Control Freak

[Full manuscript completed, progress: 10/30]

At eleven, a sudden disaster took Xu Jinshi's father and left the family with a huge debt.

Xu Jinshi's life took a sharp turn.

He was sent back to his family's home in the countryside. Two years of planting crops in spring and harvesting in autumn, through the cold and the heat, ground down all his pride.

So when the Shen family offered him a chance, he knew there had to be a price hidden behind their tempting conditions, but he still grabbed hold with everything he had.

He became the companion and tutor of Shen Gui, the Shen family's only son.

Shen Gui was gentle and courteous, and took great care of him. His one flaw was his overpowering need for control.

Everything about Xu Jinshi was under Shen Gui's control. He couldn't allow even the slightest shadow in his thoughts.

He said, "From now on, you belong only to me. Just do as I say and believe every word I tell you. Don't think. Don't question me."

He said, "You have to tell me everything you're thinking. Don't lie to me. If you do, I'll know."

He said, "Love me forever, Jinshi. Love only me forever, and never open your door to anyone else. We'll embrace and depend on each other in the darkness. Our blood and bones will mingle, filling the emptiness inside me. We'll never be apart again."

Xu Jinshi thought that was love. But years later, looking back, he realized that Shen Gui had severed all his friendships, romances, and family ties.

He tried to escape, but he was always found.

Shen Gui smiled with infinite tenderness.

He said, "Why do you want to leave? You don't need friends, a lover, or your mother. I'm your friend, your lover, your mother. I can give you all the love you need. Isn't that wonderful?"

Theme: Break free from the shackles of darkness and welcome a bright future!