Zhou Yan

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Zhou Yan (周晏)
Alias(es)	Yanzi
Species/Race	Human / mortal 182
Gender	Male
Affiliation	618 Iron Triangle; Lin Fan and Lu Zhai's college friend 54
Occupation/Role	Lin Fan's closest friend in the human world; occasional financial and practical supporter 21 214
Status	Alive; Liu Yan's partner 217
First Appearance	Chapter 20

Background & History

Zhou Yan comes from a relatively wealthy family: both of his parents are public servants, while his grandparents own several rental properties. He treats large amounts of physical cash as more meaningful than digital money and routinely carries tens of thousands of yuan with him. 21

During college, Zhou Yan became one of Lin Fan and Lu Zhai's two closest friends. The three formed the 618 Iron Triangle, remaining close after graduation despite Lu Zhai returning to his hometown. Zhou Yan also warned Lin Fan that Huang Shiying was privately trying to approach him and had been seen with other men. 54 57

After Lin Fan disappears for a year, Zhou Yan reunites with him and immediately notices his dramatic physical transformation. When Lin Fan asks to borrow 20,000 yuan, Zhou Yan questions whether he is involved with drugs, gambling, or loan sharks before lending him the money without setting a repayment deadline. He later provides a further 20,000 yuan, even while doubting that Lin Fan can earn a living by writing novels. 20 21 37

Zhou Yan becomes involved in helping Long Yue adapt to modern life. He repeatedly calls her “sister-in-law,” seeks employment options for her, helps Lin Fan choose her first computer, and explains the expectations of gaming companionship from a customer's perspective. 30 34 37

Although he notices the increasingly strange people and events surrounding Lin Fan, Zhou Yan repeatedly reaches mundane conclusions. He theorizes that Lin Fan underwent secret enhancement or genetic modification, later suspects that he is the son of an underworld boss, and jokes that Long Yue's retainers may have traveled from another world. 79 117 182

Zhou Yan is robbed in his residential complex's underground parking garage by an exceptionally fast and strong attacker, losing his phone, wallet, car keys, and clothes. The police make no progress in identifying the attacker. 132 146

He becomes infatuated with Liu Yan at first sight and ignores Lin Fan's warnings about her dangerous nature. He helps her obtain and set up a high-end computer for virtual streaming, then spends nearly two months pursuing her after Lin Fan leaves Blue Star. On New Year's Eve, Zhou Yan confesses with a gold ring, accepts Liu Yan's past without hesitation, and begins a relationship with her. 183 199 217

Personality

Zhou Yan is candid, generous, and intensely loyal to his friends. His first reaction to Lin Fan's loan request is suspicion born from concern, but once reassured, he lends the money freely and refuses to impose a deadline. 21

He is prone to dramatic misunderstandings and overactive speculation, especially regarding Lin Fan and Long Yue's hidden identities. Despite this naivety, he is observant enough to recognize unusual changes in Lin Fan's life and genuinely worries about his friends' wellbeing. 79 117 213

Zhou Yan is vain and competitive around women. At the gym, he tries to outlast a marathon runner on a treadmill and later attempts to show off with weights beyond his ability. His embarrassment motivates him to improve his fitness rather than give up. 76 77

His pursuit of Liu Yan begins with lust and bravado, but develops into sincere affection. He ultimately values her honesty, independence, and willingness to repay what she borrows more than her past. 184 217

Skills & Interests

Driving

Zhou Yan received his driver's license during high school, bought a car in college, and is described as an experienced driver after graduation. 52

• Drives Lin Fan and Long Yue when Long Yue is unwell. 52
• Owns a personal car, though his car keys are stolen during the parking-garage robbery. 132

Gaming and Computer Knowledge

Zhou Yan is an experienced consumer of gaming-companion services and understands the difference between skill-based carrying and providing “emotional value.” 34

• Evaluates Long Yue's gaming-companion communication and demonstrates a “sweet girl” persona despite finding it embarrassing. 34
• Plays fighting games with Lu Zhai. 100
• Installs Liu Yan's high-end streaming computer himself and takes pride in his technical knowledge. 199

Fitness Training

Zhou Yan begins pursuing fitness after being humbled at the gym. 76

• Attempts to impress women through treadmill running and weightlifting. 76 77
• His confidence exceeds his actual strength and endurance at this stage. 76 77
• Admires Li Kui's physique and asks how he trained. 182

Relationships

• Lin Fan — Zhou Yan's best friend and fellow member of the 618 Iron Triangle. He lends Lin Fan money during his financial difficulties, helps him and Long Yue adjust to modern life, and remains concerned whenever Lin Fan disappears or behaves suspiciously. 21 37 117 213
• Long Yue — Lin Fan's “sister-in-law” in Zhou Yan's eyes. He assists with her job search, computer purchase, and virtual-streaming preparations, while consistently misunderstanding her true identity. 30 37 146
• Lu Zhai — College friend and third member of the 618 Iron Triangle. Zhou Yan often accompanies him for games, gym visits, and visits to Lin Fan's home. 54 75 100
• Liu Yan — Initially captivated by her seductive behavior, Zhou Yan pursues her despite repeated warnings. His infatuation becomes a committed relationship after his New Year's Eve confession. 183 184 217
• An Yao — Zhou Yan is unaware that she was the woman who robbed him. He interprets her teasing smiles as possible romantic interest. 146
• Chen Yijing — Zhou Yan's friend and the creator of Long Yue's virtual avatar; he later obtains Liu Yan's livestream information through her. 94 202

Notable Quotes

“The money in your phone is just a string of numbers. What you can touch is real money~”
— Zhou Yan 21

“I don't care about your past! ... I only want one thing: I hope you will become a woman who belongs only to me from now on, become my wife!”
— Zhou Yan to Liu Yan 217

Trivia

• Zhou Yan refers to physical cash as “the most healing sound in the world.” 21
• He initially considers himself immune to beautiful women, but is stunned by both Long Yue and Liu Yan upon meeting them. 29 183
• Despite acting experienced around women, Liu Yan is his first love and the first woman he ever confesses to. 217
• He once concludes that Lin Fan's transformation was caused by secret gene modification, while dismissing Lu Zhai's much more accurate theory that Lin Fan traveled to another world. 79