Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qing Chen is accused by Yi's brother, Li Shentan, of teaching Yi about online relationships.
• Li Shentan reveals that he is aware of Yi's actions and warns Qing Chen not to let Yi do anything for him anymore.
• Qing Chen learns that the crossing event is related to Li Shentan and that Da Fu's second containment condition is to lick its forehead.
• Qing Chen enters District 9 of City 22, witnessing the harsh living conditions and desperation of its residents.
• He rents a room in a building called "Dove Cage" and is targeted by local young people who want to steal his organs.

Character Developments

• Qing Chen demonstrates caution and patience in dealing with Li Shentan, showing a new level of maturity.
• Li Shentan is revealed to be a caring and protective figure towards Yi, despite his initial stern demeanor.
• The residents of District 9 are shown to be desperate and willing to do anything for money, including selling their organs and exploiting children.

Significant Themes

• The stark contrast between the wealthy and the poor, and the exploitation of the latter by the former.
• The dehumanizing effects of poverty and desperation.
• The power dynamics between the corporations and the common people.

Character Interactions

• Qing Chen and Li Shentan: Qing Chen is cautious and respectful towards Li Shentan, while Li Shentan is stern but ultimately cares for Yi's well-being.
• Qing Chen and the residents of District 9: Qing Chen is seen as a potential source of income by the residents, who are willing to steal from him and even harm him.
• The child and Qing Chen: The child's actions highlight the desperate state of the lower districts, where even children are forced to steal to survive.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Parent's Association, led by Luo Wanyai, arrives in City 22, aiming to expand their territory.
• They use a truck filled with people instead of strawberries, bypassing immigration with the help of a family member official.
• Luo Wanyai emphasizes discipline and no harm to innocents to his team.
• They encounter signs of Kamiyo's caste system in City 22.
• Zhang Qinghuan's gang is attacked by the Parent's Association, mistaking them for Qing Chen's allies due to their supply of mechanical limbs.

Character Developments

• Luo Wanyai: Shows leadership, discipline, and a connection to the mysterious Patriarch of the Parent's Association.
• Zhang Qinghuan: Demonstrates ambition, cultural depth, and a desire to join the Qing Clan, but ultimately stands up to the Parent's Association.

Significant Themes

• Expansion and territory: The Parent's Association seeks to grow and establish a foothold in City 22.
• Discipline and unity: Luo Wanyai emphasizes the importance of discipline and unity among his team.
• Class and caste: The story highlights the caste system implemented by Kamiyo in the north.

Character Interactions

• Luo Wanyai interacts with his team, instructing them and answering their questions about the Patriarch.
• Zhang Qinghuan interacts with his gang members, showing his ambition and cultural aspirations.
• Zhang Qinghuan is interrogated by a member of the Parent's Association, displaying his defiance and unwillingness to be a mole.

Qing Chen walked out of the Dove Cage, his mind made up. He knew what he had to do to survive in this harsh world. He couldn't just wait for things to happen; he had to take the initiative.
He first went to the nearby market, where he bought a set of old clothes and a pair of worn-out shoes. He also bought a cheap brain-computer interface, a basic model that wouldn't cause too much strain on his brain.
Next, he went to a pawn shop and sold his old phone, getting a small sum of money. He then went to a bank and exchanged it for a prepaid card, which he could use to withdraw cash from ATMs.
After that, he went to a small clinic and got a basic medical checkup. The doctor warned him about the risks of brain-computer interface use, but Qing Chen insisted on getting a clean bill of health.
Finally, he went to a small, run-down internet cafe. He sat down at a computer terminal and logged into the blockchain mining platform he had heard about from Zhang Mengqian.
He set up an account, connected his brain-computer interface, and started mining. The computer screen displayed a complex mathematical equation, and Qing Chen focused his mind on solving it.
The hours passed slowly. Qing Chen took breaks every hour to rest his mind and body. He knew he had to pace himself to avoid overworking his brain.
As he mined, he thought about his situation. He was in a desperate place, but he was determined to survive. He would work hard, save money, and find a way out of this hell.
He knew it wouldn't be easy. The Blackwater Gang would still come for him, and the Cross Game was a death sentence. But he was determined to fight back, to resist, and to survive.
He would do whatever it took to live, to breathe, and to see the light of day again. He would not be a victim, not a prey. He would be a survivor, a fighter, a man who refused to be broken.
And so, Qing Chen mined, day after day, hour after hour. He worked hard, he rested hard, and he waited. He waited for the day when he would be strong enough to fight back, to resist, and to take his life back into his own hands.

Plot Points and Events

• Qing Chen, impersonating Chen Sui, starts working at the Black Swan Restaurant in City No. 22 to get close to Kamiyo Yunhe.
• Kamiyo Yunhe, after losing her mechanical arm and suffering a defeat at the hands of Qing Chen, has been frequenting the Black Swan Restaurant, acting despondent to lure out those who want to kill her.
• Kamishiro Yunluo, a troublesome Chosen One from the Outer World, appears at the Black Swan Restaurant, behaving like a playboy.
• A mysterious white person is seen passing by Kamiyo Yunhe, suggesting potential cooperation across the Forbidden Sea.

Character Developments

• Qing Chen remains calm and patient, understanding Kamiyo Yunhe's act and preparing for a long game.
• Kamiyo Yunhe is shown to be acting despondent to lure out his enemies, displaying his cunning and patience.
• Kamishiro Yunluo's behavior is a stark contrast to his previous image as a formidable opponent, making Qing Chen suspicious of his motives.

Significant Themes

• Patience and perseverance in the face of adversity, as seen in both Qing Chen and Kamiyo Yunhe's actions.
• The complex dynamics of power and ambition within the Kamishiro Corporation, with Kamiyo Yunhe and Kamishiro Yunluo representing different factions.
• The potential for cooperation and conflict across the Forbidden Sea, hinting at future geopolitical tensions.

Character Interactions

• Qing Chen observes Kamiyo Yunhe and Kamishiro Yunluo from a distance, gathering information and planning his next move.
• Kamiyo Yunhe and Kamishiro Yunluo exchange barbed words, revealing their underlying tensions and animosity.
• The mysterious white person's brief appearance raises questions about potential interactions between the Federation and those on the other side of the Forbidden Sea.

• Qing Chen accompanies Kamishiro Yunluo for drinks at the Black Swan Restaurant, where he pretends to be a waiter. Kamishiro Yunluo reveals he knows Qing Chen's true identity and offers to help him kill Kamishiro Yunhe in exchange for a favor, but Qing Chen declines.
• Kamishiro Yunluo hints at his friendship with the Li Clan and his grandfather's suicide on Li Xiurui's path to fulfilling his dream. He also reveals that he won't touch Jingūji Maki's mother and implies that he wants to use Qing Chen as a tool to eliminate Yun Wu, Yun Ye, and Yun Jue.
• Qing Chen returns to Dove Cage and finds Zhang Mengqian injured. He gives him food and tells him about the hardships of life.
• Luo Wanyai and his men capture the remaining Time Walkers in City 22 and plan to kill them to prove their loyalty to the Patriarch's Association. Luo Wanyai offers to help the Art Troupe eliminate their rival gang, the Blackwater Gang.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Mengqian, a 13-year-old boy with a mechanical eye, meets Qing Chen, an Inspector from Intelligence Department One.
• Qing Chen learns about Zhang Mengqian's tragic past and offers him help.
• The Blackwater Gang, a local criminal organization, arrives to collect protection fees or capture Qing Chen.
• Luo Wanyai and his family members, led by Zhang Qinghuan, arrive to confront the Blackwater Gang.

Character Developments

• Zhang Mengqian: Initially wary of Qing Chen's kindness, he gradually opens up and accepts Qing Chen's help. He's resourceful and brave for his age.
• Qing Chen: Disguised as a weak person, he's actually a formidable Inspector. He shows kindness and patience towards Zhang Mengqian.
• Luo Wanyai: He's a decisive and fearsome leader, eager to make a good impression on his boss (Zhang Qinghuan). He's not afraid to take on small gangs.
• Zhang Qinghuan: Initially reluctant and fearful, he steps up to lead the confrontation against the Blackwater Gang under Luo Wanyai's guidance.

Significant Themes

• Kindness and Trust: Qing Chen's kindness towards Zhang Mengqian helps build trust between them.
• Power Dynamics: The Blackwater Gang's control over the lower districts is challenged by Luo Wanyai and his family members.
• Fast-Paced Life: The chapter title reflects the rapid changes and actions taken by characters, contrasting with the usual slow pace of life in the lower districts.

Character Interactions

• Qing Chen and Zhang Mengqian: Qing Chen's kindness and patience help Zhang Mengqian open up about his past and accept Qing Chen's help.
• Luo Wanyai and Zhang Qinghuan: Luo Wanyai guides Zhang Qinghuan, helping him step up to lead the confrontation against the Blackwater Gang.
• Zhang Qinghuan and the Blackwater Gang: Zhang Qinghuan, initially reluctant, delivers the line "Deal with them!" to initiate the confrontation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Luo Wanyai and the Parent's Association take over Blackwater Gang's territory, the Dove Cage building, in District 9.
• They repair the elevators, install surveillance, and start collecting protection fees.
• Luo Wanyai's group begins addressing the building's issues, such as fixing sewage pipes and maintaining cleanliness.
• They also start dealing with criminal activities within the building, using force to deter misbehavior.

Character Developments

• Luo Wanyai: Shows his strategic thinking and willingness to get his hands dirty to achieve his goals. He understands the need to adapt to the current situation and make gradual changes.
• Qing Chen: Reveals himself as the mastermind behind the operation. He is willing to make tough decisions and accepts responsibility for the methods used.
• Zhang Mengqian: Realizes the true power dynamics and the extent of Qing Chen's influence. He starts to see Qing Chen as his "boss."

Significant Themes

• Adaptation and Change: The Parent's Association adapts to the existing gang structure and protection fee system to establish their presence in District 9. They also plan to gradually change the system from within.
• Acceptance of Evil: Qing Chen and Luo Wanyai acknowledge that they must use force and potentially engage in questionable activities to achieve their goals, but they are willing to accept this evil for the greater good.

Character Interactions

• Luo Wanyai and Qing Chen: Luo Wanyai seeks guidance from Qing Chen, who provides strategic advice and accepts responsibility for the decisions made.
• Luo Wanyai and Xiao Qi: Luo Wanyai delegates tasks to Xiao Qi, who enthusiastically carries them out.
• Zhang Mengqian and Luo Wanyai: Zhang Mengqian observes Luo Wanyai's actions and starts to see him as a capable leader.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Art Troupe, led by Luo Wanyai, begins renovations in the Dove Cage building, including sewer repairs, power transmission tower repair, and installing surveillance systems.
• The residents are initially surprised and skeptical but become impressed when the Art Troupe performs these services for free, using the collected protection fees.
• The Art Troupe's actions inspire hope in the residents, with some considering moving to the Dove Cage building.
• Luo Wanyai reveals his plan to Xiao Qi: expanding the Parent's Association's influence through property management in the lower districts of major cities.
• The Art Troupe handles a theft case, demonstrating their effectiveness in maintaining order and winning the residents' trust.

Character Developments

• Luo Wanyai: Shows leadership and vision in improving the living conditions of the residents and expanding the Parent's Association's influence.
• Xiao Qi: Demonstrates loyalty and understanding of Luo Wanyai's plans, as well as competence in handling practical matters.
• Zhang Qinghuan: Shows enthusiasm and dedication in managing the Art Troupe's operations in the Dove Cage building.
• The Residents: Initially skeptical, they become hopeful and supportive of the Art Troupe's efforts to improve their living conditions.

Significant Themes

• Hope and Change: The Art Troupe's actions bring hope and inspire change in the stagnant lives of the District 9 residents.
• Leadership and Vision: Luo Wanyai's leadership and vision drive the Art Troupe's efforts to improve the living conditions of the residents and expand the Parent's Association's influence.
• Trust and Community: The Art Troupe's actions build trust and foster a sense of community among the residents.

Character Interactions

• Luo Wanyai and Xiao Qi: They discuss the Parent's Association's future and work together to implement Luo Wanyai's plans.
• The Art Troupe and the Residents: The Art Troupe's actions win the residents' trust and support, fostering a sense of community.
• Luo Wanyai and Qing Chen: They discuss Zhang Mengqian's role as a future Knight Messenger, demonstrating their understanding and cooperation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qing Chen discusses his long-term plans with Luo Wanyai, aiming to take over District 9 and eventually control a significant portion of the Federation's power through public opinion and intelligence networks.
• Qing Chen reveals his vision of using the Parent's Association to enlighten the proletariat and surround the upper six districts.
• Qing Chen's double life is challenged when he has to serve Kamishiro Yunluo and his friends at the Black Swan Restaurant, leading to a tense situation with Kamishiro Yunhe present.
• The Art Troupe deals with armed resistance in the Dove Cage building, using military-grade stun grenades to subdue the opposition.

Character Developments

• Qing Chen: Shows his long-term strategic thinking and commitment to his goals. His dual identity as the Lord of Daybreak and a waiter at the Black Swan Restaurant creates internal conflict and tension.
• Luo Wanyai: Demonstrates loyalty and understanding of Qing Chen's vision, showing growth in his role within the Parent's Association.
• Kamishiro Yunluo: Continues to test Qing Chen's patience and skills, enjoying the game of cat and mouse between them.
• Kamishiro Yunhe: Remains vigilant and protective of Kamishiro Yunluo, maintaining his defensive stance.

Significant Themes

• Long-term planning and strategy
• The power of public opinion and intelligence networks
• The tension between Qing Chen's dual identities
• The struggle for control and influence in the lower districts

Character Interactions

• Qing Chen and Luo Wanyai: Qing Chen shares his vision with Luo Wanyai, who shows understanding and commitment to the cause.
• Qing Chen and Kamishiro Yunluo: Their interactions at the Black Swan Restaurant create tension and uncertainty, with Kamishiro Yunluo enjoying the game and Qing Chen growing increasingly irritated.
• Kamishiro Yunhe and Kamishiro Yunluo: Their dynamic shows the protective nature of Kamishiro Yunhe towards his brother, despite not acknowledging his presence directly.

Summary

Key plot points and events

• Qing Chen and Zhang Mengqian kill 28 Kamiyo Time Walkers to lure out the Kamishiro Corporation's attention.
• Qing Chen impersonates Takahashi Sa, one of Kamishiro Yunhe's bodyguards, to get close to him.
• Kamishiro Yunhe sets a trap for Qing Chen, using his ability to control spiders and the garrison forces to pursue him.
• Qing Chen leads Kamishiro Yunhe on a chase through the city, using pre-planned routes and timing to evade capture.
• Kamishiro Yunhe realizes the trap and tries to turn the tables on Qing Chen, but Qing Chen uses a sniper rifle with a pre-set trajectory to wound Kamishiro Yunhe.
• Qing Chen escapes, and Kamishiro Yunhe orders a city-wide manhunt.

Character developments

• Qing Chen demonstrates his strategic and tactical prowess, meticulously planning every detail of the operation.
• Zhang Mengqian shows potential as a killer, assisting Qing Chen in the operation and revealing his sixth sense.
• Kamishiro Yunhe displays his cunning and adaptability, quickly realizing Qing Chen's trap and trying to counter it.
• Kamishiro Yunhe's resolve to survive and seek revenge is strengthened after his injury.

Significant themes

• The power of calculation and planning in warfare and strategy.
• The importance of adaptability and quick thinking in the face of changing circumstances.
• The consequences of one's actions and the lengths one will go to for revenge.

Character interactions

• Qing Chen and Zhang Mengqian work together to carry out the operation, with Qing Chen acting as the strategist and Zhang Mengqian as the assistant.
• Qing Chen and Kamishiro Yunhe engage in a high-speed chase, with Qing Chen trying to lure Kamishiro Yunhe into a trap and Kamishiro Yunhe trying to counter it.
• Kamishiro Yunhe interacts with the garrison forces, using them as pawns in his pursuit of Qing Chen.

Character motivations

• Qing Chen seeks revenge against Kamishiro Yunhe for his past actions and to protect those he cares about.
• Kamishiro Yunhe wants to eliminate Qing Chen as a threat to his power and to avenge his injured pride.
• Zhang Mengqian wants to prove himself to Qing Chen and find a way out of his current situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The author discusses the upcoming annual ranking event, which doesn't affect the main story.
• Last year's top monthly vote-getter was "The Da Feng Watchmen" with over a million votes, followed by "The Naming of the Night" with nearly a million votes.
• Qidian introduces an event to re-contest the number one spot on the annual ranking, reducing the weight of last year's votes and shrinking the gap between works.

Character Developments

• The author (implied to be the creator of "The Naming of the Night") expresses their views on the annual ranking event and their integrity as a creator.

Significant Themes

• Integrity and honesty in competition.
• Credibility of rankings and the importance of fair play.
• The transient nature of fan interest in completed works.

Character Interactions

• The author interacts with readers, expressing their views and encouraging them to vote for "The Da Feng Watchmen" while respecting their freedom to choose.
• Implied interaction with Qidian, the platform hosting the event, as the author mentions discussions with them about the event's rules.

Key Plot Points and Events

• City 22 is under curfew due to an assassination attempt on Kamiyo Yunhe.
• Qing Chen, despite severe internal injuries from his fight with Kamiyo Yunhe, continues to work at the Black Swan Restaurant.
• Kamiyo Yunhe visits the restaurant with a group, provoking Qing Chen to drink but ultimately not forcing the issue.
• Kamiyo soldiers search the restaurant, recording the electronic beacons of patrons, including Qing Chen.
• Kamiyo Yunhe hints that Kamishiro Kongxu has left City 22 and asks Qing Chen to kill Kamishiro Yunwu's killer before they go to the Outer World.

Character Developments

• Qing Chen demonstrates remarkable resilience and calmness despite his injuries, winning games and maintaining his composure throughout the night.
• Kamiyo Yunhe shows a mix of admiration and curiosity towards Qing Chen, allowing soldiers to check him leniently and hinting at internal Kamishiro Corporation politics.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and intrigue within the Kamishiro Corporation, with different factions blaming each other for the assassination attempt.
• The class system in City 22, with high caste members enjoying privileges and low caste members facing restrictions and curfews.

Character Interactions

• Qing Chen and Kamiyo Yunhe engage in a tense yet subtle conversation, with Kamiyo Yunhe trying to provoke Qing Chen and hinting at his own predicament within the corporation.
• Qing Chen maintains a calm and collected demeanor throughout the night, playing games and handling Kamiyo Yunhe's provocations with ease.

Plot Points and Events

• Kamishiro Yunluo informs Qing Chen about Kamiyo Yunhe's new mechanical limbs with directional infrasound weapons.
• City 22 conducts a massive search operation due to the attempted assassination of Kamiyo Yunhe.
• The Art Troupe, led by Zhang Qinghuan, performs a cultural show for the residents of the Dove Cage building while disinfecting the premises.

Character Developments

• Qing Chen returns to the Dove Cage and interacts with Zhang Mengqian, who is inspired by Qing Chen's fighting video.
• Zhang Mengqian considers getting an eyeball transplant but ultimately decides against it.
• Zhang Qinghuan organizes a disastrous choir performance for the residents, leading to laughter and camaraderie.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and exploitation in the slums, with the landlord raising rent drastically.
• The Art Troupe's dual nature: performing good deeds while also being willing to use force when necessary.
• The inspiration and influence Qing Chen has on those around him.

Character Interactions

• Qing Chen and Zhang Mengqian discuss the latter's desire to improve himself.
• Zhang Qinghuan interacts with the residents, showing a mix of sincerity and clumsiness.
• The Art Troupe members discuss their plans for transforming District 9 with Qing Chen.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Three syndicate bosses discuss handing over the Art Troupe to fulfill their mission quota.
• Black Spade A (Xu Linsen) and Black Spade 4 (Jiang Mubei) arrive in City 22 to observe the Art Troupe.
• Qing Chen, now a resident of the Dove Cage, encounters Xu Linsen and Jiang Mubei.
• Luo Wanyai, Zhang Mengqian, and Xiao Qi plan to escape the city through a sewage pipe.

Character Developments

• Xu Linsen and Jiang Mubei show curiosity and humility in learning from the Art Troupe.
• Qing Chen demonstrates his loyalty to the Art Troupe and his calm demeanor.
• Luo Wanyai displays determination and resilience in facing hardships.

Significant Themes

• The Art Troupe's unique approach to syndicate work and their positive influence on the community.
• The contrast between the Art Troupe and other syndicates, highlighting their differences and the potential threat they pose.
• The theme of learning and humility, as shown by Xu Linsen and Jiang Mubei.

Character Interactions

• The three syndicate bosses discuss their plans and concerns.
• Xu Linsen and Jiang Mubei interact with Qing Chen, showing interest in the Art Troupe.
• Zhang Mengqian, Luo Wanyai, and Xiao Qi discuss their escape plan, showcasing their trust and understanding of each other's capabilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Art Troupe's reinforcements, led by Luo Wanyai, arrive in City 22 through a sewer passage.
• The Art Troupe faces an ambush by three local organizations but decisively defeats them, demonstrating their superior combat strength.
• The Art Troupe's actions gain the support of the local residents, who provide information about the hiding enemies.
• Xu Linsen and Jiang Mubei decide to investigate the Art Troupe further, suspecting it might be connected to the person Yang Yang mentioned.

Character Developments

• Xiao Qi: Shows tactical prowess and combat skills, leading the Family Heads in disarming the enemy's firearms.
• Luo Wanyai: Demonstrates leadership and strategic thinking, deciding to withdraw after capturing enough enemies to avoid disrupting the residents.
• Xu Linsen and Jiang Mubei: Realize the Art Troupe's exceptional strength and decide to investigate further, suspecting a connection to their mission.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The Art Troupe's overwhelming strength shifts the power dynamics in City 22, earning them the support of the residents.
• Public Opinion: The residents' support highlights the importance of public opinion in maintaining control and influence.
• Mystery and Investigation: The true purpose and backing of the Art Troupe remain unclear, driving Xu Linsen and Jiang Mubei to investigate further.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Qi and Luo Wanyai: Their teamwork and communication are evident as they coordinate their actions during the battle and its aftermath.
• Xu Linsen and Jiang Mubei: They discuss and decide their next course of action, showing their trust in each other's judgment.
• Art Troupe and Local Residents: The Art Troupe's actions gain them the support of the local residents, who provide information and assistance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Mubei and Xu Linsen try to join the Art Troupe but face an interview process, unlike other clubs.
• Qing Chen, overhearing their conversation, also decides to join the Art Troupe.
• The Dragon Mark gang sends an undercover agent, Gao Yang, to infiltrate the Art Troupe.
• The Art Troupe conducts interviews, with Xiao Qi, Zhang Qinghuan, and another interviewer present. Jiang Mubei's interview ends in failure.

Character Developments

• Jiang Mubei learns that the Art Troupe doesn't favor gene warriors and struggles with the interview process.
• Qing Chen decides to join the Art Troupe to further his plans and help Luo Wanyai.
• Gao Yang is sent to investigate the Art Troupe, showing the Dragon Mark gang's concern about their growing influence.

Significant Themes

• The Art Troupe's unique recruitment process and values, contrasting with other clubs and gangs.
• The growing acceptance of the Art Troupe by the residents of District 9.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Mubei and Xu Linsen discuss their approach to the Art Troupe interview.
• Qing Chen overhears Jiang Mubei and Xu Linsen's conversation and decides to join the Art Troupe.
• The Art Troupe interviewers interact with Jiang Mubei, revealing their expectations for new members.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Mubei and Xu Linsen initially fail their Art Troupe interviews, but Qing Chen intervenes and arranges for Luo Wanyai to secure their entry.
• Xu Linsen and Jiang Mubei volunteer to handle a child trafficking case as their "Pledge of Allegiance" to the Art Troupe.
• Zhang Qinghuan, the Art Troupe's boss, leads a team to apprehend the traffickers, but Xu Linsen and Jiang Mubei take the lead and complete the mission.
• Gao Yang of the Dragon Mark Society is sent to infiltrate the Art Troupe as a mole.

Character Developments

• Xu Linsen: Shows calm and strategic thinking, aiming to infiltrate the Art Troupe's core circle to find the person Yang Yang mentioned.
• Jiang Mubei: Excited and eager to prove himself, he looks forward to earning merit and gaining access to the Art Troupe's core.
• Qing Chen: Disguised as "Chen Sui," he follows Xu Linsen and Jiang Mubei, overhearing their plans and finding amusement in their situation.
• Zhang Qinghuan: Revealed to be a reckless puppet, he leads the Art Troupe but is not the true boss. He is unaware of the newcomers' true capabilities.

Significant Themes

• Infiltration and Deception: Xu Linsen and Jiang Mubei aim to infiltrate the Art Troupe to find the person Yang Yang mentioned, while Gao Yang is sent to infiltrate as a mole for the Dragon Mark Society.
• Power Dynamics: The true power dynamics within the Art Troupe are revealed, with Luo Wanyai being the real boss behind the scenes.
• Merit and Progression: The Art Troupe values merit and uses it to determine an individual's position and access to the core circle.

Character Interactions

• Xu Linsen and Jiang Mubei: They work together, planning to earn merit and gain access to the Art Troupe's core circle. They also discuss helping Yang Yang determine if the person she likes is two-faced.
• Qing Chen and Xu Linsen/Jiang Mubei: Qing Chen follows the duo, overhearing their plans and finding amusement in their situation, but he does not reveal his true identity.
• Zhang Qinghuan and Luo Wanyai: Zhang Qinghuan is revealed to be a reckless puppet, while Luo Wanyai is the true boss of the Art Troupe. Despite this, Zhang Qinghuan is unaware of the newcomers' true capabilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gao Yang, an undercover agent, joins the Art Troupe to investigate and eliminate them on Chen Yidong's orders.
• Qing Chen, after a night at the Black Swan Restaurant, receives a bag from Zhang Mengqian on the light rail and changes into wilderness attire.
• He infiltrates a Kamishiro Corporation bar, "Under the Neon Lights, Let's All Pull Down Our Pants and Fart," in District 6 and eliminates over 30 Time Walkers and two Kishare Gomen samurai.
• Kamiyo Yunhe arrives at the scene, suspects Xu Linsen (Black Spade A), and orders a city-wide wanted notice for him with a 30 million reward.

Character Developments

• Gao Yang: Shows loyalty to Chen Yidong and agrees to spy on the Art Troupe, aiming to eliminate Zhang Qinghuan.
• Qing Chen: Demonstrates his A-Class speed and skill in close-quarters combat, using lightning to paralyze opponents and EMP bombs to destroy evidence.
• Kamiyo Yunhe: Becomes increasingly suspicious of Xu Linsen's involvement in the Kamishiro Corporation's recent troubles.

Significant Themes

• Espionage and betrayal, as seen through Gao Yang's actions.
• The escalating conflict between the Kamishiro Corporation and the Art Troupe, with both sides growing more aggressive.
• The power dynamics between different organizations in City 22.

Character Interactions

• Gao Yang and Chen Yidong: Gao Yang reports to Chen Yidong, receiving orders to investigate and eliminate the Art Troupe.
• Qing Chen and Zhang Mengqian: They coordinate their actions, with Zhang Mengqian providing information and Qing Chen carrying out the assassinations.
• Qing Chen and the Kamishiro Corporation Time Walkers/Kishare Gomen: Qing Chen infiltrates and eliminates the Time Walkers and Kishare Gomen, showcasing his skills and leaving no witnesses.
• Kamiyo Yunhe and his subordinates: Kamiyo Yunhe arrives at the scene, investigates, and issues a wanted notice for Xu Linsen based on his subordinates' findings.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Qinghuan, the leader of the Art Troupe, plans to convince parents to send their children to school, reducing the troupe's protection fee for those who comply.
• Xu Linsen and Jiang Mubei accompany Zhang Qinghuan on this mission, visiting 112 households in a day.
• They discover a wanted poster for Black Spade A (Xu Linsen) issued by the Kamishiro Corporation, accusing him of killing Takahashi Taisei.

Character Developments

• Zhang Qinghuan: Shows unexpected compassion and long-term vision, aiming to improve the lives of more people and ultimately gain dominance in City 22.
• Xu Linsen: Realizes he might be a pawn in someone else's game and is being framed.
• Jiang Mubei: Becomes determined to find and confront the person behind the frame-up.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between different factions in City 22.
• The struggle for better living conditions and education for the lower-class citizens.
• The consequences of Xu Linsen's actions catching up to him.

Character Interactions

• Xu Linsen and Jiang Mubei: Discuss their suspicions about the person behind the Art Troupe and Xu Linsen's wanted poster.
• Zhang Qinghuan and Xu Linsen/Jiang Mubei: Zhang Qinghuan shares his personal growth story and his plans for the Art Troupe.
• Qing Chen: Observes and listens to the conversations, maintaining his innocent facade while absorbing information.

Summary

Key Events

• The Art Troupe has been expanding its territory, but they haven't made any significant moves in the past three days. They've been renovating buildings and engaging in team-building activities.
• The boss of the Dragon Mark Society, Chen Yidong, is impatient and wants to know what Zhang Qinghuan is up to. He suspects that Zhang Qinghuan might have betrayed him.
• Gao Yang, an Art Troupe member, explains that the Art Troupe is currently creating a model and can't act rashly. They need to wait for the right moment to expand their territory.
• Zhang Qinghuan reveals that the Art Troupe is deliberately spreading the word about their actions to gain the people's support. He also mentions that they need to wait for something to happen in the city before they can expand rapidly.
• Qing Chen suggests assassinating a member of the Kamishiro Corporation to create chaos in the city, but Zhang Qinghuan dismisses the idea, saying that they can't create chaos themselves and need to wait for the right opportunity.
• Jiang Mubei and Xu Linsen from Black Spade discuss whether to help the Art Troupe create chaos. Xu Linsen decides that if the Art Troupe can accomplish what Black Spade can't, then they can let the Art Troupe be Black Spade's Joker.

Character Developments

• Zhang Qinghuan shows his strategic thinking and patience in expanding the Art Troupe's territory.
• Chen Yidong shows his impatience and suspicion towards Zhang Qinghuan's actions.
• Gao Yang shows his loyalty and understanding of the Art Troupe's goals.
• Qing Chen shows his eagerness to take action and create chaos.
• Jiang Mubei shows his doubt and concern about Black Spade's involvement in the Art Troupe's affairs.
• Xu Linsen shows his resolve and willingness to let the Art Troupe be Black Spade's Joker if they can accomplish what Black Spade can't.

Significant Themes

• Patience and timing in achieving long-term goals.
• The balance of power between different factions and the consequences of disrupting that balance.
• The importance of understanding the people's needs and desires in gaining their support.
• The willingness to let others accomplish what one cannot, as long as it aligns with one's goals.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Qinghuan interacts with Chen Yidong, Gao Yang, Qing Chen, Jiang Mubei, and Xu Linsen, discussing the Art Troupe's plans and strategies.
• Chen Yidong interacts with Gao Yang, discussing Zhang Qinghuan's whereabouts and the Art Troupe's recent activities.
• Jiang Mubei and Xu Linsen discuss whether to help the Art Troupe create chaos, ultimately deciding to let the Art Troupe be Black Spade's Joker if they can accomplish what Black Spade can't.