Huang tang shi jian (1990)

Overview

Adapted from Zhang Yu's "The Appendix" and Chen Jun's "A Boring Story," the story revolves around Zhao Youliang, the mayor of a certain city, who holds significant power. However, his actions are constantly monitored closely by his secretary and wife, with the best intentions, making it difficult for him to act freely according to his own will, which distresses him. To implement the higher authorities' instructions for clean and honest governance, he begins to act alone frequently, wandering the streets and alleys like an ordinary citizen. He feels relaxed and enlightened, gaining insights he couldn't obtain from sitting in his office.