How to Become a Big Bad Villain

Through Hong Xiaodong’s life story, this novel depicts the brutality and complexity of the underworld. His rise embodies the social philosophy of survival of the fittest: conquest is the highest virtue, and compassion only makes people weak. In the underworld, the victor is king and the defeated are outlaws. This philosophy reflects certain realities of society at the time and also prompts deep reflection on justice and morality.