I guess I get the pleasure of being the first to review this. In all honesty, I am conflicted about this story. If you are somebody who finds entertainment in psychological stories like me, that facet of this book truly is quite gripping, at least so far as I have read, though it's not much. I legitimately am very curious to see how the direction of the plot will go. However, I would advise everyone going into this to be aware that there is a morally questionable relationship between a... more>> psychologist (ML) and his client (MC). Perhaps it is more of a personal hang-up on my part, as somebody who has had to seek professional help myself for my mental health, but it did make me uncomfortable. For a doctor to pursue any relationship with a patient is off-putting, to say the least. The sessions between the two felt very different to any of my experiences with multiple professionals, as well. I'm not sure, the flow of the sessions was... off. Not anything like I've known it to be like. Of course, my own experience is very different to the one that the MC has been through, so I can't really say if it was inaccurate or not.

As for the depictions of multiple personalities, I am unable to comment on whether it was done well, as I have no personal experience with multiple personalities with either myself or anyone around me, not to mention the fact that I haven't read enough the book to tell anyways. All I can say is that it makes for an intriguing plot setup, and it makes the psychological aspect very interesting.

As for the writing itself, I really like it. The story is broken up into different sections that switch perspectives while the MC is in therapy (I know I explained it poorly, but I'm a scientist, not an English teacher :p). The style is pretty unique and definitely adds to the sense of mystery that the whole story has surrounding it. If you're somebody who appreciates good writing a lot, this one might be for you.

Overall, I am very intrigued by this story. In any case, I can't comfortably continue it because of the doctor/patient relationship of the MC and ML. It's a bit unfortunate, because on top of an intriguing setup and cool writing, this really doesn't seem to be like anything else I've ever seen. If you like psychologicals, I'd say at least give it a shot. Maybe you'll make it a bit farther than I did.

Cheers! <<less

Synopsis from the manhua:

The psychological counselor Ling received a patient on a normal afternoon. That patient seemed to be a weak and well-mannered gentleman from a wealthy family... but he confessed that he had beat his lover unconscious and buried him alive... doctor, What should I do?

...

... more>> What can I say, this story is so full of twists till the end. Just when you thought at least you have the gist, another revelation pops up.

So the MC here have flaws, from breaching ethics (e.g. falling for his client — fyi he tried to distanced himself at first, and when he can't anymore he carried that guilt later), to failing to notice significant details, and so on. And that makes him more human, which I dig I guess...

Tbh if I compare this to other works I've read about DID (which is not that many I admit) this is more 'realistic' in a sense that the 'switches' seems more believable. There's a trigger and alters come out in response to a situation.

Spoiler

ML should seriously start considering an acting career huh

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P.S. You see that manipulative character tag right there? Yeah take that in mind as you read. Not everything is what it looks like at first... including who is the gong and shou hahaha <<less

The story is undoubtedly good. The pacing, plot, and story telling is awesome.

But professional-wise? Not very good... it’s bad even... meeting patient outside work hours is definitely a no-no, he also knows himself that his occupation work ethic prohibits him from making the patient excessively dependent on him, unfortunately, his actions tell otherwise...

I get that it’s nice to see both of them working this out together, being there for each other. Honestly if the mc’s official occupation is not a psychologist (and in this case, the ml’s specified psychologist) I... more>> would like this even better.

Because sometimes while reading you’d get how sweet they are but also there’s a slight guilty feeling because it’s kinda morally questionable. from the start, the ML is being influenced by his dependence on MC, he was not in the right state of mind.

But anyways, it’s a pretty good story and fresh. <<less

This novel really likes to play with my feelings. Looking at the summary, I thought I was reading a novel of a DID patient receiving help while falling in love with a psychologist.

At first, I thought ML's ex was one of his personalities until it is confirmed that he is real and in prison, causing ML trauma. Then, ML have other personalities, his words, actions makes me thinks that he has DID. But, he did not have at all! It was fake! Just like how a ◻ acts like O,... more>> thinking that he is O. These actions is just like how the reality is. We act to suit others, not to be discriminated against and follow the mainstream in society.

Such a good novel, totally enjoy reading this! <<less

Greatly enjoyed the story. All the twists had me in my toes.

Wanted to write a review just because all the other reviews seem one-sided and after reading the novel don't seem all that accurate. I agree with the criticism that the Doctor definitely was not acting within his professional capacity and became too involved with the patient. However this is a work of fiction, and as an almost psychological thriller this is a common trope that is used and should not be taken seriously, just like you wouldn't take a work of fiction like Hannibal as a correct and healthy dynamic... more>> (obviously though Hannibal is a thousand times more f*cked up).

The inappropriateness comes from the fact that he developed feelings for a patient and a later when he used to his authority as a doctor unethically. This something the doctor knows is wrong and is never justified in the novel.

The main focus is obviously the relationship between the MC and ML. The Doctor does genuinely want him to get better. The problem is the fact he is too concerned and too willing to help in fact. This is not a case of him wanting to him to get worse or initially misleads him. In fact the MC is very honest with him. He even recommends the ML to his senior who is more equipped to handle DID then him, and tries to refrain from trying to ask about what goes on in the session between them.

Regarding the manipulation in this novel:

Spoiler

In fact it's the ML that is doing the manipulating and lying from the start. Multiple times he lies and manipulates the Doctor until he finally tells him the truth after the Doctor kept figuring it out. However it is true that he is indeed a patient that needs help and does fall in love with the doctor.

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I think the ending was acceptable considering all the lies that was built on this relationship. And it shows that while they really do have feelings for each other, recovery for the ML is still the MC's priority. They are working on forming healthy dynamics while working on themselves and their relationship.

This isn't a great story overall story telling wise. It was kinda bland to be honest but the description was interesting enough for me to give it a shot even though the comments were so negative. And after reading the story I felt the comments were too one-sided and negative on certain aspects so I thought this review can balance it out.

Some may feel I defend the Doctor too much, but I feel the author didn't write it in a gross way where I felt that ethical violations were too uncomfortable for me to enjoy a work of fiction. That's happened to me before where I'm fine with morally dubious and sometimes immoral actions in one story but not in another because it's written in a way that makes too real and uncomfortable where I feel the violation on behalf of the character and I think this story didn't do that. <<less

The MC is Psychiatrists but why it's feel like he's crossing the boundaries between patient and doctor.

It's uncomfortable to continue reading this. So I'm out..

I really didn't mean to leave a comment here, but... how should I put it... I'm really annoyed with ML (uke) and MC (seme).

This may be a spoiler, so don't bother reading it further if you don't want to.

So, ugh, I don't know much about the ethics of a psychiatrist, but about MC meddling in patient privacy (ML) that's true. even he admits it in the middle chapter. ML is a person who is very good at manipulating, I think because MC is too naive and easily fooled by ML's... more>> charm, MC managed to get into the hole dug by ML.

between MC and ML, obviously they are not good. I actually feel sorry for the MC's friend, he has warned the MC repeatedly but the MC just pretends not to know and doesn't want to know...

What, I have no sympathy for MC and ML. but it's a good read, lol.

1. plus, instead of saying MC is a doctor, he's like a cop interrogating ML. if the plot was a cop and a criminal, it would probably be a better fit.
2. BUT THE ENDING IS SATISFYING, REALLY!

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