C41 Returning to the 1960s: Starting with Digging for Fo-ti

Hu San’s few henchmen huddled together, faces tense as they grabbed clubs and other makeshift weapons, eyeing Du Jianguo warily.

No one expected that the farmer who had just been complaining about being unable to find a bride would suddenly turn into someone else, pointing a gun directly at Hu San’s forehead.

Hu San remained calm despite the gun pressed to his head. He shot Du Jianguo a cold glance. “You’re quite capable, young man, daring to point a gun at me? It seems your visit here isn’t just about finding a wife. You’ve probably got other motives. But if you think I’m an easy target, you’ve picked the wrong person. I’m not someone you can mess with.”

In the next instant, Hu San’s body shifted slightly, and his arm bent unnaturally backward. Within moments, he pulled out a black pistol from behind his waist and pointed it at Du Jianguo.

“Big Brother Hu San truly lives up to his reputation. You’re a well-known figure in our county,” Du Jianguo said, his expression serious.

He realized Hu San was no ordinary threat and that the situation was becoming dangerous.

Hu San sneered. “Do you think I’ve spent years in the underworld eating idle meals? I’ve bled countless disobedient henchmen into submission. Without real skills, could I have survived this long?”

“Tell me, who sent you? If you don’t speak, I’ll make sure you die!” Hu San’s voice was cold and threatening.

Du Jianguo took a deep breath, stepped in front of Song Qingxue, and spoke in a low, firm tone. “This woman’s identity is beyond your reach, Brother Hu San. I advise you to let her go and let her leave with me.”

“Let her go?”

Hu San paused, then burst into raucous laughter as if hearing an absurd joke. “I’m in the business of making one hundred yuan per transaction. You think I can just let her go? I don’t care who she is. In my eyes, she’s just another piece of flesh I can sell for money. Even if I get paid, I’ll take my men somewhere else and keep doing business!”

“Men! Move in! Grab that woman and take her!” Hu San shouted to his henchmen.

The henchmen exchanged glances, hesitated, then cautiously moved behind Du Jianguo, trying to snatch Song Qingxue while he was distracted.

Du Jianguo acted quickly and fired a shot into the air.

“BANG!”

The gunshot was deafening. The henchmen froze in terror and scattered in all directions, terrified that the gun might turn on them next.

“If anyone dares to touch this woman, I’ll twist their balls off!” Du Jianguo roared. Then he turned to Hu San. “Hu San, take your men and leave. There are plenty of men in this county who can’t find wives. You don’t need her. I’m protecting this woman. Even Yama couldn’t move her. That’s my word!”

[Tl: Yama = King of Hell]

Hu San’s face darkened like storm clouds. He stared at Du Jianguo for a long moment, then suddenly pulled the trigger.

“Bang!” A bullet flew straight at Du Jianguo.

Du Jianguo had anticipated this and twisted his body to the right, narrowly dodging the shot. However, the bullet grazed his right arm, leaving a deep, bloody wound.

Hu San sneered. “Do you really think I’m ignorant of the law? You’re just a farmer, not a policeman. You dared to shoot? You’re breaking the law yourself! I don’t care if you dare to shoot back!”

Damn it! There’s a difference between a rogue and a rogue who knows the rules!

Du Jianguo cursed inwardly.

Hu San was right. In the current society, gun control is extremely strict. Whether he was saving someone or injuring someone, firing a gun would put him at a disadvantage in court. He might even end up in prison.

He couldn’t take the risk. Besides, the Type 56 rifle he held was a training weapon issued by the Public Security Bureau.

Taking the gun out of the bureau without permission was already a crime in itself.

Seeing Du Jianguo remain silent, a glint of triumph flashed in Hu San’s eyes. His tone grew even more arrogant. “I was right!” He immediately turned to his henchmen. “Don’t be afraid! This guy is all talk. He dares not shoot you!”

The henchmen’s courage soared. They closed in on Du Jianguo, raising their clubs, waiting for the chance to strike.

Du Jianguo took a deep breath, forced himself to stay calm, and quickly composed his thoughts.

He raised the gun, skillfully removed the ammunition, and then turned the empty rifle around. With a powerful swing, he smashed the stock into the head of the first henchman. The man didn’t even have time to groan before collapsing unconscious.

The others, seeing this, surged forward with red eyes. But Du Jianguo remained calm, shifting his stance into a defensive posture.

“Oh, you’re a trained fighter,” Hu San glanced at Du Jianguo with disdain. “But what does that matter? I’m warning you, don’t fight back, or I’ll shoot!”

He sneered and pushed his gun forward. “My gun doesn’t follow rules, and I don’t care about the law. If you want to die, go ahead and try!”

Hearing Hu San’s words, Du Jianguo pressed his lips together and fell silent.

Hu San sneered again. “A coward. You really won’t fight back?”

He turned to his men. “Men, move in! Finish him!” He waved the “Pistol” as if to show off.

At that moment, a subtle flicker of triumph crossed Du Jianguo’s brows. It was the opportunity he had been waiting for.

As Hu San was distracted giving orders to his men, Du Jianguo suddenly threw the empty rifle. The gun body slammed squarely into Hu San’s hand holding the pistol. With a clatter, the Pistol slipped from his grip and fell to the ground.

Du Jianguo smiled coldly. “I can’t shoot people, but can’t I throw a gun to hit them?”

Hu San broke out in a cold sweat. His entire authority relied on the threat of his gun. Now that it was gone, he was powerless.

In an instant, Hu San twisted his body and lunged for the fallen pistol, trying to pick it up first.

But Du Jianguo was faster. He stepped forward and, before Hu San could reach the gun, delivered a powerful kick to his head. Hu San spun around, dazed, and collapsed to the ground, unable to get up.

“Du Jianguo, are you pushing me to the brink?” Hu San gritted his teeth and shouted to his men. “Break his legs! Whoever succeeds gets an extra ten yuan!”

Hearing the promise of money, the cowardly henchmen’s eyes lit up. Like hungry tigers, they charged at Du Jianguo.