Ling Ran drove his small, newly-repaired Volkswagen Jetta all the way to Lower Groove through the heavy traffic.
Lower Groove was just as congested.
The alley could only accommodate two cars moving side by side at one time, but right then, it was full of urban white-collar workers who had gone there to eat.
The stores in Lower Groove changed again and again. In the end, the ones that survived the passage of time were mostly restaurants.
It was particularly so for the fast food restaurants, which were dedicated to office workers. Four of them had opened in the alleys of Lower Groove, causing old neighbors to complain.
Translator's note:
[1] San Shou: a martial art which was originally developed by the Chinese military. Practiced as a combat sport.