Wandering America: My kill threshold is far ahead

As dusk fell, Ma Jie rode his bicycle toward the Green Box recycling station located on the edge of Fifth Street.

This is also the largest integrated recycling center in Skid Row, covering an area of ​​more than 2,000 square meters. In addition to traditional bottles, cans and scrap metal, it also recycles old appliances and miscellaneous items, and even used cars.

Upon entering, one sees a dozen group leaders lining up to sell cans, while Jimmy stands to the side collecting receipts for exchanging cash.

When the leader entered, everyone greeted him warmly, but this guy turned his face away, pretending not to see him. He was probably still angry from the day.

Ma Jie didn't disturb him while he was working, and rode off to another recycling window on his own.

I opened my backpack and dumped all of today's spoils onto the shelf, waiting for the other party to appraise them.

Inside sat a nearsighted old man who, after considering for a few minutes, told Jack Ma that the package price was $280.

Actually, it's much more than that. Those high heels alone are worth 150. This time they're definitely real; I had them checked with an authentication tool.

Too lazy to waste energy, after a few words of negotiation, the other party agreed to add 20, and the final price was $300, which offset the cost of the car repair.

However, this is nothing compared to an $8000 pickup truck.

It seems we need to focus on vehicle recycling from now on. This one prismatic trophy is worth two months' salary for an average wage earner. It's just too good to be true.

Most importantly, there is no risk involved; the police will not classify it as theft due to misjudging the vehicle and owner information.

"Guys, how's today's catch?"

After selling his spoils, Ma Jieke, like a leader on an inspection tour, asked him questions in a friendly manner.

Everyone chimed in with their own reports on their jungle performance.

"It's alright. The three groups picked up a total of over 80 pounds, which is slightly better than yesterday."

"The same applies to all five sets; they all add up to about 90 pounds."

"Reporting to the boss, Ethan found a gold ring and he's trying to keep it for himself."

"Really? Let me see it." Upon hearing the name gold ring, Ma Jie's heart skipped a beat. "I'm already at such a high level, and you still managed to snag a bargain?"

Under pressure from the other group leaders, Ethan reluctantly took out the ring. MaJack took it and glanced at it; the information was immediately clear.

Gold-plated brass ring: Made in China, originating from Yiwu Small Commodities Market, suggested retail price US$9.9.

"Pfft..." He couldn't help but burst out laughing: "Buddy, you're overthinking it. This thing is just coated with gold dust."

"Impossible! Absolutely impossible!" Ethan exclaimed in disbelief. This thing looked so real, how could it be fake?

"If you don't believe me, go ask that old man for an estimate. If it's over $10, I'll buy it back at 10 times the price."

"Okay, you said it yourself, the boss can't go back on his word."

Under MaJack's bet, Ethan excitedly took it to the recycling window.

He returned less than a minute later with a long face, and everyone smiled with relief upon seeing him like that.

What's this called? It's about being afraid that your brothers will suffer, and also afraid that your brothers will drive Land Rovers. If we're poor, we'll be poor together, so that we can have fun together.

In no time, all the scrap metal was converted into cash, amounting to over a thousand yuan. The returns were quite stable, with 20% going to the head of the gang.

Jimmy carefully arranged the money, stuffed it into his newly bought backpack, slung the backpack over his shoulder, and held it tightly with both hands, as if afraid of any further accidents.

Ma Jieke, meanwhile, followed him shamelessly, trailing him all the way to the bus stop.

After the bus stopped, I put my bicycle on the front rack and then boarded the bus.

"Still angry, kid?" He plopped down next to him, casually hooking his arm around his shoulder, and couldn't help but boast, "I'm incredibly lucky today..."

"Tch, it's just stealing a bicycle, what's the big deal? Watch out, the police might come after you."

Jimmy looked completely unconcerned. "This piece of junk worth a few hundred dollars is nothing to brag about. It's nothing compared to my career peak."

"No, who told you I stole it?" Ma Jieke couldn't hold back anymore: "I found it, I found it, okay? But that's not the point. The point is, I also found another car, a pickup truck that had only driven a little over 8 miles."

"Keep bragging."

"You don't believe me? Just wait and see."

Ma Jieke took out his phone, opened the photo album, and showed him the photos he had taken at Ximen Auto Dealership. Seeing that he was still skeptical, he handed him the receipt.

"Hiss..." Jimmy gasped upon seeing Simien's signature: "Where did you find this? Are you sure it's a zombie car?"

"100% sure." Ma Jie smirked smugly. "We'll pick up the vehicle tomorrow at noon. Besides being my personal vehicle, it can also be used to haul goods for the camp, so everyone won't have to carry all those heavy bags around. What do you think of my idea?"

"That's awesome!" The kid was so happy he almost jumped up from his seat.

Driving a pickup truck to sell scrap metal is more than just being an ordinary scavenger; it's not only incredibly efficient, but also provides a significant emotional connection.

The two chatted and laughed all the way, and after arriving at the station, one rode a bicycle and the other walked towards the camp.

"Kid, this is where you lost your money yesterday. Remember this lesson."

As they passed the garbage dump, Ma Jieke specifically reminded him.

"Okay, I assure you, that was the first and the last time."

Jimmy couldn't think of any other way to express it except through a heartfelt promise.

Just as the two were about to leave the area, a rustling sound suddenly came from the garbage heap.

The noise startled Jimmy, who nervously looked around.

Ma Jie patted him on the shoulder: "Don't worry, it's just a stray dog."

No sooner had he finished speaking than a dark figure suddenly rushed out of the garbage heap.

It wasn't a dog, but a person, a living, breathing person.

"Don't move, it's a robbery!"

The other person was dressed in a very slovenly manner, with several layers of dirty flesh-colored stockings over their head, and holes cut into their eyes and nostrils, making it impossible to see their face clearly.

Even more outrageous is that the weapon used in the crime was a Type 56 semi-automatic rifle produced by Tokyo University.

This gun is quite cheap on the US secondhand market, costing only about $200 to $300.

But it's understandable; if you had enough money, who would want to be a robber?

"Put your hands up where I can see them."

With the dragon charging right at his face, and compounded by his earlier misjudgment, MaJack had no choice but to strategically feign weakness.

Together with Jimmy, who was already terrified, they gave a French military salute.

"Bro, don't get excited, please don't get excited." Before the other party could state their terms, Ma Jie spoke first: "Isn't it just about money? You can take all the cash and valuables we have on us."

There's no way around it; there are too many lunatics on the US server. If the other person is on drugs and not thinking clearly, they might just unleash a burst of fire, and I'll have to start a new account.

"Stop talking nonsense, what's in your backpack?"

The robber seemed to have X-ray vision, locking onto Jimmy's backpack immediately.

"Dude, just some personal belongings, nothing...it's not worth much," Jimmy replied timidly.

He felt like he was cursed by God. Yesterday he inexplicably lost his payment, and today he was robbed on the street. Could he even continue doing this job?