Symphony of Fate

This novel follows the joys and sorrows of its protagonist, Song Shuang, through major turning points in his life, including the college entrance exam, romance and marriage, work, and having a child. At its heart is the remarkable story of Song Shuang's son, Song Jianing (Wang Zhihao), who is kidnapped because of Song Shuang's exposé and later found again. It portrays one man's resolve to uphold his moral principles in the face of wealth, beauty, and revenge, embodying the steadfast virtue expressed in the saying: “Wealth cannot corrupt him, poverty cannot make him waver, and force cannot make him yield.” The writing is fluent, plain, and natural; the plot is both surprising and believable, making for a compelling read with a strong documentary feel.