Chi Yan

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Chi Yan (池晏) 1
Alias(es)	Brother Chi; “Little Fish” is his private nickname for Li Yu 2 13
Species/Race	Human 2
Gender	Male
Age	22 6
Affiliation	Bright Joy Media; Chi Family 4 6
Occupation/Role	CEO of Bright Joy Media; special guest on A Day to See All the Flowers 6
First Appearance	Chapter 1

Background / History

Chi Yan and Li Yu have known one another since childhood. Chi Yan initially mistook Li Yu’s name for “koi,” later calling him “Little Koi” and eventually “Little Fish,” a nickname whose meaning is privately shared between them. Li Yu frequently ate at the Chi family home; after Mother Chi became ill and returned to the main residence, Chi Yan took over cooking for him. 13 18

Born into the influential Chi Family, Chi Yan became the head of the entertainment company under his uncle’s name at a young age. Bright Joy Media holds the largest investment share in A Day to See All the Flowers, giving him substantial influence over the production. 2 4

For years, Chi Yan concealed his love for Li Yu while Li Yu was focused on Shen Zhonglou. He deliberately missed Li Yu’s birthday rather than witness Li Yu with Shen Zhonglou, but resolved not to let another person take Li Yu away after their breakup. 2

He entered A Day to See All the Flowers as its final special guest, publicly attributing his participation to Bright Joy Media’s investment and the production’s staffing needs. Later, when Zhou Yanqing questioned whether his appearance was coincidence, Chi Yan made clear that his reasons for joining were obvious. 4 7 37

Appearance

Chi Yan is described as exceptionally handsome and difficult to approach, with an aloof, polished presence that distinguishes him from the other variety-show guests. He often wears tailored black suits and has a visibly athletic physique. 2 6 7

• Broad shoulders, a narrow waist, defined abdominal muscles, and V-lines; he works out regularly. 7
• Usually maintains a stern or unreadable expression in public. 6 11
• His black suit and low lighting during a video call give him the impression of “a beast lurking in the shadows.” 2
• His serious, focused appearance while working particularly impresses Li Yu. 22

Personality

Chi Yan is outwardly reserved, composed, and highly considerate. He notices small details about Li Yu’s comfort, such as ending calls before Li Yu feels awkward, ordering Li Yu’s preferred dishes, shielding him from rain and crowds, arranging flights, and promptly collecting him when he is drunk. 3 4 20 24 26

Beneath that controlled exterior, Chi Yan has intense and long-suppressed feelings for Li Yu. He keeps photographs of Li Yu, including one beside his pillow and an entire room devoted to them. His jealousy is easily provoked when others touch, praise, pursue, or show affection toward Li Yu, though he generally restrains himself rather than openly causing conflict. 1 5 9 22 32

His possessiveness coexists with patience. Chi Yan does not force Li Yu to accept his feelings after the temple confession is misunderstood, and he waits until the fireworks at Spring City Bridge to confess directly and kiss him. 13 50

Abilities & Skills

Corporate Leadership

As Bright Joy Media’s CEO and a member of the Chi Family, Chi Yan has considerable influence within the entertainment industry.

• Secured a special-guest position on A Day to See All the Flowers after expressing interest in joining. 4
• Handles important corporate decisions personally while delegating less urgent work before filming. 22
• Has appeared in prominent business magazines despite being outside the entertainment industry. 6

Culinary Skill

Chi Yan is an accomplished cook, having learned partly so that he could cook for Li Yu.

• Cooked for Li Yu after Mother Chi became ill. 18
• Prepared noodles and hangover soup for Li Yu after bringing him home from a class reunion. 27
• Is skilled at grilling and offers to cook for the variety-show cast. 37

Tea Knowledge

Chi Yan has formal knowledge of tea arts.

• Correctly identifies tea utensils and brewing techniques during the Paper Soldier Stand challenge. 8
• Appreciates and comments on the fragrance of Li Yu’s tea. 9

Athleticism

Chi Yan regularly exercises and demonstrates strong physical ability during the show.

• Carries Li Yu steadily on his back for the final round of the Paper Soldier Stand game. 8 9
• Displays strong stamina and volleyball skill alongside Zhou Yanqing. 41
• Holds a free-diving certification and has experience with offshore fishing. 48

Personal Items

• Keeps a photograph of Li Yu beside his pillow. 1
• Has a room filled with photographs of Li Yu. 5
• Owns a villa in Maple Court, next to Li Yu’s home. 5

Relationships

• Li Yu — Childhood friend and the person Chi Yan has loved for years. Chi Yan calls him “Little Fish,” consistently protects and cares for him, and ultimately confesses beneath fireworks before kissing him. 2 13 27 50
• Zhang He — Chi Yan’s best friend. Zhang He has long known about Chi Yan’s feelings for Li Yu and subtly encourages him to pursue Li Yu. 1 24
• Zhou Yanqing — Variety-show co-star, volleyball teammate, and romantic rival for Li Yu’s attention. Chi Yan openly signals that he intends to compete fairly for Li Yu. 37 41
• Yu Lin — Variety-show co-star whose closeness to Li Yu repeatedly provokes Chi Yan’s jealousy. 8 9 38
• Shen Zhonglou — Li Yu’s former boyfriend. Chi Yan avoided Li Yu’s birthday to avoid seeing them together and remains protective when Shen Zhonglou contacts Li Yu. 2 12
• Mother Chi — Encouraged Chi Yan to keep Li Yu company and taught him cooking through the family household. 18

Story Role / Major Arcs

Joining *A Day to See All the Flowers*

Chi Yan becomes the show’s final guest through Bright Joy Media’s investment. Although he and Li Yu pretend not to know each other on camera, their familiarity is visible in private and quickly becomes noticeable to viewers and cast members. 4 6 7

Southern Jade Mountain

Chi Yan partners effectively with Li Yu during tea challenges, carries him during the newspaper-balance game, and supports him during their sunrise climb. At the mountain temple, he reveals that Li Yu is among the people he cherishes; Li Yu mistakes the admission for a joke. 8 9 13

Growing Jealousy and Public Attention

As the show airs, Chi Yan’s attention toward Li Yu fuels the “Chi-Yu CP” fandom. He publicly admits that he noticed Li Yu’s fair legs during their challenge, while privately becoming jealous of fans, Yu Lin, Zhou Yanqing, and anyone else seeking Li Yu’s attention. 31 32 34 38

Decision to Pursue Li Yu

After observing Yu Lin’s attempted confession and recognizing competing feelings around Li Yu, Chi Yan decides he can no longer remain passive. He makes his intentions clear to Zhou Yanqing and begins pursuing Li Yu openly. 37 38

Fireworks Confession

At Spring City Bridge, Chi Yan confesses directly to Li Yu while they watch fireworks: “Little Fish, I like you very much too.” He then kisses Li Yu, ending his long period of restraint. 50

Notable Quotes

“May all the wishes of those I cherish come true.” 13

“You.” 13

“I think about you often too. And I miss you very, very much.” 27

“Little Fish, I like you very much too.” 50

Trivia

• Chi Yan was ranked first on a list of Beijing socialites’ most desired husbands. 2
• He uses Li Yu’s simple “Little Fish” contact name because he once feared revealing too much through it. 4
• He states that he has no family-arranged marriage and will not have one in the future. 19
• Chi Yan was unable to sleep after sharing a room with Li Yu because Li Yu’s body-wash scent lingered in the room. 23