Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Du Moyu plays the Erhu, recalling his past struggles as a writer.
• Jiang Cheng, Du Moyu, and Fatty plan to trick Yu Chengmu by dressing Wu as the River Goddess.
• Wu initially refuses but eventually agrees to participate.
• A Biao and Yu Chengmu discuss their plans for the night, unaware of the others' scheme.

Character Developments

• Du Moyu reveals his past struggles as a writer, showing his resilience.
• Wu shows initial reluctance but ultimately agrees to help his brothers.
• A Biao displays cunning and caution, trying to ingratiate himself with Yu Chengmu while keeping his options open.
• Yu Chengmu reveals his ambition and ruthlessness, planning to eliminate A Biao after dealing with Jiang Cheng and his companions.

Significant Themes

• Brotherhood: Jiang Cheng and his companions show unity and support for each other, even in the face of danger.
• Ambition vs. Caution: Yu Chengmu's ambition blinds him to potential threats, while A Biao remains cautious and calculating.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng, Du Moyu, and Fatty work together to come up with a plan, showing camaraderie and mutual respect.
• Wu and Jiang Cheng's interaction highlights Wu's initial reluctance and eventual agreement to help his brothers.
• A Biao and Yu Chengmu's conversation reveals their differing views on the situation and their plans for the future.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yu Chengmu and A Biao await the night's crucial events, hungry but cautious.
• They hear a strange, eerie melody from the Dushui River.
• A figure in a bright red wedding dress, believed to be the River Goddess, approaches their door.
• Yu Chengmu opens the door, hands the letter to the River Goddess, and asks her to kill A Biao.
• The River Goddess instead gives the letter to Jiang Cheng, leaving Yu Chengmu and A Biao shocked.

Character Developments

• Yu Chengmu: Becomes overconfident and smug, underestimating Jiang Cheng's group and the River Goddess.
• A Biao: Realizes Yu Chengmu's betrayal, feels threatened, and becomes more cautious.

Significant Themes

• Betrayal and Trust: Yu Chengmu's betrayal of A Biao and his overconfidence in the River Goddess.
• Power Dynamics: The River Goddess's power and unpredictability, contrasting with Yu Chengmu's and A Biao's human limitations.

Character Interactions

• Yu Chengmu and A Biao: Their alliance crumbles as Yu Chengmu tries to have A Biao killed.
• Yu Chengmu and the River Goddess: Yu Chengmu misjudges the River Goddess's intentions, leading to his shock and defeat.
• Jiang Cheng and the River Goddess: The River Goddess's actions suggest she's helping Jiang Cheng's group.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Cheng receives a letter from the River Goddess, who is revealed to be the Ghost Bride from the bus.
• The River Goddess appears at the inn, seeking the letter's recipient.
• Jiang Cheng gives the letter to the River Goddess, who cries tears that reveal a portrait of a young man with a face identical to Jiang Cheng's.
• A Biao throws Yu Chengmu out to face the River Goddess as a sacrifice, and she crushes his head.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng demonstrates bravery and composure when facing the River Goddess.
• A Biao shows his ruthless and cunning side, sacrificing Yu Chengmu to save himself.
• Yu Chengmu's fear and desperation are evident as he faces his impending doom.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and Retribution: A Biao seeks revenge on Yu Chengmu for past wrongdoings, and the River Goddess seeks retribution for her own death.
• Fate and Destiny: The River Goddess' interest in Jiang Cheng due to his resemblance to her past love suggests a connection beyond coincidence.
• Fear and Despair: Both Yu Chengmu and A Biao experience fear and desperation in the face of the River Goddess' power.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng interacts with the River Goddess, handing her the letter, and witnesses her reaction to the portrait.
• A Biao interacts with Yu Chengmu, dragging him out to face the River Goddess and expressing his resentment towards him.
• The River Goddess interacts with Yu Chengmu, crushing his head without hesitation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A Biao, a powerful cultivator, is killed by the River Goddess using a butterfly that injects ice-blue flames into him, causing his death and the disappearance of his eyes.
• Jiang Cheng, hiding nearby, witnesses the event and is briefly noticed by the River Goddess before Wu intervenes.
• Jiang Cheng is informed that he will have to participate in the wedding ceremony with the Ghost Bride.

Character Developments

• A Biao's desperation and ferocity are revealed as he attempts to fight the River Goddess, leading to his eventual demise.
• Jiang Cheng's fear and shock are evident when he realizes the River Goddess has noticed him, and he struggles to maintain composure afterwards.
• Wu's mysterious nature is further emphasized as he protects Jiang Cheng and later refuses to help him, despite their brotherly bond.

Significant Themes

• The power of the River Goddess and her indifference to human life.
• The consequences of cultivators' actions and the debts they owe.
• The theme of inevitability, as Jiang Cheng's fate seems sealed despite his attempts to avoid it.

Character Interactions

• A Biao's final moments highlight his desperation and the futility of his resistance against the River Goddess.
• Jiang Cheng's interaction with Wu reveals their brotherly bond but also Wu's unwillingness to help Jiang Cheng in this instance.
• Fatty and Du Moyu's concern for Jiang Cheng is shown through their support and attempts to comfort him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Cheng and Du Moyu attempt to persuade Wu to help, but he refuses and is later found dead with A Biao.
• Jiang Cheng and the others discover Wu's body with A Biao's, both in strange states.
• They meet the Village Chief, who reveals that the River Goddess is interested in Jiang Cheng and suggests marrying her to solve the problem.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng: Shows determination and courage in facing the River Goddess and the Village Chief's suggestion.
• Du Moyu: Shows concern for Jiang Cheng's well-being and is more open to the Village Chief's plan.
• Village Chief: Reveals his knowledge of the River Goddess and her interest in Jiang Cheng.

Significant Themes

• The River Goddess's interest in Jiang Cheng and the potential consequences.
• The Village Chief's wisdom and experience, and his role as a mentor figure.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Du Moyu: They work together to persuade Wu, and Du Moyu shows concern for Jiang Cheng's well-being.
• Jiang Cheng and the Village Chief: Jiang Cheng initially respects the Village Chief but later becomes angry at his suggestion.
• Du Moyu and the Village Chief: Du Moyu is more open to the Village Chief's plan than Jiang Cheng.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Cheng's anger at the Village Chief leads to a revelation about the River Goddess's wish and the upcoming wedding ceremony.
• Jiang Cheng learns he must play the role of Lu Jianli, the third-place scholar, to marry the River Goddess.
• The Village Chief reveals that the ceremony must be meticulous and grand to satisfy the River Goddess.
• Jiang Cheng questions why the River Goddess still believes in Lu Jianli's return, despite knowing the truth.
• The Village Chief prepares a groom's attire for Jiang Cheng, which he tries on.
• Jiang Cheng is to ride a horse to the Dushui River at the third watch of the night to pick up his bride.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng: Struggles with his role in the ceremony and the River Goddess's belief in Lu Jianli. He shows determination to see the ceremony through.
• Village Chief: Reveals his past connection to Miss Wu and his regret for not helping her. He takes responsibility for organizing the ceremony.

Significant Themes

• Deception and truth: The River Goddess's belief in Lu Jianli's return despite knowing the underworld people's tricks.
• Atonement: The Village Chief's desire to make amends for his past inaction.
• Transformation: Jiang Cheng's transformation into the role of the third-place scholar.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and the Village Chief: They argue and discuss the details of the ceremony, with Jiang Cheng growing increasingly frustrated with the Village Chief's vague answers.
• Jiang Cheng and Fatty: Fatty expresses concern about Jiang Cheng's performance in the ceremony, hinting at his past struggles with premature ejaculation.
• Jiang Cheng and Wu: Wu, still lying on the ground, accompanies Jiang Cheng on his journey to the Dushui River.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Cheng prepares for the wedding ceremony by changing into the groom's attire and leading the white horse to the Dushui River.
• He meets the Ghost Bride, who is dressed up and displays a gentle, shy demeanor, unlike her usual cold and sharp nature.
• They ride back to the village together, with Jiang Cheng fully embodying Lu Jianli's character and enjoying the moment of triumph and happiness.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng: He fully immerses himself in the role of Lu Jianli, experiencing the joy and pride of a successful scholar returning home for his wedding.
• Ghost Bride: She shows a softer, more feminine side, displaying shyness and vulnerability, and seems to have genuine affection for Lu Jianli.

Significant Themes

• The theme of transformation and role-playing is emphasized as Jiang Cheng becomes Lu Jianli.
• The joy and fulfillment of achieving one's goals and being reunited with a loved one are explored.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng interacts with the Ghost Bride tenderly, comforting her and sharing her joy.
• The white horse accompanies them, serving as a symbol of their union and a witness to their happiness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Cheng returns to the village with the Ghost Bride, encountering Fatty and Du Moyu, who try to curry favor with him.
• Wu, Jiang Cheng's subordinate, appears and causes the Ghost Bride to tense up, leading to an awkward exchange.
• The villagers welcome Jiang Cheng and the Ghost Bride with a grand ceremony, despite the somber atmosphere.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng: He shows confidence and assertiveness, trying to maintain control over the situation despite Wu's unexpected appearance.
• Wu: He remains stoic and uncooperative, causing Jiang Cheng discomfort.
• Fatty and Du Moyu: They try to ingratiate themselves with Jiang Cheng, showing adaptability and quick thinking.

Significant Themes

• Resentment and its dissipation: The Ghost Bride's resentment towards the villagers lessens as they show respect and welcome her.
• Power dynamics: Jiang Cheng tries to assert his authority, while Wu challenges it, highlighting the tension between them.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Wu: Their interaction is tense, with Jiang Cheng trying to maintain face and Wu being uncooperative.
• Jiang Cheng and Fatty/Du Moyu: They try to please Jiang Cheng, showing their adaptability and willingness to serve.
• The villagers and the Ghost Bride: The villagers' respectful welcome helps dissipate the Ghost Bride's resentment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist, a gamer, is still busy with real-life tasks and hasn't updated the story.
• They plan to complete the 'River Goddess' dungeon instance the next day.

Character Developments

• The protagonist demonstrates responsibility and prioritization by managing both real-life tasks and their gaming life.

Significant Themes

• Balance: The protagonist balances their responsibilities in the real world with their gaming life.
• Determination: They show determination to complete the dungeon instance, despite real-life interruptions.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist addresses their gaming community as 'brothers', indicating a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.
• There's no direct interaction with other characters in this chapter, as it's primarily a status update.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Cheng, posing as Lu Jianli, attends Wu Yingying's wedding ceremony, where he learns of her fear, not of Wu's power, but of being caught between Wu and Jiang Cheng.
• Wu Yingying bows to Jiang Cheng, honoring him above her status, causing Wu to feel awkward and want to leave.
• During the ceremony, Wu notices something unusual outside and becomes excited.
• After the ceremony, the village chief informs Jiang Cheng about an urgent matter at the prefectural office, but Wu Yingying insists on staying with Jiang Cheng, leading him to her ancestral home's courtyard.
• They find dozens of paper figures preparing a room, revealing Wu Yingying's intention to spend the night with Jiang Cheng.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng: Struggles with his identity and the consequences of his actions, showing concern for Wu Yingying's feelings.
• Wu Yingying: Demonstrates courage and determination, asserting her intentions towards Jiang Cheng despite the risks.
• Wu: Shows amusement at the situation, enjoying the spectacle but not intervening to stop it.

Significant Themes

• Identity and deception: Jiang Cheng's struggle with his false identity and its consequences.
• Power dynamics: The interplay of power between Jiang Cheng, Wu Yingying, and Wu.
• Fate and agency: Wu Yingying's determination to shape her own destiny despite the circumstances.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Wu Yingying: Their interactions reveal Wu Yingying's determination and Jiang Cheng's growing concern for her feelings.
• Wu and Jiang Cheng: Wu's amusement at the situation highlights her detachment from the consequences of her actions.
• Village chief and elders: They facilitate the wedding ceremony and try to navigate the complex situation involving Jiang Cheng and Wu Yingying.

Plot Points & Events

• Jiang Cheng and Wu Yingying are left alone in a room after the Paper Figures finish tidying it.
• Jiang Cheng tries to stall until dawn to complete the mission, but Wu Yingying's behavior becomes increasingly insistent.
• Jiang Cheng decides to comply with Wu Yingying's wishes to avoid exposing his identity and risking his life.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng shows resilience and adaptability in facing unexpected situations.
• Wu Yingying displays growing impatience and assertiveness in her feelings for Jiang Cheng.

Significant Themes

• The tension between Jiang Cheng's mission and his personal integrity.
• The power dynamics and expectations in relationships, particularly in the context of ancient Chinese society.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Wu Yingying's dynamic shifts as they're left alone, with Wu Yingying becoming more assertive and Jiang Cheng more cautious.
• Fatty and Wu discuss how to help Jiang Cheng, with Wu advising against intervention.
• Du Moyu expresses genuine happiness for Jiang Cheng's potential relationship with Wu Yingying.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Cheng encounters Wu Yingying, a ghost bride, in the Wu Family Mansion.
• They spend the night together, with Jiang Cheng using his literary skills to stall for time.
• They exchange couplets, revealing Wu Yingying's lingering resentment and Jiang Cheng's uncertainty about his past.
• Jiang Cheng hears Fatty and Du Moyu eavesdropping outside his room.
• It snows, and Wu Yingying expresses her longing for a shared future.
• Jiang Cheng leaves the Wu Family Mansion, with a bell given by Wu Yingying tied to his wrist.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng: Struggles with his attraction to Wu Yingying and his determination to leave. Reflects on his past and his true identity.
• Wu Yingying: Shows affection towards Jiang Cheng, revealing her persistent longing and resentment. Accepts Jiang Cheng's departure.

Significant Themes

• Love and Loss: Explores the theme of love that cannot be fulfilled due to circumstances beyond control.
• Identity: Jiang Cheng's uncertainty about his past and true identity is a central theme.
• Persistence: Wu Yingying's persistent longing and resentment highlight the theme of persistence in the face of adversity.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Wu Yingying: Their interactions are marked by a growing affection, despite Jiang Cheng's initial wariness and Wu Yingying's resentment.
• Jiang Cheng and Fatty/Du Moyu: Jiang Cheng is aware of their eavesdropping, leading to a moment of shared humor.
• Jiang Cheng and the Ghosts: Jiang Cheng's interactions with the ghosts, particularly Wu Yingying, highlight his ability to connect with the supernatural.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The mission is over, and only three survivors remain: Du Moyu, Fatty, and Wu.
• Du Moyu mourns his fallen comrades, Chen Hao and Lei Mingyu, who died saving him.
• The bus stops, and Du Moyu bids farewell to the others, expressing gratitude but no desire to join their team.
• Doctor (Jiang Cheng) leaves the bell on the bus, hinting at his feelings for Wu.
• It starts snowing outside the studio.

Character Developments

• Du Moyu: Struggles with survivor's guilt and the responsibility of explaining his comrades' deaths to their families.
• Fatty: Shows empathy and understanding towards Du Moyu's plight, and feels conflicted about Doctor's decision to leave the bell behind.
• Doctor (Jiang Cheng): Struggles with his feelings for Wu, ultimately choosing not to take the bell with him.
• Wu: Teases Doctor by playing with the bell, showing her affection for him.

Significant Themes

• Sacrifice and survival: Characters grapple with the reality of loss and the choices made to survive.
• Emotional connection: The bond between Du Moyu and his fallen comrades, as well as the unspoken connection between Doctor and Wu.
• Letting go: Doctor's decision to leave the bell behind signifies his acceptance of Wu's choice and his own feelings.

Character Interactions

• Du Moyu and Fatty: Share a moment of understanding and empathy as they discuss the pain of losing comrades.
• Doctor (Jiang Cheng) and Wu: Their interaction through the bell highlights their unspoken connection and Wu's affection for Doctor.
• Fatty and Doctor (Jiang Cheng): Fatty expresses concern for Doctor's well-being after he leaves the bell behind, and they share a moment of reflection while watching the snowfall together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Rong City experiences an unusual snowfall.
• Jiang Cheng stands outside, reminiscing about a woman in a red robe.
• Wu and Wu Yingying (the Ghost Bride) make a deal on a rooftop; Wu swallows the Soul Suppressing Bell and other ghostly entities.
• Wu manipulates Jiang Cheng into accepting the bell around his neck, which is revealed to be a curse.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng displays insecurity and vulnerability, longing for the woman in the red robe.
• Wu shows cunning and manipulation, using Jiang Cheng's emotions to his advantage.
• Wu Yingying reveals affection for Jiang Cheng.

Significant Themes

• Emotional manipulation and betrayal (Wu's actions towards Jiang Cheng).
• The consequences of one's actions (Jiang Cheng's guilt and Wu's manipulation).
• The power of resentment and curses (Wu Yingying's curse through the bell).

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng interacts with Wu, who appears as a shadow on the wall, manipulating him into accepting the bell.
• Wu and Wu Yingying make a deal on the rooftop, with Wu swallowing various ghostly entities.
• Wu manipulates Jiang Cheng into accepting the bell, changing Jiang Cheng's demeanor towards him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fatty discovers Wu in a deranged state, carving a prophecy into the wall: "Wu's woman in his heart, draws his sword naturally divine, the first page of the sword manual, kill the one in your heart first!"
• Wu's mental state deteriorates, and he exhibits murderous intent towards Fatty.
• Deep Red members hold an emergency meeting, discussing Wu and Xia Tan's escape from Old President's domain and the prophecy of No. 10's death.

Character Developments

• Wu's mental state worsens, leading to violent behavior and a disturbing prophecy.
• No. 13 has a prophetic dream about No. 10's death, causing distress and fear among Deep Red members.
• Chen Ran shows determination to prevent No. 10's death by finding and confronting the person in the prophecy.

Significant Themes

• Prophecy and fate: The prophecy about No. 10's death raises questions about predestination and free will.
• Mental instability: Wu's deteriorating mental state highlights the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of psychological well-being.
• Loyalty and betrayal: The potential involvement of a familiar person in No. 10's death raises questions about trust and loyalty within the Deep Red group.

Character Interactions

• Fatty tries to reason with Wu but ends up retreating due to Wu's murderous intent.
• Deep Red members discuss the implications of Wu and Xia Tan's escape, leading to a tense atmosphere.
• Chen Ran and No. 2 react strongly to the prophecy, with Chen Ran immediately wanting to find and confront the potential killer.
• No. 13's distress and fear affect the group, emphasizing the importance of the prophecy and the need to protect No. 10.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Deep Red|G (DR) receives a prophecy that a significant event will occur within two weeks, potentially threatening their organization.
• Lin Wan'er|G (LW) and Chen Qiang|G (CQ), the true identities of DR No. 1|G and No. 1|G, meet in a secret soundproof room to discuss the situation.
• LW reveals that most of Night Watch|G's (NW) disciples have been intercepted, but NW is buying time with enforcers appearing in Old President|G's (OP) domain.
• LW and CQ discuss the Suicide Mission Plan, which involves using CQ's ability to open a spatial tunnel and send high-level disciples into a vehicle to slow down OP's domain growth.

Character Developments

• CQ, the traitor within DR, struggles with his identity and the sacrifices made for the plan.
• LW remains composed and strategic, focusing on the mission's success.

Significant Themes

• Sacrifice for the greater good
• Trust and betrayal within organizations
• The weight of secrets and deception

Character Interactions

• LW and CQ discuss the plan's progress and the challenges they face, demonstrating their trust and understanding of each other's roles.
• LW shows concern for CQ's well-being, hinting at a deeper connection between them.
• CQ expresses relief that the plan is nearing completion, suggesting a desire for redemption or release from his burden.

Key Plot Points and Events

• No. 1 and Lin Wan'er discuss the death of No. 5 and the current mission.
• No. 1 requests to see No. 10 but is refused due to Wu's protection and the danger involved.
• Lin Wan'er shares Wu's recent developments, including his control over Xia Tan's gate and his waning interest in Zero.
• No. 1 decides to proceed with the suicide mission, understanding the risks involved.
• Lin Wan'er offers to arrange a farewell meal for No. 1, which he declines, hoping to return for No. 6 and No. 7's wedding.
• No. 1 asks Lin Wan'er to convey a message to No. 4 regarding his funeral arrangements.

Character Developments

• No. 1 shows concern for No. 10 and No. 5, demonstrating a level of empathy and responsibility.
• Lin Wan'er displays a mix of firmness and understanding, balancing her role as a leader and a mentor.
• Wu's progress in controlling Xia Tan's gate and his reduced interest in Zero indicate his growth and self-control.

Significant Themes

• Sacrifice and duty: No. 1 accepts the suicide mission, understanding the risks and the importance of his role.
• Transformation and growth: Wu's ability to control Xia Tan's gate and his reduced interest in Zero highlight his personal development.
• Death and remembrance: No. 1's request for his funeral arrangements underscores the reality of their dangerous lives and the importance of remembrance.

Character Interactions

• No. 1 and Lin Wan'er: They share a candid conversation about the mission, the past, and their hopes for the future, demonstrating a level of trust and mutual respect.
• No. 1 and No. 4: Though not present, No. 1's request for No. 4 to preside over his funeral shows their close bond and No. 1's acceptance of his own mortality.
• Fatty and Jiang Cheng: Their breakfast together in Rong City serves as a quiet, normal moment amidst the turmoil of the other characters, highlighting the contrast between their lives.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Cheng (Doctor) has a bell that seems to have a mind of its own, which Fatty (Fat) believes is a ghost bride.
• Fat suspects Doctor betrayed Wu brothers (his allies) because of the ghost bride.
• No. 13 and No. 2, two enforcers, visit Doctor and Fat, expressing gratitude for their past help and checking on their well-being.

Character Developments

• Doctor (Jiang Cheng): He's cautious and wary of outsiders, especially after his experience with Wu brothers. He's also protective of Fat.
• Fat (Fatty): He's loyal to Wu brothers and disapproves of Doctor's actions regarding the ghost bride. He's also trying to resist eating unhealthy food.
• No. 13: He's charismatic and manipulative, using his social skills to gain information. He's also concerned about Fat's well-being.
• No. 2: He's serious and straightforward, unlike No. 13. He's also concerned about Doctor and Fat's safety.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and Betrayal: Fat feels betrayed by Doctor's actions, while Doctor is wary of outsiders due to past betrayals.
• Trust and Caution: Doctor is cautious with outsiders, while No. 13 tries to gain Doctor's trust to gather information.
• Friendship and Protection: Doctor protects Fat, and No. 13 expresses concern for Fat's well-being.

Character Interactions

• Doctor and Fat: They have a brotherly bond, with Doctor being protective and Fat being loyal and honest.
• Doctor and No. 13/No. 2: Doctor is wary of them, while No. 13 tries to gain his trust. No. 2 is straightforward and concerned about their safety.
• No. 13 and Fat: No. 13 uses his charm to try and gain information from Fat, claiming to have a dream about him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• No. 13 uses his ability to see a glimpse of No. 10's final moments in a blood-soaked, destroyed location.
• He witnesses No. 10 being killed by a knife from behind, and sees a black figure kneeling before No. 10's corpse.
• No. 13 faints after seeing the intense scene.
• No. 2 takes No. 13 away from the studio, and they discuss what No. 13 saw.
• No. 13 decides to use his ability again to find No. 10, despite the risks.

Character Developments

• No. 13: Shows determination and resolve to find No. 10, even when facing the dangers of using his ability.
• No. 2: Demonstrates concern and care for No. 13's well-being, trying to dissuade him from using his ability again.

Significant Themes

• Determination and resolve in the face of danger.
• The consequences of using one's abilities and the risks involved.
• The importance of finding answers and justice for a fallen comrade.

Character Interactions

• No. 13 and No. 2: They share a moment of understanding and mutual respect, with No. 2 showing concern for No. 13's safety, and No. 13 making a decision based on his own judgment.
• No. 13 and No. 10 (through flashback): No. 13's determination to find No. 10 highlights their bond and the importance of their shared history.

Key Plot Points and Events

• No. 13 uses his ability to verify suspects in No. 10's murder by gambling with a supernatural clown card. He first suspects No. 1 and No. 6 (Chen Ran), but both attempts result in him losing parts of his hand to the clown.
• No. 13 then suspects No. 8 or No. 2. He sees No. 2 standing under a streetlamp, looking aged and sorrowful, which makes him hesitate to suspect him. He considers Wu, but isn't sure.
• No. 13 decides to verify Wu and begins the third gamble. The chapter ends with No. 13 stumbling out of the car, injured and shouting, "He, it was him!!"

Character Developments

• No. 13: He is determined to find No. 10's murderer, even at the cost of his own body. He struggles with suspecting his own family members.
• No. 2: He appears to be deeply affected by No. 10's death, showing signs of aging and sorrow.

Significant Themes

• Trust and betrayal within a family-like organization.
• The consequences of making wrong decisions or assumptions.
• The struggle between personal beliefs and harsh realities.

Character Interactions

• No. 13 and No. 2: No. 13 suspects No. 2 but feels guilty about it. No. 2 seems to be grieving No. 10's death.
• No. 13 and the Clown Card: No. 13 uses the clown card to verify suspects, but each attempt results in him losing parts of his hand. The clown seems to enjoy No. 13's pain and despair.