Reverse Domestication

Lu Ye is a police officer who has recently been transferred back to his hometown in the New City District. He is pragmatic, observant, and accustomed to dealing with criminals and social disorder. His life is relatively routine until he is tasked with picking up his niece, Lu Mingming, from an art training center. There, he encounters Qi Yanbai, a young, handsome, and exceptionally gentle art teacher who is adored by his students. Qi Yanbai appears to be the epitome of kindness and professionalism, maintaining a flawless public persona. Lu Ye finds him pleasant but notes an unsettling perfection in his demeanor, feeling that Qi Yanbai lacks any visible negative emotions or flaws.

The two men’s paths cross again one night when Lu Ye responds to a report of prostitution at the Twin Apartments where Qi Yanbai lives. The investigation reveals a misunderstanding; Qi Yanbai is simply an artist working on an oil painting. During the encounter, Lu Ye notices a cut on Qi Yanbai’s finger and offers him a bandage. This brief interaction leaves a profound impression on Qi Yanbai, who has been suffering from severe creative blockage and psychological oppression stemming from his father’s harsh criticism of his artistic abilities. That night, Qi Yanbai dreams of his father rejecting his work, only to be rescued by a surreal version of Lu Ye. Upon waking, he sketches Lu Ye’s portrait and feels a sudden, intense surge of creative freedom and obsession. He resolves to pursue Lu Ye, viewing him as the key to breaking his artistic and emotional shackles.

Qi Yanbai’s pursuit is subtle yet persistent. He uses his connection with Lu Mingming to maintain contact with Lu Ye, eventually inviting him and the child to lunch. During their time together, Qi Yanbai displays warmth and attentiveness, though Lu Ye remains guarded, sensing that Qi Yanbai is too perfect to be entirely genuine. Despite his suspicions, Lu Ye begins to let his guard down, adding Qi Yanbai on social media and engaging in casual conversations. Qi Yanbai carefully navigates their relationship, presenting himself as a vulnerable, socially inexperienced friend who relies on Lu Ye’s protection. This dynamic feeds into Qi Yanbai’s growing fixation, as he desires to possess Lu Ye completely, shifting from admiration to a darker intent to control and keep him.

The relationship deepens when Qi Yanbai falls victim to a phone scam and reports it to Lu Ye at the police station. Lu Ye assists him, showing a rare moment of softness and concern for Qi Yanbai’s naivety. The encounter ends with Qi Yanbai hugging Lu Ye, an intimate gesture that further entangles their bond. However, Qi Yanbai’s internal world remains hidden. He continues to hide his true nature, which includes a history of psychological trauma and a growing capacity for violence and manipulation. His artistic blockage is replaced by a new, darker inspiration drawn from his obsession with Lu Ye. He discards his old tools, symbolizing his rejection of his past self in favor of this new, dangerous path.

As the story progresses, Qi Yanbai’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic. He starts feeling watched and suspects he is being followed by a suspicious man. This paranoia reflects his unstable mental state and the hidden dangers he harbors. Meanwhile, Lu Ye continues his police duties, handling various cases while maintaining his friendship with Qi Yanbai. The narrative establishes a tension between Lu Ye’s professional skepticism and his growing personal attachment to Qi Yanbai, while Qi Yanbai’s internal monologue reveals a descent into obsession and potential danger. The core conflict lies in the disparity between Qi Yanbai’s gentle exterior and his turbulent, possessive interior, setting the stage for a psychological drama where the line between love and control blurs.