Shadows of Espionage in Shanghai: 1938

Modern-day investigator Lu Ping'an is driven to his death by a game of capital. His soul transmigrates to the French Concession in Shanghai in 1938, where he becomes a timid, fearful clerk in the police archives. In this chaotic era, he awakens the “Hard Work Makes Up for Lack of Talent” System. Combining modern criminal investigation techniques with the ability to learn twice as fast, he catches a glimpse of a covert war taking shape through the musty air of the archives. Forced to bear four identities, he is the Military Statistics Bureau's ace, “Keen Blade”; the Communist Party's deadly weapon, “Daybreak”; a “Shadow” in the eyes of the Japanese and their puppet government; and the master of the assassination organization “Netherworld.” On the razor's edge, he lives out the paradox of being safer the more suspicion he arouses. It is the ultimate battle of wits, faith, and survival. At last, as dawn breaks, he retires after accomplishing his mission, his legend fading into the mountains and rivers.

“This is an original espionage tale set in a fictional world. Some characters were inspired by figures from classic works of art and literature, to which we offer our tribute and thanks.”