Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points & Events

• Shen Biwei apologizes to Su Qiao to save face, but her true feelings remain hostile.
• Su Qiao regains dignity and turns the situation around, making Shen Biwei and Pei Yulou lose face instead.
• Su Qiao expresses admiration for Su Man's ability to let go and move on, gaining respect from onlookers.
• Su Qiao shares her thoughts on the film "Peerless Beauty," criticizing the male characters' lack of responsibility and accountability.
• A male reporter insinuates that Su Qiao's opinions stem from past romantic hurts.

Character Developments

• Su Qiao: She maintains her composure and dignity, turning the tables on Shen Biwei. She expresses independent and progressive views on relationships.
• Shen Biwei: She remains arrogant and scheming, despite her public apology. Her true feelings towards Su Qiao and Pei Yulou are revealed.
• Pei Yulou: He is portrayed as irresponsible and unaccountable, as Su Qiao criticizes the male characters in "Peerless Beauty."

Significant Themes

• Face and Dignity: The importance of maintaining face and dignity in public, as seen through Su Qiao's actions.
• Responsibility and Accountability: The lack of responsibility and accountability in relationships, as highlighted by Su Qiao's critique of the male characters in "Peerless Beauty."
• Progressive Views on Love and Relationships: Su Qiao's views on love and relationships reflect a more independent and progressive mindset.

Character Interactions

• Su Qiao vs. Shen Biwei: Their interaction reveals Shen Biwei's arrogance and Su Qiao's ability to maintain her composure and dignity.
• Su Qiao and the Reporters: Su Qiao's interaction with the reporters showcases her independent and progressive views on love and relationships.
• Su Qiao and 444: Their interaction reveals Su Qiao's interest in becoming a famous movie star.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qiao discusses her views on relationships and cohabitation at a press conference.
• She expresses her rational approach to relationships, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and avoiding unnecessary pain.
• Su Qiao shares her perspective on Pei Yulou, stating that she is not the first nor will be the last in his romantic life.
• She discourages women from trying to change a man, asserting that if a man is to change, he will do so on his own.
• Su Qiao expresses her disapproval of relationships not aimed at marriage, labeling them as "messing around."

Character Developments

• Su Qiao demonstrates her independent and assertive personality, gaining admiration from the public.
• She shows a deep understanding of herself and her emotions, indicating personal growth and self-awareness.

Significant Themes

• Rationality vs. Emotion: Su Qiao's emphasis on rationality in relationships contrasts with the emotional nature of love.
• Self-awareness: Su Qiao's understanding of her own emotions and needs is a central theme.
• The Role of Women in Relationships: Su Qiao's views on not trying to change a man challenge traditional gender dynamics.

Character Interactions

• Su Qiao interacts with reporters and the public, engaging in a Q&A session that reveals her unique perspective on relationships.
• Her responses spark admiration and laughter among the attendees, highlighting her charisma and wit.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qiao, the Second Master's fiancée, attends a press conference where she openly discusses her views on relationships and dating.
• She advocates for women to date for fun and not be tied down by societal expectations, causing a stir among the audience.
• She addresses potential risks and challenges in such relationships, including unexpected pregnancies, abortions, and societal stigma.

Character Developments

• Su Qiao: She demonstrates confidence, intelligence, and a strong sense of self. She's open about her views on relationships and isn't afraid of societal backlash.
• Female Reporter: She seems to be going through emotional turmoil and finds Su Qiao's perspective enlightening, leading her to make a decision.

Significant Themes

• Freedom of Choice: Su Qiao emphasizes women's right to choose how they want to live their lives and engage in relationships.
• Societal Expectations vs Personal Beliefs: The chapter explores the tension between societal norms and individual beliefs and desires.
• Consequences of Actions: Su Qiao discusses the potential consequences of acting on one's desires, encouraging thoughtful decision-making.

Character Interactions

• Su Qiao and the Audience: Su Qiao's bold statements spark a range of reactions from the audience, from admiration to indignation.
• Su Qiao and the Female Reporter: Su Qiao's words seem to resonate with the female reporter, who appears to have a personal crisis she's trying to resolve.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qiao attends a movie launch press conference.
• She subtly advises a reporter about a cheating partner.
• Su Qiao surprises everyone by accepting the role despite the controversial character, showing pragmatism and respect for the screenwriter's vision.
• She leaves a positive impression on most attendees.
• The press conference ends, and Su Qiao plans to find a quiet place to recall her memories.

Character Developments

• Su Qiao demonstrates maturity and pragmatism in her career decisions, showing she's not just an 'immortal fairy' but a grounded individual who needs to earn a living.
• She shows empathy and understanding towards the reporter's situation.
• Su Qiao also displays respect for the screenwriter's creative choices.

Significant Themes

• Pragmatism vs Idealism: Su Qiao balances her ideals with the need to earn a living.
• Respect for Creative Choices: She acknowledges the screenwriter's vision, even if she doesn't fully understand or agree with it.
• Empathy and Understanding: Su Qiao shows compassion towards the reporter.

Character Interactions

• Su Qiao interacts positively with most reporters and celebrities, leaving a good impression.
• She subtly advises the reporter, showing a caring and understanding side.
• There's a hint of tension with Shen Biwei, who blew the character controversy out of proportion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qiao encounters Jiang Aiyun, who warns her about her place in the industry.
• Director Yu invites Su Qiao to dinner, but she declines.
• Su Qiao meets her ex-boyfriend, Pei Yulou, a J-Second Generation with a powerful background.

Character Developments

• Su Qiao remains calm and composed in the face of Jiang Aiyun's warning, showing maturity and confidence.
• Pei Yulou is introduced as arrogant and particular about his appearance, reflecting his privileged background.

Significant Themes

• The theme of power dynamics and influence is highlighted through Pei Yulou's background and Jiang Aiyun's warning to Su Qiao.
• The theme of self-awareness and understanding one's place is explored through Su Qiao's response to Jiang Aiyun.

Character Interactions

• Su Qiao and Jiang Aiyun have a tense interaction, with Jiang Aiyun warning Su Qiao and Su Qiao subtly dismissing her.
• Su Qiao and Pei Yulou meet for the first time since Su Qiao's rebirth, with Su Qiao now aware of Pei Yulou's influential background.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qiao discovers Pei Yulou and Shen Biwei cohabiting and decides to expose their relationship to prevent the Male Lead and Female Lead from being together.
• Pei Yulou and Shen Biwei encounter Su Qiao at the movie premiere, leading to an awkward confrontation.
• Su Qiao leaves without creating a scene, leaving Pei Yulou conflicted.
• Shen Biwei forces Pei Yulou to take her to dinner, while Su Qiao walks away without looking back.

Character Developments

• Su Qiao demonstrates her strategic thinking by deciding to expose Pei Yulou and Shen Biwei's relationship to disrupt their plans.
• Pei Yulou feels guilty and conflicted about his actions, leading to a mix of emotions when he sees Su Qiao.
• Shen Biwei shows her possessiveness and manipulative nature by forcing Pei Yulou to take her to dinner.

Significant Themes

• Love triangles and the consequences of infidelity.
• The struggle between duty and desire.
• The power dynamics in relationships.

Character Interactions

• Su Qiao and Pei Yulou's interaction is tense and awkward, with Su Qiao showing indifference and Pei Yulou feeling guilty.
• Shen Biwei's possessive behavior towards Pei Yulou is evident in her interaction with him.
• Su Qiao's cold and indifferent attitude towards Pei Yulou's infidelity highlights her strategic thinking and lack of emotional attachment to him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qiao, after her encounter with Pei Yulou, decides to return home instead of using the restroom due to the era's bathroom conditions.
• She arrives at Renhua Apartment, her residence, where she meets Nanny Wu, the hourly worker hired to cook and clean.
• Nanny Wu prepares Braised Pork in Clay Pot for lunch, a dish Su Qiao requested previously.
• Su Qiao learns that Pei Yulou lives next door to her.

Character Developments

• Su Qiao: She shows curiosity and appreciation for the food, indicating her enjoyment of simple pleasures. She also displays a slight displeasure at Pei Yulou living next door.
• Pei Yulou: His character is hinted at as arrogant, as Su Qiao thinks he's a poor painter but is unaware of his true identity as the Pei Family's Second Young Master.

Significant Themes

• The influence of Western culture on daily life during the Republic of China Era, as seen in the apartment's European-style decor and the presence of a flush toilet and bathtub.
• The contrast between Su Qiao's current life and her previous one, with Little Four mentioning that her life isn't bad but not great either.

Character Interactions

• Su Qiao interacts briefly with Nanny Wu, showing kindness and appreciation for her cooking.
• The chapter hints at potential interactions between Su Qiao and Pei Yulou due to their proximity, but no direct interaction occurs in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qiao, now possessing memories of Su Man, begins to recall her past.
• She discovers her family's history: her father, Su Zhongyun, was the housekeeper for the Shen Family, and her mother, Wu Fenglan, also worked there.
• Su Qiao's older brother, Su Pinhan, squandered the family's money on gambling, leading to Su Qiao having to drop out of school and work as a maid for the Shen Family at age 16.
• Shen Shuting, Shen Biwei's younger brother, is introduced, being a year older than Su Qiao.

Character Developments

• Su Qiao: She begins to understand her past and the circumstances that led her to work as a maid. She also starts to differentiate between her own memories and those of Su Man.
• Su Pinhan: His gambling addiction is revealed, showing his irresponsible nature and the impact of his actions on the family.

Significant Themes

• Class and Social Status: The difference in status between the Shen Family and the Su Family is highlighted, as well as the impact of Su Pinhan's actions on Su Qiao's life.
• Family Dynamics: The favoritism towards the elder son and the consequences of such treatment are explored.

Character Interactions

• There are no significant interactions in this chapter, as it primarily focuses on Su Qiao's memories and reflections.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Second Master, Du Jingzhou, is revealed to have a secret mistress, Su Qiao, who has been hidden for three years.
• Su Qiao secretly flees the Du Mansion but is ambushed and rescued by Su Man.
• Su Man's background and acting career are detailed, from her time in the Xinyun Opera Troupe to her brief stint in the film industry.
• Su Qiao's acting career is sabotaged by Shen Biwei, leading to her being dropped from the drama "Peerless Beauty" and subsequent poverty.

Character Developments

• Du Jingzhou: Revealed to be controlling and potentially abusive, as he keeps Su Qiao hidden and under his surveillance.
• Su Qiao: Initially portrayed as a victim, but her wishes upon death (to stay away from her family and escape Du Jingzhou) hint at a more complex character.
• Su Man: Shows empathy and courage in rescuing Su Qiao, despite her own struggles. Her wish to become a celebrated movie star indicates her determination and ambition.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: Du Jingzhou's power and influence are starkly contrasted with Su Qiao and Su Man's vulnerability and lack of agency.
• Betrayal and Trust: Su Man's boyfriend betrays her, and Su Qiao is betrayed by a maid and later by the industry she trusted.

Character Interactions

• Du Jingzhou and Su Qiao: Their relationship is one of power imbalance and potential abuse, with Du Jingzhou controlling Su Qiao's life.
• Su Man and Su Qiao: Though they are strangers, Su Man risks her life to rescue Su Qiao, showing empathy and courage.
• Su Man and her former boyfriend: Their relationship highlights the theme of betrayal, as he leaves Su Man for Shen Biwei after only three months of dating.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Su Qiao and Su Man, both kind, have unusual desires: Su Qiao wants to escape Du Jingzhou, not revenge, and Su Man doesn't seek revenge against those who wronged her.
• Little Four reveals Du Jingzhou's possessive and paranoid behavior towards Su Qiao, making her a virtual prisoner in the Du Mansion.
• Su Qiao speculates about the coincidence of two Soul Fragments (herself and Su Man) in the same plane.

Character Developments

• Su Qiao: Starts to understand her predecessor's fear and desire to escape Du Jingzhou.
• Du Jingzhou: Revealed to be possessive, paranoid, and potentially abusive.
• Su Man: Shows unexpected kindness and lack of vengeful thoughts.

Significant Themes

• Possessiveness and control in relationships.
• The consequences of fear and isolation.
• The exploration of identity and connection (sisters, twins).

Character Interactions

• Su Qiao and Little Four: They communicate telepathically, with Little Four providing insights and Su Qiao sharing her thoughts and speculations.
• Su Qiao and Du Jingzhou: Their dynamic is revealed to be one of fear and isolation on Su Qiao's part, with Du Jingzhou's behavior being possessive and controlling.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qiao decides not to dwell on her suspicions about her parentage.
• She plans to find a job to cover living expenses, with the biggest expense being Su Man's celebrity image upkeep.
• Du Jingzhou is leading a fight against the Shen Family at the dock, potentially avenging Su Qiao's death.

Character Developments

• Su Qiao shows maturity and practicality in handling her suspicions and financial concerns.
• Du Jingzhou demonstrates loyalty and determination in fighting against the Shen Family.

Significant Themes

• The importance of practicality and prioritizing immediate needs over long-term uncertainties.
• The consequences of past actions and the need for vengeance.

Character Interactions

• Su Qiao and 444: Su Qiao remains calm and pragmatic, while 444 expresses concern and bewilderment at her actions.
• Du Jingzhou and the Shen Family: Their ongoing conflict hints at a history of animosity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qiao, disguised as a young man, visits a casino to win money for her film project.
• She wins significantly, earning ten Small Gold Bars (worth 310 silver dollars) in about three hours.
• She faces suspicion of cheating but manages to dispel it by losing a few hands and moving tables.

Character Developments

• Su Qiao demonstrates her quick thinking and adaptability when facing suspicion of cheating.
• She shows determination in pursuing her goal of becoming a successful actress and opening her own film company.

Significant Themes

• The importance of money in achieving one's goals.
• The risks and challenges of gambling, including suspicion and potential danger.
• The need for adaptability and quick thinking in the face of unexpected situations.

Character Interactions

• Su Qiao interacts with various casino patrons and dealers, demonstrating her ability to blend in and adapt to different environments.
• She communicates with 444, showing her confidence in her decisions and her ability to learn from her AI companion's mistakes.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qiao is robbed at the casino, with the thief passing off the stolen goods to an accomplice.
• Su Qiao and Little Four chase the thieves through a complex alleyway, but the thieves manage to evade them.
• Meanwhile, Du Jingzhou, the Second Master, witnesses the scene and sends his subordinate, An Jin, to help.

Character Developments

• Su Qiao: Shows determination and persistence in chasing the thieves, demonstrating her resilience and unwillingness to back down.
• Du Jingzhou (Second Master): Reveals a caring side as he sends help for Su Qiao, despite his initial indifference. His internal monologue reveals his complex feelings towards a woman he had been keeping, suggesting a softer side beneath his arrogant exterior.

Significant Themes

• Pursuit and Evasion: The physical chase between Su Qiao and the thieves, as well as Du Jingzhou's mental pursuit of understanding the woman he kept, highlights the theme of relentless pursuit and the difficulty of evasion.
• Complexity of Characters: Both Su Qiao and Du Jingzhou display unexpected aspects of their personalities, challenging initial perceptions of them as one-dimensional.

Character Interactions

• Su Qiao and the Thieves: The chase sequence showcases Su Qiao's tenacity and the thieves' professionalism, with neither side willing to give up.
• Du Jingzhou and An Jin: Their brief exchange highlights Du Jingzhou's authority and An Jin's loyalty, as well as Du Jingzhou's unexpected concern for Su Qiao.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qiao chases and catches a thief who had stolen from her.
• She recovers her 'Small Gold Bar' and then demands 'compensation' from the thief.
• Du Jingzhou, the local crime lord, arrives at the scene, causing Su Qiao to flee.

Character Developments

• Su Qiao demonstrates her speed, strength, and cunning, showing no mercy to the thief.
• She reveals her ruthless side, demanding compensation and threatening the thief.
• Du Jingzhou's presence indicates his influence and control over the South District.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: Su Qiao asserts her power over the thief, while Du Jingzhou's arrival highlights his dominance in the area.
• Consequences of actions: The thief faces Su Qiao's wrath due to his attempted theft, and Su Qiao must flee to avoid Du Jingzhou.

Character Interactions

• Su Qiao and the thief: Su Qiao shows no mercy, demanding compensation and threatening the thief.
• Su Qiao and Du Jingzhou: Their interaction is indirect, but Su Qiao's fear of him shows his influence and her caution.
• Su Qiao and Little Four: They communicate briefly, with Little Four guiding Su Qiao's escape route.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A thief is caught and brought to Du Jingzhou (Second Master), who is furious about the escape of the mysterious person (later revealed to be a woman).
• The thief reveals that the mysterious person is likely a young woman in her early twenties, with an orchid scent.
• Du Jingzhou orders An Jin to find this person, and the thief is spared due to earning a merit.

Character Developments

• Du Jingzhou: Shows ruthlessness and determination in finding the mysterious woman. His expression changes noticeably when he learns she might be young and has an orchid scent.
• The Thief: Initially scared and desperate, he gains a glimmer of hope when Du Jingzhou shows interest in the mysterious person's gender and scent. He earns a merit by providing useful information.

Significant Themes

• Power and Ruthlessness: Du Jingzhou's actions and reactions emphasize his power and ruthlessness as the Second Master.
• Information and Knowledge: The thief's knowledge about the mysterious person's gender and scent becomes valuable information that could lead to her discovery.

Character Interactions

• Du Jingzhou and An Jin: Du Jingzhou gives An Jin an order, showing his authoritative stance. An Jin, in turn, follows the order without question.
• Du Jingzhou and The Thief: Du Jingzhou initially kicks the thief but later spares him, showing a shift in his attitude towards the thief once he provides useful information.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Su Qiao evades Shen Biwei and returns home.
• She learns that Shen Biwei is looking for her and decides to avoid him.
• Su Qiao plans to go to the North City casino but receives a call from Director Yu to start trial filming for her movie the next day.
• She watches the news and finds that her interview from the movie press conference has aired in its entirety.

Character Developments

• Su Qiao shows determination and strategic thinking in her plans to avoid Shen Biwei and continue her acting career.
• She becomes more assertive and less concerned about Pei Yulou's reputation.

Significant Themes

• Avoidance and confrontation (Su Qiao's strategy to deal with Shen Biwei).
• Career ambition (Su Qiao's desire to become famous and open her own cultural company).
• Reputation and public image (Su Qiao's indifference to Pei Yulou's reputation).

Character Interactions

• Su Qiao interacts with 444, her AI companion, discussing her plans and receiving updates.
• She speaks with Director Yu about her movie's trial filming.
• Though not physically present, Shen Biwei's pursuit of Su Qiao drives her actions and decisions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qiao wins a significant amount of money and enjoys her success.
• She decides to have custom-made clothes designed to establish her unique style.
• Du Jingzhou, the Second Master, is shown to be disinterested in political news but is intrigued by a photo of Su Qiao in a newspaper.

Character Developments

• Su Qiao: She becomes more confident and starts to assert her personal style, aiming to become a Movie Empress.
• Du Jingzhou: He shows arrogance and disinterest in political news, focusing more on Su Qiao's photo in the newspaper, hinting at a potential change in his priorities.

Significant Themes

• Ambition: Su Qiao's ambition to become a Movie Empress is further emphasized.
• Appearance vs. Reality: Du Jingzhou's initial disinterest in political news suggests a focus on appearances rather than substance.

Character Interactions

• Su Qiao and 444: They continue to interact harmoniously, with 444 providing fashion advice and encouraging Su Qiao's ambitions.
• Du Jingzhou and An Jin: Their interaction hints at a potential shift in Du Jingzhou's interests, moving from political news to Su Qiao's photo.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Man, the woman Du Jingzhou encountered at the casino, is identified as an actress named Su Man, who lives near Renhua Apartment.
• An Jin shows Du Jingzhou a TV broadcast of Su Man at a press conference, confirming her identity.
• Su Man's bold and outspoken statements at the press conference have gained her popularity and admiration among students.

Character Developments

• Du Jingzhou: Realizes the woman he met at the casino is Su Man, but struggles to reconcile her timid demeanor then with her confident public persona now.
• An Jin: Attempts to distract Du Jingzhou from his recent trauma by discussing Su Man's popularity and influence.

Significant Themes

• Identity and duality: Su Man's public persona contrasts with her private behavior, reflecting the theme of duality and the masks people wear.
• Popular culture and influence: Su Man's bold statements and newfound fame highlight the power of popular culture and media in shaping societal attitudes.

Character Interactions

• Du Jingzhou and An Jin: An Jin tries to redirect Du Jingzhou's focus from his recent ordeal by discussing Su Man's popularity, showing concern for his well-being.
• Du Jingzhou and Su Man (implied): Du Jingzhou is intrigued and confused by the stark contrast between Su Man's public and private personas, setting up potential future interactions.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Du Jingzhou dismisses Pei Yulou's attractiveness, causing An Jin to choke on his saliva.
• Pei Yulou chases after Su Qiao, trying to convince her of his innocence regarding Shen Biwei and his desire to live together.
• Shen Biwei arrives, interrupting their conversation.

Character Developments

• Pei Yulou: Struggles with jealousy and possessiveness, displaying a lack of understanding of Su Qiao's feelings and boundaries.
• Su Qiao: Remains calm and detached, showing no signs of softening towards Pei Yulou's advances. She's more concerned with sorting out his 'messy affairs' first.

Significant Themes

• Communication and understanding in relationships.
• The changing societal norms regarding cohabitation and marriage.

Character Interactions

• Pei Yulou and Su Qiao: Pei Yulou tries to persuade Su Qiao to live with him, while she remains unmoved and even annoyed by his persistence.
• Du Jingzhou and An Jin: They discuss Pei Yulou's attractiveness, with Du Jingzhou being dismissive and An Jin surprised by his opinion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qiao (posing as Su Man) walks away from Pei Yulou and Shen Biwei, but Shen Biwei follows her.
• Shen Biwei warns Su Qiao to stay away from Pei Yulou, threatening her to leave Sea City if she doesn't comply.
• Su Qiao finds Shen Biwei's threats amusing and leaves for the film set.
• Pei Yulou tries to follow Su Qiao but is stopped by Shen Biwei, leading to an argument between them.

Character Developments

• Su Qiao/Su Man: Shows increased confidence and assertiveness, standing up to Shen Biwei's threats.
• Shen Biwei: Reveals her arrogant and dominant nature, believing she's superior to Su Qiao in every aspect.
• Pei Yulou: Becomes more determined to pursue Su Qiao, showing signs of breaking up with Shen Biwei.

Significant Themes

• Love Triangle: The complex dynamics between Su Qiao, Pei Yulou, and Shen Biwei drive the plot forward.
• Power Dynamics: Shen Biwei's attempt to assert her dominance over Su Qiao highlights the power struggle between them.
• Self-Discovery: Su Qiao's growing confidence suggests she's coming to terms with her new identity and situation.

Character Interactions

• Su Qiao vs. Shen Biwei: Their confrontation reveals their differing views on their relationships with Pei Yulou and their own self-worth.
• Pei Yulou vs. Shen Biwei: Their argument showcases Pei Yulou's growing feelings for Su Qiao and his desire to break free from Shen Biwei's control.
• Su Qiao vs. Pei Yulou: Their brief interaction hints at Pei Yulou's determination to win Su Qiao back, despite Shen Biwei's warnings.