Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 229, Chapter 228: A united small group, the northern waterway, using others to generate wealth.
The contrasting performance of domestic and international businesses reflects Fang Wen's situation last year.

He was suppressed by the Nationalist government for exposing the atrocities committed by the Japanese army.

Fang Wen wasn't too dissatisfied with this. People should look forward. As long as you take big steps, those traps and obstacles will eventually be left behind.

After listening to everyone's reports, he also spoke to his inner circle about the performance of a series of projects he had led last year.

"Last year, a flying club was established, which led to the creation of Taishan Gold Company, where a batch of silver was stockpiled. It was later sold in the United States, earning a profit of $850 million."

A gasp rippled through the crowd as everyone busied themselves diligently. The general manager had simply pulled off a clever trick, yet he had earned the equivalent of several years' worth of company profits.

This is what sets the general manager apart from everyone else, and it's also where the general manager's charm lies.

Please continue listening.

"Then they randomly bought a listed shipping company and used it as a vehicle to acquire the entire Taishan Casino Company. Currently, that company is renamed Taishan International, with a total share capital of 15.1 million shares and a market value of about 20 million. It mainly operates two ocean-going freighters and a Las Vegas gaming company. Okay, that's all I wanted to say."

After Fang Wen finished speaking, no one knew how to respond.

Shunzi spoke on behalf of everyone: "General Manager, you make tens of millions of dollars every time you go abroad. If you keep doing this, you'll become the world's richest person in less than two years."

Fang Wen smiled and shook his head: "It won't work. Without a foundation, wealth cannot last. Those multinational corporations all rely on their motherland. Only when the motherland is strong can they continue to grow stronger."

He expressed a worldview seen by a person from the future: no matter how well a business is done, when a trade war breaks out, the opponent can use all sorts of non-commercial means to deal with it. Without the support of a strong mother country, it is impossible to persevere.

Some people listened to what he said, while others remained confused.

Fang Wen did not elaborate on this point, but instead announced the end of the meeting.

The meeting ended, and everyone left.

But in the blink of an eye, some people returned to Fang Wen's side.

This is the third meeting, and it involves Fang Wen's most confidential information.

Participants included: Fang Shouxin, Shunzi, Liu Zhanggui, Sun Debiao, Huo Duanyang, Kuang Mingzhu, and members of the special operations team.

There were also those in Fang Wen's inner circle who didn't participate.

Pan Jiafeng, Shao Sishen, Howard, William.

The four met unexpectedly in the courtyard.

"Why are there only a few of you? Where are the others?" Pan Jiafeng asked casually.

Howard didn't speak. He was withdrawn, but Fang Wen trusted him deeply. In fact, he knew some secrets, but because he didn't like to talk, he didn't participate.

William, who was studying Chinese culture, chuckled and said, "I don't see anyone else. Oh, I'm so tired, I'm going to sleep now. Howard, let's share a room."

After saying that, William pulled Howard away.

Watching the two figures walk away, Shao Sichen turned to look at Fang Wen's residence, which was still lit up, and casually uttered a sentence.

"The bond of comrades was once as vast as the sea, but now we are strangers with our feelings faded. Time flies and people change easily, and grudges and entanglements are hard to settle."

Looking back, we weathered storms together, fighting side by side, our hearts intertwined. Our vows still echo in our ears, our deepest affection now faded like smoke.

Pan Jiafeng asked, puzzled, "Why are you writing a poem? And why is it so sad? It's unlucky during the New Year."

Shao Sichen asked, "How old are you? How long have you known the general manager?"

Pan Jiafeng proudly said, "I am 21 years old. I met my master when I was 18, became his disciple when I was 19, and was able to fly a plane back then. It has been two years now."

Shao Sichen also recalled: "In 21, I met the general manager at Nanjing Airport. He was a civil aviation pilot and I was an air force officer from the Guangzhou Air Force. We flew together to Shanghai to fight against the Japanese army. Later, I was seriously injured and retired. I was able to settle my disabled body thanks to his help."

At this point, Shao Sichen looked at Pan Jiafeng seriously: "Xiao Pan, we missed a lot of things last year and also had a falling out with the general manager. There must be a reason for this. Are you willing to continue like this?"

"What do you mean, 'If things continue like this'?" Pan Jiafeng, only 21 years old, had followed Fang Wen since leaving school and knew nothing about human relationships or social customs. He couldn't even understand what Shao Sishen was saying.

"We must talk to the general manager, otherwise we'll drift further and further apart from him. Come on, follow me."

After saying that, Shao Sishen grabbed Pan Jiafeng and walked towards Fang Wen's residence.

The third meeting began.

Fang Shouxin spoke first: "Starting in October last year, the Red Army began to move. They broke through various obstacles of the encirclement and suppression forces and fought all the way from Jiangxi to Guizhou. This is the battle report I have collected. The Red Army is the strongest army I have ever seen."

Starting from Jiangxi in October and continuing until January of this year, a journey of more than three months, during which they were constantly on the move, actually traversed southern China and reached Guizhou.

Moreover, this was under the constant encirclement of an enemy with several times the troop strength and ample equipment and logistical support.

Such miraculous troop movements, repeatedly breaking free from encirclements, can be described as a strategic and tactical miracle.

No wonder Fang Shouxin admires him so much.

Manager Liu added, "In the past few months, the rumors in Shanghai have changed. Everyone is discussing what is supporting them to persevere, and why such an army can't be recruited to fight the Japanese together. Some people are even saying that if the Great Wall Resistance had such an army fighting the Japanese, they wouldn't have lost so badly."

Sun Debiao strongly agreed: "The 29th Army at Xifengkou could fight the Japanese army with broadswords. They relied on that spirit. I think all the Red Army soldiers had that spirit. They were all heroes."

"It's impossible for them to be recruited," Fang Wen concluded.

This is not only a statement from the future, but also based on his personal experience.

This is a war between vested interests and change agents; how could vested interests possibly allow change agents to grow too powerful?

But now, the Red Army will face a crucial meeting before its rebirth, a meeting after which it will emerge stronger.

He couldn't help but wonder how effective the battlefield medkits delivered by airdrop were, and whether more support was needed.

But Bai Yunfei's contact point was abandoned after the medical kits were airdropped.

During those three months, Taishan Airlines had no further contact with the Red Army.

Fang Wen speculated that Bai Yunfei had likely rejoined the team. With the Third Red Army also joining the Long March, all external communications were cut off to prevent their whereabouts from being leaked.

After all, the greatest danger for the Red Army in mobile warfare now is that its whereabouts will be exposed.

Even though he knew there would be no result, Fang Wen still asked the question.

Has the Red Army contacted us?

Everyone shook their heads.

Fang Wen sighed and turned to ask the members of the special operations team.

"How is Wu Yingzong doing?"

Qian Yinxing, a member of the special operations team who remained in Shanghai, replied:
"Reporting to the General Manager, Wu Yingzong and Zhao Wanping's covert operations in Shanghai have not encountered any major problems. After the first batch of Miracle Sterilizer was sold to the British at $50 a bottle, it was divided up by British trading companies and the concessions. Some of this batch of medicine has re-entered the market, but the price has risen to $80 a bottle."

Fang Wen nodded. Price increases due to secondary drug distribution are inevitable and uncontrollable. He only needs to control the primary distribution channels.

He continued listening to the report.

"After receiving the second batch of penicillin from the general manager in early January, the two of them began selling it. This time, a Good Medicine Distribution Association was jointly established in Shanghai by the concessions, the Green Gang, the Hongmen, major merchants, and the military. They jointly negotiated a distribution plan to purchase penicillin in the name of the Good Medicine Distribution Association and then redistribute it."

Upon hearing Qian Yinxing's report, Fang Wen's expression turned slightly cold.

This was not the outcome he wanted. What he wanted was to establish relationships with various forces under the guise of being the sole supplier of penicillin.

Now that the Good Medicine Distribution Association has been established, the power to distribute medicines has been regained in the hands of those Shanghai tycoons, and the mysterious penicillin supplier has lost its hidden rights as a result.

They're all shrewd bastards! From the first panic buying by the British, they discovered the benefits of controlling drug distribution.

They actually set up another trap within Fang Wen's scheme, secretly seizing the benefits Fang Wen wanted.

No, we absolutely cannot allow the Good Medicine Distribution Association to control the distribution of penicillin.

Fang Wen said, "Have Wu Yingzong spread the word that we need to make money, but we also need to maintain good relationships. As long as the Good Medicine Distribution Association exists, there will be no miraculous sterilizing agent. I want to gain face from all sides while buying goods in Shanghai. If we lose face, we'll lose the medicine too."

So that's what the general manager wanted; everyone understands now.

Just then, a knock came at the door. Team members Zhao Yunfei and Liu Yingshou suddenly stood up and stood guard behind the door, one on each side, just in case.

"Open the door. If it's not safe here, there's nowhere else that's safe for me," Fang Wen said frankly.

Immediately, the door opened, and standing outside were Shao Sichen and Pan Jiafeng.

Pan Jiafeng was somewhat at a loss: "Master, I, I..."

He didn't know how to explain, so Shao Sichen spoke for him. "General Manager, I brought Pan Jiafeng here to make amends for a mistake." "What mistake? Come in and tell me," Fang Wen said calmly.

The two entered the room and looked at the people in it. Even Pan Jiafeng seemed to understand something.

Shao Sichen asked bluntly, "General Manager, why don't you trust me?"

"Master, don't you trust me?" Pan Jiafeng asked, feeling wronged.

Sure enough, the small group, with its heightened sensitivity, discovered it.

Fang Wen was pondering whether or not to reveal his relationship with Yu Hongjun.

These two are the most indecisive.

Pan Jiafeng's father was a comprador for a Shanghai foreign trade company. He received a mixed Chinese and Western education from a young age, but from his usual words, it can be seen that his family was very resistant to the Red Army.

Although Shao Sicheng was from a Southeast Asian Chinese family like Kuang Mingzhu, he leaned more towards the Kuomintang and expressed his support for the campaign to suppress the Red Army from an orthodox perspective.

This is the reason why Fang Wen has been unwilling to tell the two of them.

Now that the two have taken the initiative to confront each other, there is no room for negotiation.

As Fang Wen hesitated, Kuang Mingzhu whispered, "Sir, a thousand-mile dike can be destroyed by an ant hole. We need a more united organizational structure. If you're not comfortable with it, let me do it."

Yes, eventually we have to ask.

Fang Wen nodded.

Kwong Ming-chu became the host of this meeting.

She looked at Pan Jiafeng, then at Shao Sishen.

"We provided some support to the Red Army."

The two reacted differently upon hearing this.

Pan Jiafeng was first taken aback, then delighted: "Master, you're worried about this? At the last high school reunion, I even went to a secret meeting of the student union. I'm not my father, but I support the Red Army."

Shao Sishen bent over as if he were exhausted.

"So, you're saying I'm the only one who doesn't share your values?"

Kuang Mingzhu spoke up, "Brother Shao, our two families have a long-standing relationship. We both did business in Southeast Asia and are both returning to China. Why are you acting this way?"

Shao Sichen did not answer, but muttered, "Those who walk different paths cannot make plans together. Should I leave, or leave this life behind? In any case, I can do it, as a way of repaying you."

Fang Wen said helplessly, "You all go out, I need to talk to him alone."

Everyone else left, leaving only Fang Wen and Shao Sishen.

Fang Wen took out two wine glasses, opened a bottle of wine, and poured wine for Shao Sichen and himself.

He pushed the cup towards Shao Sishen.

"I have a few questions for you, and you have to answer them truthfully, okay?"

Shao Sichen downed the wine in his glass in one gulp, then refilled it: "Okay."

What's your view on the Republic of China era?

Shao Sichen thought for a moment, then said sadly, "Alas, chaos! Everyone is pursuing their own interests, and internal strife is endless."

"Do you think the people in power now can bring hope?" Fang Wen asked again.

"No." This time, Shao Sichen replied without hesitation.

"Yes, they can't bring hope, but I see hope in the Red Army. Whatever your reason, do you dare to make a bet with me?"

"What are you gambling?"

“I’m betting on the future of China, that it will only get better and better. I’m betting on the Red Army. You come with me and see what the future holds.”

These words moved Shao Sichen, who raised his glass and said, "Okay, I'll be with you. I hope you succeed."

Fang Wen smiled. He and Shao Sichen were comrades-in-arms and considered each other friends, so naturally he hoped they could continue on this path together.

Shao Sichen smiled. He was unwilling to leave the Taishan family. He was willing to give up a lot for this, just so he could see the future with Fang Wen.

The two drank and chatted happily, and their argument immediately disappeared.

Spring Festival of 1935.

The whole country is enveloped in the festive atmosphere of the New Year.

Regardless of wealth or social status, the vast majority of people enjoy the rare joy of the Spring Festival.

After the Spring Festival, Taishan Airlines officially announced its expansion plan.

Newspapers promoting the project stated that seaplane airports would be established on different waterways across the country.

The selected river systems are: Northern River System, Yellow River System, Huai River System, Yangtze River System, and Southern River System.

The northern water system is the first to be developed.

The northern water system includes the Haihe River and the Luanhe River, as well as their tributaries: the Chaobai River, the Yongding River, the Daqing River, the Ziya River, the Nanyun River, the Xiaoluan River, the Xingzhou River, the Yixun River, the Wulie River, the Laoniu River, the Liuhe River, the Puhe River, the Sanhe River, and the Qinglong River.

The entire waterway has a total of 20 seaplane airports, with 4 seaplanes traveling between these rivers, forming an air traffic network.

Shortly after the news was published in the newspaper, the four seaplanes began operating.

This is the flexibility of seaplanes. They don't require much investment. Once the route is set, and with the help of a refueling team at the transit seaplane airport, the seaplane route can be put into operation.

The rapid completion of the waterway caught the Nationalist government officials in North China off guard and also caught the Japanese off guard.

But since it is a civil aircraft, it is not subject to the restrictions of the Tanggu Agreement, so we can only watch it continue to operate.

Seaplanes are very popular in North China, with tickets costing between 5 and 60 yuan, and can be taken on short, medium, and long distances.

Many wealthy people and those who travel long distances are starting to choose this convenient, fast, and safe mode of transportation.

In addition, the aircraft carries 1.5 tons of cargo and airmail, making each full flight a considerable profit.

This has also boosted the short-distance transportation and logistics industry in various regions.

Fang Wen used the February operating results to give Quan Yuncai, the chairman of the domestic aviation branch, a breakdown of the accounts.

The Water Cloud 1 seaplane is priced at $40,000.

The northern water system operated for a month, earning each aircraft more than 8000 silver dollars.

Now that silver dollars have appreciated in value, the exchange rate is 2 to 1 against US dollars, meaning you only need to earn 8 silver dollars to break even.

About 10 months should be enough.

Such a lucrative business prompted Quan Yuncai to immediately report it to his master.

Subsequently, Taishan Airlines' domestic subsidiary obtained a large loan of 300 million silver dollars.

Quan Yuncai solemnly relayed his master's requirements.

"General Manager Fang, the bank has opened a channel for you; feel free to lend us the money. How about deploying 50 seaplanes this year?"

The more seaplanes are deployed, the more experience the aircraft manufacturing plant accumulates, which can then be used to expand the plant's production capacity.

This is similar to borrowing someone else's financial resources to expand one's own industry. Only with more aircraft industry workers can the foundation of the aerospace industry be established.

Fang Wen, of course, agreed.

However, 50 seaplanes would mean a monthly production of more than 4 aircraft, which would be equivalent to doubling the existing production capacity.

He plans to recruit another batch of workers.

This time, however, the requirements are not so high; a high school diploma is sufficient.

The newly recruited high school graduates will form production teams under the guidance of university graduate engineers. With engineers familiar with standardized operations controlling the production process and providing training and leadership, the aircraft manufacturing plant will be able to significantly accelerate its expansion.

(End of this chapter)