Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Taifu and Yu Wen search the music classroom, which is flooded due to heavy rain.
• They find nothing unusual after a initial search and decide to split up to cover more ground.
• Zhou Taifu hears a strange, eerie sound and becomes increasingly uneasy.
• He remembers a story about a plant called Sang Jiji (Dead Man's Grass) that grows in the mud where corpses are buried, feeding on human flesh and blood.

Character Developments

• Zhou Taifu: Becomes more cautious and tense as he hears the strange sound. His past experiences as a mercenary resurface, affecting his current actions.
• Yu Wen: Remains calm and focused on the task at hand, showing no signs of fear or unease.

Significant Themes

• Fear and unease: Zhou Taifu's growing anxiety and the eerie atmosphere in the classroom highlight the theme of fear and unease.
• The past affecting the present: Zhou Taifu's memories of his time as a mercenary and the old soldier's warning influence his behavior in the present.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Taifu and Yu Wen: They work together to search the classroom but gradually drift apart, neglecting the distance between them. They communicate verbally, but Zhou Taifu's growing unease is not shared with Yu Wen.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Taifu, lost in memories, experiences a traumatic flashback while smoking a cigarette laced with Dead Man's Grass.
• He discovers a hidden mirror in the music classroom and finds a girl's diary behind it, belonging to Chen Yao.
• After reading the diary, he realizes the mystery is half-solved. However, the lights in the classroom go out, suggesting something amiss with Yu Wen and Teacher Feng.
• Zhou Taifu hears strange noises and sees a corpse hanging from the ceiling in the mirror's reflection.

Character Developments

• Zhou Taifu: Struggles with traumatic memories and faces a new threat in the music classroom.
• Chen Yao (through diary): Revealed to be a well-behaved and quiet girl with an unknown fate.

Significant Themes

• Trauma and its lingering effects (Zhou Taifu's flashback).
• The unknown and hidden truths (the diary and the mirror).
• Fear and the supernatural (the hanging corpse).

Character Interactions

• Zhou Taifu interacts with the diary, the mirror, and the hanging corpse, but not directly with other characters in this chapter.
• Fatty and Jiang Cheng discuss Li Yanwei's story, with Jiang Cheng dismissing it as unbelievable, highlighting their differing views and Fatty's eagerness to learn.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Cheng and Fatty discuss the case of Chen Yao's suicide and Li Yanwei's transfer to ballet class, suspecting a connection to Su Yu.
• Yu Wen discovers a ghost in the school, watches it kill Zhou Taifu, and escapes with a crumpled piece of paper.
• Teacher Feng finds Yu Wen, and they leave the scene together.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng: Shows analytical skills and a mysterious understanding of the case, hinting at his own supernatural abilities.
• Fatty: Demonstrates loyalty and understanding, following Jiang Cheng's lead and showing fear when discussing the ghost.
• Yu Wen: Initially terrified, she shows resilience and strategic thinking in escaping the ghost, and later exhibits a sharp side when dealing with Teacher Feng.
• Teacher Feng: Shows fear and obedience to Yu Wen's instructions.

Significant Themes

• The supernatural: Ghosts and their influence on the living.
• Fear and resilience: Characters facing their fears and finding ways to cope.
• Trust and betrayal: Yu Wen's initial trust in Zhou Taifu is betrayed, and she must rely on her own wits to survive.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Fatty: They work together, discussing the case and showing camaraderie.
• Yu Wen and Zhou Taifu: Yu Wen's love for Zhou Taifu is tested, and she ultimately prioritizes her own survival.
• Yu Wen and Teacher Feng: Yu Wen takes the lead, guiding Teacher Feng to safety, and they form a temporary alliance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Cheng and Fatty discover Yu Wen's severed arm in the corridor of C building.
• Jiang Cheng answers Yu Wen's phone, speaking to a woman claiming to be Teacher Feng.
• They find the cafeteria and kitchen empty but filled with freshly cooked food, still hot.
• Jiang Cheng tastes the meat broth and reacts dramatically, claiming it's too hot.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng shows bravery and calmness in the face of the supernatural, while also displaying a strategic mind and quick thinking.
• Fatty, despite his fear, shows loyalty and concern for Jiang Cheng, even questioning Jiang Cheng's past as an orphan.

Significant Themes

• The supernatural and its effects on the living.
• The theme of trust and loyalty between Jiang Cheng and Fatty.
• The exploration of Jiang Cheng's past and his orphan status.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Fatty work together to navigate the supernatural events, with Jiang Cheng taking the lead and Fatty supporting him.
• Jiang Cheng treats Fatty to a meal in the cafeteria, showing care for his well-being.
• Fatty expresses his admiration for Jiang Cheng, calling him "Doctor" and considering him a blessing in his nightmare.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Cheng and Fatty have a lavish meal at the cafeteria.
• Fatty asks Jiang Cheng if their current world is real or a dream.
• Jiang Cheng theorizes that their world might be a past event, but the current situation suggests it's prepared for them.
• Jiang Cheng calls a number from a list of names and phone numbers, but the call doesn't go through.
• Jiang Cheng decides they should go to the equipment center instead of returning to the dorms.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng: Shows his strategic thinking and curiosity about the outside world beyond the school. He also demonstrates his meticulous nature and reliability.
• Fatty: Realizes the difference between himself and Jiang Cheng in terms of thinking depth and ambition. He shows trust in Jiang Cheng's decisions.

Significant Themes

• The nature of reality and dreams.
• The rules governing their world and the mission.
• The outside world beyond their current environment.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Fatty share a meal and discuss their thoughts about their world.
• Jiang Cheng shows leadership by making decisions and guiding Fatty.
• Fatty shows trust in Jiang Cheng and follows his lead.
• Jiang Cheng's actions and words open new perspectives for Fatty.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Cheng and Fatty explore the campus after sunset, finding it eerily silent and devoid of the usual autumn insects' cries.
• They discover a courtyard with two large red lanterns, emitting a scarlet glow, which appears menacing.
• Upon reaching the equipment center, they find the main gate locked from the outside with a sturdy lock and chains.
• They discover a hidden wooden side door, nailed shut from the outside with large nails, and stuffed with Taoist talismans to ward off ghosts.
• On the way back, they hear strange hissing sounds coming from inside the main gate.

Character Developments

• Fatty: Becomes more cautious and less talkative after Jiang Cheng's rebuke. His fear and unease grow as they encounter strange phenomena.
• Jiang Cheng: Shows calm and analytical thinking, piecing together clues about the courtyard's history and the school's involvement.

Significant Themes

• Fear and unease: The campus's eerie silence and the discovery of the locked courtyard with talismans create a sense of dread.
• Ghostly presence: The hissing sounds and the use of talismans suggest the presence of supernatural entities.
• School involvement: Jiang Cheng's theory about Li Yanwei's tacit approval hints at a deeper conspiracy.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Fatty: Their dynamic shifts as Fatty becomes more subdued and Jiang Cheng takes the lead in investigating the strange occurrences.
• Jiang Cheng's thankfulness: Jiang Cheng thanks Fatty for pointing out the lanterns, showing a rare moment of appreciation, which surprises Fatty.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Cheng and Fatty discover something behind the door of the equipment center.
• They decide to enter the courtyard despite knowing they've been detected by the 'ghost'.
• Fatty peeks through the keyhole and sees the 'ghost's' eyes, causing him to panic and try to flee.
• Jiang Cheng opens the door, revealing Chen Yu, the administrator, who appears ghostly and resentful.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng: Shows courage and calmness in the face of danger, displaying his leadership and fearlessness.
• Fatty: Initially terrified and panicked, but regains some composure and decides to stay with Jiang Cheng.

Significant Themes

• Fear vs. Danger: Jiang Cheng differentiates between the two, showing that fear is a choice and doesn't eliminate danger.
• Appearance vs. Reality: The 'ghost' is revealed to be a living person, challenging the initial perceptions of the characters and readers.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Fatty: Jiang Cheng's calm demeanor influences Fatty, helping him overcome his initial panic and decide to stay.
• Jiang Cheng and Chen Yu: Their first direct encounter, revealing Chen Yu's eerie appearance and setting the stage for further interactions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fatty is attacked by Su Yu, who seems to be a ghost.
• Jiang Cheng intervenes, subduing Su Yu using flower pots and tying him up.
• Fatty wakes up to find Su Yu tied to a chair. Jiang Cheng interrogates Su Yu.
• Fatty discovers photos of Chen Yao and Su Yu together, realizing Li Yanwei's lies.
• Jiang Cheng recounts Su Yu's confession, revealing Li Yanwei's true nature and her interference in Chen Yao and Su Yu's relationship.

Character Developments

• Fatty: Becomes more aware and involved in the investigation, showing courage and determination.
• Jiang Cheng: Demonstrates his ruthless and efficient interrogation methods, revealing his hidden strength.
• Su Yu: Initially unyielding, he eventually cooperates fully, providing crucial information about Li Yanwei's true nature.

Significant Themes

• Truth vs. Lies: The chapter explores the theme of uncovering the truth behind Li Yanwei's lies and Chen Yao's true nature.
• Love and Possessiveness: Li Yanwei's extreme possessiveness and mental issues drive her to interfere in Chen Yao and Su Yu's relationship.
• Courage and Determination: Fatty shows courage in facing Su Yu and determination in pursuing the truth.

Character Interactions

• Fatty and Jiang Cheng: They work together, with Fatty providing support and Jiang Cheng leading the investigation.
• Fatty and Su Yu: Initially hostile, their relationship changes as Fatty realizes Su Yu's true situation.
• Jiang Cheng and Su Yu: Jiang Cheng's interrogation methods lead Su Yu to confess the truth about Li Yanwei's interference.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Yao, unable to defend himself, is killed.
• It's revealed that Chen Yao's death was orchestrated by Li Yanwei, and those who testified against him were killed by Chen Yao's vengeful spirit.
• Chen Yao's spirit is imprisoned by Li Yanwei, who prevents his escape using locks and talismans.
• Fatty and Jiang Cheng find Chen Yao's diary, which was torn in half. The entries stop on October 27th.
• They discover a blackboard with the words "不来" (bùlái - don't come), which Chen Yao's spirit had left for Su Yu.
• Jiang Cheng reveals that the character "不" (bù) is slightly off, and by adding a stroke below it, it turns into "還" (huan - still/also), changing the message to "還我命來" (huan wǒ mìng lái - return my life).

Character Developments

• Chen Yao: Transforms into a vengeful spirit after his death, seeking revenge against those who wronged him.
• Li Yanwei: Her obsession with Su Yu leads her to frame Chen Yao and imprison his spirit.
• Fatty: Becomes more determined to help Chen Yao after learning the truth about his death.
• Jiang Cheng: Shows a deeper understanding of the case, helping Fatty uncover the truth.

Significant Themes

• Revenge: Chen Yao's spirit seeks revenge against those who wronged him, highlighting the destructive nature of this emotion.
• Obsession: Li Yanwei's possessiveness towards Su Yu leads her to commit heinous acts.
• Truth and Justice: The story emphasizes the importance of uncovering the truth and bringing justice to those who have been wronged.

Character Interactions

• Fatty and Jiang Cheng: They work together to uncover the truth about Chen Yao's death, with Fatty providing deductions and Jiang Cheng offering insightful observations.
• Chen Yao and Li Yanwei: Their conflict highlights the destructive nature of obsession and the consequences of seeking revenge.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Cheng reveals that Su Yu, not Chen Yao, seduced Li Yanwei's fiancé and later Chen Yao.
• Su Yu falsely accused Chen Yao to cover his tracks and avoid exposure.
• Fatty and Jiang Cheng realize they've been tricked by Su Yu and are trapped in a room with an unusual blackboard.

Character Developments

• Fatty: Becomes more aware and suspicious, starts to understand the truth about Chen Yao's case.
• Jiang Cheng: Shows his intelligence and deduction skills, suspects Su Yu's involvement from the start.
• Su Yu: Revealed as the mastermind behind Chen Yao's false accusation, manipulative and deceitful.

Significant Themes

• Truth vs. Appearance: The truth about Chen Yao's case is hidden, and those who seek it are met with danger.
• Manipulation and Power: Su Yu uses his position and influence to manipulate others and cover his tracks.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Fatty: Jiang Cheng guides Fatty to understand the truth, and they work together to uncover the mystery.
• Su Yu and Chen Yao: Their relationship is revealed to be one of seduction and manipulation, not love.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Cheng and Fatty hear a dripping sound in the room.
• They discover a redwood chest with a pool of blood underneath.
• Inside the chest, they find Zhen Jianren's corpse, with his eyes dug out.
• Jiang Cheng retrieves two eyeballs from Zhen Jianren's clenched fist.
• Zhen Jianren's body suddenly moves, and he pleads for help, revealing he's not dead.

Character Developments

• Fatty: Becomes more terrified and aware of the danger he's in, questioning his own capabilities compared to his teammates.
• Jiang Cheng: Shows calmness and curiosity in the face of the horrifying scene, hinting at his ruthlessness and intelligence.
• Zhen Jianren: Initially thought to be dead, he reveals he's still alive, adding a twist to the situation.

Significant Themes

• Fear and terror: The chapter explores the characters' reactions to fear and the unknown, with Fatty's terror being particularly prominent.
• Ruthlessness and intelligence: The teammates' actions, especially Zhen Jianren's, highlight the ruthless and cunning nature of the mission participants.
• The unknown: The dark, poorly lit room and the mysterious chest emphasize the theme of the unknown and the unsettling.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Fatty: They work together to investigate the source of the dripping sound, with Fatty following Jiang Cheng's lead despite his fear.
• Jiang Cheng and Zhen Jianren: Jiang Cheng examines Zhen Jianren's corpse, seemingly indifferent to the gruesome sight, while Zhen Jianren pleads for help when he's discovered to be alive.
• Fatty and Zhen Jianren: Fatty tries to attack Zhen Jianren with a mineral water bottle when he thinks he's a ghost, but hesitates when he hears Zhen Jianren's plea for help.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Cheng, despite initially comforting Zhen Jianren, knocks him unconscious with his camera bag.
• They hear a rhythmic sound, which turns out to be a reflection of Chen Yao and other ghosts in a mirror.
• Chen Yao and the other ghosts vanish from the mirror, causing fear as their whereabouts are unknown.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng demonstrates his calm and strategic thinking, even in dangerous situations.
• Fatty shows fear and relies on Jiang Cheng for comfort and protection.

Significant Themes

• Fear of the unknown, amplified by the sudden disappearance of the ghosts.
• The mirror serving as a medium between the present and the past, revealing the truth about the ghosts' origins.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Fatty's dynamic: Fatty relies on Jiang Cheng for protection, while Jiang Cheng maintains composure and makes strategic decisions.
• Jiang Cheng's action towards Zhen Jianren shows his ability to adapt and use his surroundings to his advantage.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fatty and Jiang Cheng encounter a terrifying shadow in a room, which they realize is Chen Yao, a ghost from their past.
• The ghost approaches them, intending to kill, while another ghostly figure in a mirror behind them also threatens.
• Jiang Cheng notices a wooden crate with its lid flipped out and blood leading to the mirror, suggesting Zhen Jianren was dragged into it.
• Jiang Cheng pulls Fatty into the mirror to escape, and they find themselves back outside the room, with Zhen Jianren's mangled corpse nearby.
• They realize the room's door was never closed, and the illusions they faced were meant to trap and kill them.

Character Developments

• Fatty: Shows fear and desperation but also displays a strong will to survive.
• Jiang Cheng: Remains calm and analytical even in extreme situations, revealing a deep understanding of nightmares and ghosts.

Significant Themes

• Illusions vs. Reality: The ghost uses illusions to manipulate and trap its victims.
• Survival: Characters must find ways to outsmart the ghost and survive its attacks.
• The Mirror: A significant symbol and tool used by the ghost to create illusions and kill.

Character Interactions

• Fatty and Jiang Cheng: Despite their initial differences, they work together to survive, with Fatty relying on Jiang Cheng's knowledge and Jiang Cheng valuing Fatty's company.
• Fatty and Zhen Jianren: Fatty feels sympathy for Zhen Jianren's fate and respects his determination to survive.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Cheng finds Su Yu's cane stuck in Zhen Jianren's body, suggesting Su Yu might have killed him.
• Fatty realizes the crime scene was staged, and the killer likely used a dull cane, requiring exceptional strength and skill.
• They deduce that besides themselves, there's one more teammate alive: Zhang Yinyin, as Yu Wen and Zhou Taifu are likely dead.
• Jiang Cheng and Fatty decide to go to the music room, where they believe Su Yu and Zhang Yinyin might be.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng demonstrates analytical skills and insight into the mission's rules.
• Fatty shows excitement and eagerness in solving the case but also displays fear as the mission progresses.

Significant Themes

• Rules: The mission is governed by rules that apply to both participants and ghosts, leaving everyone a chance for survival.
• Lust and Lies: The mission's plot revolves around these two themes, leading to the deaths of over a dozen people.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Fatty work together to solve the case, with Jiang Cheng taking the lead in analysis and decision-making.
• Jiang Cheng pokes Fatty with Su Yu's cane to demonstrate the weapon's dullness, leading to a moment of humor.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Cheng and Fatty return to the music classroom, now a dance classroom, feeling a significant change in atmosphere.
• Jiang Cheng reveals that the anniversary celebration is Su Yu's deadline, after which he will die at Chen Yao's hands.
• In the music classroom, Yu Wen tortures Zhou Taifu, who reveals Chen Yao's diary, exposing Su Yu's lies and the true events of that year.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng: Shows understanding of the mission's unchangeable outcome and determination to influence his own ending.
• Fatty: Realizes Jiang Cheng's mysterious nature and his responsibility towards his admirers.
• Yu Wen: Loses an arm but remains focused on completing the mission to obtain the item and leave the nightmare.

Significant Themes

• The inevitability of the past and the struggle to change one's own fate.
• The consequences of one's actions and the regret that follows.
• The allure and danger of nightmares.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Fatty: Jiang Cheng shares his understanding of the mission's deadline, and Fatty admires Jiang Cheng's mysterious demeanor.
• Yu Wen and Zhou Taifu: Yu Wen tortures Zhou Taifu to reveal Chen Yao's diary, showing her determination to complete the mission despite her losses.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Cheng and Fatty discover a mirror in the music classroom, revealing a silent, eerie performance of the third rehearsal from 10 years ago.
• They touch the mirror and enter the 10-year-old dance studio, finding Yu Wen and Su Yu, with the latter severely injured.
• A door materializes behind the stage, and the "actors" on stage stop moving, except for Chen Yao, who seems to be waiting.
• Yu Wen drags Su Yu towards the door, passing by the motionless "actors," and eventually reaches Chen Yao, who disappears along with Su Yu.
• Yu Wen reveals her intention to be the only one to escape alive.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng: Maintains his calm and composure, pretends to be polite with Yu Wen, but his true intentions are unclear.
• Fatty: Displays anger towards Su Yu's actions and is frightened by the strange occurrences.
• Yu Wen: Reveals her ruthless and selfish nature, prioritizing her own survival above all else.

Significant Themes

• Survival: Yu Wen's single-minded focus on escaping alive highlights the theme of survival at any cost.
• Illusion vs. Reality: The mirror separating two time periods blurs the line between illusion and reality.
• The Past: The dance studio represents the past, with the "actors" being the ghosts of those who died there.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Yu Wen: Pretend to be polite and cooperative, but their true intentions are hidden.
• Fatty and Su Yu: Fatty shows anger towards Su Yu's actions and is disgusted by his state.
• Yu Wen and Chen Yao: Chen Yao's disappearance along with Su Yu suggests a connection between them, possibly related to the mission's hidden way out.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fatty grows anxious about Chen Yao and Su Yu's disappearance, fearing they'll be trapped if they don't return through the door in time.
• Jiang Cheng reveals that those left behind could be "erased" by an unknown force, either turning into dust or leaving an unrecognizable corpse, as seen with Fan Li.
• Yu Wen stops and turns back, noticing Jiang Cheng and Fatty's hesitation. She tries to lure them, but Jiang Cheng notices a mirror reflecting a door in the past music room.
• In the mirror, Yu Wen opens the door and is attacked by Zhen Jianren, who was supposed to be behind her. She crawls towards the mirror, begging for help.

Character Developments

• Fatty's anxiety about the mission's end and the consequences of being left behind grows.
• Jiang Cheng shows concern for Yu Wen's safety, deciding to save her despite the risk.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of altering the past and the danger of being left behind.
• The theme of making choices and their repercussions, as seen with Yu Wen's decision to open the wrong door.

Character Interactions

• Fatty and Jiang Cheng's partnership and mutual understanding, with Jiang Cheng silencing Fatty with a look when Yu Wen calls out.
• Yu Wen's desperation and fear as she begs for help from Jiang Cheng and Fatty through the mirror.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Cheng returns through the mirror to rescue Yu Wen, who is severely injured.
• The door to the real world is closing, and they must hurry to escape.
• Jiang Cheng interrogates Yu Wen about her survival item and the deaths of other teammates.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng: Shows cunning and ruthlessness in interrogating Yu Wen, revealing his true name and intentions.
• Yu Wen: Reveals her survival item's origin and hints at her willingness to use her body to entice Jiang Cheng.

Significant Themes

• Survival and betrayal: Teammates' willingness to sacrifice others for their own survival.
• Manipulation: Jiang Cheng's use of Yu Wen's desperation to extract information.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Yu Wen: Jiang Cheng manipulates Yu Wen, extracting information and revealing his true name, while Yu Wen tries to bargain for her life using money and her body.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yu Wen is killed by Zhen Jianren using a cane through a mirror.
• Jiang Cheng escapes the collapsing door and returns to his office.
• The door disappears, revealing an ordinary wall.
• Jiang Cheng expresses his respect for the dead and reflects on the pitiable nature of nightmare creatures.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng: Shows empathy and respect for the dead, reflecting on the struggles of those in nightmares. He also displays concern for Fatty's well-being and growth.
• Fatty: Shows improvement in his understanding and empathy, realizing the struggles of others. He also demonstrates initiative in taking care of Jiang Cheng's needs.

Significant Themes

• Pity and empathy for the struggles of others, regardless of their background or status.
• The chaotic and unpredictable nature of life, likened to duckweed in a chaotic world.
• The importance of respect for the dead.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Fatty: Jiang Cheng expresses pride in Fatty's improvement and encourages him to take on more responsibilities. Fatty, in turn, shows concern for Jiang Cheng's well-being, cooking and buying groceries for him.
• Jiang Cheng and Zhen Jianren: Jiang Cheng's reflection on the pitiable nature of nightmare creatures could be seen as a commentary on Zhen Jianren's actions, despite the latter not being present in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Cheng wakes up and finds Fatty in the house. Fatty has prepared congee for breakfast and plans to cook pork ribs for lunch.
• Jiang Cheng decides on the cooking method and ingredients for the pork ribs, showing his interest and knowledge in cooking.
• Fatty asks Jiang Cheng if he has any plans for the day, and Jiang Cheng asks for a specific type of coffee.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng: Shows his eccentricity, love for cooking, and his unique perspective on his profession. He also displays his preference for a specific type of coffee.
• Fatty: Demonstrates his patience, understanding, and adaptability in dealing with Jiang Cheng's eccentricities. He also shows his culinary skills and attention to detail in cleaning the kitchen.

Significant Themes

• Food and cooking: The chapter revolves around the preparation and discussion of a meal, highlighting the characters' relationship and dynamics.
• Jiang Cheng's profession: His unusual job is a source of humor and curiosity, but also a part of his identity that he takes seriously.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Fatty: Their interaction is characterized by banter, with Fatty often trying to understand Jiang Cheng's eccentricities, and Jiang Cheng playing along with Fatty's attempts to comprehend his behavior. They share a comfortable, if not entirely conventional, living arrangement.