Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 202, Part 201: The Great American Presidential Movie - The Establishment of the Tarzan Special Operations Team

Fang Wen bent down, picked up the gift bag from the ground, took out the packs of cigarettes, and placed them on the table.

"This is a gift I brought for the salon: Taishan brand cigarettes. They have a mellow and lingering taste. Smokers can try them."

Mr. Liang smiled and said, "General Manager Fang felt that my salon's hospitality was inadequate, so he prepared cigarettes for me. Thank you."

Everyone relaxed and picked up the cylindrical cigarette packs, opened them, and offered samples to each other.

It tastes really good and is suitable for all kinds of smokers.

After receiving unanimous praise, Fang Wen continued, "I'm here for two things. One is to talk to Huanzhu Louzhu about the script, and the other is to ask you all for help with some cigarette labels. Let's talk about the cigarette labels first. I'd like to recruit a few painters to travel to cities along the Asia-Europe route and create cigarette labels that reflect the local customs. Is anyone willing to do this?"

Taishan Airlines organized an overseas trip, and everyone seemed quite interested.

Mr. Liang and Mr. Lin were the first to speak up: "My wife and I are classical architecture students, and we have always wanted to study the folk customs and historical sites of various countries and design cigarette labels. We should be able to do it, is that alright?"

“No problem. Who else is willing to participate? We’ll cover your food, lodging, and travel expenses, and our overseas offices will arrange your itinerary,” Fang Wen replied with a smile.

Immediately, two more painters agreed.

After finalizing the cigarette label design, Fang Wen began the second task: a private discussion with Huanzhu Louzhu.

Huanzhu Louzhu took out a manuscript.

"After I returned, I organized my thoughts and feelings from that day into a written form, designed a new world, and based on this world, created the script you requested. Please take a look and see if it's suitable?"

Fang Wen took the manuscript and read it.

In 1913, amidst widespread chaos and war, a young man from America named Henry crossed the ocean, yearning for the ancient civilizations of Europe, and embarked on a journey to this continent shrouded in the dust of history and mysterious magic.

It was a full moon night, its silvery light bathing the French countryside, lavender swaying gently in the breeze. Suddenly, a gust of wind arose, and several giant dogs sprang from the shadows, their eyes gleaming with ferocity, their fangs bared. After a fierce battle, Henry escaped, but the venom of the vicious dogs had taken deep root in his body. Every full moon night, he would transform into a wolf, possessing immense strength and lightning speed.

At first, Henry was terrified by this turn of events and wanted to flee as fast as he could. However, witnessing the rampant gangsters and their oppression of the people, a fire of justice ignited in his heart. Thus, he decided to use this superhuman power to transform into a wolf on the night of the full moon, to uphold justice and eliminate evil.

His deeds quickly spread throughout the countryside, and the local people called him "Silver Moon Wolf Knight".

However, the world is not so simple. In a battle, the mysterious power of a wizard helps the gang, allowing Henry to learn about the mysterious power hidden in the darkness.

Furthermore, an even bigger conspiracy was discovered: the President of the United States was actually a black magician.

During this time, Henry was fortunate to have the help of several close friends: a magician of exceptional wisdom; a knight of unparalleled bravery; and an alchemist of superb skill. The four shared the same ideals and plotted a grand scheme, vowing to eradicate injustice from the world and restore peace to the continent.

After overcoming numerous obstacles, they uncovered a hidden conspiracy and thwarted the evil forces' plans. Following a thrilling battle, the American black magician president fell into the abyss, and world peace was finally restored.

Fang Wen was stunned after reading it; Huanzhu Louzhu had actually written a heroic novel that perfectly suited American tastes.

What's even funnier is that he actually portrayed the US president as an evil black magician, which is really interesting.

I just don't know if this film would be able to be released in the United States.

Whatever, Fang Wen thought the script was very interesting. Anyway, the cost of making a movie is not high now, so why not just make it first? If it can't be released in the United States, he can just change the plot about the president and the black magician.

Fang Wen believed the script would be a hit, since movies featuring the US president in the past rarely lost money at the box office.

He smiled and replied, "Sure, I like this script. Why don't you come with me to Star Film Company now and finalize things?"

"Go now?" Although Huanzhu Louzhu was a little surprised by Fang Wen's efficiency in making decisions, he agreed.

"Could you please wait for me downstairs? My car is parked on the side of the road, it's black, I'll be down in a bit," Fang Wen replied.

Huanzhu Louzhu nodded and went out first, while Fang Wen went into the guest room. After a while, he came out looking completely different.

He pulled his wide-brimmed hat down, turned up his collar to cover his face, and strode out the door. The salon was filled with smoke, and the people were still having a heated discussion, but they didn't notice that he had changed.

After leaving the residence of Mr. Liang and Mr. Lin, behind the small building, I saw Huanzhu Louzhu waiting by the car.

Fang Wen patted his shoulder lightly: "Alright, let's go."

Huanzhu Louzhu turned around and looked at Fang Wen, whose appearance had changed drastically, in surprise: "He really has the art of disguise!"

“Art comes from life, it really does.” Fang Wen smiled as he opened the passenger door. After Huanzhu Louzhu got in, he walked around to get in and started the car.

The car traveled from the French Concession to the International Settlement. The same Indian officer with red hair was still on guard. Fang Wen waved him over, paid him a fee to watch the car, and then went with Huanzhu Louzhu to the Star Film Company.

Upon arriving at Star Film Company, Fang Wen introduced, "This is the screenwriter I found. He wrote the script for the new movie, and I want to start filming as soon as possible."

The manager of Star Film Company exclaimed in surprise, "General Manager Fang, please don't rush, can I take a look at the script?"

Fang Wen nodded, and Huanzhu Louzhu handed over the script draft.

Looking at the script, the manager of the entertainment company twitched his lips. "This, I'm not saying this to be mean, but is it really okay for us to joke about the president of the United States?"

“I think it’s fine. If it’s not shown there, I’ll accept the loss,” Fang Wen replied. He really wanted to see a movie where the American president played the villain, and besides, there were other movies with similar themes in the future.

The manager of Star Film Company firmly shook his head: "No way. It's fine if you lose money, but if the Americans come looking for us, Star Film Company won't be able to handle it. Why don't you change your image to a more positive one?"

That's true, I'm not afraid, but others are.

Fang Wen looked at Huanzhu Louzhu: "Can it be changed?"

Huanzhu Louzhu nodded: "It can be changed. The president is still a magician, but he is a guardian of justice, and the villain becomes an evil force."

This change reduced the plot's appeal significantly, but it's still acceptable.

Fang Wen nodded: "Then let's do it this way. We'll submit the film budget to the general accounting office of Taishan Airlines and start filming as soon as possible."

The rest was left to the film company, while Taishan Airlines was only responsible for the investment.

"Okay, I'll discuss the plot with the screenwriter first, and report the budget in a couple of days." After the manager of Star Film Company finished speaking, he began to discuss the script with Huanzhu Louzhu.

Seeing how engrossed the two were, Fang Wen didn't say anything and left the film company to return to Shanghai Airport.

The car returned to the Shanghai airport and drove into the house where the car was hidden.

When Fang Wen reappeared, he had returned to his original self.

His face was calm, but his heart was boiling.

He had to find out exactly what the Japanese were doing in Harbin.

At that moment, he suddenly realized that he had no one he could use.

Taishan Aviation lacks military personnel, which will be a problem when the War of Resistance against Japan breaks out.

It seems we need to establish a special operations military force.

The number of personnel should not be too large; the key is to select elite soldiers capable of carrying out various covert military operations.

Just like now, there are no people available to send people to the east to gather intelligence and locate bombing signals.

We can't just let Sun Debiao handle it again; he's already a manager and has taken risks before. We need to organize and train a group of professional military personnel.

As Fang Wen thought about this, he gradually began to have a clue.

He approached Sun Debiao and Fang Shouxin and spoke with them privately.

In the general manager's office, Fang Wen poured tea for Sun Debiao and Fang Shouxin.

"General Manager, you're being so polite today, I'm not used to it. Just tell me what you need, and I'll definitely do it," Sun Debiao said awkwardly.

"Yes, young master, don't be so polite, let's get down to business." Fang Shouxin also seemed a little strange.

Fang Wen smiled and said, "What's wrong with pouring you a cup of tea? I invited you two here because of your experiences. I'd like to ask you what the most formidable soldier you've ever encountered was like?"

Fang Shouxin recalled: "During the Boxer Rebellion, heroes from all sides gathered. Some wielded long-handled broadswords, which could cut a man or horse in two with a single stroke. But they couldn't stop the foreigners' bullets. So, there were no truly skilled soldiers, because bullets on the battlefield don't discriminate."

Sun Debiao deeply agreed: "Yes, soldiers are like those who cross the river; once they go, there is no return. There is no most powerful soldier; the most powerful soldier is only powerful for a short time. Soldiers who have been on the battlefield twice will become obedient."

Fang Wen realized he had asked the wrong question, so he simply stated his thoughts directly.

"I want to recruit a group of extraordinary individuals who can fight, infiltrate, eavesdrop, transmit radio waves to locate targets for me, and parachute in. In short, they must have some skills and be able to acquire other abilities through training to serve me."

Upon hearing this, the two understood.

We need to recruit soldiers, and the best of them all.

Therefore, a secret department of Taishan Airlines, the Special Operations Department, was established.

Fang Wen was the direct supervisor, and Sun Debiao and Fang Shouxin were responsible for recruiting candidates to be assessed.

Sun Debiao and Fang Shouxin left the general manager's office and ordered two dishes and a pot of wine at an old tavern on Airport Road, where they began to discuss their business.

"The things the general manager asked us to do are very important, so we need to carefully select them."

"Yes, this group of people is definitely involved in a lot of secret matters. They are like new members of our Taishan Volunteer Army. They can't be recruited just like that."

"What kind of person can be of one mind with us and keep a secret?"

The two looked at each other, reminiscing.

They all spontaneously recalled their experiences with Fang Wen.

It must be said that Fang Wen has a strong personal charisma; he can attract others to work with him and unite them closely.

But that takes time and it's not suitable for everyone.

Sun Debiao lowered his voice, "We need to find people who aren't afraid of death and are willing to risk their lives for money. I think there's a suitable place."

"Where?" Fang Shouxin poked his head out.

“Death row prisons, the people there are all more or less capable. If they buy their lives, they might be able to work for us.”

"We can't control them. Those people aren't even afraid of death. If they start making trouble, it's bound to cause trouble."

The troublemakers in the death row prison were ultimately not their choice.

“I know who to look for. Chief Wang of the Axe Gang.”

"Yes, he knows Shanghai very well."

The two suddenly had a direction, paid for their drinks, and headed to Shanghai.

Because he was almost assassinated by the Fuxing Society last time, it was even harder to find Chief Wang's hiding place. Without Zhao Jiu's help, he was able to make contact thanks to the guidance of the thief.

In Chief Wang's secret place, the two explained the situation.

After listening, Chief Wang laughed and said, "In this chaotic world, there should be a group of skilled people to protect you. The security guards your general manager hired are okay for dealing with small incidents, but they are unreliable when it comes to real work. How about this, we, who depend on him for our retirement, will help think of some solutions."

Immediately afterwards, Chief Wang summoned the members of the treasure-stealing gang for another meeting.

Upon hearing that Fang Wen was recruiting extraordinary individuals, everyone was very enthusiastic.

They were well-connected from all walks of life, each with their own connections, and they knew how great it was to join Taishan Airlines, so they proactively recommended a large number of people.

Many of these people are their nephews, nieces, or friends, and they all have some skills.

Immediately, Sun Debiao and Fang Shouxin took the list back with them.

Taishan Airlines General Manager's Office.

Fang Wen looked at the list.

These people really do recommend talented people regardless of their own family ties!

Chief Wang recommended three second-generation members of their Axe Gang, all young men around 20 years old. Although their fathers were in the Axe Gang, the younger generation had not joined, but they had all learned various skills.

There are also five disciples who have been trained in the past two years in the art of burglary. They are all professionals in lock picking, pickpocketing, and breaking into houses.

There are also the three Liu brothers, who are from a family of tomb raiders. Although they have retired from tomb raiding, they still remember their close comrades.

It also introduced three younger members of the tomb raiding family, who are excellent at digging tunnels and long-distance raids over mountains.

Looking at the list, Fang Wen was surprised to find that he had all the people he needed.

Moreover, their connection to the Northeast Treasure-Stealing Gang makes them even more trustworthy.

Upon seeing this, Fang Wen picked up the phone and dialed the secret contact number that Sun Debiao and Fang Shouxin had brought back.

The call connected, and it was Chief Wang's voice that came through.

"General Manager, are these people suitable?"

"They seem alright, but whether they're actually usable remains to be seen. I have something to tell you; how about sending them to the Northeast?"

"The Northeast? What are we going there for?" Chief Wang hesitated. He was a little worried about these young people who were just starting out in their careers.

"I received information that the Japanese have built a secret facility in Harbin specifically for conducting human experiments. I'd like to send someone there to investigate," Fang Wen replied.

"What is human experimentation?" Chief Wang didn't understand the term.

But after hearing Fang Wen's explanation, he immediately flew into a rage: "I've seen plenty of killings, but how could the Japanese do something so filthy and disgusting?"

Fang Wen sighed: "They can't do it in their own country, so they do it in the Northeast. People there are cheap lives and they don't care at all. I want to find out what's going on and expose these atrocities to the world."

"I see, I admire you. I agree on behalf of everyone. We'll send them to you tomorrow. If they don't bring back evidence of the Japanese atrocities, they shouldn't come back either," Chief Wang magnanimously promised.

(End of this chapter)