Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Zizhen's grandmother sprained her ankle and Xu Zizhen, along with his friends, help her home.
• Xu Zizhen expresses his admiration for the maple tree in his grandparents' yard, which he later learns is a monster.
• Xu Zizhen reveals that a man named Hong Feng is obsessed with buying the maple tree, to the point of insisting despite his grandparents' refusal.

Character Developments

• Xu Zizhen: Shows concern for his grandmother and reveals his knowledge about the maple tree monster.
• Hong Feng: Introduced as a man with an unusual obsession with maple trees, driven by his name and birth season.
• Xu Zizhen's grandparents: Initially resented the maple tree due to their son's past, but now care for it as it's grown beautiful. They refuse to sell the maple tree despite Hong Feng's insistence.

Significant Themes

• The power of names and their influence on individuals (Hong Feng's obsession with maple trees due to his name).
• The passage of time and change in feelings (Xu Zizhen's grandparents' changing attitude towards the maple tree).
• The bond between family members (Xu Zizhen's concern for his grandmother and the potential conflict over the maple tree).

Character Interactions

• Xu Zizhen and his friends (Zhang Bo, Zhuge Yun, and Zhao Luzheng) discuss and react to the situation with the maple tree and Hong Feng's obsession.
• Xu Zizhen shares his knowledge about the maple tree monster with his friends, revealing his family's history with the tree.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hong Feng, a wealthy man, is persistently trying to buy a special maple tree (Hong Feng) from the Xu family, who consider it a family heirloom.
• Xu Zizhen, the Xu family's representative in this matter, consults with his friends about Hong Feng's sincerity and persistence.
• Hong Feng suggests temporarily moving the maple tree to his house until his death, then returning it to the Xu family.

Character Developments

• Hong Feng: Shows extreme dedication and love for the maple tree, demonstrating his sincerity and persistence.
• Xu Zizhen: Struggles with Hong Feng's sincerity and the tree's importance to his uncle, showing empathy and understanding.
• Xu Family (Grandparents): Are grateful to Hong Feng for helping their grandmother but are torn between Hong Feng's sincerity and the tree's importance to their son.

Significant Themes

• Sincerity and Persistence: Hong Feng's genuine love for the maple tree and his unyielding pursuit of it.
• Family Heirlooms and Their Significance: The Xu family's attachment to the maple tree due to its sentimental value and family history.
• Difficult Decisions: The Xu family's struggle to decide whether to sell the maple tree, given its importance and Hong Feng's sincerity.

Character Interactions

• Xu Zizhen and His Friends: Discuss Hong Feng's sincerity and the Xu family's dilemma, offering support and advice.
• Xu Family and Hong Feng: The Xu family is torn between their gratitude towards Hong Feng and the tree's sentimental value, leading to a stalemate in their negotiations with him.
• Xu Zizhen and the Xu Family: Xu Zizhen consults with his grandparents about the situation, ultimately deciding to maintain their stance against selling the maple tree.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hong Feng, who saved Xu Zizhen's grandmother, is persistently asking for the maple tree in their yard.
• Xu Zizhen and his classmates discuss how to handle Hong Feng's requests.
• Xu Zizhen decides to talk to his grandparents about the matter.
• Zhuge Yun wants to accompany Xu Zizhen to his grandparents' house to see the Spirit Maple tree.
• The next day, Xu Zizhen and his classmates visit the Xu Family old house. The Old Madam serves Maple Leaf Crisp, a pastry she hasn't made in a long time.

Character Developments

• Xu Zizhen: Realizes the need to be firm with Hong Feng and decides to talk to his grandparents about it.
• Zhuge Yun: Shows interest in seeing the Spirit Maple tree and wants to accompany Xu Zizhen to his grandparents' house.
• The Old Madam: Makes Maple Leaf Crisp for Xu Zizhen and his classmates, showing her affection and thoughtfulness.

Significant Themes

• Gratitude vs. Unreasonable Demands: Xu Zizhen struggles with being grateful to Hong Feng for saving his grandmother while also feeling pressured by Hong Feng's persistent requests for the maple tree.
• Family and Tradition: The Old Madam's Maple Leaf Crisp represents family tradition and the importance of preserving it.

Character Interactions

• Xu Zizhen and his classmates discuss how to handle Hong Feng's requests, leading to Zhuge Yun wanting to accompany Xu Zizhen to his grandparents' house.
• The Old Madam serves Maple Leaf Crisp to Xu Zizhen and his classmates, showing her warmth and hospitality towards her grandson's friends.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Zizhen and his friends visit the Xiao family, where they enjoy Maple Leaf Crisps.
• Xiao Xiao, Xu Zizhen's friend, expresses a desire to eat Maple Leaf Crisps under the maple tree in the yard.
• The doorbell rings, and it's revealed that Hong Feng, a man Xu Zizhen's grandparents don't want to see, has arrived uninvited.

Character Developments

• Xu Zizhen: He becomes more open with his friends about his family's problems and seeks their support.
• Hong Feng: He continues to display his disregard for social norms and boundaries, entering the house uninvited.

Significant Themes

• Family dynamics: The tension between Xu Zizhen's grandparents and Hong Feng highlights the complex nature of family relationships.
• Boundaries and respect: Hong Feng's disregard for the Xiao family's wishes raises questions about personal boundaries and respect for others' feelings.

Character Interactions

• Xu Zizhen and Xiao Xiao: They bond over their shared love for Maple Leaf Crisps, and Xiao Xiao supports Xu Zizhen by offering to help with his family's problems.
• Xu Zizhen and Hong Feng: Xu Zizhen's frustration with Hong Feng's behavior grows, leading to increased tension between them.
• Xu Zizhen's grandparents and Hong Feng: The grandparents' discomfort with Hong Feng's presence is evident, but they maintain polite hospitality despite their reservations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group gathers under the Spirit Maple to eat Maple Leaf Crisps, a tradition started by Xiao Xiao and the Spirit Maple in the past.
• Hong Feng, obsessed with the Spirit Maple, joins them and tries the crisps.
• The Spirit Maple, unseen by others, eats the crisps from above, enjoying them.
• Xiao Xiao, knowing the Spirit Maple's fondness for the crisps, doesn't mind its consumption.
• The group is surprised to find the entire plate of crisps eaten, attributing it to Xiao Xiao's appetite.

Character Developments

• Xiao Xiao: Shows understanding and acceptance of the Spirit Maple's actions, displaying a deeper connection with the creature.
• Spirit Maple: Reveals a fondness for Maple Leaf Crisps and a nostalgic connection to Xiao Xiao, hinting at a past relationship.
• Hong Feng: Demonstrates an obsession with the Spirit Maple, but also shows curiosity and appreciation for the Maple Leaf Crisps.

Significant Themes

• Nostalgia and Memory: The Spirit Maple's memories of Xiao Xiao and the Maple Leaf Crisps highlight the theme of nostalgia and the power of memory.
• Connection and Belonging: The shared enjoyment of the crisps under the Spirit Maple fosters a sense of connection and belonging among the characters.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Xiao and Spirit Maple: Their silent understanding and shared enjoyment of the crisps strengthen their bond.
• Xiao Xiao and Hong Feng: Xiao Xiao's calm acceptance of Hong Feng's presence and actions shows maturity and tolerance.
• Group Dynamics: The shared meal under the Spirit Maple brings the group together, fostering camaraderie and shared enjoyment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hong Feng, a man obsessed with maple trees, asks the Xu family to sell or lend him their maple tree.
• The Xu family, consisting of an elderly couple and their grandson Xu Zizhen, refuse, stating the tree has sentimental value and was passed down from their ancestors.
• Hong Feng persists, even suggesting he could temporarily keep the tree, but the Xu family remains firm.
• Xu Zizhen, after consulting with Master Xiao and others, decides to put an end to the matter and sternly tells Hong Feng that the family will not sell the tree, no matter what.
• Hong Feng, realizing the futility of his pursuit, leaves, but Xu Zizhen follows him to ensure he won't return.

Character Developments

• Hong Feng: His obsession with the maple tree is revealed, and he demonstrates persistence and a willingness to compromise, but ultimately respects the Xu family's decision.
• Xu Zizhen: He grows more assertive and takes a stand against Hong Feng, showing he can handle family matters decisively.
• The Xu Family (Elderly Couple): They remain steadfast in their refusal to part with the maple tree, demonstrating their love for tradition and family heritage.

Significant Themes

• Family Heritage and Tradition: The maple tree represents the Xu family's history and connection to their ancestors, which they are unwilling to part with.
• Obsession vs. Respect: Hong Feng's obsession with the maple tree contrasts with the Xu family's respect for their heritage and the elderly couple's wishes.

Character Interactions

• Xu Zizhen and Hong Feng: Their interaction is tense, with Xu Zizhen firmly refusing Hong Feng's requests and Hong Feng initially persisting but ultimately respecting Xu Zizhen's stance.
• Xu Zizhen and the Xu Family: Xu Zizhen consults with his family and acts on their behalf, showing he understands their feelings and is willing to protect their interests.
• Xu Zizhen and Master Xiao/Zhang Bo/Zhao Luzheng: They provide guidance and support to Xu Zizhen, helping him understand how to handle the situation with Hong Feng.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Zizhen and his friends visit the Xu Family's Maple Tree, which is coveted by Hong Feng.
• The Maple Tree's spirit, Spirit Maple, expresses its unwillingness to move.
• Xu Zizhen reassures Spirit Maple that the Xu Family will handle the matter.
• Xu Zizhen and his friends leave the Xu Family residence, with the Old Madam inviting them to visit again.

Character Developments

• Xu Zizhen shows concern for his family and the Maple Tree's spirit, demonstrating his responsibility and care.
• Spirit Maple reveals its attachment to the courtyard, showing its sentience and emotions.
• The Old Madam shows warmth and hospitality towards the young visitors, displaying her friendly nature.

Significant Themes

• The theme of possession and attachment to material things is explored through Hong Feng's desire for the Maple Tree and Spirit Maple's reluctance to leave its home.
• The theme of family and responsibility is highlighted through Xu Zizhen's concern for his family and the Maple Tree's spirit.

Character Interactions

• Xu Zizhen interacts with Spirit Maple, reassuring it and showing empathy for its feelings.
• The Old Madam interacts with the young visitors, showing warmth and hospitality.
• Xu Zizhen interacts with his friends, showing a playful side with Zhuge Yun and Zhao Luzheng.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Zizhen admits his mistake to a girl, who then leaves.
• Xu Zizhen approaches Xiao Xiao in the library to discuss the Maple Tree's illness.
• Xu Zizhen recounts how Hong Feng visited without notice, found the Maple Tree sick, and blamed Xu Zizhen's family for not taking care of it.
• A professional confirmed the Maple Tree was beyond saving, and Hong Feng left in frustration.
• Xu Zizhen seeks Xiao Xiao's help to examine the Maple Tree.

Character Developments

• Xu Zizhen shows growth in taking responsibility for his actions (admitting his mistake to the girl) and standing up for his family (arguing with Hong Feng).
• Xiao Xiao demonstrates understanding and patience in dealing with Xu Zizhen's emotional state.
• Xu Zizhen's grandfather shows wisdom and calm in comforting his wife about the Maple Tree's condition.

Significant Themes

• The theme of responsibility is highlighted through Xu Zizhen's actions and Hong Feng's accusations.
• The bond between family members is emphasized through the grandparents' concern for the Maple Tree and Xu Zizhen's distress at their sadness.

Character Interactions

• Xu Zizhen and the unknown girl: They interact briefly, with the girl showing improvement in her expression after Xu Zizhen admits his mistake.
• Xu Zizhen and Xiao Xiao: They interact throughout the chapter, with Xu Zizhen seeking Xiao Xiao's help and Xiao Xiao showing understanding and support.
• Xu Zizhen and his grandparents: Their bond is shown through their shared concern for the Maple Tree and the grandparents' reliance on Xu Zizhen.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Zizhen finds his grandfather trying to sweep fallen leaves from the Maple Tree, which is dying.
• The Master shares stories about the Old Madam's love for the Maple Tree and her later prejudice against it.
• Xiao Xiao arrives and reassures Xu Zizhen that the Maple Tree will accompany them until the end.

Character Developments

• Xu Zizhen shows concern and care for his grandfather and the Maple Tree.
• The Master reflects on his wife's love for the Maple Tree and her changing feelings towards it over time.
• Xiao Xiao demonstrates understanding and empathy towards the Spirit Maple and the Xu Family's attachment to it.

Significant Themes

• The passage of time and change.
• The power of human emotions and their impact on relationships.
• The bond between the Xu Family and the Spirit Maple.

Character Interactions

• Xu Zizhen and the Master bond over their shared love for the Maple Tree and concern for its well-being.
• Xiao Xiao interacts with the Spirit Maple, understanding its actions and reassuring it of the Xu Family's desire for it to stay.
• Xu Zizhen and Xiao Xiao share their hope for the Spirit Maple to remain, showing their care for the Xu Family's well-being.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Zizhen and Xiao Xiao return to the Xu Family, finding the Maple Tree withered.
• Xiao Xiao insists on staying to watch over the child (Xu Zizhen) until the end.
• The Maple Tree miraculously regains its vitality and turns red, returning to its original state in moments.
• Xu Zizhen's grandparents witness the miracle and are shocked.

Character Developments

• Xu Zizhen: Realizes the importance of the Maple Tree to Xiao Xiao and understands the extent of Xiao Xiao's powers.
• Xiao Xiao: Shows his dedication to protecting Xu Zizhen and reveals his ability to heal the Maple Tree.
• Xu Zizhen's Grandparents: Witness a divine miracle and are left in awe and disbelief.

Significant Themes

• The power of belief and dedication (Xiao Xiao's unwavering commitment to protecting Xu Zizhen).
• The supernatural and divine (the miraculous healing of the Maple Tree).

Character Interactions

• Xu Zizhen and Xiao Xiao: Their bond deepens as Xiao Xiao demonstrates his power to save the Maple Tree.
• Xu Zizhen and his Grandparents: Xu Zizhen struggles to explain the miraculous event to his grandparents, who are initially suspicious but ultimately accept the extraordinary occurrence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Zizhen and Xiao Xiao carry two plates of Maple Leaf Crisps, which are unusually heavy.
• Xu Zizhen's grandparents, the Old Madam and Master, express concern about the Maple Tree's recent state.
• Xu Zizhen reveals that Xiao Xiao is a monster, and the Maple Tree is another monster named Spirit Maple.
• Xu Zizhen recounts how his uncle, Qing Zhu, used to interact with monsters, including Xiao Xiao, but lost his ability to see them, causing him distress.

Character Developments

• Xu Zizhen: Shows maturity and courage in revealing the truth about monsters to his grandparents.
• Xiao Xiao: Confirms that he is a monster and that Spirit Maple is another monster.
• The Old Madam: Struggles to accept the existence of monsters and their presence in her home.
• Master: Initially skeptical, he becomes more accepting of the idea of monsters.

Significant Themes

• The existence of the supernatural (monsters) in the human world.
• The struggle to accept and understand the unknown.
• The power of friendship and companionship, even between humans and monsters.

Character Interactions

• Xu Zizhen and Xiao Xiao: They have a close bond, with Xu Zizhen acting as a bridge between Xiao Xiao and his human family.
• The Old Madam and Master: They have a loving relationship, with the Old Madam being more nurturing and the Master being more skeptical but ultimately supportive.
• Xu Zizhen and his grandparents: They share a deep, loving bond, with Xu Zizhen respecting and trusting his grandparents enough to reveal the truth about monsters.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Old Madam finally accepts that Xu Qingzhu's childhood companion, a Missy, was real and not a figment of his imagination or a result of possession.
• The Old Madam learns that the Maple Tree in their courtyard is a monster, which intentionally made itself appear sick to drive away Hong Feng, who had ill intentions towards it.

Character Developments

• The Old Madam: She struggles to accept the reality of monsters but eventually begins to accept their existence, particularly after learning about the Maple Tree's actions.
• Xu Zizhen: He becomes more open to the idea of monsters and their presence in his life, feeling relieved and comfortable after learning about the Maple Tree's actions.
• Master (Xu Zizhen's grandfather): He also starts to accept the existence of monsters, realizing that the Maple Tree's actions align with Qingzhu's positive experiences with it.

Significant Themes

• Acceptance of the unknown and supernatural.
• The power of understanding and communication, as demonstrated by the Maple Tree's clever actions to drive away Hong Feng.
• The importance of family and their shared history, as reflected in the Old Madam's and Master's acceptance of the Maple Tree's presence in their home.

Character Interactions

• The Old Madam and Master: They interact with each other and their grandson, Xu Zizhen, as they learn about the Maple Tree's true nature and the reality of monsters.
• Xu Zizhen and Xiao Xiao (Master Xiao): They work together to help Xu Qingzhu find his childhood companion, and Xu Zizhen expresses his admiration for Xiao Xiao's ability to see monsters.
• The Old Madam and the Maple Tree: Though not a direct interaction, the Old Madam's acceptance of the Maple Tree as a monster living in their home signifies a change in her perception and understanding of the supernatural.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Zizhen reveals to his grandparents that the Maple Tree in their family is a monster (Spirit Maple).
• The grandparents initially disbelieve Xu Zizhen but eventually accept the truth after recalling a past incident involving Xu Qingzhu.
• They invite Master Xiao, who helped Xu Qingzhu overcome his past trauma, to lunch and thank him.
• Xu Qingzhu joins them, and they discuss the past and the recent incident with Hong Feng, who wanted to buy the Maple Tree.
• After lunch, they visit the courtyard, and Xu Qingzhu sees something unusual in the Maple Tree but keeps it to himself.

Character Developments

• Xu Zizhen: Proves to be clever and resourceful in presenting his case about the Spirit Maple to his grandparents.
• Xu Qingzhu: Overcomes his past trauma with the help of Master Xiao and accepts his parents' apology. He also notices something unusual about the Maple Tree but doesn't share it immediately.
• The Grandparents (Master and Old Madam): Initially skeptical, they eventually accept the existence of the Spirit Maple and apologize to Xu Qingzhu for their past actions.

Significant Themes

• Acceptance of the extraordinary (the Spirit Maple's existence).
• Overcoming past traumas (Xu Qingzhu's experience with the Maple Tree).
• Family bonds and communication (the Xu family's discussion and reconciliation).

Character Interactions

• Xu Zizhen and his grandparents: They engage in a conversation where Xu Zizhen tries to convince his grandparents about the Spirit Maple, and they eventually accept his words.
• Xu Qingzhu and his parents: They have an emotional conversation where they apologize to each other and make amends for past misunderstandings.
• Xu Qingzhu and Xu Zizhen: They interact briefly, with Xu Zizhen noticing Xu Qingzhu's strange reaction to the Maple Tree but not pressing the issue.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qingzhu receives a second Maple Leaf from the Spirit Maple, seemingly without any action on his part.
• Xu Zizhen, envious, tries to receive a leaf but fails, leading to a humorous moment.
• The Spirit Maple's gift is confirmed by Master Xiao, and Xu Qingzhu expresses gratitude.
• The Old Madam and Master witness the event, further solidifying their acceptance of the Spirit Maple as a sentient being.

Character Developments

• Xu Qingzhu: Shows humility and gratitude towards the Spirit Maple's gift, demonstrating his respect and understanding of its sentience.
• Xu Zizhen: Exhibits envy and humor, showcasing his human nature and desire for the Spirit Maple's leaves.
• The Old Madam: Overcomes her lingering unease about the Spirit Maple's true nature, accepting it as a friend and neighbor.

Significant Themes

• Respect for nature and its sentience (Spirit Maple as a gift-giving entity).
• Human desire and humor (Xu Zizhen's envy and comedic attempts to receive a leaf).
• Acceptance and friendship (Old Madam's change of heart towards the Spirit Maple).

Character Interactions

• Xu Qingzhu and Xu Zizhen: Nephew and uncle bond over the Maple Leaf, with Xu Zizhen's envy and humor contrasting Xu Qingzhu's gratitude and respect.
• The Old Madam and Master: Share a moment of realization and acceptance, solidifying their relationship with the Spirit Maple as neighbors and friends.
• Xu Zizhen and the Master: A playful exchange between grandfather and grandson, with Xu Zizhen using humor to deflect his grandfather's teasing.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Zizhen feels slighted that his uncle received the Gift instead of him for finding Master Xiao.
• Xiao Xiao (Master Xiao) reveals that Spirit Maple misses being called 'Missy' by Xu Qingzhu (Uncle Xu).
• Xu Qingzhu hesitates but eventually calls Spirit Maple 'Missy' to make Xu Zizhen happy and receive a Maple Leaf.

Character Developments

• Xu Zizhen: Shows childish pettiness but also genuine excitement for his uncle's recognition.
• Xu Qingzhu: Struggles with nostalgia and embarrassment but ultimately calls Spirit Maple 'Missy' to make his nephew happy.
• Master Xiao: Shows a livelier personality and acts as a mediator between Xu Qingzhu and Spirit Maple.
• Spirit Maple: Reveals it has feelings and memories from its past interactions with Xu Qingzhu.

Significant Themes

• Nostalgia: Xu Qingzhu's memories of his past with Spirit Maple resurface, causing him to grapple with his feelings.
• Embarrassment vs. Happiness: Xu Qingzhu struggles with the embarrassment of calling Spirit Maple 'Missy' but ultimately does so to make Xu Zizhen happy.
• Recognition: Xu Zizhen feels unrecognized for his efforts, leading to his childish behavior.

Character Interactions

• Xu Zizhen and Xu Qingzhu: Their relationship is complex, with Xu Zizhen showing both childish pettiness and genuine affection, while Xu Qingzhu shows reluctance but ultimately prioritizes his nephew's happiness.
• Xu Qingzhu and Spirit Maple: Their relationship is revealed to be more profound than initially thought, with Spirit Maple missing Xu Qingzhu's past address.
• Master Xiao and Xu Qingzhu: Master Xiao acts as a mediator, encouraging Xu Qingzhu to call Spirit Maple 'Missy' to make Xu Zizhen happy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Zizhen receives a Maple Leaf from the Spirit Maple, his first interaction with a monster.
• Xu Qingzhu learns that the Spirit Maple likes to eat Maple Leaf Crisps.
• Xu Qingzhu struggles to remember something important related to Maple Leaf Crisps.

Character Developments

• Xu Zizhen: Becomes excited and exhilarated upon receiving a gift from the Spirit Maple, feels recognized by it. He also learns about the Spirit Maple's preference for Maple Leaf Crisps.
• Xu Qingzhu: Struggles with remembering an important detail related to Maple Leaf Crisps. He's grateful that Xu Zizhen's interaction with the Spirit Maple helped resolve his emotional block.
• Xiao Xiao (Master Xiao): Reveals that the Spirit Maple likes to eat Maple Leaf Crisps, facilitating a better understanding of the monster's preferences.

Significant Themes

• Interaction with monsters and the significance of gifts from them.
• The importance of understanding and catering to the preferences of others (in this case, the Spirit Maple).
• The struggle to remember important details and the frustration that comes with it.

Character Interactions

• Xu Zizhen and Xu Qingzhu: They share their excitement and newfound knowledge about the Spirit Maple. Xu Qingzhu expresses his gratitude to Xu Zizhen for helping him reconnect with the Spirit Maple.
• Xu Qingzhu and Xiao Xiao: They discuss the Spirit Maple's preference for Maple Leaf Crisps, leading to a better understanding of the monster's likes.
• Xu Zizhen and Xiao Xiao: They share a moment of understanding and camaraderie regarding the Spirit Maple's appetite for Maple Leaf Crisps.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qingzhu remembers an incident from his past involving Maple Leaf Crisps and Spirit Maple (Ling Feng).
• He recalls learning to make Maple Leaf Crisps to give to Ling Feng, but struggling with the process.
• He finally manages to make presentable Maple Leaf Crisps and gives them to Ling Feng, who eats them without complaint.

Character Developments

• Xu Qingzhu: Realizes he has forgotten important memories, including his past with Ling Feng. He decides to learn to make Maple Leaf Crisps again to honor Ling Feng's liking for them.
• Ling Feng (Spirit Maple): Though not present, her influence on Xu Qingzhu is evident. She is portrayed as indifferent but appreciative of Xu Qingzhu's efforts.

Significant Themes

• Memory and Forgetting: Xu Qingzhu grapples with the realization that he has forgotten significant memories, highlighting the theme of memory's fallibility.
• Nostalgia and Longing: The Maple Leaf Crisps serve as a symbol of Xu Qingzhu's longing for his past with Ling Feng.
• Effort and Perseverance: Xu Qingzhu's struggle to learn making Maple Leaf Crisps showcases his determination and perseverance.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qingzhu and Ling Feng: Though not physically together, their past interaction is recalled, showing their shared history and Xu Qingzhu's lingering feelings for Ling Feng.
• Xu Qingzhu and his Mother: Implied through Xu Qingzhu's memories, his mother taught him how to make Maple Leaf Crisps, showing their close relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Qingzhu reflects on his lack of skill in making pastries and decides to have his mother prepare Maple Leaf Crisps for the Spirit Maple.
• Xu Qingzhu appreciates the convenience of the Spirit Maple's discovery and the old man's acceptance of its existence.
• Xu Zizhen receives a Maple Leaf from the Spirit Maple and expresses his desire to see the Spirit Maple in the future.
• Xu Zizhen accidentally bumps into a girl while distracted and drops the Maple Leaf, which Xiao Xiao retrieves.
• A sudden heavy rain begins as the students leave school.

Character Developments

• Xu Qingzhu shows acceptance and appreciation for the Spirit Maple's existence and its benefits.
• Xu Zizhen expresses his desire to see the Spirit Maple and values the gift he received from it.
• Xiao Xiao displays kindness and consideration by retrieving the Maple Leaf for Xu Zizhen.

Significant Themes

• The theme of acceptance and appreciation of the supernatural, as seen in Xu Qingzhu's attitude towards the Spirit Maple.
• The theme of valuing and cherishing gifts, as demonstrated by Xu Zizhen's treatment of the Maple Leaf.

Character Interactions

• Xu Qingzhu and Xu Zizhen share a moment of understanding and connection regarding the Spirit Maple.
• Xu Zizhen interacts with Xiao Xiao, who helps him retrieve the Maple Leaf and provides guidance about the Spirit Maple's gifts.
• Xu Zizhen accidentally bumps into a girl, leading to a brief, unresolved interaction.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Bo's laundry gets ruined in the heavy rain, sparking a conversation about his perceived unluckiness.
• A girl, Murong Xue, shares a story about a girl named 'Xiao Y' who is known as the 'Rain Girl' because it always rains heavily when she's around.
• Xiao Y is ostracized by her peers due to this phenomenon and her shy, timid personality. She also fell seriously ill after being frightened by something unknown.

Character Developments

• Zhang Bo: Shows his unlucky side and tries to joke about Xiao Xiao's abilities to stop the rain.
• Murong Xue: Shares the Rain Girl's story, showing her interest in unusual stories and empathy for Xiao Y.
• Qi Ying: Listens to Murong Xue's story, shows sympathy for Xiao Y, and tries to engage in the conversation.

Significant Themes

• Coincidence vs. Causation: The story explores whether the rain is a coincidence or caused by Xiao Y's presence.
• Ostracization and Loneliness: Xiao Y's isolation due to her unique situation and personality.
• Fear and Illness: Xiao Y's serious illness after being frightened by something unknown.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Bo, Zhuge Yun, and Zhao Luzheng discuss Zhang Bo's unlucky incidents.
• Qi Ying and Murong Xue discuss the Rain Girl's story, with Murong Xue sharing details and Qi Ying showing empathy for Xiao Y.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group is stuck in a heavy rainstorm.
• Murong Xue and Qi Ying discuss Xiao Y, a shy girl nicknamed "Rain Girl" due to coincidences of rain occurring around her.
• The rain finally stops after half an hour.
• Xiao Xiao, who had gone to buy art supplies, encounters the heavy rain and uses his spiritual sense to notice something amiss.

Character Developments

• Murong Xue shows empathy and understanding towards Xiao Y, hoping she can escape her unlucky reputation.
• Xiao Xiao demonstrates his calm and composed nature, even in the face of heavy rain.

Significant Themes

• Perception vs. Reality: The characters' perceptions of Xiao Y (Rain Girl) may not align with her reality.
• Coincidence vs. Causality: The rain's relation to Xiao Y is likely coincidental, not causal.

Character Interactions

• Murong Xue and Qi Ying discuss Xiao Y, revealing their thoughts and feelings about her.
• Xiao Xiao's silent departure from the group is noticed by others, showing his unique demeanor.