The expeditionary force began to dominate Southeast Asia by recruiting defeated soldiers

In April 1946, amidst the lingering chill of early spring, a subtle and fragile atmosphere of peace permeated East Asia.

The front pages of newspapers were filled with headlines such as "Northeast Armistice Agreement Officially Signed," "General Marshall's Mediation Achieves Initial Success," and "Both Sides Agree to Establish Military Mediation Executive Department in Beiping."

The large-scale armed conflict outside the Great Wall, which lasted for nearly half a year, has temporarily come to an end under pressure from all sides.

The White House breathed a sigh of relief, feeling that their stubborn envoy had not worked in vain; the White Party also needed time to reorganize its rear and mobilize its forces; while the Red Party gained valuable breathing room and time to develop.

But anyone with eyes to see knows that this peace is as thin as a cicada's wing, and beneath it all, undercurrents are still surging and tensions are high.

Meanwhile, another piece of news caused a stir in certain circles.

The aftermath of Dai Chunfeng's plane crash seems to be gradually subsiding after high-level power struggles and a terrorist purge.

The reorganization of the massive Military Intelligence Bureau into the "Ministry of National Defense Confidential Bureau" was unexpected, or rather, predictable. As a result of the power struggle, Mao's secretary, known as the "smiling tiger" and a long-time confidant and writer of Dai Chunfeng, actually seized real power after some maneuvering.

The White Party's intelligence kingdom has entered a new era, and its internal reorganization, factional purges, and adjustments to its foreign policy are still underway.

However, in Shanghai, the industrialists, bankers, and merchants who controlled the economic lifeline of the Great Xia Dynasty, while not entirely indifferent to the back-and-forth war and peace in the North and the reorganization of the secret service, were far less concerned about another matter than they were about.

Banknotes, and Nanyang goods and stocks that could bring in even more banknotes.

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Rong Family Mansion, western Shanghai.

This garden villa, a blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles, was one of the residences of Rong Desheng, the "King of Flour and Cotton Yarn," owner of Shenxin Textile Company and Dafeng Flour Mill.

This afternoon, the fireplace in the small living room was burning, dispelling the chill of spring.

Several prominent figures from Shanghai's business community were gathered together, sipping pre-Qingming Longjing tea and smoking Havana cigars, but their conversation was far more intense than the tea and cigarettes.

"Look at this Nanyang Business Daily," said Guo Linshuang, the owner of Yong An Department Store, pointing to an overseas newspaper he had brought. "The front page is all about this—'The First Industrial Expo of the United States of Nanyang,' scheduled for June 18 in Kuala Lumpur."

Look at that tone! "Aiming to showcase the achievements of industrial development in Southeast Asia, promote global Chinese industrial and technological exchange, attract talent and investment, and jointly revitalize Chinese industries overseas."

Despite being an overseas newspaper, the Nanyang Business Daily was printed entirely in Chinese. Apart from some characters appearing to be incomplete, it was otherwise identical to other newspapers, making it easy for everyone to read.

Another person, Liu Hongsheng, the "Match King," adjusted his glasses and carefully read the report:

"This expo sounds like a big event. According to the information provided, it is divided into several exhibition areas, including heavy industry, light industry, chemical industry, and emerging technologies. There will also be a 'Chinese Industrial Invention Award' with a substantial prize."

"Nanyang is... setting up a stage to showcase its resources and recruit talent."

"It's not just about showcasing our assets and recruiting talent," a chemical industry boss chimed in, focusing more on the technical aspects. "I asked Mr. Fan, who lives in Southeast Asia, to inquire about this expo. Apparently, they will be publicly displaying some of the latest chemical equipment, small machine tools, and even... parts related to automobiles and airplanes."

The objective is clear: First, to prove to the world that Southeast Asia is not just a source of raw materials such as rubber and tin; it has industry and is rapidly modernizing.

Second, we will use tangible technologies and opportunities to attract overseas, especially Chinese engineers, skilled workers, and even entrepreneurs with projects and capital from our side.

Zhang Chi, despite his young age, has made significant strides and has a keen eye for business.

Rong Desheng listened quietly, stroking the warm teacup in his hand. After a long while, he sighed, "Holding an industrial expo and calling on Chinese people all over the world to participate is a perfectly legitimate and open strategy. It's about gathering momentum and attracting talent. On the other hand, look at us..." He shook his head and didn't finish his sentence, but everyone understood what he meant.

Guo Lin, being straightforward and outspoken, replied:

"On the other hand, what we are thinking about on our side? In the halls of power, the officials are still preoccupied with 'fratricide,' 'bandit suppression,' and 'pacification of rebellion.'"

Not long after the Japanese invaders were driven away, the Great Xia was severely weakened and all industries were in need of revitalization. It was precisely the time to recuperate, devote all efforts to construction, and develop national industry and commerce.

But look at these taxes, these levies, this turbulent situation, this endless military spending...

Isn't peaceful development better? Why do we have to fight?

His words expressed the frustration and bewilderment of many businesspeople present.

They prioritize business and crave a stable, open environment that encourages industry. They abhor political struggles, especially civil war, but often feel powerless to change them.

Liu Hongsheng smiled bitterly:

"Old Guo, let's just keep this to ourselves behind closed doors."

Outside...sigh.

Zhang Chi and Nanyang don't have these kinds of problems.

After the war was over, we focused all our efforts on construction.

I heard that the factories there are operating day and night, the port is constantly full of ships, the stock market is booming, and even Coca-Cola has opened a factory there.

In just a few years, the changes have been phenomenal. Now they're even hosting an industrial expo, beckoning to Chinese people all over the world…

The difference between the two is truly...

He shook his head, his unfinished words containing both helplessness and a hint of longing.

A resolute glint flashed in Rong Desheng's eyes as he put down his teacup:

"Complaining is useless. In my new factory, there are several engineers who, under Mr. Situ's guidance, have improved the transmission systems of the spinning machine and the cloth loom. The efficiency has increased by 15%, and the failure rate has also been reduced."

I plan to take this improved technology and model to the Nanyang Industrial Expo.

He glanced around at his old friends:

"It's not just about participating in the exhibition, but also about taking this opportunity to bring my family to Southeast Asia to see it for ourselves."

seeing is believing.

If, as the newspapers say, it is truly a fertile ground where businesses can thrive and find peace of mind… perhaps it's time to start planning for some things.

His words already revealed a certain deeper meaning.

For a tycoon like him, transferring assets, diversifying investments, and even finding new bases are perfectly normal risk avoidance strategies.

"Lord Rong is going in person?" The person beside him was somewhat surprised, then nodded. "That's good, it's safest to see for yourself. But the journey... how does Lord Rong plan to go? By boat or plane?"

The atmosphere became slightly more lively when the topic of travel was brought up.

Guo Lin laughed heartily:

"If we're talking about comfort, then it's definitely cruise ships. Whether it's ships from our China Merchants Group, Nanyang Shipping, or even those from Swire and Jardine Matheson, they all have direct voyages from Shanghai to Singapore."

Buy a first-class suite, bring your family, enjoy the sea views, eat gourmet meals, and there are even dances and movies on board. You can arrive comfortably in seven or eight days. This is called a 'sea resort-style trip,' perfect for someone like Rong Gong traveling with his family."

Liu Hongsheng, however, said:

"It's comfortable, but slow. If you want speed, there are airplanes now. Our local CNAC and Sin Chew Airlines in Southeast Asia both have regular flights between Shanghai and Singapore."

I heard they'll refuel in Hong Kong or Guangzhou, and it'll only take about twenty hours. It's just this plane…”

He deliberately kept everyone in suspense, and Guo Linshuang picked up where he left off, revealing a knowing smile between men:

"Speaking of the 'enjoyment' of flying, we have to mention Sin Chew Airlines, which was founded by Mr. Chen from Southeast Asia."

A relative of mine flew in their first class last month and came back to tell me how amazing it was, saying it was truly an eye-opening experience.

Their service, even with its airborne facilities, was like that of a first-class cabin on a cruise ship.