Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 252, Section 251: Let's have a cocktail and make friends; future thinking: offshore financial centers.

"Ok."

Fang Wen hung up the phone and immediately instructed his subordinates: "We will have distinguished guests arriving this afternoon. You two come with me to pick them up at the airport."

John Harvey and Lin Shuiwang did not know who the distinguished guest was, so Lin Shuiwang asked.

"Who is the general manager?"

“People from the Rockefeller and Whitney families.”

Lin Shuiwang, who had been in the United States for over a year, was well aware of the power of these two families, and John Harvey was even more aware of it.

They found it incredible that these two families would take the initiative to come to San Francisco to find Fang Wen.

Fang Wen did not explain this, but continued with the arrangements.

"After picking them up from the airport, I need to discuss the ghost ship with them and arrange a quiet and comfortable place."

Lin Shuiwang offered a suggestion: "How about going to Chinatown?"

San Francisco is a Chinese-populated area with a very bustling street that is the origin of many Chinatown names.

Fang Wen had been to San Francisco once, but had never been to Chinatown. This was a good opportunity to see what the largest overseas Chinese community of our time looked like.

He agreed.

At 2 p.m., Fang Wen and his group set off by car to San Francisco Municipal Airport.

When they arrived at the airport, the guests' plane had not yet arrived.

Fang Wen took this opportunity to take a stroll around the airport.

In the future, this airport will be the U.S. terminal for trans-Pacific Asia-America routes shared by Taishan Airlines and Pan Am Airlines.

Unlike Pan Am, Taishan Airlines needs to obtain landing rights and commercial aviation operation rights to take off and land here.

He spoke with Lin Shuiwang and instructed him to do the job well.

An hour later, at 3 p.m., a plane landed at the airport.

This aircraft is a Douglas D.32 passenger plane, but it does not have any airline markings on the fuselage, so it is likely a converted private plane.

Fang Wen led his team over to wait. Sure enough, several well-dressed men and women, along with the president of Pan Am, got off the plane.

Fang Wen only knew the president of Pan Am, and the other party did the same, so he was the one who introduced them.

"Fang Wen, a legendary pilot from the East, owner of Asia-Europe International Airlines, and also holds a controlling stake in Taishan International."

"John Irwin Rockefeller, Director of Standard Oil."

"Elizabeth Katherine Rockefeller, owner of the Metropolitan Gallery in New York."

"Connor Alexander Whitney, banker."

"Alison Grace Whitney, his wife."

After some introductions, Fang Wen learned about the four guests.

Rockefeller cousins, a married couple who were members of the Whitney family.

They were accompanied by six attendants.

Fang Wen smiled and shook hands with them: "I'm glad you could come. Let's go to a quiet place to talk."

Immediately afterwards, the Pan Am president boarded a plane and left, while the rest of the group got into a car arranged by Fang Wen and headed to Chinatown.

Half an hour later, the convoy entered San Francisco's Chinatown.

(San Francisco's Chinatown in the 1930s)
The streets here are wide enough for three cars to drive side by side.

Both sides are lined with various shops, creating a strong commercial atmosphere.

Not all the people walking on the streets are Chinese; many San Francisco residents and tourists of different skin colors also shop and visit here.

Looking at the clean streets and the shops decorated with an oriental atmosphere, Fang Wen felt as if he had returned to the bustling metropolis of Shanghai.

After driving for a while, the car stopped next to a three-story building.

Lin Shuiwang said, "This is the Forbidden City Nightclub, the best nightclub in Chinatown."

"It's not the right time yet, is it inappropriate to go there?" Fang Wen asked doubtfully.

"General Manager, didn't you say you wanted a grand affair? I've booked the entire Forbidden City Nightclub. Tonight, the entire nightclub will only serve us."

So that's how it is. This is a good start. Fang Wen got out of the car and walked into the Forbidden City Nightclub with the four guests.

The nightclub, which has an Eastern-sounding name, is actually completely Western-style inside.

From waiters to cabaret dancers, everyone was dressed in Western style.

Of course, we need to get down to business before any entertainment.

Fang Wen and the four others began their discussion at the nightclub.

The five men sat down on the sofa, while Lin Shuiwang, Harvey, and the attendants of the four guests rested on the other side.

A waiter came over to inquire.

"Ladies and gentlemen, would you like something to drink?"

All four were interested in wine, but their tastes differed.

"Give me a Sidecar."

"I want Monkey Gland."

“Bloody Mary”

"Martini"

Fang Wen had never heard of the names of the drinks they mentioned until the last one, when he finally understood it as 'Martini'.

It seems these four all enjoy cocktails, so Fang Wen followed suit and said, "I'd like a Golden Fizz."

His Gin Fizz is a fairly ordinary cocktail. He had it in Europe. It's made with gin as the base spirit, and includes soda water and lemon juice. It has a refreshing taste that most people can enjoy.

But the next second, the waiter said with difficulty, "I'm sorry, our bartender is new. He can only make regular cocktails. He can't make half of what you're talking about."

John Irwin Rockefeller was immediately displeased: "What kind of bartender can't even mix a cocktail?"

The waiter could only continue explaining, "I'm sorry, he's indeed new to the industry and is currently studying cocktail recipes."

"Could I take a look at a cocktail book? I'd like to learn how to mix cocktails," Fang Wen said.

His words saved the waiter from an awkward situation, and he quickly retrieved the cocktail book from the bar.

Cocktail books are essential for bartenders in American bars. As the country where cocktails were invented, the United States would be ridiculed by customers if a bartender couldn't make the cocktails in the book.

Therefore, John Irwin Rockefeller's words just now could not be considered an act of coercion.

Fang Wen glanced at the cocktail book, which contained detailed information, including recipes and techniques.

He felt this wasn't difficult; with his current mental strength, he could definitely do it.

Immediately, I got up and went to the bar, where the bartender helped me get out the various base spirits and ingredients. Then, I started making the cocktails according to the steps and techniques in the cocktail book.

This process mainly requires skill and meticulousness, as well as precise control of the heat to ensure the ice melts quickly and the base spirit and ingredients blend together.

For Fang Wen's current writing style, it's already too simple.

While creating the product, Fang Wen also experienced a learning pleasure similar to mastering alchemy.

Sidecar is made with 1.5 oz cognac, 0.5 oz Cointreau, and 0.5 oz lemon juice. Place all ingredients in a shaker, add ice, shake until chilled, and then strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Monkey Gland is a hodgepodge of gin, fresh orange juice, homemade grenadine syrup, and vermouth; you can imagine its complex flavor without even tasting it. Bloody Mary, despite its fierce appearance, is actually a sweet liqueur, a combination of vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings, resulting in a sweet and sour taste.

Martini: A cocktail made with vodka as a base, infused with vermouth and olives, popular among men.

The wine was ready, and the waiter brought it over on a tray. The four guests picked up their glasses and began to enjoy their drinks.

John Irwin Rockefeller took a sip, raised his glass, and exclaimed in surprise, "This is exactly the same as the one I had on Broadway in New York."

His cousin, Elizabeth Katherine Rockefeller, chimed in, “Yes, it feels familiar.”

Connor Alexander Whitney looked at Fang Wen, who was walking over with a glass of liquor, and asked, "Mr. Fang, is this really your first time mixing drinks?"

His wife, Alison Grace Whitney, also chimed in, "I'm curious, this doesn't taste like something a novice would make..."

Fang Wen smiled and replied, "It's like chemistry. As long as the proportions are accurate and the operation is precise, the result will be the same."

What he didn't say was that mixing cocktails was much simpler than making bullets or preparing explosives. Having mastered the latter two techniques, he really wouldn't be stumped by cocktails.

But this performance also proved once again the newspaper reports about him.

A magical Eastern pilot, possessing captivating charm, achieves success in every aspect of life.

This made the four guests' attitudes improve.

Fang Wen sat down and explained the situation directly.

"I'm not 100% certain about the Caribbean pirate treasure ships, but based on the current evidence, it seems very likely."

As he spoke, he beckoned, and a middle-aged man in a white suit and glasses came over.

Fang Wen introduced, "This is Hal Suarez, a professor in the Department of Oceanography at San Francisco State University. He has done a lot of research on sailing ships and the history of the Age of Exploration. He will be the one to give the explanation."

Professor Suarez eagerly took out the photos and placed them on the table.

“These photos were taken by Mr. Fang at low altitude. I have consulted a lot of information and can confirm that they are galleons modified by Caribbean pirates in the 17th century. However, we need to go on board the ship to study them to find out which pirate it belongs to.”

The four picked up the photo and examined it carefully.

Connor Alexander Whitney asked a crucial question.

"How did 17th-century pirate ships manage to get around South America and reach the west coast of the United States? Given the conditions at that time, I think it was simply impossible."

Professor Suarez immediately countered: "Caribbean pirates were extremely adventurous. They dared to cross the Atlantic to plunder the East India Company and triangular slave ships, and they certainly dared to sail around South America. Moreover, such a voyage was not impossible; look at this map."

Professor Suarez took out a map showing the new discoveries made in navigation over the years, including ocean currents.

South America is bordered by the downward-flowing Brazil Current to the east and the upward-flowing Peru Current to the west. Except for the area from California to Colombia, where there are relatively complex ocean currents, sea navigation is feasible.

John Irwin Rockefeller nodded and followed the line of thought: "So, it's quite possible that the Caribbean pirates of that era could have transported treasure from the Caribbean to the Pacific Ocean. No wonder treasure hunters haven't been able to find it all these years."

The other three were also excited.

Elizabeth Catherine Rockefeller was the first to speak out.

“I’ve always dreamed of participating in a real adventure, and I did just that. I’m also going to film the whole thing and exhibit it in my gallery.”

John Irwin Rockefeller also raised his glass: "I'm in."

The Whitneys also raised their glasses: "Me too."

Even Professor Suarez was excited and asked for a bottle of beer, raising it up.

Everyone was waiting for Fang Wen's response, since the expedition could only succeed with Fang Wen's approval.

Fang Wen smiled and said, "I'd love to join you on this adventure, but I've run into a problem that I need to resolve first. Professor Suarez, please excuse me for now. Everyone else, please leave as well."

"Okay." Professor Suarez put down his beer bottle and left.

Subsequently, Lin Shuiwang, John Harvey, and other followers temporarily left.

Fang Wen then spoke up, "I would like to ask everyone what their views are on wealth and taxation."

The topic suddenly veered into a very professional direction, leaving the four of them somewhat bewildered.

Fang Wen continued, "Corporate income tax accounts for a large portion of profits. If I had a way to reduce the tax impact in this area, would you be willing to listen?"

This topic is more appealing to the four of them than the adventure itself; they are now eager to know if Fang Wen has any practical experience in this area.

As the negotiations continued, Fang Wen explained the draft he had prepared over the past two days to the four scions of wealthy families.

Large companies often use tax planning to reduce their tax burden and may also lobby governments to push for tax policies that benefit them. Furthermore, with changes in the global economic landscape and the development of international trade, large companies may also face challenges related to cross-border taxation and double taxation.

This is the case for both families.

However, this situation can also be resolved.

For example, establishing a branch in a Pacific island nation with zero tariffs can exempt you from tariffs when importing raw materials or production equipment, thereby reducing production costs and indirectly alleviating your tax burden.

At the same time, transit trade through zero-tariff countries offers greater flexibility, reduces trade costs, improves trade efficiency, and promotes the development of international trade.

After hearing Fang Wen's words, the four were tempted, as this method of asset transfer would be very advantageous to them.

But before Fang Wen could finish speaking, an even greater temptation appeared.

Fang Wen looked at the four of them and said casually, "You should be familiar with the Sherman Antitrust Act, which led to Standard Oil being broken up into 37 companies. I have a way to help you resolve this situation."

The four of you sat up straight.

Fang Wen continued, “The key lies in the equity structure. Your original equity structure is simple, from top to bottom, and very clear. This makes it easy for anyone who wants to target you to attack this linear equity structure and directly destroy your existing business empire. But if we adapt this linear structure into a more complex equity structure, they will have nowhere to start.”

His suggestion was to establish the parent company in a tax-free country, so that the parent company would be exempt from corporate income tax, capital gains tax and other taxes, saving the company a lot of tax costs.

In tax-free countries, the constraints on companies are minimal, or even nonexistent, as long as they do not violate basic banking and financial regulations.

At the same time, the parent company can make itself appear less like a monopoly through layers of complex equity structures.

This is the future model for the Cayman Islands offshore financial center, which is highly favored by global capital.

And it still has a market now.

The four guests showed great interest in this model and then inquired about the details.

When I heard that the Marshall Islands had completed the steps to establish an independent state, I became even more interested.

At this point, Fang Wen summarized: "This is beneficial to both of us. If your two families are willing to participate, Taishan Group is willing to share the profits and jointly manage this interesting little country. But you can't take it for free; you must help me deal with the Japanese."

This requirement is utterly insignificant compared to the offshore financial centers described by Fang Wen.

John Irwin Rockefeller and Connor Alexander Whitney immediately got up and left, calling their elders in the nightclub manager's office to explain the situation.

After a while, the two returned one after the other and gave their answers.

Both sides agreed to join the Marshall Islands project and operate it together.

And they are willing to step in to resolve Ma Shao's current predicament.

However, the specific operations of tax-free countries and offshore financial centers need to be implemented gradually.

This reply pleased Fang Wen. He didn't ask much of Marshall; as long as it could plant a nail in the relationship between Japan and the United States, no other interests mattered.

Therefore, he gladly accepted the other party's reply.

After the three parties reached a verbal agreement, the relationship changed.

They went from being an expedition team to collaborators.

In response, the four scions of wealthy families became equals to Fang Wen, and they began to indulge in entertainment.

The Forbidden City nightclub in San Francisco's Chinatown suddenly became lively.

(Photo of the Forbidden City Nightclub in San Francisco's Chinatown in the 1930s)

(End of this chapter)