After School

Key Plot Points

• Oliver's nightmare, which he can control, is the source of the school's hauntings.
• Students are the only group affected by Oliver's nightmare, while teachers and staff remain unaffected due to their special abilities.
• The mission's difficulty lies in enduring ghost attacks during evening self-study to investigate Oliver's bullying.

Character Developments

• Oliver has evolved from a bullied student to a powerful figure controlling his nightmare.
• Teachers are revealed to study ghosts out of curiosity, unaware of Oliver's role.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of bullying and hatred (Oliver's nightmare).
• The ethical dilemma of using characters to wear each other down (Yu Xing's perspective).

Character Interactions

• Yu Xing, Wen Qinghuai, Zhao Mou, and Qu Xuanqing discuss strategies in an empty classroom after school.
• Yu Xing shares his insights about the library's connection to a former landfill and the disposal of punished students in the cafeteria.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Evening study in Class Four is tense after the previous day's events.
• A shadowy figure is seen outside the window, which then enters the classroom, causing fear among the students.
• Rebecca experiences a sudden memory of a past incident involving Oliver, who fell to his death after being bullied.
• The classroom is later found empty, with only bloodstains remaining.

Character Developments

• Rebecca: Recalls a past incident where she and her classmates bullied Oliver, leading to his death. Realizes that Oliver's return is a form of reincarnation, repeating the same mistakes.
• Oliver: Implicitly confirms that he is the shadow and that he knows the truth about his past death. Shows no remorse for the current situation.

Significant Themes

• Reincarnation and Redemption: The idea that the past can repeat itself, and one must atone for their mistakes.
• Bullying and its Consequences: The severe impact of bullying on both the victim and the perpetrators.
• Fear and Guilt: The students' fear of the unknown and their guilt from their past actions.

Character Interactions

• Rebecca and Oliver: Rebecca's memories reveal her past interactions with Oliver, showing her guilt and fear. Oliver's indifference suggests he holds no grudge against her but is aware of her role in his past death.
• Students and the Shadow: The students' fear and denial of the shadow's presence highlight their collective guilt and unwillingness to confront their past actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter reveals that the events of Class 3-4 are stuck in an endless loop, with no matter what ending they reach, they always return to the beginning.
• Oliver, the class monitor, is shown to be aware of this cycle and has been through many reincarnations.
• Wen Qinghuai tries to leave evening self-study early, testing the class monitor's reaction.
• Rebecca, who has not reset with the rest of the class, begins to remember the truth about their situation.

Character Developments

• Oliver: He is shown to be resigned to his fate, aware of the loop and the true nature of their existence. He seems to have accepted his role as the one causing the loop.
• Rebecca: She starts to remember the truth about their situation and the role she plays in it. She's confused and scared but also determined to find out what's happening.
• Wen Qinghuai: He shows initiative in trying to change their situation, testing the class monitor's reaction.

Significant Themes

• Reincarnation and Loop: The theme of being stuck in an endless cycle is prominent, with Oliver's experiences highlighting the futility of their situation.
• Memory and Truth: Rebecca's struggle to remember and understand their true nature emphasizes the theme of memory and the truth behind their existence.
• Acceptance and Resistance: Oliver's acceptance of his role and Wen Qinghuai's attempt to change their situation contrast, showing characters' different responses to their predicament.

Character Interactions

• Oliver and Rebecca: Their interaction shows a shift in their dynamic, with Oliver now aware of Rebecca's unique situation and her potential role in the loop.
• Wen Qinghuai and the Class Monitor: Their interaction highlights Wen Qinghuai's attempt to change their situation and the class monitor's response, revealing his unique role and rules he follows.
• Yu Xing and the Class: Yu Xing's observations and comments throughout the chapter show his understanding of the situation and the potential outcomes, making him a key observer and commentator on the events unfolding.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Rebecca regains her memories and decides to stand up for Oliver in future reincarnations.
• The deducers learn about the school's timeline and Class 3-4's static timeline.
• The principal's rule to retain Class 3-4 is revealed.
• Rebecca proposes a plan to change the reincarnation process by preventing Oliver's bullying on the first day of each reincarnation.

Character Developments

• Rebecca: Becomes more empathetic and determined to help Oliver, understanding the pain of reincarnation and wanting to break the cycle.
• Oliver: Initially resistant to Rebecca's help, but his stance softens as she presents her plan.
• The White-Haired Girl: Provides information about the school and Class 3-4's timelines, and acknowledges Rebecca's plan as feasible.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of bullying and the cycle of violence.
• The power of empathy and standing up for others.
• The struggle between a closed loop world and a flowing world.
• The potential for change and hope in seemingly hopeless situations.

Character Interactions

• Rebecca and Oliver: Their relationship evolves from Rebecca's initial prejudice to her determination to help him, while Oliver remains guarded but shows signs of accepting her help.
• The Deducers and The White-Haired Girl: They discuss the school's timeline and Class 3-4's static timeline, leading to Rebecca's plan to change the reincarnation process.
• Rebecca and The White-Haired Girl: Rebecca seeks the girl's opinion on her plan, and the girl acknowledges its feasibility.

Key Plot Points and Events

• At midnight, rats swarm out of the dormitory, leaving terrifying sounds.
• After lights-out, the dorm is invaded by nightmares, and the female dorm supervisor allows this.
• The group discusses the instance's factions and their relationships: the school infirmary, library, and cafeteria form a united front; the nightmares and the dorm supervisor are opposed to them.
• Zhao Mou theorizes that the strength of a faction depends on its compatibility with St. Johnis Middle School.

Character Developments

• Yu Xing experiences sleepiness after lights-out, suspecting it's due to the Ghost Tree's influence.
• Zhao Mou demonstrates his exceptional analytical skills, connecting various aspects of the instance.
• Wen Qinghuai shows curiosity and agreement with Zhao Mou's theories.
• Zhao Yijiu listens attentively and asks clarifying questions.

Significant Themes

• Fear: The rats and the female dorm supervisor symbolize human fears, particularly the historical fear of the plague.
• Outsiders vs. Locals: The instance's factions can be seen as outsiders (nightmares, dorm supervisor) versus locals (school infirmary, library, cafeteria).
• Compatibility: The strength of a faction depends on its compatibility with St. Johnis Middle School.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Mou leads the discussion, sharing his insights and theories.
• Yu Xing, Wen Qinghuai, and Zhao Yijiu actively participate, asking questions and expressing agreement or skepticism.
• Zhao Yijiu shows concern for Yu Xing's well-being.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Principal's office has disappeared, and only the Principal's return can reveal its location.
• The team decides to explore the dormitory buildings at night, with Zhao Yijiu investigating the male dorm, Zhao Mou and Wen Qinghuai gathering information from students, and Yu Xing infiltrating the girls' dormitory.
• Yu Xing discovers the female dorm supervisor's true form, a monster afflicted with the Black Death, feeding on wood in her office.

Character Developments

• Yu Xing demonstrates his stealth and night vision skills, as well as his understanding of the curse power's limitations.
• Zhao Yijiu shows confidence in his ability to handle the male dorm investigation alone.
• The female dorm supervisor's true form reveals her as a monster, further humanizing her character and emphasizing her dual nature.

Significant Themes

• Appearance vs. Reality: The female dorm supervisor's human facade contrasts with her monstrous true form, reflecting the theme of hidden truths and deceptive appearances.
• The Power of Knowledge: The team's understanding of the female dorm supervisor's abilities and the Principal's office location empowers them to make strategic decisions.
• Teamwork and Division of Labor: The team members divide tasks based on their strengths, demonstrating the importance of teamwork and complementary skills.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Mou and Zhao Yijiu exhibit sibling dynamics, with Zhao Mou showing concern for his brother's safety and Zhao Yijiu displaying confidence in his abilities.
• Yu Xing's interactions with the team show his strategic thinking and adaptability, as well as his ability to contribute unique insights.
• The team's dynamic emphasizes mutual respect and understanding, with each member valuing the others' skills and contributions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yu Xing sneaks towards the girls' dormitory, avoiding the female supervisor and rats.
• He discovers a grove of trees with nooses, reminiscent of previous encounters with Ghost Trees.
• He finds the girls' dormitory windows locked from the outside, suggesting something sinister inside.

Character Developments

• Yu Xing demonstrates stealth and caution, showing growth in his abilities.
• He becomes more observant and analytical, connecting past events and forming theories about Ghost Trees.

Significant Themes

• Stealth and Caution: Yu Xing's careful approach highlights the importance of stealth in his mission.
• Observation and Analysis: Yu Xing's ability to connect seemingly unrelated events shows his analytical skills.
• The Ghost Tree: The recurring motif of trees and nooses suggests the presence of a Ghost Tree, foreshadowing future events.

Character Interactions

• Yu Xing interacts with the environment, avoiding the female supervisor and rats, and picking the lock on the window.
• He indirectly interacts with the entities inside the girls' dormitory, sensing their presence and inferring their sinister nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yu Xing infiltrates the girls' dorm, finding it chaotic with ghostly figures.
• He encounters a stationary ghostly creature in the hallway, blocking his path.
• A cat-like, braided ghost appears, asking about her homework book and harassing the stationary ghost.
• The stationary ghost, a former student representative, scolds the braided ghost for her poor academic performance and lack of memory.

Character Developments

• Yu Xing demonstrates his stealth and observational skills.
• The braided ghost reveals her poor academic performance and aggressive behavior.
• The stationary ghost, despite being harassed, shows resilience and eloquence, revealing she was once a student representative.

Significant Themes

• The supernatural and ghostly presence in the dormitory.
• The contrast between the chaotic girls' dorm and the relatively peaceful Nightmare's encroachment.
• The theme of memory and forgetfulness, symbolized by the braided ghost's homework book.

Character Interactions

• Yu Xing observes the interaction between the braided ghost and the stationary ghost without interfering.
• The braided ghost harasses the stationary ghost, leading to a verbal altercation.
• The stationary ghost stands her ground and scolds the braided ghost, revealing her past role as a student representative.

Chapter Summary: “I’m a Student Teacher”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yu Xing remains trapped in the girls’ dormitory and communicates silently with an excited ponytailed ghost, since speaking aloud might attract the Red Armband ghosts.
• The ponytailed girl explains the histories of two female ghosts:
  • The braided girl was a Red Armband who became increasingly violent and monstrous.
  • The fishtail-skirt ghost had been an excellent student and was expected to become the student representative. After confronting her deskmate for breaking school rules, the deskmate stabbed her in the head with a dinner knife. She survived because she had already become a monster, then repeatedly stabbed herself in despair and madness.
• The fishtail-skirt ghost’s student-representative position was apparently given to the Class 4, Year 3 class monitor—a detail Yu Xing recognizes as suspiciously familiar.
• The fishtail-skirt ghost defeats and completely destroys the braided ghost after their long-running battle. The ponytailed girl happily drags away the braided ghost’s remains.
• The fishtail-skirt ghost’s angry outburst frightens the other Red Armband ghosts back into their rooms, giving Yu Xing a safe opportunity to leave the shadows.
• Yu Xing approaches the fishtail-skirt ghost and introduces himself as a “student teacher,” using his identification badge to make the claim convincing.
• The ghost initially attacks him, but immediately becomes submissive after recognizing his teacher identity. Yu Xing notices that her fingers have transformed into bloodstained dinner knives, reflecting the trauma surrounding her death.
• With the ghost now treating him respectfully, Yu Xing prepares to question her about his objective, likely including information about the Principal and Qu Xuanqing.

Character Developments

• Yu Xing: Demonstrates patience, observation, and improvisation. He gathers information without revealing his intentions, notices the significance of Class 4, Year 3, and cleverly exploits the school’s authority structure by posing as a student teacher.
• Ponytailed girl: Reveals herself as a lively, maliciously amused gossip who has long resented or disliked the Red Armbands. Her excitement at the braided ghost’s defeat suggests she has been waiting for an opportunity to retaliate against her.
• Fishtail-skirt ghost: Is shown to be far stronger than the braided ghost, but also psychologically shaped by her past trauma. Despite her monstrous appearance and aggression, she retains enough common sense to fear and obey a teacher.
• Braided ghost: Is finally defeated after repeatedly fighting the fishtail-skirt ghost, though her exact identity and relationship to the others remain partly unexplored.
• Red Armband ghosts: Their behavior shows that they are dangerous but constrained by the school’s supernatural hierarchy, especially by the authority of teachers.

Significant Themes

• Institutional authority and obedience: The ghosts instinctively obey someone recognized as a teacher, showing that school rules and hierarchy remain powerful even after death and transformation.
• Trauma and monstrous transformation: The fishtail-skirt ghost’s knives, violent behavior, and madness are physical and psychological remnants of the event that destroyed her life.
• The corruption of school ideals: Academic excellence, student representation, discipline, and rule enforcement are connected to jealousy, violence, madness, and monstrous mutation.
• Hidden history repeating itself: The mention of Class 4, Year 3 creates a possible link between the past events described by the ghost and Yu Xing’s current investigation.
• Manipulation and survival: Yu Xing survives not through brute force but by understanding supernatural rules and exploiting the ghosts’ assumptions.

Character Interactions

• Yu Xing silently encourages the ponytailed ghost to continue gossiping, allowing him to learn crucial background information.
• The ponytailed girl enthusiastically recounts the fishtail-skirt ghost’s tragic past and celebrates her victory over the braided ghost.
• The fishtail-skirt ghost angrily drives the other ghosts away, unintentionally creating an opening for Yu Xing.
• Yu Xing confronts the fishtail-skirt ghost peacefully, avoids her knife attacks, and convinces her that he is an authorized teacher.
• Once she recognizes his supposed authority, the ghost apologizes and becomes cooperative, allowing Yu Xing to begin asking questions.

Key Plot Points

• Yu Xing uses a Play Permit to disguise himself as an intern teacher to communicate with a fish-tailed skirt ghost (red armband student) in the girls' dorm.
• He learns that the girls' dorm has been infected by a "virus" six months ago, causing severe mutations in the students.
• The mutated students either die from further mutations or become stable monsters that don't age or decompose.

Character Developments

• Yu Xing: Shows adaptability and resourcefulness in using the Play Permit to gain information.
• Fish-tailed skirt ghost: Reveals her eagerness to learn and desire to return to class, despite her monstrous appearance.
• Qu Xuanqing: Demonstrates her ability to gain trust and extract information from others, even in dangerous situations.

Significant Themes

• The theme of mutation and its consequences is further explored, with the girls' dorm serving as a stark example of the students' plight.
• The contrast between the girls' and boys' dorms highlights the differences in their experiences and fates.

Character Interactions

• Yu Xing interacts with the fish-tailed skirt ghost, using her eagerness to learn to his advantage.
• Qu Xuanqing shares the information she gathered from her roommate with Yu Xing, showing a level of cooperation between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yu Xing appears in a girls' dormitory late at night, startling the mutated students.
• Qu Xuanqing provides information about the mutations and their characteristics, such as fear of light and subservience to the female dorm supervisor.
• Yu Xing hypothesizes that the supervisor is linked to the mutations and that the source could be a contaminated infant gestating in one of the students.
• Yu Xing suspects that the boys' dorm may have a related item that the supervisor protects.

Character Developments

• Yu Xing: Shows analytical skills and deductive reasoning, suggesting he's intelligent and perceptive. He's also willing to take risks and investigate despite his deteriorating condition.
• Qu Xuanqing: Demonstrates calmness and rationality, providing valuable information and attempting to protect Yu Xing by encouraging him to rest.

Significant Themes

• Infection and contamination: The spread of mutations and the potential source (the contaminated infant) are central to the chapter.
• Control and subservience: The mutated students' fear and obedience to the female supervisor highlight the theme of control.
• Investigation and discovery: Yu Xing's actions drive the plot forward, emphasizing the theme of uncovering the truth.

Character Interactions

• Yu Xing and Qu Xuanqing: They collaborate to gather information, with Qu Xuanqing showing concern for Yu Xing's well-being. Their interaction is cordial and respectful, with Qu Xuanqing attempting to guide Yu Xing's actions.
• Yu Xing and the mutated student: Yu Xing's presence in the dormitory late at night causes the mutated student to panic and attack him, showing the tension between the normal and mutated students.

Chapter Summary: “The Past”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yu Xing realizes that people close to him have noticed his worsening condition: his reduced vitality causes persistent fatigue and drowsiness. Rather than hiding it and making others worry, he accepts that he should rest more openly.
• He asks Qu Xuanqing to investigate Red Armband ghosts in the building, particularly obese ones or those with unusually large stomachs. He suspects the contamination originates inside their bodies.
• While Qu Xuanqing massages him, their conversation turns nostalgic. They recall their first meeting roughly ten years earlier, when Yu Xing was already frail and Qu Xuanqing was a sharp, aloof young girl.
• Yu Xing remembers discovering a rural house where numerous children had been kidnapped by a married couple and their criminal accomplices. He intended to rescue them without involving the police.
• At the scene, he encountered the thirteen-year-old Qu Xuanqing, who had tracked the kidnappers after a friend disappeared and had called the police. Her hiding place was unsafe, and Yu Xing pulled her away before she was spotted.
• One of Qu Xuanqing’s friends was killed by the kidnappers before help arrived. When Yu Xing attempted to intervene immediately, Qu Xuanqing stopped him, warning that reckless action could cause all the children to be killed.
• The chapter ends by highlighting that Yu Xing, despite his experience and power, was momentarily restrained by the stubborn judgment of a young, inexperienced Qu Xuanqing.

Character Developments

• Yu Xing: His physical decline is becoming increasingly obvious, and he finally allows himself to stop concealing his exhaustion. His memories reveal that even in the past he was detached from ordinary institutions such as the police, yet still willing to perform acts of kindness on impulse. He also shows a tendency toward reckless direct action when others are in danger.
• Qu Xuanqing: She is shown as observant, composed, and unusually mature for her age, though also inexperienced and blunt. Her current gentleness toward Yu Xing contrasts strongly with her former coldness. Her relationship with him has developed from wary hostility and independence into familial affection and concern.
• Their relationship: Yu Xing treats Qu Xuanqing like a daughter while teasing her as though she were still an insolent child. Qu Xuanqing now cares for him attentively, massages him, monitors his condition, and deliberately uses humor and nostalgia to help him relax.

Significant Themes

• Declining vitality and vulnerability: Yu Xing’s fatigue symbolizes the physical and emotional burden he has carried for a long time. His willingness to show weakness reflects growing trust in those around him.
• Found family and changing roles: The chapter emphasizes how relationships evolve. Qu Xuanqing once saw Yu Xing as a useless adult, but he became a guardian figure; now she has become one of the people protecting and caring for him.
• Recklessness versus responsibility: Yu Xing wants to act immediately to save the kidnapped children, while Qu Xuanqing understands that impulsive intervention could make the situation worse. Their conflict illustrates the tension between courage and careful judgment.
• Goodness outside formal systems: Although Yu Xing dislikes involving the police, he still chooses to help the children. Both he and Qu Xuanqing act independently, motivated by personal conscience rather than institutional duty.
• Memory and reinterpretation: Their playful present-day conversation reframes a traumatic past, showing how old encounters can gain new meaning as characters and relationships change.

Character Interactions

• Qu Xuanqing gently massages Yu Xing and urges him to rest, revealing her protective attitude.
• Their teasing exchange reverses their former dynamic: Yu Xing jokes that she should still call him an ancestor, while she treats him like a younger, softer “little brother.”
• Yu Xing recalls rescuing Qu Xuanqing from being discovered by the kidnappers, while she recalls distrusting him and warning him not to interfere.
• When Yu Xing tries to rush into the hideout, Qu Xuanqing physically and verbally stops him, demonstrating that even as a child she could challenge his impulsiveness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qu Xuanqing and Zhu Yan, an orphan, become acquaintances due to Qu Xuanqing's search for kidnapped children, including Zhu Yan.
• Yu Xing rescues the children, including Zhu Yan's corpse, but Zhu Yan revives due to Yu Xing's curse power.
• Qu Xuanqing moves away and later joins the Absurd Deduction game, becoming the "Witch."
• Yu Xing learns about the Lingren's past manipulation of both him and Qu Xuanqing.
• Qu Xuanqing feels panic and unease upon seeing Yu Xing's exhausted state in the girls' dormitory.

Character Developments

• Qu Xuanqing: Develops from a sensible and independent child to a formidable "Witch" in the Absurd Deduction game, driven by her desire for strength and twisted personality.
• Yu Xing: Becomes more patient and gentle due to the influence of the two girls, but his madness remains undiminished. His "unrestraint" awakens after learning about the Lingren's past actions.
• Zhu Yan: Regains her sanity and personality after reviving, developing her own hobbies and maintaining a tacit understanding with Qu Xuanqing.

Significant Themes

• The influence of the past on present actions and personalities.
• The manipulation and control of individuals for personal gain.
• The struggle for power and control within the Absurd Deduction game.

Character Interactions

• Qu Xuanqing and Yu Xing: Their relationship is complex, with Yu Xing serving as a teacher, brother, and support figure for Qu Xuanqing. Qu Xuanqing feels reverence and affection towards Yu Xing, while Yu Xing cares deeply for both girls.
• Qu Xuanqing and Zhu Yan: They maintain a balance in their relationship, shifting from obvious affection to a more tacit understanding after Zhu Yan's revival.
• Yu Xing and the Lingren: Their relationship is one of mutual manipulation, with the Lingren attempting to control Yu Xing and Yu Xing using the Lingren's thought patterns to his advantage.

Plot Points and Events

• Qu Xuanqing leaves Yu Xing to scout the dorm building, with Yu Xing warning her not to worry about him.
• Yu Xing, influenced by the Ghost Tree, feels drowsiness and madness surfacing.
• Zhao Yijiu experiences strange visions and sensations while on his mission.
• William and his roommates are disturbed by late-night knocks on their dorm door, which they initially think are from living students seeking academic advice but later suspect might be shadow ghosts.

Character Developments

• Yu Xing's mental state deteriorates due to the Ghost Tree's influence.
• Zhao Yijiu struggles with the fierce ghost's consciousness affecting his perception.
• William and his roommates display fear and anxiety when faced with the unknown knocking on their door.

Significant Themes

• Fear of the unknown and the supernatural.
• The corrupting influence of the Ghost Tree on Yu Xing's mind.
• The paranoia and mistrust that the students have for one another, even when faced with potential danger.

Character Interactions

• Qu Xuanqing and Yu Xing have a brief, tense exchange before she leaves.
• William and his roommates interact with each other, displaying fear and uncertainty when faced with the knocking on their door.
• Zhao Mou and Wen Qinghuai interact with William and his roommates, using deception to enter their dorm and investigate the mice's behavior.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Two transfer students, Zhao Mou and Wen Qinghuai, interrogate the students in a dorm room about their experiences and rumors regarding the dorm building.
• They learn about the previous roommate who committed suicide due to academic pressure and the presence of "eyes" on his arm.
• The students mention a female dorm supervisor who wanders the building at night, possibly searching for something, and a woman's voice heard occasionally, pleading for help.

Character Developments

• Zhao Mou: Displayed intimidating behavior and threats to extract information, revealing his aggressive and forceful nature.
• Wen Qinghuai: Maintained a calm and collected demeanor, acting as the mediator between Zhao Mou and the students.
• William: Showed disdain and anger towards the transfer students, feeling they disrupted his valuable study time and put his life at risk.

Significant Themes

• Academic pressure and its psychological toll on students.
• The presence of supernatural elements (shadow ghosts, a woman's voice) within the school, hinting at a larger mystery.
• The power dynamics between students and the school's staff, with students feeling helpless and fearful.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Mou and Wen Qinghuai: Worked together to extract information, with Zhao Mou using intimidation and Wen Qinghuai acting as the more reasonable one.
• The dorm students and the transfer students: The students felt threatened and intimidated by the transfer students, leading to a tense interaction.
• William and the other students: William expressed his dissatisfaction with the other students' cooperation with the transfer students, feeling they should have been more defiant.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Mou and Wen Qinghuai investigate the female dorm's "shadow ghost" incident.
• They learn about the female dorm supervisor's leniency and odd behavior.
• Students hint at a hidden item in the dorm building and a voice that appears occasionally.
• Zhao Mou and Wen Qinghuai leave the dorm, warning students not to spread rumors.
• Upon returning to their dorm, they find Yu Xing back early.

Character Developments

• Zhao Mou: Shows calmness and strategic thinking, understanding the importance of the voice in the dorm task. He also feels a rare discomfort in the silence of sharing a dorm with someone.
• Wen Qinghuai: Demonstrates adaptability and versatility in deduction, cooperating well with Zhao Mou. He's also skilled in using sacrifices for better deduction results.
• Yu Xing: Returns early, showing interest in the female dorm's situation. He's observant, noticing Zhao Mou's resemblance to Zhao Yijiu without glasses.

Significant Themes

• Deduction and Teamwork: The chapter highlights the importance of teamwork in deduction, with Zhao Mou and Wen Qinghuai working together effectively.
• Silence and Communication: The quiet between Zhao Mou and Wen Qinghuai in their shared dorm room emphasizes the theme of communication and understanding between individuals.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Mou and Wen Qinghuai: Despite their different backgrounds and experiences, they work well together, understanding each other's methods and needs without explicit communication.
• Zhao Mou and Yu Xing: Yu Xing's return and casual interaction with Zhao Mou show a comfortable, familiar dynamic between them, with Yu Xing treating Zhao Mou like a younger brother.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Yijiu returns to the dorm after a long night of investigation, finding his roommates asleep.
• He detects strong pollution in the building, which affects him and prevents him from sleeping.
• Zhao Yijiu reveals that the pollution is causing his inner fierce ghost's consciousness to become active, making it difficult for him to control his body.
• Yu Xing suggests a solution involving Qu Xuanqing, which could help Zhao Yijiu but would require her to inflict significant injuries on herself.

Character Developments

• Zhao Yijiu: Struggles with the influence of the fierce ghost's consciousness due to the pollution, showing vulnerability and fatigue.
• Yu Xing: Demonstrates concern for Zhao Yijiu's well-being and understanding of the situation, while also teasing him to keep him awake.
• Zhao Mou: Shows worry for his brother and understanding of the situation, providing a rational perspective and a potential solution.
• Qu Xuanqing: Not physically present, but her unique ability to absorb ghostly energy through injuries is discussed as a potential solution to Zhao Yijiu's problem.

Significant Themes

• The pollution in the building is revealed to be a type of ghostly energy, which interacts with Zhao Yijiu's inner fierce ghost, causing him distress.
• The theme of sacrifice is hinted at, as a solution to Zhao Yijiu's problem requires Qu Xuanqing to inflict significant injuries on herself.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Yijiu and Yu Xing: Yu Xing teases Zhao Yijiu to keep him awake, while Zhao Yijiu is initially reluctant to discuss his problem but eventually opens up.
• Zhao Yijiu and Zhao Mou: The brothers discuss the situation, with Zhao Mou showing concern and understanding for his brother's predicament.
• Yu Xing and Zhao Mou: They work together to keep Zhao Yijiu awake and discuss potential solutions to his problem.
• Yu Xing and Qu Xuanqing: Yu Xing plans to discuss a potential solution involving Qu Xuanqing with her, but he doesn't want to influence her decision.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The team members stay awake with Zhao Yijiu until dawn, except for Yu Xing who sleeps through it.
• Zhao Yijiu is weakened and needs help to heal, causing him distress.
• Qu Xuanqing agrees to help Zhao Yijiu, and they leave together after class.
• Oliver stands up to Ao Fu, who tries to humiliate him, with Rebecca's support.
• The class reacts to the incident, and the vice-class monitor gets involved.

Character Developments

• Zhao Yijiu feels burdened and weak due to his dependence on his teammates for healing.
• Zhao Mou understands and reassures Zhao Yijiu about his feelings.
• Oliver gains confidence and stands up to Ao Fu, showing growth.
• Rebecca supports Oliver and shows resilience in the face of potential bullying.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork and support: Zhao Mou encourages Zhao Yijiu to rely on his teammates, and Oliver and Rebecca support each other.
• Overcoming fear and insecurities: Oliver faces his fears and stands up to Ao Fu, while Rebecca prepares to face potential bullying.
• The consequences of actions: Ao Fu's attempt to humiliate Oliver backfires, and she faces ridicule and pain.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Yijiu and Zhao Mou: Brothers who understand each other deeply; Zhao Mou comforts and advises Zhao Yijiu.
• Oliver and Ao Fu: Oliver stands up to Ao Fu's attempt to humiliate him, showing growth and resilience.
• Rebecca and Oliver: They support each other and prepare to face potential bullying together.
• The class: The class reacts to the incident, showing their biases and prejudices.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ao Fu challenges Oliver to a date, betting that he won't accept, to prove her popularity.
• Oliver rejects Ao Fu, causing her to lose face and become the target of ridicule.
• Rebecca and Oliver defend themselves against Ao Fu's accusations, further humiliating her.
• Ao Fu storms off, humiliated and enraged.

Character Developments

• Ao Fu's true nature is revealed as she tries to use Oliver to boost her status, leading to her humiliation.
• Oliver stands up for himself and rejects Ao Fu, showing growth in his self-worth.
• Rebecca, the transfer student, shows cunning by instigating malice against Ao Fu.
• Zhao Mou demonstrates his ability to stir up trouble, manipulating the situation to his advantage.

Significant Themes

• The corrupting influence of peer pressure and rumors.
• The importance of self-worth and standing up for oneself.
• The dangers of using others to boost one's own status.

Character Interactions

• Ao Fu and Oliver: Ao Fu tries to use Oliver to boost her status, but Oliver rejects her, leading to Ao Fu's humiliation.
• Rebecca and Ao Fu: Rebecca sees an opportunity to attack Ao Fu and takes it, further humiliating her.
• Zhao Mou and the class: Zhao Mou manipulates the situation to make Ao Fu the target of ridicule.
• Zhao Yijiu and Qu Xuanqing: Zhao Yijiu is uncomfortable with being near the women's restroom, leading to a tense interaction with Qu Xuanqing.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Yijiu and Qu Xuanqing enter the girls' restroom to perform a secret ritual to remove the contamination within Zhao Yijiu caused by the fierce ghost.
• Qu Xuanqing stabs herself in the chest and snaps her own neck to extract the contamination, ensuring Zhao Yijiu doesn't witness her gruesome death.

Character Developments

• Zhao Yijiu: Struggles with the idea of entering the girls' restroom but ultimately complies. He feels guilty for putting Qu Xuanqing in harm's way and is grateful for her sacrifice.
• Qu Xuanqing: Shows her determination to help Zhao Yijiu by willingly harming herself. She maintains a calm and teasing demeanor to ease Zhao Yijiu's discomfort.

Significant Themes

• Sacrifice: Qu Xuanqing's willingness to harm herself to help Zhao Yijiu.
• Trust: Zhao Yijiu's trust in Qu Xuanqing and her methods, despite his initial reluctance.
• Guilt: Zhao Yijiu feels guilty for putting Qu Xuanqing in danger.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Yijiu and Qu Xuanqing: They interact with mutual understanding and respect. Qu Xuanqing teases Zhao Yijiu to ease his discomfort, while he shows gratitude for her sacrifice.
• Zhao Yijiu and Zhao Mou (flashback): Zhao Mou tries to expose Zhao Yijiu to adult content, but Zhao Yijiu rejects it, leading to an awkward memory that resurfaces in the restroom.