Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The 104th Training Corps cadets, including Sasha Blouse and Mikasa Ackerman, are featured in this episode.
• Eren Yeager struggles with the Omni-Directional Mobility Gear but eventually masters it with the help of his companions.
• The three major military branches are introduced: the Garrison Regiment, Survey Corps, and Military Police Brigade.
• Eren, Armin, and Mikasa decide to join the Survey Corps.
• The Colossal Titan suddenly appears, destroying the gate of the Trost District and leaving the episode on a cliffhanger.

Character Developments

• Eren demonstrates resilience and determination in mastering the Omni-Directional Mobility Gear.
• Mikasa's popularity grows, with viewers admiring her strength and appearance.
• The Survey Corps is shown to have recovered and grown stronger after five years.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance and determination in the face of challenges (Eren's struggle with the mobility gear).
• The importance of camaraderie and teamwork (Eren's companions helping him).
• The resilience and growth of humanity in the face of adversity (the Survey Corps' recovery).

Character Interactions

• Eren interacts with his companions, seeking their advice and support to master the mobility gear.
• Eren, Armin, and Mikasa discuss their plans to join the Survey Corps, demonstrating their shared resolve.
• The cadets of the 104th Training Corps bond and support each other throughout their training.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter opens with a meta-reference to the series' own censorship, suggesting that the previous chapter might have been banned.
• The story continues with the main characters, Izuku Midoriya and Katsuki Bakugo, discussing their upcoming battle against the High-End Nomu.
• Midoriya struggles with his Quirk, One For All, due to its immense power and the strain it puts on his body.

Character Developments

• Izuku Midoriya: Midoriya grapples with the limitations and side effects of his Quirk, showing his determination to control and master it despite the challenges.
• Katsuki Bakugo: Bakugo displays concern for Midoriya's well-being, demonstrating a growing bond between the two rivals-turned-allies.

Significant Themes

• Power and Responsibility: Midoriya's struggle with One For All highlights the theme of power's double-edged nature and the responsibility that comes with it.
• Friendship and Teamwork: The conversation between Midoriya and Bakugo underscores the importance of their bond and teamwork in facing upcoming challenges.

Character Interactions

• Midoriya and Bakugo: The two protagonists have a heart-to-heart conversation, showing a deeper understanding and respect for each other's struggles and strengths.
• Midoriya and All Might: Although not present in this chapter, their relationship is referenced, with Midoriya expressing his desire to live up to All Might's expectations and teachings.

Key Plot Points and Events

• November arrives, and the weather turns colder, causing Gu Rou to become overprotective of Gu Xue, insisting she wear more clothes.
• Gu Xue's office at YUKI Studio gets a second chair, which Gu Rou uses to sit close to her sister.
• Gu Rou reveals that she plans to regain control of her former food company, only to sell it to competitors.
• Gu Xue and Gu Rou discuss the next Nendoroid figures to produce, settling on Annie Leonhart, Sasha Blouse, and Captain Levi from Attack on Titan.

Character Developments

• Gu Rou: Shows maternal concern for Gu Xue, becoming overprotective as the weather turns colder. She also demonstrates her business acumen and desire for revenge against Gu Xiao.
• Gu Xue: Struggles with Gu Rou's overprotection but enjoys their close sisterly bond. She shows understanding of the anime market and its unpredictable audience.

Significant Themes

• Family and sisterly bond: The chapter emphasizes the close relationship between Gu Xue and Gu Rou, with Gu Rou's overprotection highlighting their strong bond.
• Business and revenge: Gu Rou's plan to regain and sell her former company underscores her desire for revenge against Gu Xiao.

Character Interactions

• Gu Xue and Gu Rou: The sisters' playful and affectionate interactions are a central focus of the chapter, with Gu Rou's overprotection and Gu Xue's resistance creating a humorous dynamic.
• Gu Xue and Gu Rou (work-related): The sisters discuss business, with Gu Xue showing understanding of the market and Gu Rou making strategic decisions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The fifth episode of "Attack on Titan" airs, causing a massive audience reaction and increased viewership.
• The anime's official Nendoroid figure pre-orders surpass 40,000 within a week, indicating its high popularity.
• Fan works based on "Attack on Titan" start to emerge, with many creators aiming to capitalize on its popularity.

Character Developments

• Gu Xue, the anime's creator, becomes frustrated with the intense audience reaction but also acknowledges its growing popularity.
• Liu Xiuming, a hardcore otaku, becomes passionate about evangelizing "Attack on Titan" to his roommate, Li Dong.

Significant Themes

• The power of fandom and audience engagement in driving an anime's success.
• The tension between different interests and hobbies within a shared living space, as seen in Liu Xiuming and Li Dong's relationship.

Character Interactions

• Gu Xue interacts with the audience through her Twitter account, expressing her frustration with their intense reaction to the anime.
• Liu Xiuming tries to recommend "Attack on Titan" to Li Dong, but their different interests and hobbies lead to a lack of understanding between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Dong, after a shower, finds Liu Xiuming engrossed in 'Attack on Titan'.
• Li Dong starts watching a low-rated TV drama but gets drawn to 'Attack on Titan' ads.
• He searches for and starts watching 'Attack on Titan' on Bilibili.
• In the first five episodes, Li Dong is captivated by the animation's pacing, plot, and action sequences.
• In episode 5, Eren, the protagonist, loses a leg and later gets swallowed by a Titan, shocking Li Dong.

Character Developments

• Li Dong: Initially dismissive of anime, he becomes engrossed in 'Attack on Titan', experiencing strong emotional reactions.
• Eren (Attack on Titan): Establishes himself as a badass protagonist but suffers a severe setback, getting swallowed by a Titan.

Significant Themes

• The harsh reality of the 'Attack on Titan' world, contrasting with Li Dong's initial expectations of anime.
• The fragility of human nature and the cruelty of aristocrats, as shown in the animation's plot.

Character Interactions

• Li Dong and Liu Xiuming: Li Dong observes Liu Xiuming watching 'Attack on Titan', sparking his initial interest.
• Li Dong and 'Attack on Titan': Li Dong's emotional journey as he watches the animation, from curiosity to shock and despair.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Dong continues watching 'Attack on Titan,' deeply moved by the animation's quality and storytelling.
• Episode six focuses on Armin's situation post-Eren's "death" and the backstory of Eren and Mikasa's friendship.
• Episode seven depicts a desperate battle, with Mikasa leading a suicidal charge against Titans and characters dying one by one. Eren's Titan form reappears at the end, saving Mikasa and exciting the audience.

Character Developments

• Li Dong: Realizes the impact and quality of anime, becoming an otaku.
• Mikasa: Loses will to live after Eren's apparent death but regains it after remembering Eren's words, leading to her rescue by Eren's Titan form.

Significant Themes

• The emotional impact of storytelling and animation quality.
• The power of friendship and determination in the face of adversity.

Character Interactions

• Li Dong and Liu Xiuming: Li Dong's excitement about 'Attack on Titan' surprises Liu Xiuming, who recommended the anime to him.
• Gu Xue and Miyamoto Fumie: Gu Xue is shocked by Miyamoto Fumie's sudden appearance and her talk about marriage and advertisements.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Xue's aunt, Miyamoto Fumie, excitedly drags her out of the office after misunderstanding her about dowry and marriage.
• Miyamoto Fumie reveals she wants to invest in advertising for the anime "Attack on Titan" using her dowry money.
• They discuss the advertising strategy, with Miyamoto Fumie emphasizing the importance of timing and targeting casual viewers.
• The advertisements for Attack on Titan are launched on various platforms, including prominent landmark electronic screens.
• The anime's popularity explodes due to the advertising campaign, coinciding with the most exciting plot points.

Character Developments

• Gu Xue: Realizes the importance of Miyamoto Fumie's business acumen and expresses gratitude for her help.
• Miyamoto Fumie: Proves her understanding of anime marketing and business operations, showing care and support for Gu Xue's projects.

Significant Themes

• Timing and strategy in marketing and business.
• The power of advertising in creating buzz and generating interest.
• The importance of understanding one's audience and targeting marketing efforts effectively.

Character Interactions

• Gu Xue and Miyamoto Fumie: Their interaction showcases their mutual respect and appreciation, with Miyamoto Fumie acting as a mentor and benefactor to Gu Xue.
• Various characters in the anime's audience: Their reactions to the advertisements and subsequent viewing of the anime highlight the effectiveness of the marketing strategy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Attack on Titan's popularity explodes, with the composer Hashimoto Shin being one of the first to notice and feel its impact.
• Hashimoto Shin receives numerous harassing phone calls due to his association with the anime's OP, "Guren no Yumiya."
• His nephew and brother-in-law also recognize his voice from the anime, leading to humorous interactions.

Character Developments

• Hashimoto Shin: Realizes the extent of Attack on Titan's popularity and its impact on his life. He becomes increasingly frustrated with people mishearing the lyrics and asking him to sing the "Eren was forced into the bathtub" version.
• Hashimoto Shin's nephew: Shows enthusiasm for the anime and its music, but also contributes to Hashimoto Shin's frustration.
• Hashimoto Shin's brother-in-law: Initially uninterested in anime, he becomes curious about Attack on Titan due to its popularity and Hashimoto Shin's involvement.

Significant Themes

• The power of popularity and its impact on individuals.
• Miscommunication and misunderstandings leading to humor and frustration.
• The disconnect between the creative process and the audience's perception.

Character Interactions

• Hashimoto Shin and his nephew: Their interactions highlight Hashimoto Shin's frustration with his nephew's lack of recognition for his work beyond the OP and the misheard lyrics.
• Hashimoto Shin and his brother-in-law: Their conversation shows the brother-in-law's initial ignorance about anime but also his eventual curiosity about Attack on Titan.
• Hashimoto Shin and various callers: His interactions with callers demonstrate the extent of Attack on Titan's popularity and the misconceptions surrounding his involvement in the anime's music.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hashimoto Shin learns his brother-in-law recognized his song from Attack on Titan, realizing the anime's impact on his music career.
• He receives a call from NHK, inviting him to perform at the Kōhaku Uta Gassen, a prestigious music event.
• The first volume of Attack on Titan's BD is released, selling over 182,000 copies in its first week, breaking records.

Character Developments

• Hashimoto Shin: Realizes the magnitude of Attack on Titan's popularity and its impact on his career, leading to an invitation to perform at the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
• Gu Xue: Maintains composure upon hearing the first-week sales of Attack on Titan, showing satisfaction but also determination to continue working.

Significant Themes

• The impact of popular culture (Attack on Titan) on other forms of media (music) and industries.
• The commercial success of anime and its significance in the industry.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponents (Narita Kei's actions against Gu Xue and Mihara).

Character Interactions

• Hashimoto Shin and his brother-in-law: Their interaction highlights the reach and impact of Attack on Titan's popularity.
• Gu Xue and the industry: Gu Xue's tweet and the industry's reaction to it show the tension and competition within the anime industry.
• Gu Xue and Narita Kei: Their indirect interaction, through Gu Xue's tweet and Narita Kei's reaction, demonstrates the power dynamics and rivalry between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Xue's tweet sends Narita Kei into a rage, leading him to destroy crucial key animation for Monster.
• The veteran animator who worked on the key animation quits after Narita Kei demands a redraw without explanation.
• Monster's broadcast is delayed due to the destroyed key animation, and Lyons from Netflix arrives to confront Narita Kei.
• Lyons, enraged by Monster's quality and Narita Kei's attitude, physically assaults him and issues an ultimatum to change the anime's plot.

Character Developments

• Narita Kei: His arrogance and lack of professionalism are exposed, leading to severe consequences for Monster's production and his relationship with Lyons and 3.C PICTURE.
• Lyons: He demonstrates his frustration and anger, revealing his commitment to quality and his disdain for Narita Kei's work and attitude.
• The veteran animator: He stands up for himself and quits after being disrespected by Narita Kei.

Significant Themes

• The importance of respect and communication in professional relationships.
• The consequences of poor decision-making and lack of professionalism in creative industries.
• The power dynamics between financers and creators in anime production.

Character Interactions

• Narita Kei and Lyons: Their tense interaction escalates into a physical altercation, highlighting Lyons' frustration and Narita Kei's lack of respect for his financier.
• Narita Kei and the veteran animator: The animator's resignation after being disrespected by Narita Kei shows the consequences of poor treatment of staff.
• Lyons and the president of 3.C PICTURE: Their alliance against Narita Kei indicates the financier's influence and the production company's support for Lyons' demands.

Key Plot Points and Events

• C PICTURE announces a recap episode for 'Monster', delaying the main series.
• Gu Xue is surprised and confused by the delay but doesn't dwell on it.
• Gu Xue shares the news with Mihara Chisa, who invites her to the studio.
• Upon arriving, Gu Xue finds YUKI Studio celebrating the first week's BD sales of 'Attack on Titan' (180,000 units).
• Gu Xue takes Mihara Chisa to her office, where they share a kiss.

Character Developments

• Gu Xue: Shows pride in 'Attack on Titan's' success, displays affection towards Mihara Chisa, and engages in a kiss, hinting at her growing feelings.
• Mihara Chisa: Proud of her role in 'Attack on Titan's' success, reciprocates Gu Xue's affection, and initiates the kiss, revealing her feelings for Gu Xue.

Significant Themes

• Success and recognition in the anime industry.
• The growing relationship between Gu Xue and Mihara Chisa, hinting at romantic feelings.
• Escapism and denial of one's feelings.

Character Interactions

• Gu Xue and Mihara Chisa: Their bond deepens as they share a kiss, marking a significant moment in their relationship.
• Gu Xue and YUKI Studio staff: They celebrate 'Attack on Titan's' success together, showcasing a strong team dynamic.
• Gu Xue and Tamai Yao: Tamai Yao teases Gu Xue about her singing the OP, leading to a playful exchange.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Xue and Mihara Chisa share a moment, hugging and holding hands, before being interrupted by Sato Eii kicking open the office door.
• Sato Eii brings Shirakawa Rina to the office, revealing that 'Embrace a Beautiful Tomorrow' is ending due to Shirakawa Rina's decision to move on from the series.
• Gu Xue learns about the manga's finale and offers her congratulations.

Character Developments

• Gu Xue: Shows understanding and support for Shirakawa Rina's decision to end the manga, demonstrating her growth as a mentor figure.
• Shirakawa Rina: Exhibits self-awareness and a desire for growth, deciding to end 'Embrace a Beautiful Tomorrow' to challenge herself further.
• Mihara Chisa: Shows protectiveness towards Gu Xue, glaring at Shirakawa Rina when she tries to approach Gu Xue aggressively.
• Sato Eii: Remains her usual playful and dim-witted self, acting as a comic relief and tension-breaker.

Significant Themes

• Growth and moving on: Shirakawa Rina's decision to end 'Embrace a Beautiful Tomorrow' to challenge herself and avoid stagnation.
• Mentorship: Gu Xue's understanding and support for Shirakawa Rina's decision, showing her growth as a mentor figure.
• Interpersonal relationships: The dynamics between Gu Xue, Mihara Chisa, Sato Eii, and Shirakawa Rina, showcasing their unique bonds and interactions.

Character Interactions

• Gu Xue and Mihara Chisa: Share a tender moment before being interrupted, with Mihara Chisa showing protectiveness towards Gu Xue.
• Gu Xue and Shirakawa Rina: Gu Xue offers her congratulations and support for Shirakawa Rina's decision to end the manga, demonstrating their mentor-mentee relationship.
• Sato Eii and Shirakawa Rina: Sato Eii brings Shirakawa Rina to the office, with Shirakawa Rina initially acting aggressive towards Gu Xue but later revealing her true intentions.
• All characters: Their interactions showcase their unique dynamics and relationships, with Sato Eii acting as a comic relief and tension-breaker.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Xue is pressured by Shirakawa Rina to write a manga script for her.
• Gu Xue initially refuses, but Shirakawa Rina persists, even calling Gu Xue "big sister" to persuade her.
• Gu Xue agrees on the condition that Shirakawa Rina won't ask for advice too frequently.
• Gu Xue pitches "Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend," but Shirakawa Rina and the others find the male lead disgusting.
• Gu Xue suggests "Fate/stay night" as an alternative, mentioning it's an important IP for YUKI Studio.

Character Developments

• Shirakawa Rina displays determination and persistence in persuading Gu Xue.
• Gu Xue shows reluctance to take on a co-author role due to fear of responsibility and harassment.
• Gu Xue feels pity for Shirakawa Rina's timid appearance.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between creativity and commercialism in the manga industry.
• The challenges of adapting existing works and the expectations of fans.

Character Interactions

• Gu Xue and Shirakawa Rina's dynamic mirrors that of Gu Xue and Eriri, with Shirakawa Rina acting like a tsundere.
• Mihara Chisa acts as a mediator and protector for Gu Xue.
• Sato Eii provides commentary and support for Gu Xue.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Xue hints at a Fate/stay night project to Shirakawa Rina, who expresses interest in creating a serious drama manga.
• Gu Xue considers a multimedia project for Fate, given its complexity and potential.
• Attack on Titan BD sales exceed expectations, with volumes 2 and 3 maintaining high sales.
• A video of Gu Xue singing the Attack on Titan OP goes viral, causing a stir among fans.

Character Developments

• Shirakawa Rina shows initiative and quick decision-making, bringing Miyamoto Fumie to Gu Xue.
• Gu Xue demonstrates her business acumen and adaptability, considering a multimedia project for Fate.
• Liu Xiuming, a fan, is greatly affected by Gu Xue's singing, leading him to impulsively buy the Attack on Titan BD.

Significant Themes

• Adaptability and innovation in storytelling (Fate manga, multimedia project)
• The impact of unexpected events on decision-making (Shirakawa Rina's quick decision, Liu Xiuming's impulsive purchase)
• The power of fan engagement and virality (Gu Xue's singing video)

Character Interactions

• Gu Xue and Shirakawa Rina: Gu Xue plants an idea in Shirakawa Rina's mind, leading to a potential collaboration.
• Liu Xiuming and Gu Xue (through the video): Liu Xiuming is deeply affected by Gu Xue's singing, leading to an impulsive purchase.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Xue's singing of the OP for Attack on Titan is leaked and goes viral, reaching 4 million views in 5 hours.
• The first volume of Attack on Titan BD's sales skyrocket due to the special feature's revelation.
• Gu Xue has a mental breakdown upon seeing the widespread reaction to her singing.

Character Developments

• Gu Xue: Struggles with sudden fame and attention, has a mental breakdown due to embarrassment and anxiety.
• Tamai Yao: Teases Gu Xue about her popularity and reaction to the attention.

Significant Themes

• Embarrassment and anxiety due to sudden fame and attention.
• The power of bonuses and special features in driving anime sales.

Character Interactions

• Gu Xue and Tamai Yao: Tamai Yao teases Gu Xue about her popularity, causing Gu Xue to have a mental breakdown.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The release of Attack on Titan's Blu-ray causes a stir due to Gu Xue's opening theme performance.
• Sales of the Blu-ray skyrocket, creating an unprecedented "right shoulder" spike.
• Gu Xue regrets singing the opening theme and develops a phobia of recording studios.
• Gu Xue meets with Miyamoto Fumie and Shirakawa Rina at YUKI Studio to discuss a multimedia project for the Fate series.

Character Developments

• Gu Xue becomes an overnight sensation due to her singing, leading to regret and discomfort with her newfound fame.
• Gu Xue shows confidence in the Fate series' potential and takes a proactive role in pitching it to YUKI Studio.
• Shirakawa Rina expresses willingness to draw the Fate manga despite Gu Xue's concerns.

Significant Themes

• The impact of sudden fame and the consequences of unintended public exposure.
• The importance of trust and clear communication in business partnerships, as seen in Gu Xue's cautious approach to working with Ohashi Publishing.

Character Interactions

• Gu Xue interacts with Miyamoto Fumie and Shirakawa Rina, discussing the Fate series multimedia project and addressing her concerns about working with Ohashi Publishing.
• Gu Xue's interactions with her friends and colleagues reveal her growing influence and confidence in the industry.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Xue seeks Miyamoto Fumie's help to smoothen the path for Shirakawa Rina's manga serialization of 'Fate'.
• Miyamoto Fumie initially teases Gu Xue about her supposed obsession with money.
• Miyamoto Fumie explains that Gu Xue's current popularity ensures success for the manga serialization.
• Miyamoto Fumie agrees to help Gu Xue, prioritizing the manga serialization and deciding on further steps based on its popularity.
• Gu Xue hands over the Fate world-building and settings to Miyamoto Fumie and Shirakawa Rina.
• Miyamoto Fumie is impressed by the commercial potential of the Fate setting and suggests launching an anime project directly.
• Gu Xue declines, citing YUKI Studio's current commitments and lack of resources.

Character Developments

• Gu Xue demonstrates her seriousness and consideration for others' feelings, worrying about Miyamoto Fumie's potential troubles.
• Miyamoto Fumie shows her business acumen and understanding of the industry, appreciating the commercial value of Gu Xue's ideas.
• Shirakawa Rina displays her enthusiasm and immersion in the Fate setting.

Significant Themes

• The power of popularity and name value in the industry.
• The commercial potential of unique and imaginative ideas.
• The importance of careful planning and consideration of resources in project management.

Character Interactions

• Gu Xue and Miyamoto Fumie's playful banter and mutual respect.
• Gu Xue's serious discussion with Miyamoto Fumie about the Fate project's potential consequences.
• Miyamoto Fumie's impressed reaction to the Fate setting and her suggestion for an anime project.
• Gu Xue's decline of Miyamoto Fumie's suggestion, citing practical reasons.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Xue explains her decision to step back from directing the new project, aiming to foster growth and diversity within Yuki Studio.
• Gu Xue reveals that Misawa Hiroshi will be the director of the new project, with Gu Xue not holding any official position.
• Gu Xue and Miyamoto Fumie discuss the risks and benefits of Gu Xue's decision.
• Yuki Studio's upload of Attack on Titan on YouTube is revealed to be a strategy to attract Netflix's attention for a bundled deal.
• Gu Xue receives an unexpected call inviting her to participate in the Kōhaku Uta Gassen (Red and White Song Battle), a prestigious Japanese music event.

Character Developments

• Gu Xue demonstrates her commitment to nurturing Yuki Studio's talent and maintaining a vibrant work environment, even at the risk of potential financial losses.
• Miyamoto Fumie shows concern for Gu Xue's career and the studio's future, displaying a protective and nurturing side.
• Gu Xue's fame and influence are highlighted when she receives an invitation to participate in a major music event.

Significant Themes

• The importance of nurturing talent and fostering growth within an organization.
• The risks and rewards of stepping back from a leadership role.
• The potential for unexpected opportunities and invitations, even in unconventional fields.

Character Interactions

• Gu Xue and Miyamoto Fumie's conversation showcases their close relationship, with Miyamoto Fumie acting as a mentor and confidante.
• Gu Xue's interaction with the staff member from NHK highlights her surprise and reluctance to participate in the music event, emphasizing her identity as an animation director.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Xue receives a call inviting her to the Kōhaku Uta Gassen, with the condition of bringing her pet (Sato Eii) to box on stage.
• News spreads rapidly within the studio, causing excitement among her colleagues.
• Gu Xue confronts Sato Eii about the misunderstanding, leading to a playful scolding and ear-pulling.

Character Developments

• Gu Xue: Shows frustration and disbelief at the invitation, but also displays a playful side when dealing with Sato Eii.
• Sato Eii: Initially excited and oblivious, later shows remorse and understanding of Gu Xue's feelings.

Significant Themes

• Misunderstandings and their consequences.
• The unexpected nature of life's events.
• The dynamics of workplace relationships.

Character Interactions

• Gu Xue and Sato Eii: Their interaction shows a mix of frustration, playfulness, and understanding between a senior and junior colleague.
• Gu Xue and Gu Xiao: Their conversation reveals a complex father-daughter relationship, with Gu Xue expressing exasperation and Gu Xiao showing concern for his daughter's well-being.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Xiao, despite his tough exterior, is soft-hearted towards his youngest daughter, Gu Xue.
• Gu Xue feels guilty for borrowing money from Gu Xiao and keeping in touch with him secretly, as Gu Rou is unaware.
• Gu Xiao invites himself to visit Gu Xue and Gu Rou during the New Year, but Gu Xue tries to dissuade him, fearing Gu Rou's reaction.
• Gu Rou expresses concern about Gu Xue's invitation to the Kōhaku Uta Gassen, revealing she had heard about it from Sato Eii.
• Gu Xue threatens to go to Gu Xiao if Gu Rou doesn't listen to her complaints about her pajamas.

Character Developments

• Gu Xiao: Struggles with his tough image and his soft heart towards Gu Xue, feeling guilty for past mistakes.
• Gu Xue: Feels guilty for keeping secrets from Gu Rou and is torn between her loyalty to her sister and her desire to maintain a relationship with her father.
• Gu Rou: Shows concern for Gu Xue's well-being and is protective of her, displaying a dominant and possessive side.
• Sato Eii: Reveals she informed Gu Rou about the Kōhaku Uta Gassen invitation, causing tension between the sisters.

Significant Themes

• Family dynamics and relationships, particularly the complex father-daughter bond between Gu Xiao and Gu Xue.
• Guilt and its consequences, as seen through Gu Xue's actions and feelings.
• The struggle between loyalty and personal desires, as experienced by Gu Xue.

Character Interactions

• Gu Xiao and Gu Xue: Their conversation reveals the depth of Gu Xiao's guilt and his desire to reconnect with Gu Xue, while Gu Xue struggles with her feelings of guilt and loyalty.
• Gu Rou and Gu Xue: Their interaction highlights Gu Rou's protective nature and dominance over Gu Xue, as well as Gu Xue's frustration with her sister's behavior.
• Gu Xue and Sato Eii: Their interaction shows Gu Xue's frustration with Sato Eii's actions and her role in causing tension between the sisters.