Shenyechi

****Completed, but under revision.****
***SUPER SLOW BURN MATURE 18+***

After struggling her way through university, Mina Harlow, a top tier graduate (and literal genius), with the aspiration of lifting her family out of poverty, was still living in the slums, taking odd jobs to earn a living. All of her hard work had been for nothing and her life is cast into turmoil because she offended the wrong Miss from a prominent family. Desperate to for her next source of income, Mina aligns herself with the wrong people, and finds herself amid several conspiracies that keep becoming more and more confounded by misunderstandings. She is mistaken for a spy, by one of the most influential families in the country and held captive as the confusion, mishaps and misunderstandings build up all around her. Under the extreme circumstance, Mina is thrown into despair, hatred and love all that the same time, but will the experience break her or make her ‘better?’ 

(This story is set in a fictional, modern day patriarchal society on the brink of a shift public opinion on the 'role' of the woman.)

Excerpt: 

"Why are you crying?"

"Because I'm stupid," Mina replied. The man laughed sarcastically. 

"I disagree. I think you are a very smart girl."

"Being smart does not mean you can not be stupid." Who told her she was a genius anyway?

***THIS IS AN ADULT STORY WITH AN ADULT THEME. THERE IS VIOLENCE AND IMPLIED VIOLENCE. THERE IS ROMANCE IN THIS STORY, BUT IT IS NOT EXACTLY A LOVE STORY. ***

When a Genius Makes a Mistake

As they interacted with their guests, Ian was very touchy with Mina, pulling her into hugs whenever he could, stealing kisses from her cheek, and staring at her, even if she were not the one speaking. The couple were unaware, but the game they were playing with one another was being perceived by others as them rubbing their relationship in everyone's face, and jealous eyes followed them all around the room.

Even Ellie, who was keeping her distance from Zane to avoid suspicion, felt a tiny hint of envy toward the couple, who smiled at one another as they walked from person to person. She had no idea what they were saying, but she could tell that the couple found happiness in what they were doing.

"This isn't right," Zane said, and Ellie jumped at the sound of his voice. "Are you avoiding me?"

Chapter 738: Other Expressions