The story takes place in Beijing before the Liberation. Beggars’ Gang leader Niu Er, played by Han Shanxu, terrorizes the streets with his gang of thugs. When Sun Douzhi, played by Liang Qinggang, refuses to pay him tribute, Niu destroys his douzhi stall. His hot-blooded son, Sun Liu, played by Wu Weidong, vows revenge. Sun Liu and roast-meat shop owner Boss Liu both fall for Li Shuying, played by Wu Weiling, daughter of Li Wobei, played by Wang Ningsheng. Too poor to compete with Boss Liu, Sun Liu joins the Beggars’ Gang and uses Niu Er’s influence to defeat his rival. Disgusted by his son’s transformation, Sun Douzhi disowns him, while Shuying enters a Buddhist convent. After Niu Er betrays him, Sun Liu sees through his schemes, steals his dragon whip, and becomes the gang’s new leader. His first act is to lead his men in destroying Boss Liu’s shop, prompting Sun Douzhi to declare that he will sever all ties with his son.