Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Youlou, a former idol now a coach on 'The Voice', sleeps with a girl named Xiao Liu, a host at Zhe Lan TV, using a step-by-step approach but is surprised by her boldness.
• He buys her tofu pudding the next morning, learns she prefers savory, and stays with her longer than intended.
• Bai Youlou's agent, Old Zhou, and manager, Long Ziqiang, discuss his behavior and the upcoming 'Talent Show' episode featuring him.
• Zhen Dongjun, another coach, visits their practice room and offers to treat them to skewers, trying to make amends for his previous behavior.
• Bai Youlou turns on the TV to watch 'Talent Show' and orders food while waiting.

Character Developments

• Bai Youlou: Shows his practical and straightforward nature, not caring about his image or reputation. He's more interested in his career and is willing to make personal sacrifices for it.
• Xiao Liu: Reveals her passionate and unreserved nature, contrasting with Bai Youlou's initial expectations.
• Zhen Dongjun: Shows embarrassment and discomfort with Bai Youlou's straightforwardness, revealing his insecurities and desire for acceptance.

Significant Themes

• Image and Reputation: Bai Youlou doesn't care about his image or reputation, while Zhen Dongjun is more concerned with his public persona.
• Career Ambition: Bai Youlou is focused on advancing his career, even if it means making personal sacrifices.
• Honesty and Authenticity: Bai Youlou's straightforwardness contrasts with Zhen Dongjun's attempts to maintain a certain image.

Character Interactions

• Bai Youlou and Xiao Liu: Their interaction is brief but intense, with Xiao Liu taking the lead in their encounter.
• Bai Youlou and Zhen Dongjun: They have a candid and honest interaction, with Bai Youlou seeing through Zhen Dongjun's attempts to maintain an image.
• Bai Youlou, Old Zhou, and Long Ziqiang: They discuss Bai Youlou's behavior and the upcoming 'Talent Show' episode, with Old Zhou showing concern for Bai Youlou's career and Long Ziqiang admiring his actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter focuses on the reactions of An Luning, Sister Hong (Fang Jihong), and Zhang Xiaorong to Bai Youlou's appearance on "Talent Show" and his heated argument with Wang Jiahua.
• Bai Youlou's 'dimensions' become a trending topic online, much to An Luning's dismay and Zhang Xiaorong's embarrassment.
• Bai Youlou's performance on the show is cut short, and he argues with Wang Jiahua, leading to a surge of online discussions and criticism.

Character Developments

• An Luning: Shows impatience and concern for Bai Youlou, but also gossips about his personal life.
• Sister Hong (Fang Jihong): Expresses regret for not poaching Bai Youlou earlier, shows interest in supporting Zhang Xiaorong, and criticizes Bai Youlou for being stingy.
• Zhang Xiaorong: Remains calm and composed, supports Bai Youlou, and reveals that she knows about his plans.

Significant Themes

• The chapter explores the theme of public image and how it can be manipulated for personal gain, as seen in Wang Jiahua's actions and the online discussions about Bai Youlou.
• It also touches on the theme of support and loyalty, with Zhang Xiaorong and Sister Hong expressing their support for Bai Youlou and each other.

Character Interactions

• An Luning and Zhang Xiaorong interact as friends, with An Luning showing concern for Zhang Xiaorong's well-being and Zhang Xiaorong patiently answering An Luning's questions.
• Sister Hong interacts with both An Luning and Zhang Xiaorong, expressing her regret for not poaching Bai Youlou and her interest in supporting Zhang Xiaorong.
• Bai Youlou's interaction with Wang Jiahua on the show leads to a heated argument, further fueling online discussions about Bai Youlou's character and actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Long Ziqiang, Zhen Dongjun, and Bai Youlou are in a singing room. Long Ziqiang is upset that netizens are only focusing on his appearance instead of cursing him.
• Zhen Dongjun offers Bai Youlou two million yuan for two songs. Bai Youlou accepts but keeps the song types a secret.
• Old Zhou bursts in, announcing that Bai Youlou's movie has been nominated for the main competition at the Cannes Film Festival. Zhen Dongjun, impressed, offers two million to help with the movie's promotion.

Character Developments

• Long Ziqiang: Realizes that netizens' comments can be hurtful, showing his insecurities.
• Zhen Dongjun: Discovers Bai Youlou's talent and influence, leading him to invest in Bai's movie.
• Bai Youlou: Maintains his calm and confident demeanor, playing the industry players against each other to his advantage.

Significant Themes

• The power of social media and public opinion (netizens' comments affecting Long Ziqiang).
• The cutthroat nature of the entertainment industry (Bai Youlou's shrewd business dealings).
• The value of talent and recognition (Bai Youlou's movie nomination).

Character Interactions

• Long Ziqiang and Zhen Dongjun: They argue and banter, with Zhen Dongjun often being the butt of the jokes.
• Bai Youlou and Zhen Dongjun: Bai manipulates Zhen into investing in his movie, showing his business acumen.
• Bai Youlou and Old Zhou: They celebrate the movie nomination together, showing their camaraderie.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Cannes Film Festival is prestigious but doesn't generate massive public attention, except when a famous director or actor wins an award.
• The red carpet event, not the awards, garners the most attention, with "carpet stars" seeking publicity.
• This year, two Chinese films are nominated for the main competition, including one by a little-known director, Youlou Bai.

Character Developments

• Wang Henshui, a reporter for "Film Entertainment Weekly," is surprised and confused by Youlou Bai's nomination, struggling to write a report about him.
• Youlou Bai, a former idol turned filmmaker, is now a nominee for the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between the prestige of the Cannes Film Festival and the lack of public interest in it.
• The disparity between the attention given to awards and the red carpet event.
• The unexpected rise of a fallen idol, Youlou Bai.

Character Interactions

• Wang Henshui interacts with his intern, discussing the unexpected nomination of Youlou Bai and making a bet about whether Bai will win an award.
• Wang Henshui's reaction to Youlou Bai's nomination reflects the industry's surprise and skepticism about a fallen idol's sudden success.

Key Plot Points and Events

• After the "Talent Show," Bai Youlou faces intense online backlash, while Dong Lu's situation improves due to her low profile.
• Bai Youlou's die-hard fans, mostly teenagers, rally to support him, attacking Wang Jiahua's Weibo but facing backlash from other netizens.
• News of Bai Youlou's nomination at the Cannes Film Festival sparks a brief surge of support from his fans.
• Bai Youlou's subsequent performances on various shows gain attention and spark debates about his talent, with some acknowledging it despite his past scandals.

Character Developments

• Bai Youlou: Despite the criticism, Bai Youlou remains silent about his fans' actions. His talent is increasingly recognized, and he's seen as a potential top music producer and songwriter.
• Dong Lu: She maintains a low profile, which helps her regain some public favor.
• Bai Youlou's Fans: They show unwavering support for Bai Youlou, even in the face of criticism, demonstrating their stubbornness and devotion.

Significant Themes

• Talent vs. Scandal: The chapter explores the tension between Bai Youlou's undeniable talent and his controversial past.
• Fan Loyalty: It highlights the dedication and stubbornness of Bai Youlou's fans, who support him despite the online backlash.
• Public Opinion and Image Management: It shows how public opinion shifts with time and how different strategies (like Dong Lu's low profile and Bai Youlou's silence) can influence this shift.

Character Interactions

• Bai Youlou and His Fans: While Bai Youlou finds his fans' actions laughable, he also feels a certain affection for their dedication.
• Bai Youlou's Fans and Wang Jiahua: The fans clash with Wang Jiahua on his Weibo, only to face backlash from other netizens.
• An Luning and Sister Hong: They discuss the shifting public opinion, with Sister Hong providing insights and An Luning showing curiosity about the topic.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Youlou's talent is recognized, but his past actions cause discomfort among those who know him.
• He continues to release high-quality songs, even composing for other artists like Long Ziqiang and Zhang Xiaorong.
• An Luning and Sister Hong discuss signing Zhang Xiaorong and another artist, with Sister Hong planning to talk to their boss, Lin Juntao.
• Lin Juntao and Sister Hong watch Bai Youlou's performance on Tomorrow's Star Show, where he confronts Zhen Dongjun, causing a global sensation.

Character Developments

• Bai Youlou: His talent is undeniable, but his past actions and current behavior are causing concern and discomfort. His actions on Tomorrow's Star Show shock the industry.
• An Luning: She shows concern for Zhang Xiaorong's career and is eager to sign her to their company. She also expresses a desire to act in movies.
• Sister Hong: She recognizes Bai Youlou's talent and is willing to overlook his past reputation to sign him. She is also aware of An Luning's hidden image as "The Flower of Riches and Honor."
• Lin Juntao: The boss of Huaxing Entertainment, he is initially cautious about signing Bai Youlou due to his reputation but is impressed by his talent and bravery.

Significant Themes

• Talent and recognition: Bai Youlou's talent is undeniable, but his past actions and current behavior are causing concern and discomfort, highlighting the tension between talent and reputation.
• Bravery and recklessness: Bai Youlou's actions on Tomorrow's Star Show demonstrate his bravery, but also raise questions about his judgment and recklessness.
• Industry dynamics: The chapter highlights the dynamics of the entertainment industry, including the power of talent, the importance of reputation, and the role of industry leaders like Lin Juntao.

Character Interactions

• An Luning and Sister Hong discuss career plans and the company's future.
• Sister Hong and Lin Juntao discuss Bai Youlou's potential and watch his performance together.
• Bai Youlou's actions on Tomorrow's Star Show cause a global reaction, affecting the industry and those who watch his performance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Youlou's song "Miss Dong" is released on "Tomorrow's Star Show," causing a massive uproar and speculation about its meaning and Bai Youlou's intentions.
• The song's controversial nature leads to intense online discussion, with many criticizing Bai Youlou while others praise his talent.
• Zhen Dongjun, the "victim" in the song, feels both startled and lucky, as the song's content matches his online imaginings, and he believes Bai Youlou's true power is yet to be seen.

Character Developments

• Bai Youlou remains unfazed by the online controversy, showing no concern for his public image.
• Zhen Dongjun feels envious of Bai Youlou's talent and considers using the videos he has to control him, but realizes Bai Youlou doesn't care about his threat.
• Zhen Dongjun shares insider information about Huaxing Entertainment and speculates about the relationships between its CEO, Lin Juntao, and the company's artists, An Luning and Zhang Xiaorong.

Significant Themes

• The power of music and its ability to stir public opinion and emotion.
• The blurred line between truth and perception in the entertainment industry.
• The consequences of provocation and gossip, as Zhen Dongjun dances "on the edge of death" by sharing potentially harmful information.

Character Interactions

• Bai Youlou and Zhen Dongjun's dynamic shifts as Zhen Dongjun becomes more open about his envy of Bai Youlou's talent and his knowledge of the entertainment industry.
• Old Zhou's concern for Bai Youlou's reaction to the gossip about An Luning, showing his protective nature towards his friend.
• Zhen Dongjun's disregard for the potential consequences of his words, showing his reckless and provocative nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An Luning leaks information about Huaxing's interest in signing Zhang Xiaorong.
• Bai Youlou considers Huaxing a good fit for Zhang Xiaorong but is taken aback by Zhen Dongjun's accusation of "sugar daddy culture."
• Bai Youlou asks Zhang Xiaorong to confirm An Luning's relationship with Lin Juntao, leading to a humorous revelation about their generational gap.
• Bai Youlou confronts Zhen Dongjun about his rumors, leading to a tense standoff.

Character Developments

• Bai Youlou: Shows concern for Zhang Xiaorong's career, maintains a laid-back attitude, and demonstrates his influence and power subtly.
• Zhang Xiaorong: Shows determination to follow Bai Youlou's guidance, displays curiosity about An Luning's relationship with Lin Juntao, and maintains a close friendship with An Luning.
• An Luning: Reveals her generational superiority to Lin Juntao, hinting at her influence within Huaxing.
• Zhen Dongjun: Struggles with his own failures and insecurities, leading him to make accusations without evidence.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: Bai Youlou's influence and connections are subtly shown, contrasting with Zhen Dongjun's powerlessness.
• Friendship and Loyalty: Zhang Xiaorong's loyalty to Bai Youlou and her friendship with An Luning are emphasized.
• Generational Gaps: The generational difference between An Luning and Lin Juntao is used for humor and to highlight An Luning's influence.

Character Interactions

• Bai Youlou and Zhang Xiaorong: Their mentor-mentee relationship is strengthened as Bai Youlou considers her career and Zhang Xiaorong expresses her determination to follow him.
• An Luning and Zhang Xiaorong: Their friendship is shown through their casual conversation and An Luning's willingness to share personal information.
• Bai Youlou and Zhen Dongjun: Their tense interaction highlights Bai Youlou's power and Zhen Dongjun's insecurities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Youlou has manipulated "The Voice" show, ensuring his artist and songs have an advantage.
• The production team struggles with Bai Youlou's controversial image and moral standards.
• Zhen Dongjun provides the production team with incriminating footage against Bai Youlou.
• Bai Youlou announces his withdrawal from the competition due to the Cannes Film Festival.
• The production team tries to persuade Bai Youlou to stay, offering him the championship and a top-tier contract.

Character Developments

• Bai Youlou: Reinforces his manipulative and ambitious nature, prioritizing his film career over the competition.
• Zhen Dongjun: Shows cunning and opportunism by providing the production team with damaging information against Bai Youlou.
• Host Xiao Liu: Demonstrates loyalty to Bai Youlou, unable to effectively persuade him to stay in the competition.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and manipulation: Bai Youlou's actions highlight his desire for success and his willingness to manipulate the system to achieve it.
• Opportunism: Characters like Zhen Dongjun and the production team show opportunistic behavior, capitalizing on situations to their advantage.
• Loyalty: Host Xiao Liu's loyalty to Bai Youlou is evident in her inability to persuade him, despite the production team's instructions.

Character Interactions

• Bai Youlou and Zhen Dongjun: Their relationship remains tense, with Zhen Dongjun trying to undermine Bai Youlou while Bai Youlou maintains his advantage.
• Bai Youlou and Host Xiao Liu: Their interactions show a growing rapport, with Host Xiao Liu demonstrating loyalty to Bai Youlou, even when trying to convince him to stay in the competition.
• The production team and Bai Youlou: The production team's attempts to persuade Bai Youlou to stay highlight their desire to capitalize on his popularity and the drama he brings to the show.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Youlou and Old Zhou arrive at the Cannes Film Festival, where they struggle to find accommodation and face a bustling film market with more sellers than buyers.
• They encounter a Chinese compatriot, Section Chief Zheng, whose booth is much grander, indicating his prominence in the industry.
• A reporter, Wang Henshui, approaches Bai Youlou for an interview, aiming to discuss the likelihood of his film winning an award.

Character Developments

• Bai Youlou remains calm and collected, showing no signs of arrogance despite his confidence in his directing abilities.
• Old Zhou demonstrates knowledge of the industry, recognizing Section Chief Zheng and understanding the dynamics of the film market.
• Wang Henshui, the reporter, is portrayed as cunning, attempting to bait Bai Youlou into making controversial statements.

Significant Themes

• The cutthroat nature of the film industry, where directors must navigate complex relationships and maintain their reputations.
• The importance of self-confidence and humility in the face of adversity, as exemplified by Bai Youlou's response to the reporter's questions.

Character Interactions

• Bai Youlou and Old Zhou work together, with Old Zhou providing insight and support while Bai Youlou maintains a composed demeanor.
• Bai Youlou's interaction with Wang Henshui highlights his ability to remain calm under pressure and his unwillingness to engage in unnecessary humility.
• The encounter with Section Chief Zheng foreshadows potential competition or collaboration between the two directors.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Youlou, a controversial figure in the entertainment industry, arrives at the Cannes Film Festival with his manager, Old Zhou.
• A reporter, Shui, interviews Bai Youlou but plans to smear him in his report due to Bai's refusal to give him a red envelope.
• Bai Youlou's song "Lone Brave" gains immense popularity back in China, further fueling his fame and controversy.
• The Cannes Film Festival's opening ceremony and red carpet event approach, which Bai Youlou views as less important, but others, like actress Hu Manyin, consider crucial.

Character Developments

• Bai Youlou: He remains defiant and unapologetic about his actions, even mocking the reporter's attempt to trap him. He's more focused on the business aspects of the festival than the red carpet.
• Old Zhou: He's now more accepting of Bai Youlou's morally ambiguous behavior, choosing to enjoy their time together instead of worrying about his integrity.
• Reporter Shui: He plans to smear Bai Youlou in his report, viewing the media as the "uncrowned kings" of the entertainment industry.
• Hu Manyin: She's determined to make the most of the red carpet event at the Cannes Film Festival to boost her career.

Significant Themes

• The corrupting influence of fame and power.
• The media's role and influence in shaping public opinion.
• The importance of appearances and image in the entertainment industry.

Character Interactions

• Bai Youlou and Old Zhou share a camaraderie, enjoying their morally questionable life together.
• Reporter Shui and his intern discuss their plan to smear Bai Youlou, with the intern initially admiring Bai's talent but later swayed by Shui's influence.
• Bai Youlou's actions in China, particularly his song "Lone Brave," draw reactions from the public, including Zhen Dongjun, Zhang Xiaorong, and An Luning, who trend alongside him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hu Manyin, an actress, attends the Cannes Film Festival with the intention of crashing the red carpet events, focusing mainly on the opening ceremony's red carpet.
• Her film, "Whiplash," is selected for the main competition, but she and her agency are unaware of this due to her lack of interest in the project.
• Hu Manyin struggles with a tight, ill-fitting gown for her red carpet appearance, aiming to stay on the carpet for at least five minutes to gain attention.
• Bai Youlou, a director, and his friend Old Zhou watch the red carpet event, criticizing and appreciating the outfits of the attendees.

Character Developments

• Hu Manyin: She is nervous about her red carpet appearance, trying to balance being impressive and safe. She is determined to make the most of this opportunity to boost her image.
• Bai Youlou: He is critical of the red carpet outfits, preferring traditional Asian aesthetics. He is disappointed when he sees a Chinese actress acting coy on the red carpet.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and Opportunity: Hu Manyin sees the Cannes Film Festival as an opportunity to advance her career, while Bai Youlou is critical of the event's focus on appearance over substance.
• Appearance vs. Substance: The chapter explores the tension between wanting to make a strong impression and maintaining a sense of decorum or authenticity, as seen in Hu Manyin's struggle with her gown and Bai Youlou's critique of the red carpet outfits.

Character Interactions

• Hu Manyin and her agent: The agent instructs Hu Manyin on how to behave on the red carpet and encourages her to make a splash.
• Bai Youlou and Old Zhou: They critique the red carpet outfits together, with Bai Youlou expressing his preferences and Old Zhou playing devil's advocate.
• Hu Manyin and her compatriots: She feels more confident when she sees other Chinese actresses at the assembly point, but they do not interact much due to the competitive atmosphere.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Youlou and Old Zhou walk the Cannes Red Carpet, attracting media attention due to a misunderstanding about who the director is.
• They encounter Hu Manyin, the female lead of their film, who was waiting on the red carpet for Bai Youlou.
• Bai Youlou saves Hu Manyin from being escorted off the red carpet and they walk together, causing a stir among the media.

Character Developments

• Bai Youlou: Shows a more considerate side, helping Hu Manyin despite his initial awkwardness. He also demonstrates his ability to handle unexpected situations with composure.
• Hu Manyin: Initially embarrassed and shocked, she quickly recovers and maintains her composure, showing resilience and adaptability. She also displays a playful side, hinting at a more complex character.
• Old Zhou: Shows understanding and support for Bai Youlou, helping to navigate the situation on the red carpet.

Significant Themes

• Appearance vs Reality: The media's initial focus on Old Zhou due to his appearance, and their shift in attention to Bai Youlou once they realize he's the director, highlights the theme of appearance vs reality.
• Unexpected Connections: The encounter between Bai Youlou and Hu Manyin on the red carpet emphasizes the theme of unexpected connections and how they can shape events.

Character Interactions

• Bai Youlou and Old Zhou: Their banter and understanding of each other's quirks show a strong, supportive friendship.
• Bai Youlou and Hu Manyin: Their interaction on the red carpet is filled with tension and awkwardness initially, but they quickly find a rhythm, hinting at a potential working relationship and mutual respect.
• Hu Manyin and the Media/Security: Her interaction with the media and security personnel highlights her resilience and adaptability in the face of unexpected situations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Youlou and Hu Manyin reunite at the Cannes Film Festival's opening ceremony.
• Bai Youlou helps Hu Manyin on the red carpet, feeling they're even now.
• Hu Manyin thanks Bai Youlou sincerely, and they discuss their nominations.
• After the ceremony, Hu Manyin can't find her team and asks Bai Youlou for help.
• Bai Youlou and Old Zhou escort Hu Manyin to her hotel, which is more luxurious than theirs.
• Hu Manyin's team leaves her behind to prepare a new dress, embarrassing her.

Character Developments

• Bai Youlou: Initially cold towards Hu Manyin due to her past behavior, but helps her on the red carpet. He finds her situation amusing and feels they're even. He's protective of her despite his initial reservations.
• Hu Manyin: Initially distant from Bai Youlou during filming, she's now grateful for his help. She's embarrassed by her situation and her team's actions, losing face in front of Bai Youlou.

Significant Themes

• Favor and Debt: Bai Youlou feels they're even after helping Hu Manyin, and Hu Manyin feels indebted to him.
• Appearance vs. Reality: Hu Manyin's luxurious hotel stay contrasts with her team's abandonment, highlighting the discrepancy between appearances and reality.

Character Interactions

• Bai Youlou and Hu Manyin: Their interaction shifts from initial coldness to mutual respect and concern, with Bai Youlou showing unexpected kindness towards Hu Manyin.
• Hu Manyin and Her Team: Hu Manyin's team abandons her, causing her embarrassment and loss of face in front of Bai Youlou.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hu Manyin, a Chinese actress, arrives at the Cannes Film Festival and meets Bai Youlou, a director whose film is in competition.
• Bai Youlou offers to help Hu Manyin carry her luggage to her suite, where she reveals she's staying alone due to a mix-up with her booking.
• Bai Youlou teasingly asks if she's afraid of staying alone at night, planting a seed of fear in Hu Manyin's mind.
• The next day, Hu Manyin helps Bai Youlou promote his film at the film market, and they attend the screening of "Whiplash" together.
• At the screening, they encounter Section Chief Zheng, a prominent director who greets Bai Youlou warmly, and Lu Wenyuan, an actor who has a tense history with Bai Youlou.

Character Developments

• Bai Youlou: He is shown to be mischievous, direct, and confident. He uses Hu Manyin's fear of staying alone to secure her help in promoting his film. He also demonstrates his connections within the industry by interacting with Section Chief Zheng.
• Hu Manyin: She starts off dismissive of Bai Youlou but warms up to him after he helps her and treats her kindly. She also shows curiosity and eagerness to learn about the industry.
• Lu Wenyuan: He is shown to have a tense relationship with Bai Youlou, likely stemming from a past incident. He also seems to have a history with Hu Manyin, addressing her as "junior sister."

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and relationships within the film industry.
• The use of fear and manipulation to achieve one's goals.
• The importance of connections and networking in the industry.

Character Interactions

• Bai Youlou and Hu Manyin: They start off with a tense relationship, but Hu Manyin's fear of staying alone and Bai Youlou's kindness lead to a tentative friendship.
• Bai Youlou and Lu Wenyuan: They have a tense, almost hostile relationship, likely due to a past incident.
• Bai Youlou and Section Chief Zheng: They have a friendly, supportive relationship, demonstrating Bai Youlou's standing within the industry.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Cannes Film Festival is both a temple of art and a feast of money and capital, with filmmakers promoting and selling copyrights.
• Lu Wenyuan, the main character, is in Cannes to promote his film but avoids the red carpet and only has street photos taken.
• Lu Wenyuan meets Bai Youlou, a former idol turned director, and initially intends to confront him but refrains from doing so.
• Lu Wenyuan badmouths Bai Youlou to Hu Manyin, who acts in Bai Youlou's film, causing her embarrassment.
• Lu Wenyuan leaves but returns later, forced by his agent. He continues to criticize Bai Youlou, unaware of the latter's influence at Cannes.
• Lu Wenyuan sits next to Bai Youlou and Hu Manyin during the movie screening, still grumbling about Bai Youlou.

Character Developments

• Lu Wenyuan: Still disdains Bai Youlou but has learned from their previous encounter and refrains from physical confrontation. He is childish and fixated on Bai Youlou's past.
• Bai Youlou: Remains unfazed by Lu Wenyuan's verbal attacks and is amused by his antics. He is confident in his film's success and spends money to promote it.
• Hu Manyin: Feels embarrassed by Lu Wenyuan's behavior and tries to mediate between him and Bai Youlou. She is considerate of both their feelings.

Significant Themes

• The dual nature of the Cannes Film Festival as both an art temple and a capitalist event.
• The influence of money and status in the film industry.
• The consequences of past actions and the difficulty in moving on from them (Lu Wenyuan's fixation on Bai Youlou's past).

Character Interactions

• Lu Wenyuan and Bai Youlou: Their interaction is tense, with Lu Wenyuan verbally attacking Bai Youlou and Bai Youlou finding amusement in Lu Wenyuan's behavior.
• Lu Wenyuan and Hu Manyin: Lu Wenyuan badmouths Bai Youlou to Hu Manyin, causing her embarrassment. Hu Manyin tries to mediate between them but ultimately sides with Bai Youlou.
• Bai Youlou and Hu Manyin: They share a friendly interaction, with Bai Youlou inviting Hu Manyin to the restroom and Hu Manyin choosing to sit next to him during the movie screening.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The movie "Whiplash" begins, telling the story of a young jazz drummer, Andrew, and his demanding teacher, Terence.
• Andrew's journey is one of obsession, pressure, and abuse as he pursues his dream of musical perfection under Terence's tutelage.
• The movie ends abruptly after a climactic performance, leaving the audience uncertain about Andrew's future and his relationship with Terence.

Character Developments

• Andrew (Bai Youlou): Starts as an eager, talented young musician, but becomes increasingly obsessed and driven to the point of self-destruction under Terence's influence.
• Terence (Long Ziqiang): Initially appears as a demanding, aggressive teacher, but later reveals a complex, almost symbiotic relationship with Andrew.

Significant Themes

• Obsession and its consequences
• The cost of perfection
• The complex relationship between a mentor and their protégé
• The power of performance to evoke emotion

Character Interactions

• The dynamic between Andrew and Terence is central to the story, evolving from a teacher-student relationship to one of mutual obsession and destruction.
• Hu Manyin, the female lead, has a minor role, serving as a love interest and a point of view for the audience.
• The audience's reaction to the movie mirrors the characters' emotional journey, shifting from shock and fear to applause and awe.

Notable Moments

• The sudden, violent act of Terence throwing a chair at Andrew is a turning point in their relationship and a shocking moment for the audience.
• The final performance scene, where Andrew and Terence's souls seem to resonate, is a powerful climax that leaves the audience breathless and uncertain.
• The audience's delayed but overwhelming applause for the movie reflects their emotional journey and appreciation for the film's intense, gripping performance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The team's first film premieres at Cannes, receiving a warm reception.
• Bai Youlou feels anxious about Lu Wenyuan's potential reaction to the success.
• After the screening, the team faces a crowd of admirers and media, which Bai Youlou finds uncomfortable.
• Lu Wenyuan appears again, offering to take Hu Manyin to dinner, causing Bai Youlou to feel defeated.
• Bai Youlou sends a message to Hu Manyin asking her to bring him steak, and Lu Wenyuan escorts her to the hotel.
• Bai Youlou reveals he's staying at the same hotel, surprising Lu Wenyuan.
• Bai Youlou gives Lu Wenyuan a Pikachu toy, telling him to "go become a Pokemon Master."

Character Developments

• Bai Youlou: Struggles with anxiety and discomfort in the face of sudden fame, maintains a competitive stance towards Lu Wenyuan.
• Lu Wenyuan: Struggles with his idol image and maintaining composure, feels competitive towards Bai Youlou.
• Hu Manyin: Enjoys the attention from both men, feels like the female lead in a romance novel.

Significant Themes

• Competition and rivalry between men (Bai Youlou and Lu Wenyuan)
• Anxiety and discomfort in the face of sudden fame (Bai Youlou)
• The struggle between one's public image and true feelings (Lu Wenyuan)

Character Interactions

• Bai Youlou and Lu Wenyuan's competitive dynamic drives much of the chapter's events.
• Hu Manyin serves as a catalyst for their competition, enjoying the attention from both men.
• Bai Youlou and Hu Manyin have a subtle, friendly exchange via message, with Hu Manyin understanding Bai Youlou's hint for food.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Youlou and Hu Manyin have dinner together after the film screening.
• They discuss the film's copyright sales and award prospects.
• Bai Youlou hints at a potential homosexual theme for future films to win awards.
• Hu Manyin dresses provocatively, and Bai Youlou notices but doesn't act immediately.

Character Developments

• Bai Youlou shows his passion and knowledge about filmmaking, contradicting his initial scoundrel image.
• Hu Manyin becomes more open and confident around Bai Youlou, trying to impress him.
• Bai Youlou demonstrates his straightforward and direct nature, prioritizing efficiency.

Significant Themes

• The complexity of human relationships, particularly in the film industry.
• The importance of understanding and appreciating different perspectives in art and society.
• The tension between professional ambition and personal desires.

Character Interactions

• Bai Youlou and Hu Manyin have a more open and honest conversation, leading to mutual understanding and respect.
• Bai Youlou's directness contrasts with Hu Manyin's initial shyness and awkwardness, leading to a shift in their dynamic.
• The tension between them builds as Bai Youlou expresses his intentions, and Hu Manyin responds with a mix of surprise and uncertainty.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Youlou's movie receives rave reviews after a screening.
• Bai Youlou and Old Zhou encounter a foreign woman who invites them to play.
• They meet a reporter, Ah Shui, from Movie Entertainment Weekly who praises Bai Youlou's movie but didn't watch it yet.
• Old Zhou suspects Ah Shui of trying to gather dirt on them.

Character Developments

• Bai Youlou remains indifferent to foreign women's advances and is focused on his movie's success.
• Old Zhou struggles with temptation (foreign woman) and worry (Ah Shui's intentions).
• Ah Shui is portrayed as potentially untrustworthy, with Old Zhou suspecting him of gathering dirt.

Significant Themes

• The universal appeal of dreams and art.
• The double-edged nature of fame and success.
• The tension between temptation and responsibility.

Character Interactions

• Bai Youlou and Old Zhou's dynamic is playful and honest, with Old Zhou trying to pry into Bai Youlou's personal life.
• Bai Youlou and Ah Shui's interaction is polite but guarded, with Ah Shui subtly hinting at potential problems.
• Bai Youlou and the foreign woman's interaction is brief and uninterested, with Bai Youlou declining her invitation.