Another concept of Chinese translations, is something called 'Face-slapping'.
Let's go ahead and shorten it to 'FS' to make this easier. FS occurs inside novels as a means of entertainment for Chinese readers, but also, it often serves as a writing method to force a plot forward.
FS is very easy to spot when reading a novel; at first you may struggle to see the tell-tale signs, but eventually you'll recognize the them so as to utilize them as a warning for yourself, if you should continue reading the work.
So what exactly is 'Face-slapping' you might ask?
FS, in it's most common form, is a form of social retribution which is used as a means to attain a sense of self-satisfaction. Put simply, it is proving someone wrong; and in the process of doing so you will metaphorically slap them in the face. And the Chinese author in doing so, will try to make you feel rectified in your anger of that particular situation wherein the MC was being underestimated.
At first, it sounds harmless right? However, it has become such a blatantly used tool that it becomes an incredible annoyance.
FS is actually directly linked to our previous chapter's topic of the Chinese IQ Debuff or 'CID'.
In order for these authors to utilize FS in their novels, they must first make the antagonist or the one preparing to 'slapped' a single digit IQ neanderthal. Even if the antagonist is supposed to be 'powerful' or 'smart'; it doesn't matter. As soon as an antagonist has been marked as a target by the author for FS; they become a retard.
Let's look at an imagined scenario as an example, let's say this antagonist is the 'final-boss' of the author's work:
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Antagonist: "Hahaha! That brat dares to enter my realm? Courting Death!"
Antagonist: "Small tricks! What can a brat possibly do?"
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As you can see, by being a target of FS; they have their personality lowered and their mental faculties removed for the sake of pushing forward a plot where the MC will 'slap' them for underestimating him.
In these novels, there could be potential for a much deeper and well thought out plot between the interactions of the MC and the various antagonists. However, because of FS; all interactions are dumbed down by a large degree. Because of this, the ability to enjoy the story drops sharply and it becomes predictable, and therefore, often unreadable. But, looking at it optimistically; by the concept being predictable, you can easily make out the warning signs and prepare yourself for the brain damage in advance.
There are many other forms of FS that occur, the example given was just one of many unfortunately.
Hopefully this guide will give you some insight on some of the warning signs you can identify; before sinking time into a badly made translation.