Lu Chen

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Lu Chen (路尘)
Gender	Male
Species/Race	Human
Affiliation	Song family household (formerly); Marriage of the Elite; Fuji Entertainment 2 40
Occupation/Role	Finance graduate conducting market research in Hua Nation; dating-show contestant; entertainment-industry newcomer 7 40 45
First Appearance	Chapter 2

Background / History

Lu Chen is the son of the Song family's nanny and grew up alongside the Songs, who provided him with material and emotional support despite the difference in status. Song Xiaonan regards him as a childhood sweetheart, while Lu Chen publicly frames their relationship as sibling-like. 2 3 36

In the original novel's projected storyline, the Song family uses its influence to place him on Marriage of the Elite despite his background not meeting the program's requirements. He becomes popular among wealthy heirs, enters the entertainment industry, builds a business empire, and eventually ruins Song Corporation as revenge for what he believes was the Song family's role in his father's death. 2

Before entering the show, Lu Chen studies the powerful guests he intends to win over. He is particularly uncertain whether to prioritize Fuji Entertainment executive Fu Zhouchi or Yan Jinyu, whom he considers the highest-ranked target. 9

His plans are disrupted when Song Yichuan gains the attention Lu Chen expected for himself. Lu Chen increasingly regards Song Yichuan as an obstacle, investigates his background, and concludes that Song Yichuan has been concealing his real capabilities. 5 29

After Song Xiaonan discovers his intimacy with Fu Zhouchi and Lu Chen shoves her during the confrontation, the Song family forces him to leave their villa. He subsequently signs with Fuji Entertainment and moves into its rookie dormitory. 36 40 48

Appearance

Lu Chen is a handsome, tall young man with a refined, gentle appearance that is frequently compared to jade or a fresh lotus. His carefully maintained body and outwardly harmless bearing help him attract sympathy from viewers. 2 11 22

• Refined, “gentle jade-like” temperament and features 2
• Tall, well-built physique maintained through regular training 11
• Usually presents a soft smile and innocent expression 3 40
• His public image often emphasizes loneliness, vulnerability, and exclusion from the wealthy guests’ circle 6 12

Personality

Lu Chen is highly conscious of image and status. He carefully cultivates a gentle, modest persona, often presenting setbacks as proof of his patience or magnanimity while gaining audience sympathy. 5 12 19

Privately, he is ambitious, calculating, and resentful when others receive attention he believes should belong to him. Yan Jinyu identifies ambition behind Lu Chen's claims that he “knows his place,” while Lu Chen internally views social connections as resources to be cultivated. 5 9

Song Yichuan's sudden popularity intensifies Lu Chen's insecurity. He becomes jealous of Song Yichuan's athletic ability, family favor, professional opportunities, and influence over Fu Zhouchi. 11 18 29 45

Abilities & Skills

Finance and Social Preparation

Lu Chen graduated from Qingbei University with a specialization in finance and initially describes himself as conducting market research in Hua Nation. 7

• Investigates the backgrounds and preferences of influential people before approaching them. 9 29
• Previously arranged academic interactions with Fu Zhouchi to leave an impression on him. 29
• Uses apparent vulnerability to appeal to others’ protective instincts, including during the speedboat-date selection. 25

Public Image Management

Lu Chen consistently uses his calm manner and apparent humility to manage public perception. 5 12

• Presents himself as considerate when rejected or excluded, such as volunteering to partner with a staff member during the volleyball event. 12
• Attempts to frame Song Yichuan as hostile or uncooperative in front of livestream viewers. 19
• Conceals resentment and strategic intent behind a gentle, composed demeanor. 5 9

Athletics

Lu Chen claims to have played on a school volleyball team and won a championship. 11

• Participates in the show's beach volleyball and swimming competitions. 11 18
• Is decisively outperformed by Song Yichuan and Yan Jinyu in volleyball. 13
• Pushes himself excessively during the swimming race in an attempt to keep up with Song Yichuan. 18

Relationships

• Song Yichuan — Adoptive-family peer and principal rival. Lu Chen considers him responsible for disrupting his plans and later orders someone to “deal with” Song Jia, Song Yichuan's sister. 2 29
• Song Xiaonan — Childhood companion and longtime admirer. Lu Chen says he sees her only as a sister, though Song Yichuan reveals that he previously encouraged her misunderstanding; their relationship collapses after Lu Chen defends Fu Zhouchi and pushes her. 3 36
• Song Deyi and Qin Shuyuan — The Song parents who raised him in their household. Their attitude becomes markedly distant after his conflict with Song Xiaonan, and they allow him to move out. 2 34 40
• Fu Zhouchi — Former schoolmate, Marriage of the Elite mutual-selection partner, and the executive whose company signs Lu Chen. Their relationship is strained by Fu Zhouchi's shifting attention toward Song Yichuan. 14 23 29 40
• Yan Jinyu — A powerful guest whom Lu Chen initially considers a potential ally or target. Yan Jinyu quickly recognizes Lu Chen's concealed ambition and repeatedly challenges him. 5 9 11
• Chen Feng — Co-star in Rage, Harm, Frenzied Killing. Chen Feng gives Lu Chen a ride but admits that his real interest is in Song Yichuan, leaving Lu Chen embarrassed. 45 48

Story Role / Major Arcs

*Marriage of the Elite*

Lu Chen joins the elite dating program alongside Song Yichuan and expects to become its most popular male guest. Instead, Song Yichuan wins the first popularity vote with six of eight valid votes, causing Lu Chen's composure to slip. 2 10

He tries to integrate with the wealthy contestants but remains unable to hear Song Yichuan's thoughts, leaving him excluded from the group’s shared knowledge. He turns this exclusion into an image of the lonely “ordinary person,” winning sympathy from viewers. 6 22

Lu Chen competes with Song Yichuan throughout the program, including volleyball, swimming, barbecuing, and date-pairing segments. His attempts to gain sympathy or undermine Song Yichuan increasingly backfire. 11 13 18 19

Break with the Song Family

After Fu Zhouchi and Lu Chen are seen in an embrace, Song Xiaonan confronts them. Lu Chen pushes her when she strikes Fu Zhouchi, then insists she apologize; Song Yichuan retaliates by shoving Lu Chen to the ground and warning him not to hurt his sister again. 36

Song Xiaonan abandons her pursuit of him, and the Song family makes no effort to keep him in the household. Lu Chen leaves the villa after joining Fuji Entertainment. 36 40

Entertainment Industry Career

Fuji Entertainment secures Lu Chen a role in Rage, Harm, Frenzied Killing, but he receives a minor, often dialogue-free part while Song Yichuan is cast as the capable special-department operative Nan Er. 40 45

On set, Lu Chen feels further overshadowed by Song Yichuan's stunt work, the visiting investors’ attention, and Fu Zhouchi's focus on Song Yichuan rather than him. 42 45