Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 281, Section 280: Kuang Anming's Return to the fold; Wang Gang Leader Attacked by a Grenade; Fang Wenhua's Body CT Scan.

December 30, 1936.

A Boeing 247 fuel tanker landed at Guangzhou Dashatou Airport.

The entire Kuang family was waiting at the airport. Fang Wen parked the plane and pulled the reluctant Kuang Anming out of the plane.

Immediately, a large group of the Kuang family members surrounded him, showing concern and asking about Kuang Anming's well-being.

Perhaps in their eyes, Kuang Anming is still the shy boy he was a few years ago, but they don't know that Kuang Anming has grown up and matured a long time ago.

Kuang Anming, who had just returned from the battlefield, felt somewhat uncomfortable with the concern of his family.

Fang Wen saw this and chuckled inwardly. He then walked alone to his father-in-law, Kuang Shanming.

"Father-in-law, I've accomplished my mission; I've brought your precious son back. Why aren't you going over there? Have you two grown distant?"

He was joking. Kwong Shan-ming's favorite son was his youngest son, Kwong On-ming. Fang Wen actually understood that Kwong On-ming was doing this to maintain the dignity of the parents.

Kuang Shanming was a little embarrassed, and to cover it up, he deliberately avoided mentioning Kuang Anming and instead chatted with Fang Wen.

"It's good that you've returned safely from Spain. Things have changed a lot back home. A few days ago, a telegram was issued announcing a nationwide cessation of civil war and a united front against external threats."

"Is the matter over? How are Generals Zhang and Yang doing?" Fang Wen couldn't help but ask.

Fang Wen learned from his father-in-law's words that, just like in history, Chiang Kai-shek, upon returning to Nanjing, immediately detained Zhang and imprisoned Yang.

Fang Wen couldn't help but think that Zhang hadn't actually suffered much. He lived a leisurely life during the war-torn years without having to worry about military affairs. But Yang was different. Not only might he have had a bad time during his imprisonment, but he might also have been killed in the future.

If there is a chance, we must rescue General Yang.

Just then, the entire Kuang family arrived. Surrounded by their love, Kuang Anming returned to his carefree life as a young master and called out, "Father, I'm back."

This one sentence was worth more than a thousand others, bringing a rare smile to Kuang Shanming's face.

He patted his son on the shoulder: "You've grown up and become successful, but you also need to know how to make a living. Your life isn't just your own; you're still connected to the entire Kuang family. Come on, let's go home."

As he spoke, he turned to Fang Wen and said, "Why don't you stay in Guangzhou for another day before you leave?"

Fang Wen nodded, and after talking with the airport management staff, he went back with the Kuang family.

Back at the Kuang family home, the large courtyard was bustling with activity as several large tables were set up for a family banquet.

Fang Wen and Kuang Anming looked at the table full of delicious food and couldn't help but feel their mouths water.

After all, the food prepared in Spain is just for filling one's stomach; it's nothing like the delicious food back home.

Kuang Shanming also noticed this, and after a brief speech as the head of the family, he began the banquet.

This table of delicacies became the prey of Fang Wen and Kuang Anming, and the Kuang family watched in astonishment as the two exaggeratedly ate.

Fang Wen was alright; he stopped after eating two bowls, but Kuang Anming continued, enjoying his meal immensely.

This scene touched Kwong's mother, and tears streamed down her face uncontrollably. Others also sighed in sympathy.

After a while, Kuang Anming put down his chopsticks with satisfaction: "I'm full."

“My poor son. Anming, tell me how you were doing in Spain?” Mrs. Kuang asked.

These words immediately sparked a conversation among Kuang Anming, who had originally wanted to give a presentation in Yangon and had even written a stack of speeches, but Fang Wen had taken them directly back to Guangzhou.

Although there weren't as many listeners as in Yangon, at least he had room to perform here.

Then, Kuang Anming sipped his tea and began to recount his experiences in Spain with great intonation.

From his journey with friends from France to Spain to participate in the revolution, to the outbreak of the civil war and his joining the International Brigades.

This is still relatively uneventful.

Later, when war broke out, real guns and ammunition were brought to the front lines, and the enemy, 500 meters away, each occupied a building and exchanged fire. This scene, as described in his emotionally charged speech, put the audience at the Kuang family on high alert.

"My goodness, someone could die! Young master, you're incredibly reckless!" exclaimed the old maidservant who was Kuang's personal attendant.

"That's nothing. Rifles can't penetrate cover. As long as you take precautions and look for opportunities to fire, you're safe. But then, the enemy's heavy artillery appeared. If I hadn't given my brother-in-law the signal, the heavy artillery could have razed the front line to the ground."

Kuang Anming proudly recounted what happened afterward, as well as his experience with the Asian Airlines team.

Finally, he earnestly requested, "Brother-in-law, I want to learn to fly from you. I don't want to be an unknown soldier on the battlefield, where no one will even know when I die."

The Kuang family fell silent immediately, surprised that their young master hadn't settled down yet.

Fang Wen was also somewhat surprised that this had happened so soon after his return. Looking at Kuang Shanming, whose expression had suddenly become unpredictable, he said:

"Can't you just stay home for a while?"

“Okay, but after I’ve rested, I still want to learn to fly from you,” Kuang Anming replied, his stubbornness returning from the battlefield only adding to his stubbornness.

Seeing this situation, Kuang Shanming sighed and stood up: "Fang Wen, come with me, let's talk."

The two then left their seats and went to Kuang Shanming's study.

In the study, Kuang Shanming sighed, “They say daughters grow up and leave home, sons grow up and leave home. I originally thought this wouldn’t happen in the Kuang family. My eldest son, Mr. Kuang, is weak-willed by nature; although he won’t achieve anything great, he won’t cause any trouble either. My daughter, Kuang Mingzhu, married you; she’s sensible and knows how to act, so I don’t have to worry about her. But I never expected that Kuang Anming, on whom I had the highest hopes, would be the most troublesome. I’ve come to understand now; his ambitions don’t lie with the Kuang family. He wants to make a name for himself in this chaotic world, but that’s the most dangerous thing for him. I regret coming back now. If the whole family had gone to Europe and settled down in France, perhaps it would have been better.”

Upon hearing this, Fang Wen thought to himself, "Going to France would be about the same. After Germany blitzks occupy France, the situation might be even worse than back home."

The safest places in the world right now are North and South America.

But he also understood that the Kwong family's businesses were based here and could not be transferred to the United States.

Fang Wen then offered words of comfort: "How about I try to persuade him again, or introduce him to a potential marriage partner, to help him settle down?"

Kuang Shanming shook his head: "It's no use. We've tried these methods before, and they only made him run away to Europe. I understand now, he will never stay with the Kuang family. But I'm also afraid he'll join the army. You know the situation in the National Revolutionary Army. Even if you make all the necessary arrangements, he won't be able to handle the underhanded dealings. With his temperament, he might get shot before he even gets to the front lines. Fang Wen, you can at least take care of his safety. I beg you to take him in."

After all that talk, Kuang Shanming was surprised to find that his son was willing to go out, with the only condition being that he join Fang Wen's Taishan Volunteer Army.

Ultimately, it's just a father's concern for his son, and his constant efforts to protect him.

Fang Wen nodded: "I have no problem with that. It's just that learning to fly requires talent. He also expressed his interest in that area when we were in Spain. I tried him out once, and he doesn't have the talent for flying. He probably can't handle fighter jets, but he can handle seaplanes, which have a lower speed. I will arrange for him to train there, but there's no rush now. Let him stay home with you two for a while first."

Upon hearing Fang Wen's words, Kuang Shanming smiled.

The two left the study, where Fang Wen spoke with Kuang Anming.

“I’ve talked to your dad. You can come to my place, but you have to stay home and spend the Spring Festival with them. We’ll send someone to pick you up then.”

“Okay, brother-in-law.” Kuang Anming was overjoyed.

"Stay home and behave yourself during this time. Make your parents happy and don't cause any trouble, understand?"

"I understand. You must send someone to pick me up after the Spring Festival."

The matter with Kuang Anming was settled, and the Kuang family returned to their festive spirit.

A day later, Fang Wen left the Kuang family and rode in Kuang Shanming's car to the airport.

Inside the airport, Kuang Shanming instructed, "It's all been found out. Chief Wang is at the Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital. The British are protecting him, and he's under police guard every day. Several assassination attempts have been thwarted. Be careful when you go."

Fang Wen nodded, got out of the car to say goodbye to his father-in-law, and boarded a Boeing 247 bound for Hong Kong. Guangzhou is a long way from Hong Kong, and the plane soon arrived at Kai Tak Airport.

More than a year later, Kai Tak Airport has begun expansion, and Royal Airways is the first civil aviation company in Hong Kong to operate a route there.

Fang Wen is also considering opening a short-haul seaplane route between Kai Tak Airport and Guangzhou Dashatou Airport in the future, which would complete the domestic routes of Taishan Airlines.

But this matter needs to be handled by the domestic branch; that's not why he came to Hong Kong this time.

After parking the plane, Fang Wen walked out of the airport and, just like last time, took the initiative to visit Master Ma in the city walled village.

After getting two bodyguards from Master Ma, Fang Wen went directly to the Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital.

Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital is located on Wong Nai Chung Road in Happy Valley, in the heart of Hong Kong Island. The area was once the Happy Valley Amusement Park, which was later converted into the Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, and then became one of Hong Kong's most famous private hospitals.

At that time, Queen Mary Hospital, a public hospital in Hong Kong, was still under construction, so Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital became the place with the best medical conditions.

To get to Hong Kong Island, there was no Hung Hom Cross-Harbour Tunnel at that time; the only way was by ferry.

Fang Wen and his two companions arrived at the Hong Kong Island pier on a crowded ferry. After disembarking, he asked his bodyguard, "Could you get us a car?"

On land, cars are the best vehicle for mechanical perception, and Fang Wen's requirement was to prepare for possible accidents when going to see Chief Wang.

Master Ma's bodyguards have their own connections. "Getting a car is no problem, as long as you have the money. What kind of car does Boss Fang want?"

What can you get your hands on?

After discussing it, the two bodyguards replied, "A young tycoon lost money at a gambling den and left a sports car nearby as collateral. You can drive it for 500 yuan for the next few days."

Fang Wen didn't have Hong Kong dollars, so he used the equivalent amount of US dollars instead. Then, the bodyguard negotiated with someone and took him to a nearby dock warehouse.

There, parked, was a uniquely designed car, a concept sports car from that era.

Its square shape and unique style give it a peculiar charm that is unique to this era.

It is the Ford Model 18 sports car.

Fang Wen got into the car, and the two bodyguards jumped into the passenger seat and squeezed together. As the engine started, they drove off.

Driving the sports car, Fang Wen headed towards the Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital.

It was a small hospital consisting of two buildings, with a police officer standing guard at the entrance; you needed to be questioned before entering.

Similarly, Fang Wen's car was also stopped.

"Sir, what brings you here?"

"I need to see a patient at the hospital."

"I'm sorry, but the hospital has recently implemented a new rule that non-patients' immediate family members are not allowed to visit."

Fang Wen had already communicated with his father-in-law about this, since most of the hospital's director and doctors had come from Guangzhou.

He directly told the security guard his identity, and then the hospital director came over, negotiated with him, and allowed him to enter.

After parking the car in the Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital parking lot, Fang Wen, accompanied by two bodyguards, followed the hospital director upstairs.

As they walked, the dean explained the situation: "When Chief Wang was brought in, his condition was very bad. We tried everything we could, but we could only maintain his basic vital signs. It would be very difficult for him to improve."

"What's wrong with him?" Fang Wen asked.

"According to his subordinates, he was attacked by a grenade thrown from outside while he was in Guangxi. He reacted quickly and immediately fell to the ground, but a large number of shrapnel still entered his body. Because there were so many, we were unable to completely remove them. The foreign objects caused an infection in his body, which made him have a persistent high fever."

After learning about Chief Wang's situation, Fang Wen also went to the high-risk ward on the third floor.

There, Fang Wen saw Chief Wang.

He could only lie on his side on the hospital bed, his back wrapped in gauze.

Doctors and nurses were busy nearby, removing the gauze, cleaning the wound, and then putting on new ones.

Seeing this, Fang Wen frowned: "The latest anti-infective drugs aren't working?"

"You mean the miraculous sterilization agent? Because there are too many infected wounds, continuous injections are needed, and we don't have that much in stock."

The dean said helplessly.

The "miracle-making agent" is penicillin, which can only be obtained from the black market in Shanghai. The market share has been allocated and monopolized by various companies. The drugs used in Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital are bought at high prices through intermediaries.

Fang Wen opened his briefcase and handed a large box of miraculous sterilizing agent to the dean: "Here, take all these medicines and give him the injection."

Seeing so many new anti-infective drugs, the hospital director was overjoyed and immediately ordered the doctor to give Wang Bangzhu the injection.

Even so, it is only a temporary solution and the root cause must be addressed by removing the large number of tiny fragments and foreign objects from the wound.

These foreign objects are hard to find and there are many of them. Current medical technology simply cannot handle them, so many wounded soldiers have shrapnel left in their bodies after surgery in battlefield hospitals.

But this did not stump Fang Wen.

He found a way to locate the metal fragments and immediately contacted the country by telegram.

The telegram informed them that just four hours later, a seaplane landed on the sea near Kai Tak Airport.

The Tanka people, who were hired to pick up the goods, rowed over in their wooden boats, loaded the equipment components onto the boats, and then transported them to the Hong Kong Island pier.

Afterwards, a small truck loaded with goods drove from the dock to the Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital.

The items have arrived; they are components for the latest security gate.

This large metal detector can detect metal objects passing through a door, but in Fang Wen's hands, it functions like a CT scanner.

He, accompanied by two bodyguards, installed the security gate assembly. This gate-like device was placed on the hospital bed, with a movable wooden board underneath.

As the security gate opened, two bodyguards carefully pushed it to move back and forth across the hospital bed.

In this way, Fang Wen, who had entered a state of mechanical perception, gained a comprehensive understanding of Chief Wang's body.

As he inspected the body, he noted down the locations of the grenade fragments on Chief Wang's body.

He then took these records and negotiated with the director and attending physician of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital.

When they heard that Fang Wen had figured out the location of the tiny shrapnel inside Wang Bang's body, the hospital director and attending physician were very surprised.

"Are you sure these are real?" the dean asked.

“I am certain that the surgery can be performed immediately based on these conditions, and I request to participate in this surgery,” Fang Wen replied.

The attending physician did not approve of his request, arguing that someone without medical training should not participate in such a surgical procedure.

However, after learning that Fang Wen had performed surgery on Wu Yingzong at the Medical Department of Peking University, he still agreed.

However, three rules were agreed upon beforehand: if Fang Wen was found to be incompetent, the project had to be terminated and he would take over completely.

(End of this chapter)