Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yue Zhurong recounts his experience with the Blood Moon and the strange wind.
• Yue Zhurong falls asleep and exhibits abnormal behavior, with his eyes turning red and showing signs of distress.
• Yue Zhurong wakes up, accuses the Qing Ye crew of incompetence, and claims the curtains are open, but the video shows them closed.
• The Qing Ye crew discusses the wind sound and the possibility of a curse.
• Yue Zhurong visits the crew, recounts his recent experiences, and expresses fear that he's losing his mind.

Character Developments

• Yue Zhurong: Struggles with his experiences, becomes angry and accusatory when he wakes up, and later expresses fear and confusion.
• Wu Ling: Remains patient and professional throughout, guiding Yue Zhurong through his recounts and presenting evidence from the video.

Significant Themes

• Perception vs. Reality: Yue Zhurong sees the curtains open, but the video shows them closed, highlighting the discrepancy between his perception and reality.
• Fear and Uncertainty: Yue Zhurong's fear of losing his mind and the uncertainty of his experiences are central to the chapter.
• The Power of Instinct: Yue Zhurong's initial reaction to the wind is emphasized as potentially crucial.

Character Interactions

• Yue Zhurong and Wu Ling: Yue Zhurong becomes increasingly frustrated and accusatory towards Wu Ling, while Wu Ling remains calm and professional, trying to guide Yue Zhurong through his experiences.
• The Qing Ye Crew: The crew discusses Yue Zhurong's case among themselves, with one member suggesting a curse as the cause.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist, Mr. Yue, is suspected of being cursed.
• He undergoes medical examinations to rule out physical illnesses.
• Investigators suspect Mr. Yue's roommate, Su Guang, or his girlfriend, Wang Qing.
• Investigators follow Su Guang and Wang Qing but find no unusual behavior.
• Mr. Yue learns from his girlfriend that Su Guang's grandmother, Zhang Fengping, is suspicious.
• Investigators travel to Su Guang's hometown to investigate Zhang Fengping.

Character Developments

• Mr. Yue becomes more open to the possibility of being cursed.
• Wang Qing reveals her discomfort with Su Guang's grandmother.
• Su Guang's true family history is uncovered, suggesting he has sisters who died.

Significant Themes

• Supernatural vs. physical illness
• Trust and suspicion in relationships
• The consequences of family secrets

Character Interactions

• Mr. Yue and the investigators discuss his possible curse and suspects.
• Wang Qing shares her experiences with Su Guang's grandmother.
• The investigators interact with Su Guang's family and neighbors, gathering information.
• Mr. Yue and Wang Qing discuss Su Guang's family history.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The investigators learn about Zhang Fengping's past and her involvement in a curse, the 'Corrupting Wind', which causes infant girls to die.
• They find a graveyard with seven female infant corpses, victims of the curse.
• Zhang Fengping falls ill due to the curse backlash after the investigators destroy the evidence.
• The investigators confront Zhang Fengping, revealing they know about the curse and its effects on her family.

Character Developments

• Zhang Fengping's past actions and knowledge about the curse are exposed, showing her desperation to save her son and grandson.
• The investigators demonstrate their knowledge and power, instilling fear in Zhang Fengping.

Significant Themes

• The curse's consequences and the cycle of violence it creates.
• The power dynamics between the investigators and the local villagers.

Character Interactions

• The investigators interact with villagers to gather information about Zhang Fengping's past.
• Zhang Fengping interacts with the investigators, initially denying her involvement but later pleading for help to save her family.
• The investigators confront Zhang Fengping, revealing their knowledge of the curse and its effects on her family.

Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Fengping, who had been cursed, dies along with her son and grandson.
• Yue Zurong's wife, Wang Qing, gives birth to an abnormal child, which is later confirmed to be a monster.
• The child is cremated, and Wang Qing goes mad after seeing the child's body.

Character Developments

• Zhang Fengping is revealed to be the one using 'Yin Wind Entering the Brain' to curse others.
• Yue Zurong struggles with his feelings for his daughter and the reality of her condition.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of using dark arts and curses.
• The struggle between human emotions and reality.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Fengping's family is resentful of her actions.
• Yue Zurong is torn between his love for his daughter and the reality of her condition.
• The team investigates the case, trying to help Yue Zurong while dealing with their own concerns.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Director Mao reveals that Director Zhou, the former neighborhood committee head, has moved out of Gongnong Sixth Village and her daughter has some information about the firm (Qing Ye).
• The protagonist contacts Qian Lan, Director Zhou's daughter, who invites him to dinner and shows him her mother's old photos, including some of Qing Ye.

Character Developments

• Qian Lan: Initially portrayed as overly enthusiastic, Qian Lan reveals a deeper understanding of her mother's condition and beliefs, showing unexpected perceptiveness.
• Director Zhou: Despite her paralysis and loss of hearing, she manages to convey a message to her daughter about her impending death and her husband coming to pick her up.

Significant Themes

• Communication: The theme of communication is explored, both in terms of what is said and what is left unsaid. Qian Lan's ability to understand her mother's unspoken messages is highlighted.
• Death and Dying: The chapter delves into the theme of death and dying, with Director Zhou's impending death and her belief in her husband coming to pick her up.

Character Interactions

• Protagonist and Qian Lan: The protagonist's interaction with Qian Lan reveals her enthusiasm and perceptiveness. Despite her initial impression, Qian Lan shows a deeper understanding of her mother's condition and beliefs.
• Qian Lan and Director Zhou: Qian Lan's interaction with her mother shows her care and understanding, even if it's not always expressed in sadness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qian Lan shares old photos of Director Zhou and Ye Qing's group, but their faces are obscured due to photo issues.
• Qian Lan mentions a figure seen in Director Zhou's room and her sudden desire to move after that incident.
• A mysterious man in black enters Qian Lan's house, walks into Director Zhou's room, and Director Zhou suddenly wakes up and follows him out.

Character Developments

• Qian Lan: Shows concern for her mother's well-being and the property's future.
• Director Zhou: Exhibits unusual behavior, waking up and following the man in black without any apparent fear or resistance.

Significant Themes

• The mysterious past of Ye Qing's group and their connection to Director Zhou.
• The unexplained phenomena surrounding the property and its inhabitants.
• The theme of the unknown or supernatural, with the appearance of the man in black.

Character Interactions

• Guo Yujie and Qian Lan: Guo Yujie shows empathy and curiosity, while Qian Lan shares her experiences and concerns.
• The man in black and Director Zhou: The man in black seems to have control over Director Zhou, leading her out of the room without any resistance from her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Director Zhou appears to be in a trance-like state, walking out of her house accompanied by a man in black, who is suspected to be a Grim Reaper.
• Lin Qi, the protagonist, witnesses this and becomes concerned about Director Zhou's condition.
• Lin Qi and his friends visit Director Zhou's home, where they find her seemingly healthy, causing Lin Qi to question his earlier sighting.
• They decide to follow the potential Grim Reaper and Director Zhou, driving to a nearby residential complex, Gongnong Sixth Village.

Character Developments

• Lin Qi: Becomes increasingly worried about Director Zhou's well-being and decides to investigate the mysterious figure in black.
• Guo Yujie, Chen Xiaoqiu, and the skinny guy: Show concern for Lin Qi's safety and offer to accompany him, displaying their friendship and bravery.

Significant Themes

• The afterlife and the existence of supernatural entities, such as Grim Reapers.
• The power of friendship and camaraderie in the face of the unknown and potentially dangerous.
• The struggle between curiosity and fear, as the group grapples with whether to follow the mysterious figure.

Character Interactions

• Lin Qi shares his experience with his friends, leading to a group decision to follow the potential Grim Reaper.
• The group displays unity and support for Lin Qi, agreeing to accompany him despite their fears and the uncertainty of the situation.
• Lin Qi and his friends communicate their concerns and plans, showing a strong bond and mutual respect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist hides near Gongnong Sixth Village to wait for Director Zhou and the man in black.
• Director Zhou and the man in black return to the village, with Director Zhou's husband greeting them at the entrance.
• The man in black notices the protagonist hiding and makes eye contact, causing the protagonist to experience an illusion of countless footsteps and a waterfall.
• The protagonist returns to the car, and they discuss whether Director Zhou is dead and what to do next.

Character Developments

• The protagonist shows initiative and bravery in following Director Zhou and the man in black but also experiences fear and uncertainty.
• Director Zhou appears calm and composed, even after seeing the man in black.
• The man in black is revealed to have black eyes that cause hallucinations when he makes eye contact with the protagonist.

Significant Themes

• Death and the supernatural: The man in black is implied to be the Grim Reaper, and the protagonist experiences a supernatural event when he makes eye contact with him.
• Fear and uncertainty: The protagonist feels fear and uncertainty throughout the chapter, questioning his actions and the situation's danger.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist communicates with Fatty, Guo Yujie, and Chen Xiaoqiu via text messages and in person, sharing his experiences and discussing their next steps.
• Director Zhou and her husband greet each other warmly, and the man in black acknowledges them before they enter the village.
• The protagonist and the man in black have a brief, unsettling interaction through eye contact, causing the protagonist to experience a hallucination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist encounters an unconventional grim reaper, later identified as a Chinese ghost messenger.
• Gu Mo explains the differences between Chinese and foreign gods, emphasizing the rationality of the Jade Emperor.
• The protagonist and his friends discuss the nature of gods and their interactions with humans.
• The protagonist returns home and sees Director Zhou's ghostly father-in-law, Qian Zhong, gazing at Director Zhou.
• The protagonist hears footsteps from above and sees a crowd of people with blank expressions walking below, reminiscent of Director Zhou's behavior when summoned by the ghost messenger.
• Qian Lan, Director Zhou's wife, senses something amiss in the bedroom.
• The protagonist hears screams and sounds of destruction outside, and the scene shifts to the entrance of Gongnong Sixth Village.

Character Developments

• The protagonist becomes more accepting of the supernatural after encountering the ghost messenger.
• Gu Mo demonstrates knowledge about various cultures' representations of death and their gods.
• Qian Zhong, the ghost, is shown to be gentle and non-threatening, gazing at his son-in-law with affection.
• Qian Lan, Director Zhou's wife, exhibits awareness of the supernatural, sensing the presence of something unusual in the bedroom.

Significant Themes

• The acceptance of the supernatural and its integration into daily life.
• The differences and similarities between cultures in their representations of death and the afterlife.
• The exploration of the nature of gods and their interactions with humans.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist interacts with Gu Mo, learning about the ghost messenger and the differences between Chinese and foreign gods.
• Qian Zhong gazes at Director Zhou, indicating a possible connection or unfinished business between them.
• Qian Lan senses the presence of Qian Zhong, showing a level of awareness and perhaps a connection to the supernatural world.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist is suddenly surrounded by ghosts while on the balcony, startling him.
• He follows a group of around 50-60 ghosts, led by Qian Zhong, through Gongnong Sixth Village.
• The protagonist realizes the entire village is shrouded in chilling energy.
• He sees Chen Yaqin among the ghosts but can't follow her due to his range of movement.
• Qian Zhong returns to his bedroom, ending the dream.
• The protagonist has another dream, this time possessing a ghost who is terrified of the other ghosts around him.

Character Developments

• The protagonist becomes more aware of the ghostly presence in Gongnong Sixth Village, increasing his worry and unease.
• Qian Zhong is shown to be part of a larger ghostly group, with no apparent ill intent.
• Chen Yaqin is seen waiting by the roadside, hoping to find her lost item.

Significant Themes

• Fear and unease: The protagonist experiences fear due to the sudden appearance of ghosts and the unknown intentions of the ghostly group.
• Isolation: The protagonist feels helpless and alone in his inability to communicate with or understand the ghosts.
• Mystery: The reason behind the ghosts' return to Gongnong Sixth Village and their intentions remain unclear, adding to the protagonist's confusion and worry.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist observes Qian Zhong and Chen Yaqin among the ghostly group but has no interaction with them.
• The protagonist's consciousness is invaded by the ghost he's possessing in the second dream, causing him to feel the ghost's emotions and physical reactions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist finds themselves in a dream or illusion, surrounded by ghosts from Gong Nong Six Village, all having died unnaturally.
• The protagonist's consciousness is terrified but not in control of the body, which moves with the ghosts towards the village.
• The protagonist encounters a gruesome ghost with a severed left side and tries to separate from the group, feeling nausea and fear.
• The protagonist trips and falls, landing near a severed human head, causing them to scream and attracting the attention of the ghosts.
• The ghosts surround the protagonist, reaching out their hands, and the protagonist wakes up in a real-world situation, still unable to move.

Character Developments

• The protagonist's consciousness remains terrified and helpless throughout the dream, unable to control the body.
• The possessed body exhibits stiff, timid behavior, but also shows some instinctual reactions, like protecting itself from a fall.
• The ghosts display chaotic, robotic movements, but their unified footsteps and focused attention on the protagonist suggest a collective intelligence.

Significant Themes

• Fear and Helplessness: The protagonist experiences intense fear and helplessness due to their inability to control the situation or their body.
• Unnatural Death and Violence: The ghosts' appearances emphasize their violent and unnatural deaths, reflecting the theme of violence and its consequences.
• Dreams and Reality: The chapter blurs the line between dreams and reality, with the protagonist experiencing a dream within a dream, questioning what's real.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist interacts with the ghosts, feeling their cold touch and observing their behavior.
• The protagonist's consciousness and the body's instincts interact, with the body reacting to danger while the consciousness feels fear and nausea.
• The protagonist wakes up in the real world, observing the actions of the person they're possessing.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist has a dream where he sees a girl under a desk, which terrifies the person whose body he is possessing.
• The possessed person flees the house, tumbling down the stairs in panic.
• The protagonist wakes up and realizes the dream lasted about half an hour, the same duration as the events in the dream.
• He concludes that the person he saw in the dream is likely the one who broke his leg on the seventh floor.
• He discusses the dream with Gu Mo, who suggests it might be a dying message or a cry for help from the dreamer.

Character Developments

• The protagonist shows empathy and a desire to help, despite the potential danger.
• Gu Mo provides insight and guidance about the dream and its possible meanings.

Significant Themes

• The power of dreams and their connection to the supernatural.
• The responsibility one feels when encountering a potential cry for help.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist interacts with Gu Mo, seeking his advice about the dream.
• The protagonist shares his dream experience with his colleagues, Fatty and Director Mao.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist visits Zhou Kaiwei in the hospital.
• Zhou Kaiwei jumps to his death from the hospital window.
• The protagonist identifies the corpse as Zhou Kaiwei, despite no Yin energy detected.

Character Developments

• The protagonist shows concern and determination to help Zhou Kaiwei, despite his reservations about his abilities.
• Zhou Kaiwei is revealed to have been acting strangely in the hospital, possibly due to his supernatural experiences.

Significant Themes

• The struggle with one's supernatural abilities and the consequences of using them.
• The fear of the unknown and the supernatural.
• The theme of regret and the struggle with one's conscience.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist interacts with Director Mao, learning about Zhou Kaiwei's background and current situation.
• The protagonist observes Zhou Kaiwei's ward and speaks with his fellow patients.
• The protagonist witnesses Zhou Kaiwei's suicide and interacts with a fellow patient who noticed Zhou Kaiwei's strange behavior.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist suspects Zhou Kaiwei wasn't killed by a ghost but driven to suicide by one.
• He discovers a rooftop staircase leading to Zhou Kaiwei's jump site, which was locked and should have been inaccessible.
• Zhou Kaiwei's body is found, and the protagonist dreams of him with Lu Man Ning, who is also dead.

Character Developments

• The protagonist remains calm and composed despite dreaming of the deceased.
• Zhou Kaiwei is shown as caring and affectionate towards Lu Man Ning in the dream.

Significant Themes

• The supernatural: Ghosts and dreams are central to the plot.
• Death and its aftermath: The protagonist grapples with the reality of Zhou Kaiwei's death and the possibility of encountering his ghost.
• Love and relationships: Zhou Kaiwei's affection for Lu Man Ning is highlighted in the dream.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist interacts with hospital staff, patients, and security guards while investigating Zhou Kaiwei's death.
• In the dream, Zhou Kaiwei interacts with Lu Man Ning, revealing their romantic relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The dream shifts to Lu Manning, a previous kimono victim.
• Lu Manning rehearses for a role in a kimono at the drama academy.
• Lu Manning's health deteriorates during practice, and she has an accident while crossing the road.
• Zhou Kaiwei saves Lu Manning from a car accident.
• Lu Manning is hospitalized and falls into a dazed state.
• In the dream, Lu Manning hears girls' voices and sees a cherry blossom tree with five girls.

Character Developments

• Lu Manning: Struggles with the demanding role, her health declines, and she becomes increasingly dazed and unfocused.
• Zhou Kaiwei: Saves Lu Manning from a car accident, showing his heroic nature.

Significant Themes

• The curse of the kimono: Lu Manning's declining health and dazed state suggest the kimono's influence.
• The passage of time: The dream montage shows Lu Manning's condition worsening over time.
• The supernatural: The appearance of the cherry blossom tree and the girls' voices hint at otherworldly elements.

Character Interactions

• Lu Manning and Ma Yibing: Ma Yibing, the drama club president, is considerate and notices Lu Manning's deteriorating condition.
• Lu Manning and Zhou Kaiwei: Zhou Kaiwei saves Lu Manning, leading to their meeting and potential future relationship.
• Lu Manning and the unknown girls: Lu Manning hears the girls' voices and sees them under the cherry blossom tree, suggesting a connection between them and the supernatural events.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Manning's condition worsens; she sees recurring visions of cherry blossoms and a girl with a distorted face.
• The cherry blossoms turn blood-red, and the girl's face becomes grotesque, with a mask-like appearance and elongated hands.
• Lu Manning's spirit improves with visits from teachers and classmates but worsens again after the ghostly apparitions disappear.
• Lu Manning finally sleeps peacefully, but a dark, shadowy figure, later revealed to be the old hag from her past life, appears by her bed.
• The old hag's ghostly hand touches Lu Manning, and she sees the old hag's face and kimono, before being enveloped by cherry blossoms and pulled into the kimono.

Character Developments

• Lu Manning: Struggles to stay awake and avoid the ghostly apparitions, displaying strong willpower. She becomes terrified and helpless when confronted by the old hag's ghost.
• The Old Hag: Revealed to be the source of the ghostly apparitions, seeking revenge on Lu Manning for her past actions.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and the consequences of past actions.
• The struggle between the living and the dead.
• The power of will and determination.

Character Interactions

• Lu Manning and the Old Hag: The old hag haunts Lu Manning, seeking revenge, while Lu Manning tries to avoid and escape her.
• Lu Manning and the Doctors/Nurses/Teachers/Classmates: They visit Lu Manning, providing her with some comfort and hope, but ultimately cannot help her against the supernatural threat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Mannning is terrorized by an old hag and several girls in kimonos, who cause her physical harm using cherry blossoms.
• Lu Mannning is left with scratch marks and becomes increasingly listless and frightened.
• The old hag returns, and Lu Mannning is tormented nightly.
• A kimono appears on Lu Mannning's pillow, and she puts it on, regaining the ability to walk without her crutch.
• Lu Mannning wanders the hospital and eventually goes to the rooftop, where she's manipulated by the cherry blossom tree and the girls.
• The narrator (the protagonist) watches Lu Mannning's actions and decides not to intervene, but later regrets this decision.

Character Developments

• Lu Mannning: Becomes increasingly terrified and despairing, ultimately attempting suicide but fainting at the last moment.
• The Old Hag: Shows malicious intent towards Lu Mannning, using cherry blossoms and girls to torment her.
• The Girls: Act in unison with the old hag, manipulating Lu Mannning with their hands and voices.

Significant Themes

• Fear and Despair: Lu Mannning's emotional state throughout the chapter, leading to her attempt at suicide.
• Manipulation and Control: The old hag and girls manipulate Lu Mannning's body and actions.
• Regret: The protagonist regrets not intervening to help Lu Mannning.

Character Interactions

• Lu Mannning and the Old Hag: The old hag torments Lu Mannning, causing her physical harm and psychological distress.
• Lu Mannning and the Girls: The girls manipulate Lu Mannning's body, leading her to the rooftop.
• The Protagonist and Lu Mannning: The protagonist watches Lu Mannning's torment but chooses not to intervene, later regretting this decision.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Lu Manning's kimono incident is resolved, leading to a new dream about Zhou Kaiwei.
• Zhou Kaiwei has a leg fracture, similar to Lu Manning's previous injury.
• Lu Manning visits Zhou Kaiwei daily, showing concern for him.
• Zhou Kaiwei admits to having a nightmare, causing Lu Manning distress.
• Lu Manning visits the drama club, searches for the kimono, and goes to Shinan Hospital.
• Lu Manning climbs Binjiang Avenue's railing and jumps into the river, attempting suicide.

Character Developments

• Lu Manning: Becomes increasingly worried and anxious about Zhou Kaiwei's condition. Blames herself for his injury and decides to end her life.
• Zhou Kaiwei: Avoids telling Lu Manning about his nightmare, causing her distress.
• The Narrator (You): Realizes Lu Manning's intention to die and tries to stop her.

Significant Themes

• Guilt and self-blame: Lu Manning feels responsible for Zhou Kaiwei's injury and can't forgive herself.
• Communication and honesty: Zhou Kaiwei's lie about his nightmare causes Lu Manning distress and contributes to her decision to end her life.

Character Interactions

• Lu Manning and Zhou Kaiwei: Lu Manning shows great concern for Zhou Kaiwei, while he tries to protect her from his true fears.
• The Narrator and Lu Manning: The Narrator tries to prevent Lu Manning from committing suicide but is initially unable to intervene physically.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist dreams of being pulled underwater by Lu Mannning, who has drowned.
• Lu Mannning's ghost appears, trying to pull the protagonist underwater.
• The protagonist escapes and sees Lu Mannning's ghost emerging from the river, searching for something.
• Lu Mannning's ghost follows the protagonist's route from the previous day, leaving a trail of water and causing unease among living people.
• Lu Mannning's ghost visits Zhou Kaiwei in the hospital, showing affection towards him but also causing him distress in his sleep.

Character Developments

• The protagonist becomes more aware of the supernatural and the danger posed by Lu Mannning's ghost.
• Lu Mannning's ghost transitions from a seemingly vengeful spirit to a more complex entity, displaying both affection and hatred, possibly influenced by her unfulfilled desires and the water ghost's influence.

Significant Themes

• The afterlife and the nature of ghosts.
• Unfulfilled desires and their influence on the deceased.
• The contrast between the living and the dead, and the impact of ghosts on the living.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist interacts with Lu Mannning's ghost, trying to avoid it while observing its behavior.
• Lu Mannning's ghost interacts with Zhou Kaiwei, showing affection but also causing him distress, suggesting a complex relationship between them even after her death.
• Lu Mannning's ghost interacts with living people, causing unease and discomfort, highlighting the contrast between the living and the dead.

Lu Mannning, realizing her death hasn't freed Zhou Kaiwei, tries to help him. She visits Gongnong Sixth Village, where she's repelled by unseen forces, experiencing intense pain. Ghosts in the village, unlike the tragic ones haunting Zhou Kaiwei, appear normal and indifferent. They tell Lu Mannning she doesn't belong there and refuse to help Zhou Kaiwei. Lu Mannning, determined to save Zhou Kaiwei, attempts to enter the village again. The chapter ends with Lu Mannning grabbing the narrator's hand, leaving the narrator with a sense of familiarity and determination.