Chapter 4, Name Table
I understand, thank you for the reminder, sir! I can't help but start to think, what products from Italy can be sold directly to the United States for profit? It seems that many of the most famous Italian products in later generations are luxury goods, chocolates, and sports cars, but at this time, it appears that these have not yet developed.
Thus, under the leadership of the chief mate, Fang Lang settled down and soon arrived at the streets of Naples, Italy, to begin searching for goods that could make him wealthy. Since it was still early, Fang Lang was not in a hurry; he admired the streets of Italy while inwardly lamenting that although these Italians were not skilled in warfare, they certainly excelled in culinary arts. After wandering for a while, it seemed that the most numerous shops on the streets were restaurants.
"Alright, young man, since we will all be living on the same boat from now on, we are brothers. I will have the first mate arrange your bunk for you, and I suggest you take the opportunity today to make a big purchase, because our ship has plenty of empty holds for the return trip. Perhaps you could make a fortune once you arrive in America." Hearing Major Cross's straightforward words made Fang Lang's heart race; wasn't this a free transport ship? He needed to carefully consider what items could be sold from Italy to America for profit. Fang Lang's heart raced; wasn't this a free transport ship? He needed to carefully consider what items could be sold from Italy to America for profit.
Hello Major Cross, I am Fang Lang from the Brazilian Expeditionary Force. It is a great honor to be able to learn and study on your ship
Strolling with great interest, and since my time on the battlefield has been relatively short, although I have killed a few Germans, it is clear from Fang Lang's awakening that there are no spoils around. I touched the five hundred dollars in my pocket and thought to myself, since there is no opportunity to make a fortune, I might as well buy some souvenirs to collect and wait for them to appreciate in value later
This person visibly relaxed upon hearing Fang Lang could communicate in Italian, as English was clearly still a language he had just begun to learn, making it not easy for him to use. He also responded in Italian:
After the messenger finished delivering the orders, Fang Lang stood at attention and saluted. Just as he was about to report, he was interrupted by Major Cross, who extended his right hand. Seeing the outstretched hand, Fang Lang quickly reached out and shook it firmly.
Fang Lang turned his gaze in the direction of the sound and saw a short, stocky man with black hair and brown eyes, dressed in an Italian military uniform, looking at him. The uniform bore no rank insignia or identification, making it impossible to determine whether he was a genuine Italian soldier or a black market trader. It was only now that Fang Lang realized that most people would actually remove any obvious military insignia from their uniforms. There were also a significant number of individuals who did not mind at all being recognized for their identities. It was only now that Fang Lang realized that most people would actually remove any obvious military insignia from their uniforms. There were also a significant number of individuals who did not mind at all being recognized for their identities
In the original impression, this is the first African American officer that Fang Lang has met. During this era, African Americans faced discrimination in the U.S. military, so Fang Lang was surprised that an African American could serve as a captain in the United States. However, Brazil has a large population of African Americans, and Fang Lang also knew how to interact with them
Kross could see the unease in Fang Lang's expression, but none of the other white soldiers noticed his discomfort, clearly not expressing dissatisfaction simply because he was black
Fang Lang held the watch in his hand and examined it closely; at a glance, he recognized it as a Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 perpetual calendar wristwatch, and in stainless steel, which is quite rare
Captain Raquel Cross, a robust and portly Black man, is the commander of the transport ship Charles Joss. He has a bald head complemented by a full beard and is approximately forty years old
In this era, advertising can only be done through newspapers and radio, so the transmission of information is far less developed than in later times. At this point, Patek Philippe has not yet become the top luxury brand of the future; it is merely circulating among a select group of elite nobility and royalty.
Fang Lang, upon hearing Major Cross's words, also came to realize that in modern society, crew members on ocean-going cargo ships are allowed to bring a few personal belongings. Why had he not reacted to this when it came to the military
"Well then, may I know how much you are planning to sell it to me for?" Upon seeing that this Italian was actually unaware of the brand, Fang Lang felt a surge of joy in his heart, realizing that he might be in for a good deal today on hetushu.com, and he maintained a calm expression on his face as he spoke.
Haha... brother, I didn't expect you to speak Italian, that's really great. If you want to change your watch, I think you should take a look at my collection." Saying this, he directly rolled up his left sleeve, revealing seven or eight watches adorning his arm.
Since it was Brigadier Jackson who directly arranged for him to board the ship to assess the other person's navigation skills, and given that the young man appeared to be under twenty years of age, Cross couldn't help but think that this individual must have connections. Therefore, he completely refrained from adopting the demeanor of an officer.
"How much is it? No, I don't want money!" Hearing that Fang Lang wanted this watch, the Italian was very pleased, but upon hearing that he would have to spend money to buy it, he directly refused
Hello, Second Lieutenant Fang Lang, there is no need to be too formal on board, welcome aboard the Charles Joss. " After saying this, he patted Fang Lang's right arm with his left hand, showing great warmth
The man clearly noticed Fang Lang's gaze as well, and directly took off the stainless steel watch, handing it to Fang Lang and saying: "Brother, this is a high-end wristwatch taken from the hand of a German general, take a good look at it."
Haha... young man, we are just bringing some of our personal belongings, and we won't fill the boat. What could be the problem? There isn't much to haul back on the return trip anyway! Who would care about what you brought? This is a benefit for the crew! In the future, your ship will also allow crew members to bring some personal items, won't it?" Major Cross said with profound meaning
"I apologize, but I am not very familiar with watch brands. Could you tell me what brand it is? It is indeed very beautiful," Fang Lang pretended not to recognize the brand of the watch and asked.
Fang Lang, thinking there might be something lively to see, could not resist his nature of seeking excitement and moved closer. He saw several soldiers displaying various spoils of war on the ground, including German watches, medals, pistols, canteens, helmets, rifles, and even a BMW 750 motorcycle. Fang Lang understood that this was a black market where some soldiers were exchanging their spoils.
Looking at the cobra emblem on my arm, which is holding a pipe, I didn't pay much attention and casually replied in Italian: "Yes, my friend, but I didn't see what I liked where you looked, so, I'm sorry"
Fang Lang was wandering around when he unexpectedly found himself in a small alley behind the Navy Hospital. He discovered that most of the people gathered here were military personnel, including American soldiers, Italian soldiers, and British soldiers. Although their uniforms were different, they were all engaged in conversation on both sides of the alley.
"Captain, will we be penalized for using the warship to transport personal belongings like this?" Fang Lang still felt a bit worried about the possibility of punishment
Fang Lang was initially looking to buy a watch, as he currently did not own one. He wandered through the entire black market from start to finish. To be honest, there were no watch styles in this era that particularly matched Fang Lang's aesthetic. He had not found a suitable watch for himself. Just as Fang Lang was about to give up and randomly pick one, a hoarse voice spoke in somewhat halting English: "Brother, are you looking to change your watch?"
Uh! I don't recognize this either, but believe me, this watch was truly taken from the wrist of a German general. Fang Lang's question doused this fellow's desire to raise the price with a bucket of cold water
In fact, the reasons why Fang Lang cannot become wealthy are not solely due to his circumstances. He touched the five hundred dollars in his pocket and sighed helplessly, realizing that this capital is fundamentally what restricts his ability to amass wealth. Of course, one should not underestimate five hundred dollars; in this era, a dollar holds significantly more value than in modern society. This money is the result of Fang Lang saving his military pay for a long time.
This leaves Fang Lang feeling quite helpless; after all, one cannot possibly take pasta to America to sell! How could that lead to wealth? As for pizza, it goes without saying that there are no particularly famous Italian industrial products in this era. It seems that the prospect of becoming rich is fundamentally impossible.
Seeing the man's arms adorned with watches, I couldn't help but be taken aback, and my interest was piqued. I approached to take a closer look, and one particular stainless steel-cased watch especially caught Fang Lang's attention