But this kind of scheme requires choosing the right target and setting up the plan. If it’s not suitable, the other party will see through it at a glance.”

Sun Debiao and Manager Liu were seasoned veterans who had seen it all and gave Fang Wenxin some hints.

Whether it's using someone else's assets to achieve one's own goals or seizing someone else's nest, it's all about using other people's assets.

Can I use this method myself?
Fang Wen fell into deep thought, and everyone fell silent, not daring to disturb him.

Domestically, due to continuous wars, wealthy people know how to hide their wealth, and it is not easy to accumulate a large amount of gold in less than a month.

Overseas or domestic?
He suddenly remembered the King of Sarawak, and the King of Afghanistan, and more.

Throughout South Asia and Southeast Asia, there are numerous local kings and wealthy individuals.

They amassed immense wealth as a family, and gold was certainly a significant portion of it.

These people are not entirely connected with the wealthy class in Europe and America; they may not understand the situation in the United States.

If I were to do as Sun Debiao suggested, organize a meeting, and use their gold to make a big deal, would I succeed?
Fang Wen shared this idea.

No one could believe that such a bold idea came from the general manager.

It's so grand!

Is it possible?

Kuang Mingzhu and Shao Sishen were more aware of this matter.

Shao Sishen analyzed: "In British India, there are many local kings, and perhaps some of them can be invited. After the Konbaung Dynasty in Burma was destroyed by the British, the royal family moved to London. Siam is self-contained and the most powerful. French Vietnam was previously ruled by the Nguyen Dynasty, but the whereabouts of the Nguyen royal family are unknown."

Kuang Mingzhu added: "Although Malaysia and Indonesia were under British and Dutch control respectively, they both had sultans, that is, local kings. The Philippines is controlled by the Americans, but the local administration is still done by locals, and the original sultans' influence remains. There are also Chinese in various parts of Southeast Asia, and there are many wealthy Chinese among them. The problem is that these people each have their own circles and do not interact with each other. How can we bring them together?"

The two men's analysis did not discourage Fang Wen; instead, it gave him more detailed insights.

He said aloud:

“You said they lack social interaction, that’s because they lack a pretext for gathering. I’ll provide such a pretext for them. Let’s call it the South Asia Flying Club, a high-end entertainment club that only the super-rich and members of royal families from all over the world can attend, with private jets from our Taishan Airlines providing transportation.”

Fang Wen proposed a very attractive solution.

People tend to group together based on their kind; rich people like to associate with other rich people, and people of royal status like to associate with other royal people.

Gather these people together, create a grand spectacle, nominally a flying club, where they can experience the most high-end aircraft flights, and of course, other services will also be provided.

They would certainly be happy to have such a gathering.

Fang Wen's suggestion immediately began to spread within his small group.

What about the venue for the South Asia Flying Club?
In Shanghai, there is a full range of services and entertainment available, which can be purchased as long as you have the money, making the process of organizing events much easier.

But Fang Wen felt it wasn't up to par.

A flying club should be grand, no less grand than royalty.

Fang Wen recalled that when flying between Yangon and Xiangxi Airport, he would see a huge palace complex along the way.

That was the royal palace of the Konbaung Dynasty in Myanmar, and it is now used as a military camp by the British army.

Renting that place would perfectly match the high-end and sophisticated image of a flying club.

He shared this, and everyone was impressed by the general manager's bold idea of ​​renting the royal palace as a venue for a flying club.

Let's do it then.

Next, let's discuss how to invite them.
This task will be undertaken by Fang Wen, Kuang Mingzhu, and Shao Sishen.

Fang Wen traveled to Kabul and Sarawak.

Shao Sishen and Kuang Mingzhu used their families' connections to extend invitations to wealthy Chinese families in Southeast Asia, as well as local tycoons.

The discussion gradually took shape, and the remaining people were assigned tasks.

A preparatory team was established for a 15-day period.

Financial Budget Management: Manager Liu.

Human and material resources preparation: Sun Debiao and Fang Shouxin first recruited a group of service personnel in Shanghai, and then went to Myanmar to recruit local service personnel, trying to make the club have both local characteristics and international style.

Invitation to the Flying Club: Fang Wen, Kuang Mingzhu, Shao Sishen.

The rest of you continue with your normal work, and fill in as needed immediately. Everything is arranged, so let's begin immediately. Whether it succeeds or not depends on our efforts.

September, 1934

For Fang Wen and his small circle, the schedule was tight and fulfilling.

Everyone acted towards a clear goal, making every effort to take advantage of the US before February arrived.

Both the Shanghai and Guangzhou gold banks have stationed their own traders at Taishan Aviation, who are steadily purchasing gold bars every day.

Sun Debiao and Fang Shouxin frequented various nightclubs and upscale hotels in the city, poaching a number of high-quality service personnel.

They also purchased a lot of equipment.

Kuang Mingzhu and Shao Sishen are also discussing it with their families.

Fang Wen then piloted the Shrike to Myanmar.

After the plane landed in Yangon, Fang Wen took the initiative to visit the local British naval garrison.

Because of their previous cooperation, the two sides had a very harmonious relationship, and the garrison colonel specially invited Fang Wen to his home.

The major brewed a cup of Ceylon tea bags and handed it to Fang Wen: "Every time I see you, my savings increase. To me, you are like the God of Wealth in Eastern legends."

“It’s mutually beneficial. Without your help, my business activities in Yangon wouldn’t have gone so smoothly,” Fang Wen said with a smile, while pushing a small box over.

The other person opened it, glanced at it, and tacitly accepted it. "What's up today?"

"There's a royal palace in Mandalay that's where your army is stationed, right?"

"Yes, our troops have always been stationed there, after all, it is a symbol of the previous dynasty, but it has little practical use, as the royal family moved to London long ago."

"I'd like to rent that place, is that alright?" Fang Wen asked.

"What are you planning to do?" the colonel asked curiously.

"Taishan Flying Club is an exclusive club that invites wealthy individuals and local tycoons from all over South Asia to join."

Fang Wen made no attempt to conceal his plan; there was no need to hide it.

The major was stunned. This idea was shocking to him as well, like opening a club in Europe and inviting all the royal families and nobles of Europe.

But if it's successfully established, there are great benefits. Putting aside everything else, the network of connections you build is a valuable asset.

The major smiled and said, "I can help you, but I want to join the club."

"In a private capacity?"

"In a private capacity."

"Deal." Fang Wen smiled and shook hands.

That same day, he and the major drove to Mandalay in central Myanmar.

The military vehicles headed north.

Myanmar's landscape is covered with dense jungles, and roads are also built through the jungles. Birds fly through the forest from time to time, and mosquitoes swarm around you.

The temperature is also hot and humid.

Fortunately, both of them were used to this climate and environment, so there wasn't too much inconvenience.

At first, the major was driving, but Fang Wen felt it was too slow and asked to take over.

When he took over driving, the speed immediately increased by fifty percent, reaching the limit for military vehicles.

At this exhilarating speed, the military vehicle sped through Naypyidaw and arrived in Mandalay.

Mandalay, once the power center of the Konbaung Dynasty, remains prosperous despite having been extinct for decades.

To the left of the city is a large river. This typical ancient city, built along the water, once again made Fang Wen realize the close relationship between rivers and human civilization.

Fang Wen slowed down the car to let the herd of water buffalo pass first.

While we waited, the major explained, "This is the Irrawaddy River, the largest river in Myanmar. It is said that its upper reaches are in China."

"Oh. Where is the palace located in the city?" Fang Wen asked.

“You have to cross four small lakes, and then you’ll see Mandalay Hill. The royal palace is at the foot of the hill,” the major replied.

At this moment, the herd of cattle also passed by, and Fang Wen accelerated again, arriving at the palace in no time.

(Mandalay Palace, which was destroyed during World War II because it was a British military base)
(Mandalay Palace, rebuilt after the war)

Fang Wen parked the car and looked around the palace. The entire complex was decorated with rich religious elements, possessing a unique South Asian aesthetic.

He followed the major inside and met with the local garrison commander.

Fang Wen did not participate in the conversation; the major negotiated with him inside the room.

After a while, the major came out and talked with Fang Wen.

He said the army's main duty was to guard the palace, but its practical significance was no longer great, and he could decide to rent it to you. However, there were conditions: it would only be open for three months a year, and the rest of the time it would be under their management.

Fang Wen nodded. He understood what the other party meant: they wanted money but were afraid of taking responsibility, so they only offered a 3-month usage period per year, and the army could handle the rest of the time.

He replied, “Tell him that I can accept this proposal, but it cannot be rented to anyone else. In addition, we will carry out some renovations on the palace, and the army must not damage those renovations outside of three months.”

The major nodded, went inside, and came out shortly after.

This time, the British commander also came along.

"Yes, he agreed."

Fang Wen shook hands with him, which was considered an agreement.

He and the major then left, and upon returning to Yangon, he handed a small box to the colonel, thus completing the first year of the secret lease deal.

After the transaction was completed, the right to use the palace belonged to Taishan Airlines. Fang Wen immediately telegraphed Shanghai to make preparations and specially arranged a D.332 to transport service personnel and equipment to and from Shanghai in January. Renovation and service training, as well as rehearsals for other entertainment activities, were to begin immediately.

After making the arrangements here, Fang Wen piloted the Shrike to land in Kolkata.

The remaining journey was too arduous to continue on the Shrew, so he switched to Taishan Airlines' own international flight to Kabul.

It took a day for Taishan Airlines' international flight to land in Kabul.

The flight attendant announced: "Passengers, this Asia-Europe flight will take two and a half days, with a one-night stopover in Kabul. After you disembark, please follow me to check in and arrange your meals. We will wake up at 8:00 AM tomorrow, have breakfast at 8:30 AM, and depart at 9:00 AM. Please don't forget!"

As they spoke, the flight attendants handed out printed flyers to the passengers, lest they actually forget.

When the flight attendant handed the ticket to Fang Wen, she asked, "General Manager, do you need me to arrange accommodation and meals for tonight?"

"No need, someone will come to pick me up," Fang Wen replied.

He then followed the other passengers off the plane and walked to the side to wait alone.

A car drove into the airport to take him to the royal palace on the mountain.

Inside the palace, the new king met with Fang Wen alone. The two sat facing each other at a table in the study, and their dinner was French.

Pan-fried foie gras, steak, and mushroom soup.

There weren't many rules of etiquette for their meal; the king ate and talked.

"Flying clubs sound interesting. I've always felt that Asia needs such an activity. Taishan Airlines flies all over the world, so it's definitely suitable for organizing such activities. It's just that there are some minor issues with the location of the event."

Fang Wen looked up: "What's the problem?"

“I think it’s fine to set up the flying club at Mandalay Palace, but what if people want to get together on a regular basis? I can provide this palace as a meeting place at other times.”

So that's how it is. Fang Wen breathed a sigh of relief, thinking there might have been some unexpected change.

(End of this chapter)