At The Beginning, The Shady Story Was Exposed Angrily, And After Rebirth, The Officialdom Was Rectified.

If you are a fan of political intrigue blended with the catharsis of a "rebirth" narrative, Yi Lv Qing Feng’s *At The Beginning, The Shady Story Was Exposed Angrily, And After Rebirth, The Officialdom Was Rectified* is an absolute must-read. It masterfully breathes new life into the urban political genre by subverting the classic "climbing the ladder" trope with a protagonist who is consistently trying to escape the very system he eventually masters.

The story follows Chen Zhixing, who returns to 2007 with a single, burning goal: resign and leave the bureaucratic nightmare behind. However, fate—and an unexpected stint on a hard-hitting television program—forces him back into the fray. What makes this novel so addictive is the irony of Chen’s journey. He views his career advancement not as a grand ambition, but as an annoying consequence of his refusal to play by corrupt rules. His constant, failed attempts to hand in his resignation while he systematically dismantles local graft create a brilliant tension that is both hilarious and deeply satisfying.

The world-building is sharp, capturing the gritty atmosphere of 2007’s political landscape with authenticity. Chen Zhixing is a breath of fresh air; he is cynical yet principled, and his "tears in his eyes" approach to power—becoming a titan of the officialdom despite wanting nothing to do with it—provides a compelling psychological hook. Unlike typical protagonists who crave authority, Chen’s reluctance makes his inevitable rise feel earned and uniquely subversive.

This novel is a fast-paced, witty exploration of integrity in a broken system. It manages to be both a pulse-pounding political thriller and a biting satire. If you enjoy smart, calculated protagonists who fight the establishment from within, this story is a masterclass in tension and character-driven drama.