Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Players receive their items; Wen Nan gets the "Little Umbrella."
• Main Quest 1 is issued: find a target within Blizzard Manor using the item.
• Wen Nan reaches the manor first, discovering it's not icy but warm.
• Jiang Xueying, the manor's housekeeper, greets the players, but they react hostilely.

Character Developments

• Wen Nan: Shows bravery and determination, discovers the manor's true nature.
• Jiang Xueying: Introduced as the manor's housekeeper, initially friendly but becomes wary of the players' hostile behavior.

Significant Themes

• Trust and suspicion: Players immediately distrust Jiang Xueying, showing their wariness.
• Perception vs. reality: The manor appears icy but is warm inside, challenging initial perceptions.

Character Interactions

• Wen Nan and the other players: Wen Nan acts independently, reaching the manor first. Other players follow but maintain a hostile stance towards Jiang Xueying.
• Wen Nan and Jiang Xueying: No direct interaction yet, but Wen Nan observes her closely.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The livestream of Nine Times a Night's new instance begins, attracting Star-tier viewers.
• Players enter Blizzard Manor, facing a housekeeper with a hidden threat.
• Wen Nan (Guild Leader) orders all three meal sets to test their safety for his guild members.

Character Developments

• Wen Nan demonstrates leadership and concern for his guild members by testing the meal sets.
• Jiang Xueying, the housekeeper, is revealed to be a potential threat.

Significant Themes

• The game's instances are designed to challenge and potentially harm players.
• Leadership and concern for one's team are highlighted through Wen Nan's actions.

Character Interactions

• Wen Nan interacts with Jiang Xueying, requesting all three meal sets.
• The guild members watch Wen Nan's actions, expecting him to test the meal sets' safety.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wen Nan is presented with three set meals, each served by a waitress in revealing attire.
• The first meal, an all-vegetarian set, emits a foul, choking stench.
• The second meal, an all-meat set, contains live, wriggling insects and rats.
• The third meal, a Surprise Set, consists of sharp, dangerous objects like nails, blades, and glass shards.
• Wen Nan receives a question from 9527, informing him that the first meal he tastes will determine his side quest plotline.

Character Developments

• Wen Nan remains calm and composed despite the revolting meals and the pressure of choosing.
• The three waitresses, though initially presented as attractive, are revealed to be serving dangerous and disgusting meals.

Significant Themes

• The theme of choice and its consequences is introduced, as Wen Nan must decide which meal to taste first, knowing it will affect his plotline.
• The theme of appearances being deceiving is reinforced, as the attractive waitresses serve repulsive meals.

Character Interactions

• Wen Nan interacts briefly with each waitress as they present their meals, remaining polite and collected despite the circumstances.
• The other players in the livestream room react with disgust and horror to the meals, providing comedic relief and emphasizing the repulsive nature of the dishes.

Key Plot Points

• Players are forced to choose between disgusting meals, leading to varied reactions.
• Wen Nan, the guild leader, shocks everyone by eating an iron nail along with his meal, raising questions about his abilities.
• Players struggle to eat their chosen meals, with Xu Dongsheng being particularly traumatized by his choice.

Character Developments

• Wen Nan demonstrates his unusual tolerance and resilience by eating the iron nail without apparent discomfort.
• Xu Dongsheng shows fear and disgust towards bugs, particularly cockroaches, and is traumatized by his meal choice.

Significant Themes

• The theme of facing one's fears and disgust is explored through the players' reactions to their meals.
• The power dynamic between the players and the estate's inhabitants is evident in Jiang Xueying's stern warning.

Character Interactions

• Wen Nan shows concern for Xu Dongsheng's well-being, offering to help him with his meal.
• Jiang Xueying displays a cold and menacing demeanor when Xu Dongsheng nearly damages her porcelain vase, emphasizing her authority and the rules of the estate.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wen Nan triggers the highest-level hidden side plot, "Head Chef's Favor," by expressing satisfaction with the dishes.
• He is invited to the back kitchen to taste a hidden menu by the head chef, Xiaoji.
• Wen Nan enters the back kitchen, which is grimy, filled with animal viscera, and has a strong stench.

Character Developments

• Jiang Xueying, the female manager, is strict but fair, changing her demeanor like turning a page.
• Xiaoji, the head chef, is fierce and focused on her work, but also cute and friendly.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between the pristine manor and the grimy back kitchen.
• The theme of duality, with characters presenting different faces in different situations.

Character Interactions

• Wen Nan interacts with Jiang Xueying, who shows both kindness and sternness.
• Wen Nan meets Xiaoji, the head chef, and they greet each other cordially despite the grimy environment.
• Wen Nan uses his skill, Mind Reading, to confirm Xiaoji as his target to conquer.

Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Wen Nan meets Xiaoji, the chef, and they hit it off.
• Xiaoji invites Wen Nan to taste her experimental dishes in her secret room.
• Wen Nan completes several side quests by tasting the dishes, receiving key items, and increasing his side plot completion to 69%.

Character Developments

• Wen Nan: Shows appreciation for Xiaoji's cooking, completes side quests, and gains key items.
• Xiaoji: Becomes friendly with Wen Nan, shares her secret dishes, and expresses joy in finding a kindred spirit.

Significant Themes

• Appreciation of culinary skills and creativity.
• Friendship and camaraderie.
• The joy of sharing one's passion with others.

Character Interactions

• Wen Nan and Xiaoji: They bond over their shared love for creative cooking and innovative ideas, leading to Xiaoji inviting Wen Nan to taste her experimental dishes and Wen Nan completing several side quests.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wen Nan discovers the secret treasure of Blizzard Manor, Adam's Rib, and obtains Adam's Rib Powder.
• Players learn they must stay overnight in the manor due to harsh weather conditions.
• A fearsome beast blocks the players' path on the second floor.

Character Developments

• Wen Nan gains Xiaoji's trust and obtains the key item for the side plot.
• Players show fear and hesitation when faced with the beast.

Significant Themes

• Trust and friendship (Wen Nan and Xiaoji).
• Fear and vulnerability (players facing the beast).

Character Interactions

• Wen Nan interacts with Xiaoji, gaining her trust and obtaining the Adam's Rib Powder.
• Players interact with Jiang Xueying, learning about the overnight stay requirement and facing the beast together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Players encounter a giant, corrosive-saliva-spitting beast at the stairs.
• Han Feng accidentally locks onto the beast (later revealed to be a giant Chow Chow named Little P.) using his portable item.
• Wen Nan throws a bone to distract Little P., preventing it from attacking.
• Han Feng maintains the lock on Little P. to avoid future mishaps.
• Little P. becomes friendly with Wen Nan after he uses a key item, and playfully pounces on him.

Character Developments

• Han Feng: Shows fear and panic when facing Little P., but maintains composure after the threat is neutralized. He learns to make the best of a bad situation by keeping the lock on Little P. to prevent future accidents.
• Wen Nan: Demonstrates quick thinking and calmness under pressure, saving Han Feng from Little P.'s attack. He shows concern for Han Feng's well-being and helps him make a decision about the lock.

Significant Themes

• Adaptability: Han Feng adapts to his situation by finding a way to make the best of his accidental lock-on to Little P.
• Quick Thinking: Wen Nan's quick thinking helps him defuse a dangerous situation and gain Little P.'s friendship.

Character Interactions

• Han Feng and Wen Nan: Wen Nan saves Han Feng from Little P. and later helps him decide how to handle the lock-on situation.
• Little P. and Wen Nan: Little P. becomes friendly with Wen Nan after he uses a key item, showing that it responds positively to his actions.
• Jiang Xueying and Little P.: Jiang Xueying reprimands Little P. for scaring their guest, showing her role as a caretaker.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The players arrive at the villa and are greeted by Jiang Xueying, who introduces them to the rules and their rooms.
• A Chow Chow named Little P.P. causes a commotion, frightening some players.
• Jiang Xueying distributes keys to the players' rooms, with Wen Nan getting the top-floor suite.
• Wen Nan notices an unpleasant smell coming from one of the rooms on the fourth floor.

Character Developments

• Wen Nan: He shows no fear despite the strange occurrences and is calm and observant.
• Jiang Xueying: She maintains composure and professionalism throughout, despite the chaos caused by Little P.P.
• A-Zi: She is shown to have a close relationship with Little P.P. and is friendly towards Wen Nan.
• Han Feng, Xu Dongsheng, Liu Yi, Wang Hao, Li Zhenbei, Luo Wei, and Liang Yiming: They display varying levels of fear and discomfort due to the events.

Significant Themes

• Fear and anxiety: The players' reactions to the strange occurrences highlight their fears and insecurities.
• Isolation: The villa's remote location and the players' separation into different rooms emphasize their isolation from one another and the outside world.
• Rules and boundaries: The emphasis on the 10 PM curfew hints at the consequences of breaking rules and boundaries.

Character Interactions

• Wen Nan and A-Zi: They share a brief, unexpected moment of connection when their eyes meet.
• Jiang Xueying and the players: She maintains a professional demeanor while interacting with the players, despite their varying reactions to the events.
• The players among themselves: They display tension and discomfort, with Luo Wei and Liang Yiming exchanging barbs.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yu Shujun is on a mission in a dark cave, focusing on her task but distracted by the warmth from the sigil on her neck.
• She receives a typing notification from 'Master—Self-Righteous Idiot' but no message follows.
• An arrow grazes her cheekbone, and a guild member offers to take over the mission, but Yu Shujun declines.
• Wen Nan, in the Blizzard Manor, attempts to contact Yu Shujun but doesn't send a message. He learns that Yu Shujun is in an advanced dungeon on a mission.
• Wen Nan discovers that Blizzard Manor is structured like a mecha, with a hidden G. point that could bring the manor to life and help Guan Ailin.

Character Developments

• Yu Shujun shows concern for her cheek injury, recalling Wen Nan's words not to get hurt again, indicating a softening of her initial coldness towards him.
• Wen Nan demonstrates care for Yu Shujun's safety and well-being, showing his growing attachment to her.

Significant Themes

• Communication and connection, both between characters and with the game system.
• The impact of the game's rules on high-level players, challenging the illusion of freedom from missions.
• The potential for cooperation and mutual assistance among players.

Character Interactions

• Yu Shujun and Wen Nan's chat is left unfulfilled, hinting at a growing connection but also a barrier or hesitation in expressing it.
• Yu Shujun's guild member shows concern for her safety, indicating a level of respect and care within the guild.
• Wen Nan's discovery of the manor's structure and his plan to help Guan Ailin show his strategic thinking and willingness to assist others.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wen Nan, the only other Bronze-tier player in his guild besides Liang Yiming, needs Liang Yiming's skill to locate a hidden room.
• Liang Yiming agrees to meet Wen Nan but is currently engaged in a dispute with Luo Wei over a player named Shao Ling.
• Wen Nan intervenes and reveals that Shao Ling is male, shocking both Liang Yiming and Luo Wei.
• Liang Yiming agrees to use his skill, [Map Detection Eye], to search for the hidden room.

Character Developments

• Wen Nan: Shows leadership and wisdom by mediating the dispute between Liang Yiming and Luo Wei, and by formulating a plan to find the hidden room.
• Liang Yiming: Demonstrates maturity and understanding by accepting Shao Ling's true gender and agreeing to help Wen Nan despite the revelation.
• Luo Wei: Initially aggressive and single-minded, he shows a surprising level of acceptance when learning Shao Ling's true gender.

Significant Themes

• Gender Identity: The revelation of Shao Ling's true gender challenges the perceptions of Liang Yiming and Luo Wei, highlighting the theme of gender identity and acceptance.
• Communication and Understanding: The conflict between Liang Yiming and Luo Wei emphasizes the importance of open communication and understanding in resolving disputes.

Character Interactions

• Wen Nan and Liang Yiming: Wen Nan shows trust in Liang Yiming by involving him in his plan, while Liang Yiming demonstrates loyalty and cooperation by agreeing to help despite the unexpected revelation.
• Liang Yiming and Luo Wei: Their initial conflict highlights the tension between them, but their interaction after learning Shao Ling's true gender shows a shift towards understanding and acceptance.
• Wen Nan, Liang Yiming, and Luo Wei: The three of them interact briefly, with Wen Nan acting as a mediator, Liang Yiming showing maturity, and Luo Wei displaying an unexpected level of acceptance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liang Yiming uses his [Map Detection Eye] skill and collapses due to interference from a high-level hidden unit.
• Wen Nan and Liang Yiming deduce that the hidden unit is likely of extremely high level or very close to them.
• Doctor Lu, an NPC, examines Liang Yiming and concludes he's fine.
• Liang Yiming shares his findings about the hidden unit's potential infinity level with Wen Nan.

Character Developments

• Liang Yiming demonstrates his analytical skills and concern for the team's safety.
• Wen Nan shows calmness and determination in the face of potential danger.

Significant Themes

• The importance of teamwork and communication in facing challenges.
• The consequences of reckless actions in the game's dangerous environment.

Character Interactions

• Wen Nan and Liang Yiming work together to analyze the situation and share information.
• Jiang Xueying assists the players and facilitates communication with Doctor Lu.
• Doctor Lu provides medical assistance and hints at other potential threats in the manor.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wen Nan discovers a hidden door on the ceiling of the E.A. room, which he believes leads to the core secret room of Blizzard Manor.
• Jiang Xueying, the butler, warns Wen Nan not to enter the secret room, as no one has ever returned from it.
• Wen Nan decides to enter the secret room despite the warning.

Character Developments

• Wen Nan demonstrates determination and curiosity, willing to take risks to find the treasure.
• Jiang Xueying reveals her knowledge of the secret room and her inability to control access to it, hinting at her limited authority.

Significant Themes

• The allure and danger of hidden treasures.
• The consequences of defying warnings and rules.
• The power dynamics between Wen Nan and Jiang Xueying.

Character Interactions

• Wen Nan and Jiang Xueying's interaction highlights their opposing stances regarding the secret room, with Wen Nan determined to enter and Jiang Xueying warning him against it.
• Wen Nan's indifference to Jiang Xueying's warnings angers her but also makes her retreat, suggesting her lack of authority over the secret room.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Players discover a secret room with 12 zodiac runes, potentially linked to the legendary Divine Staff Sheath.
• Wen Nan encounters the "Little Princess" twins after curfew.
• Xu Dongsheng accidentally touches Little Y's tail and breaks a Snowflake Porcelain vase, leading to Jiang Xueying's death.

Character Developments

• Wen Nan shows courage and calmness in the face of the ghostly twins.
• Xu Dongsheng's fear and panic lead him to violate the Check-in Instructions, resulting in Jiang Xueying's death.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of breaking rules, as seen through Xu Dongsheng's actions.
• The interconnectedness of the game world, with the secret room potentially tied to the Divine Staff Sheath rumor.

Character Interactions

• Wen Nan interacts with the ghostly twins, showing curiosity and calm.
• Xu Dongsheng's panic leads him to accidentally touch Little Y and break the vase, causing Jiang Xueying's death.
• Wen Nan and Xu Dongsheng cross paths, with Xu Dongsheng fleeing in terror from Wen Nan and the twins.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wen Nan is invited by two Shining girls for a stroll and they hold his hands.
• The girls reveal they can't sense fear from Wen Nan, find him strange, and like him.
• They kiss Wen Nan's cheeks and give him a key to the villa mistress's room.
• Wen Nan sees Xu Dongsheng fleeing in fear and hears the girls comment on his normality.
• Wen Nan is given the villa mistress's room key, which can only be used once.
• He sees Little P. scratching his door and uses a meat bone to calm it.
• A-Zi, the maid, approaches Wen Nan, and a murder alarm rings out, lifting the curfew.

Character Developments

• Wen Nan shows no fear of the Shining girls and remains calm and collected throughout the encounter.
• The Shining girls are intrigued by Wen Nan's lack of fear and show affection towards him.
• Xu Dongsheng is revealed to be afraid of the Shining girls.
• A-Zi's appearance is significantly altered, indicating she has experienced something traumatic.

Significant Themes

• Fear and its absence: Wen Nan's lack of fear towards the Shining girls is a notable departure from others' reactions.
• Trust and affection: The Shining girls' behavior suggests they trust and like Wen Nan.
• Mystery and the unknown: The villa mistress's room key adds to the mystery surrounding the villa and its inhabitants.

Character Interactions

• Wen Nan interacts with the two Shining girls, showing no fear and engaging in a calm conversation.
• Wen Nan encounters Xu Dongsheng, who flees in fear upon seeing the Shining girls.
• Wen Nan interacts with A-Zi, the maid, who seeks his company despite her altered appearance.
• Wen Nan calms Little P., the chow chow, using a meat bone, showing kindness towards the animal.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A fire alarm goes off, lighting up the entire Blizzard Manor.
• Wen Nan finds everyone gathered in the first-floor dining room, including the players, staff, and the twins who had been transformed.
• Jiang Xueying, the Housekeeper, is found dead.
• The system assigns a side mission to find the murder weapon within an hour, promising 100 attribute points upon completion.
• Doctor Lu offers to examine the body, but Head Chef Xiaoji accuses Xu Dongsheng of being suspicious due to his relieved expression and presence at the crime scene.

Character Developments

• Wen Nan: Shows curiosity and initiative in investigating the murder.
• Jiang Xueying: Dies suddenly, becoming the murder victim.
• Xu Dongsheng: Becomes a suspect due to his behavior and location at the time of the murder.

Significant Themes

• Murder and investigation: The chapter introduces a murder mystery, setting the stage for the players to solve it.
• Trust and suspicion: The natives of Blizzard Manor immediately suspect Xu Dongsheng due to his unusual behavior.

Character Interactions

• Wen Nan and A-Zi: Wen Nan notices A-Zi's nervousness and follows her gaze to find the body.
• Xu Dongsheng and Head Chef Xiaoji: Xiaoji accuses Xu Dongsheng of being suspicious, leading to a tense interaction.
• The players and the manor staff: The players are now involved in the investigation alongside the manor staff, leading to potential alliances or conflicts.

Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Xueying, the housekeeper, is found dead in the dining room.
• Xu Dongsheng, a guest, is initially suspected but claims he found her body already cold.
• Doctor Lu reveals Jiang Xueying still has residual warmth, casting doubt on Xu's claim.
• Xiaoji, the head chef, accuses Xu, but Wen Nan intervenes, suggesting they find the murder weapon instead.
• The group decides to search the manor, with Wen Nan and Little Huang assigned to the kitchen.

Character Developments

• Xu Dongsheng: Initially suspected, now trying to clear his name.
• Xiaoji: Aggressive accuser, now a suspect due to her role in preparing meals.
• Doctor Lu: Provides medical insights, reveals Jiang Xueying didn't have any known illnesses.
• Little Huang: Quiet and relaxed, suspected by Liang Yiming due to her behavior and a sinister smile seen by him.

Significant Themes

• Suspicion and mistrust among the manor's inhabitants.
• The search for evidence and truth in the face of uncertainty.
• The power dynamics within the manor, with the "Little Princesses" holding significant authority.

Character Interactions

• Wen Nan acts as a mediator, trying to keep the situation calm and organized.
• Xiaoji and Susu argue over who's more suspicious.
• The "Little Princesses" defer to Wen Nan's judgment.
• Wen Nan and Little Huang are paired up to search the kitchen, with Wen Nan suspecting Little Huang due to Liang Yiming's message.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wen Nan and Little Huang search for clues in the back kitchen and Xiaoji's room.
• Wen Nan discovers a hidden compartment in Xiaoji's sofa, containing a unique lighter with a music box function.
• The lighter plays a song that Wen Nan recognizes, providing a breakthrough in the case.
• Wen Nan rushes to the dining room and checks the remaining vase, confirming his suspicions.
• He then finds Xu Dongsheng at the end of the second-floor corridor, where they discuss the side mission's imminent deadline.

Character Developments

• Wen Nan demonstrates his determination and resourcefulness in searching for clues.
• Little Huang shows calmness and cooperation throughout the search.
• Xu Dongsheng expresses frustration with the impending side mission deadline but remains hopeful.

Significant Themes

• The theme of uncovering hidden truths is emphasized as Wen Nan discovers the hidden compartment and the lighter's secret.
• The passage of time and the urgency of completing tasks within deadlines is highlighted.

Character Interactions

• Wen Nan and Little Huang work together to search for clues, with Little Huang assisting Wen Nan's investigation.
• Wen Nan and Xu Dongsheng discuss the side mission's deadline, showing mutual support and encouragement.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wen Nan's system activates, scanning Xu Dongsheng's hand, revealing he's the "murder weapon" for the side mission "Who Killed Xueying."
• Wen Nan realizes the mission's Xueying is not the Housekeeper Jiang Xueying, but a long-necked vase.
• Xu Dongsheng accidentally broke the vase, causing Jiang Xueying's (the vase's) death.

Character Developments

• Wen Nan: Uses his Mind Reading skill to deduce the true nature of the mission and the cause of Jiang Xueying's death.
• Xu Dongsheng: Unintentionally becomes the cause of Jiang Xueying's death by breaking the vase.

Significant Themes

• Misleading information: The mission title "Who Killed Xueying" leads to a false assumption about the victim's identity.
• Consequences of actions: Xu Dongsheng's careless act leads to Jiang Xueying's death.

Character Interactions

• Wen Nan and Xu Dongsheng: Wen Nan deduces the truth about the mission, while Xu Dongsheng is shocked to learn he's the cause of Jiang Xueying's death.
• Wen Nan and Jiang Xueying: Wen Nan understands why Jiang Xueying was hostile when Xu Dongsheng nearly broke the vase and why she emphasized not touching Snowflake Porcelain.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wen Nan realizes romance targets can be any living creature or object, not just human or female.
• He revises his list of potential romance targets, excluding Jiang Xueying and her vase, and identifying the true bodies of other characters.
• Wen Nan tests Little Huang with the Little Umbrella, confirming she's not a romance target, and solidifying the prerequisite for lock-on.

Character Developments

• Wen Nan: Shows adaptability and open-mindedness in understanding the game's diverse romance targets.
• Little Huang: Demonstrates restraint and awareness of her role as an NPC, not a romance target.

Significant Themes

• Diversity and inclusivity in relationships.
• The blurred line between reality and virtual reality in the game.

Character Interactions

• Wen Nan interacts with Little Huang to test his theory about romance targets, using the Little Umbrella.
• Wen Nan shares his findings with the group, leading them to the fourth floor to find clues.