Chinese BL/Danmei Recommendation and Reviews

Way of Evil

Pinyin: Huai Dao

Author: Priest

Genre: Crime Drama, Psychological, Yaoi

Pairing: Jiang Hu (shou), Shen Yexi (gong)

Shared Universe: Ni Lu Lai Gui (No Translation Yet)

Plot:

Captain Shen Yexi had just returned from the hospital from a major injury when he crossed paths with a new addition to his team: a just-came-from-America psychologist by the name of Jiang Hu. This psychologist really don't look like one at first glance, and also don't act like one most of the time due to his dim-witted behavior. But first impressions prove wrong as they solve several cases regarding mysterious crimes with very complex psychology, and the only one who can solve it is the Scatterbrained Jiang Hu.

But Shen Yexi felt that the true greatest mystery was this psychologist... And this mystery draws him in to Jiang Hu.

Read if You Like:

- Criminal Psychology

- Silent Reading and Priest's way of writing mystery

- a gluttonous, seemingly dumb but is actually a psychology genius shou x a very determined (especially in pursuing his beloved), great leader gong

- very interesting cases revolving people with mental disorders

- a side couple about a playboy but actually sad boy policeman shou x a flirtatious but changed into waifu material movie star gong (Fuckbuddies to real lovers)

Warning! Don't Read if You:

- are easily triggered by themes like mental disorders, abuse, rape and such

- can't handle gore, the cases here are very graphic

- can't handle NSFW

Spoiler filled Personal Review:

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I really love crime mysteries, especially one that involves so much psychological profiling, and Priest instantly became one of the best psychological mystery writer I know. The cases are viciously vile, and very unique. I gained many insights on mental disorders and psychology from this book, though I don't agree with certain parts (to be specific, about Priest's view of DID being a form of delusional disorder, and that there is only one real 'personality' and the others are fake). But this was written in 2010, so views about mental health is underdeveloped compared to what we have today (but I still believe we have a loooooong way to go, even now).

On to the relationship: It was very slow but not in a bad way. I also really like Shen Yexi's determination, he instantly became one of the most likable gongs out there for me. Their dynamic is also really good as they try to understand each other. The lack of communication because of constant anxiety and fake-smiling here is excruciating and a little too much for me. There are times when I just want to shout "JUST KISS ALREADY!!!!" But their development was satisfying, so I have no complaints anymore. (And their bed scene is really hot—)

But Sheng Yao and Shu Jiu kinda steals the show for me! I don't know, maybe I just have a bias towards FOBOs and playboy x playboy who fall for each other for real. I'm a little sad that they don't have much screen time and their side of the story is a little rushed, BUT HOLY SHIT DID THEY MAKE ME LAUGH AND CRY AND SQUEAL LIKE A MANIAC.

(Secretly hoping they'll get their own book even if it's impossible. I wish at least Priest will write another crime drama with a main cp like them.)

Yang Man and An Yining my two favorite girls! I love them so much, they're the real MVPs! I keep hearing YMCA when I read Yang Man's name hahahaha it fits her too very well. Su Junzi is a very dense mtf but at least he's a good dad. Speaking of good dads, can Shu Jiu's dad adopt me?

And we have a legit old gay couple WHAAAAATTTTT

FUCK MY UNCLE, I WANT A TRANSLATION OF NI LU LAI GUI RIGHT NOW! I NEED TO KNOW AN JIE AND MO CONG'S STORY AHHHHHHH—

I haven't really finished the story yet, I'm still waiting for the last few chapters to be translated. So I still don't know how it will end, but I think it'll be great and mindblowing like Silent Reading. I think there's an overarching plot revolving around Ke Ruhui, we'll see, we'll see~

I give this a 9.3/10. It's really good, but it's obvious that Priest's writing and pacing had improved over time. As always, let me know your thoughts in the comments!