He's also a scoundrel and naturally knows Zheng Ergou's clout – the guy's a bouncer at bars, watches over construction sites, does dirty work, and is even involved in human trafficking. Rumor has it he's a killer too; that bloated corpse from the river a few years back was his handiwork. You die of jealousy comparing thugs – even though we're all scoundrels, Zheng Ergou's just on another level. Chuanzi silently spat in his heart, seething with both hatred and envy.
Today's a clear day; last night's snow melted so fast that the alley's nothing but mud now. Chuanzi hoisted He Ku onto his back, who protested against it.
"Cut it out, I'm wearing leather boots that are waterproof, yours are cloth and will soak through and freeze you. I'm not doing this for you, but for my brother's sake, to take care of you."
With He Ku on his back, Chuanzi trudged into the alley, each step sinking into the mud.
