Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Jian, a new Ghost Controller, arrives at Furen Mall to investigate supernatural incidents.
• Zhang Ze, an ordinary person with knowledge of Ghost Controllers and killing patterns, approaches Yang Jian.
• They observe a Headless Ghost Shadow, which kills by removing and replacing heads, through a phone's camera in a women's restroom.
• Zhang Ze reveals the ghost's killing pattern and offers to help Yang Jian contain the ghost in exchange for it, not money.

Character Developments

• Yang Jian: A rookie Ghost Controller, initially skeptical of Zhang Ze's claims but agrees to work with him after witnessing the Headless Ghost Shadow.
• Zhang Ze: An ordinary person with mysterious knowledge about Ghost Controllers, seeks to obtain the Headless Ghost Shadow for unknown reasons.

Significant Themes

• Trust and suspicion between strangers.
• The allure of wealth (money) versus personal goals (the ghost).
• The dangers and challenges of Ghost Controlling.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Ze and Yang Jian initially distrust each other but form a temporary alliance after witnessing the Headless Ghost Shadow together.
• Zhang Ze reveals key information about the ghost's killing pattern, while Yang Jian is cautious and protective of his interests.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Ze explores Furen Mall, discovering its real-world properties and boundaries.
• Boss Tang hires a fraudulent Taoist priest, Master Luo, to exorcise the mall's ghost.
• Yan Li, the Ghost Blood wielder, does not appear as expected.

Character Developments

• Zhang Ze becomes more confident in his understanding of Make Nightmare Dreams Come True's mechanics.
• Yang Jian becomes frustrated and suspicious of Zhang Ze's plan due to Master Luo's ineptitude.

Significant Themes

• The blurring of reality and dreams.
• The power of belief and deception, as seen in Master Luo's fraudulent practices.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Ze and Yang Jian discuss their plan, leading to Yang Jian's frustration when Master Luo arrives instead of Yan Li.
• Zhang Ze realizes he must fight the Headless Ghost Shadow himself, as the instance cannot be "cheesed."

Key Plot Points and Events

• Master Luo, a fraudulent exorcist, attempts to intimidate Boss Tang at Furen Mall, but is killed by a Headless Ghost Shadow.
• The Headless Ghost Shadow starts killing Master Luo's disciples and other mall staff, replacing their heads with those of its ghost slaves.
• Boss Tang is saved by Yang Jian, who uses his Ghost Domain to communicate with him.
• Zhang Ze arrives at the scene, and Yang Jian tries to send him away to avoid responsibility.
• Liu Qiang, the security guard, is revealed to be a ghost slave, and his head falls off.
• Zhang Ze and Yang Jian are the only survivors, with the Headless Ghost Shadow still lurking.

Character Developments

• Master Luo is exposed as a fraud and killed, showing that his methods are ineffective against genuine supernatural threats.
• Boss Tang is initially terrified but survives due to Yang Jian's intervention, demonstrating his survival instincts.
• Liu Qiang, the security guard, is revealed to be a ghost slave, highlighting the Headless Ghost Shadow's ability to control its victims.
• Zhang Ze shows knowledge of Yang Jian's past and suggests a risky plan to combat the Headless Ghost Shadow, indicating his strategic thinking and resourcefulness.
• Yang Jian is initially dismissive of Zhang Ze but comes to respect his knowledge and plans, showing a willingness to adapt and learn.

Significant Themes

• The powerlessness of fraudulent exorcists against genuine supernatural threats.
• The Headless Ghost Shadow's ability to control and manipulate its victims, highlighting its cunning and malevolence.
• The importance of knowledge and strategy in combating supernatural threats, as demonstrated by Zhang Ze's plans.
• The risks and consequences of facing supernatural threats, as seen in the deaths of Master Luo and the mall staff.

Character Interactions

• Master Luo's interaction with Boss Tang highlights the former's fraudulence and the latter's gullibility.
• Yang Jian's interaction with Boss Tang shows his willingness to help and his ability to communicate with the living through the Ghost Domain.
• Zhang Ze's interaction with Yang Jian demonstrates his knowledge of the latter's past and his ability to devise plans to combat supernatural threats.
• The Headless Ghost Shadow's interaction with its victims shows its ability to control and manipulate them, as well as its malevolence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Ze devises a plan to control the Headless Ghost Shadow by becoming a Ghost Slave of Yang Jian's Ghost Eye, then having his head removed by the Headless Ghost Shadow, allowing both ghosts to coexist within him.
• Yang Jian digs out five Ghost Eyes and Zhang Ze swallows them, becoming a Ghost Slave.
• Zhang Ze triggers the Headless Ghost Shadow's killing pattern, loses his head, and both ghosts clash within his body.
• After a tense standoff, the plan succeeds, and Zhang Ze gains control over the Headless Ghost Shadow.
• Zhang Ze wakes up in the hospital, having experienced a dream within his dream.

Character Developments

• Zhang Ze demonstrates exceptional knowledge of ghosts and supernatural abilities, proving himself to be a formidable strategist.
• Yang Jian shows concern for Zhang Ze's well-being and is impressed by his plan.

Significant Themes

• The power of knowledge and planning in overcoming supernatural threats.
• The fine line between success and failure in confronting the unknown.
• The blurring of reality and dreams.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Ze and Yang Jian work together to control the Headless Ghost Shadow, with Zhang Ze taking the lead in planning and executing the strategy.
• Little Door expresses concern for Zhang Ze's well-being upon his awakening.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Ze wakes up from his dream, where he encountered an unknown entity (a dog barking).
• He tests his new ability, the Headless Ghost Shadow, by dismembering Sanjiu Yinyu.
• Zhang Ze learns that his haunted house's short drama is gaining popularity due to Mystery Case Tracking Studio's articles.
• He decides to invest in media outlets to create mouthpieces.
• Zhang Ze sends a message to Doctor Gao, reporting Chen Ge's strength and their failed attempt to defeat him.

Character Developments

• Zhang Ze: Obtains the Headless Ghost Shadow ability, allowing him to dismember and reassemble his body or others'. He also decides to invest in media outlets to control public opinion.
• Sanjiu Yinyu: Gets dismembered by Zhang Ze as a test subject for his new ability.
• Doctor Gao: Becomes aware of Chen Ge's strength and the Ghost Story Association's failure to defeat him. He is urged to send more people to deal with Chen Ge.

Significant Themes

• Power and control: Zhang Ze's new ability and his decision to invest in media outlets demonstrate his growing power and desire for control over his narrative and the world around him.
• Enemies and allies: The message sent to Doctor Gao solidifies Chen Ge as an enemy, while Zhang Ze positions himself as an ally, subtly manipulating Doctor Gao's actions.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Ze and Little Door: They discuss the events in Zhang Ze's dream, with Little Door expressing fear and Zhang Ze dismissing it.
• Zhang Ze and Sadako: Zhang Ze tries to unlock a new mission for Sadako but is unsuccessful. They discuss the Headless Ghost Shadow's abilities.
• Zhang Ze and Bai Xiaoxiao: They discuss the popularity of the short drama and the reason behind the change in public opinion.
• Zhang Ze and Doctor Gao: Through messages, Zhang Ze manipulates Doctor Gao into believing that Chen Ge is too strong and that more people are needed to defeat him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Ze contacts Lin Xiaomei after resolving Doctor Gao's matter.
• Lin Xiaomei, eager for investment, proposes a partnership with Zhang Ze's haunted house for promotion.
• Zhang Ze agrees to invest but sets a condition: Lin Xiaomei must successfully organize and promote a Haunted House Speedrun Championship.
• Zhang Ze decides to hold the competition one week from that day, with a prize pool of fifty thousand yuan.

Character Developments

• Lin Xiaomei shows initiative and professionalism in seeking investment and proposing a partnership.
• Zhang Ze demonstrates his business acumen and willingness to invest, but also his desire to test Lin Xiaomei's capabilities.

Significant Themes

• Investment and partnership in business.
• Testing one's abilities and proving oneself.
• Innovation and creativity in competition.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Ze and Lin Xiaomei discuss investment and partnership, leading to an agreement.
• Zhang Ze sets a condition for Lin Xiaomei to prove herself, showing his desire to see her capabilities.
• Lin Xiaomei proposes innovations for the competition, demonstrating her professional insight.

Key Plot Points and Events

• New Century Amusement Park announces the first Haunted House Major tournament, to be held in one week.
• The competition involves completing tasks within various haunted house settings to earn points. The team with the most points wins.
• The tournament is officially organized by New Century Amusement Park and uses a points system.

Character Developments

• Gao Ruxue and her friends decide to form a team and participate in the tournament to prove their loyalty to Chen Ge's haunted house.
• Qin Guang and Fei Youliang plan to enter the tournament as the "Avengers Alliance" with Zombie Man to gain attention and potentially win the championship.
• Tianteng Hospital's management decides to enter the tournament to draw traffic to their own haunted house.

Significant Themes

• Competition and rivalry among haunted house owners (Chen Ge vs. Zhang Ze, Tianteng Hospital).
• The commercialization and gamification of haunted houses.
• The power dynamics within the haunted house industry.

Character Interactions

• Gao Ruxue and her friends discuss and decide to participate in the tournament together.
• Qin Guang and Fei Youliang plan to form an alliance with Zombie Man to enter the tournament.
• Tianteng Hospital's management discusses their strategy for the tournament.

Chapter Summary: “Gao Jian”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Xiaomei’s Mystery Case Tracking Studio moves into New Century Amusement Park to help organize the Haunted House Major competition.
• So far, twenty-seven teams have applied. Although Lin Xiaomei worries that the low entry requirements will attract unserious contestants, Zhang Ze welcomes the larger turnout because it will increase competition and publicity.
• Zhang Ze notices several significant teams among the applicants:
  • Gao Ruxue’s team from Hanjiang Forensic Medicine College, accompanied by Liu Xianxian and Ma Ying. Their involvement suggests that Doctor Gao and the Underground Morgue may become connected to events sooner than expected.
  • Qin Guang, Fei Youliang, and Zombie Man, whom Zhang Ze jokingly calls the “Avengers Alliance,” recognizing that their participation may create trouble but also attract attention.
  • A nameless team led by Su Ren, whose fourth member is listed as Gao Jian. The name reminds Zhang Ze of Gao Jian from the world of Super Scary Live Stream, another person connected to Doors and terrifying worlds. Unsure whether it is the same person or merely a coincidence, Zhang Ze orders Shen Yue to notify him if a tourist named Gao Jian appears.
• Media coverage causes the competition and Zhang Ze’s Haunted House to trend online, attracting even people who normally would not visit haunted houses.
• Zhang Ze begins a Douyin livestream to answer questions and promote the competition. The livestream quickly becomes extremely popular, but increasingly absurd paid comments—including rumors about his relationship with rival haunted-house owner Chen Ge—force him to end it.
• Feng Xiaomin, now living inside Zhang Ze’s phone, organizes the overwhelming online comments and filters spam, insults, and promotional posts. With her help, Zhang Ze records a formal response video for Lin Xiaomei to distribute.
• Feng Xiaomin also discovers suspicious online activity involving Tianteng Hospital. The hospital appears to be planting comments, and searches reveal repeated references to Xu Zhenzhen. Zhang Ze recognizes this as another potential threat and prepares to investigate.

Character Developments

• Zhang Ze demonstrates strong managerial and promotional instincts. Rather than rejecting casual participants, he sees their presence as useful for increasing competition and attracting publicity.
• He becomes increasingly alert to connections between the competition and dangerous supernatural figures from other worlds, especially Gao Jian, Doctor Gao, and Tianteng Hospital.
• Lin Xiaomei proves highly capable at organizing and promoting the event, successfully turning Haunted House Major into a trending topic.
• Feng Xiaomin becomes an effective digital assistant. Her ability to process online information makes her partnership with Zhang Ze highly practical and shows that her presence in the phone is beginning to provide real strategic value.
• Shen Yue is entrusted with monitoring visitors for any sign of Gao Jian, reflecting Zhang Ze’s cautious approach despite his uncertainty.
• Gao Ruxue’s participation hints that her father, Doctor Gao, and the Underground Morgue may soon become involved in the main conflict.

Significant Themes

• Publicity as power: The competition’s popularity becomes almost as important as the event itself. Online attention brings visitors, rivals, information, and potential danger.
• Connections between supernatural worlds: The appearance of familiar names suggests that Doors and terrifying realms may link different settings and characters together.
• Uncertainty and foreshadowing: Zhang Ze cannot determine whether Gao Jian is the same person he remembers, but the possibility creates suspense and signals future conflict.
• Cooperation between humans and supernatural beings: Zhang Ze and Feng Xiaomin work together smoothly, showing how supernatural abilities can be integrated into ordinary business and technology.
• Opportunity mixed with danger: The competition brings valuable traffic and success, but it also attracts hostile rivals, suspicious organizations, and figures tied to dangerous mysteries.

Important Character Interactions

• Zhang Ze and Lin Xiaomei discuss the competition’s entry standards and organization, with Zhang Ze encouraging her to prioritize enthusiasm and publicity.
• Zhang Ze reacts to the participation of Doctor Gao’s daughter and the “Avengers Alliance,” recognizing both the risks and promotional benefits of their involvement.
• He instructs Shen Yue to watch for Gao Jian.
• Zhang Ze interacts humorously with livestream viewers, especially when they spread bizarre rumors about him and Chen Ge.
• Feng Xiaomin filters the livestream and online discussions, then advises Zhang Ze about Tianteng Hospital and Xu Zhenzhen.
• Zhang Ze reassures Feng Xiaomin but privately recognizes that the growing number of suspicious connections means the situation is becoming increasingly dangerous.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Ze's haunted house attracts a large number of visitors, with teams forming to tackle different instances.
• Gao Ruxue's team attempts 'The Ring' instance but fails due to He Shan's fear.
• A voyeur is caught secretly photographing the scenes and is punished by Zhang Ze.
• Old Zhou mentions that some visitors have been trying to photograph the scenes, with the Second Ward being the most successful.
• Zhang Ze decides to prepare a new scene for the competition in case the Second Ward is leaked.

Character Developments

• Zhang Ze shows his business acumen by welcoming the increased visitor traffic and earnings.
• He demonstrates his seriousness about the competition by deciding to create a new scene.
• The voyeur shows his greed and desperation, leading to his punishment.

Significant Themes

• The theme of greed and its consequences is explored through the voyeur's actions.
• The importance of fairness and balance in competition is highlighted when Zhang Ze considers creating a new scene.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Ze interacts with Old Zhou, thanking him for his help and discussing the recent events in the haunted house.
• The voyeur interacts with Zhang Ze, initially trying to play the victim but later showing his true nature.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Ze accepts a Nightmare Mission to participate in a drug trial at Umbrella Corporation in Vast Sea City.
• The drug trial involves testing a strain of the Progenitor Virus, which could potentially turn humans into ultimate lifeforms or monsters.
• Zhang Ze transforms into a flock of crows to travel to Vast Sea City.
• Upon arrival, he finds the Umbrella Corporation building heavily secured, with staff in protective suits.
• Zhang Ze is the final volunteer for the drug trial, joining two others.

Character Developments

• Zhang Ze demonstrates his ability to transform and his nonchalance towards the potentially dangerous mission.
• Wesker, the Umbrella Corporation representative, is shown to be determined to push forward the drug trial project despite its high mortality rate and bizarre effects.

Significant Themes

• The theme of experimentation and its consequences is prominent, with the drug trial potentially leading to horrific transformations or death.
• The idea of adaptation is introduced, with the drug seemingly adapting to humans rather than the other way around.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Ze interacts briefly with Lin Xiaomei, reassuring her about his temporary absence.
• Wesker interacts with his subordinates, ordering them to increase the payment for volunteers and expressing his determination to continue the drug trial.
• Zhang Ze interacts with the staff at Umbrella Corporation, following their instructions for sterilization and entering the testing area.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Ze, a volunteer, meets two others: a professional drug tester and Zhao Dahai, a first-timer with a personal story.
• Zhao Dahai reveals he once attempted suicide but changed his mind after visiting Zhang Ze's Haunted House.
• Zhang Ze receives the injection at midnight, with Wesker observing. He notices Zhang Ze's unusual vital signs but proceeds with the injection.

Character Developments

• Zhang Ze: Shows empathy and understanding towards Zhao Dahai but remains focused on the task at hand.
• Zhao Dahai: Overcomes his introverted nature to share his life story, demonstrating resilience and determination.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance: Zhao Dahai's story highlights his ability to overcome adversity and find meaning in life.
• Supernatural Elements: The drug trial's high mortality rate and Zhang Ze's unusual vital signs hint at the supernatural nature of the experiment.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Ze & Zhao Dahai: Zhang Ze listens to Zhao Dahai's story, showing empathy but also maintaining a professional distance.
• Zhang Ze & Wesker: Wesker observes Zhang Ze's injection, noting his unusual vital signs but proceeding with the experiment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Volunteer Number One reacts abnormally to the drug, vomiting blood and collapsing after less than an hour.
• Zhao Dahai, Volunteer Number Two, starts hallucinating and conversing with a shadow claiming to be his father.
• Zhang Ze, Volunteer Number Three, overhears Zhao Dahai's hallucinations and deduces that the drug allows monsters from the Door-After World to possess humans.

Character Developments

• Wesker, the director, remains calm and records the volunteers' reactions.
• Zhao Dahai struggles with his hallucinations, initially considering the trial legitimate but later expressing guilt for not providing for his father.
• Zhang Ze demonstrates analytical skills, connecting the dots between the current trial and previous encounters with possessed individuals.

Significant Themes

• Trust and deception: Zhao Dahai's struggle with believing the trial is legitimate despite his hallucinations.
• The consequences of desperation: Zhao Dahai's need for money drives him to participate in the trial, leading to his possession.
• The power of memory: Zhao Dahai's hallucination of his father highlights the influence of memories on the human psyche.

Character Interactions

• Wesker observes and records the volunteers' reactions, showing no emotional attachment.
• Zhao Dahai interacts with his hallucination of his father, expressing guilt and resistance to the possession.
• Zhang Ze eavesdrops on Zhao Dahai's hallucination, piecing together information about the drug's true purpose.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wesker attempts to persuade Zhao Dahai, a mentally ill volunteer, to accept the effects of a drug, which allows him to see his deceased father as a shadow.
• Wesker enters Zhao Dahai's room without protection, trying to convince him to trust the drug's effects.
• The shadow, a Behind-the-Door Monster, tries to convince Zhao Dahai that Wesker and the others are liars.
• Wesker and the Monster argue in Zhao Dahai's mind, causing him distress.
• Zhao Dahai's mental state deteriorates, and he becomes more susceptible to the Monster's influence.
• Wesker tries to command Zhao Dahai, but a third voice intervenes, calming Zhao Dahai and claiming to be Qin Shi Huang.

Character Developments

• Zhao Dahai: His mental state worsens due to the drug and the conflicting influences of Wesker and the Monster. He becomes more susceptible to the Monster's control.
• Wesker: He remains focused on making the drug trial succeed, showing no concern for Zhao Dahai's well-being. His memories of his past are unclear, and he only remembers fragments of his time with S.T.A.R.S.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and Control: Both Wesker and the Monster try to control Zhao Dahai, exploiting his mental weakness for their own purposes.
• Trust and Deception: The theme of trust is explored through the conflicting claims of Wesker, the Monster, and the third voice, with each trying to gain Zhao Dahai's trust.
• Mental Illness and Vulnerability: Zhao Dahai's mental illness makes him more susceptible to the influences of the drug and the supernatural entities, highlighting his vulnerability.

Character Interactions

• Wesker and Zhao Dahai: Wesker tries to convince Zhao Dahai to trust the drug's effects, while Zhao Dahai is confused and distressed by the conflicting influences.
• Zhao Dahai and the Shadow (Behind-the-Door Monster): The Monster tries to gain Zhao Dahai's trust by claiming to be his deceased father, exploiting his desire to see his parents again.
• Wesker, Zhao Dahai, and the Shadow: The three engage in a mental battle, with Wesker and the Monster trying to control Zhao Dahai, while Zhao Dahai is overwhelmed and confused.

Summary of the Chapter

1. Key Plot Points & Events

• Wesker notices Black Water rising around Zhao Dahai and realizes Zhang Ze (“Volunteer Number Three”) consumed the experimental drug in reverse, showing no symptoms.
• Zhang Ze taunts the researchers; the lab is sealed, trapping everyone inside.
• Wesker shoots Zhang Ze in the head, seemingly killing him. Zhao Dahai, grief-stricken and enraged, charges Wesker but is shot dead.
• Zhang Ze suddenly stands up—he had been faking death. He attacks Wesker with a crow made of Black Water, then tears off Wesker’s arms and legs.
• Zhang Ze reads Wesker’s memories using his Ghost Eyes (reflecting Sadako and Qiu Mei). He learns Wesker is not the real Wesker: a parasite-like “Behind-the-Door Monster” controlled his body, with implanted memories.
• Zhang Ze crushes Wesker’s head; a small black goblin-like parasite crawls out and is eaten by a crow.
• Zhang Ze plans to erase or alter the researchers’ memories. He tries to dispose of Zhao Dahai’s corpse by dumping it into Black Water—but Zhao Dahai suddenly opens his eyes.

2. Character Developments

• Zhang Ze: Reveals his true power—resilient, ruthless, deceptive, and able to survive gunshots. He uses memory-reading and Black Water abilities. Though cold and pragmatic, he shows a hint of care for Zhao Dahai, calling his death “rotten luck” and intending to give him a burial.
• Zhao Dahai: Hot-blooded and loyal to a fault. He blindly charges a gunman to avenge Zhang Ze and pays with his life. His sudden reopening of eyes leaves his fate ambiguous.
• Wesker: Overconfident in modern firearms against supernatural threats. He is exposed as a counterfeit—a puppet controlled by a parasitic monster, not the real figure he believed himself to be.

3. Significant Themes

• Technology vs. Supernatural: Guns and modern methods fail against true otherworldly power.
• Identity and Imitation: Wesker’s memories are implanted—he is a copied, hollow shell, raising questions about what makes someone real.
• Parasitism and Corruption: Behind-the-Door Monsters use human hosts and drug experiments to spread control.
• Deception: Zhang Ze’s fake death mirrors the chapter’s theme of false appearances and hidden motives.
• Memory and Erasure: Reading, altering, and wiping memories becomes a tool of control and cleanup.

4. Character Interactions

• Zhang Ze & Wesker: A one-sided showdown—Zhang Ze toys with Wesker, dismantles him physically, and reads his mind before executing him and killing the parasite inside.
• Zhang Ze & Zhao Dahai: Zhang Ze’s trick inadvertently triggers Zhao Dahai’s impulsive sacrifice. Zhao Dahai’s death frustrates Zhang Ze, who still tries to handle the body respectfully.
• Zhang Ze & Researchers: He terrifies them, seals the room, and later intends to erase their memories to cover up the event.
• Wesker & the Parasite: Wesker’s actions are controlled by the parasite; after his death, it tries to flee into a researcher but is destroyed.
  Notable Clues: Zhang Ze discovers a mysterious contact named “William”—a hunched, twitching, foreign figure in a tattered robe who supplied the drugs. This hints at a larger network tied to Doors and Behind-the-Door Monsters.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Ze finds William's diary detailing his research on the Door-After World and a drug to facilitate a massive invasion.
• Zhang Ze erases the memories of the researchers present and cleans up the scene to avoid suspicion.
• Zhao Dahai, now a Behind-the-Door Monster, tries to deceive Zhang Ze but is exposed.
• Zhang Ze spares Zhao Dahai's life and sends a crow to monitor him, warning him not to harm ordinary people or violate ethics.
• Zhang Ze returns to Hanjiang City, leaving Zhao Dahai in Vast Sea City.

Character Developments

• Zhang Ze demonstrates his power and mercy, sparing Zhao Dahai's life and giving him a chance to redeem himself.
• Zhao Dahai, now a Behind-the-Door Monster, shows fear and desperation, begging for his life and offering to help Zhang Ze in exchange.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for survival and power among the Behind-the-Door Monsters.
• The consequences of one's actions and the importance of ethical behavior.
• The potential expansion of Zhang Ze's haunted house business into Vast Sea City.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Ze and Zhao Dahai: Zhang Ze exposes Zhao Dahai's true nature, spares his life, and sends a crow to monitor him, while Zhao Dahai begs for his life and offers to help Zhang Ze.
• Zhang Ze and the ghosts inside him: Zhang Ze consults the ghosts inside him about what to do with Zhao Dahai.

Key Plot Points and Events

• New Century Amusement Park is renovating and preparing for the Haunted House Major, with Director Luo approving funding and considering a pricing reform.
• The park plans to use haunted houses as their core selling point, with Zhang Ze's and Chen Ge's haunted houses supporting each other.
• Visitors, including a professional team from Hanjiang City Forensic Medicine College and the Streamer Team, start arriving to scout and experience the haunted houses before the competition.

Character Developments

• Zhang Ze: Realizes the benefits of advancing productivity due to his presence and understands the park's plans for the haunted houses. He is determined to ensure the competition's success and won't let anyone interfere.
• Gao Ruxue and her team: Arrive to scout the haunted houses, focusing on Crow's Nest to locate Midnight Police Station and The Ring.
• Qin Guang and the Streamer Team: Return to compete in the Haunted House Major, aiming to win against Zhang Ze's "butchers."

Significant Themes

• The power of productivity and advancement, as Zhang Ze's presence has accelerated the park's plans.
• The competitive spirit and determination of the visitors, who want to win the Haunted House Major.
• The interconnectedness of the haunted houses and their scenarios, with Crow's Nest being the foundation of the others.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Ze interacts with Uncle Xu, discussing the park's plans and the upcoming competition.
• Zhang Ze greets Gao Ruxue and her team, as well as Qin Guang and the Streamer Team, expressing his determination to ensure a fair competition.
• The visitors from Hanjiang City Forensic Medicine College and the Streamer Team interact with each other, expressing their strategies and goals for the competition.

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Ze reads William’s diary, which contains detailed notes about the Door-After World, including mentions of “Blood City” and monsters.
• The diary reveals William conducted experiments on animals, then wanted human test subjects, and sought a man named Wego — someone who voluntarily entered the Door-After World and escaped by a non-door method.
• William also had contact with Chen Xiao, i.e., Chen Ge’s father. Zhang Ze wonders whether Wego’s escape method was real or already sealed.
• A useful side-effect of the diary: it prevents supernatural beings from seeing or sensing the reader. Zhang Ze stores the diary deep inside the Haunted House.
• Days pass. The official competition begins at New Century Amusement Park; many attractions are suspended to host the event.
• More than 40 teams compete. By midnight, four finalists stand out:
  • Hanjiang City Forensic Medicine College (led by Gao Ruxue)
  • Avengers Alliance (Qin Guang, Fei Youliang, Zombie Man)

Tianteng Hospital Team

• “Lychee” Streamer Team
• Zhang Ze runs the Haunted House using his Top-Tier Red-Clothed/Black Water abilities, coordinating staff like Old Zhou and Li Yang, handling incidents such as a fainted guest and a stolen mouse.

2. Character Developments

• Zhang Ze: Gains important lore about the Door-After World, becomes more strategic, and fully controls the Haunted House during the competition as a “high-frequency computer” manager.
• William (via diary): Revealed as a researcher obsessed with mastering doors and communicating with monsters, with ties to Chen Xiao and Wego.
• Zombie Man: Publicly feigns grief about his brother Sanjiu Yinyu, but clearly doesn’t truly care; Zhang Ze sarcastically suggests the Haunted House may hold clues about him.
• Lychee: Introduced as a mysterious streamer/radio host, later revealed to be a Ghost Story Association member; her companion Huang is also a member.

3. Significant Themes

• Secrets of the Door-After World: The diary hints at deeper mysteries — escape methods, failed experiments, and contacts connected to Chen Ge’s family.
• Performance vs. Reality: The competition is both a public spectacle and a genuine supernatural battlefield.
• Hidden Identities: Apparent contestants may be connected to ghost-related organizations (Lychee and Huang).
• Control and Coordination: Zhang Ze’s power allows him to orchestrate the Haunted House from within, emphasizing mastery over environment and supernatural entities.

4. Character Interactions

• Zhang Ze vs. Zombie Man: Zombie Man accuses Zhang Ze of killing his brother; Zhang Ze applauds and hints that Sanjiu Yinyu may still be “inside” the Haunted House.
• Zhang Ze with staff: Directs Old Zhou and Li Yang in real time, managing emergencies and protecting props.
• Teams vs. Haunted House: Forensic students, Avengers Alliance, Tianteng Hospital, and Lychee’s team all compete, each generating hype and drama.
• Lychee’s reveal: Marked as a subtle but important connection — Zhang Ze recognizes her and Huang as Ghost Story Association members, hinting at future conflicts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The first day of the competition ends with Hanjiang City Forensic Medicine College, Avengers Alliance, Tianteng Hospital, and Lychee's team leading the scores.
• Zhang Ze, wanting to promote his haunted house and give Lin Xiaomei more content to write about, decides to postpone the competition.
• Lychee and her teammate, Ms. Huang, stay at a guesthouse near New Century Amusement Park, where they discuss their mission from the Ghost Story Association and their suspicions about Zhang Ze and Chen Ge.

Character Developments

• Zhang Ze shows ambition and cunning in deciding to postpone the competition to his advantage.
• Lychee demonstrates her ruthlessness and cunning in dealing with the landlady and discussing her mission with Ms. Huang.
• Ms. Huang reveals her experience and knowledge about the Ghost Story Association's past incidents and members, showing herself to be a senior and strategic member.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and manipulation: Zhang Ze's decision to postpone the competition shows his ambition to promote his haunted house and gain more attention. Lychee and Ms. Huang's discussion about betraying the Ghost Story Association also highlights the theme of manipulation and using others for personal gain.
• Trust and loyalty: Lychee's suspicion of Ms. Huang and her concerns about being used as a pawn by the Ghost Story Association raise questions about trust and loyalty among the characters.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Ze and Lin Xiaomei: Zhang Ze helps Lin Xiaomei write the competition report, showing their collaboration and shared goals.
• Lychee and Ms. Huang: Their conversation reveals their differing perspectives on the Ghost Story Association's intentions and their suspicions about Zhang Ze and Chen Ge. It also highlights the power dynamic between a senior and junior member of the association.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The haunted house competition continues on the second day, with all teams performing exceptionally well.
• The top eight teams are announced for the quarterfinals: Hanjiang City Forensic Medicine College Professional Team, Avengers Alliance, Tianteng Hospital Team, Lychee Team, Hanjiang City Children's Welfare Institute Team, and Wei Gong Team.
• Zhang Ze earns over a hundred thousand yuan and rewards his employees and the ghosts in the haunted house with gifts.

Character Developments

• Gao Ruxue, the captain of the Forensic Medicine College team, shows her competitive spirit and scores high.
• Qin Guang and his team, the Avengers Alliance, struggle but manage to score well due to their recent training.
• Zhang Ze, the haunted house manager, continues to grow in power and influence, earning more money and gaining the respect of his employees.

Significant Themes

• Competition and teamwork, as seen in the various teams participating in the haunted house event.
• The power of determination and hard work, demonstrated by the teams that score well despite initial struggles.
• The relationship between the living and the dead, explored through Zhang Ze's interactions with the ghosts in the haunted house.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Ze interacts with his employees, Old Zhou and Li Yang, behind the haunted house door, showing them respect and appreciation.
• Zhang Ze thinks about Qiu Mei and his plans to avenge her, leading to a temporary relief in his Right Eye's pain.
• Shen Yue, the ghost girl, shows concern for Zhang Ze's well-being and urges him to get some sleep.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The competition continues with only a few teams remaining.
• A locked-room murder occurs at a guesthouse hotel near New Century Amusement Park, involving paranormal causes.
• Kuai Liang suppresses the news and involves Zhang Ze and Chen Ge in the investigation.
• Zhang Ze knocks out Chen Ge and uses a 'Future Souvenir' to enlist Zhang Ya's help in caring for him.
• Zhang Ze contacts Lychee, revealing that the competition was partly a trap to lure out Jiang Ling, the Well-Jumping Red-Clothed's sister, and to target Chen Ge.
• Zhang Ze offers Lychee a deal to capture Jiang Ling and gain control of the door in Living Coffin Village, with the Western Outskirts to be split equally afterward.

Character Developments

• Zhang Ze demonstrates his strategic mind and manipulative skills, using the competition to lure his targets and make deals with allies.
• Chen Ge shows his resolve and willingness to confront the Ghost Story Association, crossing Zhang Ze's bottom line.
• Lychee reveals her ambition and cunning, agreeing to Zhang Ze's deal despite knowing his ulterior motives.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and strategy: Zhang Ze's careful planning and use of allies to achieve his goals.
• Ambition and greed: Lychee's eagerness to gain control of the door in Living Coffin Village and her desire to keep the Western Outskirts for herself.
• Trust and betrayal: The delicate balance between Zhang Ze and Lychee, with each having their own motives and secrets.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Ze and Chen Ge: Zhang Ze manipulates Chen Ge, knocking him out and enlisting Zhang Ya's help to care for him.
• Zhang Ze and Lychee: Zhang Ze reveals his true intentions to Lychee, offering her a deal to capture Jiang Ling and gain control of the door in Living Coffin Village.
• Lychee and Ms. Huang: Lychee keeps her conversation with Zhang Ze secret from Ms. Huang, lying about her activities in the restroom.