Spring of 1921. The introduction of the NEP is rapidly changing Petrograd, drained of blood by wars and revolution. Marches and hymns are diluted with foxtrot and chanson, well-dressed people appear on the embankments and, as a result, gopniks in a hurry to take money from them. Lawlessness begins, which the Cheka is unable to cope with — shops are robbed five times a day. Then the criminal world of St. Petersburg, led by Uncle Kolya, comes to the defense of the Nepmans, who begins to protect them. However, not all Nepmans agree to pay for such services, and then Uncle Kolya sends combat troops to them. The most famous and productive of them is the gang of Rody, a former anarchist, dude and heartthrob, North Beni Creek.