Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 191, 190: The Advertising Wars of the Republic of China for Taishan Brand Red Army Cigarettes

The landslide dam was breached, allowing the lake water to be released, but this also created a torrent that rushed downstream.

Fang Wen piloted the Shrike, circling and observing in the air.

The water dragon rushed downstream along the Minjiang River canyon.

Fortunately, the bombing was cleverly designed, damaging only one part of the landslide dam without destroying the entire dam, thus preventing the release of too much water from the dammed lake.

The sweeping floodwaters submerged part of the riverbanks but did not damage most villages and towns. In a few low-lying areas, the water level only rose by about half a meter to a meter.

This damage will recover as the water level recedes and is not lasting.

In addition, the villages and towns along the downstream knew that the dam was going to be blown up. Those who lived by the river all year round knew the danger and ran to higher ground to take refuge, so there was no danger to people.

After observing along the way, Fang Wen found that the bombing of the landslide dam was surprisingly effective, which reassured him. He then piloted the plane to land in the county town.

After landing, he explained the situation along the way.

The county magistrate was stunned: "It's done already?! I thought it would take several trips to get it done."

“Yes, it really exploded. Go check the Minjiang River; the water level should be rising,” Fang Wen replied.

"On behalf of all the people of the county, I thank you again." After saying this, the county magistrate hurriedly led his men out of the county town to observe the river.

The four experts also went over.

Fang Wen smiled and said to Pan Jiafeng, "Let's go, let's go take a look too."

The two then arrived at the Minjiang River.

Many people have already come from there after hearing the news.

They watched as a torrent of water swept in from upstream, filling the nearly dried-up riverbed. As the water level continued to rise, some people retreated in fear.

More than half an hour later, the water level rose and the upstream landslide dammed lake reached a balance.

After solving this major problem, Fang Wen consulted with four experts.

"Now that the crisis is over, we should go back and not delay their cleanup work."

Everyone agreed, and then they took their leave of the county magistrate.

Hearing that the person was about to leave, the county magistrate tried to persuade them to stay, and finally thanked them and saw them off.

Pan Jiafeng piloted a Boeing 247, and Fang Wen piloted the Shrike. They took off one after the other and flew to Wuhan.

After refueling in Wuhan, I flew to Shanghai.

In Shanghai, a celebration will be held to mark the end of the Taishan Aviation disaster relief efforts, and all those involved will attend.

The four experts were naturally also retained to participate in the celebration.

The celebration was held in the Taishan Airlines cafeteria.

Because there were participants from various places, the canteen didn't have enough tables and chairs, so they had to borrow some from outside food stalls.

The cafeteria was packed, and everyone sat around the tables.

Fang Wenhe, along with four experts, his wife Kuang Mingzhu, Pan Jiafeng, Liu Zhanggui, Sun Debiao, Huo Duanyang, Fang Shouxin, Shunzi, Shao Sishen, Howard, and William—a total of 15 people—sat at the two tables in the middle.

Kuang Mingzhu said softly, "Sir, please say a few words so that we can begin the meal."

Fang Wen nodded and stood up.

Immediately someone reminded them, and the noise disappeared.

In the quiet canteen, Fang Wen said loudly, "From the day before yesterday when we learned of the major disaster in Sichuan, to now when the problem has been resolved, our Taishan Airlines only took four days to complete the preparation and transportation of disaster relief supplies. This shows that our Taishan Airlines is the most outstanding team, capable of accomplishing what others cannot. I am proud of everyone."

The words inspired a sense of honor in Taishan Airlines, and everyone agreed with this statement.

They genuinely felt they were excellent and had a sense of honor and belonging to the company.

Warm applause broke out.

After the applause subsided, Fang Wen announced with a smile, "Let's start the feast then. Let's have a good meal and treat ourselves. I've been craving food these past few days."

Amidst laughter, Fang Wen returned to his seat, shared a drink with his inner circle and four experts, and then had a meal.

I was really hungry. Those few days, I was focused on disaster relief, and I didn't have time to care about what to eat.

The four experts were quite impressed, and they greatly admired the unique spirit emanating from the employees and the entire team of Taishan Airlines.

The young geology professor couldn't help but ask, "General Manager Fang, how do you manage to keep your airline employees so disciplined and efficient?"

The older geology professor nudged his colleague, saying that such unique secrets could not possibly be shared with outsiders.

Fang Wen didn't mind and answered frankly, "It's very simple: generous compensation, good benefits, strict company rules and regulations, and clear job descriptions allow them to perform well in their respective fields."

It sounds simple, but is it really that easy to do? The four experts don't think so.

But there's no need to dwell on this; China Airlines only has one airline, Taishan Airlines.

They were more concerned about the subsequent disaster relief efforts, after all, Taishan Airlines had donated so many relief supplies.

Fang Wen said frankly, "We can't get involved in disaster relief. Whether it's good or bad, let's not worry about it and just think positively."

This is the best approach; do your best, and there's no point in worrying about things you can't do.

The news that Taishan Airlines had suspended operations for three days to carry out disaster relief eventually reached the outside world.

At first, people didn't believe it, thinking it was a cover-up for Taishan Airlines having to shut down for some reason.

Perhaps some kind of accident happened.

This newsworthy event attracted many newspapers, and as reporters conducted interviews, the truth turned out to be that it really was disaster relief.

The evidence gathered from all sides was so convincing that it couldn't be more real, prompting several newspapers to write articles about the matter.

Taishan Airlines dispels rumors and suspends operations for three days to fully dedicate itself to disaster relief, demonstrating its great righteousness.

"Debunking Rumors and Praising the Act: Taishan Airlines' Three-Day Suspension Was Actually a Way to Send Warmth to the Disaster Area"

The mystery surrounding the "closure" has finally been solved; Taishan Airlines' disaster relief efforts have garnered widespread praise.

The only thing that wasn't reported was Fang Wen's righteous act of bombing the landslide dam. The reason for this was that Fang Wen specifically sent people to several newspapers to request it.

He doesn't need this honor now; he did it simply because he has a clear conscience.

Having returned to normalcy, he oversaw the overall situation and made various arrangements.

There are many things to do, and they are all important.

Among them were the Red Third Army trade cigarettes that had just entered the market.

The sales of Taishan brand cigarettes need to be arranged. This brand is nominally a cigarette produced by Taishan Airlines, but it involves the income source of the Red Third Army, so it needs to be done well.

Fang Wen handed over the management position of the distribution company to Sun Debiao as compensation for his adventure in the north.

Sun Debiao was initially hesitant to accept the offer, always saying that he was a rough man and couldn't do such respectable work.

Fang Wen didn't believe this nonsense. Sun Debiao's ability to disguise himself as a bandit and infiltrate a Northeast trading company was a skill in itself, and such a skill might be applicable to an airline distribution company as well.

With his encouragement, Sun Debiao gradually adapted to the business management of the distribution company. It was not a difficult task. The main thing was to understand the situation in the five major cities and make the distribution channels as perfect as possible.

Sun Debiao got into the swing of things and took on a new task.

Taishan Airlines Distribution Company, which controls the sales channels in five major cities, will distribute Taishan brand cigarettes to various retail outlets, large and small.

This is not difficult.

But in addition to comprehensive distribution, cigarette sales also involve advertising and promotions.

During the Republic of China era, advertising mainly consisted of four types: newspaper advertising, radio advertising, movie advertising, and outdoor advertising.

Cigarette brands are also fiercely competing in four advertising areas, and even if Taishan cigarettes join the fray, the results will not be very good.

As a result, the distribution company had little success in this area, and Sun Debiao reported his failure to Fang Wen.

The flight from Nanchang to Shanghai arrived, and passengers disembarked one after another.

Sun Debiao also disembarked from the plane, using the employee entrance. After stating his employee number, the staff at the employee entrance recorded it and stamped his ticket, thus confirming the internal resignation process.

After putting away his plane ticket, Sun Debiao walked out of the airport and arrived at the headquarters of Taishan Airlines.

Looking at the three-story headquarters building, he couldn't help but sigh.

Today, Taishan Airlines has expanded to various places, with businesses in different regions, but Shanghai remains unchanged.

The general manager is really too frugal!

After expressing his feelings, Sun Debiao went up to the third floor and knocked on the door of the general manager's office.

"Come in, the door is unlocked."

Just as Sun Debiao entered, Fang Wen finished signing the document and handed it to Qiu Ju.

After Qiuju left, Fang Wen asked, "How's the distribution company progressing?"

"After the Taishan brand cigarettes were distributed, sales have been very slow, currently only one-fifth of other brands we distribute," Sun Debiao stated, pausing before offering a suggestion. "General Manager, how about we cut off supply to the better-selling cigarettes and focus on promoting the Taishan brand?"

Fang Wen looked at Sun Debiao in surprise. This idea was too domineering. It would definitely be effective in the short term, but in the long term it would offend other business partners, and they might be targeted by others behind their backs in the future.

Taishan Airlines doesn't need to increase its enemies like this; there must be a better way.

He asked, "How's the advertising and promotion going?"

Sun Debiao took out several documents from his bag and placed them on Fang Wen's desk. "These four are advertisements that we've bought so far, but the results are so-so. Take a look."

Is competition in tobacco advertising really that fierce these days?
Fang Wen picked up the documents and began to read them.

The materials contain text as well as clippings and illustrations of advertising media.

It looks good, but the effect is very poor.

This demonstrates just how fierce the competition for advertising is due to the exorbitant profits in the tobacco industry.

He rubbed his forehead: "Alright, let's think of other ways."

After hesitating for a moment, Sun Debiao did not leave, but instead made another suggestion.

"General Manager, I think that advertising is something that cultured people do. If we're going to spend money to hire people to do advertising, we should hire the best cultured people. They are the experts in this field."

That makes sense, but the last Taishan Aviation Salon ended badly, offending a group of local Shanghai intellectuals, and Fang Wen wasn't sure if anyone would help him.

He did think of the two men, so he wrote a letter and asked Sun Debiao to take it into the city to find Mr. Liang and Mr. Lin and see if they could help him.

Sun Debiao took the letter and went directly into the city by bus, where he found the two gentlemen's residence.

A party was taking place there, with a dozen or so people sitting and chatting in the living room, amidst wisps of smoke.

Mr. Lin led him into the living room to wait. Mr. Liang opened the envelope, took out the letter, and read aloud: "Taishan Airlines' Fang Wen requests assistance from Mr. Liang and Mr. Lin."

After reading just one sentence, Mr. Liang laughed and said, "Did you all hear that? General Manager Fang of Taishan Airlines actually knows how to ask for favors. I thought he knew everything."

Mr. Lin chuckled and gently patted her husband's shoulder: "Keep reading, don't be silly."

The remaining content was not much; it was simply a request for Liang and Lin to help with some advertising, with flexible requirements and generous compensation.

The attendees at this impromptu salon were very interested in this.

They weren't after the reward, but rather after Fang Wen's actions regarding the landslide dam incident.

People who are selfless and righteous have a chivalrous spirit reminiscent of ancient heroes. They are willing to help this for free as a way of giving back to Fang Wenyi.

Three days later, Sun Debiao brought three advertising proposals.

The three were a newspaper, a radio broadcast, and an outdoor advertisement.

Fang Wen picked up the first copy and began to read it.

The first is a newspaper advertisement, with a special note that the first advertisement can be placed in the Shenbao newspaper.

This was probably done by someone who submitted the application.

Fang Wen smiled slightly and continued reading.

The title is: [Mount Tai in Mist and Clouds: Leisurely and Contented]

A man and a woman sat facing each other, smiling at each other, each holding a cigarette, smoke rings drifting into the sky.

It also comes with advertising copy.

Amidst the chaos and bustle of this world, finding tranquility and serenity is akin to searching for Taishan cigarettes. Just as Mount Tai is majestic and shrouded in mist, so too is its cigarette. A single puff transports you to its summit, bringing a sense of open-mindedness and dispelling all worries. Taishan cigarettes are made with carefully selected premium tobacco leaves, processed using ancient methods; every wisp of smoke is the essence of time's refinement. Whether you are a scholar or a business elite, Taishan cigarettes in hand signify exceptional taste.

Fang Wen was stunned; this advertising slogan was really high-level!
Regardless of whether it becomes popular or not, Fang Wen really likes the free and easy spirit that these words convey.

Because of the stunning first advertising plan, Fang Wen was even more curious about the remaining two.

Then he looked at the second one.

The second one was a radio advertisement.
The first paragraph suggests that it be played during the evening hours.

It also includes background music, with sheet music provided; it's a gentle guzheng piece.

The broadcaster must have a female voice that is gentle and pleasant to listen to.

The advertising slogan is:

As night falls and the city lights begin to twinkle, let Taishan cigarettes accompany you in this tranquil evening. Taishan cigarettes are mild yet flavorful, strong yet not cloying; every puff reflects a commitment to and pursuit of quality living. Whether lost in solitude or enjoying a quiet gathering with friends, Taishan cigarettes are an excellent choice. Let us together savor this rare moment of leisure amidst the smoke of Taishan cigarettes.

This advertisement is more shareable; it's less literary than the previous one, but more professional.

Another good advertisement.

Fang Wen realized that there was no absolute first place in literature; this advertisement was a literary contest.

That would be even better.

He took out a third copy to watch.

It's outdoor advertising.

They even used calligraphy, painting, and text to display advertisements on paper.

The huge billboard displays the five large characters "Taishan Brand Cigarettes" in a vigorous and powerful style.

Below is a picture of Mount Tai in the style of traditional Chinese ink painting, with clouds and mist swirling around it and layered mountains, accompanied by a line of small characters: "Savor Mount Tai, Enjoy Life".

Concise and to the point, combining calligraphy and painting, it has a great charm.

Especially those six characters: 'Savor Mount Tai, Enjoy Life.'

With its modern feel, it reminded Fang Wen of some memories from his past life.

Now that we have newspapers, radio broadcasts, and outdoor advertising.

Why can't we add another movie ad?

Even if I don't film it myself, I can still imitate future movies and create some shots and dialogue scenarios.

Thinking of this, his interest grew even stronger.

I picked up my pen and immediately created a movie advertising plan.

Movie Advertisement
[Grand Shanghai Cinema - Pre-Show Trailer]

[Scene] The scene slowly unfolds, showing a gentleman in a long robe and mandarin jacket, holding a Taishan brand cigarette, standing on the Bund, gazing at the Huangpu River in the distance, his face filled with satisfaction and contentment.

[Text 1] "In the dazzling metropolis of Shanghai, there is a cigarette that is not just a pleasure, but also a sentiment. Taishan brand cigarettes accompany you through every important moment. We wish you a pleasant movie viewing, and don't forget to light up a Taishan brand cigarette between films and let your thoughts drift with the smoke."

[Text 2] "Taishan brand cigarettes inherit a century-old craft and blend Chinese style. Every puff is a tribute to the classics, and every time you light one is a love for life. Sold throughout the country, Taishan brand cigarettes will accompany you throughout your life."

Fang Wen was curious about which of the three modern advertisements would be more acceptable to audiences in the Republic of China era.

He then approved three advertising plans, and together with his own, gave them to Sun Debiao to implement, hoping to launch them as soon as possible.

(End of this chapter)