Chapter 8, Chinatown

After the Charles Joss docked, Fang Lang and the first group of disembarking crew members eagerly surged into New York City

Although New York in this era has not yet reached the prosperity of later times, it is already one of the few major cities of this age. Walking on the bustling streets, Fang Lang experiences a sense of detachment as if traversing through time and space. Standing in the middle of the road and watching the crowd flow past him, Fang Lang suddenly shouts, "New York, I have arrived"

Hello, officer. Is this your first time in Chinatown? Wan Chongxin had already seen this man in military uniform wandering aimlessly in Chinatown for quite some time from a distance, clearly indicating that it was his first visit to Chinatown. As a newly initiated agent, this was evidently his target client.

"Sir, there is no need to worry, I am not a bad person; I am an intermediary, essentially a former dental practitioner. I noticed that this seems to be your first visit, and I am not sure if there is anything I can assist you with." Seeing Fang Lang's obviously wary expression, Wan Chongxin quickly explained.

On the way, he did not forget to introduce the buyer's situation to Fang Lang. It turned out that the arms collector he knew was the father of his sister Wan Xin's classmate, a veteran of World War I, who now runs a taxi business and is quite influential

Soon, this good news spread throughout the ship, and everyone was very excited. Many people approached to inquire whether Fang Lang's good fortune was true. Fang Lang responded affirmatively to each inquiry, as many expressed that they did not have enough cash on hand and hoped that Fang Lang could give them time to raise funds. Ultimately, Fang Lang agreed to extend the investment deadline to twenty-four hours after arrival at the port, and everyone left satisfied.

Can everyone participate? If there is an investment project that can bring three times the profit for everyone on board, and it is rejected by Cross, then once the crew becomes aware of this matter, Cross may no longer be able to command these crew members.

Fang Lang did not mind helping these compatriots from foreign lands. He spoke up: "I have two German Luger pistols in my possession. I heard from my American comrades that such items can fetch a good price in the United States. If you could help me find a quality buyer, how much would your commission be"

If Fang Lang were to seek buyers on his own, he would surely be able to find them, although it would undoubtedly take longer. However, Fang Lang's time is currently very tight, and he cannot afford to waste it searching for acquirers. Additionally, Fang Lang feels that this offer is not particularly high, so he lightly nodded and said: "Alright, if you can satisfy me this time, I wouldn't mind introducing a larger business to you."

I apologize, but I only accept investments from our crew members. As for the amount of investment from the crew, it will depend on each individual's financial situation and their ability to contribute. Fang Lang is also concerned that if too much is invested, there may not be enough space on board to store the purchased cigarettes. This is because the quantity of cargo on the ship is uniformly planned by the naval logistics department, rather than being decided by the ship itself.

Wan Chongxin nodded in agreement upon seeing Fang Lang, feeling a surge of joy in his heart. If it were a matter of introducing a buyer for another product, he might not have been able to accomplish it. However, for the collection of arms and weapons, he just happened to know a very powerful buyer.

Listening to Mandarin spoken with a distinct Minnan accent, Fang Lang felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity, as he finally heard the familiar Mandarin again

Hearing that he was an intermediary, Fang Lang nodded and smiled, saying, "I do need some assistance, but I am not sure how you charge for your services"

According to his sister, this person offered a reward of fifty US dollars for the search of a Luger P08 artillery model pistol. Her classmate also searched everywhere on his father's birthday, hoping to present it as a birthday gift to his father, but unfortunately, it was never found

Sir, if this were a business transaction, we would normally charge one percent of the transaction amount. However, you are a soldier, and the spoils obtained on the battlefield come at the cost of your life. I will take a fee of 0.05 percent. Would that be acceptable to you? I assure you that the buyer I find for you is not a middleman and will offer you a satisfactory price. You can ask a few people on the street about the fee percentage; there will definitely be no lower offer than mine. I assure you that the buyer I find for you is not a middleman and will offer you a satisfactory price. You can ask a few people on the street about the fee percentage; there will definitely be no lower offer than mine

Thus, Fang Lang deliberately guided the situation, making Keluosi feel that this opportunity was very precious, and he only brought everyone to wealth to express gratitude for the crew's care

It was not until two police officers stepped forward to block his path that Fang Lang was able to regain his composure. Fortunately, the officers noticed that his uniform was that of the U.S. military. Although they did not understand which unit his insignia belonged to, they did not make things difficult for him

Indeed, it is my first time in New York. Although we are all Chinese, not everyone outside is a fellow countryman who greets another with tears in their eyes. Therefore, Fang Lang still maintains a certain level of vigilance and responds only in a subdued manner

At the same time, considering that everyone has a need to raise funds, all crew members will be divided into two groups to take turns going ashore for half a day to raise funds on the first day

Although he believed that he could raise a considerable amount of funds from the crew members, having more of his own funds would certainly be better. While he was still blindly searching for sales channels in Chinatown, a young Chinese man dressed in a somewhat worn gray checkered suit took the initiative to greet Fang Lang.

Upon careful observation of the young man before me, both his accent and appearance clearly attest to his Chinese identity. His worn gray checkered suit, whose original color is barely discernible, along with the frayed cuffs, indicate that the young man comes from a less affluent background. The thinness of his attire in this cold season, coupled with his somewhat insecure expression, further suggests that he is not a successful businessman

The arrival of Fang Lang is truly a match made in heaven. Although it is uncertain whether the Luger P08 in Fang Lang's hands is of the artillery model, at the very least, it is an authentic Luger P08, is it not

Of course, this is to express my gratitude for everyone's care towards me! Anyone on our ship can invest, and I will keep a record of how much each person has invested. Once the goods arrive at the port and are handed over, I will directly return three times the amount invested. I only accept investments from our crew, do you understand what I mean?" Fang Lang certainly hopes that the more people invest, the better, and the larger the amount, the better. However, if he were to say this himself, others might suspect it could be a scam. I only accept investments from our crew, do you understand what I mean?" Fang Lang certainly hopes that the more people invest, the better, and the larger the amount, the better. However, if he were to say this himself, others might suspect it could be a scam.

Thank you for your trust, I will take you there now, please follow me. Wan Chongxin said this while leading Fang Lang out of Chinatown.

This depends on what kind of service you need. If you just need someone to show you the way, a tip of ten cents will suffice. However, if you require housing rental or business transactions, we will charge a commission based on the amount involved. Upon hearing that Fang Lang truly needed assistance, Wan Chongxin felt a sense of relief, as if the stone in his heart had finally landed, knowing that he and his sister's living expenses for tomorrow were secured

Although several colleagues had seen this client without approaching him, Wan Chongxin understood that everyone had reservations about military personnel. However, as a newcomer in the industry, he realized that if he did not seize this opportunity, he and his sister might go hungry tomorrow. Therefore, he ultimately mustered the courage to strike up a conversation.

Originally, after the ship docked, due to the need for loading and unloading cargo as well as maintenance of the vessel, everyone was supposed to take turns resting for one day. However, considering the operational needs of Fanglang's significant business, everyone unanimously agreed that there was no need for Fanglang to be on duty.

The bystanders were so frightened that they thought he was insane, and they all hurriedly distanced themselves. However, the reactions of the people around had no effect on Fang Lang. Like a madman, Fang Lang laughed heartily as he ran wildly in the middle of the street, venting the emotions that had been suppressed in his heart since his journey began

As a Chinese person, upon arriving in New York, the first place that comes to mind is Chinatown. Therefore, Fang Lang went directly to Chinatown, and his first task was to find a way to sell the two Luger P08 pistols in his possession to obtain funds

"Fang, thank you! I understand now, and I will gather all the crew members to inform everyone of this good news." Captain Cross had clearly grasped Fang Lang's thoughts completely

Then what if my friend is also interested?" Cross clearly thought of a way to expand his own profits