Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kelly brings three antiques for appraisal: a Warring States helmet, a Gilded Bronze watch, and an Official Glaze Gourd Vase.
• Chu Chen appraises each item, revealing the helmet is fake, the watch is Qing Dynasty but not valuable, and the gourd vase is a Ming Dynasty imitation.
• Kelly's father bought the gourd vase for £80,000, and Chu Chen offers £100,000 for it.

Character Developments

• Kelly becomes more aware of the complexities and potential pitfalls in the antique market.
• Mina shows concern and support for Kelly.
• Chu Chen demonstrates his expertise and honesty in appraising antiques.

Significant Themes

• The importance of accurate and detailed documentation in transactions (receipts).
• The deceptive nature of the antique market and the ease of being misled by appearances or lack of expertise.
• The value of honesty and integrity in business, as shown by Chu Chen.

Character Interactions

• Kelly and Mina's friendship is strengthened as Mina supports Kelly through her disappointment.
• Chu Chen and Kelly's relationship evolves from initial skepticism to mutual respect, as Kelly comes to appreciate Chu Chen's expertise and honesty.
• Wu Ke's role is minimal in this chapter, mainly observing and occasionally contributing to the conversation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Chen identifies a gourd vase as a Ming Dynasty imitation of Song Dynasty Official Kiln porcelain.
• Kelly's family is interested in selling their items but wants Chu Chen to visit them first.
• Wu Ke's defense is the day after tomorrow, and she's considering working in China.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen demonstrates his expertise in porcelain identification and history.
• Kelly shows respect for her father's wishes and invites everyone to her home.
• Wu Ke expresses her feelings about leaving England and Mina's support for her decision.

Significant Themes

• The appreciation and authentication of antique porcelain.
• The importance of family and relationships, both romantic and platonic.
• The challenges and opportunities of cultural exchange and international work.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen and Wu Ke strengthen their bond, showing affection and support for each other.
• Kelly and Chu Chen establish a professional relationship, with Kelly inviting him to her home.
• Wu Ke, Mina, and their friends discuss Wu Ke's future plans and Mina's potential move to China.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wu Ke successfully defends her thesis, and Chu Chen treats her and their friends to a celebratory meal.
• Vincent, a foreign collector, contacts Chu Chen to discuss the trade of The School of Athens.
• Chu Chen and Vincent meet at a coffee shop to discuss the trade, with Chu Chen insisting on a barter system rather than a cash sale.

Character Developments

• Wu Ke demonstrates her confidence and capability in her academic pursuits.
• Chu Chen shows his generosity and care for his friends by treating them to a meal.
• Vincent reveals his eagerness to acquire The School of Athens, indicating his passion for art collection and his desire for recognition among international collectors.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and camaraderie, as seen in Chu Chen's treatment of his friends and Wu Ke's defense celebration.
• The value of art and cultural heritage, as discussed in the context of The School of Athens and Vincent's desire to acquire it.
• The importance of personal interests and desires, as seen in Vincent's pursuit of the painting and Chu Chen's refusal to sell it for money.

Character Interactions

• Wu Ke and Chu Chen's interaction shows their closeness and mutual support, with Wu Ke teasing Chu Chen about his anxiety and Chu Chen showing his care for her.
• The group of friends (Wu Ke, Josie, Selina, and Mina) interact playfully and supportively, showing their bond and shared interests.
• Chu Chen and Vincent's interaction is polite and professional, with Chu Chen maintaining his position on the barter system and Vincent expressing his admiration for the painting.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Chen is reluctant to trade with merchants due to the high energy and uncertain results.
• Vincent proposes a barter transaction for Raphael's painting, but Chu Chen is uninterested in ordinary collections.
• Vincent understands the value of Chu Chen's painting and the difficulty of the transaction.
• They agree to discuss the details in France, with Vincent responsible for transportation.
• Vincent sends a list of his best collections to Chu Chen, including national treasure-level cultural relics.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen: Shows determination not to sell his painting and willingness to consider a barter transaction under certain conditions.
• Vincent: Demonstrates efficiency and commitment to the transaction, revealing his high regard for Raphael's painting.

Significant Themes

• The value and significance of cultural heritage and art.
• The complexities and challenges of international trade and negotiations.
• The conflict between personal desires and family or cultural obligations.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen and Vincent: Engage in a professional and respectful negotiation, each understanding the other's position.
• Chu Chen and Wu Ke: Share a moment of excitement and surprise upon seeing the list of cultural relics.
• Randy: Facilitates the exchange of information between Chu Chen and Vincent.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Chen and Wu Ke receive a fax listing national treasure-level collections, totaling around 3 billion RMB (250 million Pounds Sterling).
• The collections' owner, Vincent, wants to exchange them for Chu Chen's painting of Raphael's "The School of Athens."
• Chu Chen plans to choose at least two-thirds of the collections for the exchange.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen: Shows his cultural patriotism and willingness to prioritize national treasures over personal gain.
• Wu Ke: Demonstrates her understanding and support of Chu Chen's decisions.
• Randy and Mina: Initially shocked by the transaction's magnitude, they later express concern for Chu Chen's potential disadvantage in the exchange.

Significant Themes

• Cultural heritage and its value.
• The tension between personal gain and cultural responsibility.
• The difference in perspectives between Eastern and Western cultures regarding art and heritage.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen and Wu Ke: Share their thoughts and plans regarding the transaction, showing mutual understanding and support.
• Chu Chen and Randy/Mina: Discuss the transaction, with Randy and Mina expressing their concern for Chu Chen's potential loss.
• Kelly and her family: Kelly introduces her family's situation, showing the impact of her father's company's troubles on their lives.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Warren invites Chu Chen to appraise his Huaxia antiques.
• Warren expresses his desire to learn more about Huaxia antiques and seeks Chu Chen's guidance.
• Warren reveals he has a collection of ancient books, including Gengzhi Tu and parts of the Imperially Commissioned Collection of Ancient and Modern Books, which Chu Chen appraises.

Character Developments

• Warren: Shows his interest in learning more about Huaxia antiques and seeks guidance from Chu Chen. Reveals his collection of ancient books, indicating his appreciation for Huaxia culture.
• Chu Chen: Demonstrates his expertise in Huaxia antiques and provides guidance to Warren. Shows amusement at Warren's indirect approach to asking for his help.

Significant Themes

• The value and appreciation of Huaxia antiques and culture.
• The learning process and dedication required to understand and appreciate Huaxia antiques.
• The indirect approach to communication and negotiation in business and social interactions.

Character Interactions

• Warren and Chu Chen: Warren seeks Chu Chen's guidance in learning about Huaxia antiques and asks him to appraise his collection. Chu Chen provides guidance and appraises the items, showing amusement at Warren's indirect approach.
• Warren and Kelly: Warren's daughter Kelly is present but does not actively participate in the conversation. She shows understanding of her father's hobby and accepts his decision to continue learning and appreciating Huaxia antiques.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Chen appraises Warren's collection, confirming the authenticity of 12 books and two brocade boxes.
• Warren reveals his company's financial troubles and his intention to sell the antiques.
• Chu Chen and Warren discuss negotiating the prices for the less valuable items.
• Chu Chen examines two blue and white porcelain pieces: a Qing Dynasty Kangxi brush pot and a small Chenghua jar.
• Chu Chen discovers the Chenghua jar is likely a fake, but its craftsmanship is exceptional, reminiscent of Zhang Huo Ni's work.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen: Demonstrates his expertise in antique appraisal, showing careful examination and the use of his special ability.
• Warren: Reveals his dire financial situation and desperation to sell the antiques to save his company.

Significant Themes

• The value and negotiation of antiques.
• The craftsmanship and authenticity of ancient porcelain.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen and Warren discuss the authenticity and value of the antiques, leading to a negotiation about pricing.
• Warren becomes nervous when Chu Chen suspects an issue with the Chenghua jar, highlighting his desperation and anxiety.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Chen discovers a blue and white porcelain jar made by Zhang Huo Ni, containing a key to the treasure box.
• He realizes that the clues to the treasure are hidden within realistic antique reproductions, making them difficult to find without his special ability.
• Chu Chen finds a valuable glass brush pot among Warren's items, which he identifies as top-tier glassware.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen remains calm and analytical throughout, despite growing anxious about finding the final treasure clue.
• Warren's behavior becomes increasingly strange, sweating profusely due to anxiety over the appraisal results.

Significant Themes

• The importance of authenticity and expertise in appraising antiques.
• The value of patience and perseverance in pursuing rare and valuable items.
• The historical significance and craftsmanship of ancient glassware.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen and Warren interact over the appraisal of various items, with Warren growing increasingly reliant on Chu Chen's expertise.
• Chu Chen expresses his displeasure with Zhang Huo Ni's exaggerated and ambiguous clues, while Warren is relieved and joyful when items are deemed genuine.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter details the history and craftsmanship of a specific glass brush pot, revealing its authenticity and significant value.
• The brush pot is found to be a genuine piece from the Qianlong era, produced at the Yuanmingyuan workshop, and is estimated to be worth around one million pounds sterling.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen, the protagonist, demonstrates his expertise in authenticating antiques and maintains his professional ethics, refusing to take advantage of Warren's mistake.
• Warren, the owner of the brush pot, initially believes the piece is fake but later realizes its true value and is shocked by its worth.

Significant Themes

• The value and appreciation of art and antiques.
• The importance of professional ethics and integrity in the antique and art world.
• The historical and cultural significance of Chinese artifacts.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen interacts with Warren, helping him understand the true value of the brush pot and the unethical behavior of the expert who previously examined it.
• Warren, initially skeptical, comes to trust Chu Chen's expertise and is amazed by the brush pot's worth.
• The expert invited by Warren is implied to be unethical, attempting to pass off the genuine brush pot as fake to buy it at a low price.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Chen meets Warren, who is furious after an expert appraised his antique as fake and offered to buy it for a low price.
• Chu Chen shares a story about a dealer, Tou Piao, who was similarly deceived by an expert.
• Tou Piao discovers the expert sold his fake vase for a high price to another collector.
• Warren tries to file a complaint against the expert but learns the expert might be an imposter.
• Warren decides to catch the expert and bring him to justice with Chu Chen's help.

Character Developments

• Warren: Initially angry and impulsive, Warren becomes more cautious and strategic after learning about Tou Piao's experience.
• Chu Chen: Demonstrates wisdom and experience in handling deceptive situations, offering guidance to Warren.
• Tou Piao: Shows determination to expose the expert's deception after discovering the truth.

Significant Themes

• Deception and trust in the antique appraisal business.
• The consequences of greed and lack of professional ethics.
• The importance of verification and caution when dealing with valuable items.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen & Warren: They form an alliance to catch the expert who deceived Warren.
• Tou Piao & The Expert: Their relationship evolves from trust to betrayal and determination to expose the expert's deceit.
• Warren & Kelly: Warren's daughter, Kelly, is unaware of the ongoing situation but plays a minor role in reminding Warren about dinner plans.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Warren decides to sell the brush pot to Chu Chen for a significant discount, totaling £1,100,000, due to Chu Chen's honesty and help in confirming the item's authenticity.
• Chu Chen agrees to the price, but requests to settle in US dollars.
• Warren confirms the brush pot's genuineness with Chu Chen, shocking his family.
• They discuss the possibility of finding and reporting the swindler who sold Warren a fake.
• Chu Chen warns them about potential issues in the antique market, including appraisers claiming genuine items as fake or fakes as genuine for personal gain.

Character Developments

• Warren: Realizes the value of honesty and integrity, decides to give Chu Chen a significant discount. Also learns about the potential pitfalls in the antique market.
• Chu Chen: Demonstrates his honesty and expertise, helping Warren confirm the brush pot's authenticity and educating the group about the antique market.
• Kelly and Warren's wife: Express concern for Warren's future purchases, advising him to be more cautious and informed.

Significant Themes

• Honesty and integrity: Warren's decision to give Chu Chen a significant discount highlights the value of honesty and integrity in business.
• The dangers of the antique market: Chu Chen's warnings emphasize the potential pitfalls and unscrupulous practices in the antique market.
• The importance of education and knowledge: Warren's family advises him to learn more about antiques to avoid being deceived in the future.

Character Interactions

• Warren and Chu Chen: They develop a mutually beneficial relationship, with Warren giving Chu Chen a significant discount on the brush pot, and Chu Chen helping Warren confirm its authenticity and educating him about the market.
• Warren and his family: They express concern for Warren's future purchases, advising him to be more cautious and informed.
• Chu Chen and the group: Chu Chen shares his expertise about the antique market, warning them about potential issues and the importance of being knowledgeable.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Chen and Wu Ke visit Paris after their stay in London.
• They plan to meet Vincent, a collector, to finalize a transaction.
• Chu Chen decides not to reveal his special ability to Wu Ke.
• They spend time sightseeing, including visiting the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral.
• Wu Ke insists on trying authentic Parisian cuisine, particularly snails at l’escargotmontorgueil.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen: He continues to keep his special ability a secret, understanding the potential risks of disclosure. He shows consideration for Wu Ke's feelings and preferences during their trip.
• Wu Ke: She displays curiosity and enthusiasm for exploring Paris and its culinary delights. She also shows thoughtfulness in planning their activities.

Significant Themes

• Secrecy and Trust: Chu Chen grapples with whether to reveal his secret to Wu Ke, highlighting the theme of trust and the potential consequences of sharing sensitive information.
• Cultural Exploration: The chapter emphasizes the enjoyment and learning that come from experiencing new cultures, as seen through Wu Ke and Chu Chen's visits to iconic Parisian sites and their culinary adventures.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen and Wu Ke: Their relationship deepens as they share new experiences, with Wu Ke taking the lead in planning their activities and Chu Chen accommodating her interests. They also engage in playful banter, showing their affection for each other.
• Chu Chen and Vincent: Although they don't meet in this chapter, their impending transaction serves as a driving force for Chu Chen and Wu Ke's trip to Paris, hinting at potential future interactions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wu Ke and Chu Chen reminisce about their excessive meal at a Western restaurant, which attracted attention due to the quantity of dishes ordered.
• Chu Chen suggests buying a private jet for convenience, but Wu Ke dissuades him, suggesting charity work instead.
• Chu Chen shares his plans for a scholarship program and a private charitable foundation, with Wu Ke agreeing to manage the funds.
• Chu Chen mentions a potential candidate for overseeing the charitable activities, and they decide to visit the famous Paris flea market on their day off.

Character Developments

• Wu Ke: Shows concern for Chu Chen's financial decisions, prioritizing charity over personal luxuries. She also expresses willingness to manage the foundation's funds despite her lack of experience.
• Chu Chen: Demonstrates his wealth and willingness to invest in charity. He shows understanding and support for Wu Ke's concerns and is open to her suggestions.

Significant Themes

• Wealth and Responsibility: Chu Chen's wealth allows him to consider buying a private jet, but Wu Ke encourages him to use his money for charity instead.
• Charity and Social Responsibility: Both characters express a desire to give back to society, with Wu Ke even willing to manage the foundation's funds despite her lack of experience.
• Relationship Dynamics: The couple's interaction shows mutual respect, understanding, and support for each other's views.

Character Interactions

• Wu Ke and Chu Chen discuss their experiences and plans, with Wu Ke often expressing her concerns and Chu Chen showing understanding and support.
• They playfully tease each other, with Wu Ke calling Chu Chen a "lazybones" and Chu Chen calling Wu Ke "Keke" and "good girl."

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Chen and Wu Ke meet an old Chinese woman on the subway who warns them about the flea market's poor security due to a recent murder.
• They accompany the old woman to the market, the largest in Paris, which is a mix of open-air stalls, shops, and antiques.
• Chu Chen buys four antiques, including a valuable rhinoceros horn cup, for cheap prices.
• Wu Ke shops extensively, buying various items.
• They have lunch at a nearby restaurant.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen demonstrates his knowledge of antiques and cultural relics, buying valuable items at low prices.
• Wu Ke shows her enthusiasm for shopping and bargaining.
• The old woman reveals her timidity and heart condition, seeking companionship.

Significant Themes

• The impact of colonialism on cultural heritage (French plundering of Chinese artifacts).
• The value of antiques and their appreciation over time.
• The joy of finding bargains at flea markets.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen and Wu Ke help the old woman, showing kindness and respect.
• The old woman shares her knowledge of the market and advises them on shopping.
• Chu Chen and Wu Ke shop together, sharing their finds and discussing their purchases.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Chen explains the difference between a yue and a cheng to Wu Ke.
• Chu Chen reveals that the bronze cheng he bought has an iron blade made from meteorite iron.
• Wu Ke is excited about the meteorite iron blade, but Chu Chen clarifies its real-world value.
• Chu Chen and Wu Ke are approached by Nan Nancai, who invites them to his antique shop.
• They visit Nan Nancai's shop, which has items from various Chinese dynasties, including a rare nine-eyed Dzi bead.

Character Developments

• Wu Ke shows excitement and curiosity about the meteorite iron blade.
• Chu Chen demonstrates his knowledge about meteorite iron and its historical context.
• Nan Nancai is revealed to have an antique shop with a wide range of Chinese artifacts.

Significant Themes

• The value and appreciation of antiques.
• The historical and cultural significance of meteorite iron.
• The exchange of knowledge and ideas among antique enthusiasts.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen explains historical facts to Wu Ke, showing his expertise.
• Wu Ke and Chu Chen interact with Nan Nancai, leading to an invitation to his shop.
• Chu Chen and Wu Ke explore Nan Nancai's shop together, appreciating the artifacts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Chen visits Nan Nancai's antique shop in Paris, interested in a nine-eyed Dzi bead.
• Nan Nancai shows them around, highlighting his shop's legitimacy and connections with major auction houses.
• Chu Chen presents a bronze cheng (a type of bronze vessel) with meteorite iron inlay and two unrecognized gold inscriptions.
• Nan Nancai expresses interest in buying the bronze cheng, but Chu Chen declines, valuing its research potential over market price.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen demonstrates his knowledge and authority in bronze ware and gold inscriptions, subtly correcting Nan Nancai's underestimation.
• Wu Ke supports Chu Chen, revealing his connection to renowned expert Old Liu Zhihe to enhance his credibility.
• Nan Nancai shows respect and admiration for Old Liu, expressing regret for not meeting him earlier.

Significant Themes

• The value of historical artifacts: Chu Chen prioritizes the research value of the bronze cheng over its market price, highlighting the importance of preserving historical knowledge.
• The power of connections: Nan Nancai's shop gains legitimacy and prestige through associations with major auction houses and experts like Old Liu.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen and Wu Ke work together to subtly correct Nan Nancai's underestimation of Chu Chen's knowledge, showcasing their mutual support and understanding.
• Nan Nancai and Chu Chen engage in polite and respectful conversation, with Nan Nancai expressing admiration for Old Liu and Chu Chen politely declining his offer to sell the bronze cheng.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Chen and Wu Ke visit Nan Nancai's antique shop to trade items.
• Chu Chen presents two items: a rhinoceros horn cup and a black and white jade snuff bottle, valued at around 210,000 Euros.
• Nan Nancai shows interest in an olive pit carving bracelet among Chu Chen's items, which turns out to be a work by Zhan Gusheng.
• The bracelet is a 108-bead micro-carved figure bracelet, with each bead depicting an Arhat statue and its story.

Character Developments

• Chu Chen demonstrates his knowledge and appreciation for antiques, particularly porcelain and jade, and his willingness to keep unique pieces like the olive pit carving bracelet.
• Nan Nancai shows expertise in antiques, recognizing the work of Zhan Gusheng and expressing strong interest in the bracelet.

Significant Themes

• Appreciation and valuation of unique and rare antiques.
• The art of micro-carving, specifically fruit pit carving, and its historical significance.
• The cultural and historical background of the olive pit carving bracelet and its creator, Zhan Gusheng.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen and Nan Nancai engage in a polite and respectful exchange, with Chu Chen initially offering to trade items but later deciding to keep the bracelet.
• Wu Ke asks Chu Chen about the black and white jade snuff bottle, showing her interest and curiosity in antiques.
• Nan Nancai's shop assistants help him bring out the items for trade but are not directly involved in the interaction with Chu Chen and Wu Ke.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nan Nancai tries to buy Chu Chen's bracelet but fails.
• Chu Chen appraises Nan Nancai's items, finding two genuine pieces (Yongzheng period famille rose bowl and Longquan kiln string pattern vase) and one fake (Yuan Dynasty Longquan kiln pomegranate zun).
• Chu Chen reveals he acquired his items from a flea market, not antique shops.
• Chu Chen and Nan Nancai discuss a trade for their respective items.

Character Developments

• Nan Nancai: Shows persistence in trying to acquire Chu Chen's bracelet, displays knowledge and expertise in antique appraisal, and is envious of Chu Chen's luck.
• Chu Chen: Demonstrates sharp appraisal skills, negotiation tactics, and a calm demeanor throughout the transactions.

Significant Themes

• The value and rarity of antiques.
• The art of negotiation and trade.
• The role of luck in finding valuable items.

Character Interactions

• Nan Nancai and Chu Chen: Engage in a professional and respectful appraisal and trade process, with Nan Nancai showing admiration for Chu Chen's luck and skills.
• Chu Chen and the middle-aged woman: A brief, successful transaction at the flea market, with Chu Chen acting as a potential buyer to acquire the bracelet.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Chen and Wu Ke visit Nan Nancai's shop to trade antiques.
• Nan Nancai presents a pomegranate vase, claiming it's a genuine Yuan Dynasty Longquan kiln piece.
• Chu Chen suspects the vase's authenticity and points out several issues.
• Nan Nancai initially defends the vase's authenticity but later accepts Chu Chen's appraisal.

Character Developments

• Nan Nancai: Initially overconfident and defensive about the vase's authenticity, he later accepts the truth and takes responsibility for his mistake.
• Chu Chen: Demonstrates his expertise in antique appraisal, remaining patient and professional despite Nan Nancai's initial attitude.

Significant Themes

• Expertise and Trust: Chu Chen's expertise is trusted over Nan Nancai's grandfather's appraisal due to Chu Chen's thorough and logical reasoning.
• Acceptance of Reality: Nan Nancai eventually accepts the truth about the vase's authenticity, showing personal growth.

Character Interactions

• Chu Chen and Nan Nancai: Initially tense due to Nan Nancai's attitude, their interaction improves as Chu Chen explains his appraisal process, leading to mutual respect.
• Wu Ke and Chu Chen: Wu Ke supports Chu Chen's appraisal, showing a harmonious working relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nan Nancai admits his grandfather may have made a mistake in appraising the pomegranate vase.
• Chu Chen reveals the vase is likely a high-quality imitation from the late Qing/early Republic period.
• Nan Nancai verifies Chu Chen's appraisal and expresses admiration for his skills.
• Nan Nancai offers to trade an imitation Da Vinci painting for Chu Chen's Arhat bracelet.

Character Developments

• Nan Nancai: Shows remorse for his grandfather's possible mistake, admires Chu Chen's appraisal skills, and is confident in his imitation Da Vinci painting.
• Chu Chen: Demonstrates his expertise in ceramic appraisal, remains calm and composed, and is open to trading the bracelet for the right item.
• Wu Ke: Expresses dissatisfaction with Nan Nancai's persistence, worries about their safety, and is disappointed when the offered item is an oil painting.

Significant Themes

• The value of authenticity vs. imitation in art and collectibles.
• The importance of expert appraisal and verification.
• The potential for regret in missed opportunities (Nan Nancai's sigh about the imitation Da Vinci).

Character Interactions

• Nan Nancai and Chu Chen: Engage in a professional and respectful exchange, with Nan Nancai showing increasing admiration for Chu Chen's skills.
• Chu Chen and Wu Ke: Wu Ke expresses her thoughts and concerns, while Chu Chen reassures her and makes decisions based on their shared interests and values.