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

Chapter 501 Auld Lang Syne

The night breeze from Yangon Port carries the unique salty and humid smell of the sea, blowing across a brightly lit Victorian building on the shore.

This naval officers' club has a typical colonial style, with tall white columns and a wide terrace on the third floor overlooking a light cruiser and several destroyers anchored in the naval harbor.

The building has a huge interior space that can be used for accommodation as well as for hosting banquets and dances.

Since the Age of Discovery, such clubs have been places where naval officers from various countries socialize, relax, and maintain camaraderie, and are a microcosm of naval traditions and hierarchy.

John, Gaul, White Eagle, Hans, the Devil... Any naval power has such strongholds within its sphere of influence.

Today, this most imposing club on the Yangon Harbor has been renamed "South China Sea Defense Force Naval Club" and, at the instruction of Zhang Chi, is holding a farewell party for the theater commander, General Stevenson.

In the club's largest banquet hall, the crystal chandeliers emit a soft and brilliant light, reflecting the polished teak floor like a mirror.

The air is filled with the aroma of cigars, the fragrance of women's perfume and the tempting smell of food.

But the most eye-catching thing was the huge military band that occupied a corner of the hall.

This newly formed naval band was a microcosm of Nanyang, with Chinese youths wearing brand new National Defense Force uniforms and serious and focused expressions;

There were also dark-skinned indigenous musicians from Malay, Burmese, Siamese and other places. They had played for the occupying forces during the reigns of John Bull or Foot Basin Chicken, and now they were naturally recruited by Zhang Chi and handed over to Zhang Guangjun;

There are even a few blond-haired, blue-eyed white faces. They are musicians who stayed here before the war or technicians who were "converted" in the prisoner-of-war camps. In order to make a living, they also stayed in Yangon.

At this moment, this peculiar mixed band is playing a melodious and soulful song - "Auld Lang Syne" (Friendship Lasts Forever) in amazing harmony.

This ancient folk song originating from the Scottish Highlands was compiled and passed down by the poet Robert Burns and has long since transcended national boundaries.

Its simple and nostalgic melody praises the friendship and times of the past and is widely spread in the Ansa-speaking world and even around the world.

40 years later, with the classic Hollywood love tragedy movie "Waterloo Bridge" using it as the theme song throughout the film, performed by the low and magnetic male chorus, "Auld Lang Syne" became popular all over the world and became synonymous with farewell, nostalgia and sincere emotions.

At this moment, on the shores of Yangon Port, this melody symbolizing "treasure" and "friendship" flowed out, adding a perfect atmosphere to this dinner filled with feelings of parting.

In the center of the dance floor, officers, diplomats and their female companions, dressed in various military uniforms or evening gowns, were dancing to the soothing rhythm.

Some people hummed in Angsa, "Should auld acquaintance be forgot...", while others sang in emotional Chinese, "How can I forget my old friends..."

With elegant people in fine clothes and clinking glasses, it appears to be a harmonious and friendly scene of international friendship.

However, in a secluded corner away from the hustle and bustle of the dance floor, heavy velvet curtains half-close the patio door, and two high-back sofas are placed opposite each other.

The light here is deliberately dimmed to create a relatively private conversation space.

Zhang Chi was wearing a neatly-cut marshal's uniform, and opposite him sat his old friend Stevenson who was about to leave office.

Both of them held a glass of amber whiskey in their hands, and the ice cubes made a slight clinking sound in the glass.

"I don't know how to thank you, Zhang." Stevenson had tears in his eyes, and it was obvious that he was touched by the graceful song "Auld Lang Syne".

Think about how he had to resign from his positions as Chief of Staff of the Republic of China's War Zone and Head of Eagle Aid Material Distribution due to the exclusion of the White Party's top leaders, and left the mountain city in disgrace.

Now, he has stepped down as commander of the Southeast Asia Theater, but Zhang Chi used a grand banquet to express his respect for his departure. The contrast between the two could not help but move him.

Zhang Chi raised his glass: "No matter what, we are true friends, aren't we?"

"Of course, without a doubt!" Stevenson raised his glass with a sincere smile on his face.

"And congratulations, Zhang. Although I am about to leave this vibrant land, I have no doubt that a brand new nation will rise in your hands. The United States of Nanyang... what a resounding name."

Stevenson took a sip of his wine and changed the subject: "So, when is this great day set?"

Zhang Chi had a sincere smile on his face. What he was about to do next was a little out of the ordinary. If his old friend Stevenson stayed here, it would be difficult for him to live. His departure was the best option.

"It is tentatively scheduled for January 1 next year. The new year brings new things, symbolizing the rebirth of Nanyang."

As he spoke, Zhang Chi gently shook the wine glass, and the amber liquid formed beautiful arcs on the wall of the glass.

"Oh, New Year's Day..." Stevenson said with a hint of just the right amount of regret on his face. "What a shame! I'm afraid I won't be able to witness this historic moment in person. You know, I have to return home on time to report on my duties."

He put down his glass, leaned forward slightly, and lowered his voice a few degrees, with a sense of intimacy as if sharing inside information: "However, Zhang, based on what I have learned in DC and the Pentagon, the standard of congratulations on behalf of the White Eagle will be very high.

There is a high probability... that it will be General George Catlett Marshall himself."

Marshall!

This name was like a huge rock thrown into a calm lake, causing huge waves in Zhang Chi's heart.

His face remained expressionless, as he maintained a listening posture, but his mind was racing.

George Marshall, Chief of Staff of the White Eagle Army and Commander-in-Chief Luo's most trusted military advisor, single-handedly led the mobilization and global strategic deployment of the White Eagle war machine.

At the end of the current 44 years, he is one of the few people standing at the pinnacle of world power.

As a time traveler, Zhang Chi knew better than anyone that this "organizer of victory in the World War" would be appointed Secretary of State shortly after the war, lead the "Marshall Plan" for the revival of Europe, and win the Nobel Peace Prize for it, and his political influence would reach its peak.

Such a giant figure came in person to attend the Nanyang National Founding Ceremony?

Countless thoughts flashed through Zhang Chi's mind in an instant, and finally converged into a clear judgment.

There is a way!

It seems that he has successfully put on the sheepskin of "federalism" and has indeed deceived the eyes of the White Eagle top management.

They obviously believed that a Nanyang Federation divided into more than a dozen "states" and practicing "local autonomy" would be far easier to control than a powerful, centralized Chinese republic, and would be more in line with their interests in post-war Southeast Asia.

Marshall's personal arrival was the strongest signal of this "recognition".