On Saturday, Xiao Furen and his wife accomplished quite a bit. First, they took a legitimately obtained bicycle ticket to the department store to pick out a bicycle. Since they already had a heavy-duty one at home, this time they chose a 26-inch Phoenix ladies' bicycle—the kind with the slanted top tube.
This model of ladies' bicycle wasn't sold in most places because it didn't move well. When people bought bikes, it was usually for men to ride, so they would choose the more heavy-duty 28-inch models. It was a good thing they were buying it at the city's department store; back in the county, they wouldn't have been able to find a 26-inch model even if they wanted one.
After buying the bicycle, they rode it straight off to find someone to take care of the gold they were holding. This part wasn't much trouble. Every place has its local underworld figures, people who conduct shady business. As long as you demonstrated a bit of power, you could avoid being double-crossed.
