Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Qiongzhou Island, Haikou.

The forward command headquarters was located in an old-style Western-style building that had just been repaired by engineers.

Outside the window, swaying coconut palms and the bustling Haikou Port stretched out before me, the salty sea breeze carrying away the lingering smell of gunpowder from the past few days.

Although it was late at night, the lights in the command center were still on.

Chu Yunfei had just seen off a group of US military liaison officers who had come to "learn from his experience".

He was standing by the window, gazing absently at the ships still loading supplies on the sea.

"Your Excellency."

Li Jingzhong walked in briskly, holding two newly translated top-secret telegrams, with a strange expression on his face: "We've received two telegrams from Shancheng."

He gently placed the telegrams on the coffee table next to Chu Yunfei and said in a low voice, "The two telegrams were sent only ten minutes apart, but their contents are quite interesting."

"Oh?"

Chu Yunfei turned around, not rushing to take it, but instead picked up his teacup to moisten his throat. The humid heat of the island made him miss the cool summer days of Shanxi: "Nian."

"The first letter was a joint telegram issued in the name of the General Headquarters and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the wording was quite harsh."

Li Jingzhong cleared his throat and, mimicking the official tone, read: "It has been found that the recent business dealings between the North China Joint Command and the Soviet Union involve many sensitive issues."

In view of the current complex international situation and the inappropriate suspicions of our allies, I hereby order your department to immediately pull back from the brink and exercise due care.

"Especially that so-called 'Friendship' truck factory project, it must be suspended immediately without delay!"

"We urge those in North China to prioritize the overall situation and not to let minor issues cause them to lose sight of the bigger picture, thus harming themselves and the country!"

After reading it aloud, Li Jingzhong secretly glanced at Chu Yunfei's expression.

Chu Yunfei's expression remained unchanged, even with a faint smile playing on his lips: "Interesting. This is playing the bad cop to Stilwell. What about the second one?"

"The second one was a coded telegram sent directly from the President's office, with the highest level of encryption."

Li Jingzhong picked up the second sheet of paper, his tone becoming somewhat playful: "This one is much shorter, only two sentences."

"A general in the field may disobey the emperor's orders in some cases. He is free to decide how to carry them out, and any alternative methods are unnecessary to report."

Upon hearing this, Chu Yunfei couldn't help but burst into laughter.

He took the two telegrams, glanced at them in the light of the desk lamp, and tapped his finger back and forth between the two sheets of paper: "See that, Jingzhong? This is the balancing act that the Chairman likes to play the most."

"This first letter was a pledge of allegiance to the Americans, showing that he firmly stood on the side of the 'democratic camp,' wanted to distance himself from me, a 'pro-Soviet element,' and was justified in accepting the list of American aid."

"This second letter is the one that truly tells me the truth."

Chu Yunfei walked to the wall where a map of China was hanging, his gaze traveling from the South China Sea all the way north to the map of North China.

"He wanted American aid, but he didn't want me to really lose contact with the Soviets."

"Because as long as I continue to flirt with the Soviets, the Americans will feel threatened and will keep giving Chang Ruiyuan things in order to win over China."

"At the same time, I can't completely side with the Soviet Union or the United States, so he, as the middleman, can sit securely."

Li Jingzhong nodded earnestly: "Commander Sun Ming told me before that what the Chairman likes and is best at is political balancing, rather than knowing how to appoint people to positions of power."

"Sir, I have a feeling that his move has indeed created a problem for us." Li Jingzhong frowned and said, "If the Soviets find out that the truck factory has been suspended on the surface, especially that hot-tempered Star.LIN, won't they be furious?"

"Out of embarrassment and anger?"

Chu Yunfei turned around, a sly glint in his eyes: "You should know that these politicians only care about interests, not emotions."

"Since the Chairman wants me to 'consider' and 'handle it flexibly,' wouldn't we be letting him down if we didn't cooperate?"

Chu Yunfei sat back in his chair, picked up a red and blue pencil and twirled it in his hand, his tone becoming decisive: "Generate electricity for Changzhi!"

"Order Sun Weimou to immediately implement the 'production halt and rectification'!"

Li Jingzhong was taken aback: "Your Excellency, are you really stopping? That production line has only just been set up; not a single car has been produced yet."

"Who said it's really stopped?"

Chu Yunfei glared at him, then gave him a look of utter disappointment: "We're 'selling dog meat under the guise of mutton,' don't you understand?"

"Issue a notice that the original factory has closed down."

"However, in order to ensure the transfer of materials and the corresponding transportation of materials in North China."

Chu Yunfei tapped the table and said, word by word, "Have Sun Weimou set up a new company on the original site—call it 'North China Civil Transportation Machinery Factory'!"

"Take down that 'Sino-Soviet Friendship' sign and send it to the warehouse to collect dust!"

"puff"

Li Jingzhong almost burst out laughing. "Your Excellency, is this all it takes to change a sign?"

"This is enough."

Chu Yunfei said matter-of-factly, “There is no ‘Sino-Soviet’ in the name, no ‘friendship’, and no ‘military’. It’s all ‘civilian’. Even if the Americans wanted to find fault, they wouldn’t be able to say anything.”

"But."

"This is the 'heart' and 'skeleton' that our automotive industry urgently needs."

"We haven't even seen the car yet, and the Americans are already cutting the project with just one sentence. This means the Soviets' initial investment has gone down the drain. And what about the Soviets?"

“Projects must be stopped, at least those projects bearing the ‘Sino-Soviet cooperation’ label must be stopped.”

Chu Yunfei said decisively, "The American Lend-Lease Act is in full swing, and Stipunk trucks are being shipped to the Soviet Union in the thousands."

"The trucks that we haven't even built yet are just a symbol of maintaining friendly relations between the two sides for the Soviets."

"What they value is our strategic posture in the Far East and the political significance of our technological cooperation."

"Since the Americans have spoken, we have to give them face."

Chu Yunfei sat back in his chair, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table: "Send a telegram to Changzhi, ordering Sun Weimou to immediately remove the signboard! The preparatory office for the 'Sino-Soviet Friendship Truck Manufacturing Plant' is to be dissolved immediately!"

"We must announce that due to adjustments in the technical roadmap and the international situation, this cooperation project will be suspended indefinitely."

"As for the Soviet experts' suggestion to be hired as a 'private consultant' at the newly established 'North China Civil Machinery Repair Factory'..."

"All the technical data we've already acquired should be transferred to civilian machinery repair shops for our own vehicle maintenance and future research and development, but we must never again publicly proclaim that it's Soviet technology!"

"Huh?" Li Jingzhong was taken aback: "Your Excellency, in this way, the Soviets have really suffered a loss without being able to speak up. They gave us the technology, but lost the title and the cooperation. Won't they think we are kicking them while they're down?"

"Therefore, we need to find a different way to 'compensate' them and fill the psychological gap they feel."

A sly glint flashed in Chu Yunfei's eyes as he took out another list from the drawer—the latest report on the light industry production capacity of the base.

"Although the Soviets have a strong heavy industry, their light industry has almost completely shut down due to the war, and resources have been used to build tanks and artillery."

"The soldiers on the front lines are freezing, and the workers in the rear are starving. What they lack is something to 'lubricate' this huge war machine—tobacco, food, and textiles."

"Although the truck project is nominally suspended, we can still increase bilateral trade!"

Chu Yunfei drew several heavy circles on the list with red and blue pencils: "High-quality tobacco leaves, 'Guanghua' cigarettes produced by Jin Southeast Cigarette Factory, as well as our luncheon meat cans, biscuits, and sheepskin!"

"Especially cigarettes and canned goods, which were more valuable hard currency than bullets on the cold Eastern Front!"

"Under the guise of 'compensating for breach of contract' and 'clearing inventory'."

"Even if we have to sell or give these things away for free, we have to fill the truck on the way back!"

"We must clearly tell the Soviet representatives that these are precious supplies that we squeezed out to support our allies, despite the enormous pressure from the Americans!"

"Although we encountered 'force majeure' in our industrial projects, we still firmly support the Soviet people's anti-fascist war in all aspects of our lives!"

Li Jingzhong's eyes lit up: "Your Excellency is brilliant!"

"The Americans don't care about these light industrial products at all, and they won't turn against us over a few boxes of tobacco, but for the Soviets who are desperately lacking in daily necessities, this is a godsend!"

"Not only that."

"Didn't the First Front Army capture some new Japanese equipment? Send those to the Soviets too."

"New equipment?"

Li Jingzhong was puzzled: "Are they those precision-structured metal antennas and electron tube devices?"

"That's right. The captured items were called 'electric probes' by the Japanese, but we and the Allies called them radar."

"According to the interrogation results, the wreckage of the 'Type 1-3' radio wave detector that we captured from the Japanese 46th Division's air defense positions was severely damaged, but the core components were still intact."

Chu Yunfei said in a deep voice, "Although the Japanese radar technology is backward, it also has its unique advantages."

"Americans looked down on these junk items, but for the Soviets, whose electronics industry was relatively weak, they were indeed valuable items."

"Also, contact the Soviet military attaché in China in my name."

"For example, I deeply regret that the 'Friendship' truck factory project was forced to terminate. This was due to force majeure, and I had to consider the attitudes of Chongqing and Washington."

"However, as compensation, and to express my apology and sincerity, we in North China are donating this extremely valuable set of Japanese radar remnants to them as 'scrap metal,' hoping it will be of some help to your Allied forces' air defense efforts."

Li Jingzhong couldn't help but give a thumbs up: "Your Excellency, your move was absolutely brilliant!"

"By using light industrial products and dilapidated radar that the Americans looked down upon, we not only silenced the Americans, but also maintained relations with the Soviet Union, and still managed to reap the benefits!"

"Most importantly, we've already mastered the Soviet truck technology!"

Chu Yunfei looked out the window at the night sky, his gaze deep: "We gave face to the Americans, substance to the Soviets, and kept the benefits for ourselves. Surviving between two superpowers is not easy. The Soviets' attitude is very important. We don't know how Moscow will react yet."

Chu Yunfei paused for a moment, then continued, "Go and do it. Make this a success."

"In addition, the telegram clearly required that tobacco factories and canneries in Shanxi Province must operate in three shifts and run at full capacity!"

"All the tobacco leaves that were originally sold cheaply to the Soviets were processed into expensive cigarettes."

"Yes!"

Li Jingzhong saluted, turned around and quickly left.

The situation in Qiongzhou is now settled.

American aid arrived quickly, and if all went well, relations with the Soviets could be maintained.

Chu Yunfei stood in front of the large-scale battle map, his gaze fixed on the direction of North China.

There, Okamura Yasuji, the most troublesome commander in the Japanese army, was still waiting for him.
The following morning, at Haikou Port.

The tropical sun had just risen above the horizon, casting golden rays across the shimmering sea.

Normally, at this moment, there should only be the sound of waves crashing against the shore.

But today, the entire Haikou Port is engulfed in the deafening roar of machinery.

"Quick! Drive the bulldozer over there!"

"Steel plate! Where's the perforated steel plate I need?" "Fuck!"

"500 meters of the airport runway must be laid by tomorrow!"

A shirtless U.S. Army engineer major, smoking a cigar, stood on the tracks of a bulldozer, waving blueprints and yelling at a group of engineers who were also covered in oil.

This is Haikou.

It is also the newest and most important forward operating base for the US-China allied forces in the South China Sea.

According to subsequent provisions of the Joint Landing Operation Plan for Qiongzhou Island, the U.S. Army's 33rd Corps of Engineers, along with the Navy's "Seabee" engineering battalion, which was specially transferred from the Pacific theater, are carrying out emergency dredging and expansion of Haikou Port at an astonishing "American speed".

On a flat area west of the port, dozens of road rollers were frantically crushing the craters that had just been filled in.

As per Stilwell and Chennault's request, this place will be transformed into a field airfield capable of handling B-25 and even B-24 heavy bombers in a short period of time.

Once completed, fighter jets taking off from here will have a range that directly covers the Taiwan Strait and northern Philippines, becoming a sharp dagger thrust into Japan's "absolute defense perimeter."

Right there on this bustling construction site, a jeep bearing the flag of the Dingnan Army Headquarters slowly drove into the VIP berthing area of ​​the dock.

Zhao Pengcheng quickly jumped out of the car, straightened his brand-new military uniform, and turned his gaze to the sea.

There,

A passenger-cargo ship that does not belong to the U.S. military's combat order of battle is slowly approaching the shore under the guidance of a pilot ship.

Instead of military flags, the ship's gunwale was adorned with the flags of several prominent chambers of commerce in Southeast Asia.

"Commander Zhao, the guests have arrived."

The guard company commander whispered a reminder.

"Ah."

Zhao Pengcheng nodded, took a deep breath, and put on his signature professional smile.

The guests he's welcoming today are no ordinary guests.

Although these people were not wearing military uniforms, in Chu Yunfei's strategic chessboard, their weight was even greater than that of an American division.

Those were overseas Chinese businessmen who, when Chu Yunfei had Sun Weimou and Sun Ming establish their presence in Southeast Asia and overseas, had already tied their lives and fortunes to the North China Clique through "Restoration Construction Shares" and war bonds.

As the ship's gangway was lowered.

A group of middle-aged and elderly people dressed in suits or long gowns in the style of Southeast Asia, supported by their attendants, stepped onto this newly liberated land.

Leading the way was an elderly man with white hair and beard, yet he was remarkably vigorous.

Holding a walking stick, he was over sixty years old, but his eyes revealed a shrewdness and authority that came from years of experience in the business world.

Huang Zixuan, the Rubber King of Southeast Asia.

Behind him stood mining tycoons from the Philippines and Chinese business leaders from San Francisco.
"Mr. Huang! Gentlemen!"

Zhao Pengcheng strode forward, grasped Huang Zixuan's hands with both, and said sincerely and warmly, "Welcome home! Welcome to Haikou, which has just been liberated!"

"On behalf of Chief Advisor Chu and the 200,000 soldiers on the front lines, I salute you all!"

"Oh, Commander Zhao, you're too kind!"

Huang Zixuan held Zhao Pengcheng's hand tightly, his eyes even becoming a little moist.

He looked around at the busy American soldiers and at the blue sky with a white sun flag fluttering over the ruins in the distance. His voice trembled slightly as he said, "I never imagined that I would live to see the Chinese army display such might!"

“I saw it all the way here.”

"American warships escorted us, and American engineers built roads for us."

Huang Zixuan exclaimed with deep emotion: "We Chinese people have finally stood tall!"

"Yes!"

Behind him, a Chinese businessman from San Francisco said excitedly, "In the past, we suffered all kinds of contempt from foreigners overseas. This time, when we heard that Commander Chu had recovered Qiongzhou Island and even annihilated an entire Japanese division, firecrackers were set off in Chinatown all night long!"

"We came back this time to see if there's anything we can do to help!"

"I deeply appreciate your patriotism."

Zhao Pengcheng turned to the side and made a "please" gesture: "It's windy and dusty here. Your Excellency has prepared some light drinks at the command post to welcome you all and wash away the dust."

"in addition."

Zhao Pengcheng lowered his voice, looked at the group of influential business tycoons, and said meaningfully, "Your Excellency specifically instructed that you are all one of our own."

"The promises made when everyone bought 'construction shares' are now being fulfilled."

Upon hearing the word "fulfill".

The wealthy businessmen present instantly became eager in their eyes.

They are indeed patriotic, but they are also shrewd businessmen.

When Chu Yunfei issued "Restoration and Construction Shares" in Southeast Asia, the promises he made were genuine.

Priority investment rights, mining rights, and time-limited tax exemption rights for related industries in Qiongzhou Island and even North China after the war.

What is on Qiongzhou Island?
This place has the highest grade iron ore deposit in all of Asia, Shilu Iron Mine.

There is a rubber plantation that the Japanese have painstakingly managed for several years!

There are also various untapped tropical resources, not to mention that this place controls the South China Sea shipping lanes and will surely become a major trading hub in the future.

"Good good!"

Huang Zixuan nodded repeatedly, slamming his walking stick heavily on the ground: "Commander Chu's word is his bond, we trust him!"

"As long as the country needs it, whether it's building roads or bridges, or mining or setting up factories, we old folks will take out our life savings!"

The group boarded the convoy that had been prepared in advance.

The convoy passed through the construction site and headed towards Hong Kong city.

Along the way, Zhao Pengcheng acted as a temporary tour guide.

"Please look to your left, everyone. That is the Haikou Repair Factory left behind by the Japanese. Although it was partially destroyed by bombing, the foundation is still there. Our North China engineering team will take over soon and prepare to expand it into the largest mechanical repair center on the entire island."

"The land on the right is planned to be a future rubber processing zone."

"Mr. Huang, you're an expert, what do you think of this place?"

Huang Zixuan looked at the fertile land, his eyes gleaming: "What a great place!"

"Being close to the port makes transportation convenient and the transportation costs must be very low."

"The Japanese were just messing around before, only knowing how to plunder raw materials and transport them back to their homeland."

"If we could build a factory here for further processing, making tires and rubber shoes, the profits would be huge."

Huang Zixuan held up three fingers and gestured: "At least three times!"

"This is what Your Excellency means."

Zhao Pengcheng said with a smile, "It's not just rubber, but also the Shilu iron mine over there."

"The Lord said that we can't always sell local specialties."

"We must develop industry and real economy!"

"North China is short of rubber and minerals, so Qiongzhou Island is our great rear resource depot."

"And all of you here..."

Zhao Pengcheng's gaze swept over everyone: "He is the strongest partner in this strategy."

The atmosphere inside the car was instantly ignited.

These businessmen, who had spent half their lives wandering overseas and suffering the hardships of living under the roof of others, now saw not only an opportunity to make money, but also a sense of mission to participate in national reconstruction and even change the fate of the country.

This is more than just business.

This is a patriotic business!

It is an opportunity to engrave one's name on the cornerstone of this nation's revival!

"Commander Zhao!"

One mining tycoon couldn't help but say, "No need to say anything more!"

"I'll take on the restoration project of the Shilu Iron Mine!"

"I'll invest in the rubber factory!" Huang Zixuan retorted, "I also want to donate money to build a school specifically to train rubber technicians!"

Before even reaching the command center, an investment promotion conference, crucial to the future economic lifeline of Qiongzhou Island, had already begun on the bumpy jeep.

Seeing this, Zhao Pengcheng quickly agreed, "You are all distinguished guests of Commander Chu. We can discuss this further once we arrive at our destination."

He admired Chu Yunfei, who was orchestrating all of this from afar, to the point of complete awe.

He used a gun to fight the Japanese invaders in one hand and money to develop the country in the other.

Transforming patriotic enthusiasm into tangible productivity—that's the real grand strategy!

at the same time.

On an unfinished watchtower not far away.

Colonel August Russell, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, held up his binoculars and watched the unusual convoy.

"Who is that?"

August Russell asked his adjutant, "He doesn't look like a soldier."

"They're said to be wealthy Chinese businessmen returning from overseas," the adjutant replied. "They seem to be here to invest."

"invest?"

August Russell paused, then glanced at the still-smoking ruins around him, shaking his head incredulously: "My God."

"The war isn't completely over yet, and there are still quite a few Japanese survivors in the mountains on the island. And they're already talking business?"

"These Chinese people"

August Russell could not comprehend the urgency and fervor with which people were rebuilding their homes on the ruins.

But he had a vague feeling about it.

This ancient nation and country is rapidly increasing its national strength in a way he has never seen before. (End of Chapter)