Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xi Rong, a 29-year-old writer, first noticed an unexplained presence in his home on August 3, 2008.
• He initially saw a figure resembling his wife in his home at night, but later encountered the entity during the day as well.
• The spirit began to exhibit aggressive behavior, damaging Xi's study.
• Xi and his wife moved in with his parents, but the spirit followed them.
• Xi sought help from various sources, but none could help him.
• The spirit continues to appear to Xi, even in crowded places, causing him distress.

Character Developments

• Xi Rong: Initially thought to be experiencing hallucinations due to stress or alcohol, Xi becomes increasingly desperate and frightened as the spirit's appearances become more frequent and aggressive.
• Xi's Wife: She initially thinks Xi has mental issues but later becomes scared and moves in with Xi's parents.

Significant Themes

• Supernatural phenomenon: The ghostly presence is the central mystery driving the narrative.
• Perseverance vs. Despair: Xi's relentless pursuit of a solution contrasts with his growing despair as the spirit's appearances continue.
• The unknown: The ghost's identity and motivations remain unclear, adding to the story's eerie atmosphere.

Character Interactions

• Xi Rong and his wife: Their relationship is strained due to the supernatural events, with his wife initially doubting his sanity and both later moving in with his parents for safety.
• Xi Rong and the various people he seeks help from: None of them can provide a lasting solution, leaving Xi frustrated and desperate.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xi, a successful industry figure, is haunted by an unusual ghost that can't be eliminated directly.
• The ghost is described as a woman with long hair, wearing a white floral chiffon blouse and a light blue pleated skirt.
• Xi's investigators suggest the ghost might be related to characters he's written, possibly due to a discrepancy between the prototype, Xi's creation, and fan interpretations.
• Xi is touched by the ghost for the first time, causing him distress.

Character Developments

• Xi: Initially dismissive and uncooperative, Xi becomes increasingly anxious and desperate as the ghost's presence intensifies.
• Investigators: They remain professional and analytical, trying to narrow down the ghost's origin and protect Xi.

Significant Themes

• The power of fan devotion and its potential consequences.
• The blurred line between reality and fiction, especially in the context of creative works.
• The potential dangers of unacknowledged inspirations and influences in one's work.

Character Interactions

• Xi and the Investigators: Xi becomes more cooperative as the ghost's presence escalates, while the investigators maintain a calm and professional demeanor, trying to gather information to help Xi.
• Xi and the Ghost: Xi is increasingly affected by the ghost's presence, with the touch being a new and unsettling development.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xi Rong, the client, initially terminates the commission due to lack of progress.
• He later calls back, terrified, as the female ghost has reappeared and attacked him.
• Xi Rong reveals he hired another master who seemingly killed the ghost, but it returned.
• The ghost is seen by Xi Rong's wife, parents, and the hired master, causing fear and chaos.
• The hired master dies in Xi Rong's house under mysterious circumstances.

Character Developments

• Xi Rong: Initially dismissive of the investigators, he becomes increasingly terrified and desperate as the ghost's attacks escalate.
• The Female Ghost: Her identity and motives remain unknown, but she is depicted as vengeful, persistent, and terrifying despite her appearance not being inherently frightening.

Significant Themes

• The powerlessness of humans against vengeful spirits.
• The consequences of meddling with the supernatural.
• The importance of recognizing and respecting the unknown.

Character Interactions

• Xi Rong interacts with the investigators, initially dismissive but later desperate for their help.
• The female ghost interacts with Xi Rong, his wife, parents, and the hired master, causing fear and harm.
• The hired master interacts with Xi Rong and the female ghost, initially successful in eliminating her but later dies mysteriously.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A vengeful spirit, believed to be a character from Xi's books, is killing people associated with Xi.
• Xi's master (a spiritual guide or protector) dies saving Xi from the spirit.
• Xi's mother is killed by the spirit, and Xi is reluctant to call the police.
• Xi contacts a mysterious agency for help, but they can't guarantee his safety until they find the ghost's true identity.

Character Developments

• Xi: Struggles with the consequences of his plagiarism and is now facing a supernatural threat. He's scared, desperate, and unwilling to cooperate fully with the agency.
• The Master: Sacrifices himself to save Xi, showing selflessness and bravery.
• The Ghost: Gains power from Xi's readers' thoughts and projections of his characters. It's vengeful, targeted, and dangerous.

Significant Themes

• Consequences of actions: Xi's plagiarism has led to severe repercussions, both in his professional life and now in the supernatural realm.
• The power of belief and thought: The ghost's strength is tied to Xi's readers' thoughts and projections of his characters.
• Sacrifice: The Master's selfless act to save Xi.

Character Interactions

• Xi and the Agency: Xi is desperate for help but unwilling to cooperate fully. The agency is trying to help but has limited means due to Xi's reluctance.
• Xi and the Master: The Master risks his life to save Xi, showing a deep bond between them. Xi is grateful but doesn't seem to fully understand the Master's sacrifice.
• Xi and the Ghost: Xi is terrified of the ghost, which is targeting him and his loved ones.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xi Rong, a novelist, is haunted by a female ghost, believed to be the spirit of a woman he plagiarized.
• The ghost's influence escalates, causing accidents and deaths around Xi Rong.
• Xi Rong's father is arrested for a crime, but Xi Rong believes the ghost is involved.
• Xi Rong's wife is admitted to a psychiatric hospital due to mental issues.
• Xi Rong exhibits sleepwalking behavior, influenced by the ghost.
• Xi Rong's father commits suicide in detention, but Xi Rong believes the ghost is responsible.
• Xi Rong's wife and in-laws die, with the ghost suspected as the cause.
• Xi Rong publicly admits to his plagiarism.

Character Developments

• Xi Rong: Struggles with guilt from his plagiarism, becomes increasingly paranoid and desperate as the ghost's influence grows. His mental state deteriorates, leading to sleepwalking and hallucinations.
• The Female Ghost: Evolves from being unable to directly harm Xi Rong to orchestrating accidents and influencing others to harm him and his loved ones.

Significant Themes

• Guilt and Consequences: Xi Rong's plagiarism leads to severe consequences, highlighting the theme of guilt and its repercussions.
• Mental Health: The deterioration of Xi Rong's mental state and his wife's mental issues emphasize the psychological impact of guilt and supernatural influences.
• Supernatural Justice: The ghost's actions can be seen as a form of supernatural justice, punishing Xi Rong for his wrongdoings.

Character Interactions

• Xi Rong and the Ghost: Their relationship evolves from Xi Rong being unaware of the ghost to being terrified and pursued by it.
• Xi Rong and Wu Ling: Wu Ling, a ghost expert, tries to help Xi Rong but struggles due to the severity of the situation and Xi Rong's lack of cooperation.
• Xi Rong and his Family: The ghost's influence causes the deaths of Xi Rong's family members, straining their relationships and leading to Xi Rong's public admission of guilt.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A client, Xi Rong, hires an investigator to find out who a female ghost haunting him is.
• The investigator discovers the ghost is Chen Shiqian, whose diary entries Xi Rong plagiarized for his novel, causing her distress and eventual death.
• Xi Rong requests the investigator to harm Chen Shiqian's spirit, but the investigator declines.
• A series of accidents and attacks occur targeting Xi Rong, his novel's production company, and publisher, all involving Chen Shiqian's ghost.
• The investigator performs a soul summoning ritual to communicate with the deceased master, Zheng Qiubo, who was involved in Xi Rong's case.

Character Developments

• Xi Rong: Initially desperate to find the ghost, he later becomes vengeful, wanting to harm Chen Shiqian's spirit after learning she was the one haunting him. His actions lead to a series of misfortunes.
• Chen Shiqian: A victim of plagiarism, her spirit becomes vengeful after her death, causing accidents and attacks on those involved in the plagiarism and adaptation of her diary entries.

Significant Themes

• Vengeance: Both Xi Rong and Chen Shiqian are driven by a desire for vengeance, leading to tragic consequences.
• Consequences of Actions: Xi Rong's decision to plagiarize and his later request for revenge lead to a series of unfortunate events, highlighting the karmic nature of his actions.
• Ghostly Retribution: Chen Shiqian's ghost seeks retribution for the harm caused to her, showcasing the supernatural consequences of wrongdoings.

Character Interactions

• Xi Rong and the Investigator: Their interactions reveal Xi Rong's desperation and later vengeful nature, while the investigator maintains professionalism and ethical boundaries.
• Chen Shiqian and Xi Rong: Though not directly interacting, their connection is established through the plagiarism, leading to Chen Shiqian's ghostly retribution against Xi Rong.
• Chen Shiqian and the Victims: Chen Shiqian's ghost interacts with various individuals involved in the plagiarism and adaptation of her diary entries, causing accidents and attacks.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wu Ling uses a blood ritual to activate a compass, which reveals the true identity of the ghost accompanying Xi Rong.
• An old man, Mr. Zheng, is invited to confirm the identity of the ghost. He reveals that it's Chen Shinan, the twin sister of Chen Shiying, not Chen Shiying herself.
• Mr. Zheng recounts Chen Shinan's story, revealing her heroic past and the injustices she faced due to Xi Rong's plagiarism and distortion of her diary.

Character Developments

• Wu Ling demonstrates his ritualistic abilities and investigative skills.
• Mr. Zheng shows wisdom, empathy, and a desire to help Chen Shinan despite her malevolent state.
• Chen Shinan is portrayed as a heroic and intelligent figure, driven by revenge and a desire for justice.

Significant Themes

• The power of storytelling and its impact on reality.
• The consequences of plagiarism and distortion of truth.
• The transformation of a guardian spirit into a malevolent ghost due to extreme circumstances.

Character Interactions

• Wu Ling, Liu Miao, and Ye Qing work together to investigate and understand the situation.
• Mr. Zheng interacts with Wu Ling, providing valuable information and insight into Chen Shinan's past.
• Chen Shinan, though not physically present, influences the narrative through her past actions and Mr. Zheng's recounting of her story.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The old man reveals that Chen Shi Nan's anger won't be appeased by just killing Xi Rong, and her whereabouts are unknown.
• Xi Rong hires a powerful master, but Wu Ling, Ye Qing, and Liu Miao plan to find Chen Shi Nan next.
• Liu Miao suggests finding Xi Rong directly, but finds it challenging.
• An audio file (05320090220.wav) from February 20, 2009, records Xi Rong's terrified screams and his eventual death, with many unfamiliar voices calling his name.

Character Developments

• The old man shows fatigue and concern about Chen Shi Nan's actions.
• Wu Ling, Ye Qing, and Liu Miao work together to find Chen Shi Nan.
• Liu Miao's ability is hinted to be special and dangerous, capable of killing both living people and ghosts.

Significant Themes

• The theme of vengeance and its consequences is further explored through Chen Shi Nan's actions and Xi Rong's death.
• The theme of secrets and hidden abilities among the Qing Ye members is emphasized, with Liu Miao's powers being kept vague.

Character Interactions

• Wu Ling, Ye Qing, and Liu Miao discuss their plan to find Chen Shi Nan, with Liu Miao suggesting they find Xi Rong.
• The old man provides information about Chen Shi Nan and expresses concern about her actions.
• Lin Qi calls Nangong Yao to ask about the audio file and Liu Miao's abilities, but Nangong Yao is evasive, hinting at the secrets among the Qing Ye members.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Qi struggles with the burden of Ye Qing's experiences and the potential danger of Liu Miao's ability.
• Chen Xiaoqiu shares information about the expert database and its failed reforms, revealing the tragic fates of those involved.
• Lin Qi and his friends discuss the implications of these reforms and Ye Qing's role in them.

Character Developments

• Lin Qi grapples with self-doubt and the weight of Ye Qing's expectations.
• Chen Xiaoqiu demonstrates her knowledge and analytical skills, providing valuable insights.
• The Skinny guy shows concern for Lin Qi's well-being and understanding of their shared situation.

Significant Themes

• Burden and Responsibility: Lin Qi struggles with the burden of Ye Qing's experiences and the responsibility placed on him. This theme is also reflected in the tragic fates of the managers of the expert database.
• The Dangers of the Supernatural: The chapter highlights the dangers of dabbling in the supernatural, with tragic consequences befalling those who do so.
• Secrecy and Misinformation: The expert database's secrecy and the misinformation spread by its members are shown to have severe consequences.

Character Interactions

• Lin Qi and Nangong Yao have a conversation where Nangong Yao reassures Lin Qi that he doesn't need to overthink things.
• Lin Qi shares his speculations about Liu Miao's ability with his friends, leading to a discussion about its potential dangers.
• Chen Xiaoqiu shares insider information with the group, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared burden.
• The Skinny guy expresses his dissatisfaction with Gu Mo and Nangong Yao's secrecy, while Chen Xiaoqiu defends them, leading to a minor disagreement.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The team discusses Ye Qing's intentions and decides to have a meal together on the fifth day of the Lunar New Year.
• The demolition office hosts a New Year's Eve dinner, which is simple but satisfying.
• On New Year's Eve, the protagonist has a family dinner with his parents and sister, filled with laughter and pranks.

Character Developments

• Protagonist: He remains calm and collected even when pranked by his sister, showing maturity and patience.
• Sister: She shows her playful and mischievous side, trying to prank her brother but ultimately getting pranked herself.
• Parents: They display their love and care for their children, with the mother favoring the protagonist slightly.

Significant Themes

• Family: The chapter emphasizes the importance of family gatherings and the joy they bring, even in the absence of extended family.
• Tradition: The Lunar New Year traditions are highlighted, such as the family dinner, lucky money, and the absence of fireworks due to the ban.

Character Interactions

• Protagonist and Sister: Their sibling rivalry is evident, with each trying to outdo the other in pranks and jokes.
• Parents and Children: The family dynamic is shown to be loving and close-knit, with parents doting on their children and children respecting their parents.
• Colleagues: The team at the demolition office shows camaraderie, enjoying a simple but satisfying dinner together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist remembers his sister's junior high classmates taking photos with sparklers, which leads to a discussion about their plans after the college entrance exams.
• The protagonist's family discusses their New Year's Eve plans while watching the Spring Festival Gala.
• The protagonist decides to visit Ye Qing at the Qing Ye Supernatural Investigation Agency on New Year's Eve, feeling uncomfortable with the thought of Ye Qing being alone.
• The protagonist buys beer and visits Ye Qing, trying to have a conversation but feeling uneasy due to the agency's atmosphere.

Character Developments

• The protagonist shows concern for Ye Qing's solitude on New Year's Eve, demonstrating his growing bond with him.
• The protagonist's sister expresses her excitement about her future plans, indicating her ambition and determination.
• Ye Qing remains distant and cold, but his actions hint at a subtle acceptance of the protagonist's visit.

Significant Themes

• Solitude and companionship: The protagonist feels uncomfortable with the idea of Ye Qing being alone on New Year's Eve, highlighting the theme of companionship and the importance of not being alone during significant events.
• Fear and unease: The protagonist feels a creeping sense of unease and fear while at the agency, emphasizing the theme of fear and the unknown.
• Change and the future: The protagonist's sister discusses her future plans, contrasting with Ye Qing's past and the changes that have occurred in his life.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist and his family discuss their New Year's Eve plans, showing their close-knit relationship.
• The protagonist visits Ye Qing on New Year's Eve, attempting to have a conversation and share the holiday with him, despite Ye Qing's initial cold response.
• The protagonist feels a growing bond with Ye Qing, as he is concerned about his well-being and visits him on New Year's Eve.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist encounters an unknown creature, later revealed to be the mythical Nian beast, outside Ye Qing's apartment.
• The Nian beast is now a parasitic entity that targets individuals with abilities, slowly consuming their life force.
• The Nian beast is in its breeding season, making it more dangerous and aggressive.
• The protagonist learns that the Nian beast can lay its offspring inside a human host, turning them into new Nian beasts.
• The protagonist's family and friends are at risk, as the Nian beast is active in Minqing City during the Spring Festival.

Character Developments

• The protagonist becomes aware of the true nature of the Nian beast and the threat it poses to him and his loved ones.
• Ye Qing reveals more about the Nian beast and its behavior, demonstrating his knowledge and experience with such creatures.

Significant Themes

• The blurring of the line between myth and reality.
• The danger posed by supernatural entities and the need for vigilance and preparedness.
• The importance of family and the lengths one would go to protect them.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist and Ye Qing interact, with Ye Qing providing crucial information about the Nian beast and offering guidance on how to protect the protagonist's family.
• The protagonist communicates with his family and friends, warning them about the Nian beast and advising them on how to protect themselves.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Nian beast is confirmed to be preparing for breeding, which will lead to a surge in human hunting for energy.
• Ye Qing disappears from the agency.
• Lin Qi learns from Nangong Yao that the Nian beast's breeding season is unavoidable and that Ye Qing had a way to deal with it when alive, but his current state prevents him from doing so.
• Lin Qi receives news of another headless victim, a family of five, further heightening his anxiety.
• Xue Jingyue calls, revealing that Pangzi's photo in her group chat is blurred, suggesting he might be in danger.
• Lin Qi sees a shadow moving quickly across the roof of a shopping mall and decides to follow it instead of taking a taxi.

Character Developments

• Lin Qi: Becomes increasingly worried and desperate as the Nian beast's threat looms, feeling helpless and powerless.
• Ye Qing: Disappears from the agency, leaving Lin Qi frustrated and uncertain about his intentions and abilities.
• Xue Jingyue: Shows concern for Pangzi's safety and urgency in returning to Minqing.

Significant Themes

• Powerlessness and desperation in the face of an unstoppable threat.
• The irony of the Nian beast, created to eliminate people like Lin Qi, now preying on ordinary people.
• The importance of hope and determination, as emphasized by Ye Qing.

Character Interactions

• Lin Qi and Nangong Yao: Lin Qi seeks help from Nangong Yao, but the latter's calm and evasive responses only frustrate Lin Qi.
• Lin Qi and Xue Jingyue: Lin Qi's concern for Pangzi's safety is mirrored by Xue Jingyue's worry, leading to their urgent actions.
• Lin Qi and Ye Qing: Lin Qi is left confused and frustrated by Ye Qing's disappearance and lack of explanation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Qi sees a shadow on a rooftop and chases it, leading him to witness a decapitation by the Nian.
• He receives calls from Guo Yujie and Shouzi, learning that the Nian is near Pingxi Road and that Xue Jingyue is in a coma after a car accident.
• Lin Qi rushes to Baiyue Renjia Restaurant on Pingxi Road, where he finds Fatty and witnesses the Nian attacking again, this time killing Fatty.

Character Developments

• Lin Qi demonstrates bravery and determination in pursuing the Nian despite the danger.
• Fatty, despite his initial bewilderment at Lin Qi's arrival, is ultimately unable to protect himself from the Nian's attack.

Significant Themes

• The Nian's speed and invisibility make it nearly impossible to defeat with the naked eye.
• The danger posed by the Nian is emphasized through its deadly attacks on innocent people.

Character Interactions

• Lin Qi and Fatty's brief reunion is cut short by the Nian's attack.
• Lin Qi's conversation with the taxi driver highlights the driver's concern for safety and the potential consequences of reckless driving.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist, Qi Ge, finds himself in a hotel where a monster, the Nian, has killed several people, including his friend Fatty.
• Qi Ge discovers that the Nian has been following him and that he has the ability to rewind time.
• He uses this ability to go back in time and prevent Fatty's death.
• After the successful intervention, Qi Ge faints in the hotel lobby, and Fatty finds him.

Character Developments

• Qi Ge: Realizes his ability to rewind time and uses it to save Fatty. His guilt and determination drive him to act.
• Fatty: Dies and is later revived by Qi Ge. He is shocked by the encounter with the Nian but remains loyal to Qi Ge.

Significant Themes

• Life and Death: The theme of life and death is prominent as Fatty dies and is later revived.
• Guilt and Redemption: Qi Ge feels guilty for not warning Fatty earlier and is driven to save him.
• Power and Responsibility: Qi Ge discovers his power to rewind time and understands the responsibility that comes with it.

Character Interactions

• Qi Ge and Fatty: Their friendship is tested when Fatty dies, and Qi Ge feels responsible. They reunite after Qi Ge saves Fatty.
• Qi Ge and the Nian: Qi Ge's interaction with the Nian is brief but intense, leading him to understand the monster's behavior and his own abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist (Qi Ge) and his friend (Fatty) encounter the Nian Beast, a supernatural creature, which bites off Fatty's head, killing him. Qi Ge feels guilty for leading Fatty into danger.
• They decide to go to the Qingye Supernatural Agency for protection, as it seems to deter the Nian Beast.
• Fatty's family is in danger, so he decides to leave them, using the excuse of visiting his girlfriend, Xue Jingyue, who is in the hospital.
• Qi Ge and Fatty drive to Gongnong Liucun, with Qi Ge suspecting the Nian Beast is following them. They try to spot it but can't see it clearly.
• The Nian Beast rams their car, but they manage to escape. It briefly appears in the oncoming lane before disappearing again.

Character Developments

• Qi Ge: Feels guilty for Fatty's death and is determined to protect him and his family.
• Fatty: Realizes the danger his family is in and decides to leave them temporarily. Shows courage in facing the Nian Beast.
• Xue Jingyue: Injured in a car accident but is okay. Her abilities seem to have protected her.

Significant Themes

• Supernatural Danger: The Nian Beast poses an unseen, unpredictable threat.
• Guilt and Responsibility: Qi Ge feels guilty for leading Fatty into danger.
• Protection and Sacrifice: Qi Ge and Fatty are willing to put themselves in danger to protect each other and their loved ones.

Character Interactions

• Qi Ge and Fatty: Their friendship is tested by the supernatural danger. They rely on each other for support and protection.
• Fatty and his family: Fatty decides to leave them for their safety, using Xue Jingyue's accident as an excuse.
• Qi Ge and the hostess: Qi Ge suspects the hostess might have been the subject of his dream, but she is alive in reality.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist and Fatty are pursued by the Nian beast, a legendary monster.
• The Nian beast attacks and kills a cyclist, causing Fatty to lose control of the car.
• The protagonist and Fatty receive guidance from Chen Yihan, who plans to use modern weapons to combat the Nian beast.
• The protagonist and Fatty are escorted by a police car to a designated ambush point at Lijia Lane Road.

Character Developments

• The protagonist remains calm and analytical under pressure, demonstrating leadership and strategic thinking.
• Fatty shows fear and hesitation but is willing to follow the protagonist's lead.

Significant Themes

• The struggle against supernatural forces using both traditional and modern methods.
• The consequences of attracting supernatural entities due to one's actions.
• The importance of teamwork and cooperation in facing adversity.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist and Fatty rely on each other for support and decision-making.
• The protagonist communicates with Chen Yihan, seeking guidance and reassurance.
• The police officer in the escorting car provides silent support and guidance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonists, Lin Wei and Fatty, along with police, wait in a police car on a training ground to lure the Nian Beast, a monstrous creature that appears during the Chinese New Year.
• Despite their precautions, the Nian Beast doesn't appear by dawn.
• They learn that the Nian Beast needs to consume a large number of people to accumulate energy for reproduction, and its activity period lasts from New Year's Eve to the fifteenth day of the first lunar month.

Character Developments

• Lin Wei becomes more determined to confront and defeat the Nian Beast after seeing the gruesome aftermath of its attacks.
• Fatty shows courage and willingness to help despite the danger.
• Chen Yihan, Nangong Yao, and Gu Mo demonstrate professionalism and dedication in their roles, providing support and guidance to Lin Wei and Fatty.

Significant Themes

• Courage and Determination: Lin Wei and Fatty face their fears to protect others, showing courage and determination in the face of the unknown.
• Responsibility and Duty: The police officers, including Chen Yihan, Nangong Yao, and Gu Mo, take on the responsibility to protect the city and its citizens from the Nian Beast.
• The Unknown and the Supernatural: The appearance of the Nian Beast challenges the characters' understanding of reality and forces them to confront the existence of the supernatural.

Character Interactions

• Lin Wei and Fatty work together, relying on each other for support and courage.
• Lin Wei communicates with Chen Yihan, Nangong Yao, and Gu Mo, receiving guidance and updates on the situation.
• The police officers show concern for Lin Wei and Fatty's safety, providing them with necessary equipment and instructions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A car accident in Pingcheng is suspected to be the Nian's doing.
• The victim is the construction project boss who refused to halt work despite government notices.
• The Nian bites off the boss's head and flees, heading towards a densely populated area.
• The group tries to contact Xue Jingyue and Guo Yujie, but their calls go unanswered.
• Chen Yihan and the others suddenly stop communicating, turning off their walkie-talkies.

Character Developments

• Gu Mo reveals his knowledge of the Nian's past victims and his belief in destiny.
• Nangong Yao discusses the Nian's instinct to kill and the potential for it to be killed.
• Fatty and the protagonist grow more determined to stop the Nian.

Significant Themes

• Destiny and Fate: Gu Mo and Nangong Yao discuss the idea that certain people are destined to die violently, and the Nian is the entity that fulfills this destiny.
• Change and Adaptation: The Nian's behavior is seen as not keeping pace with human social development, and the laws governing it must also change.

Character Interactions

• Gu Mo and Nangong Yao provide information and insights, but their attitudes remain indifferent.
• Fatty and the protagonist grow more anxious as they try to contact Xue Jingyue and Guo Yujie.
• Chen Yihan and the others suddenly stop communicating, causing concern and unease.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Mo's relatives were among the New Year's Eve dinner victims.
• The Nian Beast is heading to Pingcheng's Central Hospital to target Xue Jingyue and Guo Yujie.
• Nan Gong Yao proposes a new plan to induce the Nian Beast to breed early using an incense that can affect both humans and monsters.
• The plan involves lighting the incense with the blood of an ordinary man and woman (implied to be Tan Wen Rui and Chen Xiao Qiu) in the middle of the night.

Character Developments

• Nan Gong Yao reveals his plan to use the incense to lure the Nian Beast, showing his determination and willingness to take risks.
• Fatty and the protagonist are conflicted about Nan Gong Yao's plan due to its potential dangers and consequences.

Significant Themes

• Sacrifice: Nan Gong Yao believes that success requires sacrifice, and the plan involves putting others at risk.
• Trust and Betrayal: Nan Gong Yao's plan goes against Director Chen's, raising questions about trust and loyalty among the team.
• Consequences of Power: The incense's ability to amplify human malice highlights the potential dangers of unchecked power and the need for responsible use of such forces.

Character Interactions

• Fatty and the protagonist discuss their concerns about Nan Gong Yao's plan, showing their bond and shared apprehensions.
• Nan Gong Yao's conversation with the protagonist reveals his single-minded focus on eliminating the Nian Beast, even at the cost of others' well-being.
• The protagonist's conversation with Nan Gong Yao hints at his growing unease with Nan Gong Yao's methods and the potential consequences of his actions.