Novels like The Mastermind Behind the Scenes
Books Chinese readers most often put in the same booklists as The Mastermind Behind the Scenes, best match first.
- 151 Turbulent Waves 迷涛 This is a chronicle of a grassroots official's rise and fall, a portrait of county-level officialdom in the 1990s, and, above all, a bittersweet song of an era defined by the struggle between human weakness and steadfastness. When the turbulent waters recede, the embankment still bears the upright figures of those who never bent. 14Reads—Score—14d adds
- 152 Justice of Heaven’s Way 天道正义 The Way of Heaven and Justice trilogy is a political-philosophical epic that probes the nature of power. Through the trials of grassroots official Chu Feng, it embarks on a profound search for the “Way of Heaven” and reflects the sweeping changes in China's officialdom. Is there a higher justice beyond the rules? In A Gentle Breeze, characters find a way through the mire of a society governed by personal connections, exploring the balance of the Way of Heaven between “law” and “human feeling.” I 49Reads8.7Score—14d adds
- 153 Setting Sail for Yunzhou 启航云州 Driven by the ideal of “making Yunzhou a better place,” dedicated official Chen Wangshu leads his team into a new chapter. They conduct in-depth research and develop plans to upgrade local industries, connect businesses with resources to help them overcome difficulties, and organize activities to enrich residents’ cultural and spiritual lives. With each new effort, they move steadily toward their goal and help Yunzhou set sail for a brighter future. 11Reads—Score—14d adds
- 154 In the Political Arena, Fighting Corruption Is for the People 官场之反腐是为了人民 From the officials’ roster corruption case in Xiling Province to the corn and vegetable project in Qiangui Province, a series of corruption cases harmed the interests of the people. As a discipline inspection official, Zhong Xiaohua handles each case meticulously and calmly, steadily increasing his authority while always protecting the people’s interests from harm. He makes serving the people his foremost duty. 7Reads—Score—14d adds
- 155 A Wild Ride Through Officialdom: Starting with a Summons for Investigation 官道狂飙：从被带走调查开始 Liu Sheyu, deputy director of the Pinghu County Party Committee Office and secretary to the county Party secretary, is taken away for investigation. His girlfriend’s entire family abandons him, and his best friend betrays him. But against all odds, he turns the tables, and from then on, there’s no stopping him! 679Reads7.3Score12414d adds
- 156 The Political Chess Game 仕途棋局 [Realistic political drama] + [Anti-corruption and crime crackdown] + [Veteran comradeship] + [Rural prosperity] + [Family] After leaving the army, Qin Tianci returned to his hometown. On his very first day at work, his boss gave him a hard time and sent him to serve in a poor, remote village. After starting the job, he learned some shocking news: he actually had thirteen fathers? The mountain villager who had raised him with so much care wasn't his biological father! After uncovering the truth 8.5kReads8.2Score1.1k14d adds
- 157 Cheng Wuxu's Fifth Book 程无序的第5本书 [An Incomplete Guide to Officialdom] Political elites aren't made in a day. Zhao Zhiliu carves out a path to promotion through betrayal, scheming, and stepping on others, joining forces with newcomer Ning Xiaofei to keep working miracles and reach the pinnacle of life. 36Reads8.8Score—14d adds
- 158 I Was Promoted Over My Head from the Bottom, and They Said I Was Cheating 从基层越级被说开挂 I would give my life for my country, never avoiding danger for the sake of my own fortune or misfortune! 82Reads8.9Score—14d adds
- 159 A Book from Another World 2 别有洞天2的一本书 It takes brains, and it takes hard work. The road to the summit is lined with both thorns and fragrance. A tale of strategy, political maneuvering, and the wit and ambition needed to rise through the ranks, as well as the triumphs of life. 302Reads8.9Score10314d adds
- 160 Officialdom: The Puppet Wife 官场：提线夫人 Power is the finest puppeteer, and marriage its sharpest strings. Every gift comes with a price quietly attached. When the elegant puppeteer slid the divorce papers in front of Li Mo, he realized he was already standing on the edge of a cliff. 14.1kReads8.8Score1.7k14d adds
- 161 A Book by Jiuxiaohonghu jiuxiaohonghu的一本书 Just before his promotion, his boss gets into trouble and his wife cheats on him. Ouyang Zhiyuan’s life takes a devastating turn, leaving his future shrouded in darkness. Just as he despairs, the arrival of his ex-girlfriend unexpectedly brings a ray of hope, and his fortunes begin to rebound… 916Reads7.9Score16014d adds
- 162 Officialese 官腔 Behind power lie worldly savvy, strategy, and human relationships. Only the truly shrewd can play this game well. Xia Dong starts out stuck on the sidelines in the county committee office, then rises to become director of the county education bureau. Just when he thinks his troubles are finally over, he finds himself caught between danger on both sides. Let’s see how he breaks through the impasse. 95Reads7.1Score—14d adds
- 163 My Survival Game in the Civil Service 我的体制内生存游戏 Zhou Zhengyi is a struggling student from a third-rate college, with a girlfriend who looks down on him and no prospects for the future. Hoping to pass the civil service exam and land a secure government job, he signs a loan-shark-like contract and enters the legendary “Guaranteed Pass” boot camp. Here, everything has its price, and the rules are dark. From the moment he is forced to swallow his first answer against his conscience, power begins to quietly reshape him. Money, women, opportunities 3Reads—Score—14d adds
- 164 Thirty Years of Political Ups and Downs 宦海沉浮三十年 A rural boy claws his way out of the countryside and into the world of politics, enduring relentless suppression in a grueling struggle to defy fate and change his life. After being tested in multiple workplaces and weathering the ups and downs of several relationships, he is repeatedly beaten down, only to turn the tables again and again. With no connections or backing, how far can he get in thirty years in politics? Is the problem the individual, or the system? A thought-provoking story. It al 4Reads—Score—14d adds
- 165 The Beautiful Judge Is Immortal 美女判官是万岁 A car accident outside the advanced court in Jincheng leaves a beautiful chief justice fighting for her life, and she begins to look back on her past... Liu Rumeng, a young woman from a remote mountain village, starts out as the lowest-ranking court clerk and gradually rises to become president of the advanced court, with the power of life and death in her hands. The world of officialdom, human nature, the workplace, political maneuvering, marriage and family, and the mysterious day-to-day life 2Reads—Score—14d adds
- 166 The Officialdom Rankings: Rising and Falling in the Political Arena 官榜：宦海浮沉 [Officialdom] + [Political Intrigue] + [Period Novel] Returning to the 1990s, Chen Guohua, a civil servant, relies on the foresight that comes with being reborn to emerge from a desperate predicament and finally get a new lease on life. But before he can enjoy his fresh start, he's given a mission at a moment of crisis and sent to Qianlou Town. There, he must face entrenched local factions, an impoverished township, and investors with ulterior motives... Chen Guohua fears nothing. He meets each 4Reads7.0Score—14d adds
- 167 Rising Through the Ranks to New Heights 官升扶摇直上九万里 After being reborn, Weng Qingyun is no longer lost. He takes Wu Yunxia's hand once more and sets out on his official career. To reach the top, Weng Qingyun is willing to put himself at risk, taking on one seemingly impossible task after another. To realize his lofty ambitions, Weng Qingyun not only rids the people of their troubles along the path to advancement, but also brings more policies that benefit the local population. The sea of officialdom is treacherous. See how Weng Qingyun rises abov 60Reads—Score—14d adds
- 168 Ink-Boned Beauty: From Seedling Thinning to Selection, Every Step Is a Nerve-Racking Trial 墨骨天娇：从蹲苗到遴选步步惊心 [Ink-Boned, Edge Concealed | Clearheaded, Career-Driven Heroine | Rise Through the Ranks | Grassroots Cadre Selection | Workplace Mind Games] People say that boneless painting depicts a spirit and conceals a sharp edge. Xia Qing, a young female official sent to gain grassroots experience in a township, has made the principles of boneless painting the way she survives in the ruthless arena of officialdom. She has two brushes in hand: One brings flowers to life with every stroke, creating boneless 74Reads7.6Score1014d adds
- 169 The Mission of Justice 正义的使命 Life is a play, and fate takes its course. He cares for the people and serves the public selflessly. Amid a tangled web of circumstances, Li Yuanlang cuts through obstacles and faces every challenge head-on, composing a magnificent chapter for a new era!! 16.5kReads9.3Score10014d adds
- 170 Making Waves 叱咤风云 Amid the great tides of change sweeping in from the southeast, Xiao Zheng, a low-ranking grassroots official, seizes an opportunity by chance and embarks on a journey from hidden potential to dazzling success. 1.9kReads6.8Score18714d adds
- 171 Rise and Fall in the Officialdom 官场沉浮 A class reunion, a chance encounter: watch as Huang Haichuan spins a down-to-earth legend, stages a spectacular reversal of fortune, and rises step by step while finding success at every turn in the political arena. When he meets his former lover again, who will have the last laugh? Huang Haichuan is determined to take his grassroots rise to the very end! 607Reads8.6Score14114d adds
- 172 The Road Through Officialdom 宦路 The character for “official” has two mouths: if they say you're capable, then you're capable; if they say you're not, then you're not! The political arena is full of deceit and scheming, and one wrong step can leave you shattered. Zhou Yang knows this all too well. With no powerful backers, no connections, and no money, how can he survive? He has no choice but to keep going. He works hard and fights on, rising step by step to a position of power... 8.4kReads9.0Score85614d adds
- 173 Global Business Tycoon: Young Master Zhao Picks Up the Tab 全球顶级财阀：赵公子买单 [Officialdom + Business Warfare + Feel-Good Story + Inspirational + Multiple Heroines] Tianzhou City, Longguo. After Deng Zhenxing suppresses Zhao Qiankun, the adopted son of Zhao Guoqing, leader of the Beggars’ Gang, his family’s influence begins to decline. Then a schemer frames him and sends him plunging off a cliff. To his surprise, he obtains The Art of Mind Reading, written by Liu Bowen. From then on, his career takes off, and he becomes a top global tycoon. 11Reads—Score—14d adds
- 174 Guo Jingyuan's Notes on Officialdom 郭敬远官场笔记 Set firmly against the backdrop of its era, this novel brings political realism and commercial idealism together seamlessly. The protagonist, Guo Jingyuan, has an exceptionally accurate grasp of economic trends and a remarkably keen business instinct. While still at university, he earns his first fortune at colleges across the capital. But determined to fulfill his ambitions, he resolutely enters politics, starting at the grassroots level while building his business career in parallel. In busine 135Reads—Score—14d adds
- 175 Officialdom: The Super Secretary 官场：超级秘书 [Officialdom + Anti-Corruption + Crackdown on Organized Crime + Exhilarating] After Lin Wentao was reborn, he used his foresight to break through the obstacles in officialdom, dismantle the traps set for him, and rescue a superior conducting an undercover investigation alone. Rising step by step, he reached the pinnacle of his political career! 8.9kReads8.5Score75614d adds
- 176 Rise to the Top: A Record of a Shocking Case 巅峰青云：惊天大案录 Cao Yang jumped from the roof of the Education Bureau and left a final message on his social feed: If anything happens to me, it was no accident. Three days later, Director Meng Qinghuan was taken away, sentenced to twelve years, and died in prison. I was reborn. This time, I’m going to make sure she gets out alive. I’ll make money trading stocks, lay the groundwork to fight corruption, and protect everyone who believes in me. Wang Guoqing, Liu Hongyuan, and that big fish in the provincial gover 126Reads—Score—14d adds
- 177 The Pinnacle of Public Service: Rising from the Grassroots 官途巅峰，从基层乡镇崛起！ Lu Tianming, top scorer in the provincial civil service exam, is betrayed by his girlfriend. By a twist of fate, he encounters a benefactor who comes to his aid. With his official career going nowhere, Lu Tianming makes a stunning move, and from then on, he rockets to the top… 3.5kReads7.9Score31814d adds
- 178 The County Party Committee 县委班子 County Leadership tells the story of Linchuan County's officials staying true to their original mission and fulfilling their duties as the county develops. By uniting their efforts to improve governance and drive local development, they show the positive spirit of grassroots officials devoted to serving the people and taking initiative. 5Reads6.2Score—14d adds
- 179 Reborn in the Political Arena: Turning the Tide 重生官场：扭转乾坤 My latest work is out! You can read it on Tomato Novel. I hope you enjoy it. Your support motivates me to write, and I'll do my best to tell every story well! —Reads—Score—14d adds
- 180 Officialdom: You Were Reborn to Eat Dirt, I Was Reborn to End You 官场：你重生吃土，我重生要你命 [Officialdom] [No goody-two-shoes heroine] [Decisive and ruthless] [Purely satisfying] In his previous life, Zhang Ling upheld the law impartially and earned a reputation for integrity. From then on, he rose steadily through the ranks. After being reborn, Zhang Ling discovered that his enemies had also transmigrated back, and were even trying to steal the opportunities that should have been his! Only Zhang Ling knew those opportunities were actually a source of disaster! In this life, he would s 6.1kReads7.7Score61014d adds
- 181 Rising Step by Step in Middle Age 人到中年：步步高升 Cheng Dawei has offended his beautiful boss and is constantly being targeted by her. He never expected that one good deed would turn his luck around and send him climbing the career ladder. From a nobody in the company whom everyone bullied, he rises to become the darling everyone fawns over and curries favor with... 811Reads8.7Score10714d adds
- 182 A Modern-Era People’s Official 当代民吏 This is a modern novel about an ordinary person navigating a career in government. It does feature a “System,” but it isn’t a wish-fulfillment fantasy. It’s more like a guidebook to working within the system, with the “System” serving only as a voice-over that explains things. For ordinary readers, it offers a look at how people work and live within the system. For those already working within it, it offers a deeper understanding of how to conduct yourself and get things done. WTF? He gets hit b 1Reads—Score—14d adds
- 183 The Road to Officialdom: Reborn to Make a Comeback in 1998 官路青云：重生之逆袭1998 Reborn in 1998, Lu Qingyun starts out as a township official. Armed with memories of his past life and remarkable resolve, he saves a hundred lives amid catastrophic floods, takes on bureaucrats, and stakes his career on a bold promise. He rises by breaking through obstacles and attracting investment, joining forces with a talented provincial newspaper reporter and a wealthy businesswoman to overhaul resources and revitalize state-owned enterprises. Amid the whirlpool of power and profit, he sta —Reads—Score—14d adds
- 184 A Play’s Performance: A Hilarious Tale of Officialdom 一个剧本的演出，啼笑皆非的官场 A play being performed, and an absurd, laughable officialdom —Reads—Score—14d adds
- 185 Special Reconnaissance Soldier, Ruler of the Urban Underworld 特种侦察兵，纵横都市江湖 Han Dong, a special reconnaissance soldier forced to retire due to injury, was on his way home when he unexpectedly rescued Yang Mei, a beautiful CEO. Winning her affection, he charged ahead without looking back, tearing through the treacherous urban underworld... 80kReads7.7Score5.3k14d adds
- 186 A Grand Vision for Officialdom 官场宏图 A lesser physician treats people; a great physician treats the nation. Xia Feng, a talented traditional Chinese medicine student, resolutely enters politics to avenge his father's death. But when it rains, it pours. On the very day of his wedding, his father-in-law dies unexpectedly. From then on, Xia Feng is met with cold indifference at home. His mother-in-law resents him, and his wife lives apart from him for long stretches. With his father-in-law gone, Xia Feng loses his shelter. Then, after 13.1kReads8.9Score1.1k14d adds
- 187 Officialdom: The Road to the Summit 官场：问鼎之路 Zhao Chengliang and his girlfriend Lin Xueru had been in love for four years, but her father broke them up because their families were not of equal standing. In a fit of anger, Zhao Chengliang joined the government, starting out as an ordinary man at the bottom and rising step by step! 6.8kReads8.9Score82114d adds
- 188 The Pinnacle of Power: It All Began When I Woke Up in the County Magistrate's Home 权力巅峰：从县长家醒来开始 [Everyday Political Life + Secretary + Career Building + Political Infighting + One Female Lead + Slow Burn + Not Reborn + No System + Lighthearted Style] Liu Feng had always kept his family background hidden. But after a breakup and some bold words at graduation, he unexpectedly became the county magistrate's liaison in Xifeng County. Little did he know, this would be the beginning of his rise straight to the pinnacle of power. What does it mean for human nature to be treacherous? What is the t 161Reads—Score—14d adds
- 189 Promotion 提拔 “Are kings, nobles, generals, and ministers born to their stations?” Chen Sheng's cry was also the spark in the heart of our protagonist, who came from a family of poor peasants three generations deep. He was once an obscure chauffeur, but his diligence and concern for ordinary people caught the eye of a perceptive female leader. He advanced carefully, making his way through an elite workplace and enduring trial after trial. He got along with people from every side, yet never lost sight of his p 35.3kReads8.3Score3k14d adds
- 190 The Rise of Technology in Officialdom 官场之科技崛起风云 The Rise of Technology in the Political Arena Jiang Weiwen returns reborn as a grassroots official and faces a complex situation head-on. Drawing on the memories and wisdom of his previous life, he devotes himself to scientific research and economic development, directly resolving crises and overcoming numerous challenges in cutting-edge technology. In doing so, he contributes to the strength of his country and the prosperity of its people. 5Reads—Score—14d adds
- 191 The Bitter and Sweet of Bureaucracy 机关的苦辣酸甜 This story follows Lu Zhenyu, a brilliant graduate of a prestigious university. After joining the government, he finds that he cannot shake his scholarly nature. As he struggles with the clash between ideals and reality, see how he experiences the bitter and sweet sides of life in the bureaucracy. 25Reads6.5Score—14d adds
- 192 The Winds of Change on the Official Path 官路之风起云涌 This book is the sequel to Reborn: The Candid Confession. Father and son Zhang Anping and Zhang Hao have both left Jiang Province to enter a much broader political arena. After losing most of his support, Zhang Hao once again finds himself in a difficult situation. How will he plan his moves and secure victory from afar? Watch the tides of change, and listen for the dragon’s roar. (All characters, locations, and events in this book are fictional. Please do not connect them to real life. Any rese 2.2kReads8.9Score14714d adds
- 193 A Book About Eating Six Meals a Day 一天六顿饭的一本书 Wang Hongwei graduated from a prestigious university and seemed destined for a bright future, but an accident happened while he was drunk... Fortunately, he was reborn and cleverly managed to defuse the crisis, setting out on a career path in public service all his own! 56Reads6.9Score—14d adds
- 194 The Exceptional Principal 极品校长 Lin Tiannan enters the political arena as a school principal, ready to ride the waves and stride forward with confidence. His life takes off from there. Watch Principal Lin smile as he observes the winds of change... 37Reads—Score—14d adds
- 195 From Employee to Political Powerbroker 从职员到官场枭雄 The career path is a bottomless abyss. Only by being cautious every step of the way can you reach the summit and serve the people. Shao Hongwei started out as a junior clerk. It was his deep sense of awe and responsibility that made him a regional official. 395Reads7.4Score10514d adds
- 196 The Rise and Fall of Officialdom: Starting with the Crackdown on Organized Crime 宦海浮沉：从扫除黑恶开始 Everyday urban life + Career in government + Poverty alleviation + Anti-gang operations + Anti-corruption Night falls in Bingcheng, and the city lights flicker to life. Three poverty-alleviation secretaries have died in the line of duty in quick succession, pushing the meeting's atmosphere to a breaking point. All the burden now rests on Yan Qing, a demobilized military officer. As the newly appointed secretary stationed in the village, can he uncover the truth? Or, more precisely, will he live 7.4kReads8.8Score71414d adds
- 197 A Political Mastermind's Song of Prosperity 长盛高歌之政治高手 This is the story of Li Changsheng, a senior county-level official, and his rise to the top. He is skilled in calligraphy, feng shui, and antiques. Decisive and full of schemes, he is also charming, carefree, and bold. He sees through both the ugliness and goodness of society, and puts forward many new ideas and principles for good governance, public welfare, and social development. 780Reads6.7Score10414d adds
- 198 The Cowboy’s Foray into Officialdom 放牛娃子闯官场 Liu Wenjie, a rural teacher who grew up herding cattle, left the classroom and entered government service through a chance opportunity. In the classroom, he used knowledge to educate people. In government, he used his abilities to help them. He remembered just one thing: “If you become an official, be a good one. Be an official who gets real things done for ordinary people and does right by them! Be an official whose feet are always caked with the mud of the fields!” With this unwavering commitm 103Reads6.9Score—14d adds
- 199 The Power Game: A Scandalous Political Career 权路迷局：绯色官途 The arrival of a female leader from outside gave Hao Feng, a county government office secretary who had long been suppressed, a chance to turn things around. After falling into a shocking trap, Hao Feng emerged stronger and was entrusted with important responsibilities. From then on, his career in government took off. He unraveled one mystery after another, rose rapidly through the ranks, and ultimately reached the pinnacle of power. 851Reads9.0Score10314d adds
- 200 The Art of Power in Officialdom 权术官途 Zhao Qianlong, a man from humble beginnings with a heart for serving the people, enters public service. Watch as he charges headlong through every obstacle and carves out a path to success. 2.4kReads8.9Score28214d adds
