Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 97, Section 96: The Gold Industry in the Republic of China Era – The Treasure-Hunting Gang Returns to Shanghai to Share the Profits
Fang Wen spent the night at the Kuang family mansion as their son-in-law.

Originally, I was planning to go back to the airport, but my father-in-law, who had been drinking, wouldn't allow it.

It was said that since it was the daughter's first time returning home, the son-in-law couldn't possibly be shortchanged.

He will send people to guard the gold on the plane, and if it is lost, the Kuang family will compensate for it.

Afterwards, a team of guards accompanied Shao Sichen to the airport, and Fang Wen stayed at the Kuang family's house overnight.

That night, naturally, he couldn't share a room with Kuang Mingzhu.

To ensure nothing went wrong that night, Master Kuang insisted on having a late-night talk with Fang Wenbing by candlelight.

Let's talk about gold.

With the gold on his mind, Fang Wen was able to listen to what was being said.

He learned a little about the gold industry in the Republic of China from Mr. Kuang.

During the Republic of China period, there were several forms of purchasing and trading between gold shops.

Some long-established gold shops have connections in the local area and will directly purchase gold ingots or gold ore from mines in China, and then refine and process them.

Because domestic and foreign trade are now open, gold shops also import gold from abroad as raw materials or reserves.

In addition to direct transactions between individual gold shops, there are also gold exchanges.

To the north is the Shanghai Gold Exchange, and to the south is the Guangzhou Silver Exchange.

The Shanghai Gold Exchange is the largest gold trading venue in China.

Gold shops can buy and sell gold products such as standard gold through exchanges.

The standard gold bars that Fang Wen had were the kind of standard gold bars from the Central Mint.

Taking 1926 as an example, the total number of gold transactions on the gold exchange reached 62323048. If we calculate based on half of the transactions, the actual number of transactions would be 3116 million, which shows the enormous volume of gold trading in China.

However, the Shanghai Gold Exchange is controlled by merchants from Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces and foreign banks, while merchants from Fujian and Guangdong provinces mainly trade gold at the Guangzhou Silver Exchange.

The Guangzhou Silver Market is the only gold and silver trading market in Guangzhou, located within the Guangzhou Silver Industry Association compound. This market not only facilitates the buying and selling of gold and silver but also involves currency exchange rate transactions, making it one of the most important spot financial markets in southern China.

Mr. Kwong promised that the gold would be secured by tomorrow, but a formality would need to be completed at the silver market to conceal its origin before it entered circulation, thus preventing the Japanese from finding out.

Fang Wen was touched by his father-in-law's thoughtfulness and drank two more rounds with him.

The next day, Fang Wen was woken up early.

It was Kwong Ming-chu who called him and thoughtfully brought him toiletries.

Mr. Kuang said sourly from the side, "I've never had a daughter bring me water to wash my face in my entire life. But with you, you don't even need the servants at home, and you personally serve you. Where do I put my face?"

Fang Wen chuckled inwardly without saying a word, washed his face, and changed his clothes: "Father-in-law, let's go."

"Yes, this matter cannot be delayed; the sooner it is resolved, the better." Master Kuang no longer dwelled on his daughter's matter.

The group set off by car and arrived at the Silver Market.

It wasn't a big place, just a bunch of small shops, but it was very lively.

The narrow, cramped alley was packed with speculators and traders, with the sounds of price quotes rising and falling, fully demonstrating the market's bustling activity and intensity.

Looking at the noisy scene, Fang Wen couldn't help but ask, "Is this all?"

Kwong Ming-chu explained: "In addition to private negotiations, the banking market has a complete set of trading areas. There is one area for buying and selling Hong Kong remittance orders, another area for negotiating Western paper stocks and bonds and Hong Kong single orders, another area for buying and selling Western paper stocks and bonds spot, another area for buying and selling Western paper futures, another area for negotiating Western paper bond interest rates, and another area for banking members to find prices and settle accounts."

It's explained in detail, but it's quite complicated for laypeople.

Fang Wen asked, "Where are we going?"

"The place we're going to is where the big bosses of the gold trading companies drink tea. My father will be there, and we'll just wait outside," Kuang Mingzhu said mysteriously.

They then went inside and stopped outside a small building. Kwong's father-in-law went upstairs, while Fang Wen and Kwong Ming-chu waited downstairs.

After a while, Master Kuang came out with a beaming smile.

"It's settled. We all agree to take that batch of gold together. We will pay you with gold notes, which you can use to withdraw funds in the future. Consider it our support for your anti-Japanese activities."

Fang Wen was overjoyed. It was finally done. The gold had returned to circulation, and he no longer had to worry about converting it into cash. This also gave him an opportunity to prevent the Japanese from investigating further.

Subsequently, several gold shops simultaneously sent personnel to the airport, where they inspected 64000 gold bars in a hangar and issued corresponding gold invoices.

Of course, not all of them. Fang Wen took out a small portion of these gold bars to take back as payment for the first installment of the treasure-hunting team's reward.

He then piloted the plane back to Shanghai with Fang Shouxin, Shunzi, Shao Sishen, and his newlywed wife Kuang Mingzhu.

After refueling and resting in Shanghai, we immediately headed to Jinan to prepare for our overnight flight to Northeast China.

The night is deep.

The logging site in the southeast forest area of ​​Shenyang was quiet.

Everyone was there, but no one dared to make a sound.

Until Sun Debiao brought back the people who had gone out to investigate.

"They're roe deer, a whole herd of roe deer. If I didn't have to leave tonight, I would have had some meat."

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. In the past two days, the situation had become increasingly tense, and Japanese soldiers had begun searching outside the city. They also felt immense pressure.

Every now and then, someone would take out their pocket watch and look at it, eagerly awaiting the arrival of midnight.

Finally, the time came, and they couldn't wait to light the torches along the runway.

The expected roar sounded, and a dark figure descended from the sky, landing on the temporary runway.

Everyone hurriedly grabbed their luggage and ran to the plane.

"Don't panic, you're starting to look good."

After Wang Gangzhu's words, the seven members of the action team gave way, and the others could no longer cause trouble.

As soon as the hatch opened, Fang Wen spoke up, "I apologize, everyone. The marriage was somewhat accidental, but it is related to gold. I will explain when we get back."

Upon hearing Fang Wen's words, everyone's resentment vanished instantly, and they lined up to board the plane.

Everyone boarded the plane, and Fang Wen piloted it into the air.

When the plane reached high altitude, everyone suddenly felt a sense of security.

With their bodies and minds relaxed, many people fell into a deep sleep.

Their two-month ordeal has finally come to an end.

Two hours later, the plane landed in Jinan, but only for refueling, and then took off again to fly back to Shanghai Airport.

Fang Wen made the announcement after the plane landed at Shanghai Airport.

"We're home. Let's have a meeting and discuss how to split the money?"

Immediately, everyone came to their senses.

The nineteen members of the heist group gathered at the airport cafeteria.

The chefs at Taishan Airlines' canteen prepared a sumptuous late-night snack for them.

They ate heartily; it was the best food they had eaten in two months.

After everyone had finished eating.

Fang Wen then spoke up to summarize.

"This operation has been a complete success. All nineteen members of the treasure-hunting team have returned safely. The 64000 gold bars have been disposed of. Now, we will announce how the spoils from this treasure-hunting operation will be distributed."

Everyone breathed heavily, looking at Fang Wen.

Fang Wen took out a piece of paper.

"According to the plan, half of the 64000 gold bars will be distributed as profits to those involved in the operation, and the other half will be used to deal with the Japanese and expel the Manchus. Does anyone have any objections?"

Everyone shook their heads: "No."

"That's good. According to this profit-sharing method, Taishan Airlines will get 12800 gold bars, Chief Wang will get 9600 gold bars, the Liu brothers will get 3200, and the thieves will get 6400. Is that right?" Everyone had calculated this number countless times, but hearing Fang Wen say it still made them excited.

"Yes." "That's right."

Fang Wen put down the paper and scanned all the members of the treasure-hunting team.

"You all come from all corners of the country, and you are all chivalrous heroes who have lived on the edge of death. Have you ever thought about how long you can live after taking this money?"

These words caused everyone's expression to change.

Even Chief Wang showed a displeased expression.

Sun Debiao and Manager Liu quickly stood up to defend their client: "Our general manager didn't mean what you think."

Chief Wang nodded: "General Manager Fang, we are all江湖人 (jianghu people), martial artists, so please speak frankly."

"What I mean is, if all the gold were given to you, could you keep it? Many heroes have made a fortune and squandered it all, and when they grew old, they had nothing left."

His words resonated with the five people who had stolen the door.

"That's how our master was. He amassed a fortune in his youth, but squandered it all. In his old age, without us, he wouldn't have survived."

"do not talk."

“There’s nothing I can’t say. I’ve already thought about it this time. I’ll hide all the money I get. I’ll only take out a little when I need it.”

"That's what I think too, but hiding money is difficult, we need to think about it carefully."

These words provided crucial support for Fang Wen's subsequent remarks.

Fang Wen quickly said, "If we divide the money all at once, who among you can hold onto a fortune of thousands of gold bars? We're afraid of losing it if we hide it, but we can't bear to carry it around. And if we let our wealth slip by, it'll only make us more vulnerable to being targeted by our competitors. Isn't that right?"

This is the truth. In times of chaos, gold can save a life, or it can take it away.

That describes the situation with just a few small yellow croakers, let alone hundreds or thousands.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Fang Wen continued, “If you’re too generous and love gambling, it’s not impossible for you to squander it all in two or three years. It’s also possible that it will be stolen by thieves, or that you’ll be cheated out of your money by mistresses or acquaintances. When you get old, how will you live if you’re out of gold? My idea is to pay in installments, giving you a sum of money each year that’s enough to live comfortably, until you’re old and the money is all gone. I call this method a pension system.”

The five who stole the door were very tempted. Their master was a negative example, so they preferred a more gradual approach.

After thinking for a moment, Chief Wang asked, "How much exactly per person per year?"

This time it was Fang Shouxin who answered.

"We have already prepared the allocation plan, and now we will tell you about it."

"Boss Wang and his team each received an average of 1200 gold bars, which were stored at Taishan Airlines and would be distributed over 30 years. Each person would receive 40 bars per year."

"The three Liu brothers had 3200 sticks, which were stored at Taishan Aviation. They were distributed over 30 years, with each of them receiving about 35 sticks per year."

"The 6400 sticks will be divided equally among the five of you and your master. The distribution will be completed in 30 years, with each person receiving approximately 35 sticks per year."

After Fang Shouxin finished speaking, Fang Wen asked:
"These gold bars are enough for you to use for a year, and you don't have to worry about storing the remaining gold. You can live happily for the rest of 30 years. What do you all think?"

Everyone readily agreed that even if it was divided over thirty years, the amount received each year would be enough, and that way, they could perhaps retire from the criminal life and enjoy the rest of their lives.

After everyone agreed.

Fang Wen stated his final request: "This allocation means that you and Taishan Airlines will maintain a 30-year cooperative relationship. During these 30 years, you must not disclose any details of this gold operation. If Taishan Airlines encounters any difficulties, you must also lend a helping hand."

Everyone agreed.

Fang Wen then clapped his hands.

Shunzi and Pan Jiafeng came in carrying plates full of gold, and the first year's gold profit sharing was completed on the spot.

With the gold in hand, the group was overjoyed and eager to return to Shanghai to enjoy themselves.

Fang Wen saw them off, and when the five thieves left, he made a point of giving them their master's share to take back with them.

Even after the profit-sharing among external members ended, Fang Wen did not conclude the meeting.

He also had his own small team. He took out two gold bar boxes, broke the seals, and scattered the gold bars on the table.

"It's our turn. Manager Liu and Sun Debiao will participate in the operation and take the lion's share, 1200 sticks each. Everyone else will get 300 sticks each. Any objections?"

“I can’t accept it. I didn’t participate in the entire operation.” Pan Jiafeng shook his head and refused.

“You usually train my flight apprentices and fly the flights on my behalf, so you’re already involved in the operation. Take it.” At Fang Wen’s request, Pan Jiafeng agreed.

The others were overjoyed and, following the 30-year profit-sharing arrangement, each took their first year's gold bars.

The gold has been distributed. The operation is officially over.

As for how to spend money in the future, Fang Wen doesn't want to think about it for the time being.

He felt very tired and wanted to rest.

He then left the airport and returned home.

There were people waiting for him at home.

Kuang Mingzhu, who was already married, opened the door for him, undressed him, and was extremely gentle.

The two fell asleep in each other's arms, with Kuang Mingzhu curled up in her strong embrace.

"Sir, I heard from Shunzi that you have a close female friend in Nanjing, is that right?"

Fang Wen's arm stiffened. Shunzi, that guy, always brings up the most sensitive topics. Is this something that can be discussed?

He was no longer sleepy.

"Ahem, well, there is such a one, but..."

"Sir, there's no need to rush. I don't mind. After all, I came later and she came first. When you go to see her, just let me know. I also want to meet this confidante and become friends."

Fang Wen remained silent; he couldn't discern whether the implied meaning was good or bad.

I simply won't answer.

The heist is over.

Apart from a secret investigation being conducted in Northeast China, virtually no one knew about this.

Such a huge scandal is something even the Japanese are embarrassed to talk about.

64000 gold bars! 2 tons in total.

It turned into a fake right under their noses, and no one noticed.

If the treasure hadn't been moved to a new hiding place and had been recounted, this matter wouldn't have been exposed.

The high command of the Kwantung Army also felt that someone had to take responsibility, and dismissed several senior officers in succession.

However, the investigation was ultimately terminated.

They preferred to give up the gold rather than expose the matter.

Therefore, any potential flaws in the whole affair have been buried in the dust of history.

Meanwhile, in the south, Taishan Airlines welcomed a new management team, including the general manager's wife, a very capable and virtuous businesswoman.

She became the deputy general manager of Taishan Airlines, handling various matters for the company.

With the help of his capable wife, Fang Wen was finally able to extricate himself from the company's busy affairs.

It is now November 1932.

In the Weimar Republic parliamentary elections in Europe, the Nazi Party won nearly 30% of the vote.

Although they only received 30% of the vote, they still won the most seats.

With the resignation of new Prime Minister von Papen, a short man with a mustache became the most prominent figure in parliament.

Fang Wen in the East was also considering how to use that huge gold reserve, whether to make a large purchase in Europe or the United States.
(End of this chapter)