Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Pei Ji helps an injured Bai Ye set his bone, despite Bai Ye's initial reluctance and Pei Ji's apparent disinterest.
• Bai Ye, in extreme pain, throws all his tokens and teleports away.
• Ning Ning and Pei Ji collect tokens from the remaining cultivators, including Lu Minghao and the Plain Inquiry Hall cultivator.
• Pei Ji returns the Star Trace Sword to Ning Ning and offers to clean it, but she declines.

Character Developments

• Pei Ji shows unexpected kindness and concern for Bai Ye, despite his cold demeanor.
• Bai Ye maintains his image and dignity, even in pain and defeat.
• Ning Ning shows care and consideration for Pei Ji's feelings, refraining from teasing him about his conservative nature.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and camaraderie, as seen in Pei Ji's actions towards Bai Ye and Ning Ning's concern for Pei Ji.
• The importance of maintaining one's dignity and image, as demonstrated by Bai Ye.

Character Interactions

• Pei Ji and Bai Ye: Despite their enmity, Pei Ji helps Bai Ye, showing a complex mix of emotions. Bai Ye, in turn, accepts Pei Ji's help, acknowledging his strength.
• Ning Ning and Pei Ji: Ning Ning shows understanding and consideration for Pei Ji's feelings, while Pei Ji continues to demonstrate his concern and care for Ning Ning, even offering to clean her sword.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Grandmaster's secret realm is revealed to be a lake, where the Star Trace Sword fell.
• Ning Ning and Pei Ji search for the sword together.
• After collecting all tokens, they find Mingjing sleeping and Mingkong reading.
• Su Qinghan appears, offers to take Xu Ye back, and asks for his room.
• Pei Ji notices a wound on Ning Ning's face and decides to apply medicine.

Character Developments

• Ning Ning shows gratitude and confidence in treating Pei Ji to a meal.
• Pei Ji demonstrates concern for Ning Ning's injury.
• Su Qinghan displays a caring side for Xu Ye, despite her aloof nature.
• Chengying, the old senior, shows protective and angry reactions.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and camaraderie between cultivators.
• The importance of self-confidence and gratitude.
• The duality of characters, such as Su Qinghan's caring side despite her aloofness.

Character Interactions

• Ning Ning and Pei Ji work together to search for the sword, with Ning Ning expressing gratitude and Pei Ji showing concern.
• Su Qinghan interacts with Ning Ning, showing interest in a sparring match and offering to take Xu Ye back.
• Pei Ji and Ning Ning have a brief, wordless interaction regarding her injury, with Pei Ji leading her to apply medicine.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ning Ning and Pei Ji return to find He Zhizhou left behind.
• Ning Ning is injured and Pei Ji helps her apply medicine.
• Outside the secret realm, chaos erupts due to Pei Ji's actions.

Character Developments

• Ning Ning: Shows concern for her junior brother, He Zhizhou. Her injury and Pei Ji's care for her reveal her vulnerability and trust in him.
• Pei Ji: Shows unexpected gentleness and concern for Ning Ning's injury. His actions reveal his growing attachment and protectiveness towards her.
• Chengying: Feels distressed at Ning Ning's injury, showing empathy and affection for her.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Care: Ning Ning trusts Pei Ji enough to let him apply medicine to her wound, while Pei Ji shows care and concern for her injury.
• Status and Childhood: The contrast between Ning Ning's and Pei Ji's childhoods is highlighted, emphasizing the vast gap between their statuses.

Character Interactions

• Ning Ning and Pei Ji: Their interaction is tender and intimate, with Pei Ji helping Ning Ning apply medicine, revealing his growing feelings for her.
• Ning Ning and Chengying: Chengying's distress at Ning Ning's injury shows his affection and protectiveness towards her.
• Outside the Secret Realm: Lin Qian, Tian Xianzi, He Xiaochen, and Zhenxiao react to Pei Ji's actions, showing their concern and frustration.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ning Ning is injured and Pei Ji applies medicine to her wounds.
• Pei Ji blows gently on Ning Ning's wound to ease her pain, an action unusual for him.
• Pei Ji accidentally touches Ning Ning's cheek while applying medicine, causing them both to freeze.

Character Developments

• Pei Ji: Shows a rare moment of gentleness and concern for Ning Ning's well-being. His actions are out of character, indicating a growing affection for her.
• Ning Ning: Remains calm and composed despite Pei Ji's unusual behavior, showing no signs of discomfort or fear.

Significant Themes

• Affection and Attraction: The chapter explores the subtle signs of affection and attraction between Pei Ji and Ning Ning.
• Unusual Behavior: Pei Ji's out-of-character actions highlight the depth of his feelings for Ning Ning.

Character Interactions

• Pei Ji and Ning Ning: Their interaction is tense yet tender, with Pei Ji's actions hinting at his growing feelings for Ning Ning, while she remains composed and accepting of his unusual behavior.
• Chengying: The spirit body provides comedic relief and encourages Pei Ji's actions, but remains silent when its scheme succeeds to avoid Pei Ji's wrath.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Pei Ji applies medicine to Ning Ning's wound, showing unexpected gentleness.
• Ning Ning and Pei Ji visit Qiao Yan and the surviving Spirit Fox Clan members.
• Qiao Yan finds her mother, Qin Niang, and they plan to leave the secret realm together.
• Yan Qing has recovered from his injuries and is sleeping.

Character Developments

• Pei Ji shows a gentle side while caring for Ning Ning's wound.
• Qiao Yan drops her mature facade and reveals her true age and emotions.
• Ning Ning reflects on her similarities with Qiao Yan and Chen Lubai.

Significant Themes

• Gentleness and strength coexist in individuals.
• The importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.
• The theme of redemption and hope for a better future.

Character Interactions

• Pei Ji and Ning Ning share a tender moment as he applies medicine to her wound.
• Qiao Yan and Ning Ning bond over their shared experiences and the fate of the Spirit Fox Clan.
• Qiao Yan teases Ning Ning about Yan Qing's feelings for her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ning Ning notices Pei Ji and Qiao Yan returning from a late-night stroll together, sparking her curiosity.
• Pei Ji and Chengying have a silent exchange about Ning Ning's feelings towards Pei Ji.
• Master Tian Xianzi, Qu Feiqing, and Ji Yunkai contact Ning Ning, offering help for the Fox Clan's relocation after leaving the secret realm.

Character Developments

• Pei Ji: Struggles with his growing feelings for Ning Ning, trying to hide his emotions.
• Chengying: Acts as a matchmaker, encouraging Pei Ji to express his feelings.
• Qiao Yan: Decides to bring her clanspeople to the outside world but faces challenges due to their demonic nature and her lack of knowledge about the outside world.
• Master Tian Xianzi, Qu Feiqing, and Ji Yunkai: Show concern for the Fox Clan's situation and offer assistance.

Significant Themes

• Love and relationships: Pei Ji's unspoken feelings for Ning Ning and Qiao Yan's determination to protect her clanspeople.
• Mentorship: The masters' willingness to help the Fox Clan, demonstrating their responsibility as teachers.

Character Interactions

• Pei Ji and Chengying: Share a silent understanding about Pei Ji's feelings for Ning Ning.
• Ning Ning and Qiao Yan: Discuss the Fox Clan's future after leaving the secret realm.
• Ning Ning and her masters: Communicate about the Fox Clan's situation, with the masters offering help.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sect leaders offer support to Qiao Yan and the Spirit Fox Clan.
• Tian Xianzi reveals Vision Spirits can be used to locate the scattered Spirit Fox Clan members.
• Sect leaders agree to help Qiao Yan find her clan using Vision Spirits.
• Ning Ning sets out to find the scattered Spirit Fox Clan members.
• Ning Ning discovers He Zhizhou and Ye Zongheng in a tense standoff at the forest entrance.

Character Developments

• Qiao Yan gains confidence and gratitude towards the sect leaders' support.
• Tian Xianzi shows his cunning and resourcefulness in using Vision Spirits to find the Spirit Fox Clan.
• Sect leaders display unity and cooperation in helping Qiao Yan.
• He Zhizhou and Ye Zongheng's rivalry intensifies, hinting at an upcoming confrontation.

Significant Themes

• Unity and cooperation among sects.
• Resourcefulness and adaptability in the face of challenges.
• Rivalry and tension between He Zhizhou and Ye Zongheng.

Character Interactions

• Qiao Yan interacts with sect leaders, gaining their support and admiration.
• Tian Xianzi interacts with sect leaders, showing his cunning and resourcefulness.
• He Zhizhou and Ye Zongheng interact, displaying their intense rivalry and tension.
• Ning Ning interacts with Pei Ji, showing concern for his well-being and that of the Spirit Fox Clan.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Ying of Niguang Island ambushes Ning Ning, He Zhizhou, and Ye Zongheng in the secret realm, revealing she has been following them and knows they have little spiritual power left.
• The four are trapped, and Liu Ying plans to exact revenge on them for the events at the waterfall.
• Outside the secret realm, the trial has ended, and the disciples have gathered. The elders and City Lord watch the four remaining disciples through a Mystic Mirror, expecting a final battle.

Character Developments

• Liu Ying: She is revealed to be vengeful and ruthless, using her knowledge of the others' weaknesses to her advantage.
• Ye Zongheng: Despite his situation, he remains cunning and manipulative, trying to sway Liu Ying's sympathy by fabricating a sob story about his past.

Significant Themes

• Revenge: Liu Ying's primary motive is revenge, showing the destructive nature of holding grudges.
• Manipulation: Ye Zongheng's attempt to manipulate Liu Ying highlights the power dynamics and manipulation present in their world.

Character Interactions

• Liu Ying vs. Ning Ning, He Zhizhou, Ye Zongheng: Liu Ying's hatred for the three leads to a tense standoff, with her planning to take revenge.
• Ye Zongheng vs. He Zhizhou: Their ongoing feud escalates as Ye Zongheng tries to shift blame onto He Zhizhou, causing further tension between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Taohong's death is mourned by Ye Zongheng, who tries to sway Liu Ying by sharing a fabricated tragic love story.
• Ning Ning and He Zhizhou counter Ye Zongheng's strategy by feigning severe illnesses and tragic backstories to gain Liu Ying's sympathy.
• He Zhizhou's over-the-top performance, including a fake seizure, further convinces Liu Ying to spare them.

Character Developments

• Liu Ying: Initially cold and hostile, she begins to show empathy and indecision after hearing the others' tragic stories.
• He Zhizhou: Proves himself a skilled actor, manipulating Liu Ying's emotions with his fabricated backstory and seizure.
• Ning Ning: Demonstrates quick thinking and adaptability by using a snakeberry to create a convincing illness.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and deceit: Characters use fabricated stories and illnesses to sway Liu Ying's emotions and gain an advantage.
• Empathy and sympathy: Liu Ying's initial hostility wavers as she feels pity for the others' supposed hardships.

Character Interactions

• Ye Zongheng vs. Liu Ying: Ye Zongheng tries to manipulate Liu Ying with a fabricated love story, but she remains unswayed.
• Ning Ning, He Zhizhou, and Liu Ying: The three engage in a competition of misery, each trying to outdo the others with their tragic backstories to gain Liu Ying's sympathy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The elders of Xuanxu Sword Sect and Wanjian Sect watch the events in the secret realm in horror.
• He Zhizhou and Ning Ning compete to gain Liu Ying's sympathy by acting ill.
• Ye Zongheng reveals he was once a courtesan named Xiao Taohong to gain sympathy.
• The elders use their spiritual power to pull the four cultivators out of the secret realm.
• Ye Zongheng's revelation causes a shocked silence among the crowd.

Character Developments

• He Zhizhou and Ning Ning show their determination to win by any means, even acting ill.
• Ye Zongheng reveals a past secret, showing vulnerability and desperation.
• Liu Ying becomes frightened and seeks protection from Qu Feiqing.

Significant Themes

• Competition and desperation among cultivators.
• The consequences of revealing personal secrets.
• The power dynamics between cultivators and their reactions to shocking revelations.

Character Interactions

• He Zhizhou and Ning Ning interact competitively, trying to outdo each other.
• Ye Zongheng interacts with the crowd, revealing a secret and causing a shocked reaction.
• Liu Ying interacts with Qu Feiqing, seeking protection after being frightened.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ning Ning's embarrassing performance in the Mystic Mirror is witnessed by many cultivators.
• Pei Ji helps Ning Ning escape the crowd and boards the flying vessel with her.
• He Zhizhou and Ye Zongheng faint after witnessing Ning Ning's performance.
• Pei Ji and Ning Ning have a brief conversation about whether he saw her performance.

Character Developments

• Ning Ning: She feels embarrassed and humiliated after her performance is witnessed by many. She seeks comfort from Pei Ji.
• Pei Ji: He feels upset and restless due to his inability to make others happy, unlike He Zhizhou. He also feels a growing attachment to Ning Ning.
• He Zhizhou: He faints after witnessing Ning Ning's performance, showing his deep affection for her.

Significant Themes

• Embarrassment and humiliation
• The importance of acceptance and understanding from others
• The growing bond between Pei Ji and Ning Ning

Character Interactions

• Ning Ning and Pei Ji: Ning Ning seeks comfort from Pei Ji after her embarrassing performance. Pei Ji, though initially unhappy, shows concern for her feelings. They have a brief but meaningful conversation about whether Pei Ji saw her performance.
• Ning Ning and He Zhizhou: He Zhizhou's fainting spell shows his deep affection for Ning Ning and his inability to handle her embarrassment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ning Ning and Pei Ji discuss their encounter in the secret realm; Pei Ji refuses to tell her what happened.
• The trial assembly ends, and disciples return to the inn to rest.
• The group celebrates passing the trial at Heavenly Fragrance Tower; Tian Xianzi and He Zhizhou argue over who will pay the bill.
• Tian Xianzi and He Zhizhou's argument leads to an embarrassing and dramatic scene at the restaurant stairs.

Character Developments

• Ning Ning shows curiosity about her encounter with Pei Ji in the secret realm but maintains her composure.
• Pei Ji remains stoic and unyielding, refusing to reveal what happened between him and Ning Ning in the secret realm.
• Tian Xianzi and He Zhizhou display their close master-disciple bond and shared frugality, leading to a humorous and awkward situation.

Significant Themes

• The bond between master and disciple.
• The consequences of stubbornness and lack of awareness (Tian Xianzi's fall).
• The importance of communication and understanding (Ning Ning and Pei Ji's unspoken encounter).

Character Interactions

• Ning Ning and Pei Ji: They have a playful exchange about their encounter in the secret realm, with Pei Ji maintaining his stoicism and Ning Ning showing curiosity and understanding.
• Tian Xianzi and He Zhizhou: The master and disciple share a close bond, leading to a humorous argument over who will pay for the meal, which ultimately results in an embarrassing situation.
• The group of disciples: They celebrate their success in the trial together, showcasing their camaraderie and shared experiences.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Zhizhou pushes Tian Xianzi down the stairs at Heavenly Fragrance Tower.
• Tian Xianzi is unharmed but suffers a mental blow due to the crowd's reaction.
• The City Lord of Luan City, Luo Yuanming, witnesses the event and is shocked.
• Tian Xianzi tries to preserve his reputation by claiming to be Sword Venerable Zhenxiao.
• Luo Yuanming offers to pay for the Xuanxu Sword Sect's meal as a token of gratitude for a previous favor.

Character Developments

• He Zhizhou shows his ruthlessness and willingness to harm his master.
• Tian Xianzi's mental state is fragile, and he's desperate to maintain his reputation.
• Luo Yuanming is shocked by the events and tries to handle the situation diplomatically.

Significant Themes

• The corrupt and ruthless nature of the Xuanxu Sword Sect.
• The importance of reputation and face in society.
• The consequences of one's actions on others.

Character Interactions

• He Zhizhou and Tian Xianzi's master-disciple relationship is strained and violent.
• Tian Xianzi and Luo Yuanming's interaction is tense, with Tian Xianzi trying to save face and Luo Yuanming trying to maintain peace.
• The crowd's reaction to Tian Xianzi's fall reflects their perception of the Xuanxu Sword Sect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Luo Yuanming, the City Lord, suspects an intentional human involvement in the recent disappearances, not just Demonic Beasts.
• He requests discretion until after the ritual gathering, planning to discuss it with the elders.
• The City Lord's wife, Luanniang, invites the Daoist masters to try the renowned wine 'Nine Provinces Return to Spring' at Heavenly Fragrance Tower.
• Tian Xianzi reveals the difficulties in investigating the missing girls' case, with no useful information found despite searching Luan City and visiting their families.
• The group discusses the Luan Bird statue's connection to the case and the two possible outcomes: the girls are still alive or their souls no longer exist.
• Zheng Weiqi brings up the legend of the Luan Bird and asks if anyone has met someone they fancy, causing an awkward moment between Ning Ning and Pei Ji.

Character Developments

• Luo Yuanming: Shows concern for his wife's well-being and the city's panic, hinting at his dedication to his role as City Lord.
• Tian Xianzi: Demonstrates his dedication to solving the case, despite the challenges, and shows a more human side with his self-deprecating humor.
• Ning Ning: Shows curiosity and intelligence in discussing the case, and maintains composure under Zheng Weiqi's teasing.
• Pei Ji: Remains expressionless and reserved, but his awkward reaction to Zheng Weiqi's teasing hints at underlying feelings.

Significant Themes

• The search for truth and justice in the face of mysterious disappearances.
• The power dynamics and responsibilities of those in authority (Luo Yuanming as City Lord, Tian Xianzi as a respected Daoist master).
• The human side of heroes and their personal lives (Tian Xianzi's self-deprecating humor, Zheng Weiqi's teasing).
• The complexities of relationships and emotions (Ning Ning and Pei Ji's awkward moment).

Character Interactions

• Luo Yuanming and Luanniang: Display a tender and devoted relationship.
• Tian Xianzi and Ning Ning: Show a mentor-mentee dynamic, with Tian Xianzi sharing information about the case with Ning Ning.
• Zheng Weiqi, Tian Xianzi, Ning Ning, and Pei Ji: Interact playfully, with Zheng Weiqi teasing the group about relationships, causing an awkward moment between Ning Ning and Pei Ji.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group arrives at Heavenly Fragrance Tower for a meal.
• They order dishes, and Tian Xianzi is delighted by the food.
• Ning Ning teaches Pei Ji how to hold chopsticks properly.
• He Zhizhou suggests they drink wine and get drunk.

Character Developments

• Ning Ning: Shows adaptability and a caring nature, teaching Pei Ji how to hold chopsticks.
• Pei Ji: Struggles with social interactions and shows discomfort around others, but responds positively to Ning Ning's help.
• Tian Xianzi: Recovering from his fall, he's now more at ease and enjoys the meal.
• He Zhizhou: Remains oblivious to the undercurrents, focusing on food and drink.

Significant Themes

• Social Interaction: Pei Ji's struggle with socializing, and Ning Ning's attempt to help him.
• Companionship: The group's dynamic during the meal, with He Zhizhou being the most sociable.

Character Interactions

• Ning Ning and Pei Ji: Ning Ning helps Pei Ji with his chopsticks, showing kindness and patience. Pei Ji responds positively, showing a hint of vulnerability.
• Tian Xianzi and Zheng Weiqi: They enjoy the meal together, with Tian Xianzi being more relaxed.
• He Zhizhou and the group: He Zhizhou remains unaware of the subtle interactions, focusing on food and drink, and suggesting they get drunk together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group gathers at Heavenly Fragrance Tower for a drinking session.
• Ning Ning and Pei Ji, both inexperienced with wine, react to their first sip of the renowned 'Spring Returns to the Nine Provinces' wine.
• Pei Ji, trying to be chivalrous, drinks Ning Ning's entire cup of wine and promptly collapses from drunkenness.
• Meng Jue decides to take Pei Ji back to the inn, but Ning Ning insists on doing it herself.

Character Developments

• Pei Ji: Despite his tough exterior, Pei Ji is inexperienced with wine and collapses after drinking a single cup, revealing a vulnerable side.
• Ning Ning: She shows concern for Pei Ji's well-being and is determined to take care of him.

Significant Themes

• Youth and Inexperience: Both Ning Ning and Pei Ji are inexperienced with wine, highlighting their youth and naivety.
• Chivalry and Heroism: Pei Ji's action of drinking Ning Ning's wine to protect her from drinking something she doesn't like showcases his chivalrous nature.

Character Interactions

• Ning Ning and Pei Ji: Their interaction is caring and protective, with Ning Ning showing concern for Pei Ji's condition and Pei Ji's action of drinking for her showing his protective instincts.
• Tian Xianzi and Meng Jue: They discuss Pei Ji's condition and decide to let Ning Ning take him back to the inn, hinting at their approval of the growing bond between Ning Ning and Pei Ji.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Pei Ji, the tyrannical leader of the Pei Family, gets drunk and leans on Ning Ning for support.
• They share an intimate moment in a secluded alley, with Pei Ji calling Ning Ning by her name for the first time.
• Ning Ning feels her heart race and experiences unusual sensations when touching Pei Ji.

Character Developments

• Pei Ji: Shows vulnerability and affection towards Ning Ning when drunk, hinting at his true feelings.
• Ning Ning: Realizes her growing feelings for Pei Ji, experiencing physical and emotional reactions to his closeness.

Significant Themes

• Love and attraction: The chapter explores the budding feelings between Pei Ji and Ning Ning.
• Vulnerability: Pei Ji's drunken state reveals his true emotions and makes him more vulnerable.

Character Interactions

• Pei Ji and Ning Ning: Their interaction is intense and intimate, with Pei Ji calling Ning Ning by her name and her experiencing strong physical reactions to his closeness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Pei Ji, drunk, assumes Ning Ning hates him due to her pushing him away earlier.
• Ning Ning clarifies she doesn't hate him, and they share a moment of understanding.
• Pei Ji, still intoxicated, asks Ning Ning not to always be with Senior Brother He.

Character Developments

• Pei Ji: Struggles with insecurities due to his past, shows vulnerability when drunk, and expresses his feelings for Ning Ning.
• Ning Ning: Demonstrates understanding and patience towards Pei Ji's insecurities, shows care and concern for him.

Significant Themes

• Communication and understanding between characters.
• The impact of past experiences on present behavior (Pei Ji's insecurities).
• The complexity of human emotions, even when under the influence of alcohol.

Character Interactions

• Ning Ning and Pei Ji: Their interaction reveals Pei Ji's hidden feelings and Ning Ning's understanding and acceptance of his vulnerabilities.
• Chengying (Narrator): Provides commentary and insight into Pei Ji's thoughts and feelings.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Pei Ji, drunk, confesses his feelings to Ning Ning, offering to keep her company and asking her to visit him more often.
• Ning Ning, surprised and embarrassed, agrees to stay with Pei Ji as he sleeps, promising not to put out the lamp.
• Pei Ji, nervous but determined, smiles at Ning Ning, asking her to put out the lamp if she stays.

Character Developments

• Pei Ji: Shows vulnerability by admitting his fear of the dark and expressing his feelings for Ning Ning. His actions reveal a more emotional and caring side beneath his usual stoic demeanor.
• Ning Ning: Struggles with her feelings for Pei Ji, showing embarrassment and nervousness when faced with his confession. Despite her initial hesitation, she agrees to stay with him, demonstrating her caring nature and willingness to support him.

Significant Themes

• Emotional Vulnerability: Both Pei Ji and Ning Ning show their vulnerable sides, with Pei Ji confessing his feelings and admitting his fear of the dark, and Ning Ning agreeing to stay with him despite her embarrassment.
• Relationship Development: The chapter explores the growing relationship between Pei Ji and Ning Ning, with Pei Ji expressing his feelings and Ning Ning showing her support and care for him.

Character Interactions

• Pei Ji and Ning Ning: The chapter focuses on their interaction, with Pei Ji confessing his feelings and asking Ning Ning to stay with him, and Ning Ning agreeing to support him despite her initial hesitation and embarrassment. Their interaction reveals a deeper connection and mutual understanding between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Pei Ji, drunk, carries Ning Ning to his bed and kisses her earlobe while she pretends to sleep.
• The next day, Pei Ji wakes up late and remembers his actions from the night before.
• He asks Chengying if he indeed kissed Ning Ning, and Chengying confirms it.

Character Developments

• Pei Ji: Struggles with his feelings for Ning Ning and is embarrassed by his drunken actions. He tries to maintain his composure but blushes when thinking about the kiss.
• Ning Ning: Pretends to sleep when Pei Ji kisses her, feeling embarrassed and shocked. She doesn't confront him about it the next day.

Significant Themes

• Love and attraction: Pei Ji's feelings for Ning Ning are becoming more apparent, even if he's not fully aware or willing to admit them.
• Embarrassment and denial: Both characters feel embarrassed about the situation but avoid addressing it directly.

Character Interactions

• Pei Ji and Ning Ning: Their relationship becomes more intimate, albeit unintentionally, with Pei Ji's drunken actions. Ning Ning doesn't acknowledge it, and Pei Ji is too embarrassed to bring it up.
• Pei Ji and Chengying: Pei Ji asks Chengying about his drunken behavior, and Chengying confirms his actions, trying to comfort him afterward.