A Life for a Life - Chinese Drama 2025

A Life for a Life is a suspense crime drama directed by Lu Chuan, starring Qin Hao, Han Geng, and Zhong Chuxi, the cast also include Shi Pengyuan, Lin Boyang, Liu Xiaohai, Su Xiaodong, Zhang Jingwei, Ai Liya, Liang Tian, Shen Yuqian, Guo Jinglin, and Wu Qijiang.

Adapted from Shi Yifeng’s novel of the same name, the series unfolds in the early 1990s and follows top police academy graduate Du Xiangdong, who, contrary to his aspirations, is assigned to work at a detention center. When two detainees under his watch unexpectedly escape, it sets in motion a relentless pursuit that spans over two decades.

Details

English Title: A Life for a Life
Chinese Title: 借命而生
Other Titles: 岁月追寻
Genre: Suspense, Crime
Episodes: 13
Duration: 45 min.
Director: Lu Chuan
Screenwriter: Shi Yifeng, Shen Rong, Xiong Yuzhen
Released Date: 2025-04-18
Broadcast Website: iQIYI

Cast

Qin HaoDu XiangdongMain Role
Han GengXu WenguoMain Role
Zhong ChuxiLiu FenfangMain Role
Shi PengyuanYao BinbinSupport Role
Lin BoyangSun YonghongSupport Role
Liu XiaohaiZhang XiangyangSupport Role
Su XiaodingTang YaoxinSupport Role
Ai LiyaCui LizhenSupport Role
Liang TianLi ChaoSupport Role
Guo JinglinTang WeiminSupport Role

View All

Synopsis

In the early '90s, Du Xiangdong dreams of becoming a criminal investigator but finds himself stuck in the monotony of detention center duties. He soon notices the remarkable intellect and mechanical expertise of two inmates—Xu Wenguo and Yao Binbin—and even develops a certain admiration for them.

However, as he digs deeper, he uncovers a disturbing case involving their secret manufacturing of firearms and their suspected involvement in the murder of Li Chao, a workshop supervisor at the Sixth Machinery Factory. Du’s former classmate and now detective, Zhang Xiangyang, holds a completely different view of the truth, prompting Du Xiangdong to pursue the case alone.

During the transfer of the two suspects, an unexpected incident occurs, allowing them to escape. Du manages to recapture Yao Binbin, but Xu Wenguo vanishes into the vast world. From that moment on, Du Xiangdong begins a relentless pursuit of Xu Wenguo that lasts over twenty years. This chase seeps into the lives of their families and friends, becoming the driving force and backdrop of both men's destinies.

Against the tides of a changing era, their story illuminates the quiet brilliance of ordinary people who endure hardship while still reaching for the stars. It becomes a soul-stirring epic that pays tribute to the resilient spirits rooted in the soil yet forever longing for the light above.