The Butterfly Beauty

Before he turned eighteen, You Yi's life was arranged down to the last detail by Xiang Yu. He went to school and took exams as planned, and, barring any surprises, would marry Xiang Yu after graduating from university and live a peaceful, carefree life.

Xiang Yu kept a close eye on him. He checked every one of You Yi's chat logs, keeping him under constant surveillance. But You Yi was perfectly happy with it and saw nothing wrong; he even took it as a sign that Xiang Yu cared about him. Xiang Yu was the only person he loved in the world, and the more Xiang Yu kept tabs on him, the happier he was.

This went on until the summer of his eighteenth year, when he overheard Xiang Yu telling someone else that he didn't love him, and only looked after him out of obligation and habit. His perfect life shattered in an instant, turning his whole world upside down.

Heartbroken, he secretly changed his university choices and went to another city, in another country. He ruthlessly cut off all contact with Xiang Yu. Three years later, convinced he could face the past with equanimity, he packed his things and returned home, ready to start a new life. His only concern was that Xiang Yu's controlling nature might interfere with his plans. But then he thought, so what? Xiang Yu didn't love him, and would surely feel relieved and happy to be rid of him.

He had always been the one clinging to Xiang Yu and causing him trouble. This time, he would finally let go.

As someone perfect in every way, Xiang Yu's only flaw was his neighbor's little brother, You Yi. You Yi's parents were away from the country most of the time, so they left their son in Xiang Yu's family's care. Forced to take on the role of a parent, Xiang Yu looked after the boy, who was three years younger. Whether he was going to school or out with friends, the little tagalong was always at his side, and people often teased him about it.

Unlike other children, You Yi was obedient and well-behaved, but also sickly and unable to manage on his own. He was exceptionally beautiful, too, and more than once drew the attention of people with bad intentions. Each time, Xiang Yu was scared out of his wits, and after that he couldn't bear to let You Yi out of his sight.

You Yi was a fragile, beautiful butterfly who could only thrive under his protection.

After ten years of this, even the most sensible child would grow tired of it. Xiang Yu didn't like You Yi at all, but his sense of duty meant he had to look after him. Worst of all, after getting drunk at a celebration following the college entrance exams, he and You Yi ended up in a relationship of a different kind. To take responsibility, he would have to marry You Yi and spend the rest of his life with him. You Yi had become his life sentence.

Habit had made it feel natural. Though he would never be free again, he could accept it. He would rather marry someone he'd known for over a decade and understood inside out than anyone else. But for some reason, You Yi had secretly changed his university choices and wasn't studying in the same city. Xiang Yu was angry, but there was nothing he could do except keep him in line during the holidays.

When he graduated from university, he chose to work in You Yi's city. He imagined how excited You Yi would be when he found out about the surprise, and couldn't help getting excited himself. Instead, he received a message from him: "Bro, I know you don't like me and don't want to marry me. I'm sorry. I didn't realize I'd been holding you back all these years. I've thought about it for a long time and applied to study abroad. I don't want to get in your way. Let's break up. I hope you find someone you love who is right for you."

Every means of contact had been cut off, and none of their mutual friends knew anything. Dragging his suitcase through the crowded airport, Xiang Yu felt utterly lost for the first time.

After You Yi came back, Xiang Yu kept telling himself to stay calm and patiently repair their relationship. He cautiously approached You Yi bit by bit, trying to bring him back under his wing, only to be rejected again and again. Without his protection, You Yi shone brilliantly beneath the spotlights. Xiang Yu could only watch as countless people adored his butterfly, flying off into a vast sky that did not belong to him.

A domineering, intensely controlling patriarch of an aggressor x a gentle yet stubborn, hardworking beauty of a receiver. The aggressor changes later on.

Theme: Strive to prove yourself