Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Heng calls Mai Chengliang to propose Zhao Miao for the male lead in 'Double-Faced Killer'.
• Mai Chengliang and Director Chen discuss Zhao Miao's suitability for the role.
• Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan watch a Wei Group press conference, prompting Lu Chi to investigate share buy-ups.
• Lu Chi asks Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan to buy groceries, subtly suggesting they avoid crowded places due to potential fan encounters.

Character Developments

• Lu Heng shows initiative in connecting Zhao Miao with the film project.
• Lu Chi demonstrates his investigative skills and subtly manipulates situations to his advantage.
• Zhao Miao displays confidence and assertiveness in his communication with Director Chen.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and initiative (Lu Heng, Zhao Miao)
• Manipulation and subtlety (Lu Chi)
• Trust and understanding (Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan's relationship with Lu Chi)

Character Interactions

• Lu Heng and Mai Chengliang discuss Zhao Miao's potential in the film project.
• Lu Chi subtly interacts with Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan, showing his care for their safety while pursuing his own goals.
• Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan share a moment of understanding and amusement regarding Lu Chi's schemes.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan disguise themselves to avoid recognition while grocery shopping.
• They plan to buy ingredients for a feast, including dishes from their family restaurant.
• Lu Heng calls his father to arrange for some dishes to be prepared at the restaurant.

Character Developments

• Lu Heng shows consideration for his brother's career and personal life, defending him against their parents' pressure to marry.
• Wei Linxuan is excited about the disguises and wants to join them next time.
• Zhao Er Miao is eager to try the disguises as well.

Significant Themes

• The pressure of societal expectations, particularly regarding marriage and career, is highlighted through Lu Chi's situation and his parents' concerns.
• The importance of family and togetherness is emphasized as Lu Heng plans a feast for his family.

Character Interactions

• Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan's camaraderie is shown through their shared excitement about the disguises and grocery shopping.
• Lu Heng's protective brotherly love is evident in his conversation with his father.
• The dynamic between Lu Heng and his parents is portrayed through their humorous and affectionate banter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei Linxuan pretends to be Lu Heng's mother on the phone to stop Mother Lu's nagging and invites Lu Heng's parents to dinner, surprising them with his behavior.
• Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan go to the market together and return home to cook dinner for Lu Heng's family.
• Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan have a playful argument in the kitchen while preparing dinner, with Wei Linxuan insisting on washing vegetables one by one to spend more time with Lu Heng.

Character Developments

• Wei Linxuan shows a more caring and considerate side, going as far as pretending to be Lu Heng's mother to help him and inviting his parents to dinner. He also displays a playful and stubborn side in the kitchen.
• Lu Heng shows patience and understanding towards Wei Linxuan's quirks, even if they sometimes hinder the cooking process.

Significant Themes

• The theme of family and the dynamics between Lu Heng, Wei Linxuan, and Lu Heng's parents is explored, with Wei Linxuan trying to integrate himself into Lu Heng's family life.
• The theme of communication and understanding between partners is shown through Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan's playful argument in the kitchen.

Character Interactions

• Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan's relationship continues to develop, with Wei Linxuan showing affection and consideration towards Lu Heng and his family. They have a playful dynamic, with Wei Linxuan's quirks sometimes causing minor disagreements, but ultimately leading to understanding and compromise.
• Lu Heng's parents are surprised by Wei Linxuan's behavior and are left wondering about the reason behind it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan nearly share an intimate moment in the kitchen, but are interrupted by Lu Chi's arrival.
• Lu Chi reveals he's moving out next week to an apartment he bought downstairs.
• Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan express concern and curiosity about Lu Chi's decision.

Character Developments

• Lu Heng: Shows affection and care towards Wei Linxuan, and concern for Lu Chi's well-being.
• Wei Linxuan: Demonstrates understanding and consideration for Lu Heng's feelings, and concern for Lu Chi's actions.
• Lu Chi: Shows thoughtfulness and consideration for Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan's privacy and space, while maintaining a casual and humorous demeanor.

Significant Themes

• Family and home: Lu Chi's decision to move out highlights the importance of personal space and privacy within a family setting.
• Communication: The characters' open and honest communication with each other strengthens their bonds.
• Love and affection: Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan's growing intimacy is evident in their interactions.

Character Interactions

• Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan: Their relationship continues to develop, with moments of intimacy and understanding.
• Lu Heng and Lu Chi: They maintain a close, familial bond, with Lu Heng showing concern for Lu Chi's actions.
• Wei Linxuan and Lu Chi: They share a friendly and comfortable dynamic, with Wei Linxuan expressing curiosity about Lu Chi's decision.

Chapter Summary: “Rivalry”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Heng plans a family dinner featuring chicken stew with potatoes and bighead carp, arranged by his father through the family restaurant.
• He jokingly prevents Big Brother Lu Chi from helping in the kitchen because of Lu Chi’s notorious self-taught “dark cuisine.”
• The family realizes that Zhao Er Miao, who had intended to stay for dinner, suddenly left for Hong Kong after receiving an urgent phone call. Lu Heng suspects the trip may be connected to actress Chen Mengyi, who is filming there.
• When Zhao Er Miao does not answer his phone, Wei Linxuan asks the studio’s PR manager to investigate what happened in Hong Kong.
• The PR manager discovers that Chen Mengyi and veteran actress Su Man had gotten into a serious fight on the set of their film. The incident was suppressed by the powerful production and entertainment companies involved.
• The conflict began because Qi Jiaming, Su Man’s lover and a wealthy heir, became infatuated with Chen Mengyi after seeing her perform a wire stunt. Despite Chen’s repeated refusals and her statement that she already liked someone else, Qi continued pursuing her.
• Su Man, unable to confront Qi directly because of his influence and her dependence on his support, repeatedly targeted and provoked Chen Mengyi on set.
• Chen eventually lost her temper, and the two actresses had a vicious physical altercation. Chen reportedly knocked Su Man’s chin implant out, leaving Su Man hospitalized and threatening the continuation of the film.
• The chapter ends with uncertainty over the financial and professional consequences of the fight, particularly for Su Man and the production.

Character Developments

• Lu Heng is shown as considerate and protective of his family, while also displaying concern for Zhao Er Miao and Chen Mengyi. His quick suspicion that the Hong Kong trip is connected to Chen reveals his attentiveness to their relationship.
• Wei Linxuan acts efficiently and professionally by using the studio’s public-relations network to uncover the hidden incident.
• Lu Chi remains humorous and eager to help, but his disastrous cooking reputation makes the others wary of involving him.
• Zhao Er Miao becomes an off-screen source of suspense. His sudden departure and refusal to answer calls suggest that he may be directly involved in handling the crisis.
• Chen Mengyi is portrayed as firm and self-controlled at first. She repeatedly rejects Qi Jiaming’s advances but eventually retaliates after Su Man’s continued provocations.
• Su Man is revealed to be experienced and calculating rather than impulsive, but jealousy and insecurity drive her into increasingly aggressive behavior.
• Qi Jiaming shifts from devoted admirer of Su Man to obsessive pursuer of Chen Mengyi, exposing his fickleness, entitlement, and disregard for Chen’s boundaries.

Significant Themes

• Rivalry and jealousy: The central conflict grows from Qi’s shifting affections and Su Man’s jealousy of Chen.
• Power and exploitation in the entertainment industry: Wealthy investors, influential families, and entertainment companies control careers and suppress scandals.
• Public image versus private behavior: Both actresses maintain glamorous professional personas while becoming involved in a violent backstage conflict.
• Obsession and violated boundaries: Qi’s refusal to accept Chen’s rejection demonstrates how persistence can become harassment.
• Unequal power and displaced anger: Su Man cannot challenge Qi directly, so she redirects her anger toward Chen, the less powerful target.
• Secrecy and media control: The production’s powerful backing prevents the fight from becoming public news, revealing how industry influence can conceal misconduct.

Character Interactions

• Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan cooperate to investigate Zhao Er Miao’s sudden trip and the Hong Kong incident.
• Lu Heng humorously rejects Lu Chi’s offer to cook, reinforcing their familiar brotherly dynamic.
• Chen Mengyi repeatedly refuses Qi Jiaming’s invitations and advances, while Qi ignores her clear rejection.
• Su Man, angered by Qi’s attraction to Chen, repeatedly antagonizes Chen during filming.
• Chen and Su Man’s escalating hostility ultimately erupts into a physical fight.
• Qi’s pursuit of Chen indirectly destroys his relationship with Su Man’s sense of security and drives the actresses into direct conflict.

Chapter Summary: “Beaten Up”

Plot points and events

The film’s backer and production collapse after a violent confrontation between actresses Su Man and Chen Mengyi in Hong Kong. Su Man scratches Chen Mengyi’s face badly, while Chen accidentally damages Su Man’s chin implant. Both actresses are hospitalized: Su Man must have the implant removed and undergo further cosmetic surgery, while Chen requires substantial recovery time because of severe facial scratches and bruising. As a result, Su Man will be unable to film for over a month, and Chen must take at least two weeks off. Since they play the female lead and second female lead, the movie’s production is forced into an expensive delay, threatening its budget and investors.

Character developments

Lu Heng becomes increasingly worried about Zhao Miao, who has rushed to Hong Kong to support Su Man and might act recklessly out of concern for her girlfriend. Lu Chi, in contrast, reacts with amused admiration at Su Man’s fierceness, suggesting he sees her actions as a ruthless attempt to prevent future trouble. The Lu family’s domestic scene highlights their warmth and familiarity. Lu Heng is disappointed when his parents return early and take over cooking, while Lu Miaomiao is teased into helping with the dishes but is ultimately assisted by her brothers and Wei Linxuan.

Significant themes

The chapter explores the destructive pressures of the entertainment industry, where an artist’s appearance, reputation, and ability to work are closely tied to her career. The actresses’ fight causes not only physical injury but also public-relations damage, gossip, and severe financial consequences for the production. Alongside this darker industry conflict, the chapter contrasts the chaos with the comfort of family life, emphasizing how shared meals and ordinary household interactions provide warmth and stability.

Character interactions

Lu Heng discusses the scandal with Heng Xuan Studio’s PR manager and later contacts Zhao Miao for an update. The Lu brothers stop discussing the gossip when their parents arrive, then helplessly surrender the kitchen to their parents’ cooking. At dinner, Lu Mom jokingly calls the family “little piglets,” teases Lu Miaomiao about being beautiful, and assigns her the dishes. The brothers then cooperate to clean up, reinforcing the family’s affectionate, playful dynamic.

Chapter Summary: “Suspicion”

Key Plot Points and Events

• The on-set fight between actresses Chen Mengyi and Su Man is suppressed by Hong Kong’s entertainment media because of the Qi family’s influence. Public exposure could damage both actresses’ careers, especially Chen’s carefully cultivated image as an intelligent, strong female warrior.
• Qi Jiaming mediates between the two women. Although both are resentful, Chen’s team and Su Man agree to a public reconciliation to avoid scandal.
• Su Man, badly injured and facing another cosmetic surgery and a month away from work, accepts Qi Jiaming’s promised compensation, including valuable career resources and a luxury mansion.
• Zhao Miao, angry that Chen Mengyi has suffered unfairly while Qi Jiaming openly courts her under the guise of visiting, abandons the agencies’ plans. After consulting Chen, he publicly reveals that he and Chen are in a relationship.
• The announcement causes a major backlash from both stars’ fans, who had viewed them as romantic figures available to them. Heng Xuan Studio uses its media influence to manage public opinion and limit the damage.
• The scandal escalates when a young female fan of Zhao Miao attempts suicide after learning he is dating Chen. She survives but breaks her leg. The media blames Zhao for announcing the relationship irresponsibly.
• The girl’s parents later ambush Zhao outside the hospital and have him beaten, breaking his leg. The incident triggers further outrage and discussion throughout the entertainment industry.
• Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan fly to Hong Kong to visit Zhao, only to find that Zhao has arranged to share Chen’s hospital room. The couple, both in hospital gowns, behave like an affectionate pair and nearly post a romantic photo online despite the surrounding controversy.

Character Developments

• Chen Mengyi remains concerned with protecting her professional reputation but also accepts reconciliation to avoid worsening the scandal. Her relationship with Zhao Miao becomes public, showing that she is willing to act decisively when pushed too far.
• Zhao Miao shifts from quietly protecting Chen to openly declaring their relationship. His impulsive decision reflects his jealousy and frustration with Qi Jiaming, but it also exposes him to severe public criticism and physical retaliation.
• Su Man becomes more calculating after the fight. Though angry at Chen, she accepts reconciliation because the compensation and resources outweigh the benefits of prolonging the conflict.
• Qi Jiaming uses mediation to preserve the reputations of those involved while also taking advantage of the situation to ingratiate himself with Chen. His conspicuous hospital visits provoke Zhao.
• Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan act as loyal friends by traveling to Hong Kong to support Zhao.
• Fans and the media function as powerful forces capable of influencing celebrities’ careers, behavior, and even personal safety.

Significant Themes

• The conflict between private love and public image: Chen and Zhao have kept their relationship secret to protect their careers, but public pressure eventually forces them to reveal it.
• Celebrity-fan entitlement: Fans’ identification with idols as imaginary romantic partners creates intense backlash when celebrities enter real relationships.
• Media manipulation and scandal culture: Agencies suppress damaging stories, guide online reactions, and exploit sensational events for publicity.
• The cost of impulsive actions: Zhao’s decision to announce the relationship protects his pride and challenges Qi, but it leads to fan hysteria, public condemnation, and violence.
• Compensation and power: Su Man’s willingness to reconcile demonstrates how wealth, influence, and career opportunities can shape personal decisions.
• Love as public performance: The couple’s hospital-room behavior and near desire to post a photo suggest that even genuine affection is entangled with publicity and image-making.

Character Interactions

• Qi Jiaming, Chen Mengyi, and Su Man: Qi brokers a reluctant reconciliation, using his influence to keep the fight from becoming a public scandal.
• Qi Jiaming and Chen Mengyi: His repeated hospital visits and extravagant flowers appear to be both courtship and self-promotion, provoking Zhao.
• Zhao Miao and Chen Mengyi: They jointly decide to reveal their relationship, presenting a united front despite the risks.
• Zhao Miao and his fans: His announcement breaks the romantic expectations of his fans, leading to anger and, in one extreme case, a suicide attempt.
• The girl’s parents and Zhao Miao: They blame Zhao for their daughter’s distress and violently attack him.
• Lu Heng, Wei Linxuan, Zhao Miao, and Chen Mengyi: The friends’ hospital visit reveals that Zhao and Chen are openly affectionate and determined to remain together despite the media storm.

Chapter Summary

Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan visit Zhao Er Miao in the hospital after he was beaten by the parents of a female fan who attempted suicide because Zhao publicly announced his relationship with Chen Mengyi. Zhao’s leg is broken and his face is badly bruised, but he remains cheerful, playfully asking Chen Mengyi to feed him medicine and requesting that his visitors sign his cast.
Zhao treats the injury humorously, viewing the signed cast as a souvenir of the unusual incident. However, when Lu Heng asks about the fan, Zhao admits that he has no memory of her at all. This strikes Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan as suspicious. Given the fan’s extreme reaction, they find it difficult to believe that she had never attended Zhao’s public appearances, followed his schedule, or otherwise made herself known to him. Her apparent lack of contact contradicts the intensity of her supposed devotion.
While Zhao remains unconcerned and complains that he was unfairly dragged into the situation, his manager, Sun Shuliang, is handling the crisis by holding a press conference and visiting the fan and her family. Chen Mengyi gently criticizes Zhao for being so relaxed, though she also recognizes that his blunt, uncomplicated personality is part of what attracted her to him.
Zhao also worries that his injury may prevent him from taking the role of the Double-Faced Killer, potentially disrupting his career plans. Despite this, he quickly returns to demanding that Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan sign his cast. Lu Heng reluctantly complies, while Wei jokes that signing the cast is unusual for someone accustomed to signing contracts and checks. Zhao responds arrogantly that he deserves the same significance.

Character Developments and Interactions

• Zhao Er Miao: Remains cheerful, shameless, and emotionally straightforward despite his injuries and the public scandal. His carefree attitude contrasts with the seriousness of the situation, though he begins worrying about losing his acting opportunity.
• Chen Mengyi: Acts as Zhao’s caretaker and expresses exasperation at his lack of seriousness. Her affection for him is evident, and she values his honest, uncomplicated nature.
• Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan: Visit Zhao together and begin to suspect that the female fan’s story may contain inconsistencies. Their mutual glance shows their growing concern and shared analytical perspective.
• Sun Shuliang: Works behind the scenes to manage the media crisis and investigate the fan’s family situation.
• Other industry figures: Only a small number of prominent, established artists visit Zhao, while most colleagues avoid involvement because of the controversy.

Significant Themes

• The dangers of celebrity obsession: The fan’s extreme behavior illustrates how parasocial attachment can become destructive.
• Public image and media pressure: Zhao’s manager must contain the scandal while Zhao is physically and emotionally unprepared to manage it himself.
• Suspicion beneath apparent tragedy: The fan’s lack of any remembered connection with Zhao makes the incident seem unnatural, hinting that there may be more to the story.
• Love and personality: Zhao and Chen Mengyi’s relationship is portrayed as affectionate and comedic, with Chen’s attraction rooted in Zhao’s sincere, direct nature.
• Humor amid crisis: Zhao’s jokes and childish demands provide comic relief while also emphasizing his unusual ability—or tendency—to avoid confronting danger seriously.

Chapter Summary

• Hospital visit and banter: Wei Linxuan and Lu Heng visit Zhao Miao in the hospital after he is badly beaten by the parents of a female fan who died by suicide. Wei jokes about Zhao’s cast and proudly signs it in small-seal script, provoking Zhao’s disdainful response and reinforcing their familiar, teasing relationship.
• Investigating the fan’s identity: Sun Shuliang returns after dealing with media and public-relations issues. Prompted by Lu Heng, he begins investigating who the deceased fan really was, including whether she had been known to members of Zhao Miao’s Fragrant City fan club or other fan communities. Lu Heng suspects there may be more to her identity or background than is publicly known and encourages a broader investigation.
• Possible legal action: Wei Linxuan points out that Zhao Miao’s injuries should be treated as a criminal matter, regardless of the attackers’ relationship to the deceased fan. He criticizes the parents for using grief as justification for violence and jokingly offers Sun Shuliang a discounted legal team. Sun recognizes the issue but prioritizes investigating the fan’s background before taking further action.
• Lu Heng addresses the media: Outside the hospital, paparazzi question Lu Heng and Wei about the suicide and Zhao Miao’s assault. Lu Heng responds carefully and responsibly, urging fans to maintain a rational attitude toward celebrity worship. He emphasizes that celebrities should enrich people’s lives rather than become their entire world, and reminds fans that family, friends, work, and their own futures are more important. He also expresses sympathy for the deceased fan while condemning her parents’ assault on Zhao Miao.
• Return to the hotel and Rong Xiu’s call: Lu Heng and Wei return to their hotel, where Lu soon receives a call from Rong Xiu. Rong offers to welcome them to Hong Kong and arrange a dinner, but his real purpose is to ask about Lu Heng’s availability. Lu immediately understands that the invitation is likely connected to another matter and tells Rong that his schedule is open.

Character Developments and Interactions

• Lu Heng demonstrates perceptiveness, composure, and social responsibility. He notices inconsistencies surrounding the fan’s identity and uses his public appearance to promote healthier fan behavior without inflaming the controversy.
• Wei Linxuan remains sarcastic and outspoken, joking with Zhao Miao while also offering practical legal advice. His comments expose the parents’ lack of legal justification and show his willingness to defend Zhao.
• Zhao Miao is recovering physically but remains capable of trading insults with Wei, suggesting resilience and a close, antagonistic friendship.
• Sun Shuliang is overburdened by publicity and crisis management but is receptive to Lu Heng’s insight. He shifts from simply handling the immediate scandal to considering a deeper investigation.
• Rong Xiu presents himself as a gracious host, though Lu Heng recognizes that his invitation likely has an ulterior or business-related purpose.

Significant Themes

• The dangers of irrational celebrity worship: The chapter stresses that fandom should be enjoyable but never replace real relationships or become a reason for self-destruction.
• Grief versus accountability: The parents’ pain is understandable, but their assault on Zhao Miao is still wrong and potentially criminal.
• Public responsibility and media management: Lu Heng uses a volatile media situation to give a measured, constructive statement rather than exploit the scandal.
• Looking beyond appearances: Lu Heng’s questions about the deceased fan suggest that the public story may be incomplete, introducing a possible mystery or hidden connection.
• Friendship through teasing: The exchanges among Wei, Zhao, and Lu blend humor with loyalty, lightening the otherwise grim situation.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Rong Xiu arranges a dinner for Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan at a well-known Hong Kong restaurant.
• The gathering includes Rong Xiu’s close friends Liu Jiawei, Wang Zhen, and Mai Chengliang, as well as rising director Du Jexi and award-nominated screenwriter Wen Zaidao.
• Du Jexi offers Lu Heng a role in his upcoming Republican-era gambling film, No Nonsense in the Martial World. Rong Xiu, Zhou, and Lu Heng are intended to play the three male leads, with Wen Xiugu as the tentative female lead.
• Lu Heng is impressed by the project’s prestigious lineup and agrees to read the script before deciding.
• During dinner, the group discusses actor Zhao Er Miao, whose leg was broken by the parents of a fan who attempted suicide after he announced a romantic relationship. The guests suspect there may be more behind the incident than a simple family outburst, but no one has evidence to say so openly.
• After drinking, the group jokingly teases Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan about their increasingly obvious relationship.
• In the restroom, Mai Chengliang privately warns Lu Heng about Wang’s company, Yingdun, hinting that its criminal or questionable business foundations make Hong Kong dangerous territory. He advises Lu Heng not to get involved.

Character Developments

• Lu Heng: Continues to handle professional opportunities calmly and pragmatically. He shows interest in the film but avoids committing before reading the script. His relationship with Wei Linxuan is now effectively public within their social circle, though still officially unacknowledged.
• Wei Linxuan: Remains closely connected to Lu Heng and is treated by the group as his obvious partner, even though everyone avoids directly naming the relationship.
• Rong Xiu: Acts as host, matchmaker, and professional intermediary, using his influence to introduce Lu Heng to Du Jexi and recommend him for the film.
• Du Jexi and Wen Zaidao: Presented as ambitious, successful young creators seeking to assemble a major cast for a commercially promising Lunar New Year release.
• Mai Chengliang: Reveals himself as perceptive and well-connected. Unlike the others, he appears to understand the hidden forces behind recent events and directly warns Lu Heng about Yingdun.
• Zhao Er Miao: Though absent, his recent scandal raises suspicions that his injury may have been deliberately engineered or connected to a larger conflict.

Significant Themes

• Hidden motives beneath public scandals: The group doubts that Zhao Er Miao’s assault was merely the result of an enraged family, suggesting manipulation or revenge.
• The entertainment industry’s public and private faces: Celebrities’ relationships and controversies are widely observed, yet people maintain a public silence and rely on indirect jokes or private conversations.
• Professional ambition and commercial filmmaking: The proposed film reflects the importance of star power, genre appeal, and the Lunar New Year box office.
• Danger beneath social success: Mai’s warning suggests that the glamorous entertainment world is tied to powerful and potentially dangerous business interests.

Character Interactions

• Rong Xiu warmly introduces Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan to Du Jexi and Wen Zaidao and encourages Lu Heng to accept the script.
• The dinner guests bond through gossip, drinking, teasing, and mutual familiarity.
• Wang Zhen jokingly orders a dish under Lu Heng’s name, demonstrating the group’s playful friendship.
• The guests tease Lu Heng about Wei Linxuan, acknowledging their intimacy without openly discussing it.
• Mai Chengliang separates from the group to give Lu Heng a serious, private warning about Yingdun, shifting the chapter from lighthearted socializing to an atmosphere of concealed danger.

Chapter Summary: “Joining Forces”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Director Mai Chengliang privately warns Lu Heng that Yingdun Entertainment may have orchestrated the scandal surrounding Zhao Miao. He describes Yingdun as a vicious “dog” willing to do anything to please its masters.
• Mai explains that Zhao Miao’s long-standing hostility toward Yingdun’s bosses, the Wang brothers, made him an eventual target. Qi Jiaming’s interest in Chen Mengyi may have triggered the current conflict, but Zhao Miao’s downfall was likely inevitable.
• After returning to the hotel, Lu Heng tells Wei Linxuan what Mai revealed. Because Mai is cautious, experienced, and rarely speaks without evidence, they take his warning seriously.
• Their investigation uncovers that the fan who died for love had previously attended an Yingdun artist-training course. Although she left quickly, the connection strongly suggests that Yingdun may have exploited her death to damage Zhao Miao’s reputation and justify attacking him.
• Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan realize that Yingdun’s behavior may escalate now that it has allied itself with the Qi family and the Wei family is weakened by internal conflict.
• They remain uncertain whether Yingdun planned the revenge scheme in advance or merely took advantage of Chen Mengyi’s accident. Zhao Miao hopes he was the sole target, since the alternative would mean Yingdun had deliberately targeted Chen Mengyi as well.
• Zhao Er Miao, despite his outwardly foolish and impulsive persona, begins worrying about Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan too, revealing his deeper awareness of the entertainment industry’s dangers.

Character Developments

• Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan: They move from confidence based on previous victories to a more cautious understanding of Yingdun’s ruthlessness. They recognize that strength and professionalism alone may not protect them and that they must stay vigilant.
• Director Mai Chengliang: He is established as a principled, careful industry veteran. His willingness to warn Lu Heng reflects both his trust in them and his commitment to protecting people he respects.
• Zhao Miao: His reckless public behavior is reframed as only one aspect of his personality. Beneath the bluster, he has survived decades in the industry and is now facing the consequences of his antagonism toward Yingdun.
• Zhao Er Miao: Though often perceived as scatterbrained, he is shown to be intelligent and experienced. His concern for Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan suggests loyalty and emotional insight.
• Yingdun Entertainment: The company is portrayed as increasingly dangerous, vindictive, and willing to manipulate tragedy, public opinion, and possibly violence for revenge.

Significant Themes

• Hidden power struggles: Public “commercial competition” conceals intimidation, retaliation, and political alliances.
• The danger of weakened protection: The Wei family’s internal conflict removes an important deterrent against Yingdun, leaving Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan more exposed.
• Loyalty and goodwill: Mai’s warning demonstrates the value of genuine relationships in a corrupt and competitive industry.
• Appearances versus reality: Characters who seem foolish or reckless, particularly Zhao Er Miao and Zhao Miao, possess greater intelligence and complexity than outsiders assume.
• Manipulation of tragedy: Yingdun may be exploiting a fan’s death and Chen Mengyi’s accident to destroy Zhao Miao’s image, highlighting the cruelty of reputation-based power.

Character Interactions

• Mai Chengliang gives Lu Heng a discreet warning in the restroom, treating him as someone trustworthy while urging caution.
• Lu Heng relays the information to Wei Linxuan, and the two assess the threat together.
• Their investigation, assisted by Sun Shuliang and a private investigator, connects the deceased fan to Yingdun’s training program.
• Zhao Miao and Sun Shuliang react with suspicion and fear as the evidence points toward Yingdun.
• Zhao Er Miao’s thoughts broaden the conflict beyond Zhao Miao, showing concern that Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan may also become Yingdun’s targets.

Chapter Summary: “Wind and Moon Casino”

Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Miao learns from Sun Shuliang that Yingdun Entertainment is likely responsible for the recent attack against him and recognizes the seriousness of the situation.
• He warns Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan that Yingdun Entertainment previously restrained itself because it feared them and the Wei family. Its sudden, vicious actions suggest that the Wei family’s current troubles have emboldened it.
• Zhao Miao urges Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan to return to Beijing, where the Wei family has greater influence and protection. Wei Linxuan refuses, unwilling to retreat before Yingdun Entertainment, and decides they must respond carefully but firmly.
• Lu Heng worries about Chen Mengyi’s involvement and safety. She reassures him that she can handle herself.
• Zhao Miao, despite being hospitalized and unable to fight back personally, hires additional bodyguards to protect Chen Mengyi.
• After escorting Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan from the hospital, Chen Mengyi reveals a much more aggressive side. She proposes joining forces with Wei Linxuan to punish Yingdun Entertainment for provoking them.
• Wei Linxuan questions whether Chen Mengyi’s family knows about her relationship with Zhao Miao. He suspects that retaliating against Yingdun Entertainment may force her to expose connections she has carefully concealed.
• He warns that Yingdun Entertainment, now backed by the Qi family, is unlikely to stop quietly. A prolonged conflict could drag Chen Mengyi’s family into the dispute and cause them to resent or blame Zhao Miao.

Character Developments

• Zhao Miao: Becomes more perceptive about the danger surrounding Yingdun Entertainment. Though physically helpless in the hospital, he remains protective and responsible, arranging security for Chen Mengyi.
• Wei Linxuan: Displays pride and resolve, refusing to retreat to Beijing. At the same time, he shows strategic concern for Chen Mengyi and Zhao Miao, warning against an impulsive retaliation that could create larger consequences.
• Lu Heng: Takes a more cautious and emotionally concerned role, particularly regarding Chen Mengyi’s safety and the risks of escalating the conflict.
• Chen Mengyi: Her hidden strength becomes increasingly clear. Although publicly portrayed as a modest actress of ordinary origins, she possesses a powerful family background and the confidence to confront Yingdun Entertainment directly. Her tenderness toward Zhao Miao coexists with a fierce, almost intimidating protectiveness.
• Zhao Miao and Chen Mengyi: Their relationship appears affectionate and serious. Zhao Miao’s instinct to protect her warms her, while her willingness to fight on his behalf reveals her loyalty.

Significant Themes

• Power and hidden influence: Public identities conceal the characters’ true resources, especially Chen Mengyi’s family background and the Wei family’s influence.
• Protection and loyalty: Zhao Miao protects Chen Mengyi despite his own injuries, while Chen Mengyi is ready to retaliate against those who harmed him.
• Pride versus caution: Wei Linxuan refuses to show weakness, but he also understands that unchecked retaliation could create dangerous consequences.
• Public image versus private identity: Chen Mengyi’s carefully maintained image as an actress of ordinary origins conflicts with the powerful family connections she may need to use.
• Escalating conflict: Yingdun Entertainment’s alliance with the Qi family transforms a personal attack into a larger struggle among influential families and corporations.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Miao urges Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan to seek safety in Beijing; Wei Linxuan reassures him while rejecting the idea of retreat.
• Lu Heng watches Chen Mengyi with concern, and she calmly assures him that she will be fine.
• Zhao Miao’s protective actions toward Chen Mengyi strengthen their emotional bond.
• Chen Mengyi confronts Wei Linxuan at the elevator and suggests forming an alliance against Yingdun Entertainment.
• Wei Linxuan’s seemingly casual question about Chen Mengyi’s family exposes his deeper concern that her relationship with Zhao Miao and their retaliation may reveal her background and endanger both families.

Chapter Summary: “Curiosity Satisfied”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei Linxuan’s advice helps Chen Mengyi regain control after Zhao Er Miao’s injury and the discovery that it was deliberately caused.
• Chen Mengyi acknowledges that her relationship with Zhao Miao may not yet be accepted by her family, but she firmly declares that she will retaliate against Qi Jiaming and Yingdun Entertainment for targeting her and framing Zhao Miao.
• When Wei Linxuan jokes that Qi Jiaming may be pursuing her, Chen Mengyi responds that although many people want her, Qi Jiaming is unique in scheming against her. Her words imply that she intends to punish him and Yingdun in a memorable way.
• Chen Mengyi promises Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan that, having chosen Zhao Miao, she will handle the situation herself and prevent her family from developing prejudice against him. Her protectiveness makes the two men feel that Zhao Miao should have been the one making such a promise.
• After leaving the hospital, Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan return to their hotel. Instead of immediately flying back to Beijing, Lu Heng decides to examine a script given to them by Rong Xiu’s older brother.
• The script, Wind and Moon Casino, initially appears to be a Republican-era gambling film but is revealed to have supernatural elements. Its central premise involves travelers entering a mysterious casino where gamblers wager their souls instead of money.
• While Lu Heng is reading, his older brother Lu Chi calls, leading to playful banter about cooking and their childhood dynamic.

Character Developments

• Chen Mengyi shifts from uncontrolled anger to deliberate resolve. She remains furious but now intends to respond strategically rather than impulsively.
• She also openly embraces her relationship with Zhao Miao, presenting herself as his protector and taking responsibility for defending both him and their relationship.
• Wei Linxuan demonstrates his sharp judgment and emotional intelligence by recognizing Chen Mengyi’s anger while reminding her of the practical obstacles posed by her family.
• Lu Heng is portrayed as a dedicated but highly selective actor. He works infrequently because he immerses himself deeply in his roles and needs considerable time to recover emotionally afterward.
• Lu Chi and Lu Heng’s relationship is shown to be affectionate and teasing, with Lu Chi still playfully asserting authority over his younger brother.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and controlled retaliation: Chen Mengyi’s anger evolves into a calculated determination to punish those who manipulated her.
• Love and loyalty: Chen Mengyi’s commitment to Zhao Miao is strong enough that she is willing to confront both external enemies and potential family opposition.
• Family expectations versus personal choice: Her relationship with Zhao Miao remains complicated by her family’s disapproval or lack of acceptance.
• Identity and emotional recovery: Lu Heng’s acting process highlights the difficulty of separating oneself from deeply inhabited roles.
• Curiosity and suspense: The mysterious soul-based casino introduces a fantastical plotline and raises questions about the script’s deeper significance.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mengyi and Wei Linxuan: Wei Linxuan gently redirects her from emotional impulsiveness toward practical action, while Chen Mengyi reveals her determination to retaliate.
• Chen Mengyi, Lu Heng, and Wei Linxuan: She reassures them that she will defend Zhao Miao and manage the conflict with her family and Yingdun Entertainment. Their surprised reactions add humor and subtly emphasize her strong, protective role.
• Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan: They leave the hospital together after reaching an implicit understanding with Chen Mengyi.
• Lu Heng and Lu Chi: Their phone conversation is warm and humorous, reflecting a long-standing sibling rivalry in which Lu Chi teases and manipulates Lu Heng, while Lu Heng responds with familiar affection and defensiveness.

Chapter 205 Summary: “Why Should I Let You Join the Fun?”

Key plot points and events

• Lu Heng and Lu Chi have a playful phone conversation filled with teasing and sibling banter. Lu Heng jokingly calls himself Lu Chi’s “die-hard fan” and “baby,” successfully making Lu Chi surrender in disgust.
• Wei Linxuan returns from showering and playfully interrupts Lu Heng, showing the couple’s comfortable and affectionate dynamic.
• Lu Chi reveals the result of his investigation into the person secretly acquiring Wei Group shares during the company’s scandal. By tracing thousands of accounts, intermediaries, and an offshore shell company, he identifies Qi Jiaming as the mastermind.
• Qi Jiaming had carefully concealed the operation to avoid accusations of malicious short selling, insider trading, and stock-market manipulation. The Qi family may also have supported him, though Wei Linxuan is more interested in finally learning the truth.
• Lu Heng then tells Lu Chi about Yingdun Entertainment’s framing of Zhao Miao and explains that he and Wei Linxuan plan to work with Chen Mengyi to retaliate against Yingdun.

Character developments

• Lu Chi demonstrates his financial expertise, extensive overseas connections, and determination by spending nearly half a month uncovering Qi Jiaming’s scheme. He remains protective and supportive of the younger pair.
• Lu Heng appears increasingly confident, mischievous, and influenced by Wei Linxuan’s sharp humor. He also proves willing to participate in strategic retaliation against Yingdun.
• Wei Linxuan is affectionate and playful with Lu Heng, but remains observant and perceptive about Lu Chi’s call. He is also focused on uncovering the truth behind the attack on Wei Group.
• Qi Jiaming is revealed as cautious, calculating, and willing to manipulate the stock market through elaborate financial channels.
• Chen Mengyi becomes an ally in the planned counterattack against Yingdun Entertainment.

Significant themes

• Family intimacy and teasing: The Lu brothers’ exaggerated banter reflects their closeness and mutual affection.
• Trust and alliance: Lu Chi’s investigation and the collaboration among Lu Heng, Wei Linxuan, and Chen Mengyi show the importance of dependable allies.
• Strategic revenge and justice: The protagonists respond to Yingdun’s framing and the Wei Group stock manipulation through careful planning rather than impulsive action.
• Hidden power and deception: Offshore companies, shell accounts, intermediaries, and scapegoats emphasize how wealth and influence can conceal wrongdoing.

Character interactions

• Lu Heng and Lu Chi exchange affectionate insults, with Lu Heng deliberately using an overly sweet tone to irritate his brother.
• Wei Linxuan interrupts the call by playfully leaning against Lu Heng, highlighting their physical closeness and easy familiarity.
• Lu Chi shares his hard-won discovery with both men, treating them as trusted partners.
• Lu Heng reciprocates by informing Lu Chi about the plan involving Yingdun Entertainment and Chen Mengyi, establishing a mutual exchange of intelligence and support.

Chapter Summary

Brother Lu Chi learns of Yingdun Entertainment’s scheme

After hearing that Qi Jiaming’s family was involved in Yingdun Entertainment’s plot against Zhao Miao, Brother Lu Chi does not immediately discuss how to retaliate. Instead, he asks Lu Heng when he plans to return, raising concerns about Lu Heng’s safety and upcoming work.

Concern over Lu Heng’s filming plans

Lu Heng explains that he may soon join a new production in Hong Kong. Although Brother Lu Chi worries that the project might contain hidden dangers, Lu Heng remains confident in his ability to protect himself. Wei Linxuan has also consistently arranged extra assistants and safety checks for Lu Heng since the Cruise Ship Explosion Case, helping prevent further incidents.

Brother Lu Chi plans a private meeting

Brother Lu Chi announces that he will fly to Hong Kong to discuss something important with Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan in person. The brothers tease him about being lonely, but he refuses to reveal the subject over the phone. His seriousness suggests that the matter is connected to their planned response against Yingdun Entertainment.

Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan’s relationship

After the call, Lu Heng continues reading the script while leaning against Wei Linxuan. Feeling neglected, Wei Linxuan jokingly tries to lure him away from the script by showing off after his shower and offering to wash Lu Heng’s back. Their playful exchange highlights their intimacy, affection, and comfortable domestic relationship.

The Wind and Moon Casino project is confirmed

A few days later, after seeing Brother Lu Chi off, Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan agree to join director Du Jiexi’s film Wind and Moon Casino. The production also secures superstars Rong Xiu and Zhou Hong. Their participation greatly increases the film’s prestige, potential investment, and budget, giving Du Jiexi more freedom to pursue an ambitious New Year release.

The press conference is overshadowed by the Zhao Miao scandal

At the end of the month, the production holds a major press conference. However, reporters are far more interested in the rapidly spreading allegations that Yingdun Entertainment instructed a former trainee to impersonate Zhao Miao’s fan, stage a suicide-for-love incident, and manipulate the trainee’s family into assaulting Zhao Miao.

Lu Heng faces the media

Reporters aggressively question Lu Heng about whether the accusations are true and whether Zhao Miao was framed. Lu Heng responds with a faint smile, recognizing that the rumors planted by him and Wei Linxuan have successfully spread through Hong Kong’s gossip-driven media and are likely to become major headlines.

Character Developments and Interactions

• Lu Heng remains confident, composed, and strategically minded. He balances his acting career with his role in exposing Yingdun Entertainment.
• Wei Linxuan continues to be protective of Lu Heng while also showing a playful, possessive, and affectionate side in private.
• Brother Lu Chi acts as a concerned older brother and a powerful ally, using his extensive financial and business connections to help plan their counterattack.
• Du Jiexi gains an extraordinary cast and the resources to pursue his artistic ambitions.
• Lu Heng, Wei Linxuan, and Brother Lu Chi are united in their effort to retaliate against Yingdun Entertainment and protect Zhao Miao.

Significant Themes

• Strategic retaliation and justice: The characters fight back against Yingdun Entertainment through carefully planted information and media pressure rather than impulsive confrontation.
• Family and loyalty: Brother Lu Chi’s concern for Lu Heng and the group’s defense of Zhao Miao emphasize familial and personal loyalty.
• Protection and trust: Wei Linxuan’s continued vigilance reflects the lasting impact of past danger and his commitment to Lu Heng’s safety.
• Public image and media manipulation: The chapter highlights how Hong Kong’s sensationalist entertainment media can rapidly amplify rumors and become a weapon in industry conflicts.
• Balancing career and private life: Lu Heng’s professional ambitions coexist with his intimate relationship with Wei Linxuan and his involvement in the wider battle against Yingdun.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan publicly condemn Yingdun Entertainment's actions, hinting at legal retaliation.
• Unexpectedly, Yue Feng, a former popular actor, approaches them seeking cooperation to bring down Yingdun.
• Yue Feng offers crucial evidence against Yingdun Entertainment and Group in exchange for help leaving the company and being promoted by Heng Xuan Studio.

Character Developments

• Lu Heng: Stands firm against Yingdun Entertainment, showing leadership and determination.
• Wei Linxuan: Remains calm and composed, displaying dislike for Yue Feng.
• Yue Feng: Desperate to leave Yingdun, reveals his knowledge of the company's illegal activities, showing ambition and cunning.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics in the entertainment industry.
• The consequences of betrayal and disloyalty.
• The struggle for freedom and control within oppressive systems.

Character Interactions

• Lu Heng and Wei Linxuan: United in their stance against Yingdun Entertainment, they work together to protect their interests and those of their colleagues.
• Yue Feng and Wei Linxuan: Yue Feng tries to impress Wei Linxuan with his knowledge and offers, but Wei Linxuan remains unimpressed and distrustful.
• Yue Feng and Yingdun Entertainment: Yue Feng's past and present actions show his discontent with Yingdun Entertainment, hinting at a potential betrayal.

Summary of "Declaration of War" Chapter

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yue Feng, a businessman, is offended by Wei Linxuan's refusal to cooperate due to personal reasons.
• Yue Feng warns Wei Linxuan and Lu Heng that Yingdun Entertainment, now backing Qi Jiaming, might target them.
• Lu Heng increases his security detail after joining the cast of 'Wind and Moon Casino' due to potential threats from Yingdun Entertainment.
• On set, Zhou Hong (Qiao Yubai) suggests adding distinctive card-playing movements to differentiate the male leads' characters.

Character Developments

• Wei Linxuan: Stands firm on his principles, refusing to cooperate with Yue Feng for personal reasons.
• Lu Heng: Shows caution and takes proactive measures to ensure his safety after receiving a warning.
• Zhou Hong (Qiao Yubai): Demonstrates his professionalism and dedication to his craft by suggesting improvements to the script and character portrayals.

Significant Themes

• Power and Influence: The characters' status and connections shape their decisions and interactions.
• Personal Principles vs. Business: Wei Linxuan's refusal to compromise his personal beliefs for business gains.
• Professionalism: Zhou Hong's commitment to his role and the overall production quality.

Character Interactions

• Wei Linxuan and Yue Feng: Their interaction highlights the tension between personal values and business interests.
• Lu Heng and Zhou Hong: Lu Heng learns from Zhou Hong's professionalism and dedication during their first collaboration.
• Lu Heng, Rong Xiu, and Zhou Hong: They engage in a friendly discussion about character differentiation, showcasing their teamwork and mutual respect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Heng struggles to keep up with Zhou Hong's dominant acting in their collaborative scenes.
• Zhou Hong demands script changes and control over scenes, causing tension with Director Du Jiex i.
• Zhou Hong is dissatisfied with the script's plot and suggests hiring consultants, but Du Jiex i refuses due to budget constraints.
• Lu Heng improvises a card-spinning trick to showcase his character's skills, inspiring Zhou Hong to do the same.

Character Developments

• Lu Heng: Struggles with his pride and adjusts his acting to match Zhou Hong's intensity. Shows his talent in action design.
• Zhou Hong: Reveals his demanding and overbearing nature on set, contrasting with his off-set persona. Struggles with Lu Heng's improvisation.
• Director Du Jiex i: Struggles to maintain control over the set, praises Lu Heng's improvisation, and delegates action design tasks to him.

Significant Themes

• The challenges of collaboration between dominant actors.
• The struggle for control and authority on set.
• The importance of adaptability and improvisation in acting.

Character Interactions

• Lu Heng and Zhou Hong: Struggle to match each other's acting intensity, with Zhou Hong feeling overshadowed by Lu Heng's improvisation.
• Zhou Hong and Director Du Jiex i: Clash over control of the script and scenes, with Du Jiex i trying to maintain authority.
• Zhou Hong and Rong Xiu: Exchange glances, acknowledging Lu Heng's talent and the crew's luck in having him as the male lead. Zhou Hong praises Lu Heng and invites him for a meal after filming wraps.

Chapter 499 Summary

Key plot points and events

• Lu Heng continues helping choreograph the action sequences for Wind and Moon Casino, despite not receiving additional pay for the work. Director Du Jiexi feels guilty and plans to improve Lu Heng’s character through script revisions as compensation.
• Rong Xiu jokingly encourages Lu Heng by promising to take him to an amusement park afterward, while Lu Heng accepts the extra responsibility with good humor.
• Filming proceeds extremely slowly because Zhou Hong insists on perfection and frequently suggests changes to the script and scenes.
• The production faces the challenge of balancing the screen presence of three major male stars without letting their individual scenes disrupt the film’s main plot or pacing.
• Zhou Hong’s history of revising scripts is explained. His most famous alteration occurred in Gun God, where he changed the heroic ending into the protagonist’s sudden death, greatly improving the film’s dramatic impact and reputation.
• After adapting to Hollywood’s stricter production system, Zhou Hong returned to Huaxia with even greater control over his creative impulses. Although his suggestions are logically motivated rather than selfish, they still force the director and writers to spend extra time revising or defending the original script.
• Nearly half a month into production, the crew has filmed fewer than ten pages. Investors and producers grow anxious, with the producer staying on set to monitor progress and prevent the film from exceeding its budget or missing its Spring Festival release.
• Reporters visiting the set publish sensational rumors, claiming that Lu Heng privately changes scenes under Zhou Hong’s influence and that Lu Heng and Zhou Hong are secretly feuding, with Rong Xiu supposedly trapped between them.

Character developments

• Lu Heng: Remains cooperative, modest, and professional despite being underpaid for his action-direction work. He becomes increasingly involved in shaping the film while continuing to prioritize the production over personal gain.
• Director Du Jiexi: Feels embarrassed by the production’s failure to compensate Lu Heng and attempts to make amends by strengthening Lu Heng’s role in the script.
• Zhou Hong: Is portrayed as a demanding but genuinely conscientious perfectionist. His script changes stem from his interpretation of character and story logic, not from vanity or a desire for more screen time.
• Rong Xiu: Continues to support and encourage Lu Heng, maintaining a warm, playful relationship with him.
• The producers and investors: Become increasingly worried about the slow filming pace and financial risks.

Significant themes

• Artistic perfection versus commercial efficiency: The crew’s pursuit of an ideal film conflicts with budget limits, deadlines, and the need to release during the profitable Spring Festival season.
• Power and responsibility in filmmaking: Famous actors possess enough influence to affect scripts and production schedules, but Zhou Hong’s example shows that such influence can be used in service of the story rather than personal fame.
• Unpaid labor and professional fairness: Lu Heng’s willingness to take on extra duties contrasts with the production’s stinginess, prompting Zhou Hong and Rong Xiu to view the crew negatively.
• Media sensationalism: Reporters distort ordinary professional interactions into rumors of rivalry and conflict to attract public attention.
• Collaboration and creative disagreement: The chapter emphasizes the tension between actors, directors, writers, and producers as they struggle to preserve both individual creativity and the film’s overall vision.

Character interactions

• Rong Xiu affectionately teases and motivates Lu Heng while promising him a reward for his hard work.
• Du Jiexi privately feels guilty toward Lu Heng and tries to compensate him through character development rather than payment.
• Zhou Hong’s creative demands place pressure on Du Jiexi and the screenwriters, who must either revise the script or persuade him to retain the original material.
• The rumored conflict between Lu Heng and Zhou Hong is presented as a media fabrication; their actual relationship is not shown as openly hostile.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Paid trolls deliberately incite online conflict among fans of Lu Heng, Zhou Hong, and Rong Xiu, spreading rumors that the three stars are feuding both privately and on the set of Wind and Moon Casino.
• Heng Xuan Studio quickly detects the manipulation. Wei Linxuan urges Lu Heng to post a group photo with Zhou Hong and Rong Xiu, accompanied by a clear explanation, to disprove the rumors.
• Although many fans accept their clarification, conspiracy-minded followers insist the photo is merely public-relations damage control. The incident nevertheless benefits the film’s production team and producers by generating substantial publicity.
• Director Du Jiex i and Light and Shadow Media’s president host a banquet to apologize. They offer extra compensation and promise a press conference to clarify matters.
• The producer explains that the crew originally intended harmless promotional articles praising the three leads’ dedication. Reporters allegedly distorted the material into sensational stories about fights and unauthorized script changes.
• Du Jiex i insists he had no reason to antagonize three powerful actors, especially given Lu Heng’s close relationship with Wei Linxuan. The production company accepts responsibility for failing to prevent the manipulation and promises to make amends.
• Lu Heng, Zhou Hong, and Rong Xiu accept the apology but remain wary of the director and production company. Filming resumes under closed-set conditions to prevent further media interference.
• While Lu Heng is occupied with the intensive filming schedule, a major scandal erupts across the entertainment industry. An anonymous Weibo account posts a list of nearly one hundred entertainers signed to Yingdun Entertainment, along with “dinner party rates” allegedly charging clients for companionship, drinking, and possibly sexual services.

Character Developments

• Lu Heng, Zhou Hong, and Rong Xiu: Their solidarity is publicly demonstrated, but the incident makes them more cautious and distrustful of producers and media outlets. Their reputations protect them from being completely undermined, yet all three recognize that their status can also make them targets.
• Wei Linxuan: Acts quickly and strategically, using his influence and close friendship with Lu Heng to contain the online crisis.
• Du Jiex i: Attempts to defend himself as an inexperienced but sincere director. His explanation and apology partially repair the situation, though the three leads continue to harbor doubts about him.
• The Light and Shadow Media producer: Accepts blame for inadequate oversight and tries to preserve the actors’ goodwill through compensation, apologies, and promises of corrective action.
• The anonymous whistleblower: Introduced through the late-night Weibo post, becoming the apparent source of the next major entertainment-industry crisis.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation of public opinion: Paid trolls, distorted reports, and sensationalized headlines demonstrate how easily celebrities’ reputations can be weaponized.
• The cost of publicity: The production benefits commercially from a scandal that damages the actors, raising questions about whether publicity justifies ethical misconduct.
• Trust and professional boundaries: Even after apologies, the leads cannot fully restore their confidence in the production team.
• Power and reputation in the entertainment industry: Fame offers protection and influence but also attracts more calculated attacks.
• Exploitation of performers: The “dinner party rates” list suggests an institutionalized system in which entertainers are commodified and potentially exploited by their agency.

Character Interactions

• Wei Linxuan directs Lu Heng’s response to the rumor crisis.
• Lu Heng, Zhou Hong, and Rong Xiu publicly present a united front and privately share bitter amusement at the absurdity of the scandal.
• The three leads confront the director and producer, who respond with apologies, explanations, compensation, and promises of reform.
• Du Jiex i emphasizes Lu Heng’s connection to Wei Linxuan to prove that he would not dare deliberately frame the actors.
• The chapter ends by shifting from the trio’s production dispute to the entertainment industry’s reaction to the explosive Yingdun Entertainment scandal.