Pushing the protagonist to the brink of despair at the very beginning of the story is a technique typically used in movies.
The film is short, allowing the protagonist to turn the tide in about two hours, which not only grabs the audience's attention but also provides a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction in resolving the situation. Even a so-called open ending must be one that "seems to solve the problem." It absolutely cannot be left unfinished halfway through, or the audience will be throwing shoes at the director.
When this technique is used in TV dramas, the protagonist needs to escape danger within a few episodes, providing viewers with a period of satisfaction. If a series of dozens of episodes doesn't offer some satisfying moments to keep the audience engaged, they'll all leave.
"Half of the Sky" is no exception.
After Lu Huaizhang ordered Li Yiming's execution, Li Yiming was taken to the secret execution ground of the Ninth Bureau. Without any surprising twists, a gunshot rang out, and Li Yiming was sent on his way.
Who would have thought that after Li Yiming was executed, the leak of secrets by the Ninth Bureau not only failed to be resolved, but instead worsened!
Moreover, more and more evidence has emerged, proving that Li Yiming seems to be truly innocent.
This result left Lu Huaizhang in a state of utter distress, and he began to secretly doubt whether he had truly wronged Li Yiming. Just then, even worse news arrived.
Lu Huaizhang had always been at odds with Cui Henian, the provincial government chairman of Ruguan, and their conflicts had been frequent over the years. Finally, after Cui Henian had chosen the wrong side in the Kuomintang infighting and was about to be transferred to the rear to work in the coal mines, the position of provincial government chairman finally became vacant.
Every member of the landlord class harbored a warlord dream, and Lu Huaizhang was no exception. Ruguan had always been wealthy, controlled the government's finances, and had the Ninth Bureau of the secret service as military support. Wouldn't he be content to be a local tyrant?
Director Lu, brimming with confidence, had put in considerable effort and spent a fortune on bribes, preparing for his "election" for the position of provincial government chairman. Who would have thought that a stern warning would fall from the sky? Before leaving, Cui Henian actually impeached Lu Huaizhang to Principal Kou!
Cui Henian impeached Lu Huaizhang for lax management and frequent leaks of secrets from the Ninth Bureau. He also pointed out that Lu Huaizhang, in order to cover up the fact that there was a mole in the Ninth Bureau, arbitrarily used torture to execute Li Yiming, an archivist in the Ninth Bureau's intelligence department.
This has stirred up a hornet's nest. The Ninth Bureau, as a crucial intelligence agency, is like the eye on the backbone of the Kuomintang. And now, that eye is inflamed!
Principal Kou was furious and dispatched a special investigation team to thoroughly investigate the matter.
Lu Huaizhang was in a terrible predicament. Leaving aside how the secret execution of Li Yiming, known only to one or two trusted confidants, had reached his mortal enemy Cui Henian's ears; if the special investigation team discovered that Li Yiming was truly dead, and Cui Henian's accusations were true, not only would his warlord ambitions be shattered, but his position as director of the Ninth Bureau would also be in jeopardy!
Desperate, Lu Huaizhang considered many methods, even the foolish idea of assassinating the imperial envoy, but still couldn't find a solution. With the angel's arrival imminent, Lu Huaizhang anxiously paced the streets to clear his mind, when suddenly a thief bumped into him and stole his wallet!
One misfortune after another struck, and Lu Huaizhang flew into a rage. He immediately ordered his men to retrieve the wallet, catch the thief, and throw him in jail for a good beating.
Although the thief was agile, he couldn't outrun a professional soldier. He was quickly caught by Lu Huaizhang's men and brought before Lu Huaizhang.
Lu Huaizhang was already embroiled in a problem and his anger surged. He casually slapped the thief across the face, knocking the clueless thief to the ground!
The thief cried out in pain and began cursing Lu Huaizhang. Lu Huaizhang's men were about to use force to shut him up, but Director Lu stopped them.
Lu Huaizhang approached the thief, pinched his face, and examined him closely from left to right, his breathing gradually becoming rapid.
It turned out the thief wasn't a man, but a woman. Not only that, she even bore a striking resemblance to Li Yiming, the man who was executed!
In an instant, a new plan took shape in Lu Huaizhang's mind.
Lu Huaizhang was overjoyed and secretly brought the thief to his home. After having his wife wash him thoroughly, he pushed the thief in front of him.
The cleaned-up thief revealed his true face, and he bore an uncanny resemblance to Li Yiming!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
