Ch. 41Chapter 41
Key plot points and events
- Su Yu and Gu Lin sit together after lunch, both absorbed in their phones. Su Yu messages his anonymous top donor, who tells him to stop streaming after 9:30 because he is too loud. Su Yu refuses to be ordered around, and Gu Lin—who is the donor—decides against increasing Su Yu’s allowance.
- After Yun Shang’s gathering, Lu Chengfei tells Su Yu he has Yun Shang’s mother’s contact information and has set Yun Shang up with a QQ account. Su Yu teases Lu Chengfei for failing to realize that Yun Shang is wealthy.
- Lu Chengfei says Yun Shang’s father seemed hostile toward him. Su Yu suggests it may be because Lu Chengfei picked on Yun Shang.
- Lu Heyun picks Lu Chengfei up at his mother’s request. Hearing that Lu Chengfei and Su Yu have been in contact, Lu Heyun asks whether they are close. Lu Chengfei insists they are not and explains that Su Yu mainly keeps him out of trouble. Lu Heyun is quietly disappointed that Su Yu has not yet replied to his message.
- Later, Su Yu keeps streaming past 9:30 and humming off-key, disturbing Gu Lin in his study. Gu Lin joins the stream and privately urges him to stop, but Su Yu initially refuses.
- To persuade Su Yu, Gu Lin offers him a stake in a restaurant. Su Yu jokingly proposes that he receive the profits while Gu Lin covers the losses; Gu Lin agrees. Suspicious of the unusually generous offer, Su Yu jokes about being scammed or having a kidney stolen, then accepts a meeting. Gu Lin promises to cover travel and meals, and Su Yu promptly ends the stream.
Character developments and interactions
- Su Yu is outspoken, proud, and suspicious of easy money, but readily embraces a free meal and a potentially lucrative opportunity. His defiant exchanges with Gu Lin show that he resists being controlled, even when he does not know the donor’s identity.
- Gu Lin is increasingly attentive to Su Yu’s habits and comfort, though he expresses concern through blunt demands rather than warmth. His willingness to fund a restaurant deal—and accept unfair terms—suggests he is eager to persuade Su Yu and unusually indulgent toward him.
- Lu Chengfei remains insecure around Lu Heyun and uncomfortable with his cousin’s attention. He insists he and Su Yu are not close, despite their easy banter.
- Lu Heyun shows interest in Su Yu’s connection with Lu Chengfei and is aware that Su Yu has not answered his message. His cool demeanor with Lu Chengfei contrasts with his gentler manner toward Su Yu.
- Su Yu and Lu Chengfei trade insults with familiar ease. Lu Chengfei’s account of Yun Shang’s father’s stare also highlights the protective tension between a parent and a child’s new friend.
Significant themes
- Communication and intimacy: Much of the chapter’s interaction happens through phones and messages; indirect communication lets Gu Lin show concern without revealing himself.
- Control versus independence: Gu Lin tries to set limits, while Su Yu insists on making his own choices.
- Money, trust, and generosity: Su Yu doubts that wealth comes without strings, while Gu Lin’s extravagant offer tests that skepticism.
- Protectiveness and jealousy: Lu Heyun’s questions hint at concern over Su Yu’s closeness with Lu Chengfei, while Yun Shang’s father appears protective of his son.