Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 543 Advanced American Processing Equipment, Long Island Manor at Night

After several hours of flight, the Huashan-1 aircraft reached Paris airspace and, after communicating with the ground control tower, landed at Paris International Airport.

Because the flight was to fly directly from Paris across the Atlantic to New York, Fang Wen had to have the aircraft repaired here; otherwise, the hidden problems would cause malfunctions during the transatlantic flight.

Therefore, he drove the plane directly into the maintenance hangar belonging to Taishan Airlines.

Inside the hangar, two resident mechanics from the branch office had already arrived and were very interested in the company's new aircraft model.

"General Manager, is this the new aircraft model that will replace the existing international passenger planes?"

Fang Wen nodded, "It mainly depends on production capacity. If the production capacity can be increased, two Huashan Type 1 aircraft will be tested in two months."

However, production capacity is the biggest obstacle. Nowadays, aircraft manufacturing plants, semiconductor plants, bomb plants, and engine plants are all operating at full capacity. It is already difficult to produce 10 gunship aircraft and 1 high-speed fighter jet per month. It is indeed difficult to free up production capacity to produce the Huashan-1.

Not to mention the large number of rockets that are about to arrive at the port, and the assembly of 100 Taishan Pine medium tanks.

The production capacity gap was so large that it gave Fang Wen a major headache.

But this is also the most difficult problem to solve.

The literacy rate was very low in the late Qing Dynasty. It improved a bit in the Republican era, but it was still not high. Fang Wen had recruited educated high school and college students several times, but the number he could recruit was getting smaller and smaller. After all, not all intellectuals would come to work for Taishan Airlines.

However, this can still be solved. As long as you are willing to put in the effort to train them, skilled workers who are proficient in a single process can be trained quickly, and generalists are not needed.

The bigger problem is the lack of a large number of processing equipment.

Taishan Military Industry's current equipment was purchased in 37, when the situation in Europe was relatively good and it was still possible to buy it. Now, with the Nazis becoming increasingly powerful, countries are on guard, and there is simply no source of high-end processing equipment.

He shook off his thoughts, picked up his tools, opened the maintenance cover on the belly of the aircraft, and crawled inside to make repairs.

Inside the maintenance pipeline, a strong smell of engine oil and aviation gasoline filled the air. Under the illumination of the maintenance flashlight, Fang Wen located the area where the problem was.

The problem was with the spark plug in the third cylinder; he sensed the problem while the plane was in flight.

After removing the cap, Fang Wen took out the spark plug. The plug was hot to the touch and covered with a layer of charred carbon deposits, which were left by incomplete combustion due to the lack of oxygen at high altitudes.

The cause is the intake booster device used.

The Huashan-1 engine uses a mechanical intake supercharger developed by Fang Wen to provide oxygen density. However, the engineers at the No. 2 Aircraft Manufacturing Plant did not fully understand this technology, resulting in technical defects that caused insufficient oxygen density in some cylinders.

To completely solve this problem, we need to go back and modify the mechanical intake supercharger, or replace it with new turbocharging technology.

But for now, we can only clean the carbon buildup, which isn't a big problem with Fang Wen's supernatural ability.

Repairs were completed, the fuel tank was filled, and Fang Wen took off again.

The plane flew out of the mainland and soared over the boundless sea.

This is a long flight, with a total distance of 5700 kilometers. Even with auxiliary fuel tanks, it would not be enough to complete the entire flight length.

By the middle of the flight, most of the fuel had been used up, but the aircraft's performance remained good.

"Gong Xiuneng, go to the rear cabin to refuel, use the auxiliary fuel tank's fuel line," Fang Wen ordered.

"It's the regimental commander."

Gong Xiuneng, who was sitting in the empty cabin in a daze, got up and walked to the rear cabin, and Shao Sishen followed him.

They connected the oil pipeline to a large oil drum, and the other end to the fuel line interface of the auxiliary fuel tank, and then used a manual pump to inject aviation gasoline.

"Oil injection complete," Gong Xiuneng reported.

Fang Wen reduced the engine power, switched the fuel line back to the auxiliary fuel tank, and then had Gong Xiuneng refuel the main fuel tank.

After refueling both tanks, the plane did not make a stop for rest and continued flying westward.

And so, after 16 hours, the plane finally landed in New York.

At the airport, Lin Shuiwang was already waiting for them.

The plane stopped at the parking area, and Gong Xiuneng opened the cabin door, allowing Fang Wen and the other two to disembark.

Lin Shuiwang, who was waiting outside the plane, said happily, "General Manager, it's been a long time."

"How have you been lately?" Fang Wen asked with a smile.

"Everything is normal, and the shipping business is getting better and better. I was just about to talk to you about whether the company should take out a loan to buy a few more cargo ships for shipping to the US and Europe."

"No."

Fang Wen categorically rejected the suggestion. Although Taishan International was a listed company, it was an important part of his assets in the United States. If he purchased a large number of cargo ships, he would suffer huge losses in the subsequent World War II in Europe.

Lin Shuiwang did not argue with this. Instead, he led Fang Wen and the others out of the airport.

Outside the airport, he handed the car keys to Fang Wen, and following the well-known old custom, the general manager drove the car.

We walked in silence until we arrived at the Taishan International Office Building.

This place hasn't changed much from before; it looks unremarkable, but it's a high-quality listed company that holds controlling stakes in a shipping company and a gaming company.

While waiting at the company, Lin Shuiwang finally couldn't help but express his thoughts.

"General Manager, I want to go back to China."

"Because of your mother?" Fang Wen asked.

“No, I contact her by telegram every month. She’s doing very well in Yangon now, and the company takes good care of her. The main thing is that I want to go back to China to fight the Japanese,” Lin Shuiwang replied.

Lin Shuiwang has been living in the United States for years, but he has not forgotten his homeland and even wanted to go to the battlefield to fight.

Fang Wen advised, "You've managed such a large listed company very well, even as a sailor. I think even if someone else were in charge, they might not do as well as you. The war in China doesn't need you, but Taishan International can't do without you. Just focus on your work here. You're contributing to the war effort in this way. Without you in America, many things wouldn't be able to be accomplished smoothly. For example, you've been in charge of transporting aluminum alloys and aircraft engines for the past two years. Without you, those supplies wouldn't have been able to be delivered to Yangon smoothly."

It was indeed as Fang Wen said. Despite being a sailor, Lin Shuiwang had his own ideas about shipping operations, and his management skills in shipping had been proven over the years.

Fang Wen is someone who should definitely stay at Taishan International.

Under his insistence, Lin Shuiwang had no choice but to agree to return to China after the war ended.

Then, Fang Wen picked up the office phone and dialed the contact numbers left to him by the three conglomerates.

The call connected, and a woman's voice came through.

"Hello, Holy Gospel Church, how can I help you?"

What is the situation with the Holy Gospel Church?
Fang Wen replied with a puzzled look, "I'll find Steve and tell him that it was Taishan Fang Wen who contacted him."

"Please wait."

The phone call continued, but the woman who answered it temporarily left.

After a while, a man answered the phone.

"Fang, hello. I have received a notification that the Four-Faced Golden Buddha can be given to you, but you must give it a new number of treatments."

It's all used up again! Fang Wen was surprised. The last time he gave it energy, it hadn't been long since it was used up.

But then I thought, if it's just for a few wealthy people to use for treatment, there's definitely enough money for them.

But if you use it too much, you won't feel like you have enough.

The energy consumed by the four golden Buddhas was injected by him, and he couldn't let the other party use it recklessly.

Fang Wen planned to tell the other party after he arrived that charging was not as cheap as cabbage and that there was no shortage of power at any time.

No, saying that won't work. We need to make them understand that the energy that can heal diseases shouldn't be wasted, especially not on their private religious missionary work.

Fang Wen then found out the other party's address and rushed over immediately.

The Holy Evangelical Fellowship is located on a manor house in Long Island, New York.

Fang Wen had seen that place from the air. Fang Wen, along with Gong Xiuneng and Shao Sishen, drove to the manor gate and stopped.

The people inside the mansion came to open the door and pointed east.

"Park your car over there and then go up to the second floor."

Immediately, Fang Wen drove in.

Along the way, he saw many elegantly dressed guests enjoying themselves in various parts of the estate.

It seems today is a special day here, Fang Wen thought to himself.

He parked the car and led Gong Xiuneng and Shao Sishen upstairs.

At the top of the stairs on the second floor, a burly guard, noticing the three men's Eastern faces, said, "Please follow me."

Following the guard, we entered the largest room on the right.

Chairs are being moved and carpets are being laid out there.

The person in charge, upon seeing Fang Wen, greeted him warmly, "Hello, Mr. Fang, I am Steve, please follow me."

He took Fang Wen to the next office, where the two spoke alone.

Inside the office, Steve opened the safe and carefully took out four golden Buddha statues.

He didn't immediately hand them over to Fang Wen, but instead said to himself, "I know these are the things you mortgaged, but now, our Holy Gospel Society has been authorized to use the collateral. That is to say, the right to use these things belongs to the Holy Gospel Society until you redeem them."

“I did mortgage the items to three conglomerates. According to the contract, they have the right to use them. As for transferring the right to use them to you, that’s none of my business,” Fang Wen replied calmly.

"But these magical treasures have a limited number of uses. Once they're used up, you'll need to reactivate them. I have a suggestion: could you increase the number of uses at once, or make them available indefinitely?"

After Steve finished speaking, he looked at Fang Wen expectantly.

This requirement necessitates Fang Wen to expend a certain amount of his spiritual energy.

Every bit of energy Fang Wen obtained through treasure hunting and exploration was a fixed amount. Fang Wen used it for fighting, not for pointless faith.

Fang Wen was prepared to refuse the other party's request outright.

However, everything comes at a price.

He can use treasures as collateral to get loans, or he can use energy to exchange for other things.

The key is whether the other party is worth Fang Wen's investment.

For example, Taishan Military Industry is currently facing a severe shortage of high-end processing equipment.

He is willing to put in more effort as long as this condition can be met.

Fang Wen then said, "According to the contract, I only need to open it once a year. The extra opening for the Four-Faced Golden Buddha is compensation for my own use. As for your request, I have no obligation to fulfill it. Unless you agree to one of my requests, you can get more openings."

"any request?"

"Some very special factory equipment."

Steve was surprised by Fang Wen's request.

“Through your treasures, we’ve met many wealthy businessmen and entrepreneurs who enjoy the healing process and are willing to pay. But money isn’t important to us; what we’re more interested in is understanding why these items can defy scientific principles and achieve such miraculous effects. If you loosen your restrictions, we can talk to those people and fulfill your request.”

"Don't rush, these devices are hard to get. I can give you a list. If you can really get them, then our deal is done," Fang Wen replied.

“Okay.” Steve immediately took out paper and pen and handed them to Fang Wen.

With such a great opportunity before him, Fang Wen naturally had to seize it.

He wrote down some equipment that he had long coveted but had never been able to obtain.

Cincinnati Milacron 1000 Milling Machine

The Cincinnati Milacron 1000 is a classic vertical milling machine capable of handling a variety of complex metalworking tasks and can be used to manufacture critical components for aircraft engines.

South Bend Lathe 9-inch Lathe

The South Bend Lathe 9-inch is a classic horizontal lathe that meets a variety of metalworking needs and is widely used in the manufacture and maintenance of railway vehicles in the United States.

Haas X - Carve Milling Machine

Haas' X-Carve milling machine is a classic American product from the 30s. Its advanced design and ease of operation made it a favorite among engineers.

Cadillac Lathe

Its lathes are highly accurate and stable, making them ideal for precision machining needs.

Atlas Copco grinding machines

This grinding machine features high precision and high efficiency, making it suitable for applications in metal processing and materials science.

Gear broaching machine

A broaching machine that can broach straight bevel gears in one operation is mainly used for the manufacture of differential gears.

After finishing writing, Fang Wen handed it to Steve.

Looking at the content above, Steve didn't find it difficult.

He smiled and invited Fang Wen to attend the gospel meeting that evening.

Fang Wen agreed to this, but first he needed to treat Shao Sishen.

He then turned around, opened the door, and led Shao Sichen into the office.

He took out the charging crystal in front of Steve.

The energy crystal that can float in the air is actually just an illusion; what is truly at work is the invisible faith energy injected by Fang Wen.

After injecting the energy, Fang Wen had Shao Sichen stand in front of the four-faced Buddha statue, and placed his hand on the Buddha's head.

Another miracle occurred.

Even though he saw nothing, Shao Sichen raised his right hand in surprise.

Incredibly, he could grasp and squeeze his right hand to a degree almost identical to that of a normal person.

"My hand is healed!" he exclaimed in delight.

"Where are your feet?" Fang Wen asked.

Shao Sichen quickly lifted his leg and started walking, and surprisingly, he walked just like a normal person.

The discomfort that had accompanied him for years vanished at this moment.

Shao Sichen's first thought was that he wanted to fly the plane.

But tonight's events are not over yet; a grand gospel ceremony is about to take place.

Fang Wen and his two companions, as spectators, witnessed a peculiar scene.

The wealthy and businessmen all changed into white robes and knelt down devoutly before Steve.

Then, Steve held the amber blood cross and pressed it to their foreheads. The moment they touched, each of them showed a look of piety.

From Armenia more than a thousand years ago to here, this peculiar artifact has collected faith time and time again.

Fang Wen had no faith, but he found it very interesting because it was time to collect the faith energy from the amber blood cross again.

(End of this chapter)