Deer In the Forest

Lin Shen once loved Li Jibai. During those three years in Country M, Lin Shen’s heart wavered, but Li Jibai’s never did. Li Jibai would speak to his lover, deliberately letting Lin Shen hear: “He’s just an assistant. At best, an occasional f*ck. It means nothing. I trained him for work, not for the bedroom.” So Lin Shen faced reality and resigned himself to being just an assistant. Li Jibai left Lin Shen with a business partner, wagered him as a bet, locked him in a basement. Yet Lin Shen took a bullet for him. But then, Lin Shen’s revenge comes in betrayal. He fled. Everyone told Li Jibai to “Let it go.” “Better to forget each other than cling in misery.” But to Li Jibai, that was bullshit. Even if he had to turn the world upside down, he’d drag that man back, just to cling in misery. Content Warnings: Coercion, imprisonment, mildly violent scenes. The ML once gave the MC to a partner (but the MC escaped). The ML was cruel because he didn’t love, but once he does, he becomes unwavering and devoted.

Original Publisher

jjwxc

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Deer In the Forest "Deer in the Forest" is a novel that certainly leaves a mark. Diving into the depths of drama, psychological themes, and mature content, it's not a light read by any means. I came away with a lot to think about, especially regarding the complexities of revenge and redemption. ### First Impressions Right off the bat, the sheer number of tags – abusive characters, betrayal, brother complex – paints a picture of a story that doesn't shy away from difficult themes. It's clear this isn't a fluffy romance, but rather a deep dive into the aftermath of trauma and the long road to recovery. I was intrigued, but also braced myself for an emotionally challenging experience. ### What Works Well What struck me most was the character of Lin Shen. He's not your typical revenge protagonist who suddenly forgets their goals when love enters the picture. Lin Shen remains steadfast, even while navigating complex emotions. I appreciated that he never completely abandoned his objectives, even when faced with difficult choices. I also liked the ending. The subtle reunion felt earned and realistic after everything he'd been through. ### Areas of Concern Li Jibai is a character that I found difficult to connect with. While character growth is a common theme in novels, his actions were so reprehensible that any attempts at redemption felt inadequate. I also felt that some of his behaviors were completely unacceptable. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Some key plot points involve Lin Shen's revenge plan and the impact it has on Li Jibai and his family. There's also the morally questionable act of sending Lin Shen to Wei Qidong. The story also involves Lin Shen running away to M Country and Li Jibai's pursuit. ### Final Verdict "Deer in the Forest" isn't a comfortable read, but it's a compelling one. It's a story about resilience, the complexities of revenge, and the long, arduous journey of healing. While the romance might not be for everyone, the exploration of human nature and the struggle to rebuild a shattered life make it a worthwhile, if challenging, experience. I'd recommend it to those who appreciate character-driven narratives and aren't afraid to confront darker themes.