Lost and Spy

Chapter 629 American Major
"Meng, what you want me to do is almost done."

"so fast?"

"Of course, we are partners. I must give priority to what you want me to do." Joey, chairman and general manager of Angus International, said with a smile:

"Since the establishment of the Shanghai International Settlement, many foreigners have entered here one after another, wanting to seek gold and make a fortune. Americans, British, Russians, sometimes I even think you can find people from any country here. Some of them really got rich and returned home, while some had to live in foreign countries.

In the United States, the terrible Great Depression began after the economic avalanche of the United States on Black Tuesday. For more than eight years, it showed no signs of easing.Countless Americans can't repay their bank loans, can't afford houses, and can't afford bread. A large number of homeless people appear on the streets of the United States. They even dare to steal turtles in the park to make soup. Oh my God. "

Meng Shaoyuan listened calmly.

The Great Depression in the United States that began in 1929 has shown no sign of stopping until now.

For many families in the United States, not going hungry is a luxury.Some families even take turns eating, with half eating on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and half eating on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Only on Sundays can the whole family share food.

Of course, a great food was also born during this period: luncheon meat!
Because people who can't afford meat need to use it instead.

Joey filled his pipe with shredded tobacco: "People began to believe a rumor that in Shanghai in the Far East, gold is everywhere. Staying here for a year is enough to make your family live a happy life. Therefore, a large number of The Americans pawned the last of their valuables, and some even borrowed usury loans to make up enough travel expenses to travel across the ocean to Shanghai."

But the ideal is full, and the reality is cruel.

Where are the golden islands everywhere?

The cruelty of competition in the Shanghai International Settlement is no less than that of any other city in the world.

Those skilled technicians found a job with great difficulty, but soon, their skills were learned by the Chinese, and the salary required by the Chinese was often only half of theirs.

So black-hearted capitalists, regardless of whether you are a fellow American, you will be let go that night.

union?In Shanghai, how many people actually want to find a trade union to help you get wronged?
There is an American who has three crafts, knows three languages, and has three children. He has not found a job in Shanghai for three whole months.

At first, with great dreams, he put forward his work requirements, weekly working hours, and the benefits he must ensure in accordance with the requirements of the "Social Security Act" formulated by the United States.

However, the capitalist looked at him like a freak, and let him go out through this gate!
So, this American who owns three crafts, knows three languages, has three children, and once earned $1500 a year, found a job as an English teacher in a Chinese school, and sent living expenses to his wife and children in the United States. After that, the remaining money can barely support themselves.

Shanghai is not a vault that you can take whatever you want!
There are very few people who can really make a lot of money!
"There are many Americans like Shanghai." Joey lit his pipe, took a deep breath, and exhaled thick smoke: "They are in urgent need of work and money. It is very simple to meet your requirements. You need six people Really? I found six people for you. Look, this is all their information, are you satisfied with it?"

Meng Shaoyuan took over a thick document.

"Logan Warren James...Former U.S. Marine Corps Major, 53, Worcester, MA...World War War...one Navy Cross, two Silver Star recipient...1928 Retired, started a security company... went bankrupt in November 1934... owed a $11 loan to the bank, house was confiscated..."

In 1935, with the last glimmer of hope, Logan led his former subordinates across the ocean to Shanghai, hoping to find a job here.

However, the situation in Shanghai was completely different from what he had imagined.

This is the territory of the Green Gang, and jobs like bodyguards are basically monopolized by them. They don't care if you are American or not, and let you get a share.

As for the wealthy upper Chinese class, foreign bodyguards are more inclined to hire "Luosong bodyguards", that is, White Russians.

These Belarusians came to Shanghai many years ago, got married and had children here. They can speak Chinese, and their children can even speak Shanghai dialect, which is more in line with the tastes of the rich.

They are tall and majestic with a garlic nose. More importantly, in the eyes of rich people, Belarusians are more obedient and easier to control than Americans or British.

It's even cheaper, just make sure they have alcohol every day.

Therefore, Logan and his team have never been able to find a job, and the pressure of life has led them to find a way to do foreign police patrols, some went to foreigners' restaurants as waiters, and some took risks and committed crimes. crime.

Logan himself has been caught a few times.

"I met him a year ago, and I once offered him a position as a crew member, but Logan thought that he was a warrior in his bones, and would rather help people to do the work of escorting contraband weapons than be a crew member. But In Shanghai, even escort work, it doesn’t matter, it’s very difficult.”

Joey smiled and said: "A stubborn guy. But he is a good man, he has fought in war, he is very brave, he is not afraid of death, and he is loyal to the work he loves. And his former subordinates also have security experience. If Putting their team together I'm sure is exactly what you're looking for, he's in dire need of work so he'll be more than happy to help you."

"Logan..." Meng Shaoyuan read the name.

Logan?

Wolverine?
Wolverine Logan?
It's a coincidence.

Meng Shaoyuan laughed: "I like this guy. I need to see him right away."

"Of course, I sent for him at once. He lives nearby."

……

An hour later, Meng Shaoyuan met "Wolverine"... no, Logan Warren James.

He was tall, muscular, and had a gray beard, but he couldn't hide his vigor at all.

"I need a bodyguard team to protect my wife and my family members." Meng Shaoyuan said straight to the point in fluent English: "Six people, including two women, are responsible for personal protection of my wife's safety."

"Man, I have."

Although Logan hadn't had a serious job for a long time, he didn't agree immediately, but said very professionally: "I need to know about your wife's situation."

Meng Shaoyuan explained it in detail.

"I understand, sir." Logan listened very seriously: "This is a very challenging job, but I believe I can handle it. But, sir, can I make a request?"

"You said."

"You need six people, but in Shanghai, my former team and I, including me, have a total of eight people, and I want to pull them to work together. Ah, don't worry, the overall salary will not increase."

"I appreciate you, really appreciate it." Meng Shaoyuan said: "You are still thinking about your companions even though you are in such a difficult situation. This is an excellent quality. What makes me most happy is that you are sure to call Compared with those companions who have found a relatively stable job, this shows that your prestige is still very high in the eyes of these people."

"Thank you for your compliment, sir." Logan immediately replied: "Some of these people have fought side by side with me in Europe, and some were just recruited into the security company by me. Just after a few missions, the company went bankrupt. But they still followed me and came to this strange land together, so I have to take care of them."

"Like this? Sophia Bruce?" Meng Shaoyuan picked up the information: "Female, only 26 years old this year? Do you think she is a qualified bodyguard?"

"She is." Logan said firmly: "She is of American-French mixed race. She joined my company at the age of 20. During her service, she performed twelve missions, and none of them failed. She used to personally protect those A rich man's wife, a movie star, and even protected a governor's wife. I can guarantee with my personality that she will be able to do it."

"I believe you, Mr. James, I think I can call you Logan now." Meng Shaoyuan closed the file: "Then, let's talk about our most realistic situation. How much salary do you and your team need?"

Logan hesitated for a long time before saying: "I think, eight thousand dollars a year... It's better to pay some in advance..."

Meng Shaoyuan didn't make a sound.

Logan hurriedly said: "Sir, if you think this amount is too expensive, we can discuss it again."

His requirements are not too high, ensuring that each person can earn a thousand dollars a year.

It's just that in Shanghai, everyone seems to give them that number.

He just wanted to try his best to win for himself and his companions.

"Eight thousand dollars." Meng Shaoyuan asked suddenly: "Joy, what is the per capita annual income in the United States?"

Joey smiled and replied: "In the United States, many families or single individuals have an annual income of less than $30.00, and 780% of them have an annual income of less than $[-]. Those who earn between $[-] and $[-] belong to the middle class. Class. After the Great Depression, such income is generally not possible.”

Logan was a little disappointed.

However, Meng Shaoyuan continued to ask: "Where are you doing more than the middle class?"

"About [-] percent have an annual income of $[-] or more."

"Ten percent, a very small number of people."

"Yes, but now the United States can achieve this income even less."

"Then, Logan." Meng Shaoyuan said immediately, "I think your eight thousand dollars is unreasonable."

"Perhaps, sir. How much do you say you would give us?"

"Me? I need to think about it. I think $[-] a year is a good salary for you and your team."

(End of this chapter)