Tribulations of a Chinaman in China
by Jules Verne
Kin-Fo, a young Chinese man living in Shang-Hai, is accused by his good friend Wang of not feeling any discomfort that would make him appreciate true happiness in his life. When Kin-Fo receives the news of the loss of his fortune, he provides for the confiscation of an insurance policy that will cover his death or even his suicide; that he plans to undertake. When Kin-Fo can't make it to the end of his own life, he even tells Wang to do so, giving him a letter to save him from what he has done. Wang then disappears, and Kin-Fo feels very uncomfortable, especially when he is informed that his wealth has not been lost. He travels around China, hoping to avoid murder before his contract expires. His discomfort increases when a note comes from Wang stating that he regrets not being able to fulfill the contract, so he hands over to his old friend Lao Shen, the infamous character.
