Zhou Chengsen

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Zhou Chengsen (周承森)
Alias(es)	A'Sen; Second Brother
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Zhou family
Occupation/Role	Town cadre and later division chief; fisherman and shipping-business owner 780 830
Status	Alive; married to Ruan Tang 824 826
First Appearance	9

Background

Zhou Chengsen was one of the few university graduates in his town. After Zhou Chenglei demobilized from the military, Chenglei gave him the opportunity to take a town-government post; Chengsen had already been serving as a brigade cadre at the time. His administrative career later brought him two promotions after his transfer to town, culminating in a division-chief promotion and transfer to Jing City. 8 554 830

He was formerly married to Li Xiuxian, with whom he had a daughter, Zhou Ying. Li suffered a severe hemorrhage after Ying's birth and could not have another child; later family-planning restrictions also made another pregnancy incompatible with the couple's work. Chengsen refused Li Xiuxian's proposal to risk his position for a second child, despite her desire for a son. 134 371

After catching Li Xiuxian with Liao Ruixiang, Chengsen assaulted Liao and immediately demanded a divorce. He took custody of Zhou Ying, while Li Xiuxian received the money she had contributed toward their property. 522 525

Appearance

Zhou Chengsen resembles his younger brother Zhou Chenglei, though his face is rounder and he has a slight middle-aged spread. He is consistently described as tall, refined, and handsome; by his thirties, his youthful look had given way to a more mature and scholarly bearing. 134 567 774

• Tall, with a powerful presence. 567 774
• Refined and handsome, with a mature temperament. 134 567
• Carries himself like a long-serving leader: easygoing when appropriate, but commanding respect without anger. 774

Personality

Chengsen is practical, responsible, and strongly independent. He dislikes owing favors and makes his own decisions even after considering his siblings' advice, as shown when he chose to purchase a Seafood Market stall. 537 613

He is particularly firm where principles, punctuality, or his family are concerned. He set a strict 6:30 AM departure time for fishing and stopped his father and brother-in-law from going out to sea when they repeatedly failed to arrive on time. 371

Though initially reserved around Ruan Tang, Chengsen is observant and considerate. He noticed her dust allergy from a single skin reaction and cleaned her home thoroughly before she returned from showering. He also respected her boundaries when they spent a night together before their marriage registration. 780 781

Abilities & Skills

Administration and Business

Chengsen combines a successful administrative career with practical business judgment.

• Rose through the town administration and was later promoted to division chief in Jing City. 554 830
• Operates a shipping business alongside the Zhou family's fishing ventures. 780
• Purchased a Seafood Market stall after weighing the location and advice from his family. 613
• Joined Zhou Chenglei in ordering bricks for separate projects, securing a bulk discount. 518

Fishing and Seamanship

Chengsen is experienced in the Zhou family's fishing work and takes operational safety seriously.

• Sets and enforces departure schedules for fishing trips. 371
• Took Ruan Tang's relatives out to sea after hosting them at the Zhou family home. 818
• Helps manage catches and transportation with his brothers. 667

Physical Strength and Combat

His strength was built through heavy work from childhood alongside Zhou Chengxin.

• Punched Liao Ruixiang after discovering his affair with Li Xiuxian. 522
• Rescued Ruan Tang and Old Ruan from Feng Bing, repeatedly kicking Feng Bing away after he threatened them with a knife. 777
• Uses force decisively when Ruan Tang or her family are in immediate danger. 621 777

Relationships

• Ruan Tang — Wife; a doctor whom Chengsen first helped after a dog attack. Their relationship developed through his protection of her from Feng Bing and his mother, before they married. 556 627 688 824
• Li Xiuxian — Former wife and mother of his daughter. Chengsen divorced her after discovering her affair with Liao Ruixiang. 522 525
• Zhou Ying — Daughter from his first marriage. Chengsen has custody of Ying and directly confronted villagers who gossiped to her about Li Xiuxian. 134 606 670
• Zhou Chenglei — Younger brother and close business partner. They support one another's projects, including joint brick orders and family fishing work. 518 773
• Jiang Xia — Sister-in-law. She and Chengsen discussed and selected a strategically placed Seafood Market stall together. 134 613
• Father Zhou and Mother Zhou — Parents. Chengsen remains attentive to their needs and includes them in his work and business decisions. 371 613

Story Role / Major Arcs

Divorce and Raising Zhou Ying

Chengsen's first marriage collapses when he discovers Li Xiuxian with Liao Ruixiang. He divorces her, retains custody of Zhou Ying, and later shields his daughter from gossip about her mother's new pregnancy. 522 525 606

Meeting and Protecting Ruan Tang

Chengsen saves Ruan Tang from a dog attack, which leads to their first extended interaction at the hospital. Ruan Tang later tracks him down to ensure he receives a rabies vaccination after he falsely claimed he had already received one. 556 557 567

When Feng Bing breaks into Ruan Tang's home, Chengsen notices suspicious activity, rushes to investigate her cries, and intervenes. He subsequently agrees to pose as Ruan Tang's boyfriend to deter Feng Bing's mother, warning her to stop harassing Ruan Tang or face legal consequences. 621 627 628

Relationship, Marriage, and Parenthood

After confessing their feelings, Chengsen gives Ruan Tang full control over whether to continue their relationship, acknowledging the complications of his divorce and responsibility for Zhou Ying. 688

The Zhou and Ruan families later approve their wedding plans. Chengsen prepares an extravagant betrothal gift, then marries Ruan Tang in a large village ceremony. 780 820 824

Following his promotion and transfer to Jing City, Chengsen becomes especially attentive when Ruan Tang becomes pregnant. When she goes into labor, he immediately arranges to take her to the hospital. 830 837 853

Trivia

• The character Sen (森) in Chengsen's name was chosen because his generation's naming scheme associated the second son with the wood element. 540
• Chengsen is protective of Ruan Tang but initially hesitated to pursue her because he was divorced and raising a daughter. 627 688