Zhao Xiuling

Assistant researcher Li Dapin’s claim of discovering a Quaternary “living fossil” tree propels him into sudden fame and brutal institutional rivalry at a research institute.

A mining engineer acting as a technical translator is suspected of industrial espionage after sending an innocent telegram that is intercepted by a militant snoop. Placed under investigation and reassigned to a less sensitive department, but never informed of the reason for his demotion, he petitions to get his job back, sparking an increasingly obtuse series of Party meetings.