Chapter Summaries

Chapter Summary

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• The giant wheel ride ends, leaving most of the guests pale and violently ill. Several rush to trees, streetlamps, and trash cans to vomit.
• Director Li worries specifically about Xie Chen’s acrophobia and is surprised to find him completely calm. Xie Chen and Huo Wenye are the only guests unaffected by the ride.
• Luo Mingyu argues with Director Li about the ride’s difficulty, but Director Li threatens to complain to Luo’s father, immediately silencing him.
• After filming, Director Li announces lunch at the next location. The guests complain that eating immediately after vomiting is cruel.
• The production team prepares a horror-themed menu filled with names such as “Scream Series Combo,” “Haunted Village Corpse,” and “The Hills Have Eyes,” hoping to destroy the guests’ remaining appetite.
• Instead of being frightened or disgusted, Xie Chen casually orders “Silent Hill” because he is hungry, ruining Director Li’s attempt to reclaim his reputation as the “Demon Director.”

2. Character Developments

• Xie Chen demonstrates remarkable composure and physical resilience. Despite his supposed fear of heights, he laughs throughout the ride and remains unaffected while everyone else becomes sick.
• Xie Chen is also shown to be extremely food-motivated, prioritizing lunch over awkward or emotionally difficult conversations.
• Huo Wenye reveals that holding Xie Chen’s hand helped him overcome his own fear. He then claims that Xie Chen once saved him from drowning, suggesting an important shared history that Xie Chen has forgotten.
• Xie Chen begins reconstructing a vague memory of saving someone at a Xie family gathering. He recalls being pushed into a swimming pool after being bullied, performing CPR on an unknown person, and leaving before seeing their face clearly.
• Director Li is portrayed as competitive, manipulative, and determined to restore his status as a harsh director, though his schemes repeatedly backfire.
• Luo Mingyu remains the main comic victim of Director Li’s provocations, suffering both physically from the challenge and socially from being controlled through threats involving his father.

3. Significant Themes

• Pride and competition: Director Li’s increasingly extreme challenges reflect his desire to regain his title and prove himself against the guests.
• Physical endurance versus psychological fear: The amusement-park challenge is designed to test terror and discomfort, but the guests’ reactions expose different forms of weakness and resilience.
• Repressed or forgotten memories: Huo Wenye’s claim forces Xie Chen to question his past and consider whether he unknowingly saved Huo years earlier.
• Hidden emotional connection: Huo Wenye’s quiet insistence that Xie Chen brought him ashore hints at a deeper bond and possibly a formative event in their relationship.
• Comedy through reversal: Director Li expects the guests to be defeated, but Xie Chen’s calmness, appetite, and irreverent responses repeatedly undermine his plans.

4. Character Interactions

• Director Li checks repeatedly on Xie Chen’s condition, revealing concern beneath his harsh director persona.
• Luo Mingyu challenges Director Li over the giant wheel, but Director Li defeats him by invoking Luo’s father.
• Xie Chen questions Huo Wenye about pretending to be frightened, while Huo responds suggestively that holding Xie Chen’s hand made the ride bearable.
• Their conversation turns serious when Huo reminds Xie Chen that he once saved him. Xie Chen becomes unsettled and evasive, escaping into thoughts of food.
• At lunch, the guests collectively protest the horror-themed menu, while Xie Chen’s enthusiastic order of “Silent Hill” completely defeats Director Li’s attempt to torment them.

The guests ordered Silent Hill and Scary Movie meals, and Xie Chen’s calm reaction helped them overcome the grotesque-looking food. Meanwhile, Mrs. Xie blamed Xie Chen for Xie Ran’s isolation and decided to use Qin Chuyu to hurt him.

• Xie Chen, Huo Wenye, Li Jingfei, Li Sifan, and the other guests chose Silent Hill meals, while Luo Mingyu and Li Sifan chose Scary Movie meals.
• Xie Chen tasted the Silent Hill meal and praised it, and the other guests mixed their food together and found it delicious.
• Luo Mingyu recoiled at his Scary Movie meal, but Li Sifan quickly stirred it into a less alarming mound and urged him to eat.
• Mrs. Xie confronted Xie Yongan over Xie Ran being isolated on the show, but Xie Yongan refused to intervene.
• Mrs. Xie called Xie Zhenting and told him to contact Qin Chuyu so she could make Xie Chen suffer for Xie Ran’s treatment.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xie Zhenting learns that his mother wants to use Qin Chuyu to counter Xie Chen on the variety show Transform, Freaks!
• Although Qin Chuyu is a hugely popular star signed to Xie Entertainment, he comes from an ordinary background and built his career without influential connections. Xie Zhenting originally invested heavily in him because of his inspirational public image.
• Qin Chuyu readily agrees to participate in the show after learning that its livestream attracts over one hundred million daily viewers. He prioritizes the program’s massive exposure over a commercial opportunity, recognizing that his popularity has begun to decline.
• Qin Chuyu watches the livestream and reacts with interest to Xie Chen’s unexpected talents, referring to him as an “old classmate.”
• Meanwhile, the current guests finish lunch and check into the amusement park hotel before the night-session tasks begin.
• Luo Mingyu complains about the show’s harsh treatment and jokingly promises to eat his room key card if the production team schedules a night event. When the night session is announced, he hurriedly escapes to his room instead.
• The guests discover that the production team has arranged shared rooms, with Xie Chen and Huo Wenye placed together. The rooms are equipped with cameras, reassuring some guests that no one can secretly frame their roommate.
• Xie Chen questions why the guests cannot have individual rooms, but Huo Wenye interprets this as resistance to sharing a room with him. He confronts Xie Chen privately and openly says that he wants to stay with him.

Character Developments

• Xie Zhenting: Remains resentful and threatened by Xie Chen, believing that Xie Chen has deceived the entire family. He reluctantly follows his mother’s plan to involve Qin Chuyu.
• Qin Chuyu: Demonstrates ambition, strategic thinking, and strong awareness of the entertainment industry. Rather than accepting work purely for income, he chooses the variety show because its enormous audience could restore his declining popularity. His interest in Xie Chen also hints at unresolved feelings or curiosity from their shared past.
• Xie Chen: Continues to provoke misunderstandings through his casual words and behavior. Though he claims that separate rooms would make things more convenient, his nervous reaction to Huo Wenye’s closeness reveals his growing romantic awareness and attraction.
• Huo Wenye: Becomes increasingly direct and possessive toward Xie Chen. He confronts him over the room arrangement and clearly expresses his desire to remain by his side.
• Xie Ran: Remains suspicious and hostile toward Xie Chen, interpreting even his complaints about the room arrangement as an attempt to seduce or manipulate Huo Wenye.
• Luo Mingyu and Wei Mingqi: Provide comic relief through complaints, teasing, and arguments about the show’s unreasonable arrangements.

Significant Themes

• Entertainment industry competition: Qin Chuyu’s decision highlights how celebrities must constantly pursue public attention and adapt to changing trends to maintain their status.
• Public image versus reality: Qin Chuyu’s inspirational persona, Xie Chen’s hidden identity as a law professor, and the guests’ behavior under constant cameras all emphasize the gap between appearances and truth.
• Manipulation and strategic alliances: The Xie family attempts to use Qin Chuyu against Xie Chen, turning the variety show into another arena for family conflict.
• Romantic tension and misunderstanding: Xie Chen and Huo Wenye’s shared room creates intimate circumstances, while Xie Chen’s nervousness contrasts with Huo Wenye’s increasingly explicit affection.
• Reality-show chaos: The production team’s difficult challenges, shared accommodations, and constant filming generate conflict while also serving as entertainment for the audience.

Character Interactions

• Xie Zhenting asks Qin Chuyu to join the show to oppose Xie Chen; Qin Chuyu agrees, but primarily because of the program’s enormous viewership.
• Qin Chuyu’s manager objects because of a scheduling conflict, but Qin Chuyu insists that the exposure is more valuable than the commercial.
• Luo Mingyu’s complaints are mocked by Xie Chen after the announced night session exposes his empty threat.
• Wei Mingqi and Xie Ran argue over the room arrangements and the possibility of someone using the cameras—or lack of privacy—to frame a roommate.
• Huo Wenye corners Xie Chen in their shared room, challenges his desire for separate accommodations, and declares that he wants to stay with him, leaving Xie Chen flustered and romantically unsettled.

Chapter Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Director Li is contacted by Qin Chuyu’s agent about appearing as a guest on the variety show. Instead of offering payment, Director Li insists that every guest star must contribute sponsorship money to the production.
• Qin Chuyu is furious when he learns he must pay one million yuan, but ultimately agrees in exchange for priority renewal rights if filming goes well. He plans to arrive that evening.
• After an exhausting day, the existing guests nap. When they wake, the amusement park has transformed into a terrifying horror-themed attraction, complete with a skull-topped Ferris wheel and figures resembling Sadako or a sea hag.
• Luo Mingyu and Li Sifan, normally prone to conflict, unite in their fear and consider pretending to be dead in their room rather than entering the park.
• The livestream audience is shocked by the announcement of Qin Chuyu’s arrival. His large fandom floods the broadcast, creating conflict between his supporters and viewers who already dislike or distrust him.
• Qin Chuyu is introduced at the filming site. Xie Ran enthusiastically applauds, while Xie Chen remains indifferent.
• Qin reveals that he and Xie Chen are former schoolmates and attempts to greet him publicly. Xie Chen sharply reminds him that Qin previously pretended not to know him in public.
• Qin claims there was a misunderstanding and promises to explain later, while his fans accuse Xie Chen of exploiting their past relationship for attention.

Character Developments

• Director Li is shown as commercially aggressive and confident, treating even a prestigious celebrity like Qin Chuyu as a source of investment rather than someone deserving special treatment.
• Qin Chuyu demonstrates ambition and adaptability by paying to join the popular show, hoping to broaden his career. Though initially embarrassed and angry, he quickly regains his polished public persona when confronted by Xie Chen.
• Xie Chen displays a major change from his formerly quiet and accommodating personality. He openly challenges Qin Chuyu instead of protecting his dignity, suggesting increased confidence and emotional detachment.
• Huo Wenye shows obvious hostility toward Qin Chuyu, hinting at jealousy or strong protective feelings toward Xie Chen. Qin notices and begins to suspect rumors about Huo’s feelings.
• Luo Mingyu and Li Sifan briefly set aside their usual antagonism and cooperate because of their shared fear of the horror attraction.
• Xie Ran openly supports Qin’s arrival, clapping enthusiastically, while Xie Chen’s lack of reaction emphasizes his distance from Qin.

Significant Themes

• Commercialization and status: The chapter humorously undermines celebrity privilege by making Qin pay for the opportunity to appear on the show.
• Public image versus private history: Qin maintains a polished celebrity image, but his past treatment of Xie Chen resurfaces immediately in front of the cameras.
• Personal growth and reclaimed agency: Xie Chen no longer tolerates being ignored or mistreated, marking a shift from passivity to self-assertion.
• Fandom conflict: Qin’s arrival transforms the livestream into a battleground between his devoted fans and existing viewers, showing how celebrity popularity can distort public perception.
• Fear and forced cooperation: The horror-themed amusement park creates comic tension and temporarily unites characters who normally clash.

Character Interactions

• Director Li and Qin Chuyu’s agent negotiate the unusual sponsorship requirement, with Qin eventually accepting the one-million-yuan fee.
• Luo Mingyu and Li Sifan bond over their mutual terror of the amusement park.
• Qin attempts to reconnect with Xie Chen, but Xie Chen responds with a pointed accusation about Qin’s former denial of their relationship.
• Huo Wenye’s hostile stare unsettles Qin and leads him to speculate about Huo’s possible romantic feelings for Xie Chen.
• Qin’s fans defend him online, attacking Xie Chen and intensifying the tension surrounding their shared past.

Chapter Summary

Plot and Events

• Xie Chen recognizes Qin Chuyu’s claim that they were merely schoolmates as hypocritical. In his previous life, Qin had defended Xie while pretending to befriend him, but only because he believed Xie’s connection to the Xie Family could help his own entertainment career.
• After discovering that Xie was not favored by the family, Qin abandoned him. Later, when Xie escaped the Xie Family’s dungeon badly injured and sought help, he encountered Qin again—only to be sent back into darkness, implying Qin betrayed or harmed him.
• Reunited on the variety show, Xie decides to retaliate rather than expose his anger openly.
• Qin joins the cast and is placed beside Xie Ran, which irritates him because he believes his status deserves a central position near Huo Wenye.
• Qin and Xie Ran exchange exaggeratedly polite compliments. Their fans praise the interaction, while other viewers criticize its artificiality.
• Luo Mingyu mocks the pair for being fake. Qin pretends to defend him and suggests that Luo’s insults should simply be ignored, but Xie Chen twists the statement against Qin, encouraging Luo to insult him freely.
• Director Li introduces the night’s challenge: the guests must ride amusement-park attractions to locate and defuse bombs hidden by “terrorists.” Those who fail or rank near the bottom will face punishment.
• At the starting point, Qin suggests dividing into groups to gain screen time. Huo Wenye immediately refuses to work with Qin and Xie Ran. Xie Chen then sarcastically proposes grouping Qin with his “fanboy,” leaving everyone else together.

Character Developments

• Xie Chen: Reveals his deep resentment toward Qin Chuyu and his willingness to manipulate situations through sarcasm and carefully targeted remarks. His rebirth has made him far less trusting and much more perceptive.
• Qin Chuyu: Is shown as ambitious, status-conscious, and highly hypocritical. He maintains a polished public image while privately looking down on less popular people and becoming visibly irritated when challenged.
• Xie Ran: Acts shy, sweet, and admiring toward Qin, though his internal fan-like commentary suggests he is deliberately or instinctively playing up the contrast between his appearance and his thoughts.
• Luo Mingyu: Continues to serve as the outspoken provocateur, immediately mocking artificial behavior and criticizing the show’s lack of genuine punishment.
• Huo Wenye: Displays open hostility toward Qin and refuses to cooperate with him, establishing that Qin has little influence over the other major guests.
• Director Li: Tries to maintain control of the production but is repeatedly undermined by Luo’s blunt comments and the guests’ escalating hostility.

Themes

• Hypocrisy and hidden motives: Qin’s past “friendship” with Xie Chen is revealed to have been motivated by social and financial advantage.
• Revenge and second chances: Xie Chen’s rebirth gives him the opportunity to confront someone who betrayed him and avoid repeating his former mistakes.
• Public image versus private feelings: Qin’s courteous behavior masks disdain, while the livestream audience and cast members debate what is genuine and what is performance.
• Power and status: Qin expects special treatment because of his fame, but the director and other guests refuse to accommodate him.
• Entertainment as conflict: The variety show turns insults, rivalries, and awkward interactions into spectacle, with the livestream audience actively taking sides.

Character Interactions

• Qin attempts to establish a friendly relationship with Xie Ran, but Xie Chen undercuts the exchange with sarcasm.
• Luo Mingyu attacks Qin and Xie Ran’s apparent flattery, while Qin tries to appear magnanimous by telling him not to take offense.
• Xie Chen deliberately reinterprets Qin’s words to encourage Luo’s continued attacks, exposing Qin’s inability to control the situation.
• Huo Wenye directly rejects Qin’s proposed group arrangement, and Xie Chen further humiliates Qin by suggesting he stay with his “fanboy.”

Chapter Summary: “The International Standard Insulting Gesture!”

Plot and events

Qin Chuyu is shocked when Xie Chen treats him coldly despite their history. Qin once defended Xie Chen at school and assumed he was exempt from Xie Chen’s hostility toward the Xie Family. He suspects Xie Chen may be distancing himself because of Huo Wenye. When the group divides for the amusement-park clue hunt, Qin tries to appear reasonable and generous, but Xie Chen dismisses him and leads the Villain Group to the Skeleton Ferris Wheel. Qin is forced to partner with Xie Ran and chooses a frightening carousel activity. Xie Ran pretends to be scared and leans on Qin, hoping to benefit from his popularity. Qin notices Xie Chen watching and deliberately puts an arm around Xie Ran to provoke jealousy. Instead, Xie Chen responds by giving him the middle finger through the Ferris wheel’s glass, shocking the livestream audience.

Character developments

Xie Chen continues to display his transformed, rebellious personality. Rather than remaining obedient or emotionally attached to Qin Chuyu, he openly rejects him and mocks him without hesitation. Qin’s confidence in his special place in Xie Chen’s heart begins to crack, though he still refuses to believe Xie Chen has truly moved on. He becomes increasingly manipulative, using his calm, intellectual image and his interaction with Xie Ran to test Xie Chen’s feelings. Xie Ran reveals himself as opportunistic, attempting to use both Huo Wenye and Qin Chuyu for protection and publicity. Huo Wenye openly admits that he dislikes Qin Chuyu and shows clear emotional investment in his relationship with Xie Chen, though he is disappointed when Xie Chen describes him only as a fellow Villain Group member.

Themes

The chapter emphasizes the collapse of old assumptions and relationships. Qin believes past kindness should guarantee Xie Chen’s loyalty, but Xie Chen rejects the idea that one past favor excuses years of emotional distance or mistreatment. It also contrasts genuine connection with performative public images: Qin presents himself as reasonable and scholarly, while his actions reveal jealousy and manipulation. The livestream comments further highlight fan wars, celebrity reputations, and the difference between public perception and private motives. Xie Chen’s obscene gesture symbolizes his newfound independence and refusal to be controlled by social expectations.

Character interactions

Qin and Xie Chen clash indirectly, with Qin seeking closeness and reassurance while Xie Chen remains dismissive. Huo Wenye and Xie Chen share a tense but intimate exchange in the Ferris wheel cabin; Huo probes their relationship, while Xie Chen casually defines Huo as merely part of the Villain Group, disappointing him. Qin and Xie Ran form a temporary partnership, though both understand that Xie Ran’s fear is partly an act. Li Jingfei and Wei Mingqi act as amused observers, openly gossiping about the romantic tension between Xie Chen and Huo Wenye.

At a horror park, Xie Chen found the first bomb on the Ferris wheel while Qin Chuyu watched and remembered defending him in college. The memory ended with Xie Chen seeming to get an idea after Qin Chuyu spoke up for him, followed by a notice that the grade website had been hacked and grades updated.

• Qin Chuyu brooded over Xie Chen’s rude gesture as Xie Ran prompted him to recall their college history, and Qin Chuyu said he had once defended Xie Chen.
• Luo Mingyu and Li Sifan clung to each other and screamed when a skeletal hand rattled their Ferris wheel gondola door.
• Xie Chen saw the two men hugging, wondered if they were intimate, and then opened the gondola window and found the first bomb.
• Qin Chuyu heard that Xie Chen had found the bomb and remembered classmates accusing Xie Chen of cheating after he came first in college.
• Qin Chuyu remembered defending Xie Chen, who had seemed touched before appearing to get an idea, and the college announced the next day that its grade website had been hacked and grades updated.

Chapter Summary

Plot and events

In the monitoring room, Director Li confronts the planner after Xie Chen instantly locates a bomb despite supposedly receiving difficult Olympiad math clues. The planner insists the problems were only elementary-school level, but Director Li realizes he underestimated Xie Chen, who was recently revealed to have been the top scorer on the college entrance exam. Hoping to restore the game’s credibility, Director Li waits for the opposing team to find a bomb as well.

Team challenge

Qin Chuyu struggles with the clue at first, despite his public image as an academic genius. After mentally working through it, he correctly identifies a bomb beneath the third carousel horse on the left. Xie Ran, who had repeatedly pressured Qin Chuyu to hurry, is praised by viewers as burdensome and annoying rather than helpful. Xie Chen internally mocks both of them, considering Qin Chuyu far inferior to himself.

Character developments and interactions

Qin Chuyu becomes increasingly irritated by Xie Ran’s demands and decides to force him to solve the next clue. He hands Xie Ran a difficult problem, framing it as an opportunity for Xie Ran to “show what he can do” while protecting his own genius image. Xie Ran panics under the attention, cannot understand the problem, and eventually pretends to feel nauseous so he can avoid admitting he is incapable. Qin Chuyu sees through the act and prepares to expose him, but Xie Chen intervenes first.

Family and public reaction

Watching the show, Xie Ran’s mother and older brother praise Qin Chuyu for supposedly stepping aside to let Xie Ran shine. They believe Xie Ran’s academic background will allow him to solve the problem and regain public favor. Meanwhile, online viewers grow impatient and criticize Xie Ran for failing after previously rushing Qin Chuyu.

Themes

The chapter emphasizes hypocrisy, blame-shifting, and the contrast between public personas and genuine ability. Qin Chuyu and Xie Ran both attempt to manipulate the situation to protect themselves, but their mutual scheming exposes their lack of competence and trust. Xie Chen’s effortless intelligence and sharp observation make him stand out, while his final sarcastic remark—calling them “equally useless” for trying to make someone else take the blame—punctures both of their pretenses.

Chapter Summary

Plot points and events

Mother Xie angrily watches the variety show as Xie Ran is criticized for failing to solve a difficult question and pretending to feel sick. She blames the show’s director and cameraman for humiliating him, while resenting Xie Chen for gaining popularity that she believes should have belonged to her biological son. She and Xie Zhenting discuss their failed attempt to control the program, discovering that their money only covered Xie Ran’s appearance fee and did not make them investors.
During filming, Qin Chuyu challenges Xie Chen to solve a difficult clue within five minutes, expecting him to fail. Xie Chen turns the challenge back on him, forcing them to solve identical questions simultaneously. Director Li supports the confrontation by providing Qin with the same clue. When the countdown begins, Xie Chen immediately understands and writes down the answer, while Qin Chuyu continues struggling.

Character developments

• Xie Chen remains confident, sharp-tongued, and highly capable. He deliberately targets Qin Chuyu’s carefully cultivated “top student” image and demonstrates exceptional mathematical ability.
• Qin Chuyu tries to maintain his refined, confident persona but becomes visibly panicked when Xie Chen demands a direct competition. His frustration grows when the director allows the challenge.
• Xie Ran benefits from the conflict between Xie Chen and Qin Chuyu, relaxing after attention shifts away from his own poor performance.
• Mother Xie reveals intense favoritism toward Xie Ran and deep hatred toward Xie Chen, whom she views as an adopted interloper who has stolen the Xie family’s status and opportunities.
• Xie Zhenting shows frustration and wounded pride over losing influence and being surpassed by Xie Chen.
• Luo Mingyu openly mocks the staged rivalry, while Huo Wenye quietly enjoys the unfolding situation.
• Lu Fei recognizes that Qin Chuyu has foolishly challenged Xie Chen in mathematics and predicts his impending humiliation.

Significant themes

• Favoritism and resentment: Mother Xie’s hostility exposes the destructive effects of valuing biological family over an adopted child.
• Public image versus reality: Qin Chuyu’s “top student” persona is placed under pressure, while Xie Chen’s genuine ability becomes increasingly visible.
• Power and reversal: The Xie family attempts to control the show but discovers they no longer have influence, while Xie Chen gains power through talent and public support.
• Class and social prejudice: Online viewers praise Qin Chuyu’s humble background while dismissing Luo Mingyu as a spoiled rich heir, highlighting how public opinion is shaped by preconceived narratives.
• Entertainment and humiliation: The program turns personal rivalries into public spectacle, with the cameras amplifying every mistake.

Character interactions

Mother Xie and Xie Zhenting complain about the show and their inability to control Director Li. Qin Chuyu provokes Xie Chen, but Xie Chen quickly reverses the challenge and forces him into a public contest. Xie Ran silently welcomes the shift in attention, while Luo Mingyu criticizes both contestants’ theatrics. The chapter ends with Xie Chen solving the advanced problem almost instantly and Qin Chuyu still struggling, setting up Qin’s likely public defeat.

Chapter Summary: “A Misunderstanding Can Just Be Brushed Aside?!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Chuyu becomes suspicious when Xie Chen finishes the mathematics challenge extremely quickly. Because of Director Li’s alleged favoritism, Qin assumes the questions may have been leaked to Xie Chen.
• Qin refuses to admit he cannot solve the problem and sarcastically asks to see Xie Chen’s working process, hoping to prove that Xie Chen only memorized a leaked answer.
• Xie Chen initially says he has no written process, but Director Li—pressured by the livestream audience and accusations of cheating—asks him to demonstrate the solution.
• Xie Chen writes out an elegant and completely correct solution at remarkable speed. His method is even more concise than the standard answer available online, disproving the theory that he had received the answer beforehand.
• Qin Chuyu is stunned and forced to acknowledge that Xie Chen genuinely knows how to solve the problem. He apologizes to Director Li, calling his accusation a misunderstanding.
• Director Li refuses to let the matter be dismissed so easily. He points out that Qin’s insinuations encouraged his fans to spread rumors and damage the production team’s reputation.
• Xie Chen advises Director Li to preserve evidence and offers his studio’s legal assistance, even jokingly offering him a ten-percent discount.
• Qin leaves humiliated and worried that the incident will damage his popularity. Later, while returning to the hotel, he tries to approach Huo Wenye, but Huo coldly warns him not to assume that someone is interested in him and orders him to stay away from “him.”

Character Developments

• Xie Chen: Demonstrates exceptional mathematical ability and remains calm, confident, and dismissive of Qin’s provocations. He also shows loyalty toward Director Li by offering legal support.
• Qin Chuyu: His insecurity and resentment lead him to make unfounded accusations. Once disproven, he reluctantly apologizes but remains embarrassed, resentful, and concerned about his public image.
• Director Li: Becomes increasingly outspoken and protective of his reputation. Rather than accepting Qin’s vague apology, he demands accountability for the rumors spread by Qin’s fans.
• Huo Wenye: Reveals a possessive or protective attitude through his direct warning to Qin, implying that Qin has targeted or misunderstood someone important to him.

Significant Themes

• Jealousy and insecurity: Qin’s suspicion comes from his inability to accept that Xie Chen may simply be far more capable than him.
• Truth versus manufactured personas: Xie Chen’s genuine talent contrasts with the carefully maintained “top student” image surrounding Qin.
• Accountability for online rumors: The chapter stresses that “misunderstandings” can still cause real reputational harm, especially when fans spread accusations.
• Public image and humiliation: Qin’s status as a celebrity cannot protect him from being exposed when his assumptions prove wrong.
• Power and protection: Xie Chen’s influence, legal resources, and relationship with Huo Wenye suggest that he is far better connected and protected than Qin expected.

Important Character Interactions

• Qin Chuyu and Xie Chen: Qin challenges Xie Chen’s credibility, but Xie Chen proves his ability and hands him the solution with impatient confidence.
• Qin Chuyu and Director Li: Their conflict escalates when Director Li demands that Qin admit he accused the production team unfairly and take responsibility for his fans’ behavior.
• Xie Chen and Director Li: Xie Chen helps Director Li defend himself against online backlash, while Director Li openly relies on Xie Chen’s competence and support.
• Qin Chuyu and Huo Wenye: Qin attempts to ingratiate himself with Huo, but Huo rejects him and warns him to keep his distance from someone under Huo’s protection.

Qin Chuyu learned that Xie Chen had secretly hacked the university website to lower his own score, while Xie Chen and Huo Wenye shared a charged moment interrupted by Luo Mingyu. The chapter ended with Luo Mingyu and Li Sifan wrestling next door after Luo used a painful move.

• Huo Wenye warned Qin Chuyu to stay away from Xie Chen, prompting Qin to call Lu Fei for information.
• Lu Fei told Qin Chuyu that Xie Chen had hacked the university website to lower his score after accidentally ranking first in the department.
• Lu Fei called Xie Chen, who said he did not mind Qin learning his secret and complained that Qin was like a buzzing fly.
• Huo Wenye returned to the hotel room and told Xie Chen to correct rumors that he liked someone else; their tense conversation was interrupted by Luo Mingyu shouting about the amusement park lights.
• Luo Mingyu and Li Sifan argued about a childhood story and began wrestling, until Luo used Monkey Steals the Peach.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The livestream audience jokes wildly about the previous night’s darkened-camera “battles,” prompting Director Li to order the production team to cut the power and remind the guests to behave.
• Xie Yongan faces multiple crises within the Xie Group:
  • His eldest and second sons are implicated in bribing villagers.
  • He must distance the family from Xie Feng and his mother’s illegal adoption.
  • The Xie Group is being sued by a small company for patent infringement and unfair competition after Xie Zhenting’s team poached employees and used their patented technology.
• Desperate to protect the company, Xie Yongan arranges a meeting with the famous lawyer Professor Qin. Xie Zhenting realizes the meeting concerns the patent case but is prevented from accompanying his father.
• Xie Chen learns that Xie Yongan has contacted Qin and decides to intervene. He arranges free legal aid for the small company through the renowned Professor Smith, using a ten-million deposit the Xie Group had previously transferred for legal assistance.
• Xie Chen plans to personally expand his business domestically rather than continue avoiding the Xie family as he did in his previous life.
• Huo Wenye offers Xie Chen an official position and equity in the Huo family business. Xie Chen is surprised by the generosity, while Huo Wenye privately implies he would give him far more.
• The chapter ends with Director Li forcing the exhausted guests to begin the day by riding a roller coaster.

Character Developments

• Xie Chen becomes increasingly proactive and ruthless in opposing the Xie family. Rather than sacrificing himself or retreating as he did in his former life, he intends to fight back directly and use legal means to damage the family.
• Huo Wenye openly demonstrates his support and affection for Xie Chen by offering him equity and a place within the Huo family business, though he deliberately understates how much he is willing to give.
• Xie Yongan grows anxious and suspicious as threats close in. His confidence begins to crack, and he realizes that his adopted son is likely planning something more extensive than simply cutting ties.
• Xie Zhenting is reminded of the consequences of the patent scandal and feels increasingly uneasy when his father excludes him from the legal negotiations.
• Director Li continues acting as the chaotic but cautious host, attempting to control the guests’ questionable behavior while exploiting their reactions for entertainment.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and reversal: Xie Chen refuses to repeat his former life’s self-sacrificing behavior and instead turns the Xie family’s own resources against them.
• Justice through legal action: The patent case represents a chance to protect a weaker company while inflicting serious financial and reputational damage on the Xie Group.
• Power and family betrayal: The Xie family’s internal corruption and betrayal contrast with Huo Wenye’s loyalty and willingness to support Xie Chen.
• Public spectacle: The livestream’s audience turns private interactions into entertainment, while the production team struggles to control the increasingly suggestive and chaotic program.
• Emotional protection and devotion: Huo Wenye’s offer of equity reveals his desire to secure Xie Chen’s future and keep him close.

Character Interactions

• Director Li reacts anxiously to the audience’s suggestive comments and orders the cameras cut to prevent further scandal.
• Xie Yongan dismisses Xie Zhenting’s attempt to join the legal meeting and tells him to stay with his mother and watch the variety show.
• Xie Chen and Lu Fei coordinate the legal counterattack against the Xie Group, agreeing to provide the small company with free representation through Professor Smith.
• Huo Wenye questions Xie Chen about appearing personally in the business expansion and offers him equity, creating a revealing exchange about their growing closeness.
• The guests, still exhausted from the previous day, are immediately subjected to another brutal amusement-park challenge by Director Li.

Chapter Summary

Plot Points and Events

• The cast continues filming the amusement-park variety show, beginning with a terrifying roller-coaster ride combined with horror-doll surprises. Most guests scream and panic, while Xie Chen, Huo Wenye, and Qin Chuyu remain comparatively calm.
• The livestream audience finds the guests’ reactions hilarious, especially Luo Mingyu’s lack of concern for his image and Li Jingfei’s intense screaming. Viewers also notice that Xie Chen appears unafraid despite earlier reports claiming he feared heights.
• Director Li becomes suspicious of Xie Chen’s unusually composed behavior, comparing it to a powerful character returning with a hidden “ultimate move.”
• Separately, Xie Yongan meets with Lawyer Qin Huai at a private club. Xie attempts to flatter and manipulate him by emphasizing Qin’s rivalry with Professor Smith and suggesting that winning the Xie Group’s difficult infringement case would let Qin prove his abilities.
• Qin acknowledges that the Xie Group did infringe on the smaller company’s work and that the case will be difficult, but he agrees to take it after Xie offers substantial legal fees.
• Xie Chen receives an update from Lu Fei confirming that Xie Yongan and Qin Huai are likely working together. He instructs Lu Fei to visit the small company immediately before its situation worsens.
• Xie Chen recalls the company’s tragic future: its owner invested everything in developing patented game technology, only to have betrayed employees sell the technology to the Xie Group. Buried by legal costs and debt, the owner eventually dies by suicide.
• Having remembered this future after his rebirth, Xie Chen plans to reveal his identity as Professor Smith, become the company’s legal representative, rescue it from the Xie Group, and obtain compensation.
• Huo Wenye unexpectedly catches Xie Chen muttering about “crushing those trash dogs,” correctly guessing that he means the Xie Family. Xie realizes once again that Huo can easily draw information out of him.

Character Developments

• Xie Chen: Demonstrates remarkable composure on the roller coaster and continues secretly maneuvering against the Xie Family. His knowledge from his previous life motivates him to save the small company while seeking revenge and financial compensation. However, he remains prone to accidentally revealing his plans around Huo Wenye.
• Huo Wenye: Shows his perceptiveness and teasing side by casually questioning Xie Chen and extracting information from him.
• Xie Yongan: Reveals himself as manipulative and calculating, exploiting Qin Huai’s resentment toward Professor Smith to secure his services.
• Qin Huai: Appears ambitious and resentful of Professor Smith, making him vulnerable to Xie Yongan’s provocation. Despite recognizing the Xie Group’s weak legal position, he accepts the case for the opportunity and high fees.
• Lu Fei: Acts as Xie Chen’s trusted childhood friend and operative, immediately understanding the urgency of the assignment.
• The variety-show guests: Their exaggerated fear and loss of composure provide comic contrast to Xie Chen’s calmness.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and strategic justice: Xie Chen uses his knowledge of the future to protect the vulnerable company and retaliate against the Xie Family.
• Manipulation and ambition: Xie Yongan exploits Qin Huai’s professional rivalry and insecurity.
• Second chances: Rebirth gives Xie Chen the opportunity to prevent a tragedy that previously seemed inevitable.
• Public image versus reality: The guests’ on-camera personas and reactions contrast with their true personalities, while rumors about Xie Chen’s fear of heights are proven unreliable.
• Comedy amid tension: The amusement-park chaos and Huo Wenye’s teasing lighten the otherwise serious corporate and legal conflict.

Important Character Interactions

• The guests endure the roller coaster while livestream viewers mock and enjoy their reactions.
• Xie Yongan flatters Qin Huai, discusses Professor Smith, and persuades him to represent the Xie Group.
• Xie Chen and Lu Fei coordinate the rescue of the small company.
• Huo Wenye catches Xie Chen revealing his hostility toward the Xie Family, reinforcing their playful but increasingly perceptive dynamic.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huo Wenye tells Xie Chen that he likes seeing him in his current, more genuine and less repressed state. Xie Chen is surprised and flustered, while the livestream audience interprets Huo’s words as an indirect confession.
• The audience continues arguing over Xie Chen and Qin Chuyu, with Qin’s fans accusing Xie Chen of clinging to Qin and other viewers mocking Qin’s “little white lotus” image.
• Because rain threatens the outdoor activities, Director Li sends the cast into a haunted house instead. He deliberately chooses an attraction involving only horror effects, not puzzles or investigations, to prevent Xie Chen from dominating through his intelligence.
• Qin Chuyu privately celebrates the lack of intellectual challenges, believing this will protect his top-student persona from being exposed or compared unfavorably with Xie Chen.
• Qin attempts to approach Xie Chen by mentioning his brother, Qin Huai, a prominent lawyer. Xie Chen immediately interrupts, dismissing Qin Huai as someone who frequently loses to him and boldly claiming he could defeat him in court “even [to] his underwear.”
• Qin is offended and confused by Xie Chen’s hostility, especially because he believes it may stem from his earlier pretense of not knowing Xie Chen.
• Huo Wenye confronts Qin and orders him to stay away from Xie Chen. Their argument escalates into open insults, with Huo calling Qin a hypocrite who hides behind his fans.
• Qin invokes his fandom as protection, but Huo mocks him for relying on fans. The livestream audience splits into opposing camps.
• Director Li interrupts the dispute as the group reaches the haunted house, titled The Hills Have Eyes. Luo Mingyu recognizes the name and panics at the prospect of murderous maniacs inside.

Character Developments

• Xie Chen: Appears more relaxed and genuine than before, but remains sharp-tongued, guarded, and openly hostile toward Qin Chuyu. His confidence and competitive nature are especially clear in his remarks about Qin Huai.
• Huo Wenye: Shows increasing emotional investment in Xie Chen, openly praising his changed demeanor and becoming protective and possessive when Qin approaches him. His normally restrained personality gives way to direct confrontation.
• Qin Chuyu: Tries to maintain a friendly façade and protect his elite, intelligent image, but becomes increasingly frustrated when Xie Chen rejects him and Huo attacks him. His dependence on fan support is exposed.
• Luo Mingyu: Continues providing comic relief through his exaggerated fear and despair over the group’s increasingly torturous activities.
• Director Li: Deliberately designs the episode to counter the Villain Group’s strengths, avoiding puzzles after Xie Chen’s earlier success and instead forcing them into a purely frightening attraction.

Significant Themes

• Growing romantic tension: Huo’s admiration and protectiveness toward Xie Chen are increasingly obvious, even if neither openly acknowledges their implications.
• Public image versus reality: Qin’s polished “top student” and favored celebrity image contrasts with his insecurity and reliance on fans, while Xie Chen’s supposedly villainous image is shown to conceal greater authenticity and competence.
• Power and influence: The conflict raises questions about wealth, celebrity status, fandom power, and whether either side can control public opinion or industry treatment.
• Competition and hidden abilities: Director Li attempts to neutralize Xie Chen’s intellectual advantage, while Qin fears being exposed in comparison with him.
• Loyalty and protection: Huo’s warnings demonstrate his willingness to defend Xie Chen, intensifying the rivalry between himself and Qin.

Important Character Interactions

• Xie Chen and Huo Wenye: Huo praises Xie’s genuine smile, leaving Xie confused and visibly flustered. Their relationship continues moving from guarded curiosity toward mutual emotional awareness.
• Xie Chen and Qin Chuyu: Qin’s attempt at conversation fails when Xie sharply dismisses his brother’s achievements and makes clear he wants to keep Qin at a distance.
• Huo Wenye and Qin Chuyu: Their hostility becomes explicit. Huo warns Qin away from Xie and insults his character, while Qin challenges Huo’s wealth and influence.
• Cast and livestream audience: The audience actively interprets, romanticizes, and attacks the cast’s interactions, turning personal conflicts into public fandom battles.

Xie Chen turned the haunted house’s scare into a chase, terrifying the staff instead of the guests. As Xie Ran’s attempts to gain Qin Chuyu’s sympathy failed, Director Li warned that further rule-breaking would punish the other guests.

• Li Sifan and Luo Mingyu panicked at the haunted house while Xie Chen stayed calm, and the Villain Group ran from the masked staff member.
• Xie Chen took the staff member’s chain and chased him around the haunted house until the staff member begged for help.
• Li Jingfei and Wei Mingqi criticized Xie Ran, while Qin Chuyu watched Xie Chen instead of comforting him.
• Xie Ran asked Qin Chuyu if he could leave, but Qin Chuyu saw through his act and told him his mind games would not work.
• Director Li warned Xie Chen to stop terrorizing the staff and said the other guests would be punished if he broke the rules again.

Chapter Summary: “Social Terrorist”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sun Feng, a bankrupt game developer overwhelmed by debt and the Xie Group’s infringement lawsuit, is visited by Lu Fei, an agent representing Professor Smith.
• Sun initially assumes Lu is another creditor and declares that he has given up, saying the Xie Group can take the game rather than face a lawsuit he cannot afford.
• Lu reveals that Professor Smith—also known as Xie Chen—is willing to represent Sun for free. Smith’s motivation is both to uphold justice and to retaliate against the Xie Family, from which he has broken away.
• Sun would only need to pay five percent of the compensation if the lawsuit succeeds. Lu encourages him to fight rather than surrender, relaying Smith’s warning that suicide only transfers suffering to one’s loved ones.
• Shocked, Sun watches a livestream of Smith ruthlessly terrorizing people during an amusement-park activity and wonders whether accepting Smith’s help might come with its own dangers.
• At the amusement park, Xie Chen has just emerged from a haunted house after frightening staff so badly that some cried or vomited. Director Li is exhausted and regrets inviting such a socially aggressive guest.
• Although Chen has dominated the activity and prevented the other guests from standing out, he remains focused mainly on when he can eat.
• Director Li tries to persuade Chen to rest and skip the next activity, while viewers suspect that Li’s strange smile indicates he has a hidden plan or that the next activity may turn the tables.

Character Developments

• Sun Feng: Moves from despair and passive resignation toward the possibility of fighting back. His defeatist attitude is challenged by Smith’s words and Lu’s practical legal proposal.
• Lu Fei: Acts as a persuasive intermediary, using humor and blunt reasoning to convince Sun to accept Smith’s representation.
• Xie Chen/Professor Smith: Is shown as both principled and intensely vengeful toward the Xie Family. His message to Sun reveals a serious, compassionate side beneath his terrifying public behavior.
• Director Li: Becomes genuinely intimidated and physically exhausted by Chen. His attempts to manage Chen suggest he may be preparing a scheme for the final activity.
• Other guests and staff: Are increasingly overwhelmed by Chen’s frightening competitiveness, while the audience enjoys watching him disrupt the variety show’s expected dynamics.

Significant Themes

• Standing against injustice: The chapter emphasizes resisting powerful opponents instead of surrendering out of fear or helplessness.
• Despair versus perseverance: Sun’s hopelessness is contrasted with Chen’s insistence that giving up is a form of escape that harms others.
• Justice mixed with revenge: Smith’s legal assistance is presented as both an effort to uphold the law and an opportunity to damage the family that betrayed him.
• Public image and unexpected identities: Sun struggles to reconcile the dignified Harvard law professor with the terrifying figure seen on the livestream.
• Social inversion and comic intimidation: Chen, normally expected to be a guest controlled by the director, becomes the dominant force, frightening staff and derailing the show’s planned competition.

Character Interactions

• Sun Feng and Lu Fei: Their meeting shifts from suspicion and hostility to cautious hope as Lu explains the conditional legal arrangement.
• Sun Feng and Xie Chen: Though they do not meet directly, Chen’s advice and reputation profoundly affect Sun’s decision-making.
• Xie Chen and Director Li: Director Li treats Chen with unusual caution, trying to appease him and persuade him to rest, while Chen remains indifferent to the show’s strategy and cares mainly about food.
• Xie Chen and the amusement-park staff: Chen aggressively reverses the haunted house’s intended power dynamic, chasing and frightening the performers instead of being frightened by them.
• Director Li and the audience: Viewers recognize Li’s fear and begin speculating that his suspicious smile signals a plan to counter Chen in the final activity.

During the haunted-house punishment, Li Sifan pretended to be scared so he could stay close to Luo Mingyu, while Xie Chen turned down an amusement-park endorsement unless the park improved safety and donated profits to charity. Xie Ran complained about losing opportunities, but Xie Zhenting rejected his blame and ended the call.

• Li Jingfei revealed that Li Sifan had trained himself to act brave after wetting his pants as a child, but Li Sifan convinced Luo Mingyu that she was teasing them and continued holding him close.
• After the punishment, Luo Mingyu complained to Xie Chen about the haunted house, and Xie Chen said he had given him and Li Sifan a chance to get closer.
• Director Li offered Xie Chen an amusement-park spokesperson job, but Xie Chen declined unless the park improved safety measures and donated some operating profits to charity.
• Xie Ran complained that Xie Chen received all the endorsements, and Director Li criticized his reputation and audience compared with Xie Chen's.
• Qin Chuyu suggested that opportunities went to people with the biggest audiences unless an investor favored them, prompting Xie Ran to call Xie Zhenting.
• Xie Zhenting reminded Xie Ran that he had withdrawn his investment because Xie Ran did not want Xie Chen on the show, told him endorsements depended on his own ability, and hung up.

Xie Chen arranged for the Villain Group guests to be included together in an amusement park endorsement after negotiating safety upgrades and a yearly donation. He left Qin Chuyu excluded, while Huo Wenye supported whatever Xie Chen decided.

• Xie Zhenting resented Xie Ran's complaints and privately compared him unfavorably with Xie Chen.
• Qin Chuyu provoked Li Sifan by hinting at his feelings for Luo Mingyu, and Li Jingfei stopped Li Sifan from confronting him.
• Xie Chen negotiated with Director Li for park safety improvements and an annual donation, then said he would endorse the park only if the Villain Group guests were included as a complete set.
• Qin Chuyu assumed Xie Chen's offer included him, but Xie Chen clarified that it covered only the Villain Group and mocked Qin Chuyu for seeking work on a variety show.
• The Villain Group guests thanked Xie Chen, and Huo Wenye said he would accept any arrangement Xie Chen made.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Director Li initially explodes in anger after Xie Chen demands last-minute changes to the variety show, including bringing all the Villain Group guests and adding extra conditions.
• Although the planner and assistant pretend Xie Chen is replaceable, Director Li admits that the popular professor is too important to offend.
• The planner suggests using the Villain Group guests to endorse a horror-themed amusement park. Director Li realizes the idea could be highly effective, and the amusement park owner quickly agrees to the arrangement.
• That afternoon, the villain guests are dressed in intimidating armor and filmed for both the variety show and the amusement park commercial.
• Xie Chen becomes the center of attention during filming, impressing viewers with his appearance, combat skills, and ability to handle a huge blade. The livestream reaches a new peak in popularity.
• Xie Ran is left out of the endorsement shoot. His mother, Mother Xie, notices and angrily comments on the livestream, defending him and attacking Xie Chen.
• Her aggressive comments provoke the viewers, who criticize Xie Ran and the Xie family while defending Xie Chen. Mother Xie is overwhelmed by the flood of insults, faints, and later demands a lawyer so she can sue the online commenters.

Character Developments

• Director Li: Moves from furious frustration to recognizing Xie Chen’s value and embracing the commercial opportunity created by his conditions.
• The planner and assistant: Work together to calm and influence Director Li, using exaggerated agreement and a clever promotional idea.
• Xie Chen: Demonstrates exceptional physical ability and charisma, further strengthening his popularity and proving he can dominate even outside his academic or legal expertise.
• Qin Chuyu: Appears relaxed on the surface but becomes increasingly interested in Huo Wenye’s intense fixation on Xie Chen. A darker, more calculating side briefly emerges.
• Huo Wenye: Remains emotionally detached from everyone except Xie Chen, emphasizing the depth of his obsession and attention toward him.
• Xie Ran: Is sidelined from the endorsement shoot, reinforcing his declining status compared with Xie Chen and the other villain guests.
• Mother Xie: Shows fierce but misguided favoritism toward Xie Ran. Her defensiveness exposes her hostility toward Xie Chen and leads to public humiliation and a determination to retaliate legally.

Significant Themes

• Celebrity power and commercial value: Xie Chen’s rising popularity gives him unusual influence over the production team, even when his demands anger them.
• Public image and spectacle: The villain guests’ costumes, weapons, and performances transform them into a highly marketable attraction and drive the livestream’s success.
• Online mob mentality: Fans rapidly shift from curiosity to collective ridicule and harassment, showing how quickly internet audiences can become vicious.
• Family favoritism and injustice: Mother Xie’s defense of Xie Ran reveals the Xie family’s continued bias and hostility toward Xie Chen.
• Hidden ability and reversal of expectations: Xie Chen’s combat skills surprise viewers and further undermine the idea that he is merely a background figure or academic expert.

Character Interactions

• Director Li argues with the planner and assistant before ultimately accepting their promotional proposal.
• Xie Chen sarcastically criticizes the production team for excluding the top stars, while Qin Chuyu responds calmly and secretly observes Huo Wenye.
• Huo Wenye’s exclusive focus on Xie Chen is noticed by Qin Chuyu, who begins reassessing their relationship.
• Mother Xie enters the livestream chat to defend Xie Ran, insults Xie Chen, and clashes indirectly with the viewers. The fans respond by attacking her, Xie Ran, and the Xie family, leaving her enraged and humiliated.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The commercial shoot for the amusement park becomes an enormous online success before even airing. Viewers demand a float parade featuring the “Villain Guest Group,” prompting the park owner to reconsider his earlier decision to shelve the idea due to its frightening appearance.
• The owner begins enthusiastically planning a horror-themed parade featuring figures such as Sadako, the Grim Reaper, zombies, and characters from Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio.
• Director Li continues guiding the guests through the park’s frightening attractions. Having been repeatedly terrified, most of them have developed some resistance, while Luo Mingyu is so hoarse that he can barely scream.
• Qin Chuyu grows frustrated because he has not gained as much attention as the other guests. He observes that nearly everyone connected to Xie Chen has benefited from Xie Chen’s popularity.
• Hoping to increase his own traffic, Qin Chuyu decides to exploit an alleged school-era crush involving Xie Chen. He plans to buy trending searches and imply that Xie Chen once liked him, potentially creating a controversial romantic pairing.
• Qin Chuyu’s manager worries that the rumor could backfire or provoke toxic fan behavior, but Qin dismisses the risks and proceeds.
• Lu Fei informs Xie Chen about the trending rumor and worries that Huo Wenye might misunderstand. Xie Chen is annoyed by the mention of Huo Wenye but chooses not to clarify immediately, preferring to let the rumor spread before retaliating.
• The guests attend a farewell dinner in the Man-Eating Flower Garden, though the horror-themed setting and zombie servers make the event anything but relaxing.
• Qin Chuyu deliberately hints at the rumored school romance while referencing Luo Mingyu and Li Sifan’s closeness. Xie Chen recognizes the provocation and abruptly stands up, terrifying the exhausted zombie performers, who fear he is about to chase them again.

Character Developments

• The amusement park owner becomes increasingly confident in the park’s popularity and starts embracing more ambitious horror-themed promotional ideas.
• Luo Mingyu has become somewhat desensitized to the attractions, though the experience has left him physically and emotionally exhausted. His concern for Li Sifan reveals a softer, more vulnerable side.
• Li Sifan shows practical concern for Luo Mingyu, repeatedly urging him to eat despite the frightening surroundings. Their interaction suggests growing intimacy.
• Qin Chuyu is revealed to be ambitious, jealous, and willing to manipulate public opinion for attention. He rationalizes the possible harm caused by fandom conflict and treats controversy as a tool for generating fame.
• Xie Chen remains confident and calculating. Rather than immediately denying Qin Chuyu’s rumor, he plans to allow it to develop so that his eventual response will have greater impact.
• Lu Fei acts protectively toward Xie Chen and worries about Huo Wenye’s feelings, suggesting that those around Xie Chen increasingly view his relationship with Huo Wenye as significant.
• Huo Wenye, though absent from the chapter, is an important influence: his presumed closeness with Xie Chen makes Qin Chuyu’s attempted romantic rumor more difficult and creates potential jealousy or misunderstanding.

Significant Themes

• Fame and opportunism: Qin Chuyu’s scheme shows how celebrities can manufacture romantic rumors and controversy to gain traffic.
• The dangers of fandom culture: The chapter acknowledges how celebrity rumors can lead to aggressive online behavior, cyberbullying, and serious real-world consequences.
• Popularity through association: Xie Chen’s influence benefits nearly everyone around him, highlighting the power and instability of celebrity networks.
• Fear becoming entertainment: The amusement park transforms terror into commercial success, while even the guests and performers become part of the spectacle.
• Manipulation versus genuine relationships: Qin Chuyu tries to fabricate intimacy with Xie Chen, contrasting with the more natural concern developing between Luo Mingyu and Li Sifan—and the implied bond between Xie Chen and Huo Wenye.

Character Interactions

• The park owner and staff celebrate the commercial’s success and discuss expanding the park’s public image through a villain-themed parade.
• Luo Mingyu and Li Sifan bicker over Luo’s refusal to eat, with Li Sifan’s concern causing Luo to become embarrassed.
• Qin Chuyu uses Luo and Li Sifan’s apparent closeness as a way to introduce suggestive comments about school romance and direct attention toward Xie Chen.
• Qin Chuyu and his manager debate the risks of buying trending searches, revealing Qin’s willingness to distance himself from the consequences of his fans’ actions.
• Lu Fei warns Xie Chen about the rumor and Huo Wenye’s possible reaction, while Xie Chen responds with irritation and a deliberate plan to let Qin Chuyu’s scheme “ferment.”
• Xie Chen’s sudden movement at dinner frightens the zombie servers, providing the chapter’s comic closing moment: even the performers are exhausted by the guests’ relentless reactions.