"Bonsai" tells the story of Chen Yanzhi, a "black boss" who is outside of traditional cognition.
In the neon-lit southern district of the modern city, Chen Yanzhi is not as fierce as people remember him. He wears thin-rimmed glasses, has a gentle manner, and is more like a rigorous manager. After taking over the chaotic South District, he did not rely on violence to suppress it. Instead, he took care of it like a delicate bonsai - pruning it out of order according to rules and retaining the "branches" it should have.
He cleans up the gray area, but leaves a way for the old carpenter's carvings to survive; he fires his impulsive subordinates just because they broke the rules of "acting according to the process"; when faced with those who touch the bottom line of "pornography, gambling and drugs", he never lynches, only believes in the law.
However, there is an undercurrent surging beneath the calm. His former rivals covet his territory, the emergence of old acquaintances involves the past that he doesn't want to mention, and the forces he "pruned" are also waiting for opportunities to counterattack in the dark. Chen Yanzhi must find a balance between adhering to his principles and dealing with the cruel laws of the world. Is the "bonsai" he carefully maintains a symbol of order or another form of restraint? The story is set among the reinforced concrete of the modern city, unpacking the struggle and choice of a unique "ruler" between rules and humanity, order and chaos.
