America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 11 Learning to Be a Civilized Person

The bright sunlight brings warmth and a sense of security.

Martin ran at a steady pace around the Clayton neighborhood. After his leg injury healed, he began to train his body systematically. A poor man needs a good physique to make something of himself.

A roller shutter door opened, and Scott Carter emerged from the grocery store, seaweed dangling from his mouth and a bottle of liquor in his hand. Spitting out the seaweed that was now just his backside, he yelled at Martin, "Idiot, aren't you tired? Learn to enjoy life!"

Martin ignored him and simply gave him the middle finger.

Why train? Of course, it's for future enjoyment.

After a quick shower, Martin went to Carter's house next door for breakfast.

Lily and Hall packed their bags, ready to go to school.

Elena brought over a fried egg sandwich, and Martin, while eating, asked Harris, who was flipping through a book, "Aren't you going to school?"

Harris said, "I'm preparing to apply to college, and studying at home is more efficient than going to a public high school."

"Good luck." After finishing his breakfast, Martin took out the tip he had received the night before from his pocket and tossed it to Elena: "This is for my food expenses."

Elena exclaimed in astonishment, "Idiot, are you crazy? Did a black guy smash your head in?"

Martin drank his milk without looking up: "I found a new job as a bartender at the House of the Beasts."

Lily suddenly interjected, "Why not a male dancer? I'm saving up..."

With two loud thuds, Elena's iron fists subdued Lily and Hall, who covered their noses and became completely obedient.

Martin finished his milk and said to Elena, "I'm thinking of buying a used car. Want to come along?"

Elena picked up a chastity ring and put it on the ring finger of her left hand: "I went to help out at the Methodist Church this morning. The Methodist Church recently joined forces with the Atlanta Methodists to promote neoconservatism, and the free lunch they provided was quite lavish."

Martin heard the name for the first time: "The Methodist Society?"

Elena explained simply: "Conservative organizations, like the Methodist churches that tout conformity, share the same fucking conservative ideology!"

Martin understood: "So you're wearing a ring?"

Elena said, "I'll trust whoever provides the most free food."

Lily was about to interrupt again, but Martin was already prepared: "Shut your stinking mouth if you don't want to get beaten to a pulp."

Elena asked, "You got a new job, shall we have a party to celebrate?"

"Once I'm done with this, I'll invite your friends over and we'll have a party in my backyard." Martin pointed to the rented house. "Lately, I've been feeling a bit uneasy lying down there. Let's get some more people dancing on James's head. If he sees us living happily, he'll feel more at ease staying down there."

Elena nodded: "I'll call Monica and the others over."

Martin called Bruce and met him on the south side of the community; the two had arranged to go look at cars together the day before.

Vincent Lee's family is involved in many businesses, including a used car dealership. Bruce is a close confidant of Vincent and earns a commission for each deal he makes at the dealership.

Among the several cars recommended by the salesperson and Bruce, Martin chose a Ford, which, of course, cost $4500 and would have to be financed in installments.

He was worried that even the cheapest one would break down on the way.

After paying a $900 down payment and completing the formalities, the two went to the gun shop.

Martin has no criminal record, so he must have bought legal firearms.

The gun shop has secondhand handguns for sale, including an 80% new Glock 17, sourced from a treasure hunter at a Taobao warehouse.

Bruce disassembled the item for a thorough inspection and recommended that Martin buy it.

The pistol, with two magazines, a holster, gun oil, and 100 rounds of ammunition, costs $380.

Georgia has relatively lax gun control, and handgun licenses are issued quickly. According to gun shop owners, the state government has even discussed legislation allowing unlicensed and unmasked handguns.

Once inside the gun shop's small shooting range, Martin pulled out two $5 bills and handed them to Bruce.

Bruce put it away and chuckled, "I'm yours before I go to work tonight."

Martin cautioned, "Buddy, you're a civilized person, and I'm going to be a civilized person too. Let's not say things that are easy to misunderstand."

Bruce removed the magazine and asked, "Have you used a gun before?"

Martin shrugged: "I've only ever played with prop guns and toy guns."

Bruce started by teaching Martin how to switch the safety on and load the bullets, while reminding him, "Don't forget the poster you promised."

"Don't worry, don't worry." Martin loaded bullets into the empty magazine.

Bruce took the money and taught very seriously, and Martin studied very diligently as well.

It's not just a survival skill; you can also use it to improve your character.

When Professor Bruce was shooting, he first explained the key points of the action, and then demonstrated it himself. His movements were swift and his marksmanship was excellent. He hit the target ten meters away with every shot.

Martin put on his earplugs and fired several magazines in succession, at least learning how to shoot a pistol.

As for marksmanship, I can't really comment on that yet.

"Since you've made me money, here's a few pieces of advice." Bruce pulled up a chair and sat down, saying, "When you encounter black scum from the South, like last night, don't hesitate to show you have a gun. It'll ensure we can continue to be civilized."

Martin, who had only made up his mind to buy a gun and a car because of what happened last night, immediately replied, "I will learn from you to be a civilized person."

Bruce added, "If you encounter a police checkpoint, unless you've committed a serious crime, do exactly what the police tell you to do. Don't even think about touching a gun; a trash rookie like you will have all your bullets removed."

Martin has seen too many videos on this topic, and said, "I won't give them a chance."

Bruce added one last point: "You're a rookie, you can't scare anyone. If they still have guns, find a way to run away."

Martin laughed and said, "I'll definitely run away with my tail between my legs and then call you, you old bird, to get my revenge."

Bruce sighed: "This is the age of civilization. When I first left the army, I dared to hold an AR and shoot at other gangs. I was so stupid back then, I didn't know that my life was my own."

Martin asked, "Were you a soldier?"

"It happened in the 1990s, stationed in Britain," Bruce said. "I was forced to retire."

Martin, a little curious, asked, "Why? If it's inconvenient, then pretend I didn't ask."

Bruce chuckled. "A British soldier lost a bet with me but refused to pay up. Aren't the British supposed to be civilized gentlemen? I used a more civilized way to collect the debt."

Martin exclaimed, "Can I comment? You did a fantastic job!"

Bruce asked, "You also think it's very civilized?"

Martin clenched his fist and bumped fists with Bruce: "If there's another chance like this, call me!"

Bruce is a talented person; it wouldn't hurt to have a good relationship with him.

For the next two days, Martin practiced shooting for an hour during the day, looked at newspaper job postings to find suitable opportunities, and went to work at the club in the evening.

He earns around $20 in tips each night, and that figure easily doubles if the club has more customers.

However, the number of customers present at Wild Beast House at any given time rarely exceeds 50.

On Wednesday afternoon, Martin received a call from the Marietta Theatre Company informing him to go to the Midtown Arts Theatre on Thursday to await auditions.

(End of this chapter)