Chapter 2, Connections

In this context, Fang Lang joined the Brazilian Expeditionary Force, which consisted of only three individuals of Chinese descent, while there were no Japanese at all. This is because the Japanese in Brazil were all overseas, with their hearts still in Japan, and therefore, no one joined the Brazilian Expeditionary Force

One cannot help but wonder what kind of prominent figure his father is, to the extent that he believes he is also acquainted with him. However, it is evident from his words that he takes great pride in his father.

Is this appropriate? I am part of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force, and your father has transferred you to the Fifth Aircraft Carrier Fleet. If I were to be transferred to your Fifth Fleet, then I would no longer belong to the Brazilian Expeditionary Force, correct?" Fang Lang was not quite sure whether such a transfer was feasible.

Indeed! John naturally explained, indicating that he had indeed considered his father when he refused to enlist in the navy

If it were not for the incident of saving John, it would have been quite difficult to have any further opportunities for advancement upon retirement. This is not to say that the Brazilian military is racially discriminatory, but rather that both the government and the military in Brazil are quite corrupt; without providing benefits to the higher-ups, promotion is essentially hopeless. Of course, others will have ample reasons, such as the requirement for soldiers to attend military academies to become officers, which you would absolutely be unable to refute

Soon, John embraced Fang Lang tightly, repeatedly patting his back and saying, "Brother, I understand now, you are right, I should go help my father and stand by his side"

Looking at John, who had a sincere expression, Fang Lang knew that this was his heartfelt words. At the same time, he felt a sense of joy; with this kind of relationship, Fang Lang was not like John, who was rigid and bookish. It was just that Fang Lang found it difficult to bring up such matters himself. However, now that John had taken the initiative to speak, there was no need for any reservations.

John heard Fang Lang inquire about his father's identity and did not conceal anything, directly stating: "Yes, my full name is John J. Clark, and my father's name is Joseph J. Clark. Have you heard of him?"

After joining the Brazilian Expeditionary Force, Fang Lang, having practiced various martial arts with his grandfather since childhood, proved to be exceptionally brave in combat. He captured several Italians and killed a few Germans on the battlefield. As a result, he rose to the rank of sergeant within the Brazilian Expeditionary Force

Fang Lang did not disturb him, but began to worry about his own situation. He did not want to continue running to the battlefield to fight for the Americans and the Germans. Although the salary was quite good, they should not expect him to serve the Americans.

In fact, during this week, Fang Lang has indeed experienced several instances of sudden fainting, but these occurrences have become increasingly rare. During these fainting episodes, Fang Lang has completely absorbed the memories of the original body.

Alright! Brother, I forgive you. You are right, my father is also of Asian descent. To be precise, we are all Native Americans; my father is of Cherokee and Sioux mixed heritage, and my mother is Jewish. So you know, if my father were to take care of me, it might have some negative implications. Therefore, I am not very keen on working under my father's guidance

Due to the fact that the great-grandfather was an official of the Heavenly Kingdom, he held some prestige among this group of immigrants. Additionally, the wealth brought from the Qing Dynasty allowed them to quickly establish their own farm in Brazil, which spanned over 100 hectares, making them a well-established landlord family

Although Fang Lang knew that the Brazilian Navy of this era was basically a joke, it was a good joke! A joke does not need to go to the battlefield! A joke only needs to transport some supplies and drop a few mines, is there any work easier than this? Moreover, it is the logistics department of the Navy, Fang Lang almost burst out laughing

Upon receiving the command, Fang Lang felt no more pain in his head, nor did he feel dizzy; it was as if this command were a miraculous remedy, instantly reviving him on the spot

Upon hearing Fang Lang's question, John nearly raised his fist to strike, but then he understood Fang Lang's concerns. The United States is indeed a country with serious racial discrimination, and it is indeed very difficult for minorities like them to make a breakthrough

John laughed heartily and said, "Brother, from what you mean, I should feel proud, right? I can actually become a big shot alongside Roosevelt, haha..." John laughed again without a care in the world.

He is a fourth-generation immigrant from Brazil. His great-grandfather was a minor officer in the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. At the last moment before the fall of the Kingdom, he boarded a ship to the United States with more than three hundred subordinates and fellow villagers. While passing through Japan, he heard about the Brazilian government's promotion in Japan, which stated that as long as one became a naturalized immigrant, land would be allocated. This was much safer than venturing out on one's own in the United States. After discussion, everyone unanimously decided to head to Brazil

Wait! John, I understand what you mean. You believe that if you are working in the military through nepotism, it would damage your father's reputation, correct?

Hello, hello... wake up, you still haven't told me what kind of person your father is and what books he has! Regarding John's carefree personality, Fang Lang also feels quite helpless.

If it is indeed possible to be transferred to the logistics department, then the future will not be too easy. It is already the end of 1944, and World War II will officially end on September 2 of next year. I must find a way to obtain sufficient benefits and accumulate enough capital in the remaining time.

Do you not understand what is meant by nepotism, brother? You are completely lacking in ability, and surviving in the army solely due to your father's connections is what we call nepotism. However, if you can become a major in the army without any support from your family and solely through your own efforts, in the words of our Huaxia culture, this is called a tiger father begets no dog son, do you understand? You should be helping your father under his command, do you understand? This is what we call a father-son army in battle.

John listened to Fang Lang's words, slightly lost in thought, and fell into contemplation

It seems that the Brazilian Navy is under the jurisdiction of the Fourth Fleet, while my father's unit fought against the Japanese in the Asia-Pacific theater. You are not part of the U.S. military, so it does seem impractical to transfer you to the Asia-Pacific war zone. However, the logistics officer of the Fourth Fleet is Brigadier General Nio Jackson, an old comrade of my father, who used to visit our home frequently. I am quite familiar with him, and it should not be a problem to ask him to help take care of my savior. How about asking him to arrange for your transfer to the Brazilian Navy's logistics department?

With the outbreak of World War II, conflicts inevitably arose between the Chinese and Japanese communities in Brazil. Due to the Brazilian government's longstanding pro-German stance, the living conditions for the Chinese were quite poor. Fortunately, as the Americans began to intervene in Brazilian politics, Brazil was later drawn into the Allied camp, which improved the living conditions for the Chinese, while Japanese immigrants began to restrain their actions.

Fang Lang believes that it is necessary to properly educate this stubborn American

"My friend, I am just a small soldier in the Brazilian Expeditionary Force. Apart from knowing Roosevelt, you are the most significant person I know in America. Of course, Roosevelt does not know me," Fang Lang said with a helpless expression, making a joke.

John's words caused a stir in Fang Lang's heart; no wonder he felt he should know, he truly is a significant figure. Glancing at John's skin color, Fang Lang couldn't help but ask, "Are you sure he is your biological father? Wait, don't be angry; what I mean is, you and I are both of Asian descent, so your father should also be of Asian descent, right"

Then it's settled. I will first finish my conversation with my father's adjutant, and then I will speak with Brigadier Jackson. You can rest assured and focus on your recovery; there is absolutely no way I will let you return to the front lines to face death again.

Listening to John's remarks about the relationship, Fang Lang couldn't help but want to laugh out loud. It goes without saying that the United States is now Brazil's benefactor, with all logistics being handled by the U.S. military. Now that they have found a powerful ally in the Navy, if they still cannot make a name for themselves, Fang Lang would think it reasonable to find a block of tofu to end it all.

A week later, Fang Lang, lying on a hospital bed, received a transfer order from the Expeditionary Force Command. In light of Fang Lang's courageous performance on the battlefield, he was awarded the rank of Second Lieutenant. Due to his injuries, he was unable to continue serving in combat units and was therefore assigned to the Navy Logistics Department.

Fang Lang slapped his forehead and said: "Brother, are you really that bad? You are twenty-seven years old this year, and you have already become a major in the U.S. Army, entirely through your own efforts on the battlefield. Do you really think your abilities are that poor?"

Overseas Chinese have come together for mutual support. After three generations of effort, the Chinese community in São Paulo has now developed to a scale of about two thousand people, which, however, seems insignificant compared to the more than one hundred thousand Japanese immigrants.

Uh... well! Can't you let me be happy for a while? Maintaining a cheerful mood can help my injuries heal faster, you know?" Looking at Fang Lang's increasingly dark expression, John smiled and said, "Alright! Alright! To satisfy your curiosity, but you must remember not to tell anyone, okay? My father is the commander of the 5th Aircraft Carrier Fleet. How about that? Does that count as a big shot? Hehe...

Of course, brother. As long as I can stay away from those officials who are completely incapable of commanding in battle, I have no preference for where I go

Hearing John's statement, Fang Lang understood John's thoughts, fearing that due to his own reasons, he would cause his father to bear the label of nepotism, which would damage his father's authority

Brother, how can you help me? If you continue to stay with the Brazilian Expeditionary Force, you will only end up as cannon fodder. I do not want my savior to go and meet his death.

Thus, a group of Taiping Heavenly Kingdom survivors, who had never heard of Brazil's location, arrived in São Paulo, Brazil, after nearly two months of travel and transition to settle down

Hearing that John is able to understand things clearly, Fang Lang is also very happy for him. Thinking about it, if he had such a relationship, he would have long since run off to become a prince, instead of going to the army to fight alone; this is definitely a sign of a troubled mind