In "Oracle Bones: A Journey Through Time in China," Peter Hessler observes that many Chinese citizens engage in minor illegal activities daily without significant concern. These offenses range from unregistered residency and small business practices involving unlicensed suppliers to amusing scenarios, such as dog owners walking their pets without proper registration due to high costs. This reflects a common behavior among the populace, navigating a gray area of legality in a country with strict regulations.

Hessler's anecdote about dog owners in Beijing highlights the juxtaposition of ordinary life against a backdrop of regulatory constraints. The image of sleepy individuals swiftly becoming alert upon seeing a police officer encapsulates the constant awareness of authority and the subtle resistance to incongruous laws. This scenario emphasizes the creative ways individuals adapt to and circumvent legal challenges in their everyday lives.