Chapter 10, Starting a Company

"Of course, no problem. You are creating income for all of us, how could we possibly refuse?" Captain Cross said with a broad smile, stroking his big beard.

I am not a U.S. soldier, so what does it matter

At that time, if you have other fleet captains you are familiar with, you may also invite them to participate. My demand for the quantity of goods is the greater, the better

After a busy day, all the goods were finally delivered to the warehouse by the morning of the second day. Looking at the warehouse filled with cigarettes, Fang Lang began to feel troubled. Although the volume of the cigarettes is not large, they take up a lot of space! If they cannot be transported away, wouldn't that be awkward?

Accompanied by Wan Chongxin, Fang Lang spent an entire afternoon visiting various tobacco distributors in the United States. He learned that the main products currently sold in the market are the Good Fortune cigarettes from British American Tobacco and the Camel cigarettes from Reynolds Tobacco. What surprised Fang Lang was that Marlboro cigarettes had unexpectedly ceased to be supplied to the market for reasons unknown.

The main issue was that Fang Lang did not have personnel to manage the business development on both sides, but Wan Chongxin's performance this time was quite satisfactory to Fang Lang, so he wanted to give him a chance

Uh! Well! To be honest, Mr. Fang, I won't hide it from you, this transaction that I helped you achieve this time is my first pot of gold. Previously, I was doing some odd jobs and did not have a formal job, so I had no fixed income. This question made Wan Chongxin feel somewhat awkward, but he did not conceal anything and spoke frankly.

Ultimately, there is no other option but to first load all the goods onto the ship, after all, this is a business invested in collectively by the entire crew

Aren't you a soldier? Is there still time to do business?

Mr. Wan, may I ask how much income you have each month? Originally, Fang Lang was also considering whether to directly find a tobacco distributor to purchase a batch of cigarettes. Alternatively, he could make this business a long-term venture. If it is to be a long-term business, Fang Lang must ensure that there are dedicated personnel responsible in both the United States and Italy, preferably operating in a corporate manner.

Everyone greeted Fang Lang warmly upon his return, and Fang Lang responded enthusiastically to each one. He informed everyone that he would be collecting their investments tomorrow morning, and that they could take turns approaching him during breakfast.

As the Charles Joss set sail for the final time, nearly every corner was filled with cigarettes, and even the crew's lounge was packed with cargo

After securing the investment, Fang Lang carefully equipped himself with his weapon, cautiously strapped on his backpack, and found Wan Chongxin. Together, they proceeded to the company registration office in the United States to register a company named Global Trade Import and Export Co., Ltd.

Wan Chongxin considered for a moment before nodding in agreement, saying: "No problem! I am very willing to work for you"

After everyone received a clear response, they no longer surrounded Fang Lang. Fang Lang approached Captain Cross, hoping to discuss the possibility of being introduced to a few other captains.

Fang Lang also took Captain Cross's advice to heart, and couldn't help but think that it seemed necessary to establish a closer relationship with Brigadier General Neo Jackson; otherwise, it would be quite passive if he were to be investigated later

Alright, then today you will familiarize yourself with the tobacco market here in the United States. Tomorrow, I will establish an import and export trading company and sign a formal employment contract with you.

Mr. Fang, regarding the significant business you mentioned that requires my attention, I wonder if you could elaborate on what this major business entails! For this transaction, Wan Chongxin directly received a commission of 14 dollars from Fang Lang, along with the 50 dollars offered by Mr. Valentine, totaling 64 dollars. This amount is equivalent to the earnings of an average American worker for two months. Wan Chongxin is already very satisfied, and it would be even better if another business opportunity could arise.

On the return journey, the U.S. military lost more than 10 Victory ships, but fortunately, the USS Charles J. C. was able to return safely to the port of Naples

In a Sichuan restaurant in Chinatown, Fang Lang and Wan Chongxin were enjoying a feast of three dishes and one soup on the table. After completing this transaction, Fang Lang expressed his intention to treat Wan Chongxin to a hearty meal. Naturally, Wan Chongxin would not refuse such a good opportunity.

You only need to assist me by procuring the goods I require according to my specifications, transporting them to the warehouse for storage and management, and then handing them over clearly to the personnel I have arranged for receiving. The weekly salary is 8 dollars, and if the work is done well, a bonus will be awarded.

There was no way around it; Fang Lang ultimately came over with Captain Cross to verify the quantity of the goods. Captain Cross was left dumbfounded by the sheer number of cigarettes. There simply wasn't enough space on the ship to accommodate all of this! This is hardly smuggling!

Arrange for Wan Chongxin to rent a warehouse near the dock as an office and storage location. He then promptly begins purchasing cigarettes, as for the first procurement, Fang Lang must take the initiative himself to understand the market conditions and prices, in order to avoid being taken advantage of by the procurement staff in the future

After agreeing to meet the next day at Wan Chongxin's home, Fang Lang returned to the Charles Joss at dusk. By this time, everyone on the ship had already gathered, busily unloading cargo while enthusiastically discussing how much money they had raised and how much they had borrowed.

Hearing that Wan Chongxin agreed, Fang Lang was also very happy. This means that there will be a dedicated person responsible for procurement here in the United States in the future. Even if he does not come to the United States next time, he can have Wan Chongxin handle the procurement and notify him. He can then arrange for Captain Cross and others to help smuggle the goods to Italy, where he can establish a branch company responsible for receiving the goods and selling them to the Gambino family. Wouldn't this create a complete trade route?

Fortunately, this is the common property of all the crew members; otherwise, it might have been thrown into the sea by everyone halfway through the journey. This was especially true during the crossing of the Atlantic when the fleet was attacked by German naval submarines. However, overall, we safely navigated through the Atlantic and returned to Italy without any major incidents

Captain, what I mean is that if my business succeeds this time, then in the future, whenever you cross the Atlantic, you can organize your crew to raise funds or come individually to the place I designate to pick up goods and books. I will arrange for someone at the port in Italy to receive the goods you transport at three times the price, turning this business into a long-term venture. What do you think?

Oh! Is it really possible? However, it would be best for us to keep a low profile regarding such matters. If we go too far, it may attract the attention of the gendarmerie, which could lead to significant trouble. Captain Cross, although very pleased, still cautiously warned his companion in a low voice.

If I were to offer you a job, what responsibilities would you have? What would the salary be? Wan Chongxin's decision to act as an intermediary is also a choice made out of necessity; if he could secure a stable income, he would certainly not mind.

If I establish an import and export trading company in the United States, how would you work for me

When all the investments were finally concentrated on Fang Lang's backpack, it took Fang Lang by surprise. Together with his own funds, he managed to raise fifty-five thousand US dollars, a sum that greatly exceeded his expectations. He had thought that even thirty thousand dollars would be an astronomical figure, yet he did not expect these American soldiers to be able to raise such a large amount.

Without a word throughout the night, before dawn the next day, the crew dragged Fang Lang out of his warm bed. Fang Lang had no choice but to pick up his notebook and meticulously record how much each person had invested.