Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ling Zhengdao is upset about the Ling family's financial situation and blames his relatives for not helping.
• Ling Yiyi suggests sending Ling Xiu back to the sanatorium, but Ling Zhengdao refuses due to financial constraints.
• Ling Zhengdao plans to borrow money from Ling Yiyi's grandfather to make a comeback.
• Ling Yiyi feels resentful and lonely due to the change in her social status and the Ling family's fall from grace.
• Ling Yiyi envies and hates Gu Chen for ruining the Ling family but is secretly fascinated by him.
• Ling Yiyi discovers a new interview with Gu Chen on Street Stall Network.

Character Developments

• Ling Zhengdao: Struggles with the family's financial issues and feels dispirited after losing his position as chairman.
• Ling Yiyi: Becomes more isolated and resentful due to the change in her social status. She feels helpless and envies Gu Chen's capabilities.
• Ling Xiu: Remains a controversial figure, with Ling Yiyi blaming him for the Ling family's downfall.

Significant Themes

• The impact of wealth and status on relationships and social standing.
• Resentment, envy, and admiration towards successful individuals.
• The struggle to maintain dignity and hope in the face of adversity.

Character Interactions

• Ling Zhengdao and Ling Yiyi: Discuss the family's financial situation and Ling Xiu's care.
• Ling Yiyi and her friends: Ling Yiyi feels isolated and ignored by her peers due to her family's fall from grace.
• Ling Yiyi and Gu Chen: Ling Yiyi's feelings towards Gu Chen are complex, involving hatred, envy, and admiration.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Chen, in an interview, reveals his initial motivation for starting a business was to change his personality and gain acceptance, as he felt he was disliked and had bad luck.
• Gu Chen visits Zhongli Sui's grandparents with gifts for the family, showing consideration for younger family members.
• They arrive at the grandparents' home to meet the extended family.

Character Developments

• Gu Chen: Shows vulnerability and self-awareness by admitting his past personality flaws and desire for acceptance. He also demonstrates thoughtfulness by buying gifts for younger family members.
• Zhongli Sui: Shows affection towards Gu Chen by teasing him about his gift-picking method and buying him milk tea. He also supports Gu Chen's concerns about his weight.

Significant Themes

• Acceptance and belonging: Gu Chen's admission of his past struggles highlights his desire for acceptance and his journey towards self-improvement and belonging.
• Family and relationships: The visit to Zhongli Sui's grandparents emphasizes the importance of family and the development of Gu Chen and Zhongli Sui's relationship.

Character Interactions

• Gu Chen and Zhongli Sui: Their interaction shows a deepening of their relationship, with Zhongli Sui supporting Gu Chen's insecurities and Gu Chen showing thoughtfulness towards Zhongli Sui's family.
• Gu Chen and Zhongli Sui's family: Gu Chen's visit to his in-laws-to-be demonstrates his willingness to integrate into Zhongli Sui's family life and shows the family's acceptance of him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Chen and Zhongli Sui visit Zhongli Sui's grandparents.
• They meet Zhongli Sui's extended family and have a family lunch.
• Zhongli Sui's grandmother gives Gu Chen a jade pendant as a meeting gift.
• Gu Chen plays Chinese chess with Zhongli Sui's grandfather, who praises his skills and temperament.

Character Developments

• Gu Chen is shown to be polite, humble, and skilled in chess, winning the approval of Zhongli Sui's grandfather.
• Zhongli Sui's mother is portrayed as caring and lively, but also somewhat intrusive and critical.
• Zhongli Sui's grandparents are shown to be content with their independent life and not eager to move in with their daughter.

Significant Themes

• Family dynamics and intergenerational relationships.
• The importance of communication and understanding within families.
• The value of tradition and change, as seen in Zhongli Sui's mother's desire to modernize her parents' home.

Character Interactions

• Gu Chen and Zhongli Sui interact warmly, smiling at each other when Zhongli Sui's mother praises Gu Chen's cooking skills.
• Zhongli Sui's parents and grandparents have a tense exchange about the grandparents moving in with them.
• Gu Chen and Zhongli Sui's grandfather bond over a game of chess, with the grandfather expressing his approval of Gu Chen.

Epilogue Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhongli Sui's grandparents express loneliness due to their children's busy careers.
• Gu Chen promises to visit them often with Zhongli Sui.
• Zhongli Sui's grandparents reveal they knew about Zhongli Sui's sexual orientation and had Gu Chen investigated, approving of their relationship.
• The chapter ends with Gu Chen leaving work at 8 PM, showing his usual work schedule.

Character Developments

• Zhongli Sui's grandparents show acceptance and understanding of Zhongli Sui's sexual orientation and relationship with Gu Chen.
• Gu Chen demonstrates responsibility and thoughtfulness towards Zhongli Sui's grandparents.

Significant Themes

• Family and relationships: The grandparents' loneliness highlights the importance of family and close relationships.
• Acceptance: The grandparents' acceptance of Zhongli Sui's sexual orientation and relationship is a significant step in their personal growth.
• Work-life balance: Gu Chen's work schedule and the company's benefits for employees emphasize the importance of balance between work and personal life.

Character Interactions

• Zhongli Sui's grandparents interact with Gu Chen, expressing their approval of their relationship and offering advice about life and relationships.
• Gu Chen interacts with Zhongli Sui's grandparents, showing respect and care for them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Chen decides to leave work early, surprising his colleague Cheng Yi.
• Gu Chen shares his plan to introduce vacation benefits and annual medical checkups for employees as part of his efforts to balance work and life.
• Gu Chen reveals that his in-laws have influence, hinting at potential benefits for the company.
• Gu Chen teases Cheng Yi about finding a girlfriend, mentioning Auntie's matchmaking call.
• Cheng Yi expresses his admiration for Gu Chen's success in both career and love life.

Character Developments

• Gu Chen: Shows concern for his employees' well-being, aiming to create a better work-life balance. He also displays confidence in his career and love life.
• Cheng Yi: Struggles with work-life balance, preferring to work overtime. He expresses admiration for Gu Chen's success but is content with his single status.

Significant Themes

• Work-Life Balance: Gu Chen emphasizes the importance of balancing work and life, while Cheng Yi is more focused on work.
• Career Success: Both characters have achieved success in their careers, with Gu Chen also finding happiness in his personal life.
• Love and Relationships: Gu Chen is happily married, while Cheng Yi remains single, with a potential romantic interest in Shang Rui.

Character Interactions

• Gu Chen and Cheng Yi: The two old classmates share a friendly and teasing banter, with Gu Chen showing concern for Cheng Yi's personal life and Cheng Yi admiring Gu Chen's success.
• Gu Chen and Zhongli: Gu Chen is planning to have a candlelit dinner with Zhongli, indicating a strong relationship.
• Cheng Yi and Shang Rui: Cheng Yi has feelings for Shang Rui, but she is hesitant due to the company's dating policy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Chen leaves after a brief visit, leaving Cheng Yi nostalgic about the past.
• Zhongli Sui prepares breakfast for both, with Gu Chen's favorite stir-fried Chinese yam and corn kernels.
• They have breakfast together, then clear the table and wash dishes together.
• They go out for lunch at a private kitchen near their residence, passing by the former sales office of Great Zhou World.
• After lunch, they play golf and walk around the residential complex, enjoying each other's company.
• They return home, take a nap, and decide to watch a movie together, choosing a Republican-era spy film.

Character Developments

• Cheng Yi reflects on the passage of time and the things that remain unchanged, appreciating the stability in his relationship with Gu Chen.
• Gu Chen and Zhongli Sui's relationship deepens; they express their happiness in being together and appreciate each other's company in simple, everyday activities.

Significant Themes

• The passage of time and change vs. constancy in relationships.
• Appreciation of simple pleasures and everyday moments in a relationship.
• The evolution of Gu Chen's and Zhongli Sui's feelings, from initial business partners to a loving couple.

Character Interactions

• Gu Chen and Zhongli Sui share a comfortable, affectionate dynamic, enjoying each other's company and expressing their feelings openly.
• Cheng Yi and Gu Chen maintain a friendly, stable relationship, with Cheng Yi expressing gratitude for their unchanged bond.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhongli Sui and Gu Chen pause a movie to cook dinner together.
• They decide to make sweet and sour ribs, braised fish, and steamed scallops.
• Zhongli Sui's parents invite them for a family hike the next day.
• After dinner, they go for a night run and meet Yao Yuan and Hong Yun, who invite them for skewers.

Character Developments

• Zhongli Sui shows concern for his appearance and health, suggesting night runs to maintain his figure.
• Gu Chen demonstrates responsibility and self-control by declining the skewers invitation to stick to their night run plan.

Significant Themes

• Relationship: The chapter emphasizes the couple's compatibility and mutual support, from cooking together to running together.
• Growth and Change: Zhongli Sui's midlife crisis hints at the theme of aging and change, while Gu Chen's dedication to study shows his continuous growth.

Character Interactions

• Zhongli Sui and Gu Chen's interaction shows a deep understanding and accommodation of each other's preferences and needs.
• Yao Yuan and Hong Yun's interaction with Gu Chen and Zhongli Sui highlights their friendly and inviting nature.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Gu Chen is invited to give a freshman orientation speech at A University.
• The university hopes to use Gu Chen's story to inspire students to study harder and attract more outstanding applicants.
• Gu Chen decides to focus on encouraging students to master their studies before pursuing business ventures.
• A University implements a new rule banning students from starting businesses independently until their third year and maintaining high academic grades.
• Gu Chen announces the establishment of an Angel Fund to support outstanding students' business ventures, with strict requirements for project selection.

Character Developments

• Gu Chen shows maturity and responsibility by encouraging students to prioritize their studies and understanding the university's intentions.
• Professor Xing expresses concern about Gu Chen's influence on students starting businesses prematurely.

Significant Themes

• The importance of mastering academic knowledge before pursuing entrepreneurial ventures.
• The responsibility of role models in influencing young individuals.
• The balance between ambition and practicality in entrepreneurship.

Character Interactions

• Gu Chen and Professor Xing discuss the freshman orientation speech and the new university rule.
• Gu Chen interacts with the students during his speech, encouraging them to study harder and apply for the Angel Fund.
• University leaders express surprise at Gu Chen's decision to establish an Angel Fund.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Chen decides to establish an angel fund at A University to invest in promising student projects.
• He plans to expand the fund's scope within a year to accept proposals from universities across the country.
• Gu Chen seeks Zhongli Sui's advice on hiring reviewers for the fund.

Character Developments

• Gu Chen demonstrates his entrepreneurial spirit and belief in the potential of young innovators.
• Zhongli Sui shows concern for Gu Chen's well-being and reluctance to engage in small-scale projects.

Significant Themes

• Investment in emerging industries and startups.
• Mentorship and support for young entrepreneurs.
• Balancing personal relationships and professional responsibilities.

Character Interactions

• Gu Chen and Zhongli Sui discuss the angel fund and potential reviewers, leading to a better understanding of each other's perspectives.
• Gu Chen visits Zhongli Sui at work, showing care and support, and strengthening their bond.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Chen brings food for employees working overtime.
• Zhongli Sui and Gu Chen work late and sleep at the office.
• They return home together, and Gu Chen cooks breakfast the next morning.
• Zhongli Sui calls his parents, who ask for the leftover sweet-and-sour yellow croaker.

Character Developments

• Gu Chen shows responsibility and care for Zhongli Sui and the employees by ensuring they're fed and well-rested.
• Zhongli Sui is portrayed as dedicated to his work, often working late and being exhausted.
• Zhongli Sui's parents are shown to be fond of Gu Chen's cooking and eager to try it.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility and Care: Gu Chen demonstrates his concern for Zhongli Sui and the employees' well-being.
• Work-Life Balance: Zhongli Sui's late-night work hours highlight the strain of his busy schedule.
• Family and Food: Zhongli Sui's parents' eagerness for Gu Chen's cooking emphasizes the importance of food in their family dynamics.

Character Interactions

• Gu Chen and Zhongli Sui work together, sleep together, and eat together, showing a close, harmonious relationship.
• Zhongli Sui's conversation with his father reveals their affectionate, teasing dynamic.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhongli Sui and Gu Chen plan to hike Maple Mountain with Zhongli Sui's parents.
• Zhongli Sui's father asks Zhongli Sui to bring sweet-and-sour fried yellow croaker, which Gu Chen made, to the mountain.
• Gu Chen decides to cook dinner for everyone at the old house instead of bringing leftovers.
• The family of four hikes Maple Mountain, taking photos along the way.

Character Developments

• Zhongli Sui shows affection towards Gu Chen in front of his parents, wrapping an arm around Gu Chen's shoulders for a photo.
• Gu Chen shows consideration for Zhongli Sui's parents, advising them to leave their heavy backpacks in the car and offering to carry the camera.

Significant Themes

• Family bonding and togetherness.
• Acceptance and comfort in expressing affection in public.

Character Interactions

• Zhongli Sui and Gu Chen tease each other playfully during the car ride, showing a strong, affectionate bond.
• Zhongli Sui's parents interact warmly with Zhongli Sui and Gu Chen, making them feel welcome and part of the family.
• Zhongli Sui and Gu Chen pose for a photo together, marking a significant moment in their relationship, with Zhongli Sui initiating physical affection.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhongli Sui's family goes on an outing together to a scenic mountain area.
• They rest at a pavilion, enjoying the view of City A and discussing their rare family outings.
• Gu Chen buys straw hats for everyone to protect against the sun.

Character Developments

• Zhongli Sui's parents reflect on their past neglect of their son and appreciate Gu Chen's positive influence on their family.
• Zhongli Sui's mother expresses her wish for grandchildren, hinting at the family's desire for continuity.

Significant Themes

• Family dynamics and the importance of spending quality time together.
• The impact of one's upbringing on their adult relationships and behaviors.
• The desire for family continuity and the implications of not having children.

Character Interactions

• Zhongli Sui and Gu Chen interact affectionately, showing a relaxed and gentle side of Zhongli Sui that his parents appreciate.
• Zhongli Sui's parents share their thoughts and feelings with each other, expressing gratitude towards Gu Chen for bringing their family closer.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhongli Sui's mother suggests having another child to continue the family line, as Zhongli Sui and Gu Chen cannot have children.
• Zhongli Sui's father is initially shocked but later considers the idea after hearing about a friend's wife who's pregnant at a similar age.
• Zhongli Sui and Gu Chen express their disapproval, citing the risks of pregnancy at an advanced age and their contentment with their current lives.
• Zhongli Sui's mother drops the idea after everyone's opposition and understanding Zhongli Sui's perspective.

Character Developments

• Zhongli Sui's mother reveals her desire to have another child to care for Zhongli Sui and Gu Chen in their old age, demonstrating her love and concern for her son and his partner.
• Zhongli Sui shows maturity and understanding, addressing his mother's concerns and expressing his contentment with his life with Gu Chen.
• Gu Chen displays thoughtfulness and consideration, understanding Zhongli Sui's mother's perspective and expressing his concerns about her health.

Significant Themes

• Family and Parenthood: The chapter explores the complex dynamics of family relationships, parental concerns, and the desire for continuation of the family line.
• Acceptance and Contentment: Zhongli Sui and Gu Chen's acceptance of their lives and their decision not to have children challenge traditional norms and highlight the importance of personal happiness and contentment.

Character Interactions

• Zhongli Sui and his parents have an open and honest conversation about their desires and concerns, leading to a deeper understanding between them.
• Gu Chen acts as a mediator and support for both Zhongli Sui and his mother, understanding and addressing their perspectives with care and consideration.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Chen and Zhongli Sui go on a family outing to Maple Mountain with Zhongli Sui's parents.
• At the mountaintop, they take a family portrait and encounter a young couple who recognize Gu Chen and ask for an autograph.
• They decide to have lunch at the Maple Mountain Phoenix Cry Temple and discuss cooking plans for the evening.

Character Developments

• Gu Chen: Shows maturity and thoughtfulness, expressing his love and commitment to Zhongli Sui.
• Zhongli Sui: Exhibits jealousy over Gu Chen's popularity but also displays affection and understanding.
• Zhongli Sui's Parents: Portrayed as sensible and caring, they support the couple's relationship and look forward to trying Gu Chen's cooking.

Significant Themes

• Love and commitment: Gu Chen and Zhongli Sui's relationship continues to grow stronger, with both expressing their dedication to each other.
• Family and togetherness: The family outing highlights the importance of spending quality time together and creating lasting memories.

Character Interactions

• Gu Chen and Zhongli Sui: Their playful banter and affectionate moments demonstrate their deep connection and understanding.
• Zhongli Sui and his parents: The family dynamic is shown to be warm and supportive, with open communication and shared interests.
• Gu Chen and the young couple: The brief interaction highlights Gu Chen's popularity and his polite yet firm refusal to sign an autograph.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhongli Sui and his family visit Phoenix Cry Temple for a vegetarian meal.
• Zhongli Sui and Gu Chen cook dinner together at Zhongli Sui's parents' house for the first time.
• Zhongli Sui's parents praise Gu Chen's cooking skills and express their desire for them to visit more often.

Character Developments

• Zhongli Sui: Shows initiative in cooking with Gu Chen and stands up for him against his mother's concerns.
• Gu Chen: Demonstrates adaptability in using an unfamiliar kitchen and considers Zhongli Sui's parents' dietary preferences.
• Zhongli Sui's Parents: Realize the harmonious relationship between Zhongli Sui and Gu Chen, and express their approval and desire for more family time.

Significant Themes

• Family bonding and acceptance of Gu Chen into the family.
• Communication and understanding between family members.
• The importance of shared meals in fostering relationships.

Character Interactions

• Zhongli Sui and Gu Chen: Work well together in the kitchen, showing harmony and mutual respect.
• Zhongli Sui and his parents: Have open conversations about Gu Chen and their desire for him to visit more often.
• Gu Chen and Zhongli Sui's parents: Interact positively, with Gu Chen earning their praise and approval for his cooking skills and consideration for their dietary needs.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Chen and Zhongli Sui return home after a tiring day. Gu Chen wants to sleep early, but Zhongli Sui insists on taking care of him, drying his hair, and sleeping together.
• The next morning, Zhongli Sui prepares breakfast for Gu Chen. They discuss dinner plans, deciding to have noodles with fried bean sauce and other dishes at home.
• At work, Yao Yuan invites Gu Chen and Zhongli Sui to a hot pot dinner at his place, but Gu Chen declines, mentioning their dinner plans at home.

Character Developments

• Gu Chen shows signs of opening up to Zhongli Sui, allowing him to take care of him and accepting his affection more readily.
• Zhongli Sui continues to be attentive and caring towards Gu Chen, showing his affection through actions.

Significant Themes

• Affection and Intimacy: The chapter explores the growing affection and intimacy between Gu Chen and Zhongli Sui, with Zhongli Sui's caring actions and Gu Chen's acceptance of them.
• Routine and Normalcy: The chapter highlights the mundane aspects of their relationship, such as preparing meals together and discussing dinner plans, emphasizing the normality and comfort in their life together.

Character Interactions

• Gu Chen and Zhongli Sui: Their interactions show a growing closeness and understanding between them, with Zhongli Sui taking care of Gu Chen and Gu Chen accepting his care.
• Gu Chen and Yao Yuan: Their interaction reveals Yao Yuan's envy of Gu Chen's relationship with Zhongli Sui, hinting at Yao Yuan's own longing for a similar connection.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Yi is implementing big data recommendations for Street Stall Network, pushing his team to work overtime.
• Gu Chen tries to persuade Cheng Yi to rest, but Cheng Yi is determined to finish the project soon.
• Gu Chen leaves work early to prepare zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste) for dinner with Zhongli Sui.
• Cheng Yi asks Gu Chen to pack him some braised beef.

Character Developments

• Cheng Yi is focused and dedicated to his work, even at the expense of his team's overtime.
• Gu Chen has found contentment in his ordinary life with Zhongli Sui, enjoying simple pleasures like cooking and spending time together.

Significant Themes

• The importance of work-life balance, as seen through Gu Chen's perspective.
• The value of simple, ordinary moments in life, as highlighted by Gu Chen's appreciation for his current lifestyle.

Character Interactions

• Gu Chen and Cheng Yi share a friendly, respectful rapport, with Cheng Yi understanding and appreciating Gu Chen's priorities.
• Gu Chen and Zhongli Sui's relationship is shown to be affectionate and considerate, with Zhongli Sui bringing Gu Chen milk tea every day and Gu Chen cooking for them. Their conversation about milk tea and water symbolizes their unchanging bond amidst life's ordinary moments.