Zhang Jianhao stuffed a bankbook into the hand of the youngest boy, Xiao Tao, speaking slowly and deliberately, each word dripping with emotion.

"Taozi, here's six thousand two hundred yuan, all the money from the video arcade. Keep it safe."

"password,."

"After daybreak, hand the passbook to Brother Gou."

Xiao Tao stood with his hands behind his back, shaking his head desperately, tears welling up in his eyes: "Brother Gang, I'll go with you!"

"Go to hell!" Zhang Jianhao grabbed his arm, almost digging the bankbook into his flesh. "How old are you? This isn't your business!"

"Brother Gang..." Xiao Tao's tears finally fell.

Li Qiming walked over, smiling as he ruffled his hair, but the smile was more like a grimace: "Jianhao is right, you're still young. Besides, if we all perish, Brother Gou can't be left alone."

Li Zhongdang said earnestly, "Xiao Tao, you must remember, Brother Gou is a man who does great things, and he can't get his hands dirty. From now on, the dirty and hard work will be ours. Protecting Brother Gou is protecting the true dragon of our Zhangjia Village!"

Xiao Tao seemed to understand, but only nodded vigorously.

“Just remember this,” Li Fuguo grinned, patting his head, “whoever touches Brother Gou, we’ll fight them to the death!”

"Yes!" Xiao Tao nodded emphatically, tears welling in his eyes.

"Go back! Wait for us!" Zhang Jianhao gave him a push.

Xiao Tao could no longer hold back and started sobbing. He turned and ran away, his cries fading into fragments in the wind.

"Brothers, I'll leave the door open for you. Come back soon!"

Watching his departing figure, Zhang Jianhao took a deep breath, looked around at the remaining seven brothers, and his eyes were as fierce as a wolf's.

"Hey guys, tonight, nobody's a coward!"

"Let's go, let's drink! After that, we'll get things done!"

Eight figures, with an air of resolute determination that they would never return, disappeared into the night.