I must say, the concept isn't bad; I believe it has potential. However, throughout my reading, I couldn't shake off a certain feeling. Now, I think I understand why. Initially, I thought it might be due to the protagonist's seemingly perfect goodness, despite his dark circumstances. It's hard to reconcile such a character who does terrible things but maintains a positive inner core. But then again, it's not entirely implausible.
The issue, as it turns out, lies in the narrative approach. The story is told from the first-person perspective, allowing readers to intimately experience the protagonist's thoughts and actions. This works well in showing his internal struggles, but it also creates a disconnect. When he describes performing good deeds secretly, it feels contradictory. It's almost as if he's subtly boasting about his hidden acts of kindness, which undermines the genuine goodness he tries to portray. It's not overt boasting, more like sharing a small triumph, like cleaning up trash on the way to school – admirable, but not something you typically boast about.
Given the premise of the novel, where the main character wants to remain anonymous, this self-revealing tendency becomes ironic. While the dynamics are intriguing, they detract from my reading experience. In conclusion, the first-person point of view doesn't quite suit this character, especially when he genuinely aims to do good without recognition.
Though I once suggested an alternative Chinese (CN) version, 'Despite Being Pursued As a Villain, All The Heroines On My Side?', their narratives actually contrast each other in interesting ways. The CN novel lacks the heroic pretense and is told from a third-person perspective, which I find more fitting. Unfortunately, I can no longer recommend that specific title here, but it's worth exploring if you're interested in a different take on the same premise.
