Chapter 3

Liu Ying'er was in a great hurry, quickly running forward a few steps, and tightly gripping the iron ring on the back of Xue Xiang's bicycle, as if it were a lifeline. The former "gang leader" didn't seem so terrible anymore; it seemed that the quality of gangsters also needed to be compared, Liu Ying'er thought. Clearly, Xue Xiang had won this comparison, earning the glorious title of a high-quality gangster.

Xue Xiang felt the bike tighten, turned his head, and saw Liu Ying'er with a frightened look, her eyes full of pleading. He glanced behind her and understood the situation. Xue Xiang nodded his head forward, gesturing for her to move in front of him. Liu Ying'er felt as if she had been granted a great pardon, holding her basket and running quickly to the front wheel of Xue Xiang's bike. Xue Xiang spread his legs and slid the bike back a step, then stopped.

The muscular man, seeing the beautiful girl escape, was greatly alarmed and tried to follow. Xue Xiang wouldn't let him, standing on his left leg, lifting his right leg straight up, and twisting the handlebars with both hands, instantly turning the bicycle sideways. He sat back on the seat, his right leg still straddling the bike frame, looking at the muscular man with a half-smile.

The muscular man, blocked in his path, eyes glaring, stared at Xue Xiang, rolling up his sleeves, ready to fight. He angrily said, "You damn brat, daring to ruin my good thing, looking for a beating!" He raised his thick, fleshy hand, the long black hair on his knuckles clearly visible.

The crowd around them, seeing the commotion, a certain inferior trait of the Chinese people instantly surfaced. Those in line stopped pushing and formed a semicircle, leisurely watching the show.

Xue Xiang had seen this kind of bluffing many times. A barking dog never bites; the louder the bark, the more timid the heart.

The muscular man's shouting had already alarmed Liu Ying'er. Xue Xiang remained unmoved, a cigarette dangling from the corner of his mouth. He took a deep drag, exhaled a large smoke ring, and before it dissipated, blew out a smaller one that passed straight through the larger one.

What kind of person, always showing off at any time. The "act of saving" had long been forgotten by Liu Ying'er, and she began to criticize her "benefactor" in her heart.

Seeing that his trick didn't work, the muscular man stopped pretending to be tough, smoothed out his rolled-up sleeves, and bowed, saying, "I haven't had the pleasure of asking, which unit are you from, brother?"

The half-black, half-white gangster talk, combined with his actions and the sloppily worn yellow military uniform, was truly amusing. Liu Ying'er couldn't help but laugh, quickly covering her mouth, only to remember that the muscular man in front of her was no good person.

This half-black, half-white gangster talk, though laughable, had its own significance. Xue Xiang knew he was "testing the waters." At the time, young people in the city all loved to wear military uniforms, making it impossible to tell if someone was a "veteran" or a "gangster" just by their appearance. Therefore, they needed to test the waters to find out the other person's background. Although the term "veteran" had faded, the practice of testing the waters remained.

In the circle of cadres' children, whose father was from which faction was very important, as it determined one's background. For example, two cadres' children who didn't know each other would first test the waters, usually asking which unit they were from. This generally referred to which unit their fathers belonged to during the Anti-Japanese War. The cadres' children set the time coordinate during the Anti-Japanese War for a reason. Few survivors from the Red Army era were left, and those who survived were mostly high-ranking officers by 1955. Although they were of high rank, their numbers were small, and they were scattered across the country, having less influence in the circle of cadres' children in the capital. During the Anti-Japanese War, there were fewer units, but the number of people was substantial, and most of those who survived were now mid-to-high-ranking officials, thus having a significant influence in the circle of cadres' children. Those who joined the army during the Liberation War were not worth mentioning, as the most difficult period for the ruling party had already passed, and its scale had grown to over a million people.

Xue Xiang took a deep drag on his cigarette, finishing the last bit, and only the filter remained. He blew it out, and with his right hand, he flicked it away. The filter flew straight to a nearby trash can, hit the rim, and fell to the bottom. This impressive move left the onlookers speechless.

"I'm from the 229th Division, which unit are you from?" Xue Xiang rubbed his hands, flicked the remaining ash from his nails, and asked solemnly. When it came to their background, cadres' children were never casual, as it was a source of pride for their fathers and themselves. During the Anti-Japanese War, the Anti-Japanese National United Front was established, and the Red Army was reorganized into the Eighth Route Army. Chiang Kai-shek allocated few units, only three divisions: the 215th, 220th, and 229th. These three divisions, along with the New Fifth Army, formed the main force of the four field armies later. If both parties belonged to the same division, unless there was deep-seated enmity, they would never fight. Soldiers were always the most united, and this trait was passed down to their descendants. If they were from different divisions, minor conflicts could usually be resolved through mediation.

Upon hearing Xue Xiang's background, the muscular man immediately became submissive. He was a person who appeared fierce but was actually timid. The "testing the waters" trick he used was learned from observing top gangsters introducing themselves. He had seen many times how both parties would become friendly after revealing their backgrounds, and how one party would immediately back down and apologize after the other revealed their background.

Later, this trick and the earlier sleeve-rolling became his two signature moves. The first move, bluffing, with his intimidating appearance and gestures, had scared many timid children. The second move, testing the waters, was usually effective when the first move failed. He would always ask the other party's background first, making them think he was a top gangster. If the other party had no background, they would usually back down without questioning him. If the other party revealed their background, he would immediately submit and seek reconciliation, and the other party would usually not be too harsh.

The muscular man, though rough, was actually shrewd. He wouldn't be foolish enough to lie about his background. In the circle of cadres' children, lying about one's background was a taboo. If the rich and powerful gangsters found out, they would not let it go, as they would defend the honor of their group. This became an unwritten rule in the gangster circle, and few dared to break it. Relying on these two moves and his quick thinking, the muscular man thrived in the Xicheng area.

Sure enough, the muscular man immediately smiled, "Misunderstanding, misunderstanding, brother, I offended you, I offended you." He spoke quickly, spitting out saliva from his yellow teeth. While apologizing, he took out a pack of "Gongnong" cigarettes from his pocket, walked a few steps forward, and tried to offer them to Xue Xiang. Just as he took out the pack, he realized something was wrong and quickly put it back, pulling out a pack of "Feicui" cigarettes from his shirt, the same brand Xue Xiang was smoking.

These gangsters were all the same.

Seeing the muscular man submit, Xue Xiang didn't want to pursue the matter further. After all, everyone appreciates beauty. Xue Xiang's personality had changed greatly after his rebirth. The combination of the young man's frivolous and generous nature and Xue Xiang's introverted and shy nature formed a generous, steady, and dignified personality. Xue Xiang took the cigarette from the muscular man, put it in his mouth, and was about to light it when the muscular man lit it for him.

"Hehe, that girl was really pretty, brother, you have good luck. Let's get acquainted, my name is Hao Yunlai, you can call me Rat. What's your name, brother?" The muscular man extended his right hand to shake Xue Xiang's.

Xue Xiang took his hand, shook it, and said, "Xue Xiang, no problem, no fight, no friendship." He didn't explain that he wasn't familiar with Liu Ying'er.

Isn't that the way with these guys? Even in the 1970s, no one wanted to distance themselves from a beautiful woman.

The name Xue Xiang sounded familiar to Hao Yunlai, but he couldn't immediately recall where he had heard it.

Liu Ying'er, seeing the two who had been glaring at each other now chatting, frowned. They were indeed gang leaders, even such fierce people could get along. Liu Ying'er ignored them and turned to queue up again.

The sky gradually brightened, and more people gathered at the market entrance, the noise increasing, and the four lines of people becoming more crowded.

"Ring, ring, ring..." countless bicycles emerged from various alleys and streets, converging into a steel flood in front of the market. The large red gate seemed to attract all the bicycles like a giant magnet.

Most of those arriving now were gangsters in military uniforms, carrying military bags, sent by their fathers to do errands. Their eyes were full of defiance and disdain, and they rode their bicycles very fast. Occasionally, someone would greet Xue Xiang from a distance, waving and saluting. Xue Xiang would nod or return a salute with his fingers to his cap. As more people greeted him, Xue Xiang became busy and simply clasped his hands in a general salute.

Hao Yunlai was immediately impressed. What kind of person was this?

"Third Brother"

"Third Brother"

"Third Brother"

"..."

Xue Xiang, while socializing, heard some familiar voices and knew they were calling him. Xue Xiang's uncle had a son and a daughter, both older than Xue Xiang. Xue Xiang was the third in the family, and because of his generosity, bravery, and strong sense of righteousness, he was well-known in the gangster circle. Regardless of age, everyone called him Third Brother. Xue Xiang had a wide network of connections and great influence. When two groups of gangsters had conflicts, they usually asked Xue Xiang to mediate, and he never refused. Some people gave him the nickname "Timely Rain of the East City, Guardian of the North Sea," also known as Handsome Song Jiang, which quickly spread in the gangster circle.

Xue Xiang turned his head and saw Lei Xiaotian, Zhu Shijun, Kang Tong, Li Hongjun, Liu Yuanzhao, and Sun Qianjin walking towards him, smiling. These six young men, around sixteen or seventeen, were all wearing various military uniforms, looking spirited and tall, creating a strong presence.

"Ha, Lei Xiaotian, Zhu Shijun, Kang Tong, Li Hongjun, Liu Yuanzhao, Sun Qianjin, you guys are all here." Xue Xiang called out their names one by one, smiling happily. These familiar and close figures made him feel the world suddenly became vibrant and warm. Xue Xiang took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and threw it to them. Lei Xiaotian caught it and started passing them around, about to throw the pack back, but Xue Xiang waved his hand, indicating it wasn't necessary, and he didn't hesitate to put it in his pocket.

"Lei Xiaotian, wait a moment, there's a friend here." Xue Xiang patted Hao Yunlai and said.

"Hey, isn't that the oil thief from Xicheng? When did you become Third Brother's friend?" Lei Xiaotian walked straight to Hao Yunlai, unbuttoned his coat, and easily took out the "Feicui" cigarettes, clearly familiar with his habits.

Hao Yunlai didn't dare to move, obviously having dealt with Lei Xiaotian before and knowing his strength.

Xue Xiang found it amusing and said, "I asked you to offer him a cigarette, but you took his stash."

"Everyone should share, Rat, right?" Lei Xiaotian looked at Hao Yunlai with a sinister smile.

"Brother Lei, you're right, you're right. I just met Third Brother, and the name Handsome Song Jiang is truly fitting. Today, I heard a magpie calling as I left home, and it turned out to be a good omen. I've heard of Third Brother's name, and it's a great honor to meet such a distinguished person. I'm truly fortunate..." Hao Yunlai flattered him, not feeling embarrassed about using the wrong idiom or flattering someone a few years younger. He managed to turn the theft of his cigarettes into a good omen, showing his ability to adapt and be flexible.

When Lei Xiaotian and the others called him Third Brother, Hao Yunlai knew who he was. He had thought of challenging him earlier, but now he felt a bit nervous.

"Stop, stop, you should be a crosstalk performer at Tianqiao, you're really talented." Xue Xiang waved his hand to stop Hao Yunlai's flattery.

"Third Brother, why are you here today? Usually, Xiao Wan buys the groceries, and we bring them home for you." Kang Tong, a thick-faced, dark-skinned young man, asked.

"From now on, I'll be buying them. Xiao Wan is still young, and he needs enough sleep." Xue Xiang replied.

"Guys, do you think Third Brother seems different today? Something seems off." Zhu Shijun tugged at Sun Qianjin's arm and said.

"I feel the same. Usually, Third Brother talks like a firecracker, but today he's calm and polite, which sounds strange." Li Hongjun agreed.

They were chatting happily when the line in front of Xue Xiang moved forward, revealing a large empty space. Xue Xiang didn't move, and no one behind him dared to urge him or cut in front of him.

Xue Xiang noticed this and interrupted their conversation, "Guys, scatter, go home, and help your aunts with the groceries. If you're late, you'll be in trouble."

"Alright, guys, scatter. Third Brother, we'll come to your place for a drink at noon. I just got a bottle of thirty-year-old Maotai from my father's liquor cabinet. We're in for a treat." Li Hongjun said. His father was Xue Xiang's uncle's chief of staff, a cold and quiet man who had narrowly escaped the political turmoil and often helped Xue Xiang's family in secret.

Seeing Lei Xiaotian and the others leave, Xue Xiang was about to move forward when Hao Yunlai stepped forward and called out, "Third Brother, I'll go back first. I'll treat you to a meal next time, I'm really glad to meet you." Hao Yunlai looked sincere, truly admiring Xue Xiang, who was a powerful leader in the gangster circle.

"Really? Aren't you buying groceries?" Xue Xiang asked in surprise.

"I, that, that..." Hao Yunlai touched his forehead, embarrassed, not knowing how to explain.

"Alright, you go first. If you need anything, just call. We're friends now." Xue Xiang understood that this guy was just using the opportunity to take advantage, a more advanced version of a bus wolf.

He didn't think this behavior was particularly heinous. In those days, there were few entertainment options. Besides ice skating at Beihai and watching movies, which could pack the theaters, these young men had nothing to do, reaching a legendary level of boredom—egg pain.

Hao Yunlai nodded excitedly and left. Xue Xiang put his left foot on the pedal, kicked off with his right leg, and the bicycle glided forward smoothly. The people behind, who had been waiting impatiently, quickly followed. Just as the front wheel was about to touch Liu Ying'er, Xue Xiang gently squeezed the brake, stopping the bike. However, the person behind him was too close, and as soon as Xue Xiang released the brake, a strong force pushed from behind, causing the bike to move forward slightly, lightly bumping into Liu Ying'er's buttocks, creating a small indentation. Xue Xiang quickly turned the front wheel to avoid further contact, and the shape of her buttocks quickly returned to normal. This scene, which stirred the blood, made one wonder which had more elasticity, the tire or her buttocks.

Liu Ying'er felt that today was extremely unlucky, everything going wrong. First, she encountered a small thug, then a big thug, and just when she thought she had cleverly made the two thugs fight each other, they started chatting. Fortunately, neither thug bothered her, and they kept their distance. Finally, she was safe, and she let out a long breath.

Just as Liu Ying'er was relieved and bent down to pick up a red ribbon, Xue Xiang's bike wheel kissed her buttocks.

Ps: Veteran: Refers to the first three years of the turmoil, when the children of cadres in various compounds formed small groups. After these groups were disbanded, they lost their political goals and began to mingle in the city, calling themselves veterans, the archenemies of the common people's children. By this time, the term "veteran" had faded, and whether from cadres' compounds or common people, they all called themselves gangsters.

Gangster: This term originated from the Eight Banners' children at the end of the Qing Dynasty. They flew kites, hunted badgers, played with crickets, and supported actors, though they were idle, they were not uneducated. They were skilled in their hobbies and studied them deeply. This term "playboy" evolved into "gangster" and was passed down. Later, it became a self-referential term for those who were idle and mingled in the city.