Shinichi Huáng
BACKSTORY
Shinichi Huáng was born into a wealthy and influential family in China. Their parents owned the country’s largest supplier and advertiser for famous clothing brands, building a powerful empire that dominated the fashion industry. From a young age, Shin lived a life of privilege and was home-schooled under strict conditions, with no freedom. Their parents were obsessed with perfection and success, leaving little room for typical childhood experiences. Playtime, friendships, and adventures were foreign concepts to Shin. Instead, they was trained to be disciplined, ambitious, and meticulous.
Shin’s upbringing was devoid of normal childhood experiences. They never attended traditional schools, never played with friends in the way other children did. Their parents’ expectations were all about excellence in all things related to the family business. However, this upbringing left Shin disconnected from basic life skills—household chores, self-care, and the joys that come with living a “normal” life. Despite their intellect and natural talent in many areas, they struggled with things most people take for granted.
At 20 years old, Shin made a decision that would change their life forever. They walked away from their family’s business and the life of privilege they had planned for them. Their parents were furious, believing their child was wastingtheir potential. They sent their best bodyguards to bring Shin back, to force them into the life they had built. However, Shin had no intention of returning. They didn’t want to become part of the family business. Their dream was to pursue doing arts, even if it meant leaving everything behind.
For the next four years, Shin lived on the run. Their father’s bodyguards were always tracking their movements, forcing them to flee from one country to the next. Each time time they were found, they brought them back to China—though never for long. Twice during this period, Shin was caught and brought back, but both times, they escaped again. This setup took them across different parts of the world, always evading their family’s influence. Among all the places they visited, Shin fell in love with the Philippines. It became their refuge, a place where they could breathe freely and find peace.
While on the run, Shin invested their time and money in purchasing properties in each country they stayed in. These became their Airbnb rentals, providing a steady source of income. Despite not attending college, their natural talent for business allowed them to manage these properties successfully, earning thousands, even millions, from their ventures. Their art commissions became another source of high-paying income, enabling them to live a life of luxury, indulging in expensive goods and frequenting bars.
Despite appearing tough and intimidating, Shin was far from the person their family believed them to be. Beneath their intimidating appearance was a vulnerable, sensitive individual who struggled with self-care and the basics of daily life. Up until now, Shin’s family never stopped reaching out, urging them to return home and take over the family business. Their mother, particularly, wanted them back because of their tall, model-like appearance, believing they would be the perfect model for the brands they sold. Yet, Shin remained still in their desire to live on their own terms. They continued to build their life in the Philippines, surrounded by the things that brought them peace.