Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Star Train's departure is delayed by 24 hours due to the influence of the Abyssal tide causing shifts in the border sections.
• The delay is to allow the train crew to re-calibrate the routes for a more comfortable travel experience.

Character Developments

• No significant character developments are mentioned in this notice.

Significant Themes

• The influence of the Abyssal tide, suggesting a supernatural or otherworldly force at play.
• The importance of safety and comfort in travel, as indicated by the crew's desire to re-calibrate the routes.

Character Interactions

• The notice is a one-way communication from the Ancient Travel Company's Guest Services Center to the passengers, with no direct interaction mentioned.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huai Shi, after a near-death experience and major undertaking, is granted ten days of leave by the Astronomical Society.
• He books a luxury train trip to Stone City border with company funds, following Chai Fei's slacking-off advice.
• Upon arrival at Stone City, Huai Shi experiences the border's unique Endless Sea overhead and learns about its transit framework nature.
• At the train station, he finds a delay notice and encounters a strange atmosphere among the passengers in the waiting room.
• He sits at a table with a man who appears to be a corporate slave, engrossed in eating noodles.

Character Developments

• Huai Shi: Shows concern for the train's safety, feels confused and disliked by other passengers, and sympathizes with the overworked man.
• The Crow: Provides explanations about the Endless Sea and the train delay, hints at Huai Shi's fame and the passengers' dislike towards him.
• The Man in the Grey Suit: Appears exhausted and overworked, shows politeness towards Huai Shi, and enjoys his noodles with focus and relish.

Significant Themes

• The strangeness and uniqueness of the border and its transit framework.
• The tension and wariness among the passengers, likely due to their shared secret or goal.
• The exhaustion and overwork of the man in the grey suit, reflecting the harsh corporate environment.

Character Interactions

• Huai Shi and The Crow: The Crow provides explanations and insights, while Huai Shi feels confused and empathetic.
• Huai Shi and The Man in the Grey Suit: They have a brief interaction, with the man showing politeness and exhaustion, and Huai Shi feeling sympathy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A man in a grey suit, who seems to be a corporate slave, sits next to Huai Shi and eats noodles with evident satisfaction.
• Huai Shi realizes the man can see the Crow, but the Crow acts oblivious.
• The man offers Huai Shi noodles, but he declines.
• They chat, and Huai Shi finds they get along well, but other passengers keep their distance from them.
• A middle-aged man and his attendant enter, and the middle-aged man warns Huai Shi to stay away from the man in the grey suit.
• Huai Shi pulls out a gift package and suggests the middle-aged man try the new Overlord.

Character Developments

• The man in the grey suit is revealed to be a former colleague of Huai Shi's who was forced to take odd jobs after leaving the Astronomical Society.
• Huai Shi feels sympathy for the man's plight and resonates with his experiences.
• The middle-aged man is introduced as someone disliked by others, with a tall and imposing presence.
• Huai Shi shows hostility towards the middle-aged man's warning and pulls out a mysterious gift package.

Significant Themes

• The struggle of the working class, as seen through the man in the grey suit's experiences.
• The ostracization of certain individuals, as seen in the passengers' behavior towards Huai Shi and the man in the grey suit.
• The tension and hostility between the middle-aged man and Huai Shi, hinting at a deeper conflict.

Character Interactions

• Huai Shi and the man in the grey suit bond over their shared experiences and become friendly.
• The middle-aged man and the man in the grey suit seem to have a history, with the middle-aged man warning Huai Shi against associating with him.
• Huai Shi shows hostility towards the middle-aged man's warning, hinting at a potential confrontation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huai Shi feels an intense, sudden cold and senses Death's presence in a waiting hall.
• A middle-aged man (later revealed as the adoptive father of Feng Ping, a Green Day member, and a major criminal) intimidates Huai Shi with an illusion, nearly killing him.
• The middle-aged man and Feng Ping leave, taking a gift-boxed shampoo Huai Shi intended for someone else.
• Huai Shi learns he's been targeted by Green Day and decides to stick close to the Grey Robes for safety during the train journey.

Character Developments

• Huai Shi: Becomes aware of his dire situation with Green Day and decides to prioritize self-preservation.
• Grey Robes: Revealed to be a harmless, unlucky, and overworked salaryman, despite his association with the Green Day boss.

Significant Themes

• Fear and its consequences (Huai Shi's near-death experience and subsequent decision-making).
• Appearances can be deceiving (Grey Robes' true nature despite his intimidating companion).

Character Interactions

• Huai Shi and the middle-aged man: A tense, one-sided exchange where Huai Shi is threatened and intimidated.
• Huai Shi and the Grey Robes: Huai Shi decides to stick close to Grey Robes for protection during the journey, despite not knowing his true identity.
• Huai Shi and The Crow: Huai Shi shares his fears and decisions with The Crow, who offers guidance and reassurance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huai Shi boards a train expecting luxury but finds a repurposed freight train with no staff.
• The train takes off, flying and diving into an ocean, beginning a 'dark current transit.'
• Huai Shi learns about the Seventeen Maritime Powers controlling oceanic transit with navigation permits.

Character Developments

• Huai Shi: Initially disgruntled and angry about the train's conditions, he adapts and tries to befriend a Grey Robes passenger, showing resilience and resourcefulness.
• Crow: Reveals more about the world's power dynamics, showing she's knowledgeable and has a teaching side.

Significant Themes

• Adaptability: Huai Shi quickly adjusts his expectations and behavior in response to the train's conditions.
• Power Dynamics: The Seventeen Maritime Powers control oceanic transit, highlighting the importance of influence and control in the world.

Character Interactions

• Huai Shi and the Grey Robes: Huai Shi tries to befriend the Grey Robes, offering him food and water, showing kindness and a desire for connection.
• Huai Shi and Crow: Crow explains the world's power dynamics to Huai Shi, showing a mentor-like role.

In this chapter, Huai Shi encounters a terrifying being through the Mirror of Nothingness, gaining a glimpse into the abyss and its ruler. He then arrives at the Mobile Border, a city composed of trains known as the [Starry Sky]. Here, he meets Grey Robes, who warns him about the 'Good Night Society' and the 'Gray Shore'. Huai Shi also reunites with Yuan Zhao, a character from his past, who he is delighted to see as he believes Yuan Zhao can provide him with free meals. The chapter ends with Huai Shi's joy at finally securing a meal ticket for his journey.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huai Shi reunites with Yuan Zhao, who offers him a meal ticket.
• Yuan Zhao introduces his companions, including his cousin Yuan Yuan and his friends.
• Huai Shi is recognized and greeted by an old man who offers him a carriage and a concert hall prepared by the United Hell Music Association.
• Kusanagi, an apprentice chef from the Yamatai Archipelago, finds Huai Shi and invites him to meet his master, Chef Watanabe.

Character Developments

• Huai Shi starts to embrace his esteemed status as a Calamity Musician and acts more confidently.
• Yuan Zhao shows his loyalty to Huai Shi but also teases him about freeloading.
• Kusanagi has grown significantly in size and strength since Huai Shi last saw him.

Significant Themes

• The theme of recognition and status is further explored as Huai Shi is acknowledged by the old man and Kusanagi.
• The theme of friendship and loyalty is shown through Yuan Zhao's actions.

Character Interactions

• Huai Shi and Yuan Zhao's friendship is strengthened as they plan to have a meal together.
• Huai Shi's past connection with Kusanagi is revisited, showing the potential for further interactions with Chef Watanabe.
• The dynamic between Huai Shi and Yuan Zhao's companions is established, with some showing disinterest in Huai Shi.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yuan Zhao leaves in an extravagant carriage, leaving Wang Xu embarrassed.
• Lin Zhongxiaowu (Lin Shijiu) reveals Yuan Zhao's impressive background and influence to Wang Xu, warning him not to provoke Yuan Zhao.
• Huai Shi and Yuan Zhao meet Chef Watanabe (Tengu Ryuzanbo), who hosts a lavish feast for them. Huai Shi gifts Watanabe some food from his family.

Character Developments

• Wang Xu: Realizes the gravity of his actions and the power of Yuan Zhao, leading to a shift in his attitude.
• Lin Zhongxiaowu (Lin Shijiu): Demonstrates his cunning and manipulative nature, enjoying the negative emotions he provokes in others.
• Huai Shi: Shows humility and respect for others, even when offered grand hospitality. He values his family's gifts and shares them with Watanabe.

Significant Themes

• Power and Influence: The chapter explores the dynamics of power and influence, with Yuan Zhao's background serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of underestimating others.
• Humility and Respect: Huai Shi's actions highlight the importance of humility and respect, even when faced with grand gestures.
• Manipulation and Control: Lin Zhongxiaowu's actions showcase the theme of manipulation and control, as he enjoys provoking negative emotions in others.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xu and Lin Zhongxiaowu: Their interaction reveals Wang Xu's hubris and Lin Zhongxiaowu's cunning, as the latter manipulates Wang Xu into understanding the gravity of his actions.
• Huai Shi and Chef Watanabe: Their interaction demonstrates mutual respect and appreciation, with Watanabe showing hospitality and Huai Shi showing humility and gratitude.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huai Shi shares a meal with Ryuzanbo, who praises his cooking skills.
• Yuan Zhao reveals that Stone City has begun sinking, and Huai Shi realizes he might have inadvertently saved the Starry Sky.
• Huai Shi learns about the Starry Sky's annual tax-free event and plans to sell his folding knives and find bargains.

Character Developments

• Huai Shi: Shows humility despite his accomplishments, maintains his work ethic, and expresses his desire to help Ai Qing.
• Yuan Zhao: Reveals his family's wealth and influence, expresses admiration for Huai Shi's luck, and shares information about the sinking of Stone City.
• Ryuzanbo: Praises Huai Shi's cooking skills and shows respect for his talent.

Significant Themes

• Luck and fate: Huai Shi's seemingly insignificant actions might have saved the Starry Sky, highlighting the theme of luck and fate.
• Wealth and power: The Starry Sky's annual tax-free event showcases the immense wealth and power that flows through the East Asian region, contrasting with Huai Shi's humble beginnings.

Character Interactions

• Huai Shi and Ryuzanbo: Share a meal and express mutual respect for each other's talents.
• Huai Shi and Yuan Zhao: Discuss the sinking of Stone City, Yuan Zhao's family, and the upcoming tax-free event on the Starry Sky.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huai Shi and Yuan Zhao arrive at the Starry Sky's fourth floor, a bustling marketplace for border relics and materials.
• Yuan Zhao seeks horse armor and 'horseshoes' (Ascendants' defensive relics) for his Pegasus lineage.
• They explore various shops: Cavendish Workshop (high-end, customizable), Giant Goose and Wanli (second-hand dealers), and smaller stalls (risky, potential bargains).
• Huai Shi encounters a strange shopkeeper offering a peculiar border relic: a paper cutter that segments text precisely into 3000-character segments, with no offensive power.

Character Developments

• Yuan Zhao: Shows determination in finding suitable horse armor, reveals his fourth uncle's powerful horse armor.
• Huai Shi: Demonstrates his knowledge and discernment in relics, expresses interest in the strange paper cutter.

Significant Themes

• The allure and risks of border relic markets.
• The value and rarity of horse armor for Pegasus lineage Ascendants.
• The potential of seemingly ordinary or strange relics.

Character Interactions

• Huai Shi and Yuan Zhao: They interact as friends, with Huai Shi showing concern for Yuan Zhao's safety and Yuan Zhao expressing his determination in finding suitable relics.
• Huai Shi and the strange shopkeeper: They engage in a transaction, with the shopkeeper attempting to sell the peculiar paper cutter to Huai Shi.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huai Shi encounters a dead soul merchant in the Starry Sky who offers a cursed item.
• Crow warns Huai Shi about the item's danger, and the merchant retreats, leaving behind a mirror.
• Huai Shi and Crow decide not to touch the mirror and continue their leisurely stroll.
• Huai Shi sells his set of border relic folding knives to the Giant Goose Group for a search for an "Unkilled Flame."
• The Book of Destiny starts vibrating, reminiscent of a previous ominous event.

Character Developments

• Huai Shi shows caution and wisdom in dealing with the cursed item, prioritizing safety over potential gain.
• Crow demonstrates his knowledge about the Abyss and its dangers, acting as a guide for Huai Shi.
• Huai Shi exhibits a practical and pragmatic approach to money, willing to make a loss for a chance to find the Unkilled Flame.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and allure of power, as seen in the cursed item and border relics.
• The importance of caution and wisdom in decision-making, as shown by Huai Shi's response to the cursed item.
• The value of money and resources, with Huai Shi prioritizing the search for the Unkilled Flame over immediate financial gain.

Character Interactions

• Huai Shi and Crow work together to navigate the dangers of the Starry Sky and make informed decisions.
• Huai Shi interacts with the dead soul merchant, showcasing his wariness and the merchant's cowardice.
• Huai Shi communicates with the Giant Goose Group, negotiating a deal for the search for the Unkilled Flame.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tony, a diver from the Legion, descends into the deep sea to assist in a mission involving Stone City, which was submerged long ago.
• He meets Mr. Serious, a rookie Scholar, and they collaborate to install a frame for an experiment.
• They discover the ruins of Stone City and conduct an origin essence activation experiment to trace the city's destruction.
• The experiment reveals that Stone City's sinking was caused by a colossal, dying creature, likely a Ruler-class Great Group Lord, which passed through the city.

Character Developments

• Tony: Initially annoyed by Mr. Serious's inexperience, Tony becomes more concerned and serious as they uncover the truth about Stone City's destruction.
• Mr. Serious: Despite his initial chattiness and inexperience, Mr. Serious is able to activate the necessary equipment and contribute to the mission.

Significant Themes

• The unknown and mysterious depths of the sea.
• The consequences of powerful creatures and their interactions.
• The importance of teamwork and adaptability in facing unexpected challenges.

Character Interactions

• Tony and Mr. Serious: Despite their initial differences, they work together to complete their mission, with Tony guiding the inexperienced Mr. Serious.
• Tony and Command Center: Tony communicates with the command center throughout the mission, receiving instructions and reporting his status.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huai Shi learns about an impending event from Crow, who suggests he might find fragments of Heaven in the Starry Sky.
• Huai Shi meets Yuan Zhao again and senses something amiss, feeling an urgent need to leave.
• Yuan Yuan questions Yuan Zhao about Huai Shi's behavior, hinting at her own involvement in recent events.

Character Developments

• Huai Shi becomes more aware of the potential dangers and urgency of his situation, demonstrating growth in responsibility and intuition.
• Yuan Yuan shows a more serious and calculating side, suggesting she has a hidden agenda.

Significant Themes

• The theme of destiny and fate is reinforced as Huai Shi feels compelled to act despite his initial reluctance.
• The theme of deception and hidden agendas is introduced, with Yuan Yuan's behavior hinting at a larger plot.

Character Interactions

• Huai Shi and Crow's interaction shows their growing partnership and mutual understanding, with Crow acting as a mentor and guide.
• Huai Shi's interaction with Yuan Zhao reveals his protective instincts and concern for others.
• Yuan Yuan's interaction with Yuan Zhao suggests a complex relationship between them, with Yuan Yuan holding secrets and manipulating her cousin to some extent.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huai Shi learns that the Starry Sky train is actually the remains of Osiris, a Class-A combat robot from Utopia.
• Osiris was once a Fifth Tier Ascendant of the 'Eternal Road' lineage, codenamed 'Underworld God.'
• Huai Shi enters Osiris's death dream and navigates through its interior, encountering parasitic 'flesh mold.'
• He reaches Osiris's core, a metal book, which activates and displays a message: "Damn it, what do you want?"

Character Developments

• Huai Shi: Realizes the magnitude of Osiris's power and his potential role in reviving it. He enters Osiris's dream, demonstrating his courage and determination.
• The Crow: Reveals her knowledge about Osiris and guides Huai Shi through the dream. She expresses concern for Huai Shi's well-being and acknowledges his potential.

Significant Themes

• Destiny and inheritance: The Book of Destiny reacts to Osiris, suggesting a connection between Huai Shi and the robot's past. Huai Shi is seen as a potential inheritor of Osiris's legacy.
• Power and responsibility: Osiris's immense power is juxtaposed with its current state, highlighting the responsibility that comes with such power. Huai Shi grapples with the expectations placed upon him.
• Decay and rebirth: Osiris's death dream reflects its decay, while Huai Shi's presence hints at the possibility of rebirth and renewal.

Character Interactions

• Huai Shi and The Crow: They discuss Osiris's past and Huai Shi's role in reviving it. The Crow guides Huai Shi through the dream, showing concern for his well-being.
• Huai Shi and Osiris: Huai Shi interacts with Osiris's dream, feeling its anguish and learning about its past. He is guided by Osiris's voice, which acknowledges his presence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huai Shi encounters a sentient, imprisoned fragment of Heaven, Osiris, within the Starry Sky's dreamscape.
• Osiris, now a book, begs Huai Shi to take it with him, offering various incentives.
• Huai Shi learns that Osiris was awakened by Oden, its previous contractor, who died, leaving Osiris trapped and lonely.
• Osiris reveals that Heaven collapsed soon after it gained sentience, and it doesn't know the cause.
• Huai Shi discovers that Osiris can't be taken out of the dreamscape due to his insufficient abilities.

Character Developments

• Huai Shi: Realizes the extent of his weakness and the challenges ahead.
• Osiris: Shows vulnerability and desperation due to its loneliness and imprisonment.

Significant Themes

• Loneliness and isolation.
• The consequences of sudden sentience and awareness.
• The power dynamics between beings of different tiers.

Character Interactions

• Huai Shi and Osiris: Initially wary, Huai Shi becomes sympathetic towards Osiris's plight, but the two struggle to find a solution to Osiris's predicament.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huai Shi learns that the power room beneath the vault is the true target, guarded by corrupted guards due to the Good Night Society's influence.
• Huai Shi meets the Fragment, who reveals its name as Beelzebub, and learns about the Corrupt Dream Queen's involvement.
• Crow confirms the Good Night Society's involvement and reveals the Corrupt Dream Queen's backing.

Character Developments

• Huai Shi shows determination and willingness to help Beelzebub, despite the risks.
• Crow reveals her dislike for the Corrupt Dream Queen and her eagerness to counter the Good Night Society's interference.

Significant Themes

• The power of determination and persistence, as seen in Beelzebub's struggle to maintain Oden's dream.
• The consequences of interference in others' plans, as demonstrated by the Corrupt Dream Queen's actions.

Character Interactions

• Huai Shi and Beelzebub form a tentative alliance, with Huai Shi agreeing to help Beelzebub.
• Crow and Huai Shi discuss the Good Night Society and the Corrupt Dream Queen, with Crow revealing her personal feelings towards the latter.
• Huai Shi and Crow argue briefly about Crow's plans, with Huai Shi expressing his reluctance to participate due to past experiences.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huai Shi writes an emergency report about his Dreamcatcher turning into a mess after a lewd dream, following Crow's instructions.
• Yuan Yuan visits Huai Shi to apologize for Wang Xu's behavior and to inquire about Yuan Zhao's well-being.
• Huai Shi and Yuan Yuan have breakfast together, and she asks for his help in choosing a violin.

Character Developments

• Huai Shi: Shows caution and wariness towards Yuan Yuan, suspecting she has hidden motives.
• Yuan Yuan: Demonstrates concern for Yuan Zhao and politely interacts with Huai Shi, hiding her true intentions.

Significant Themes

• Trust and deception: Huai Shi is suspicious of Yuan Yuan, while she maintains a facade of politeness.
• Appearances vs. reality: Yuan Yuan's genuine concern for Yuan Zhao contrasts with her hidden agenda.

Character Interactions

• Huai Shi and Yuan Yuan: They maintain polite conversation, with Huai Shi being cautious and Yuan Yuan being charming yet secretive.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huai Shi is offered a formal suit by the old man at the concert hall, symbolizing the United Hell Music Association's hospitality and recognition of his passion for music.
• Huai Shi and Yuan Yuan visit a shop to purchase a violin for her. The shop is unusually guarded, and two patrolling guards ask for Huai Shi's identification.
• Huai Shi steps out for a smoke, and a mysterious figure approaches him in the alley.

Character Developments

• Huai Shi shows humility and understanding when offered the suit, revealing his dedication to music and his awareness of the association's recognition.
• Yuan Yuan displays her violin skills and seeks Huai Shi's guidance, showing eagerness to learn and improve.
• Huai Shi demonstrates his keen observation skills and suspicion when he notices the unusual atmosphere in the shop and the guards' presence.

Significant Themes

• The theme of recognition and reward for dedication to art is emphasized through the old man's offer of the suit to Huai Shi.
• The theme of deception and hidden agendas is introduced as Huai Shi suspects something is amiss in the shop and with Yuan Yuan's intentions.

Character Interactions

• Huai Shi and the old man have a respectful and understanding conversation about art and hospitality.
• Huai Shi and Yuan Yuan interact professionally as she seeks his guidance on playing the violin, and they share a brief moment of closeness.
• Huai Shi and the mysterious figure in the alley have a brief, tense encounter, hinting at potential future interactions or revelations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ai Qing, an Inspector from the Unified Bureau, arrives on the Starry Sky, disguised as a tourist.
• She reveals to Huai Shi that he has been temporarily summoned by the Central Decision Room and assigned to the Original Darkness Legion, with a three-level jump in his identity within the Astronomical Society.
• Ai Qing gives Huai Shi a Bluetooth earbud, threatening to blow it up if he can't control his mouth.
• Huai Shi's interaction with Yuan Yuan ends abruptly when she leaves without revealing her connection to the Good Night Society.
• The captain of the Starry Sky, Rudolf, receives Ai Qing, who requests his cooperation for a search mission on the train. He refuses.

Character Developments

• Huai Shi: He is promoted within the Astronomical Society and given a Bluetooth earbud by Ai Qing. He remains suspicious of Yuan Yuan's connection to the Good Night Society.
• Ai Qing: She arrives on the Starry Sky to investigate and takes charge of Huai Shi's mission. She is serious and authoritative, threatening Huai Shi with the earbud.
• Rudolf: The captain of the Starry Sky is dismissive of the Unified Bureau's recent recruits and refuses Ai Qing's request for cooperation.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Betrayal: Huai Shi's trust in Yuan Yuan is shaken, while Ai Qing's threat to Huai Shi highlights the potential for betrayal within their ranks.
• Power and Authority: Ai Qing's arrival and promotion of Huai Shi demonstrate the power dynamics within the Astronomical Society, while Rudolf's refusal to cooperate with Ai Qing showcases the tension between different authorities.

Character Interactions

• Huai Shi and Ai Qing: Their interaction is tense, with Ai Qing giving orders and threatening Huai Shi, while he responds with humor and sarcasm.
• Huai Shi and Yuan Yuan: Their interaction is polite but guarded, with Huai Shi trying to gather information about her connection to the Good Night Society, while she remains evasive.
• Rudolf and Ai Qing: Their interaction is formal and tense, with Rudolf refusing Ai Qing's request for cooperation and dismissing the Unified Bureau's recent recruits.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ai Qing, a commissioner from the Unified Bureau's Decision-Making Office, visits Rudolf, the manager of the Starry Sky, to request access to the passenger list.
• Rudolf refuses, citing the Fred Family's authority and the Starry Sky's independence.
• Ai Qing threatens Rudolf, warning him of the consequences of his refusal.
• Ai Qing and Tony leave after the tense encounter.
• Huai Shi receives his violin, but finds a series of nested boxes containing only a bracelet and a note mentioning a surprise.

Character Developments

• Ai Qing demonstrates her assertiveness and knowledge of power dynamics, manipulating Rudolf into complying with her request.
• Rudolf shows his stubbornness and reliance on his family's influence, leading to his eventual humiliation.
• Huai Shi displays his frustration and impatience when he finds the violin cases nested within each other, hinting at his growing anticipation for the surprise.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the abuse of authority (Rudolf's reliance on his family's influence, Ai Qing's manipulation of Rudolf).
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponent (Rudolf's refusal to take Ai Qing seriously, leading to his humiliation).
• Anticipation and disappointment (Huai Shi's eagerness to open the violin case, only to find a series of empty boxes).

Character Interactions

• Ai Qing and Rudolf: Their interaction is tense and confrontational, with Ai Qing manipulating Rudolf into complying with her request.
• Ai Qing and Tony: They work together, with Tony supporting Ai Qing's actions and later discussing her strategies.
• Huai Shi and the Hell Music Association: Huai Shi refuses to relocate with the association, maintaining his loyalty to the Astronomical Society. The old man from the association brings Huai Shi's violin but also hints at the upcoming relocation.