Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ge visits the Old Man in the hospital, who is now stable but still ill.
• Dr. Gao and Old Wei are present; Dr. Gao is treating Old Wei for memory loss.
• Chen Ge learns that Dr. Gao has worked with the police before and is familiar with Captain Li.
• Chen Ge discovers that Dr. Gao visited the patients from New Century Park who were scared unconscious.
• Chen Ge views hospital surveillance footage and sees Dr. Gao entering the ward where the patients were being treated.
• Captain Li informs Chen Ge that the blood on the long nail belongs to two people: the Eye-Gouging Case victim and an unknown individual with no criminal record.

Character Developments

• Chen Ge becomes more suspicious of Dr. Gao's involvement in the recent events.
• The Old Man's physical health improves, but his mental state remains unstable.
• The patients from New Century Park show signs of trauma and instability after regaining consciousness.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Suspicion: Chen Ge's trust in Dr. Gao wavers as he discovers more connections between him and the recent incidents.
• Trauma and Recovery: The patients from New Century Park struggle to recover from their traumatic experiences in the haunted house.
• Investigation and Discovery: Chen Ge continues to gather information and piece together clues to solve the mysteries surrounding him.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge interacts with Dr. Gao, Old Wei, the hospital staff, and Captain Li, gathering information and seeking assistance.
• Chen Ge, Xu Wan, and Xiao Gu discuss the situation at the haunted house and Chen Ge's plans for its management.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ge reflects on his Haunted House's growth and future prospects.
• He decides to invite the Old Principal of Muyang Middle School to manage the Haunted House due to his kind heart and management experience.
• Chen Ge discovers a new daily task on the Black Phone, which is a nightmare-level mission.

Character Developments

• Chen Ge shows concern for his employees' well-being and acknowledges their support.
• Xiao Xiao's ability to pacify ghosts and cleanse souls is recognized by Chen Ge.
• The White Cat shows affection towards Xiao Xiao, indicating a bond between them.

Significant Themes

• The theme of growth and expansion is highlighted as Chen Ge considers the future of his Haunted House.
• The importance of management and leadership is emphasized when Chen Ge decides to invite the Old Principal.
• The theme of luck and fortune is touched upon when Chen Ge discovers the new daily task.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge interacts with Xu Wan and Xiao Gu, appreciating their support and loyalty.
• Xiao Xiao and the White Cat's bond is shown through their affectionate interaction.
• Chen Ge interacts with the ghosts in the underground scenarios, showing his authority and confidence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ge accepts a Nightmare-level daily mission, "They say that at the end of the tunnel, another you is buried."
• The mission requires him to enter a 44-meter long tunnel, walk 44 steps, and shout his own name 44 times at 2:44 AM.
• The only suitable tunnel in Han Jiang is the White Dragon Cave Tunnel in the East Suburb, known for its strange accidents and ghost stories.

Character Developments

• Chen Ge shows caution and careful consideration before accepting the mission, demonstrating his growth in experience and wisdom.
• He decides to take the White Cat with him, indicating his trust in the cat's company and companionship.

Significant Themes

• Luck and Opportunity: The mission is described as "Lucky Ghost Favored," emphasizing the role of luck and opportunity in Chen Ge's journey.
• Self-reliance: The mission requires Chen Ge to rely solely on his own strength, highlighting his personal growth and resilience.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge interacts with the White Cat, showing affection and trust in the cat's company.
• Although not physically present, Zhang Ya's influence is felt as Chen Ge considers her presence within his shadow might be restricted by the mission rules.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ge decides to explore the White Dragon Cave Tunnel to find clues about his parents' disappearance.
• He hails a taxi and meets a driver who warns him about the tunnel's sinister reputation and shares a colleague's car accident story involving a mysterious woman's voice.
• On the way, they encounter a strange figure on the road, which quickly disappears into the bushes.

Character Developments

• Chen Ge remains determined to uncover his parents' secrets, even facing potential danger.
• The taxi driver shows concern for Chen Ge's safety and shares local folklore about the tunnel.

Significant Themes

• The supernatural and mysterious nature of the East Suburb and its tunnel.
• The potential danger and hidden truths that Chen Ge's parents might have known.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge and the taxi driver have a conversation about the tunnel's history and the driver's colleague's accident.
• Chen Ge exchanges phone numbers with the driver before setting off on foot toward the tunnel.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ge embarks on a Nightmare-level mission at 2 AM, entering a dark, eerie tunnel.
• He must walk forty-four steps within the tunnel to complete the mission.
• Strange sounds and a mysterious woman in red clothes appear within the tunnel.

Character Developments

• Chen Ge remains calm and determined despite the terrifying environment.
• The White Cat becomes increasingly restless and frightened, clinging to Chen Ge for protection.

Significant Themes

• The theme of facing one's fears and persevering in the face of adversity is prominent.
• The concept of helping others, even in dangerous situations, is explored through the woman in red.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge interacts with the White Cat, who relies on him for protection.
• He encounters a woman in red within the tunnel, who begs for help, but Chen Ge decides not to intervene.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ge enters the White Dragon Cave Tunnel, encountering a beckoning Red-Clothed woman, a spider-like shadow on the ceiling, and footsteps behind him.
• He walks forty-four steps, encountering the vengeful spirit who calls his name and follows him. The spirit's appearance changes horrifically.
• Chen Ge realizes the difficulty of the Nightmare-level mission and the potential danger of the vengeful spirit.

Character Developments

• Chen Ge shows remarkable composure and determination, facing multiple threats while trying to complete his mission.
• The Red-Clothed woman's spirit becomes increasingly desperate and terrifying, revealing her tragic past.

Significant Themes

• The theme of obsession and vengeance is explored through the Red-Clothed woman's spirit.
• The difficulty and danger of Nightmare-level missions are highlighted, challenging Chen Ge's abilities and resolve.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge interacts with the Red-Clothed woman's spirit, ignoring her initially but later becoming increasingly unnerved by her presence and pleas for help.
• Chen Ge's internal dialogue reveals his thoughts, fears, and strategies as he navigates the dangerous tunnel.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ge enters the tunnel, facing mortal danger and a woman's cries for help.
• He decides to complete the nightmare-level mission before dealing with the woman.
• His phone's flashlight goes out, plunging him into darkness.
• A light approaches, revealing a younger version of Chen Ge with an adult.
• Chen Ge completes the forty-fourth step, experiencing a terrifying sensation.
• He wakes up in the tunnel, with the Red-Clothed woman beside him.

Character Developments

• Chen Ge shows hesitation and fear but ultimately decides to help the woman.
• He encounters his younger self, triggering memories of a past attempt on his life.
• The Red-Clothed woman becomes more insistent, seeking Chen Ge's help.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of ignoring pleas for help.
• The importance of facing and dealing with one's past.
• The struggle between fear and determination.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge interacts with his younger self, experiencing a mix of shock and determination.
• The Red-Clothed woman becomes more persistent in seeking Chen Ge's help.
• Chen Ge's White Cat plays a crucial role in waking him up from his vision.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ge encounters a Red-Clothed woman ghost in a tunnel, her body twisted and face deformed.
• The woman keeps repeating "I am here" and asking for help.
• Chen Ge attempts to communicate and help the woman, offering to carry her out of the tunnel.
• Despite her initial hostility, the woman allows Chen Ge to carry her, but she still harbors murderous intent.

Character Developments

• Chen Ge demonstrates extraordinary courage and compassion, even in the face of a terrifying ghost.
• He shows empathy and understanding for the woman's suffering, trying to connect with her on an emotional level.
• The Red-Clothed woman begins to see Chen Ge in a different light, possibly starting to trust him.

Significant Themes

• Kindness and Compassion: Chen Ge's unwavering kindness and compassion are central to this chapter, as he tries to help the woman despite the danger.
• Trust and Betrayal: The woman struggles with trusting Chen Ge, as she has likely been betrayed and ignored by others in the past.
• Redemption: Chen Ge's actions suggest that he believes in the possibility of redemption, both for the woman and for himself.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge's interaction with the Red-Clothed woman is the primary focus of this chapter.
• He uses empathy, understanding, and a calm demeanor to try and connect with her, slowly gaining her trust.
• The woman, initially hostile and resentful, begins to see Chen Ge as a potential source of help and kindness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ge carries the Red-Clothed woman out of the tunnel, but she can't leave due to her seal.
• Chen Ge sees words carved at the tunnel exit: "He is... mine!"
• His shadow starts changing, and he realizes Zhang Ya is inside it.
• Chen Ge explains the events to his shadow, and it returns to normal.
• He tries to reassure Zhang Ya, and she disappears from his shadow.

Character Developments

• The Red-Clothed woman's resentment fades, and she regains her appearance from life.
• Chen Ge demonstrates his determination to help the Red-Clothed woman, gaining her trust.
• Zhang Ya's presence in Chen Ge's shadow is revealed, showing she's growing stronger.

Significant Themes

• Redemption and forgiveness (Red-Clothed woman)
• The consequences of one's actions (Red-Clothed woman's seal)
• Communication and understanding (Chen Ge's explanation to Zhang Ya)

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge and the Red-Clothed woman: He tries to help her, and she comes to trust him.
• Chen Ge and Zhang Ya: He communicates with her through his shadow, reassuring her.
• Chen Ge and the White Cat: The cat avoids Chen Ge due to the presence of something terrifying (Zhang Ya).

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ge encounters a shadowy figure in the tunnel, which he identifies as Zhang Ya.
• He discovers a monster in the thicket, which flees upon being noticed.
• Chen Ge hitches a ride on a moving company truck to return to the city.
• He notices blood-stained ropes in the truck's cargo hold and learns from the driver about a strange nighttime moving job.

Character Developments

• Chen Ge demonstrates his courage and determination in facing the unknown.
• The driver of the moving truck is revealed to be superstitious and greedy, willing to work late at night for extra pay.

Significant Themes

• The supernatural and the unknown.
• Greed and its consequences.
• The contrast between Chen Ge's bravery and the driver's fear and superstition.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge interacts with the driver, trying to gather information about the strange moving job.
• Chen Ge's conversation with Li Zheng hints at new developments in the case of the missing person.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The police confirm the sculpture was used to transport the corpse.
• Li Zheng suspects Dr. Gao due to his love for art, obsession with Van Gogh, and car's movements near the school.
• Li Zheng believes there are two murderers: Liu Zhe (who committed the crime) and Dr. Gao (who helped cover it up).
• Chen Ge is asked to approach Gao Ruxue to gather information about Dr. Gao.

Character Developments

• Li Zheng: Struggles with suspecting his friend Dr. Gao but remains professional.
• Dr. Gao: Suspected of being involved in the murder and covering it up.
• Liu Zhe: Suspected of being the murderer, with Dr. Gao helping him cover it up.
• Chen Ge: Feels conflicted about potentially implicating Dr. Gao.

Significant Themes

• Trust and betrayal: Chen Ge's trust in Dr. Gao is challenged.
• The complexity of human nature: Dr. Gao's potential involvement in the crime highlights the complexity of human behavior.
• The struggle between personal relationships and professional duty: Li Zheng's conflict in suspecting his friend.

Character Interactions

• Li Zheng and Chen Ge: Li Zheng asks Chen Ge to approach Gao Ruxue for information.
• Chen Ge and Dr. Gao: Chen Ge struggles with the possibility of Dr. Gao's involvement in the crime.
• Liu Zhe and Dr. Gao: Suspected of working together to commit and cover up the crime.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ge takes a taxi back to the Haunted House, questioning the driver about recent events in the East Suburb.
• He reviews his video footage from the tunnel incident and uploads it to his short-video platform, expecting it to go viral.
• Chen Ge returns to the Haunted House and communicates with Yan Danian, who informs him that the Phone Ghost is ready to join but has a request.
• Chen Ge agrees to help the Phone Ghost, who is afraid of him due to his reputation.

Character Developments

• Chen Ge shows his determination and confidence in growing his Haunted House business, planning to integrate online and offline experiences.
• The Phone Ghost, initially a menacing entity, is now fearful of Chen Ge after being "educated" by other ghosts in the Comic Album.

Significant Themes

• The power of fear and its potential to attract and engage audiences.
• The desensitization to fear and the need for new, powerful experiences.
• The importance of understanding and empathy in managing relationships with supernatural entities.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge interacts with the taxi driver, trying to gather information about the East Suburb.
• Chen Ge communicates with Yan Danian and the Phone Ghost, showing understanding and willingness to help the spirit.
• The Phone Ghost shows fear of Chen Ge, highlighting the impact of his reputation on the supernatural entities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ge meets the Phone Ghost, a child ghost who wants to send a message to his mother using his old phone.
• Chen Ge finds the Phone Ghost's corpse in a water vat on the rooftop of Puming Apartment in Liwan Town.
• The Phone Ghost reveals his mother has been keeping his phone number active for seven years, waiting for his contact.
• Chen Ge visits Tongtong Flower Shop, where the Phone Ghost's mother works, and learns about her missing son.
• The Phone Ghost sends a message to his mother, apologizing.

Character Developments

• Chen Ge: Shows empathy and respect for the Phone Ghost's wishes, going out of his way to help him send a message to his mother.
• Phone Ghost (Tongtong): Reveals his story and his longing for his mother, demonstrating a strong emotional connection to her.
• Tongtong's Mother: Shows unwavering dedication to her missing son, keeping his phone number active for seven years.

Significant Themes

• The power of maternal love and the unbreakable bond between a mother and child.
• The passage of time and the changes it brings, as seen in the dilapidated apartment building and the outdated phone.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge and the Phone Ghost: Chen Ge helps the Phone Ghost fulfill his final wish, showing kindness and understanding.
• Tongtong's Mother and the Phone Ghost: Though they don't interact directly, the mother's dedication and the Phone Ghost's message highlight their strong emotional connection.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ge encounters the Phone Ghost and his mother, separated by a street.
• The Phone Ghost asks Chen Ge to call the police, hinting at his mother's involvement in a crime.
• Chen Ge investigates the disappearance of Tongtong, a child who went missing seven years ago, and discovers the truth behind his abduction and murder.
• The trafficker is apprehended by the police after Chen Ge provides them with the information.
• The next day, Chairman Luo visits the Haunted House to introduce new technology, including positioning wristbands and a mini-program for tourists.

Character Developments

• Chen Ge: Becomes more determined to protect his employees and seeks justice for them, even if it means taking matters into his own hands. He also shows concern for the living, as seen in his interaction with the Phone Ghost's mother.
• Phone Ghost: His favorability towards Chen Ge increases after his wish is fulfilled. He doesn't want to disturb Tongtong's mother's life and refuses to let Chen Ge tell her the truth.
• Chairman Luo: Shows support for Chen Ge's Haunted House by investing in new technology and planning future expansions.

Significant Themes

• Justice and retribution for the wronged.
• The attachment of the living to the deceased.
• The use of technology to enhance the tourist experience in the Haunted House.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge and the Phone Ghost: Chen Ge helps the Phone Ghost fulfill his wish, leading to an increase in favorability and Tongtong becoming an employee of the Black Phone.
• Chen Ge and Chairman Luo: Chairman Luo continues to support Chen Ge's Haunted House, showing trust in his abilities and plans for the future.
• Chen Ge and Xu Wan/Gu Feiyu: They maintain their roles as employees, with Xu Wan bringing breakfast for Chen Ge and Gu Feiyu being enthusiastic about his job.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Director Luo secures new funding for New Century Park's renovations, aiming to keep up with Virtual Future Park.
• Chen Ge's Haunted House becomes the park's main attraction, with visitors downloading the House of Horrors app and interacting in community circles.
• Chen Ge has a busy day managing multiple horror scenes, with no major incidents occurring.
• Liu Zhe turns himself in to the police, but he's in a trance-like state, making him uncooperative.
• Li Zheng asks Chen Ge to secretly gather information from Gao Ruxue.

Character Developments

• Chen Ge shows responsibility and dedication in managing his Haunted House, demonstrating his adaptability to high-intensity work.
• Director Luo displays confidence in public but privately faces financial struggles to keep the park afloat.
• Liu Zhe's sudden turn-in and trance-like state hint at external influence, possibly from the woman with the strange skin tone.

Significant Themes

• The theme of adaptation and resilience is shown through Chen Ge's ability to handle the increased workload.
• The theme of public appearance versus private reality is illustrated through Director Luo's confident demeanor despite his financial struggles.
• The theme of external influence and manipulation is evident in Liu Zhe's unusual behavior.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge and Director Luo have a conversation about the park's renovations, with Director Luo reassuring Chen Ge about the funding.
• Chen Ge interacts with visitors through the House of Horrors app, fostering a sense of community among fans.
• Chen Ge speaks with Li Zheng about Liu Zhe's turn-in and agrees to help gather information from Gao Ruxue.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ge contacts Li Zheng for information about the Underground Morgue, where Liu Zhe hid Ma Ying's sister's corpse.
• Li Zheng describes the layout of the Underground Morgue, mentioning three types of passages (white, unpainted, and red) and six warehouses.
• Li Zheng shares four strange occurrences during his team's visit to the Underground Morgue: clapping sounds in a white-painted passage, a figure seen in Warehouse Number One, a self-closing door in Warehouse Number Five, and a longer return journey.

Character Developments

• Chen Ge shows curiosity and determination to explore the Underground Morgue, despite its danger.
• Li Zheng expresses concern for Chen Ge's safety and warns him not to go alone.

Significant Themes

• The danger and mystery of the Underground Morgue as a three-star horror scenario.
• Chen Ge's growing confidence and ambition in facing more challenging scenarios.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge and Li Zheng maintain a friendly yet cautious relationship, with Li Zheng acting as a mentor figure, warning Chen Ge about the risks.
• Chen Ge's shadow is mentioned, hinting at his growing awareness of his own abilities and the dangers he faces.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ge tallies his ghosts' combat power, realizing Zhang Ya is his strongest asset, but she's currently dormant.
• He decides to visit the Third Ward to seek information from Men Nan's Main Personality about accelerating Xu Yin's transformation into a Red-Clothed ghost.
• Liu Zhe turns himself in, confessing to Ma Ying's murder, and is arrested.
• Chen Ge meets with Liu Xian to discuss Liu Zhe's peculiar behavior and learns about his secret hobby of entering the Underground Morgue every Wednesday.

Character Developments

• Chen Ge: He becomes more proactive in seeking information and preparing for the Underground Morgue challenge.
• Liu Xian: She reveals her transformation into a person who smiles at terrifying things due to Liu Zhe's influence.
• Liu Zhe: His true nature as a murderer is revealed, and his peculiar hobby of entering the Underground Morgue every Wednesday is discovered.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Betrayal: Liu Xian's trust in Liu Zhe leads to her transformation and eventual betrayal of her friend Ma Ying.
• The Power of Secrets: Liu Zhe's secret hobby and his brother-in-law's influence over him drive the plot forward.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge and Liu Xian: They discuss Liu Zhe's peculiar behavior and secrets, with Chen Ge trying to uncover the truth and Liu Xian grappling with her feelings for Liu Zhe.
• Liu Zhe and Liu Xian: Their relationship is revealed to be built on lies and manipulation, with Liu Zhe exploiting Liu Xian's kindness and love for him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ge enters the World Behind the Door with Xu Yin, searching for Men Nan.
• They find the Old Dean in the Electrotherapy Room, who reveals Men Nan's location.
• Chen Ge and Xu Yin reach the fourth floor, where they encounter Men Nan.
• Men Nan reveals that Vengeful Spirits can advance to Red Clothes by becoming a door's master or devouring a complete Red Cloth.

Character Developments

• Chen Ge: Shows confidence and caution in the World Behind the Door, seeking Men Nan's help for Xu Yin.
• Men Nan: Reveals his knowledge about Vengeful Spirits and Red Clothes, showing intelligence and wariness towards Chen Ge.
• Xu Yin: Follows Chen Ge, displaying malice and aggression towards targets.

Significant Themes

• The World Behind the Door's influence on Red Clothes and Vengeful Spirits.
• The potential danger of Vengeful Spirits with the potential to become Red Clothes.
• The secrets behind doors and the advancement of Vengeful Spirits.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge and the Old Dean: Chen Ge interrogates the Old Dean, who reveals Men Nan's location out of fear.
• Chen Ge and Men Nan: Chen Ge visits Men Nan, who is wary and reveals information about Vengeful Spirits' advancement to Red Clothes.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ge visits Men Nan in the Third Ward to learn about Xu Yin's situation.
• Men Nan reveals that Xu Yin's unique emotional mix hinders his ascension to a Red-Clad Specter.
• Chen Ge discovers that Zhang Ya, his shadow's Red-Clad Specter, is likely a Door Pusher.
• Men Nan warns Chen Ge about the consequences of an open door, mentioning terrifying entities and memory seepage.
• Chen Ge learns about blood threads containing cruel memories and the world's blood-red nature.

Character Developments

• Xu Yin: Chen Ge realizes Xu Yin's unconditional trust and strength growth with pain, leading him to decide to have a serious talk with Xu Yin later.
• Men Nan: Men Nan shows his intelligence and caution, revealing his fear of Chen Ge's power and the consequences of an open door.
• Chen Ge: Chen Ge demonstrates his curiosity and determination to understand the world behind the door, showing his willingness to take risks.

Significant Themes

• Emotions and their influence on vengeful spirits (Xu Yin's unique emotional mix and Zhang Ya's Door Pusher status).
• The world behind the door and its consequences (terrifying entities, memory seepage, and the blood-red world).
• Trust and understanding between Chen Ge and Xu Yin.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge and Men Nan: They exchange information about Red-Clad Specters, Door Pushers, and the world behind the door, with Men Nan showing caution and fear of Chen Ge.
• Chen Ge and Xu Yin: Chen Ge decides to have a serious talk with Xu Yin, showing his concern and understanding of Xu Yin's unique situation.
• Chen Ge and the taxi driver: A brief interaction where the driver helps Chen Ge get back to the city center.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ge visits Muyang Middle School at night to find the Old Principal.
• He discovers the principal's office and finds a ledger containing charity donation records.
• He learns that Dr. Gao from the Han Jiang Psychological Disease Research Center was a major donor to the school.
• Chen Ge finds a photograph in the ledger, showing Dr. Gao with a young man and a woman who resembles the strange woman from the Han Jiang Forensic Academy.

Character Developments

• Chen Ge shows empathy and understanding towards the Old Principal, wanting to help him reunite with his students.
• Dr. Gao's character becomes more complex as Chen Ge learns about his generous donations to the school, contrasting with his role as the President of the Ghost Stories Society.

Significant Themes

• The duality of human nature, exemplified by Dr. Gao's contrasting actions as a generous donor and a ruthless killer.
• The power of kindness and charity, demonstrated by Dr. Gao's donations and the Old Principal's dedication to his students.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge interacts with the Old Principal's spirit, though the Old Principal does not manifest physically.
• Chen Ge reflects on his past interactions with Dr. Gao, leading to a reevaluation of the man's character.