Chapter Summaries

Chapter 261 Summary

• Key events: Lu Ao, Song Zhou, and Lin Man Zhang haul up a row of 500 glass jars used to catch octopuses. Song Zhou’s strength allows him to retrieve the jars efficiently without breaking them, while Lu Ao uses bamboo strips to remove the octopuses inside. Roughly one in every three jars contains an octopus, yielding more than a hundred small, fresh octopuses. Because many are undersized, Lu Ao releases some back into the sea. Lin Man Zhang catches approximately five or six jin, a profitable haul given the high market price of octopus.
• Character development: Song Zhou demonstrates his physical strength, patience, and careful work as he retrieves the jars. Lu Ao becomes more comfortable with the fishing process and shows responsibility by deciding not to keep octopuses that are too small. While working, he reflects on how much his relationship with Song Zhou has changed since their earlier squid-fishing trip; what was once a solitary life now feels shared and intimate.
• Character interactions: Lu Ao and Song Zhou work closely together, helping remove the octopuses and chatting naturally. Lu Ao becomes distracted watching Song Zhou, revealing his growing attraction and affection. He jokingly imagines the two of them as “fisherman husbands,” with Lu Ao steering the boat and Song Zhou hauling the nets. Song Zhou responds warmly and playfully, imagining them selling their catch together. Lin Man Zhang supervises their work, gives practical advice, and prepares to teach them how to replace the jars in the sea.
• Significant themes: The chapter emphasizes cooperation, domestic intimacy, and the transformation of companionship into romantic closeness. It also highlights sustainable fishing, as Lu Ao releases undersized octopuses, and presents the quiet satisfaction of shared labor and a peaceful life at sea.

Chapter 121 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Manzhang, Lu Ao, and Song Zhou finish distributing empty glass bottles filled with octopuses into the sea. They use a buoy to mark the location so the bottles can be retrieved later.
• Song Zhou takes over tossing the bottles while Lu Ao carefully steers the boat, and the process goes smoothly.
• The group spends the rest of the day retrieving previously submerged bottles. Lu Ao’s haul is especially abundant, reinforcing his unusually good luck. Lin Manzhang jokingly says he should have worked as Lu Ao’s assistant instead.
• Lu Ao gives part of his octopus catch to Lin Manzhang and returns with Song Zhou, leaving the boat to be collected later.
• Lin Qiyan organizes the sale and shipment of Lu Ao’s squid meat. He collects customer information, arranges packaging, negotiates shipping and ice supplies, and sends out all the orders with remarkable efficiency.
• Within three days, customers begin receiving their squid meat. Weng Qian is among the first recipients and is extremely impressed by its quality.
• On September 21, the Ghost Festival, Lu Ao and Song Zhou go to the crowded market to buy a duck, incense, candles, spirit money, and vegetables for the festival.
• Lu Ao appears unusually subdued. When Weng Qian calls, however, he enthusiastically asks whether any squid meat remains, offering to pay even more than the original price because he values its quality.

Character Developments

• Lu Ao: Demonstrates practical leadership by entrusting the complicated sales and shipping arrangements to Lin Qiyan. He remains generous with his catch and seems emotionally low during the Ghost Festival.
• Song Zhou: Acts as a reliable partner, taking initiative with the bottle-deployment work and accompanying Lu Ao on errands. His calm, steady behavior contrasts with Lu Ao’s subdued mood.
• Lin Manzhang: Functions as the group’s guide and organizer during the sea expedition. He is good-natured about Lu Ao’s superior luck and willingly shares the work.
• Lin Qiyan: Proves highly capable and efficient in handling logistics. His quick organization of orders, packaging, ice, and shipping makes the squid-meat business run far more smoothly than Lu Ao expected.
• Weng Qian: Becomes a strong supporter of Lu Ao’s products after tasting the squid meat and is willing to pay a premium to obtain more.

Significant Themes

• Luck and uncertainty: Retrieving bottles from the sea is compared to fishing, emphasizing chance, suspense, and the unpredictability of life.
• Cooperation and trust: Lu Ao relies on Song Zhou, Lin Manzhang, and especially Lin Qiyan, showing how collective effort allows their unusual business to succeed.
• Efficiency and commercialization: The chapter shifts from an adventurous sea activity to the practical realities of packaging, shipping, customer management, and supply chains.
• Tradition and solemnity: The Ghost Festival introduces a more reflective atmosphere, with Lu Ao purchasing traditional offerings and appearing noticeably downcast.
• Value and demand: The enthusiastic customer response shows that the squid meat is not merely food but a rare, highly prized product.

Character Interactions

• Song Zhou respectfully takes over the bottle-tossing while Lu Ao steers, and Lu Ao reminds him to be careful.
• Lin Manzhang and Lin Qiyan joke about Lin Manzhang’s smaller haul compared with Lu Ao’s, with Qiyan reassuring him that his results are still impressive.
• Lin Manzhang offers Lu Ao more octopus, but Lu Ao declines because he does not eat much of it.
• Lin Qiyan repeatedly volunteers to handle registration, packaging, shipping, ice procurement, and customer orders, while Lu Ao gives him full authority and thanks him for the trouble.
• At the end, Weng Qian’s excited phone call contrasts sharply with Lu Ao’s low mood, immediately reviving the chapter’s focus on the squid business and its growing popularity.

Chapter Summary

Key events

Lu Ao speaks with Weng Qian about selling more of the valuable goods he has been producing. Weng notices Lu Ao’s subdued mood, and Lu Ao explains that the Ghost Festival has made him miss his deceased family. After the call, Lu Ao turns off his phone to avoid further distractions.
Lu Ao and Song Zhou observe the Ghost Festival together by folding gold ingots, preparing food, writing ancestral names on offering envelopes, adding duck blood, and burning the offerings at dusk. While performing the rituals, Lu Ao sees lingering souls gathered near the neighbors’ fires, suggesting that some spirits return briefly when their families make offerings. Nothing supernatural happens at his own fire, however.
That evening, Lu Ao has little appetite and remains emotionally drained. Song Zhou cares for him patiently, encouraging him to bathe, drying his hair, comforting him, and holding him in bed. Even after an hour, Lu Ao cannot sleep because his thoughts are confused and restless.

Character developments

• Lu Ao confronts his grief over his parents and ancestors. Although he no longer truly expects to communicate with them, he continues the annual rituals as a way to preserve his memories and give his sorrow an outlet. He begins to accept that his parents’ souls have dispersed and reincarnated, saying that he only hopes they are well. His grief is less overwhelming this year because Song Zhou is beside him, but the festival still leaves him lethargic and emotionally unsettled.
• Song Zhou demonstrates compassion and emotional sensitivity. He explains the nature of souls and reincarnation, reframes the offerings as blessings rather than literal money, and provides steady physical comfort without pressuring Lu Ao to speak. Their relationship grows more intimate and supportive.
• Weng Qian remains enthusiastic about Lu Ao’s products and offers to buy future supplies directly, but he also notices and responds respectfully to Lu Ao’s sadness.

Significant themes

• Grief and remembrance: The Ghost Festival rituals allow Lu Ao to honor his family and give form to feelings he cannot otherwise express.
• Tradition versus literal belief: Lu Ao is not particularly superstitious, yet he continues the ceremonies because their emotional meaning matters. Song Zhou emphasizes that sincerity, not the value of the offerings, carries significance.
• Reincarnation and letting go: Lu Ao moves from wondering whether his parents might receive the offerings to accepting that they have already moved on, finding comfort in the possibility that their souls are living new lives.
• Companionship and healing: Song Zhou’s quiet presence helps Lu Ao endure a difficult anniversary, showing that grief becomes more bearable when shared.

Character interactions

Lu Ao and Weng Qian discuss business before Lu Ao admits that he misses his family. During the festival, Lu Ao and Song Zhou fold offerings together, with Song Zhou answering Lu Ao’s questions about souls and encouraging him to view the ritual as a blessing. Lu Ao introduces his family history while writing the names of his ancestors, deepening Song Zhou’s understanding of him. Afterward, Song Zhou cares for Lu Ao through his sadness and insomnia, remaining close and soothing him as he struggles to settle his thoughts.

Chapter 264 Summary

Plot and events

Unable to sleep, Lu Ao is taken by Song Zhou into the dreams of prisoners who have wronged him. Song Zhou explains that he planted suggestions in their minds, causing them to experience disturbing nightmares. They first witness Ruffled Hair—the thug who once chased Lu Ao into a river—being pursued, captured, tortured, and mutilated by criminals after betraying them. Lu Ao then sees the tragic dream of another former attacker whose life deteriorated through crime, prison, poverty, and a cycle of violence that eventually affected his child. Song Zhou shows Lu Ao several similarly oppressive dreams. Although Lu Ao initially feels uncomfortable and believes the criminals have already been punished legally, Song Zhou decides to let the nightmares continue as further punishment.
The chapter ends in a prison in Western Liang Prefecture, where Ruffled Hair wakes in terror at 3:41 a.m. He has endured a month of vivid nightmares in which he is repeatedly hunted, stabbed, and killed. The dreams feel so real that he experiences lingering pain afterward and becomes terrified of sleeping.

Character development

• Lu Ao displays his compassion and reluctance to prolong suffering, even toward people who harmed him. However, he ultimately accepts Song Zhou’s punishment, recognizing that the criminals committed many serious offenses and that the dreams will not physically kill them.
• Song Zhou appears protective and affectionate toward Lu Ao, comforting him when he cannot sleep. At the same time, he reveals a harsher, vengeful side by deliberately tormenting criminals through their dreams and insisting that the punishment continue.
• Ruffled Hair is shown as psychologically broken by the nightmares. His former swagger has disappeared, leaving him thin, fearful, and unable to rest.

Character interactions

Song Zhou comforts Lu Ao physically and guides him through various dreams. Lu Ao asks questions, reacts emotionally to the violence, and eventually asks Song Zhou to stop showing him more. In Ruffled Hair’s dream, criminal gang members punish him for deceiving them. In the prison, his fellow inmate notices his repeated sleeplessness but does not understand the terror behind it.

Significant themes

The chapter explores punishment and revenge, contrasting legal justice with personal retribution. It also examines cycles of violence and crime, showing how criminal behavior can damage entire lives and be passed from one generation to the next. Another major theme is the tension between compassion and justice: Lu Ao sympathizes with suffering but struggles to forgive those who caused harm, while Song Zhou embraces supernatural punishment as a form of deserved justice.

Chapter 122 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Officer Ye informs Lu Ao that Liao Hekang, the scammer from his blind date, has been arrested after being reported for defrauding an elderly couple.
• Lu Ao suspects Song Zhou arranged the arrest, but Song explains that his people had only been monitoring Liao and preparing to submit evidence later, hoping to secure a harsher sentence.
• You Li confirms that the supernatural group did not report Liao; ordinary humans discovered the crime first. Although You Li suggests helping increase Liao’s sentence, Lu Ao declines, choosing to let the law handle the matter.
• Relieved that Liao has been caught, Lu Ao prepares an elaborate dinner for himself and Song Zhou.
• Lin Gongshang arrives with an invitation to his wedding, scheduled for two days later. He asks Lu Ao to serve as a groomsman because his original choice was injured.
• After some discussion about Lu Ao’s height and clothing, Lu Ao agrees to help receive guests and join the wedding procession, planning to wear a suit sent from home.

Character Developments

• Lu Ao: His anxiety over Liao Hekang’s potential escape disappears once he learns that Liao has been arrested. His refusal to interfere further shows his growing trust in lawful justice and his increasingly calm, balanced outlook. He also continues demonstrating care through cooking and readily agrees to help Lin Gongshang.
• Song Zhou: He quietly protects Lu Ao by monitoring Liao, though he denies directly arranging the arrest. His attitude reflects restraint: he believes justice should proceed naturally rather than being manipulated.
• You Li: Reveals the group’s willingness to engineer circumstances for a harsher punishment, highlighting a more ruthless approach to justice.
• Lin Gongshang: Shows gratitude and trust toward Lu Ao by inviting him to the wedding and asking him to fill the role of groomsman despite concerns that Lu Ao’s striking appearance could overshadow the groom.

Significant Themes

• Justice versus personal intervention: The characters debate whether to influence Liao’s punishment, ultimately deciding that legal authorities should handle the matter.
• Karma and inevitability: Song Zhou invokes the idea that wrongdoing will eventually be punished—“the net of heaven is vast, and nothing slips through.”
• Trust and protection: Song Zhou’s discreet monitoring of Liao shows his concern for Lu Ao, even though he avoids taking direct credit.
• Domestic warmth and ordinary happiness: Lu Ao’s cooking, Song Zhou’s reading, and the wedding invitation create a peaceful contrast to the earlier scam-related tension.
• Community and relationships: Lin Gongshang’s wedding brings the characters into a wider social circle and reinforces Lu Ao’s importance to those around him.

Character Interactions

• Lu Ao and Song Zhou discuss Liao’s arrest, with Lu Ao confronting Song Zhou and Song explaining the situation honestly.
• Lu Ao overhears Song Zhou and You Li discussing whether to seek a heavier sentence, then decisively rejects further intervention.
• Lu Ao and Song Zhou share a comfortable domestic moment while preparing dinner.
• Lin Gongshang warmly congratulates himself on finally getting married, invites both men to the wedding, and asks Lu Ao to serve as a groomsman. Song Zhou teases him about Lu Ao’s appearance attracting too much attention but supports Lu Ao’s participation.

Chapter Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Lu Ao reads an invitation, apparently connected to an upcoming wedding, and feels a hint of envy.
• Song Zhou suggests they shop for suits, joking that they could secretly travel abroad and pay with a bag of cash or gold bars. He then clarifies that they can simply order custom suits from tailors in New Luzhou.
• Lu Ao agrees to have several outfits made, partly because he has grown taller and no longer fits his old clothes, and partly because he may soon attend a public commendation ceremony held by the Qianyong City Maritime Shipping Public Security Bureau.
• Lu Ao asks Song Zhou to accompany him to the ceremony as family. Song Zhou happily accepts, making Lu Ao embarrassed but pleased.
• After dinner, they travel by supernatural transfer to an alley in New Luzhou and visit an upscale custom-tailoring shop.
• They order three outfits each: two relatively casual suits and one formal suit. One casual outfit is rushed so they can wear it to the wedding.
• Lu Ao is shocked by the cost—over 100,000 per outfit—and worries about Song Zhou’s finances. Song Zhou reveals that his human-world wealth amounts to several tens of billions, while his total wealth is vast enough to potentially purchase another plane at their level.

Character Developments

• Lu Ao: Shows growing comfort with the idea of publicly presenting Song Zhou as his family. He is also becoming more invested in human-world occasions, especially his commendation ceremony. Despite his extraordinary background and abilities, he remains practical and frugal, worrying about expensive clothing and Song Zhou’s spending.
• Song Zhou: Demonstrates affection through teasing, generosity, and practical care. He takes responsibility for arranging Lu Ao’s clothing and enthusiastically supports Lu Ao’s public recognition. His casual discussion of immense wealth reveals how far removed his financial resources are from ordinary human standards.
• Their relationship: Their partnership is increasingly domestic and intimate, involving shared meals, shopping, planning appearances, and openly acknowledging one another as family.

Significant Themes

• Domestic intimacy and partnership: Everyday activities such as eating, dressing, shopping, and preparing for ceremonies highlight the couple’s closeness.
• Public recognition and identity: Lu Ao’s commendation represents his accomplishments in human society, while his desire to attend properly dressed suggests he is taking that identity seriously.
• Wealth and class differences: Lu Ao’s concern over a six-figure suit contrasts humorously with Song Zhou’s enormous wealth, emphasizing the gap between their perspectives.
• Belonging between worlds: The pair move easily between supernatural spaces and the human world, yet Lu Ao remains emotionally connected to human customs, ceremonies, and social relationships.
• Humor and affection: Their playful banter—about foreign travel, gold bars, and wealth—softens potentially serious subjects and reinforces their emotional bond.

Character Interactions

• Song Zhou teases Lu Ao about traveling abroad for suits, while Lu Ao initially takes the suggestion seriously.
• Lu Ao asks Song Zhou to attend his commendation as family; Song Zhou’s pleased response causes Lu Ao visible embarrassment.
• Song Zhou insists that Lu Ao eat more, while Lu Ao worries about maintaining his figure for the fitting.
• At the tailor’s, Song Zhou confidently handles the expensive purchase, while Lu Ao reacts with surprise and concern.
• Outside the shop, Lu Ao playfully interrogates Song Zhou about his finances, leading to the revelation that Song Zhou possesses unimaginable wealth.

Chapter 267 Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Lu Ao shocks Lu Ao’s companion, Song Zhou, by revealing that he has considerable wealth and encouraging him to spend freely. The revelation leaves Lu Ao feeling discouraged about his own income.
• On the day of Lin Gongshang’s wedding, the village wakes before dawn to the sound of 108 firecrackers. Lu Ao, serving as a supplementary groomsman, prepares to join the wedding party after breakfast.
• Song Zhou makes a hearty breakfast of beef fried noodles, which Lu Ao enjoys enthusiastically before showering and dressing.
• Lu Ao wears a black suit and white shirt, while Song Zhou chooses a white casual suit. Their contrasting outfits make them especially striking as a pair.
• Song Zhou is visibly attracted to Lu Ao and kisses him passionately while helping with his tie. Lu Ao becomes embarrassed and warns him not to ruin his carefully prepared appearance before the wedding.
• At the wedding venue, Qi Yan—both groomsman and cameraman—photographs Lu Ao and Song Zhou extensively. He jokes that they look like celebrities and encourages them to pose intimately.
• Qi Yan casually mentions that the photos could be useful if Lu Ao and Song Zhou ever hold a wedding themselves. The suggestion makes Lu Ao uneasy, while Song Zhou responds calmly and embraces him for the photos.
• Villagers warmly welcome the pair and offer them food before the group leaves to pick up the bride. Lin Gongshang’s relatives, especially the family Lu Ao previously helped during a medical emergency, remain deeply grateful to him.

Character Developments

• Lu Ao remains modest and somewhat self-conscious despite his wealth and striking appearance. He is embarrassed by public displays of affection and becomes visibly unsettled by the idea of having a wedding with Song Zhou.
• Song Zhou is affectionate, confident, and openly devoted to Lu Ao. He enjoys teasing him but respects the need to maintain decorum before the wedding activities begin.
• Qi Yan acts as a playful observer and supporter of the couple, enthusiastically documenting their relationship through photographs.
• The villagers and Lin Gongshang’s relatives demonstrate increasing acceptance of Lu Ao and Song Zhou, treating them warmly despite their relationship.

Significant Themes

• Love and intimacy: Song Zhou and Lu Ao’s physical affection and natural closeness show the strength of their relationship.
• Public and private identity: Lu Ao is comfortable with Song Zhou privately but becomes nervous when others imply that their relationship might be formally recognized through marriage.
• Acceptance and gratitude: The villagers’ kindness reflects how Lu Ao’s previous generosity has earned him respect and acceptance.
• Appearance and social attention: Lu Ao and Song Zhou’s attractiveness draws admiration and playful attention, especially from Qi Yan.

Character Interactions

• Song Zhou comforts and teases Lu Ao while helping him get ready, kissing him despite Lu Ao’s embarrassed protests.
• Qi Yan photographs the couple and jokes about their celebrity-like appearance and possible future wedding.
• Lin Gongshang’s relatives welcome Lu Ao and Song Zhou, offering them food and showing gratitude for Lu Ao’s past help.

Chapter 123 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Ao and Song Zhou attend Lin Gongshang’s wedding. Lu Ao turns down the women’s attempt to clean chairs for them and goes with Song Zhou to the groom’s preparation room.
• Lin Gongshang is being carefully made up in a room decorated with wedding ornaments. His friends joke about Lu Ao and Song Zhou’s impressive appearance and ask when they will have a wedding of their own.
• Lu Ao deliberately keeps a low profile during the wedding, acting as Lin Gongshang’s driver and helping with practical tasks rather than standing prominently beside the groom.
• Lu Ao and Song Zhou work tirelessly throughout the ceremony. Their refined appearance and generous support cause the bride’s family to reassess Lin Gongshang’s supposedly poor circumstances. They begin suspecting that he and his friends are wealthier and more capable than rumors suggest.
• The bride’s relatives become interested in finding potential matches for Lu Ao and Song Zhou, believing they may be unmarried and suitable husbands for women in their family.
• In his daily life, Lu Ao spends his time fishing, caring for his geese and vegetable garden, cooking, playing games, and spending time with Song Zhou.
• On September 30, Little Du informs Lu Ao that the cultural relic salvage project is still ongoing and may eventually include a museum. The main team has withdrawn, though several workers remain to assist.
• Little Du also tells Lu Ao that his Outstanding Youth award ceremony will take place on October 2. Lu Ao is invited to receive the award and is asked to deliver a speech as the representative.
• Lu Ao declines the speech, despite being praised for his image and achievements, because he dislikes public attention. He confirms that Song Zhou can accompany him, using one of the available family-member invitations.
• By the end of the chapter, Lu Ao’s car has finally been returned.

Character Developments

• Lu Ao continues to show modesty and restraint. Although his appearance, wealth, and achievements attract attention, he avoids taking credit or overshadowing Lin Gongshang at the wedding.
• He also demonstrates loyalty and generosity by actively helping with the wedding and supporting his friend behind the scenes.
• Lu Ao’s refusal to give the award speech highlights his dislike of publicity and preference for a quiet life.
• Song Zhou remains Lu Ao’s close companion and partner, helping him throughout the wedding and accompanying him to the award ceremony.
• Lin Gongshang receives strong support from Lu Ao and Song Zhou, which enhances his reputation in front of the bride’s family.
• The bride’s family changes its opinion of Lin Gongshang after seeing the resources and impressive friends surrounding him.

Significant Themes

• Humility versus social status: Lu Ao’s actions show that genuine influence and wealth do not require public display.
• Appearance and perception: Lu Ao and Song Zhou’s clothing, bearing, and conduct cause others to reconsider their assumptions about Lin Gongshang’s background.
• Friendship and loyalty: Lu Ao supports Lin Gongshang quietly and wholeheartedly, strengthening the groom’s standing.
• Privacy versus recognition: Although Lu Ao is honored for his achievements, he remains uncomfortable with publicity and public speaking.
• Changing fortunes: The wedding reveals that Lin Gongshang’s circumstances may be better than outsiders believed, while Lu Ao’s growing accomplishments bring him increasing public recognition.

Character Interactions

• Lu Ao and Song Zhou are treated as an impressive pair, prompting teasing about their own future wedding.
• Lu Ao and Lin Gongshang share a supportive friendship, with Lu Ao helping him throughout the wedding rather than competing for attention.
• Lin Guixiao and Lin Qiyan humorously comment on Lu Ao and Song Zhou’s appearance.
• Little Du communicates Lu Ao’s award details and tries to persuade him to give the representative speech, but Lu Ao firmly declines.
• Lu Ao chooses to attend the ceremony with Song Zhou, reinforcing their close relationship.

Chapter Summary — Page 269

• Departure for Qianyong City: Lu Ao and Song Zhou prepare to drive to Qianyong City on October 2. Although Lu Ao has a smaller appetite as his Dragon Form stabilizes, he eats breakfast and prepares snacks for the journey.
• Romantic interruption: Lu Ao persuades Song Zhou to wear a custom-made suit, admitting indirectly that he finds Song Zhou especially attractive in formal clothing. Song Zhou teases him and initiates an intimate encounter, causing them to nearly miss their appointment.
• Teleportation to avoid lateness: Because they are running behind schedule, Song Zhou teleports their car and both passengers directly to the entrance of the Qianyong City Maritime Shipping Public Security Bureau.
• Little Du’s anxiety: Little Du is waiting impatiently and rushes them inside, explaining that the director has been looking for them and that reporters may interview Lu Ao. He intends to brief them on what to say.
• Public admiration: Lu Ao arrives dressed formally and looking unusually polished, drawing attention from Little Du and everyone in the hall. Police officers, military personnel, scholars, businesspeople, and volunteers all greet him warmly, suggesting his reputation and influence have grown significantly.
• Song Zhou’s presence: Song Zhou also attracts attention because of his striking appearance, refined manner, and powerful aura. Together, he and Lu Ao appear important and influential.
• Social interactions: Little Du seats them in the front row before returning to his duties, repeatedly reminding them that there will be a dinner gathering later. Other attendees approach them to converse; Lu Ao remains reserved, while Song Zhou responds politely but maintains emotional distance.
• Character development and themes: Lu Ao’s changing appetite reflects the continued stabilization of his Dragon Form. His relationship with Song Zhou is playful, affectionate, and physically intimate, with Lu Ao showing a rare willingness to indulge Song Zhou while still trying to remain responsible. The chapter also emphasizes their growing public status, as well as the contrast between their private intimacy and their formal public roles.
• Ending: Just as Lu Ao and Song Zhou settle among the guests, someone calls out, “Lu Ao,” setting up the next interaction.

Chapter 270 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiang Xingchang approaches Lu Ao and Song Zhou before the commendation ceremony. Lu Ao openly introduces Song Zhou as his boyfriend, surprising Xiang but prompting a friendly greeting.
• Xiang invites both of them to a group dinner with the volunteer team and diving team. Lu Ao initially declines because of the scheduled celebration banquet, but agrees to join them for late-night food afterward.
• The commendation ceremony begins, with Lu Ao receiving particularly intense media attention because of both his remarkable achievements and his striking appearance.
• Lu Ao is called onstage first to receive his Outstanding Youth award. Before going up, he unexpectedly gives Song Zhou a brief hug, eliciting enthusiastic applause and cheers from the audience.
• The host treats Lu Ao cautiously and gives him less interview attention than the other honorees because of his well-known sexual orientation. Lu Ao remains unconcerned.
• After receiving the award, Lu Ao receives greetings from many attendees, including people he does not know, demonstrating his growing popularity and social acceptance.
• Once the cameras turn away, Song Zhou takes Lu Ao’s hand and teases him about being popular. They discuss Lu Ao’s nonhuman identity and the increasing Merit surrounding him.
• The ceremony ends after five in the afternoon. Lu Ao is exhausted and extremely hungry after expending considerable energy and barely eating lunch.

Character Developments

• Lu Ao shows increasing openness and confidence in his relationship with Song Zhou by introducing him publicly as his boyfriend and embracing him at an official ceremony.
• He remains composed despite media scrutiny and the host’s cautious treatment, showing that he is no longer troubled by prejudice or public judgment.
• Lu Ao’s growing reputation and acceptance are emphasized through the enthusiastic audience response and the many people who greet him.
• Song Zhou continues to provide emotional support and affectionate teasing. He recognizes the growth of Lu Ao’s Merit and suggests that Lu Ao’s achievements and acceptance are even greater than either of them realized.
• Xiang Xingchang demonstrates warmth and inclusiveness by welcoming Song Zhou into the volunteer group and making an effort to strengthen their social connections.

Significant Themes

• Public acceptance and identity: Lu Ao’s relationship and sexual orientation are openly visible in a formal public setting, and the positive audience response suggests growing social acceptance.
• Recognition and reputation: Lu Ao’s award reflects both his contributions and his increasing influence within human society.
• Love and support: Lu Ao and Song Zhou’s affectionate interaction contrasts with the ceremony’s formal atmosphere and reinforces the stability of their relationship.
• Belonging and community: Xiang’s invitation highlights Lu Ao’s gradual integration into the volunteer group and the importance of shared meals and friendships.
• Merit and social impact: Song Zhou’s observation that Lu Ao’s Merit has increased links Lu Ao’s public achievements and acceptance to his broader supernatural significance.

Character Interactions

• Xiang and Lu Ao reconnect as friends, with Xiang warmly meeting Song Zhou and inviting him into the group’s social circle.
• Lu Ao and Song Zhou exchange affectionate gestures throughout the ceremony, including Lu Ao’s public hug and their later hand-holding.
• Song Zhou playfully praises Lu Ao’s popularity, while Lu Ao modestly dismisses it and jokes about being nonhuman.
• The host and ceremony leaders react cautiously but ultimately neutrally to Lu Ao’s public display of affection, while the audience responds with strong applause and encouragement.

Chapter 271 Summary

Plot and events

After the meeting, Lu Ao plans to eat with Song Zhou, but is approached by Huang Ningna, an awkward middle-aged professor from Huaxia University of Science and Technology. Huang asks Lu Ao to join a government-approved Coral Reef Ecosystem Restoration Project. Initially suspicious, Lu Ao requests proof of Huang’s identity. After Huang produces multiple credentials and Lu Ao verifies them, the group agrees to speak for thirty minutes at a teahouse before attending the celebration banquet.

Project explanation

Huang shows Lu Ao the project’s official documents and explains that coral reefs are complex ecosystems formed from coral skeletons and other calcareous organisms. Although reefs cover only about 0.2% of the ocean, they support roughly a quarter of marine life and nearly one-third of marine fish. China’s reefs have suffered severe damage: about 70% have bleached, and less than 20% of the coral reefs that existed thirty years earlier remain. Causes include global warming, pollution, overfishing, coastal construction, ocean acidification, rising sea levels, and crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks. Huang’s team intends to cultivate corals through asexual reproduction and transplant the young corals from their nursery into damaged reef areas.

Character development

Lu Ao demonstrates caution and practical skepticism by verifying Huang’s identity and examining the project documents before agreeing to listen. Although he knows little about coral reefs, he becomes increasingly engaged and asks relevant questions, particularly about whether environmental or human factors are more responsible for their destruction. Huang, initially nervous and awkward when approaching Lu Ao, becomes confident and passionate while discussing his field. His firm commitment to reef restoration reveals both scientific dedication and concern for fishermen’s livelihoods.

Themes

The chapter emphasizes environmental degradation, humanity’s responsibility for ecological damage, and the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems and human society. It also highlights conservation as both an ecological and economic necessity, since coral loss contributes to declining coral fish populations and threatens fishermen’s livelihoods. Scientific research and practical restoration are presented as ways to respond to environmental damage that cannot easily be reversed.

Chapter Summary

• Huang Ningna’s coral-restoration proposal: Professor Huang asks Lu Ao for help with a coral-transplantation project. He needs Lu Ao to recommend capable local diving teams and personally serve as a professional scout diver. His team has prepared around ten thousand coral fragments, which must be secured to the seafloor. Because funding is limited, he hopes to recruit volunteers, though he will pay market rates if necessary. Lu Ao agrees to investigate and give him an answer the next day.
• Lu Ao’s suspicions: After leaving the meeting, Lu Ao questions whether Professor Huang’s unusual visit is completely reliable. He finds it strange that a prominent university professor would come alone with only two students and seek help from them rather than receiving government funding. Song Zhou senses no immediate danger, noting that Huang possesses strong Merit Golden Radiance, suggesting he is genuinely virtuous.
• Investigation at the banquet: Lu Ao asks Little Du about Huang’s background. He learns that Huang has worked on coral conservation for over ten years but has achieved limited results, causing his funding applications to be rejected. Despite this, Huang continues the work using his own time and resources. He has also helped the local police with various problems, explaining why he immediately sought out Lu Ao and why the local people trust him. Lu Ao becomes convinced that Huang is sincere.
• Lu Ao considers sponsorship: Rather than merely volunteering, Lu Ao wonders whether he and Song Zhou should financially support Huang’s work. Since their wealth comes from the sea, Lu Ao feels it would be appropriate to use it to protect the marine environment. Song Zhou supports the idea and believes Huang’s strong merit indicates that the investment will be worthwhile. Lu Ao decides to gather more information before making a final decision.
• Celebration and social gathering: Lu Ao and Song Zhou finish dinner quietly at the celebration banquet, then attend a late-night gathering with the volunteers. Xiang Xingchang jokingly reprimands them for being late and encourages them to drink. Lu Ao downs three beers, while Song Zhou quickly finishes his own share before Lu Ao can drink it for him. Their relationship is openly known and accepted by the group, creating a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

Character development and interactions

• Lu Ao demonstrates caution and investigative judgment, balancing his instinct to help with concern about Huang’s unusual circumstances. His eventual willingness to consider sponsorship shows his growing sense of social and environmental responsibility.
• Song Zhou acts as Lu Ao’s perceptive and supportive partner, reassuring him about Huang’s character and backing his decision to help.
• Huang Ningna is portrayed as a dedicated but financially struggling conservationist whose persistence earns Lu Ao’s respect.
• Lu Ao and Song Zhou become more integrated into the volunteer community, particularly through Xiang Xingchang’s humor and the divers’ acceptance of their relationship.
• Major themes: The chapter emphasizes environmental stewardship, the value of using personal resources to protect nature, trust balanced with skepticism, and the importance of community support. It also highlights how genuine merit and long-term dedication can persist despite institutional rejection and financial hardship.

Chapter 124 Summary

• Key events: During a late-night gathering of marine-conservation professionals and volunteers, the group discusses marine debris and coral-reef protection. Lu Ao mentions meeting Professor Huang Ningna of Huaxia University of Science and Technology, who is planning to plant coral and collect samples. The volunteers confirm Huang’s credibility and learn that coral planting is difficult, physically demanding work conducted at depths of roughly 40–60 meters.
• Volunteer decision: Despite concerns about exhaustion, limited air-tank time, and the health risks of frequent diving, Xiang Xingchang and the others agree that they should help. Encouraged by the group—and influenced by their drunken enthusiasm—they decide to organize volunteer events to support Huang’s project.
• Unexpected contact: A tipsy young volunteer impulsively calls Huang through WeChat and announces that the group will help him. Xiang Xingchang takes over the conversation, explaining that they will discuss the details once everyone is sober. Huang, eager to cooperate, says he is already leaving his hotel and comes directly to meet them.

Character developments and interactions

• Lu Ao acts as the link between Huang and the local volunteers, though he becomes increasingly helpless as the others make commitments while drunk.
• Xiang Xingchang emerges as the most responsible member, moderating the group’s enthusiasm and handling communication with Huang.
• Old Wen and the other volunteers display strong camaraderie and willingness to contribute, even joking about whether their drunken promises will last.
• Huang Ningna is portrayed as sincere, committed, and highly proactive in pursuing marine conservation.
• Themes: The chapter emphasizes collective responsibility, community cooperation, dedication to environmental protection, and the contrast between impulsive enthusiasm and practical responsibility. It also highlights the physical sacrifices required for conservation work and the volunteers’ respect for Huang’s commitment.

Chapter Summary

Key plot points and events

• Xiang Xingchang returns a drunk man’s phone and tells him to rest, joking that his girlfriend may come looking for trouble.
• Professor Huang Ningna arrives alone at the late-night food stall, carrying his laptop. The group respectfully welcomes him and makes room for him.
• Huang explains his research project: asexual propagation of reef-building coral through cuttings.
• He describes coral bleaching, explaining that rising seawater temperatures damage zooxanthellae—the symbiotic organisms that provide coral with energy—causing coral polyps to expel them and eventually die.
• His team is cultivating heat-resistant zooxanthellae and testing a new coral variety that may survive in warmer or less ideal waters. Qianming Waters is being considered as a pilot site because some of its waters are warmer than typical subtropical seas.
• Huang explains that a much larger, state-funded coral conservation project in the South China Sea has 250 million in funding and involves thirteen universities. He is not part of it because he has struggled to secure funding despite studying coral for nearly twenty years.
• Although the volunteers initially feel awkward about the funding comparison, Huang insists that he still wants to continue because there remains “a sliver of hope.”
• Xiang Xingchang decides that the group will assist Huang with coral planting. After drinking, he organizes transportation for everyone and personally sees Huang off.
• Lu Ao and Song Zhou teleport home. Song Zhou prepares hangover soup for Lu Ao.
• Lu Ao reveals that he has been thinking about the condition of the country’s coral and feels responsible for protecting the ocean. Song Zhou reassures him that, as the last dragon of this plane, the ocean is naturally his territory.

Character developments

• Huang Ningna is presented as a dedicated but underfunded researcher. Despite years of limited success and exclusion from larger projects, he remains committed to coral conservation and refuses to abandon his work.
• Xiang Xingchang demonstrates leadership and practical care. He manages the drunk volunteers, treats Huang respectfully, and promptly agrees to support the coral project.
• Lu Ao becomes increasingly aware of his deeper connection to the ocean. His concern develops from intellectual interest into a personal sense of duty.
• Song Zhou continues to provide emotional and practical support, caring for Lu Ao after the drinking and affirming his identity and responsibility.
• The volunteer group shows willingness to cooperate with scientific conservation efforts, even though the project is difficult and its success uncertain.

Significant themes

• Environmental conservation: The chapter emphasizes coral bleaching, climate change, and the urgent need to protect marine ecosystems.
• Perseverance amid failure: Huang’s determination reflects the importance of continuing meaningful work despite inadequate funding and repeated setbacks.
• Responsibility and belonging: Lu Ao’s identity as the last dragon gives him a special emotional and possibly supernatural bond with the ocean.
• Grassroots versus state-funded efforts: The contrast between Huang’s small, underfunded team and the large national project highlights unequal access to resources while suggesting that every conservation effort matters.
• Community cooperation: The volunteers’ decision to help demonstrates how collective action can support scientific work.

Character interactions

• The group treats Huang with respect, listens closely to his explanation, and asks questions about his research.
• Xiang Xingchang reacts protectively when a drunk volunteer brings up Huang’s lack of funding, but Huang responds with humility rather than resentment.
• Xiang later supports Huang directly by agreeing to help with coral planting and ensuring his safe departure.
• Song Zhou and Lu Ao share a quiet, intimate exchange at home: Song cares for Lu Ao physically, notices his emotional distraction, and validates his connection to the ocean.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Zhou explains that Lu Ao’s connection to the ocean is symbiotic: Lu Ao’s health affects the ocean, and the ocean’s condition affects him. Lu Ao realizes his exhaustion and heaviness are connected to the ocean’s deteriorating biodiversity and environment.
• Lu Ao worries that protecting such an enormous territory is beyond one person’s ability. Song Zhou reassures him that he only needs to do what he can and that others are also working to protect the ocean.
• Lu Ao asks whether Song Zhou founded the Anomalous Personnel Affairs Regulatory Agency to protect the land. Song Zhou clarifies that his responsibility extends to the entire plane, not merely the land. This helps ease Lu Ao’s burden.
• After drinking sobering soup and washing up, the pair return to bed. Song Zhou attempts to check Lu Ao’s injury, leading to playful resistance and flirtatious banter. Lu Ao insists he is nearly healed and avoids further intimacy because they have work the next day.
• Lu Ao quickly falls asleep from exhaustion. He wakes late the following morning and discovers that Song Zhou has already gone to work, leaving him egg pancakes, porridge, and a note reminding him about their lunch with Xiang Xingchang.
• While eating, Lu Ao responds to messages from his fishing group. He explains that he and Song Zhou are staying in Qianyong to discuss coral propagation with a professor.
• Lin Qiyan becomes interested in coral restoration and asks whether he can participate or film the project. Lu Ao agrees to inquire about allowing him to help with underwater filming, though Lin’s diving skills are not yet sufficient for planting coral himself.
• Song Zhou returns at the arranged time and takes Lu Ao to lunch. The chapter ends by noting that their frequent teleportation may expose their unusual abilities to anyone investigating closely.

Character Developments

• Lu Ao: Becomes more accepting of his ocean-related responsibility, deciding to protect it as much as he can without becoming overwhelmed. He also shows increasing commitment to coral conservation by involving others in the project.
• Song Zhou: Acts as both emotional support and a caretaker, reassuring Lu Ao about his responsibilities and preparing breakfast for him. His broader sense of responsibility toward the entire plane is revealed.
• Lin Qiyan: Demonstrates enthusiasm for environmental work and documentary filmmaking. His willingness to contribute suggests growing involvement in Lu Ao and Song Zhou’s conservation efforts.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility versus personal limits: Lu Ao struggles with the scale of his duty, while Song Zhou encourages him to focus on doing his best rather than solving everything alone.
• Environmental conservation: Coral propagation and the ocean’s declining health become central concerns, emphasizing the need for collective action.
• Symbiosis and interconnectedness: Lu Ao’s physical and emotional state is directly tied to the ocean, reinforcing the relationship between individuals and the natural world.
• Trust and intimacy: Lu Ao and Song Zhou’s teasing, concern, and domestic routine reveal their closeness and mutual care.
• Secrecy and exposure: Their repeated teleportation risks revealing their supernatural abilities to outsiders.

Character Interactions

• Song Zhou comforts Lu Ao during a serious discussion about the ocean and his responsibilities.
• Their bedroom exchange is playful and affectionate, with Lu Ao embarrassed by Song Zhou’s attention and Song Zhou teasing him about his resistance.
• Lu Ao communicates with his fishing group, explaining his conservation work and declining fishing invitations.
• Lu Ao and Lin Qiyan discuss coral restoration and possible filming collaboration, showing Lu Ao’s willingness to expand the project through public participation.
• Song Zhou and Lu Ao continue their coordinated, domestic partnership as they prepare to meet Xiang Xingchang.

Chapter 276 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• A lunch meeting is held to finalize the coral-restoration project organized by Huang Ningna, Xiang Xingchang, Lu Ao, Song Zhou, and their respective teams.
• Huang presents the project permits and materials, and everyone agrees that the plan is feasible.
• The group schedules the coral planting for three days later. Xiang agrees to coordinate roughly twenty volunteers and equipment.
• Lu Ao offers the use of his large boat, eliminating the need to rent one. He also suggests that photographer Lin Qiyan document the project.
• Lin initially hesitates because filming would require him to remain in Qianyong City for approximately three months and leave his grandmother alone. Lu offers to check on her, and Lin eventually agrees.
• Lin travels to Qianyong City the following day and joins Huang’s team.
• Three days later, Lu arrives with his 27-meter fishing boat. Huang is pleasantly surprised by its size and usefulness.
• The teams load 12,361 fragile coral fragments and all necessary planting equipment onto the boat, working until late at night.
• Early the next morning, Huang’s team and the volunteers depart for an offshore coral reef. After sailing for more than two hours, they reach the selected planting site and begin unloading the coral seedlings.

Character Developments

• Lu Ao continues to demonstrate his reliability and generosity by providing both the boat and practical support for the project. He also offers to help care for Lin’s grandmother.
• Lin Qiyan shows commitment to environmental work despite concerns about the lengthy assignment and his grandmother’s welfare. He ultimately accepts the three-month photography role.
• Huang Ningna appears sincere, well-prepared, and enthusiastic about the coral-restoration effort. His excitement grows when Lu’s larger-than-expected boat greatly improves the project’s logistics.
• Xiang Xingchang takes on a coordinating role, arranging volunteers and resources while contributing his knowledge of the local waters.
• Song Zhou’s influence remains important in protecting the group from outside interference through his connection to the official anomalous-affairs agency.

Significant Themes

• Cooperation and collective responsibility: Government-linked figures, volunteers, environmental researchers, and media workers combine their resources to achieve a shared ecological goal.
• Environmental restoration: The chapter focuses on practical efforts to rebuild coral reefs and protect marine ecosystems.
• Trust and mutual support: Characters willingly provide boats, labor, funding, and personal assistance, showing the importance of dependable relationships.
• Balancing duty and personal obligations: Lin’s hesitation highlights the difficulty of committing to meaningful work while caring for family.
• Preparation and organization: The detailed coordination, permits, equipment, volunteers, and transportation emphasize that successful conservation requires careful planning.

Character Interactions

• Xiang and Huang negotiate the schedule, manpower, equipment, and transportation for the project.
• Lu supports Huang’s plans by offering his boat and connecting the team with Lin.
• Lu and Lin discuss the time commitment and Lin’s concern for his grandmother, with Lu reassuring him that he can help.
• Huang and Lu develop a cooperative working relationship, with Huang expressing gratitude for Lu’s major logistical contribution.
• The volunteers and project staff work together overnight to load the coral fragments, then collaborate again during the early-morning voyage and unloading process.

Chapter Summary — Page 277

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Ao and the others prepare to dive into a coral reef area to begin a coral-restoration project.
• Huang Ningna explains that the reef, once a thriving coral paradise, has almost completely died because of rising seawater temperatures and coral bleaching.
• The team plans to install metal frames on the seabed and attach young coral to them using horizontal grids and vertical supports.
• Lu Ao, the most skilled diver, descends first to survey the area and photograph the conditions.
• Instead of living coral, he discovers a vast underwater graveyard: brittle coral skeletons covered in yellow-green algae, with almost no fish or other marine life.
• The other divers inspect the scene and return to the boat, visibly disturbed.
• Huang reveals that he had already suspected the coral’s death after visiting two years earlier, but he had not expected the entire reef to be lifeless.
• He shows the group old footage of the reef when it was vibrant and full of colorful coral and fish. The contrast with its current ruined state deeply affects everyone.
• The time-lapse footage shows the coral gradually bleaching, becoming briefly more vivid, and then dying as algae spread across it.
• Lu Ao notices the unusual period when the coral appeared especially colorful and asks whether this indicated that something had already gone wrong. Huang confirms that it did, praising Lu Ao’s careful observation.

Character Developments

• Lu Ao demonstrates leadership, courage, and strong diving ability by entering the water first and thoroughly documenting the reef. His attention to detail allows him to identify an important stage in the coral’s decline.
• Huang Ningna is shown as an experienced marine researcher who understands the seriousness of the ecological disaster. Although prepared for severe damage, he is still shocked by the reef’s total collapse. He remains focused on restoration, hoping to recover more than half of the reef’s former condition.
• The other divers, including Xiang Xingchang and Lin Qiyan, become visibly saddened and unsettled by the destruction. Their emotional responses show how personally they feel the loss of the reef.

Significant Themes

• Climate change and environmental destruction: Rising ocean temperatures have caused coral bleaching and the collapse of an entire ecosystem.
• Loss and ecological grief: The contrast between the reef’s former beauty and its present death emphasizes the scale of environmental damage.
• Human responsibility and restoration: Despite the devastation, the team intends to rebuild the reef through active conservation efforts.
• Observation and scientific inquiry: Lu Ao’s careful examination of the footage suggests that understanding the reef’s decline may be essential to restoring it.
• The fragility of nature: Coral is presented as delicate and vulnerable, with the loss of the coral affecting all the fish and marine life dependent on it.

Character Interactions

• Lu Ao asks Huang why he is not joining the dive, prompting Huang to explain the reef’s condition.
• Huang provides the team with historical context and later shares past photographs and videos of the reef.
• The divers communicate underwater through hand signals and silently share their dismay.
• Lu Ao and the others gather around Huang’s computer, comparing the lively reef of the past with its present state.
• Lu Ao’s question about the coral’s temporary vividness earns Huang’s approval and establishes a moment of mutual respect between them.

Chapter 278 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huang Ningna explains that the corals had attempted to protect themselves from extreme sunlight and heat by producing chemical sunscreens. Their rapid adaptation was ultimately useless because environmental changes occurred too quickly, causing them to die.
• The group is deeply moved by the corals’ failed struggle for survival and resolves to begin replanting the surviving corals immediately.
• Coral restoration requires installing metal frames on the seabed so young corals will not be swept away by typhoons or strong waves.
• Underwater labor proves extremely difficult. The volunteers must frequently return to the boat to replace their air tanks, while the physical strain leaves everyone exhausted.
• Lu Ao demonstrates exceptional strength and efficiency, installing metal frames far faster than the others. He eventually takes responsibility for most of the frame installation while the remaining volunteers transport equipment and plant the corals.
• Lin Qiyan documents the entire operation with a heavy waterproof camera, despite becoming visibly exhausted himself.
• Although Huang Ningna urges everyone to rest and continue the next day, Lu Ao and Xiang Xingchang insist on finishing quickly because the corals are highly sensitive to temperature and have a better chance of surviving if planted sooner.
• Lu Ao continues working long after the others are forced to rest. At around seven in the evening, he attaches the final coral to its frame, completing the day’s mission.
• The volunteers erupt in celebration, embracing one another and praising Lu Ao for completing more than half the total workload. Despite his usual reserve and extreme exhaustion, Lu Ao is eventually seized and lifted onto someone’s shoulders.

Character Developments

• Lu Ao: Reveals remarkable physical strength, endurance, and dedication. His normally stoic personality remains unchanged, but his actions show a strong sense of responsibility and urgency toward protecting the corals.
• Huang Ningna: Acts as the group’s scientific guide and logistical caretaker. He understands the seriousness of the coral crisis but also worries about the volunteers’ health.
• Lin Qiyan: Shows commitment by filming the entire restoration effort underwater, even while carrying heavy equipment and suffering from exhaustion.
• The volunteers: Begin as a coordinated work group but develop a strong sense of shared purpose and camaraderie through their difficult labor.

Significant Themes

• Environmental crisis and helplessness: The corals’ failed biological adaptation illustrates how quickly climate and environmental changes can overwhelm nature.
• Human responsibility: Although humans are also struggling to survive, the group recognizes that protecting other forms of life is still necessary.
• Sacrifice and perseverance: The volunteers endure exhaustion and danger to improve the corals’ chances of survival.
• Collective action: The restoration succeeds through cooperation, with each person contributing according to their abilities.
• Hope amid tragedy: The dead corals represent loss, but planting new ones offers a fragile possibility of recovery.

Character Interactions

• Huang Ningna’s explanation leaves Lu Ao and the others stunned and reflective.
• Huang Ningna tries to persuade the group to rest, but Lu Ao and Xiang Xingchang argue that completing the work quickly is more important for the corals’ survival.
• Huang Ningna checks the volunteers’ equipment and repeatedly emphasizes safety.
• The volunteers admire Lu Ao’s contributions, praise him as a hero, and enthusiastically embrace him after the work is completed.
• Lu Ao attempts to avoid the celebration, but the volunteers override his reluctance by lifting him onto their shoulders.

Chapter 125 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• After Coral is successfully planted, the volunteers celebrate by lifting Lu Ao onto their shoulders and praising him, Professor Huang, and the entire team. Lin Qiyan records the joyful moment.
• The project enters its long-term observation phase. Most volunteers return to their regular jobs, while Lin Qiyan stays with Professor Huang Ningna’s team to monitor the Coral.
• Lu Ao worries that the unusually warm October weather might harm the newly planted Coral. Lin Qiyan reassures him that it is currently growing well and sends him a video.
• The video shows the Coral thriving on iron frames, with its tentacles moving in the clear seawater and small Coral Fish already swimming among it. Lu Ao watches the video several times and asks Lin Qiyan to inform him immediately if anything goes wrong.
• Lin Qiyan brings up reports from fans claiming that Lu Ao’s goose eggs helped relieve rashes and morning sickness. Lu Ao doubts the claims, joking that the pregnant fan might be trying to trick him into selling her eggs.
• Lu Ao refuses to sell any goose eggs, explaining that he and Song Zhou enjoy them too much and are not short of money. Lin Qiyan relays the refusal to his wealthy fan, who becomes determined to find another way to obtain them.
• The fan, using her family’s connections, gains access to Lu Ao’s Billionaire Auction Group. After entering, she immediately sends Lu Ao a friend request.

Character Developments

• Lu Ao shows strong responsibility toward the Coral project, continuing to worry about its survival even after the planting is complete. He remains modest about his contribution and practical in his decisions.
• Lin Qiyan becomes more deeply involved in the conservation effort, staying behind to document and monitor the Coral. He also continues helping Lu Ao manage public interest in the goose eggs.
• Song Zhou provides affectionate emotional support, teasing Lu Ao about his worries and laughing at his suspicion regarding the fan. Their close physical and emotional intimacy is evident.
• Huang Ningna remains the scientific authority overseeing the Coral’s long-term health, reassuring the others that the current weather is not dangerous.
• The wealthy fan is introduced as persistent and resourceful. Her desire to obtain the goose eggs leads her into Lu Ao’s private auction group.

Significant Themes

• Environmental restoration and responsibility: The Coral planting marks the beginning of an ongoing conservation effort rather than its conclusion.
• Community and shared achievement: The volunteers’ celebration emphasizes teamwork and collective pride.
• Care and attachment: Lu Ao’s repeated concern for the Coral reflects his emotional investment in the life they are trying to restore.
• Domestic comfort and abundance: The discussion of goose eggs adds a warm, humorous contrast to the environmental storyline and highlights Lu Ao and Song Zhou’s comfortable life together.
• Growing public interest: The fan’s determination suggests that Lu Ao’s unusual products and reputation are beginning to attract wider attention.

Character Interactions

• The volunteers enthusiastically honor Lu Ao and Professor Huang after the Coral planting.
• Lu Ao and Lin Qiyan communicate through WeChat about the Coral’s condition, with Lin Qiyan sending photos and video updates.
• Song Zhou teases and comforts Lu Ao while they discuss the Coral and the goose eggs, revealing their affectionate relationship.
• Lin Qiyan acts as an intermediary between Lu Ao and his fan, attempting to explain that the goose eggs are not for sale.
• The fan bypasses the refusal by entering the Billionaire Auction Group and sending Lu Ao a friend request, setting up a likely future interaction.

Chapter 280 Summary

Plot and events

Lu Ao declines a friend request from an unknown person before going to feed his geese at their remote shed upstream. The geese have thrived for over two months, producing far more eggs than expected because of their excellent feed. He collects seventeen unfertilized eggs and considers hatching one final batch before eventually stopping reproduction and slaughtering some of the adult male geese for meat.
While cleaning the shed, Lu Ao checks a group of eggs that are close to hatching. Most have cracked, and several goslings have begun pecking through their shells. Concerned that weak goslings might fail to emerge and suffocate, he examines them in the sunlight. Remembering how Song Zhou once used vitality to strengthen the Hairy Croaker, Lu Ao cautiously injects a small amount of vitality into each egg. The goslings respond by moving inside their shells, creating a new and deeply moving experience for him. After briefly enjoying the contact, he realizes the eggs must be returned to the mother geese so they do not become cold, and he leaves the shed to continue his work upstream.

Character development

Lu Ao displays growing responsibility and affection toward the animals under his care. Though initially practical—collecting eggs, cleaning the shed, and considering slaughtering surplus geese—he becomes emotionally absorbed when he senses the unborn goslings’ responses. His ability to use vitality shows increasing mastery of his powers, while his tenderness toward the fragile lives reveals a softer, more nurturing side.

Themes

The chapter emphasizes care and responsibility, contrasting the practical management of livestock with Lu Ao’s unexpected emotional attachment. It also explores the wonder of new life, as Lu Ao experiences the goslings’ movements as a direct “pulse of life.” The scene reflects the transfer of knowledge and influence from Song Zhou, showing how Lu Ao’s relationship with him has shaped his understanding of vitality.

Character interactions

Lu Ao’s main interactions are with the geese and unborn goslings. The adult geese remain wary of him, moving away and honking anxiously when he handles their eggs, while the mother geese want to reclaim their eggs but are too intimidated to approach. The goslings, however, respond positively to the vitality he gives them, creating an intimate, affectionate connection between Lu Ao and the unborn animals.