First villain, then gentleman
First villain, then gentleman. The literal meaning is to be a villain before a gentleman. It refers to putting the words concerning the gain and loss of interests first, and then talking about friendship.
Later extended to business negotiations before the matters should be paid attention to in advance to say good, so as not to start very generous and easy-going, what conditions are allowed, late can not do and harm others not self-interest, is that the first villain after gentleman is also!
source
The 49th chapter of Xingshi Yinyuan Zhuan written by Xi Zhousheng in Qing Dynasty: "Huazhe's theory. It's good to be a villain before a gentleman, but it's not good to be a gentleman before a villain. "
Examples
Let's go. Yes, I'll pay for one room. The thirty second chapter of three heroes and five righteousness by Shi Yukun in Qing Dynasty
First villain, then gentleman
glowing rays shine in all directions - xiá guāng wàn dào
Chicken and insect win and lose - jī chóng dé sàng
never associate with bad companions - mén wú zá bīn