Officialdom: Are You Afraid Now That I’m Investigating You?

I’m Investigating You, Are You Afraid? is a realistic novel about government and politics, starring the young official Qin Mo. The story begins in 2002. After a setback in love leads the talented Qin Mo, a graduate of Huaguo University of Political Science and Law, to act impulsively, he is sidelined and sent to a remote township to watch over a reservoir. His life hits rock bottom. But a chance encounter in which he saves someone becomes a turning point in his fate. Through a series of complicated circumstances, he returns to public service and is promoted ahead of schedule to township discipline inspection secretary, beginning his road to a comeback.

Following Qin Mo’s rise from deputy section chief to deputy minister, the novel paints a realistic portrait of grassroots officialdom. Faced with shady dealings in construction projects, deeply entrenched webs of connections, and open and covert attacks from every direction, Qin Mo stays true to his original aim of “speaking up for the people.” With professional skill and exceptional courage, he breaks through one impasse after another. The cases he investigates range from corruption in township projects to county-level economic crime rings, eventually reaching powerful interest groups at higher levels. His upright, incorruptible conduct earns him a reputation as a “Black-Faced Judge Bao” who strikes fear into corrupt officials.

Meanwhile, Qin Mo’s love life is just as turbulent. The admiration of Chen Sisi, a young woman from the provincial capital; entanglements with former classmates; and accomplished women he meets at work... Multiple romantic storylines intertwine closely with the main plot, together shaping a vivid, rounded character who constantly weighs ideals against reality, and principles against feelings.