Li Gou

Biodata

Background / History

Li Gou is introduced as an orphan taken in by an older shantytown resident. He has pulled a rickshaw for five years and is a few years older than his childhood friend Qin Geng, though he calls Qin “Brother Xiao Wu” 2 17.

After Lai Tou steals Qin’s rickshaw, Li Gou checks on him and condemns the attack. He later shares a flatbread with Qin and tries to pass him a fare despite needing work himself 2 3. When Lai Tou dies, Li Gou asks Qin about the accusation against him, then argues that Qin could not have killed the man who had recently overpowered him 4 5.

Li Gou takes part in the South City drivers’ struggle over Xun River Wharf. During the confrontation with Chen Sanpi, he draws a small knife; Uncle Jin had earlier struck Chen to save him 13 16. After Qin defeats Chen, Li Gou joins the drivers celebrating their claim to the wharf 17 18.

Appearance

Li Gou is described as skinny, with thin arms and callused hands 2 17 18.

• Pulls a somewhat worn rickshaw 3.

Personality

Li Gou is sociable and fond of dramatic gossip. His account of Zhou Yonghe surviving a shooting includes boasts about his own quick reactions that Qin doubts 2. He readily brings the other drivers news of threats and changes in the cart trade 3 26 27.

He admires Qin’s strength but envies the opportunities it has given him. Li Gou wants to train and protect the shantytown’s elders, yet believes his earnings, exhaustion, and need to buy medicine for his mother leave him no way to do so 18. His pride in earning his own living leads him to refuse a lucrative ghost-marriage offer, despite admitting that the thousand silver dollars tempted him 20.

Relationships

• Qin Geng — Childhood friend and fellow driver. Li Gou helps him when work is scarce, later admires his rise and looks to him for protection 3 17 18 27.
• Ma Laifu — Fellow driver who explains local power struggles to Li Gou and tries to calm his worries about the cart-company rivalry 5 18 27.
• Uncle Jin — Fellow South City driver who strikes Chen Sanpi to save Li Gou during the wharf fight 16.

Trivia

• Chapter 2 introduces Li Gou as having neither father nor mother, but Chapter 18 says he saves money to buy medicine for his mother 2 18.