Shadow of darkness, Red curtain

Author: Yin Yun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-06-01
Features: The novel Black Curtain · Red Curtain is a corruption-themed work created based on a major smuggling case in a southern part of the country that gained national fame. The story begins when Hong Xie Dang, the acting director of the Municipal Public Security Bureau, discovers significant economic crimes committed by the former director Jin Yao during the processing of Hong Kong visas and infrastructure projects while overseeing the bureau's work. Hong initiates a secret investigation, but Jin, upon realizing this, subjects Hong to "dual regulation" and suspends him from duty. For a time, evil forces take the upper hand. After returning from studying at the Central Party School, Jin is promoted to Deputy Mayor and Secretary of the Municipal Political and Legal Affairs Commission, where he launches even more ruthless persecution and attacks against Hong and others. Under the manipulation of Xiao San, the Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Jin engages in large-scale selling of official positions. The story unfolds along three main threads:
1. Xiao San's sexual and power entanglement with the artist Yang Tingting, amassing vast wealth;
2. Jin Yao's illicit relationship with the 17-year-old Hunan woman Wang Li, depicting a woman completely lost to lust and materialism;
3. The righteous forces led by Hong Xie Dang, gathering journalists like Yun Ying from a central news agency's internal reference desk, Hua Zheng, the director of the municipal bureau's office, and the female singer Bai Ying. Behind the black curtain intertwine the customs' complicity in smuggling, the ambiguous relationship between the customs chief and the charming Hong Kong businesswoman, and the infiltration of evil forces into society—all acts that are shocking to the eye. Under the correct leadership of the Provincial Party Committee, the Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee personally intervened, and a working group from the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection was dispatched to investigate, ultimately uncovering the layers of darkness and defeating the evil forces.
[Editor's Recommendation] Jin Yao and Wang Li play a game of love and, while Xiao San and Yang Tingting are a wild depiction of lust. A woman is a whole world—Wang Li is entangled in a woman's vanity and fragile self-esteem, while Tingting embodies the extreme possession of power and money. The novel vividly portrays the corruption and decline of an evil crime group along these two main threads, leading to its ultimate downfall. Life may be full of glamour and luxury, but a bitter cup of tea might be a more truthful reflection of reality; while sexuality may bring exquisite and supreme pleasure, excessive greed may lead to the end of life.