Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Jiuque reminisces about his tragic past life, where he was betrayed by Bai Yuesheng, leading to his family's demise.
• He struggles with the reality that his life was a mere plot device in a novel, and his suffering was real.
• Gu Jiuque realizes that his actions in his current life have been influenced by his past, and he's been passively reacting to events.
• He accepts Shen Heng's offer of a chip, deciding to take control and set his own rules in the game.

Character Developments

• Gu Jiuque: Struggles with his past, accepts the need to take initiative and control his life.
• Bai Yuesheng: Remains a threat and antagonist, though not directly present in this chapter.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and Control: Gu Jiuque's struggle to take control of his life and seek revenge against those who wronged him.
• The Influence of the Past: How Gu Jiuque's past life influences his present actions and decisions.
• The Power of Knowledge: Gu Jiuque's realization that having chips (knowledge, power) allows him to control his life and protect his family.

Character Interactions

• Gu Jiuque's internal struggle and realization are the primary focus, with no significant interactions with other characters in this chapter.
• The Gu family members are mentioned but do not interact with Gu Jiuque in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Jiuque and Grandpa Gu return from their trip abroad.
• Grandpa Gu reveals the events of the auction, including the Jin family's involvement and the switched Yongzheng seal.
• Gu Jiuque decides to visit the police station with a portrait of the person who tampered with Gu Yugui's car.

Character Developments

• Gu Jiuque shows maturity and responsibility by taking the initiative to provide a lead for the police investigation.
• Grandpa Gu reflects on the past, hinting at a history with the Jin family.
• Shen Heng expresses his feelings for Gu Jiuque through messages, showing persistence and care.

Significant Themes

• Family Secrets: The Jin family's grudge against the Gu family and Grandpa Gu's past are hinted at.
• Trust and Betrayal: The Jin family's actions at the auction and the car tampering incident highlight themes of trust and betrayal.
• Responsibility: Gu Jiuque's actions show his sense of responsibility towards his family.

Character Interactions

• Gu Jiuque and Grandpa Gu share a silent understanding, with Grandpa Gu respecting Gu Jiuque's decision not to reveal certain details about the auction.
• Gu Jiuque and Shen Heng maintain a friendly, if not yet romantic, relationship, with Shen Heng expressing his feelings through messages.
• Gu Dad and Gu Mom show concern for Gu Jiuque and Grandpa Gu's safety and well-being during their trip.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Gu family leaves the police station after reporting the brake line cutting incident.
• Gu Jiuque offers a one-million-yuan reward for information leading to the capture of the suspect, based on Bai Yuesheng's description.
• Gu Jiuque privately investigates and suspects Jin Weixie's bodyguard, Crazy San, as the culprit.

Character Developments

• Gu Jiuque: Shows strategic thinking and resourcefulness by using Bai Yuesheng's description to potentially catch the culprit and eliminate a threat, while also hoping to manipulate Crazy San's feelings for Bai Yuesheng.
• Bai Yanliang: Expresses disbelief at Gu Jiuque's sudden generosity and complains about his stinginess to neighbors.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and scheming: Gu Jiuque uses the reward and the news of Bai Yuesheng's debt forgiveness to manipulate Crazy San's actions.
• Trust and betrayal: Gu Jiuque's actions show a lack of trust in Bai Yuesheng's initial statement, while Crazy San's loyalty to Jin Weixie and his feelings for Bai Yuesheng are explored.

Character Interactions

• Gu Jiuque and Gu Dad: They discuss the possibility of Bai Yuesheng's truthfulness and the reward for catching the culprit.
• Gu Jiuque and Bai Yanliang: Gu Jiuque offers a one-million-yuan reward, which Bai Yanliang finds suspicious and generous, given his previous reluctance to pay the full hundred and fifty thousand yuan for the blue-and-white porcelain shards.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Gu family decides to waive one million of Bai Yuesheng's debt, suggesting they found the person responsible for the arson.
• Gu Jiuque returns home after the Jin family's auction and plans to rest.
• A fire breaks out at the Bai family's house on Front Street.

Character Developments

• Gu Jiuque: Shows concern for his family's well-being and is relieved that the Gu family has resolved a potential crisis.
• Bai Yuesheng: Implied to be in financial trouble due to the debt he owes the Gu family.

Significant Themes

• Financial struggles and debt: Both the Gu and Bai families face financial issues, with the Bai family's debt to the Gu family being a significant source of tension.
• Crisis resolution: The Gu family manages to resolve a crisis by finding the person responsible for the arson and waiving part of the debt.

Character Interactions

• Gu Jiuque and his family: They discuss dinner plans and express concern for each other's well-being.
• The neighborhood: Residents gossip about the recent fires and the Gu and Bai families' financial situations.
• Gu Jiuque and Lu Xunmei: Lu Xunmei calls Gu Jiuque to inform him about the fire at the Bai family's house.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Bai family's house catches fire, causing panic among the neighbors.
• The fire department arrives late, and the Bai family home is severely damaged.
• Bai Yuesheng is absent, and his whereabouts are unknown.
• The Bai couple receives a call that their son, Bai Yuesheng, has been injured and needs surgery.
• Tao Li asks Lu Xunmei for a loan to cover Bai Yuesheng's surgery fee.

Character Developments

• Gu Jiuque shows concern for Bai Yuesheng's well-being.
• Lu Xunmei displays irritation towards the Bai family's behavior.
• The Bai couple exhibits panic and desperation due to their financial situation and their son's injury.

Significant Themes

• Financial Struggles: The Bai family's financial difficulties are exacerbated by the fire and Bai Yuesheng's medical emergency.
• Revenge and Blame: The neighbors suspect the Gu family of setting the fire, while the Bai family blames the Gu family for their misfortunes.
• Lack of Communication: Bai Yuesheng's unpredictable movements and the Bai couple's lack of concern for his whereabouts contribute to the situation.

Character Interactions

• Gu Family vs. Bai Family: Tensions rise between the Gu and Bai families due to the fire and the Bai family's accusations.
• Neighbors: The neighbors express anxiety and frustration about the fire and the Bai family's behavior.
• Lu Xunmei and Gu Jiuque: Lu Xunmei and Gu Jiuque discuss lending money to the Bai family for Bai Yuesheng's surgery.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Jiuque gives Bai Yanliang and his wife a cash check for one million yuan as a reward for the clue about Bai Yuesheng.
• Bai Yanliang regrets not selling the family's valuable calligraphy paintings and jewelry earlier.
• Gu Jiuque warns the Bai couple to be careful while driving, hinting at a possible car accident.
• The Bai couple gets into a car accident on their way to the hospital, and all three family members are unconscious in the hospital.

Character Developments

• Gu Jiuque shows generosity and concern for the Bai family, despite their past disputes.
• Bai Yanliang displays regret and remorse for not selling the family's valuable heirlooms earlier.
• Gu Jiuque remains calm and collected, even when faced with the Bai family's misfortune.

Significant Themes

• Fate and Karma: The Bai family's misfortunes seem to be a result of their past actions, suggesting a theme of karma.
• Generosity and Forgiveness: Gu Jiuque's actions show generosity and forgiveness, despite the Bai family's past wrongdoings.
• Regret: Bai Yanliang's regret highlights the theme of missed opportunities and the consequences of inaction.

Character Interactions

• Gu Jiuque and the Bai couple interact, with Gu Jiuque showing concern and the Bai couple expressing gratitude and remorse.
• Gu Jiuque interacts with the neighbors, showing interest in the Bai family's situation and blending into their conversations.
• The Bai couple interacts with the neighbors, who express sympathy for their situation but also criticize their past behavior.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Gu family enjoys a peaceful morning in their courtyard.
• Restoration specialists from the Cultural Heritage Management Bureau continue work on the Western Wing.
• Bai Yuesheng calls Gu Jiuque, accusing him of causing the Bai family's misfortunes and revealing that he knows about the person who cut Gu Jiuque's dad's brake line.

Character Developments

• Gu Jiuque remains calm and composed despite Bai Yuesheng's accusations.
• Bai Yuesheng is revealed to be more involved in the past incident than initially thought.

Significant Themes

• Retribution and Consequences: Bai Yuesheng believes he is suffering retribution for helping Gu Jiuque.
• Responsibility and Guilt: Bai Yuesheng feels Gu Jiuque owes him for his suffering, while Gu Jiuque maintains a transactional perspective.

Character Interactions

• Gu Jiuque and Bai Yuesheng's conversation reveals underlying tension and mistrust.
• The restoration specialists discuss the Bai family's misfortune, expressing regret for the lost history and suspicion about the fire's cause.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Yuesheng, after being robbed of a priceless artifact (Chicken Cup), learns that his family's house burned down and his parents had a car accident.
• He suspects 'Crazy San', a person he had previously talked about, is taking revenge on him.
• Bai Yuesheng blames Gu Jiuque for his misfortunes, as Gu had pressured him to repay a debt quickly, leading him to reveal Crazy San's clue.

Character Developments

• Bai Yuesheng: Becomes terrified and paranoid, blaming Gu Jiuque for his family's misfortunes. His fear turns into resentment and anger.
• Gu Jiuque: Remains calm and composed, refusing to take responsibility for the Bai family's misfortunes. He reveals he has no control over the situation.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and Consequences: Bai Yuesheng's actions have severe consequences, leading to his family's misfortunes and his own paranoia.
• Responsibility and Blame: Bai Yuesheng blames Gu Jiuque for his problems, but Gu Jiuque refuses to take responsibility, highlighting the importance of personal accountability.

Character Interactions

• Bai Yuesheng and Gu Jiuque: Their interaction is tense and accusatory, with Bai Yuesheng blaming Gu Jiuque and Gu Jiuque refusing to take responsibility.
• Bai Yuesheng and 'Crazy San': Though not directly interacting, Bai Yuesheng's fear and paranoia are driven by his belief that 'Crazy San' is taking revenge on him.

Key Plot Points

• Gu Jiuque is at a restoration workshop, checking the apprentices' mortise-and-tenon joints. He marks every substandard piece and has them redo the work.
• Bai Yuesheng calls Gu Jiuque, panicked and terrified, revealing that Crazy San has someone backing him.
• Bai claims that Crazy San and his backer are enemies of the Gu family and were targeting them from the beginning. He urges Gu Jiuque to ask Shen Heng for help.
• Gu Jiuque refuses, saying he has no connection to Shen Heng and calling Bai's words speculation.
• Gu Jiuque then turns the tables on Bai: he points out that Bai somehow knew about the brake-line sabotage, the Gu Family Mansion fire, the Bai family arson, the car accident, and the stolen Chicken Cup—all without evidence.
• Gu Jiuque suggests Bai may have been involved originally, had turned against his partners, and now wanted to manipulate Gu Jiuque into confronting Crazy San while hiding behind him.
• Bai is left speechless and sweating.
• Gu Jiuque hangs up and tells the apprentices he is going to the police station. There, he is received by the same young officer who had taken his portrait painting before.

Character Developments

• Gu Jiuque: Shown as calm, sharp, and methodical. He notices faulty work, gives clear corrections, and verbally dismantles Bai Yuesheng's story using cold logic.
• Bai Yuesheng: Descends further into panic and desperation. He leaks more information than he should, contradicts himself, and cannot answer Gu Jiuque's questions, making him look increasingly suspicious.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation vs. Logic: Bai tries to use guilt to manipulate Gu Jiuque into action, but Gu Jiuque uses reason to expose Bai's evasions.
• Hidden Knowledge and Guilt: Bai's inability to explain how he knows things suggests he is not simply a victim but possibly an accomplice.
• Orchestrated Threats: The Gu family appears to be under a coordinated attack involving arson, car accidents, and theft—details Bai seems suspiciously familiar with.

Character Interactions

• Gu Jiuque and Bai Yuesheng: A tense phone interrogation. Bai stammers and begs, while Gu Jiuque calmly pressures him, eventually leaving Bai speechless.
• Gu Jiuque with the apprentices: Authoritative but not harsh; he quietly corrects their craftsmanship and then briefly reassures them before leaving.
• Gu Jiuque with the police: Reconnects with the familiar young officer, signaling continued investigation into the Gu family case.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Jiuque hands over a recording of his conversation with Bai Yuesheng to the police.
• He expresses his suspicions about Bai Yuesheng's involvement in the Gu family's misfortunes.
• The police acknowledge Gu Jiuque's information and promise to investigate further.
• Neighbors confront Gu Jiuque about Bai Yuesheng's potential involvement, having overheard the young restorers discussing the matter.

Character Developments

• Gu Jiuque: He becomes more suspicious of Bai Yuesheng and is determined to uncover the truth, even sharing his speculations with the police. He maintains a calm and composed demeanor despite the neighbors' accusations.
• Bai Yuesheng: Implied to be involved in the Gu family's troubles, he is described as having a hidden agenda and refusing to reveal what he knows to Gu Jiuque.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Betrayal: Gu Jiuque's trust in Bai Yuesheng is shattered as he suspects Bai's involvement in the Gu family's misfortunes.
• Appearances vs. Reality: The neighbors' initial impressions of Bai Yuesheng contrast with the growing suspicion of his true nature.

Character Interactions

• Gu Jiuque and the Police: Gu Jiuque shares his suspicions with the police, who acknowledge the validity of his information and promise to investigate.
• Gu Jiuque and the Neighbors: The neighbors confront Gu Jiuque about Bai Yuesheng's potential involvement, with Gu Jiuque maintaining a calm and composed demeanor.
• Gu Jiuque and the Young Restorers: The young restorers feel guilty for discussing the matter with the neighbors, but Gu Jiuque reassures them that he is not angry.

Key Plot Points & Events

• The Gu family attends the restoration event; Gu Jiuque feels out of place due to his new role.
• Rumors spread about Bai Yuesheng's involvement in the Gu family's misfortunes.
• Police question Bai Yuesheng, suspecting his connection to 'Crazy San'.
• Bai Yuesheng realizes Gu Jiuque's plan to use him as bait to lure 'Crazy San'.

Character Developments

• Gu Jiuque: Adapts to his new role in restoration; shows strategic thinking by using Bai Yuesheng as bait.
• Bai Yuesheng: Realizes Gu Jiuque's manipulation and feels hatred towards him.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and revenge: Gu Jiuque uses Bai Yuesheng to get closer to 'Crazy San'.
• Appearances vs reality: Bai Yuesheng's initial sympathy-seeking behavior contrasts with his true feelings.

Character Interactions

• Gu Jiuque and Lu Xunmei: They show concern for Gu Jiuque's health and well-being.
• Gu Jiuque and Bai Yuesheng: Gu Jiuque manipulates Bai Yuesheng, while Bai Yuesheng feels increasing hatred towards Gu Jiuque.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Jiuque recalls his past life and realizes his current life has truly started anew upon hearing about university registration.
• The Gu family discusses Gu Jiuque's university plans and his grandfather's connection at Jingzhou University.
• Gu Jiuque receives a call from Shen Heng, who reveals he has handed over Crazy San to the police in Gu Jiuque's district.

Character Developments

• Gu Jiuque reflects on his past life and understands the value of his current opportunities, such as attending university.
• Gu Jiuque is revealed to be protective of his family, staying close to them due to the threat posed by Crazy San and the Jin family.

Significant Themes

• Redemption and New Beginnings: Gu Jiuque understands that his life has truly started anew with the mention of university registration.
• Family and Protection: Gu Jiuque's desire to protect his family is highlighted, driving his actions and decisions.

Character Interactions

• Gu Jiuque interacts with his family, discussing his future plans and reminiscing about their past.
• Gu Jiuque speaks with Shen Heng over the phone, with Shen Heng teasingly asking for a warmer response and hinting at his feelings for Gu Jiuque.

• Key Plot Points: Shen Heng confesses his feelings to Gu Jiuque, and they go for a hot pot meal together.
• Character Developments: Gu Jiuque is uncomfortable with Shen Heng's constant surveillance but appreciates his help with Crazy San. Shen Heng shows his genuine interest in Gu Jiuque's life and preferences.
• Significant Themes: The theme of closeness and intimacy is reinforced through the shared meal of hot pot, which Shen Heng associates with close relationships.
• Character Interactions: Shen Heng and Gu Jiuque have a more candid conversation, with Shen Heng openly expressing his feelings and Gu Jiuque reciprocating with a meal invitation. They discuss their food preferences and plan future meals together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Jiuque accompanies Shen Heng to the police station, where they witness Crazy San's arrest.
• Gu Jiuque starts working at the museum's Institute of Calligraphy and Painting. Dean Qin challenges him to demonstrate his restoration skills.

Character Developments

• Gu Jiuque: He shows maturity and confidence in his skills, agreeing to demonstrate his restoration abilities without hesitation.
• Shen Heng: His admiration for Gu Jiuque's values grows after hearing Gu Jiuque's straightforward views on justice.
• Sun Qing: He shows consideration for Gu Jiuque by using his own damaged painting for the restoration test, rather than an ancient painting.

Significant Themes

• Justice and Morality: Gu Jiuque's straightforward views on punishing wrongdoers reflect his strong moral compass.
• Skill and Confidence: Gu Jiuque's confidence in his restoration skills is tested and affirmed.
• Mentorship and Consideration: Sun Qing's thoughtfulness in providing a test painting for Gu Jiuque shows his mentorship potential.

Character Interactions

• Gu Jiuque and Shen Heng: They share a moment of understanding and agreement on the importance of punishing wrongdoers.
• Gu Jiuque and Sun Qing: Sun Qing tests Gu Jiuque's skills and shows consideration for his well-being as a newcomer.
• Gu Jiuque and Dean Qin: Dean Qin challenges Gu Jiuque to demonstrate his skills, showing both confidence in him and a desire to see his abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Jiuque, an 18-year-old prodigy in cultural relic restoration, begins working on a suspected fake 'Ancient Trees and Crows' painting.
• He uses an unconventional yet confident method to clean the painting, restoring it in minutes, contrary to the usual time-consuming process.

Character Developments

• Gu Jiuque demonstrates exceptional skill, confidence, and mastery in restoration, surpassing even experienced restorers.
• The trainees and dean are astonished by Gu Jiuque's skill and question how he achieved such proficiency at his age.

Significant Themes

• Mastery through Dedication: Gu Jiuque's exceptional skill is a result of his extensive practice and dedication, not just innate talent.
• Patience vs. Speed: The contrast between the usual painstaking restoration process and Gu Jiuque's swift method highlights the value of patience and skill.

Character Interactions

• Gu Jiuque interacts with the trainees and dean, impressing them with his skill and challenging their preconceptions about restoration.
• The trainees and dean react with surprise, awe, and disbelief at Gu Jiuque's restoration process.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Jiuque, driven by obsession and guilt from his past life, becomes a master at restoring antiques and cultural relics.
• He effortlessly completes the backing removal process of the imitation Ancient Trees and Crows painting in less than an hour, leaving everyone astonished.
• An old professor praises Gu Jiuque and expresses interest in taking him as his student.

Character Developments

• Gu Jiuque: His dedication and skill in restoration are further highlighted, leaving others in awe. His past life's experiences continue to motivate him.
• The Old Professor: He shows appreciation for Gu Jiuque's talent and considers taking him as his final disciple.

Significant Themes

• Obsession and dedication: Gu Jiuque's single-minded focus on restoration, driven by his past life's guilt, is a central theme.
• Talent and recognition: The old professor's admiration for Gu Jiuque's skill highlights the theme of talent being recognized and appreciated.

Character Interactions

• Gu Jiuque interacts with the restorers and the old professor, showcasing his skill and leaving them amazed.
• Grandpa Gu and Grandma Gu interact with the old professor, discussing Gu Jiuque's future and the numerous offers he has received.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Grandpa Gu and the old professor (Sun Qing) engage in a verbal spat.
• Gu Jiuque begins restoring Sun Qing's copy of 'Ancient Trees and Crows'.
• Gu Jiuque hesitates at the brushwork restoration stage, deciding to judge the painting on its own merits.
• Sun Qing is astonished by Gu Jiuque's skill and offers him the task of mounting the painting.

Character Developments

• Grandpa Gu: Shows arrogance and pride in his grandson's abilities.
• Sun Qing: Initially skeptical of Gu Jiuque's skills, he becomes impressed and acknowledges Gu Jiuque's superior talent.

Significant Themes

• The importance of skill over age and experience.
• The value of good deeds and their potential rewards.

Character Interactions

• Grandpa Gu and Sun Qing: Their argument highlights their contrasting personalities and attitudes.
• Gu Jiuque and Sun Qing: Sun Qing's initial skepticism turns into admiration and respect for Gu Jiuque's skill.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Jiuque's restoration skills are recognized and praised by Sun Qing and others.
• Sun Qing apologizes to Gu Jiuque for underestimating him and offers to learn from him.
• Several senior restoration artists vie to be Gu Jiuque's mentor.
• Gu Jiuque chooses to stay with Sun Qing as his mentor.
• Gu Jiuque completes the mounting work on Sun Qing's imitation painting.

Character Developments

• Sun Qing: Realizes his mistake in underestimating Gu Jiuque and offers to learn from him, showing growth and humility.
• Gu Jiuque: Confident in his skills and chooses Sun Qing as his mentor despite other offers, demonstrating maturity and discernment.

Significant Themes

• The importance of not judging a book by its cover (Sun Qing's initial misjudgment of Gu Jiuque).
• The value of humility and learning from others (Sun Qing's offer to learn from Gu Jiuque).
• The significance of mentorship and guidance in professional development (the competition among senior restoration artists to mentor Gu Jiuque).

Character Interactions

• Sun Qing and Gu Jiuque: Sun Qing apologizes and offers to learn from Gu Jiuque, leading to a mutual respect and learning relationship.
• Senior restoration artists and Gu Jiuque: Several artists vie for Gu Jiuque's attention, highlighting their eagerness to mentor him and learn from him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Jiuque's mounting skills have improved significantly.
• Sun Qing, a client, is thrilled with Gu Jiuque's work and invites him to dinner.
• Shen Heng arrives, creating a stir with his flamboyant behavior.
• Gu Jiuque's grandparents vouch for Shen Heng's character.
• The group decides to have dinner together, with Shen Heng as the host.

Character Developments

• Gu Jiuque: Shows embarrassment and slight discomfort with Shen Heng's public behavior.
• Shen Heng: Displays his charisma and ability to win over others, especially the elderly.
• Sun Qing: Initially misjudges Shen Heng, later apologizes for his mistake.

Significant Themes

• First impressions and their influence on people's judgments.
• The power of kindness and good deeds in building relationships.

Character Interactions

• Gu Jiuque and Shen Heng: Their friendship is evident, with Shen Heng showing off to impress Gu Jiuque's family.
• Gu Jiuque's grandparents and Shen Heng: They warm up to Shen Heng due to his respectful and affectionate behavior.
• Sun Qing and Shen Heng: Sun Qing initially dislikes Shen Heng but later apologizes and accepts him after learning more about him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Heng insists on treating the Gu family to dinner, but they insist on treating him instead.
• Gu Jiuque gives Shen Heng a custom-made, palm-sized black banner with golden embroidery, bearing the words "Upholding Justice" in small seal script.
• Shen Heng is delighted with the gift and plans to display it on his desk.
• Shen Heng posts a photo of the banner on his social media, causing confusion and curiosity among his followers.

Character Developments

• Shen Heng: Shows his appreciation and delight in receiving the banner, revealing his vanity and desire for recognition.
• Gu Jiuque: Demonstrates his thoughtfulness, skill, and versatility by creating a unique, intricate banner for Shen Heng.
• Grandpa Gu and Grandma Gu: Express pride in their grandson's accomplishments but remain modest in public.

Significant Themes

• Friendship: The exchange between Shen Heng and Gu Jiuque highlights their growing friendship and mutual respect.
• Gratitude: The banner serves as a symbol of gratitude from Gu Jiuque to Shen Heng for his help.
• Appreciation of Art and Craftsmanship: The group admires the banner's craftsmanship and beauty, showcasing their appreciation for cultural relics and art.

Character Interactions

• Shen Heng and Gu Jiuque: Their interaction shows a deepening bond, with Shen Heng feeling understood and appreciated by Gu Jiuque, and Gu Jiuque expressing his gratitude through the banner.
• Gu Jiuque and the Cultural Relic Restorers: The group is impressed by Gu Jiuque's skill in weaving and embroidery, further cementing his reputation as a prodigy in their field.
• Dean Qin and Shen Heng: While not present in this scene, Dean Qin's thoughts reveal his desire to secure Gu Jiuque's position within the Institute, indicating a potential future interaction between him and Shen Heng.