Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Qian waits at a fast-food restaurant near Daniel's house, observing the calm situation after his "escape."
• He receives a new task: "Find Daniel's whereabouts."
• A female clerk at the restaurant misinterprets Fu Qian's actions and invites him out after her shift.
• Fu Qian decides to go to the police station to find Chief Stan, risking a significant Sanity Value deduction if the mission fails.
• He is brought to Chief Stan's office, where the chief asks if the Warren family (Daniel's family) sent him.

Character Developments

• Fu Qian demonstrates patience, adaptability, and strategic thinking as he navigates the situation and interacts with various characters.
• Chief Stan shows caution and suspicion towards Fu Qian, indicating his awareness of the complex situation.

Significant Themes

• Perception vs. Reality: Fu Qian's actions are misinterpreted by the female clerk, highlighting the theme of how people's actions can be perceived differently by others.
• Risk and Reward: Fu Qian takes a significant risk by going to the police station, potentially losing 128 points of Sanity Value if the mission fails, but he hopes to gain valuable information from Chief Stan.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian interacts with the female clerk, who misinterprets his actions and invites him out, showcasing her youthful enthusiasm and his diplomatic response.
• Fu Qian interacts with Chief Stan, demonstrating his directness and strategic thinking in their conversation, while the chief exhibits caution and suspicion towards Fu Qian.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Qian visits Sheriff Stan to discuss Daniel's disappearance and Joseph's fate.
• Fu Qian manipulates Stan into revealing Daniel's location, using the promise of Joseph's death as bait.
• Stan agrees to hand over Daniel's belongings in exchange for Fu Qian's cooperation.

Character Developments

• Fu Qian demonstrates his cunning and negotiation skills, manipulating Stan to achieve his goals.
• Stan reveals his involvement in Daniel's disappearance and his concern for Joseph, hinting at a secret that Joseph knows.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and deception: Fu Qian uses these tactics to gain information and control the situation.
• Power dynamics: The interaction between Fu Qian and Stan highlights the shifting power dynamics between them.
• Secrets and hidden knowledge: Both characters have secrets they're unwilling to reveal, driving their actions.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian and Stan engage in a tense negotiation, with Fu Qian using evasive language and promises to manipulate Stan into revealing information.
• Fu Qian's calm demeanor and confidence unnerve Stan, making him more cooperative.
• The interaction between Fu Qian and Stan reveals their shared cunning and willingness to use others for their own ends.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Qian visits the address given by Stan, finding an unlocked, messy apartment.
• He discovers a locked notebook, picks the lock, and finds a diary written by a predecessor named Edral.
• The diary reveals Edral's experiences with tasks, his growing unease, and his completion of at least 12 tasks without failing, suggesting he never received the "escape the Furnace" prompt.

Character Developments

• Fu Qian confirms his suspicions about the Furnace's rules and the importance of deliberately failing tasks to trigger the escape prompt.
• Edral, through his diary, shows his initial curiosity, later unease, and eventual realization of his situation.

Significant Themes

• The importance of skepticism and questioning the rules of the Furnace.
• The increasing difficulty and punishment for tasks as they progress.
• The consequences of completing tasks without fail.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian's interaction with Stan at the police station leads him to this apartment.
• Fu Qian's mental interaction with Edral through his diary, understanding his experiences and decisions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Qian suspects Media might be related to Edral, a predecessor in this world.
• Fu Qian visits Media at her home to inquire about Edral.
• Media reveals that Edral was her ex-boyfriend, a charismatic and kind student.
• Fu Qian learns that Media and Edral broke up.

Character Developments

• Fu Qian: He continues to investigate the world's secrets, showing determination and resourcefulness.
• Media: She shows resilience after the traumatic event with Daniel, though she's still affected emotionally.

Significant Themes

• The theme of entanglement and connection among the characters in this world continues, with Fu Qian exploring Media's past.
• The theme of the world's design for "slaughter" is reinforced as Fu Qian feels trapped.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian and Media: They interact cautiously, with Media still trying to understand Fu Qian's intentions. Fu Qian, however, is straightforward and honest about his purpose for visiting her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Media reveals that Edral broke up with her suddenly due to his irritability and anxiety, which she attributes to the influence of his studies.
• Media mentions that Edral transferred schools and left without saying goodbye.
• Fu Qian learns that Media and Edral's initial encounter was orchestrated by Media following a prompt.
• Media reveals that she often receives prompts guiding her actions, and everyone does.
• Fu Qian pieces together events leading to Edral's entrapment and death, suspecting the world has a will that eliminates anomalies like him.

Character Developments

• Media: Recalls her past with Edral, reveals she follows prompts, and expresses surprise at Fu Qian's knowledge.
• Fu Qian: Realizes the world's operating logic is more complex and sinister than he thought, understanding that it guides and eliminates anomalies.

Significant Themes

• The world's strange, mechanical logic and its impact on characters.
• The sinister will of the world and its desire to eliminate anomalies.
• The contrast between the world's guidance and its malice.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian and Media: Fu Qian learns about Media and Edral's past, and Media shares information about prompts.
• Fu Qian and the world: Fu Qian realizes the world's operating logic and its potential danger to him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Qian suspects he's being targeted for refusing guidance prompts.
• Media reveals that Edral's interest in anomalies led to his downfall.
• A phone call informs Media that a body has been found in the storage room door.

Character Developments

• Fu Qian becomes more determined to understand and control his situation.
• Media shows concern for Fu Qian's well-being and curiosity about his actions.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of defying guidance prompts.
• The natives' fear and avoidance of anomalies.
• The potential danger of Edral's interest in destroying anomalies.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian and Media discuss Edral's fate and the discovery of a body.
• Fu Qian ignores Media's questions and takes two kitchen knives, indicating he's planning something.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Qian holds a knife to Media's neck, forcing her to drive him to a secluded location.
• They leave the city in Media's car, with Fu Qian contemplating his dire situation and the nature of the world's correction mechanism.
• After driving for over an hour, they stop near an abandoned vacation villa in the wilderness.

Character Developments

• Media: Becomes terrified and compliant under Fu Qian's threat, later showing signs of desperation and fear when they reach the abandoned house.
• Fu Qian: Maintains composure and control, analyzing the world's mechanics, and decides to explore the abandoned house.

Significant Themes

• Control and Power: Fu Qian's actions demonstrate his desire for control, while Media's compliance highlights her lack of power in the situation.
• Anomaly vs. Normalcy: Fu Qian's status as an anomaly is explored, contrasting with the world's desire for normalcy.
• Limits and Fragility: Fu Qian realizes that the correction mechanism has limits, making it potentially vulnerable.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian and Media: Fu Qian dominates the interaction, threatening Media and issuing commands, while Media complies out of fear.
• Fu Qian and the Correction Mechanism: Fu Qian internally debates and strategizes against the unseen force controlling the world.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Qian uses a hairpin to pick the lock, opening the door without a key, which shocks Media.
• Fu Qian commands Media to lock and unlock the door repeatedly, with him picking the lock each time.
• Fu Qian ties Media to a chair and continues the lock-picking process, ignoring her pleas not to kill her.
• Sheriff Stan arrives at the house, finding Fu Qian and Media, and asks what's happening.

Character Developments

• Media: Initially confused and scared, she becomes more resigned to her situation, accepting Fu Qian's commands without question.
• Fu Qian: He remains calm and focused on his task, showing no signs of remorse or hesitation towards Media's distress.

Significant Themes

• Desperation and Resignation: Media's emotional state shifts from fear and confusion to acceptance of her situation.
• Powerlessness: Media's inability to understand or influence Fu Qian's actions highlights her powerlessness in the face of his determination.
• Determination: Fu Qian's single-minded focus on his goal, despite the emotional turmoil around him, underscores his resolve.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian and Media: Fu Qian treats Media coldly and dismissively, ignoring her pleas and using her as a tool for his plan. Media, in turn, becomes increasingly passive and accepting of her situation.
• Fu Qian and Sheriff Stan: Their interaction is yet to occur, but Stan's arrival sets the stage for a potential confrontation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Qian confronts Sheriff Stan, who arrives to investigate Fu Qian's activities.
• Fu Qian reveals he's investigating Edral's legacy and that Edral's body has been found.
• Stan admits to being present when Edral was locked up, revealing details about the incident.
• Fu Qian manipulates Media into stabbing Stan, disarming him and gaining the upper hand.

Character Developments

• Fu Qian: Demonstrates cunning and manipulation, using his intelligence to outwit Stan and gain control of the situation.
• Sheriff Stan: Reveals his involvement in Edral's imprisonment and shows a willingness to protect his interests, but ultimately underestimates Fu Qian.
• Media: Initially a hostage, she becomes an unwitting accomplice to Fu Qian's plan, stabbing Stan on his command.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and Control: Fu Qian manipulates both Stan and Media to serve his purposes, highlighting the theme of control and manipulation.
• Trust and Betrayal: Stan's trust in Media is betrayed, while Fu Qian's trust in Stan's predictability is rewarded.
• Power Dynamics: The power dynamic shifts between Fu Qian and Stan, with Fu Qian ultimately gaining the upper hand.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian vs. Stan: Fu Qian outmaneuvers Stan, using his intelligence and manipulation to gain the upper hand.
• Fu Qian vs. Media: Fu Qian manipulates Media into stabbing Stan, using her fear and desperation to control her actions.
• Stan vs. Media: Stan's trust in Media is betrayed, leading to his injury and defeat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Qian disarms Stan using a throwing knife, injuring his arm but securing Stan's weapon.
• Fu Qian finds a group photo of Stan, Media, and Joseph with Daniel's body, shocking both Stan and Media.
• Fu Qian ties up Stan and Media back-to-back, ignoring Stan's pleas to release Daniel in exchange for his cooperation.
• Fu Qian reveals he has Media's jewelry box, which could have been used to destroy the world if the key hadn't been found earlier.
• Fu Qian deduces that Stan had Joseph watching over Edral's body, and that Stan's actions were influenced by the hint.
• Fu Qian creates an opportunity by manipulating the jewelry box, hoping to shatter the void and complete his mission.

Character Developments

• Fu Qian demonstrates his combat skills and strategic thinking, successfully disarming Stan and gaining the upper hand.
• Stan, despite being injured and tied up, remains defiant and tries to negotiate with Fu Qian.
• Media is confused and shocked by the group photo, struggling to accept the implications.

Significant Themes

• The theme of power and control is evident in Stan's actions and Fu Qian's manipulation of the situation.
• The hint's influence on Stan's actions highlights the theme of manipulation and free will.
• The jewelry box represents the potential for destruction and Fu Qian's attempt to create an opportunity.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian and Stan: Fu Qian uses his knowledge and quick thinking to outmaneuver Stan, while Stan tries to bargain and manipulate Fu Qian.
• Fu Qian and Media: Fu Qian uses Media's irrational behavior to his advantage, while Media remains confused and silent.
• Stan and Media: Stan and Media are both shocked by the group photo, leading to a moment of shared confusion and disbelief.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Daniel's death is confirmed.
• Fu Qian receives a new mission, but it's interrupted when the door to the Furnace opens on its own.
• Fu Qian faces seven Calamity options, each representing a world-ending disaster. He chooses 'Moment of Witchcraft' based on the responses of Stan and Media.
• Fu Qian transfers the chaos within the Furnace into Stan, transforming him into a non-human form, and then passes through the door into the warehouse.

Character Developments

• Fu Qian remains calm and calculated, even in the face of Daniel's death. He shows empathy for the natives by giving them the choice of their fate.
• Stan, despite his initial defiance, begs Fu Qian to spare him when faced with the consequences of his actions.
• Media is shown to be mentally fragile, unable to make a decision under pressure.

Significant Themes

• Chaos vs. Order: The Furnace represents chaos, while the warehouse represents order. Fu Qian's choice to contain the chaos within Stan reflects his desire to maintain order.
• Sacrifice: Fu Qian's decision to transfer the chaos into Stan highlights the theme of sacrifice, with Stan bearing the burden of the world's chaos.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian interacts with Stan and Media, giving them the choice of their fate. This interaction highlights Fu Qian's empathy and understanding of the consequences of his actions.
• Stan's transformation into a non-human form reflects the consequences of his actions and the chaos within the Furnace.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Qian participates in a warehouse event, but it's chaotic and poorly managed, with no task evaluation, summary of rewards, or event review.
• He receives two special rewards: Inspiration +8 (bringing his total to 99) and a Void Erosion Scepter, a powerful weapon with effects beyond a Demigod's capabilities.
• Fu Qian uses the scepter to attempt to communicate with the entity that caused the warehouse's malfunction, but it's destroyed by the Starry Sky Prism in the process.

Character Developments

• Fu Qian remains patient and composed despite the event's chaos, showing his adaptability and resourcefulness.
• He demonstrates curiosity and a willingness to experiment when he discovers the lingering effects of the Starry Sky Prism on his traits.

Significant Themes

• The theme of adaptability is highlighted as Fu Qian navigates the chaotic event.
• The power of curiosity and experimentation is shown when Fu Qian discovers the true nature of his traits.

Character Interactions

• There are no direct interactions with other characters in this chapter, as Fu Qian is alone in the warehouse. However, his actions and thoughts reveal his internal dialogue and decision-making process.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Qian gains a new trait, 'Original Sin Sage', after using the Starry Sky Prism and max-level Inspiration.
• He fuses this trait by consuming it, entering a state of calm and isolation before regaining consciousness with his new form.
• He discovers three skills associated with his new form: 'Judgment', 'Sin Determined', and 'Insight'.
• Fu Qian finds no trace of 1-005 in the warehouse and suspects interference from an unknown source during previous missions.
• He receives a prompt allowing him to take an early break from work.

Character Developments

• Fu Qian gains a new form, 'Original Sin Sage', expanding his abilities and combat style.
• He demonstrates strategic thinking and self-reflection, acknowledging the potential interference in his previous missions.
• Fu Qian shows concern for his well-being, accepting the early break as compensation for his recent intense missions.

Significant Themes

• Transformation and Growth: Fu Qian's new form represents his evolution and adaptation to new circumstances.
• Self-Reflection and Awareness: Fu Qian ponders about the potential interference in his previous missions, showing self-awareness and critical thinking.
• Work-Life Balance: The prompt allowing Fu Qian to take an early break highlights the importance of rest and recovery after intense periods of work.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian interacts with Tan Ying, who expresses concern about him, showing a caring and supportive side to their relationship.
• Although not physically present, Edral's Notebook and the events it reveals influence Fu Qian's thoughts and decisions, serving as a form of interaction.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Pei Yanqing, a friend of Tan Ying, goes missing near Lin University.
• Fu Qian, a professional personal safety consultant, is called by Tan Ying for help but initially seems reluctant due to not having Pei Yanqing's number.
• Song Hang, Tan Ying's suitor, offers to help find Pei Yanqing.
• Fu Qian decides to use his vacation to test the effects of upgrading the Clear Dream ring.

Character Developments

• Tan Ying: Shows concern for her friend's safety, is indecisive about her feelings for Song Hang, and seems to have a subconscious awareness of the dream's inconsistencies.
• Fu Qian: Initially reluctant to help, he later decides to use the situation to test the Clear Dream's upgraded effects. He also subtly influences Tan Ying's thoughts and perceptions.
• Song Hang: Shows concern for Tan Ying and her friend, offering help. He appears to be a promising young talent with no obvious flaws.

Significant Themes

• Friendship: Tan Ying's worry for Pei Yanqing highlights the importance of friendship.
• Trust and Obligation: Fu Qian's reluctance to help initially, despite being a professional, raises questions about trust and obligation.
• Appearance vs Reality: The dream's inconsistencies and Tan Ying's subconscious awareness of them hint at the theme of appearance versus reality.

Character Interactions

• Tan Ying and Fu Qian: They have a friendly, sometimes bantering, relationship. Fu Qian subtly influences Tan Ying's thoughts and perceptions.
• Tan Ying and Song Hang: Tan Ying seems indifferent to Song Hang's feelings, despite his concern and help. Their interaction is polite but distant.
• Fu Qian and Song Hang: They have minimal interaction, but Fu Qian seems to acknowledge Song Hang's potential as a suitor for Tan Ying.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Qian and Tan Ying are in a shopping mall, with Fu Qian having upgraded his 'Clear Dream' ability, allowing him to control dream depth and set dream rules.
• The dream's rule is to find Pei Yanqing, which is why Tan Ying is anxious to locate her.
• Fu Qian observes Song Hang, who is searching for Tan Ying, and decides to help her as a 'leasure activity' and to test his upgraded ability.

Character Developments

• Fu Qian: He has become more proactive and manipulative, enjoying his role as a mastermind. He's also more open about his abilities.
• Tan Ying: She's anxious and desperate to find Pei Yanqing due to the dream's rule. She's also more open about her feelings towards Pei Yanqing.
• Song Hang: He's searching for Tan Ying, likely to protect her, and seems disapproving of Fu Qian's involvement.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and control: Fu Qian's upgraded ability allows him to control the dream and its participants, raising ethical questions about his actions.
• Relationship dynamics: The chapter explores the complex relationships between Fu Qian, Tan Ying, Pei Yanqing, and Song Hang, with hints of romantic tension.
• Power and responsibility: Fu Qian's newfound power comes with the responsibility to use it wisely, which he seems to be aware of but is still testing.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian and Tan Ying: They work together to find Pei Yanqing, with Fu Qian offering to help Tan Ying as a 'transaction' for her assistance in testing his ability.
• Fu Qian and Song Hang: There's tension between them, with Song Hang disapproving of Fu Qian's involvement and Fu Qian finding amusement in the situation.
• Tan Ying and Pei Yanqing: Their relationship is hinted to be closer than before, with Tan Ying anxious to find Pei Yanqing and Pei Yanqing remembering Fu Qian's house from a previous dream.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tan Ying and Fu Qian are in a mall with Song Hang and his bodyguards, searching for Tan Ying's missing classmate, Pei Yanqing.
• They discover that mobile phones have no signal, and the mall's exits are locked.
• They try to find a landline phone in the commercial management office, but it doesn't work.

Character Developments

• Tan Ying is worried about her missing classmate and is determined to find her.
• Fu Qian remains calm and collected, hinting at his involvement in the strange events but not revealing it directly.

Significant Themes

• Concealment and Deception: Fu Qian uses the "force" of widespread education to conceal his misdeeds.
• Isolation and Entrapment: The characters feel trapped and isolated, both physically (locked in the mall) and technologically (no mobile signal).

Character Interactions

• Tan Ying is protective of Fu Qian, pulling him along when they go to the basement.
• Song Hang takes charge of the situation, trying to find a solution to their predicament.
• Fu Qian silently observes and comments on the events, hinting at his involvement but not revealing it to the others.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group is trapped underground with no communication to the outside world.
• They decide to explore the mall further and find an unusual metal door leading to a spiral staircase.
• The staircase has identical metal doors and turns, leading them to another door that opens to an empty hall inside the mall, despite them having gone downwards.

Character Developments

• Song Hang: Initially impatient, he becomes more cautious and analytical as the situation becomes stranger.
• Tan Ying: She remains decisive and curious, leading the group despite the odd circumstances.
• Fu Qian: He remains calm and observant, revealing little of his thoughts or actions.

Significant Themes

• Isolation and Disorientation: The group's inability to communicate with the outside world and the strange layout of the mall create a sense of disorientation and isolation.
• Unreality: The discovery of the escalator and dome in the same mall after descending underground challenges their perception of reality.

Character Interactions

• Tan Ying values Fu Qian's opinion but he remains non-committal.
• Song Hang and his bodyguards are protective of Tan Ying, ensuring her safety.
• The group dynamic shifts from urgency to caution as they encounter the strange phenomena.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group, after descending for a long time, ends up on the same floor, defying normal understanding.
• They question their reality and existence.
• Tan Ying suggests splitting up to verify if they're going uphill.
• Two bodyguards volunteer to go back and check, but one hesitates due to fear of the oppressive stairwell.
• Tan Ying and another bodyguard go back to find the original entrance.
• They discover that the exit changed, adding to the strangeness.

Character Developments

• Song Hang: Becomes more determined to escape after realizing the abnormality.
• Tan Ying: Shows initiative and courage by volunteering to go back and investigate.
• Bodyguard Number Two: Reveals fear and reluctance to go back into the stairwell, showing a change in mentality due to the unreality.
• Fu Qian: Remains calm and analytical, encouraging everyone to question their reality.

Significant Themes

• Unreality and questioning existence: The group grapples with the possibility that they're in a dream or experiencing an illusion.
• Fear and determination: Characters face their fears and display varying levels of determination to escape.

Character Interactions

• Song Hang and Fu Qian: They exchange gazes, with Song Hang seeking Fu Qian's opinion, but Fu Qian encourages independent thought.
• Tan Ying and the bodyguards: Tan Ying volunteers to go back, and the bodyguards show reluctance but eventually accompany her.
• The group: They discuss and share their findings, leading to a collective realization of the strangeness and a determination to escape.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group decides to try exiting the mall through a window.
• Fu Qian reveals he believes this is his dream, and he's not bound by the others' orders.
• They find a window on the second floor, but the view outside is thick, inky fog with no visible ground.
• A thrown fire extinguisher disappears into the fog without a sound, hinting at the dream's unpredictable edge.
• The bodyguards refuse to act, leaving Song Hang to face the situation alone.
• Tan Ying feels helpless and powerless, realizing she's not as capable as she thought.
• Fu Qian offers Tan Ying juice and a different perspective on her situation.

Character Developments

• Song Hang: Becomes more desperate and helpless as others refuse to follow his lead.
• Tan Ying: Experiences self-doubt and a crisis of confidence, feeling powerless and aimless.
• Fu Qian: Remains calm and detached, offering Tan Ying a new perspective on her situation and the people around her.

Significant Themes

• Powerlessness and Helplessness: Tan Ying and Song Hang both experience this when faced with the fog and the bodyguards' inaction.
• Control and Lack Thereof: Fu Qian's assertion that this is his dream highlights the lack of control the others have over the situation.
• Perception vs. Reality: Fu Qian's words challenge Tan Ying's perception of Song Hang and her own capabilities.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian and Tan Ying: Fu Qian offers Tan Ying a different perspective on her situation and Song Hang, trying to help her see things more clearly.
• Song Hang and the Bodyguards: The bodyguards refuse to follow Song Hang's orders, leaving him to face the situation alone.
• Tan Ying and Song Hang: Tan Ying feels a sense of unease and disconnection from Song Hang, questioning her feelings for him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tan Ying and Fu Qian meet at a shopping mall, with Fu Qian having returned from a dream-like experience.
• Pei Yanqing emerges from an elevator after being lost underground for an extended period, suggesting she was also in a dream.
• The group reunites, and Tan Ying decides to trade clothes with Pei Yanqing.
• Song Hang joins them, and Tan Ying offers to buy him a drink. She then goes to the restroom with Pei Yanqing.

Character Developments

• Tan Ying: She seems more accepting of Fu Qian and shows curiosity about his experiences. She also appears to have memories of the dream but can't recall them clearly.
• Fu Qian: He remains calm and collected, revealing little about his experiences. He seems content with the outcome of the dream.
• Pei Yanqing: She appears unaffected by her experience, showing no signs of distress or confusion.
• Song Hang: He feels uneasy about Tan Ying's sudden change in attitude towards him.

Significant Themes

• Reality vs. Dream: The chapter explores the difficulty in distinguishing between reality and illusion, reflecting on the dream-like experiences the characters have been through.
• Memory and Awareness: The characters struggle with recalling their dream experiences, highlighting the theme of memory and awareness of one's surroundings.

Character Interactions

• Tan Ying and Fu Qian: They share a moment of understanding, with Tan Ying showing interest in Fu Qian's experiences.
• Tan Ying and Pei Yanqing: They bond over their shared experience, with Tan Ying showing concern for Pei Yanqing's well-being.
• Song Hang and Fu Qian: Tension builds between them, with Song Hang expressing frustration with Fu Qian's attitude.