Fan Debiao, after all, could be considered an official, and the old man who watched over the telephone booth also liked to act high and mighty. However, since they were both part of the same bureaucratic circle, once the old man learned Fan Debiao’s identity, he quickly became polite.
Fan Debiao asked Da Guoguo to go ahead and use the phone while he himself engaged the old man in casual conversation, drawing his attention away.
“Hey Fan Debiao, exactly where are we again?” Da Guoguo asked curiously.
“Just tell her we’re the construction team from Bosala Mountain, and they’ll know where we are,” Fan Debiao casually replied, continuing his chat with the old man, “This young comrade here is a Red Guard who came to inspect our site but unfortunately lost his way back. Fortunately, we have this telephone booth. He can call the Red Guards directly at Chairman Mao’s headquarters, and they’ll immediately know the way back. Just think about it—in the leadership of Chairman Mao, we’re becoming more and more high-tech!”
After all, Fan Debiao was somewhat of an official, and the old man who watched the telephone was also quite pompous. However, it was a case of officials protecting each other. Once the old man knew Fan Debiao’s identity, he became quite polite.
Fan Debiao let Big Cricket go up to make the call while he himself chatted with the old man to distract him.
“Hey, Fan Debiao, where exactly are we?” Big Cricket asked curiously.
“Just tell her it’s the construction team from Bodhisattva Mountain, and they’ll know where it is,” Fan Debiao casually replied, then continued chatting with the old man: “This young comrade, a Red Guard, came here for an inspection but lost his way back. Luckily, we have a phone booth here. He can directly call the Red Guards from Chairman Mao’s side, and they’ll immediately know the way back. I tell you, under Chairman Mao’s leadership, we’re really advancing in technology!”
“Absolutely! Back in the day, to deliver a message, I walked all the way from here to Yangji Village in the dead of night, crossing countless mountains, and finally succeeded in delivering the message, ensuring the safety of our great capital.”
“Oh, I didn’t know you were an old revolutionary! What message was so important that it protected the safety of the national capital?”
“Our company commander hadn’t eaten meat for days, so he sent me to Yangji Village to tell them to send over a few pigs the next day. Think about it—if our company commander didn’t get his meat, how could he command the troops? And then the safety of our great capital would be at risk! It was only me who could run that far in the middle of the night. Anyone else would have slacked off.” The old man praised his own glorious deeds while puffing on his cigarette.
“Alright, Fan Debiao, let’s go. Chairman Mao taught us to conserve resources. Now that I know, there’s no need to waste phone fees. We must heed the Party’s call.”
“Alright, let’s go. Hurry up.” Fan Debiao stood up and bid farewell to the old man, who was quite fond of him and invited him to visit again.
If the old man had known that Big Cricket, Fan Debiao’s subordinate, was the leader of a tomb-raiding gang, he would have been furious.
“When will your men come to pick you up? I can’t let you stay here for too long. If you stay too long, they’ll definitely find out.” By “they,” Fan Debiao naturally meant the Red Guards.
“Don’t worry about that. I know those little guys. Even if they see me, I’ll take care of them and leave no witnesses.” Big Cricket was ruthless and capable of anything, which surprised Liu Dashao.
But in those days, the tougher you were, the better life you had.
Fan Debiao felt a kinship with him: “Brother, you’re a lot like me when I was young. If I ever need your help in the future, don’t refuse me!”
“What are you talking about? We’ve been through life and death together. How could I let you wander the world alone? If you need anything, just call me. I’m available 24/7 to join our tomb-raiding gang. You’ll be the third in command. By the way, Master Liu, why don’t you consider joining us as a consultant?”
Liu Dashao laughed and declined: “No, no, I’m not cut out for that.”
“Master Liu, don’t be modest. Your performance in the tomb was something even we couldn’t match. My men didn’t die in vain. Haha!” Big Cricket looked at Liu Dashao with admiration, as if he were a master: “This isn’t something an ordinary charlatan could pull off. I’m sure you’re hiding something from us. But we don’t mind. Everyone has secrets. Anyway, let’s not waste time. Let’s part ways here. I’ve thought about it—if we cause trouble, it’ll only bring trouble to Brother Fan. Also, I’ll be back in Hong Kong in a week. If you change your mind, you can contact me anytime.”
Big Cricket suddenly stopped and looked at Fan Debiao and Liu Dashao, speaking solemnly.
“Alright, since you’ve thought it through, let’s part ways here. We’ll definitely need each other in the future!”
“Good, good, that’s the spirit. Let’s have a drink together when we get the chance. Here, take my business cards. If you ever need anything, just call me.” Big Cricket pulled out two business cards from his pocket: “Heh, I spent a few thousand dollars printing these. Just showing off.”
At that time, having your own business card was a sign of absolute power and prestige. Being able to hand out your card was a glorious thing!
But Liu Dashao was puzzled. Why would a tomb raider, engaged in such shady business, have business cards?
After parting ways, Big Cricket stayed behind with some provisions, barely managing to stay in the mountain hollow for four or five days, while Fan Debiao and Liu Dashao returned to the construction team.
“Fan Debiao, where’s that outsider, Big Cricket? Why didn’t he come back?”
“That guy’s from down the mountain. We sent him back. He’s a bit mentally challenged, so to make up for beating us up, he had his wife sleep with us. Both sides were quite willing, and we didn’t refuse.”
“Good for you, Fan Debiao! You didn’t even invite me to such a good thing. Don’t forget our friendship!” The construction supervisor emerged from the tent, shirtless, his muscles glistening in the sun.
The night in the workers’ shed was peaceful. But there were some things Liu Dashao still couldn’t figure out.
Unable to find the answers, Liu Dashao decided not to dwell on it and spent a few peaceful days there.
Until one day, his girlfriend Ma Xiaoyan came from Xiushui Village, which made everyone envious. That night, Fan Debiao deliberately cleared out a room for them, saying it was special treatment.
The next day, everyone found two maps under their beds.
Even under Fan Debiao’s body, there was a map of China.
But Su Yougui examined his map carefully and cursed: “Damn it, mine’s a map of the United States.”
Ma Xiaoyan naturally boosted Liu Dashao’s reputation. Such a proper girl was indeed rare in the countryside.
From then on, Liu Dashao’s prestige among the group grew even higher, as he claimed that Ma Xiaoyan had an even more beautiful sister, who surpassed even Ma Xiaoyan.
Naturally, more people started currying favor with Liu Dashao.
But only Fan Debiao knew the secret—Ma Xiaoyan did have a sister, but she was still in the womb of Ma Sandao’s new wife.
Thus, they spent a few peaceful nights until, on the fourth day, Liu Dashao suddenly noticed that Su Yougui was missing. On Fan Debiao’s bed, however, there was a letter. Curious, Liu Dashao picked it up and examined it carefully, finally confirming that Su Yougui, that scoundrel, had followed Big Cricket. He didn’t want to stay here and live a mediocre life; he was ready to join Big Cricket for a more exciting one.
Liu Dashao didn’t comment on this. If he wanted to leave, then let him leave! For Liu Dashao, his departure represented a rare spirit, perhaps even his true desire.
Fan Debiao felt a bit sad about Su Yougui’s departure. He had planned to promote the young man, but now he had left. If they met again on the revolutionary path, would Su Yougui become an obstacle? Would Fan Debiao have to denounce him?
Even Big Cricket, if he ever stood in Fan Debiao’s way, would not be spared.
Because in this red era where morality and reason were cast aside, the bold thrived.
Fan Debiao didn’t say much more, just told everyone to get back to work, and he made Liu Dashao a supervisor, improving his status and life.
“Oh, I didn’t realize you were a veteran revolutionary! I wonder what message you delivered back then that could protect the capital’s security?”
After all, Fan Debiao was somewhat of an official, and the old man managing the telephone was quite pompous. However, in the world of officials, they tend to protect each other. Upon learning Fan Debiao’s identity, the old man became quite courteous.
Fan Debiao let Big Cricket go up to make the call while he himself engaged in small talk with the old man to divert his attention.
“Hey Fan Debiao, where exactly are we?” Big Cricket asked curiously.
“Just tell her it’s the construction team from Bodhisattva Mountain, they’ll know where it is,” Fan Debiao casually replied and continued chatting with the old man: “This young comrade, a Red Guard, came here for an inspection but lost his way back. Luckily, we have a telephone booth here. A direct call to the Red Guards near Chairman Mao, and they immediately knew the route back. You see, under Chairman Mao’s leadership, we’re becoming more and more high-tech!”
“Absolutely! Back in the day, to deliver a message, I walked all the way from here to Yangji Village in the dead of night, crossing countless mountains, and finally succeeded in delivering the message, ensuring the safety of our great capital.”
“Oh, I didn’t realize you were a veteran revolutionary! I wonder what message you delivered that could protect the safety of the nation’s capital?”
“Our company commander hadn’t eaten meat for several days, so he sent me to Yangji Village to ask them to send over a few pigs the next day. Think about it, if our company commander didn’t get his meat, how could he command the army? Then the safety of our great capital would be at risk! It was only me, with my ability, who could run that far in the middle of the night. Anyone else would have slacked off.” The old man praised his own glorious deeds while puffing on his cigarette.
“Alright, Fan Debiao, let’s go. Chairman Mao taught us to conserve resources. Now that I know, there’s no need to waste phone fees. Responding to the Party’s call.”
“Alright, let’s go. Hurry up.” Fan Debiao stood up and bid farewell to the old man, who was quite fond of him and invited him to visit often.
If the old man knew that Fan Debiao’s subordinate, Big Cricket, was the head of a tomb-raiding gang, he would have been furious.
“When will your men come to pick you up? I can’t let you stay here for too long. If you stay too long, they’ll definitely find out.” By “they,” Fan Debiao naturally meant the Red Guards.
“Don’t worry about that. I know those little guys. Even if they see me, I’ll take care of them. I won’t leave any spies behind.” Big Cricket was ruthless and capable of anything, which somewhat surprised Liu Dashao.
But in these times, the tougher you are, the better life you have.
Fan Debiao felt a kinship: “Brother, you and I are quite similar in our younger days. If I ever need your help in the future, you can’t refuse me!”
“What are you talking about? We’ve been through life and death together. How could I let you wander the world alone? If you need anything, just call me. I’m available 24/7 to join our tomb-raiding gang. You’ll be the third in command. By the way, Master Liu, why don’t you consider joining us as our consultant?”
Liu Dashao laughed and declined: “No, no, I’m not cut out for that.”
“Master Liu, don’t be modest. Your performance in the graveyard was something even we couldn’t match. My men didn’t die in vain. Haha!” Big Cricket looked at Liu Dashao with admiration, as if he were a master: “This isn’t something an ordinary charlatan could pull off. You must be hiding something from us. But we don’t mind. Everyone has secrets. Alright, enough talk. Let’s part ways here. I’ve thought about it, and if we cause trouble, it would only bring trouble to Brother Fan. Also, I’ll be back in Hong Kong in a week. If you change your mind, you can contact me anytime.”
Big Cricket suddenly stopped and looked at Fan Debiao and Liu Dashao, speaking up.
“Alright then, since you’ve thought it through so thoroughly, let’s part ways here. We’ll definitely need each other in the future!”
“Good, good, that’s the spirit. Let’s have a drink together in the future. Here, take my business cards. If any of you need anything, just call me.” Big Cricket pulled out two business cards from his pocket: “Heh, I learned from others, spent a few thousand dollars to print thousands of these. Just showing off.”
At that time, having your own business card was a sign of absolute power and influence. Being able to hand out your business card was a glorious thing!
But Liu Dashao was puzzled. A tomb raider, living in the shadows, why bother with business cards?
After parting ways, Big Cricket stayed behind with some provisions, barely managing to live in the mountains for four or five days, while Fan Debiao and Liu Dashao returned to the construction team.
“Fan Debiao, where’s that outsider, Big Cricket? Why didn’t he come back?”
“That guy’s from the mountains. We sent him back. He’s a bit mentally challenged, so to make up for beating us up, he had his wife sleep with us. Both sides were quite willing, and we didn’t refuse.”
“Good for you, Fan Debiao! You had such a good thing and didn’t call me. Don’t forget our friendship!” The construction supervisor emerged from the tent, shirtless, his muscles glistening in the sun.
The night in the workers’ shed was very peaceful. However, there were some things Liu Dashao still couldn’t figure out.
Unable to find the answers, Liu Dashao decided not to dwell on it and spent a few peaceful days there.
Until one day, his girlfriend Ma Xiaoyan came from Xiushui Village, which made everyone envious. That night, Fan Debiao deliberately vacated a room for them, saying it was special treatment.
The next day, everyone found two maps under their beds.
Even under Fan Debiao’s body, there was a map of China.
But Su Yougui examined his map carefully and cursed: “Damn it, mine’s a map of the United States.”
Ma Xiaoyan naturally brought a lot of pride to Liu Dashao. Such a proper girl was indeed rare in the countryside.
From then on, Liu Dashao’s prestige among the people grew even higher because he claimed that Ma Xiaoyan had a sister even more beautiful than her, surpassing Ma Xiaoyan in beauty.
Naturally, more people started currying favor with Liu Dashao.
But only Fan Debiao knew the secret: Ma Xiaoyan did have a sister, but she was still in the womb of Ma Sandao’s newly married wife.
Thus, they spent a few peaceful nights until the fourth day when Liu Dashao suddenly noticed that Su Yougui was missing. On Fan Debiao’s bed, there was a letter. Curious, Liu Dashao picked it up and examined it carefully, finally confirming that Su Yougui, that scoundrel, had followed Big Cricket. He didn’t want to stay here and live a mediocre life; he was ready to live an exciting life with Big Cricket.
Liu Dashao didn’t comment on this. If he wanted to leave, then let him leave! For Liu Dashao, his departure represented a rare spirit, perhaps his true desire.
Fan Debiao felt a bit sad about Su Yougui’s departure. He had planned to promote him, but he left like this. If they met again on the revolutionary path, would he become a stumbling block? Would Fan Debiao have to criticize him?
Even Big Cricket, if he really obstructed Fan Debiao’s path, Fan Debiao wouldn’t show any mercy.
Because in this red era where morality and rationality were abandoned, the bolder you were, the better life you had.
Fan Debiao didn’t say much more, just told everyone to disperse and get back to work, while he made Liu Dashao a supervisor, improving his status and life.
“Alright Fan Debiao, let’s go. Chairman Mao taught us to conserve resources. I’ve already understood everything, so there’s no need to waste phone credits anymore. We should answer the Party’s call.”
“Okay then, let’s go. Hurry up.” Fan Debiao stood up, said goodbye to the old man, who was still feeling sentimental, and invited Fan Debiao to visit again sometime.
The old man would surely have been furious if he had known that Da Guoguo, Fan Debiao’s subordinate, was actually the leader of a tomb-robbing gang.
“When can your men come and pick you up? I can’t let you stay here for long either; staying too long might lead to them finding you.” The “them” Fan Debiao referred to were naturally the Red Guards.
“You don’t have to worry about that. I know those kids well. Even if they see me, I’ll take them out myself. I won’t leave any witnesses,” Da Guoguo, ruthless and merciless, could do anything, which somewhat surprised Liu Dashao.
But in those days, whoever was tougher had an easier life.
Fan Debiao, showing empathy, said, “Brother, you’re very much like me in my youth. If I ever need your help in the future, you mustn’t refuse!”
“Look at you talking like that. We’ve been through life and death together. Do you think I’d let you wander the world? Whatever you need, just call me anytime. I’m waiting for you twenty-four hours a day to join our Pest Tomb-Robbing Group. Then you’ll be third in command. Oh, and Liu Master, I think you should consider joining us too as a consultant?”
Liu Dashao smiled and declined, “No, no, I’m not cut out for that kind of work.”
“Don’t be so humble, Liu Master. Actually, your performance at the tomb site impressed even us, far surpassing our expectations. My subordinate really didn’t die in vain. Haha!” Da Guoguo looked at Liu Dashao with a mysterious gaze, as if looking at a master, “That’s not something an ordinary charlatan could do. Compared to this brother, there must be something he’s hiding from us brothers. But we don’t mind—doesn’t everyone have secrets? Well, enough talk. Let’s part ways now. Just now, I also thought about it—if I caused trouble, wouldn’t that bring problems for Brother Fan? Also, I’m going back to Hong Kong in a week. If you change your minds, feel free to contact me anytime.”
Suddenly, Da Guoguo stopped in his tracks, gazing mysteriously at Fan Debiao and Liu Dashao before speaking.
“Alright then, since you’ve thought it through so thoroughly, let’s part ways. I’m sure we’ll need each other’s help in the future!”
“Great, great, so decisive! In the future, we must definitely have a hearty drink together. Here, this is my business card. If either of you needs anything, feel free to call me anytime.” Da Guoguo took out two business cards from his chest pocket, “Hehe, imitating others, I spent several thousand yuan printing thousands of these. Just living it up a bit.”
At that time, having one’s own business card was a sign of being an impressive and powerful figure. Being able to take out one’s own card for others to see was a matter of great pride!
But Liu Dashao was puzzled—why would a tomb robber involved in shady dealings need business cards?
After saying their goodbyes, Da Guoguo remained on site, carrying some dry food, able to survive in the mountain hollow for four or five days. Fan Debiao and Liu Dashao, on the other hand, returned to the construction team.
“Fan Debiao, where’s that outsider called Da Guoguo? Why didn’t he come back?”
“He’s from down the mountain. We sent him back already. That guy’s a bit mentally off—he wanted to beat us up, so he let his wife sleep with us for a night. Both sides were quite willing, so we didn’t refuse.”
“Fan Debiao, you had such a good opportunity and didn’t call me! Don’t you think about our friendship!” At this moment, the project supervisor emerged from the tent, bare-chested, his muscles gleaming in the sunlight.
The construction site at night was very peaceful. However, there were still some things Liu Dashao hadn’t figured out yet.
Unable to find the answers, Liu Dashao simply stopped thinking about them and spent a few peaceful days there.
One day, his girlfriend Ma Xiaoyan came all the way from Xiushui Village, which made everyone else envious. That evening, Fan Debiao deliberately arranged a room for them, claiming it was special treatment.
The next morning, everyone found two maps under their sleeping mats.
Even under Fan Debiao’s mattress, there was a map of China.
However, Su Yougui carefully examined his for a while and cursed, “Damn it, why did I get a map of the United States?”
Ma Xiaoyan naturally added to Liu Dashao’s prestige; a decent girl like her was quite rare in the countryside.
From then on, Liu Dashao’s reputation among the crowd grew even higher because he claimed that Ma Xiaoyan had a younger sister who was even more beautiful than her—someone who could only be described as surpassing her in beauty.
Naturally, more people began to fawn over Liu Dashao.
However, only Fan Debiao knew the secret: Ma Xiaoyan indeed had a younger sister, but she was still in the belly of Ma Sandao’s newlywed wife.
Thus, they spent several peaceful nights until the fourth day, when Liu Dashao suddenly discovered that Su Yougui had disappeared. In Fan Debiao’s bed, he found a letter. Curious, Liu Dashao picked it up and carefully examined it. Finally, he was certain that the bastard Su Yougui had followed Da Guoguo. He was unwilling to stay here and live an ordinary life forever. He was ready to go with Da Guoguo and live an exciting life.
Regarding this, Liu Dashao didn’t express any opinion. If Su Yougui was willing to leave, then let him go! After all, for himself, Su’s departure represented a kind of rare and precious spirit. Perhaps it was exactly what Su truly wanted.
Fan Debiao felt somewhat sad about Su Yougui’s departure. He had originally planned to promote the young man, but now he had left like this. Who knows whether, in the future revolutionary path, he might become an obstacle, and whether Fan would have to criticize and struggle against him?
Even Da Guoguo, if he really became an obstacle to his path, Fan Debiao would certainly not show any mercy.
Because in this red era, where morality and reason were cast aside, the bolder one was, the better one could live.
Fan Debiao didn’t say much more. He simply assigned everyone to work and made Liu Dashao a construction supervisor, which was a way of improving his status and living conditions.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage