Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 57 Boeing Sales Representatives, Armistice Agreement Signed

Chapter 57 Boeing Sales Representatives, Armistice Agreement Signed
The final battle to suppress bandits in Fuyang has ended.

The bandits, consisting of more than 2000 deserters, surrendered and were incorporated into the army after their defeat.

The scattered small groups of bandits throughout the region suddenly realized that this was no longer their paradise, and they all fled the territory of Fuyang.

The remaining aftermath was a matter for the Ninghang County Party Committee and the local government. Fang Wen took the initiative to leave the day after the airdrop.

Officials and gentry from Fuyang, along with Ning Hangsheng, saw him off at the airport. Before boarding, Fang Wen organized his thoughts.

"The airport needs to negotiate with suppliers in the United States regarding the purchase of passenger planes, so I really can't stay in Fuyang for long. I will come again when the route opens. Let's meet again next time."

Those who came to see him off echoed his sentiments and waved goodbye.

Just as Fang Wen was about to turn around, the crowd parted and Huo Duanyang emerged.

At this moment, he had changed into a Zhongshan suit and cut his hair into a buzz cut.

"Manager Fang, could you give me a ride?"

"Where are you going?" Fang Wen asked with a smile.

“I’m going to the Nanjing Jinling Arsenal; my classmate is there.” After a pause, Huo Duanyang explained, “These past two days I’ve been thinking about something: where have all those lofty ambitions from my school days gone? Rather than staying in Fuyang as a teacher, I might as well go out and explore.”

An aerial bombing rekindled the passion in this former patriotic youth, and Fang Wen naturally helped him achieve his goal.

He patted Huo Duanyang on the shoulder, "Sure, I support you, but have you told your family?"

"I said it. I support him." The one who responded was the same one who explained the situation of the bandits in Fuyang at the banquet welcoming Fang Wen. The father and son were somewhat similar, both still carrying a bit of a bloodthirsty spirit.

Since that's the case, there's no need to say anything more. Fang Wen pushed the boarding stairs to the rear of the cockpit, letting Huo Duanyang go first, and then boarded the plane himself.

The plane took off amidst the farewells of officials and gentry in Fuyang.

The wind was strong in the air, and in an old-fashioned biplane like the Qingyun with no cover in the cockpit, people had to shout to communicate, so the two of them didn't chat in the air.

After a flight of more than three hours, the plane landed at Nanjing Airport.

Manager Liu, Fang Shouxin, and Shunzi were all waiting by the track.

Fang Wen and Huo Duanyang got off the plane, and Fang Shouxin said, "Uncle Fang, his name is Huo Duanyang. He's from Fuyang. Please arrange a place for him to stay."

Immediately afterwards, Huo Duanyang, carrying his suitcase, followed Fang Shouxin out of the airport and headed to their newly rented residence.

It's right next to the courtyard of the Eight Great Families.

After watching Huo Duanyang leave, Fang Wen chatted with Manager Liu.

Have the people from the US arrived yet?

"He's here. He said his name is Selman. He's really bold, driving all the way from Shanghai by himself. I arranged for him to stay at the guesthouse inside the airport. Howard is with him."

"Let's go over there."

Fang Wen and Manager Liu walked to the guesthouse and knocked on the guest room door.

The door opened; Howard opened the door, and behind him stood a foreign man with somewhat balding hair.

The other person introduced themselves in English.

It wasn't Selmen; Manager Liu must have misheard.

He meant that Boeing's authorized overseas sales representatives, also known as aircraft salesmen, are called "Salesmen" in English, which sounds like "Salesman".

Fang Wen shook hands with him and chatted with him while smiling.

The first topic of discussion between the two sides mainly revolved around the delivery and transportation of tung oil.

A total of 600 tons of tung oil, which is 10% more than the agreed amount, is to cover the additional transportation costs.

According to the agreement between the two parties, the tung oil was shipped from Nanjing to the Shanghai port via the Yangtze River, and the rest was the responsibility of the US side to find ships to transport it to the United States.

These tung oils are all stored in original wooden barrels, so there's no need to worry about the hassle of transportation.

The other party had no objection to this.

The next step is to discuss the delivery method and after-sales service for the Boeing 80.

According to the other party, the plane had already been loaded onto a ship in San Francisco and was being transported to Shanghai across the Pacific Ocean.

I estimate we'll arrive in Shanghai in about 10 days.

Fang Wen felt that this approach was unreliable.

The waters near Shanghai are still under the control of the Japanese Navy. What if the Japanese intercept the goods if they are shipped from the Pacific Ocean?
In response, the other party revealed a secret.

Fang Wen's expression remained calm, but he was inwardly surprised.

These foreigners actually know so much inside information.

He told Howard to stay with the Boeing sales representative while he and Manager Liu left the room.

"The ceasefire agreement has been signed. Foreigners in the concessions already know about it in advance, and it won't be long before it's announced nationwide."

"Really? That's wonderful. I'll go tell the master right now." Manager Liu hurried downstairs to deliver the good news.

Fang Wen was not so happy. Although a ceasefire agreement had been signed, the contents of the agreement might not be to the liking of the Chinese people.

After arranging for the Boeing sales representative, Fang Wen left the airport.

I walked slowly back to my accommodation outside the airport.

Now that there are more people around, staying in the airport dormitory is no longer convenient, so renting a place outside is a natural thing to do. Huo Duanyang is chatting with Shunzi in the courtyard.

"It would be good if you went to the Jinling Arsenal. The bombs my young master used to bomb Japanese warships were produced there."

"Really? It's a pity I wasn't there. But it's okay, I'll make better bombs in the future."

“Okay, I’ll help you, let’s do it together,” Shunzi said innocently.

“Okay, let’s do it together.” Huo Duanyang replied with a smile. Because of Shunzi’s cheerful personality, he no longer felt the unfamiliarity and restraint of a newcomer.

Fang Wen wanted to join their conversation and was about to walk over when he heard Manager Liu's voice coming from afar outside the courtyard.

"Mr. Fang, your host invites you to come and celebrate the signing of the ceasefire agreement."

“Perfect, we don’t have to cook for ourselves tonight. Shunzi, go call your dad, and Huo Duanyang, you come with us too.”

Then, the group walked to the Eight Great Families' residence, which was a few dozen meters away.

Because of the airport issue, the people in charge of these companies secretly left Shanghai and rented a row of residences here.

Now, it's all festive and lively, just waiting for the lanterns and decorations to be put up.

The members of the eight families busied themselves, bringing plate after plate of hot dishes to the table.

Fang Wen was pulled to sit in the main seat.

"it is finally over."

"Once the Japanese withdraw their troops, we can have a big fight."

"Mr. Fang, oh, no, General Manager Fang, let's have a drink."

The news of the ceasefire agreement made them extremely happy. Amidst the clinking of glasses, someone took out a radio.

Switch to the commercial channel.

The hissing of electricity accompanied the host's announcement.

"Merlington Radio broadcasts major news to the people of Shanghai."

"It is understood that the Nationalist government has signed a ceasefire agreement with the Japanese Navy."

"The agreement has five articles."

"Article 1. Effective immediately, both sides' armies shall, to the best of their ability, cease all hostile acts in and around Shanghai. Any questions regarding the ceasefire shall be investigated by the representatives of the friendly nations present at the meeting."

"Who is Youbang?" Shunzi asked, puzzled.

“Britain, France, and the United States,” Huo Duanyang replied.

Although the two spoke softly, they were met with stares from everyone, and they quickly shut up.

The static from the radio continued.

"Article 2. The Chinese military shall remain stationed along the Kunshan-Suzhou line until a decision is made on the method for the normal resumption of operations in the areas covered by this agreement."

"Can't our troops enter Shanghai?" someone asked angrily.

"Shut up, it's not over yet, keep listening," one of the hosts scolded.

"Article 3: Japanese troops shall withdraw to the area of the International Settlement and the road construction area in Hongkou, as before the January 28 Incident of the 21st year of the Republic of China. However, given the number of Japanese troops that need to be accommodated, a number of troops may be temporarily stationed in the adjacent areas of the above-mentioned areas."

At this moment, the originally lively and festive atmosphere naturally vanished.

As for the subsequent broadcasts, no one was interested in listening anymore.

Even though everyone present was a businessman, they still had a sense of patriotism, but the contents of these agreements hurt them.

"Let's call it a day. I thought it would be a joyous occasion, but it's turned out to be a heartbreaking disappointment. I have no appetite for this meal."

One of the hosts stood up, shook his head, and went straight into the house.

The other members of the household also got up, left the courtyard, and went back to their respective homes.

The rest, some of whom were reasonable, also sighed helplessly.

Those who didn't understand asked in hushed tones, whispering among themselves.

Shunzi blurted out after hearing Huo Duanyang's explanation.

"Why? We didn't lose the battle. Why can't our own troops enter the city and the Japanese occupy a piece of land?"

No one answered him.

Shunzi looked at Fang Wen, "Young Master."

Fang Wen looked up; the sky above him was dotted with stars, and the moon was crescent-shaped.

At least in this sky, one can soar freely.

No, he felt it was pathetic to think that way.

Why can't we just swiftly and decisively behead the enemy chieftain?