Chapter 17: Thieves' Family

Xu Erye lives in an old slum that has existed since before the liberation; the conditions are poor, and all sorts of people live there, a real mix of good and bad.

Lu Cheng has told him many times to move into a Siheyuan; it would be fine to live there, but the old man is stubbornly obstinate and refuses to move.

When they arrived, Lu Cheng shouted at a low one‑story house, "Old man, your most outstanding Disciple has come to see you."

Just as he was about to push the door open, a thermos came crashing in with a Bang!

"Get out of my way; I don't have you as a Disciple."

Lu Cheng dodged away, shaking his head helplessly.

"Master, why are you so angry? Which old lady provoked you?"

Xu Erye stood in the doorway glaring, his head white with hair and a long beard on his chin; despite being seventy this year, his body was remarkably robust.

If you tell him which widow is bathing at night, he can still spring forward in a single bound and climb the wall to peek.

"Who else offended me? Let me ask you, how did I hear that you gave the job openings to someone else? Is that true?"

It turned out he was angry about this, so Lu Cheng hurriedly took out his work badge and showed it to the Master.

"Impossible. In the future, don't listen to idle gossip; it will only affect the relationship between us Master and Disciple."

Just as Xu Erye was about to glance at the badge, Lu Cheng slipped it into his pocket: "You're illiterate and can't read it!"

"Well, just take a look at the tobacco and alcohol your good Disciple brought."

Xu Erye snorted through his nose, "At least you have a conscience! The Railway Department is such a fine organization; from now on, work hard for me."

Lu Cheng gave a thumbs‑up: "No matter how powerful the Railway Department is, it's nothing compared to you, Xu Erye. All the old veterans of Si Jiu Cheng, when they see you, must give you face."

In his youth, Xu Erye handled cargo at an escort bureau; after wars broke out and the bureau collapsed, he came to Si Jiu Cheng and made a living performing acrobatics.

Because he values loyalty and righteousness, he befriended many people from the Three Teachings Nine Streams.

Moreover, the Disciple he took in all knew martial arts, and they earned plenty of Merit during the War of Resistance.

Some stayed in the military, while others transferred to local agencies.

In modern parlance, Xu Erye's connections are said to dominate both the underworld and the legitimate world.

Only Lu Cheng? Whenever Xu Erye brings it up, he always shakes his head.

He's the worst Disciple I've ever taught; apart from the Pick‑up Artist's skill, he's good at nothing else.

But he does acknowledge his filial piety.

"You, you only have that mouth left, come in." Xu Erye crossed his arms and stepped into the house first.

Lu Cheng followed inside; the room was dim, and even when the light bulb was turned on it wasn't bright—daytime was even worse.

"Master, moving to our place would be great; I'll take care of you in old age."

Xu Erye settled into a bamboo chair, grabbed a smoking pipe from the table beside him, and Lu Cheng hurried forward to strike a match.

Xu Erye exhaled a puff: "I appreciate your filial devotion, Master, and I accept it. But I've gotten used to living here; I have old comrades nearby, we can chat and spar, so I won't go to your place to join the fun."

Lu Cheng, knowing he couldn't persuade him, said, "Alright then, I'm employed now; the unit will issue Coal Tickets, and I'll bring you some honeycomb coal."

Xu Erye waved his hand: "No need. My body isn't used to that coal stove; when it's cold it freezes the spirit. People, once they get used to a comfortable environment, lose their fighting spirit. Remember that."

"By the way, you came over today—what's the matter?"

Lu Cheng, being courteous, squeezed the old man's shoulder: "Nothing in particular, just came to see you, sir."

"Hmph, you finally show up. Every time you cause trouble out there, you only think of running to me."

"No, no, your Disciple has now settled down." Lu Cheng pulled a Stool and sat beside him.

"This time it's a happy occasion; I'd like Master to help arrange a marriage for me."

Xu Erye clearly didn't take it seriously, puffing clouds and exhaling mist.

"You've flirted with so many girls; I only have this mouth. Tell me, which family should I go to first to propose?"

Lu Cheng's forehead darkened: "Seeing what Master says, I'm not that promiscuous. This time it's just one person you know—Lin Qingyan."

"Who? Qing Yan?"

Xu Erye sat up instantly, looking at his Disciple's earnest face, and suddenly felt a bit convinced.

"Ha ha, you little rascal, you actually got Lin Lao Gou's granddaughter?"

Lin Lao Gou is the nickname of Lin Qingyan's grandfather; the two call each other 'old dog' in jest.

"Master, we're both of advanced age; be civilized—we truly love each other sincerely."

"Nonsense! You definitely didn't do anything right; otherwise, why would she marry you? Be honest—did you touch her?"

Lu Cheng knew that lying in front of Master was impossible.

"Touch? Just a little touch."

Xu Erye sprang up from the recliner: "Hey, you kid, if Lin Lao Gou finds out you touched his precious granddaughter, he'll crawl out of his coffin just to beat you up."

Lu Cheng was unperturbed: "I'm not afraid of him; with Master here, even his grandfather's dog must respect its owner."

"Alright, alright, you kid, stop flattering me."

"Master, what do you think about this…"

Xu Erye, hands behind his back, walked two steps and said, "As the saying goes, you must first establish a family before building a career; you reckless kid should find someone to settle you."

"Fine, fine—who can blame my Disciple for falling in love? I'll go there tomorrow morning."

"Thank you, Master."

"You kid, you've hit the jackpot; Lin Qingyan is a beauty! Heh, Lin Lao Gou surely didn't expect his granddaughter would one day marry my Disciple."

Lu Cheng helped Master sit down, and suddenly a thought occurred to him.

"By the way, Master, do you know that a gang of thieves is led by a woman?"

All day today, Lu Cheng thought about that gang of thieves; before finishing work in the afternoon, he heard Station Chief say they still hadn't been caught.

Based on memories from a past life, Lu Cheng had a vague impression of that woman, but many key details were fuzzy.

He wanted to ask the well‑connected Xu Erye whether he had heard of her.

Xu Erye smoked his pipe, looked up and asked, "A theft gang led by a woman?"

"Yes, this group's thieving methods are extremely skillful. According to our Station Chief, they hide the money in the crotch of their pants, and when they squeeze off the carriage, the crotch area is still cut open, and the money is lost without them feeling it."

Xu Erye nodded slightly, "Fast with their hands, and adept with a small knife; I do recall that there was such a family in the past."

"Family?"

As Xu Erye nodded again, he seemed to fall into recollection.