0028 The Mighty Vajra Finger (Seeking Collections and Monthly Votes)

"Should we really call it 'Hero Burger'?" Vialli asked.

As a second-generation wealthy youth, he had done some research into Asian culture, especially given the recent popularity of Bruce Lee.

"I haven't decided. Maybe 'Monica' or 'Bellucci'? Those names sound Italian the moment you hear them," Lu Deyang replied.

In truth, there were quite a few benefits to branding it as Italian. Back home, when people held foreign things in such high esteem, they couldn't really distinguish between European and American products. By the time they could tell the difference, they would already realize that American food was just junk. Italian fast food, however, was truly invincible. When it came to Western cuisine, Italy and France were indeed superior; moreover, Italian food lacked the fussiness of French cooking, offering a more authentic, original flavor that aligned with the later trend of health-conscious eating.

"If we aren't calling it that, why did you have us busy for hours? Are you playing us?" Mancini asked, sounding annoyed.

"How can you say that?" said Vialli, who had a flair for the dramatic. "At the very least, it was a good experience. If the opportunity arises, we could even try that 'flying' style again."

"If you mean being hoisted on wires, the coach would kill me," Lu Deyang said.

"How about putting your Monica and your name together?" Mancini suggested.

"Monica & Lu, an English brand abbreviated as ML?" Lu Deyang scratched his head vigorously. The name felt a bit unprofessional. Monica & Deyang would make it MD. Maybe he should just stick to the 'M' like McDonald's. Regardless, there was no rush; as long as he got it off the ground in the near future, it would be fine.

He didn't need to open too many shops. He just needed to set the standards, refine the menu, and then go back to Asia to make money. What was the population of Italy, anyway? Even in 2024, they only ordered about 50,000 burgers for dinner delivery. That really didn't satisfy Lu Deyang's appetite.

"You've dragged us two around for so long, don't you think you owe us an explanation?" Mancini sat down next to Lu Deyang and gave him a hard nudge.

Vialli couldn't help but chuckle at his friend's childish behavior. In reality, Mancini was desperate for friendship, but his bad temper, his need to maintain a "star" image, and his sharp tongue made him difficult to get along with for long periods.

"How about I hire you as the spokesperson later? Something like Colonel Sanders—a 'Roberto the Clown'?" Lu Deyang teased.

Mancini lunged at him, but Lu Deyang dodged him instantly.

On the way back, Lu Deyang thought that hiring Mancini as a mascot was actually a solid idea. The old guy would eventually become a refined and mild-mannered manager, and he was quite photogenic. Like Mourinho, he would be one of the few football coaches capable of landing endorsement deals. That suave, dashing image would elevate the class of the fast-food chain—something like that cafe in Red Square where Gorky once lived. It sounded cultured; perhaps it could even become a hotspot for "pretentious intellectuals," just like Starbucks.

...

"Did Roberto send this car?" Monica asked when she saw the keys Lu Deyang handed her.

"Yes, you go ahead and drive it," Lu Deyang said. "You have exams coming up, and I might not have time with training, so having a car will be more convenient."

"Alright then, though some brands have already contacted my agent," Monica said. Her natural quality was obvious, and with her constant exposure, it was only natural for companies to take an interest in her. However, to focus on her studies, Monica had turned those offers down.

Lying in bed, Lu Deyang opened his system and immediately noticed something new.

【Your brother, Giuseppe Bagnato, has received a gift from fate.】

【Under your relentless suggestions, Tinto Brass finally intended to film a movie about football. He also took a liking to Bagnato, but after a film about Reggina, he couldn't become Tinto's regular leading man.】

【Ultimately, it was the same reason he wasn't a good football player: his lower body just wasn't that exceptional.】

【As your first brother at Reggina and your good friend on the bench, you encouraged him when he called, telling him that when God closes a door, He surely opens a window. If the 'bottom' isn't powerful, perhaps the 'top' has more talent. Following your guidance, Bagnato immediately remembered his strongest auxiliary tool.】

【After practice, Bagnato's nimble hands gradually displayed sufficient power, but he faced another problem: this style wasn't popular in European cinema. On your advice, he decided to develop his career in Asia. As luck would have it, with the rise of VHS tapes, Japanese cinema was advancing rapidly.】

【Having experienced the bubble burst and economic recession, the Japanese, while rejecting foreigners, were desperate for validation. In this state of extreme contradiction, Bagnato fared remarkably well in Japan. In almost every film, he played a sickly American husband who couldn't perform, only for a Japanese neighbor to appear and help take care of his wife.】

【Or perhaps he was a top executive at a company in Japan whose inner self had become twisted due to long-term health issues, leaving him able to exercise only with the help of fingers and props.】

【This type of film satisfied the Japanese audience greatly. Bagnato became Japan's top film star. In Japan, the pay for adult actresses was higher than for actors, but that didn't apply to him. At his busiest, he would be on multiple sets a day, even sleeping in his car. Even when he had a fever, he kept working, typecast as the chronically ill American husband.】

【He even caught the eye of American pharmaceutical companies, who hired him as a spokesperson to promote their drugs across Asia. The health supplements he endorsed were also a massive hit. The advertising slogan was brutal: 'Invest in your own health, or leave the money to your wife and your neighbor.' Such an ad struck deep into the heart of every Japanese man's fear.】

【As the genres expanded, he would appear in vehicles and various other locations. But while others used their legs, he could only use his hands. He accompanied the booming development of Japanese cinema, witnessing the 'Golden Generation'—from Sora Aoi and Raran, to Meiku and Julia, to Momonogi. He became a living fossil of the Japanese film industry, known alongside Kato Taka as the 'Twin Fingers of East and West.' No one knows how many thousands of hours he performed with those hands.】

【Finally, due to his professional dedication and outstanding acting skills, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020. At the ceremony, having just rushed from the set, Bagnato held the trophy with tears in his eyes. At 76, he had finally received recognition in his industry. In his acceptance speech, his hands trembling slightly, he said: 'You know, I have always been a loyal fan of Deyang. We spent wonderful times together. His talent was incredible; I saw it when we showered together at the club. I believe we would have had great chemistry, and my biggest regret is that I never got to appear in a movie with Deyang...'】

【Acquired Skill: Finger of God】

【Finger of God: Significantly increases the dexterity of your fingers. The fewer fingers you use, the greater the strength and speed of that finger.】

Lu Deyang was left with a face full of question marks.

So, was this skill meant to be used for eating steamed buns in a game of Romance of the Three Kingdoms?