Chapter Summaries

Chapter 101 Summary

Plot points and events

During the signing event, Jing Yi—still publicly known as “Madam Qin”—appears distracted and emotionally unstable because Major Qin has apparently come back to life. Misinterpreting his distress as grief and longing, the fans urge him to cancel the event and return to Major Qin. A bearded fan leads everyone in giving up their autographs so they can offer Jing Yi their support. Together, they loudly bless “Major Qin and Madam Qin,” wishing them a long life together and children, while promising to reject Major Qin if he betrays Jing Yi. The fans then leave, believing they have helped him. Jing Yi is left speechless and mortified. He cancels the venue reservation and logs off.

Character developments

Jing Yi continues to struggle with the consequences of Major Qin’s unexpected return. Although he is touched by his fans’ kindness, he is frustrated that they misunderstand the situation and interpret his anxiety as romantic devotion. His emotional state shifts from forced composure to irritation and resentment. After returning home, he realizes how deeply he has settled into the household and how attached he has become to the life he built there.

Character interactions

The fans show remarkable solidarity and affection toward Jing Yi, prioritizing his emotional well-being over obtaining autographs. The bearded fan acts as their spokesman and organizes the collective blessing. Jing Yi attempts to reassure them that he can continue the signing, but they refuse to let him force himself to remain. Although Major Qin does not appear directly, his presumed revival dominates the scene and shapes everyone’s behavior toward Jing Yi.

Significant themes

The chapter combines comedy with emotional unease. It highlights the power of public perception, as the fans construct a romantic “widow reunited with her husband” narrative that does not match Jing Yi’s actual feelings. It also explores attachment and displacement: Jing Yi fears losing the home and identity he created after Major Qin’s absence. His anger at possibly becoming an “abandoned wife” reveals both his resentment toward Major Qin’s irresponsible disappearance and his unwillingness to give up the life he has made.

Chapter Summary

Key plot points and events

• Qin Meng returns alive after being presumed dead and attends a military press conference. When reporters ask about his father arranging a male marriage for him during his absence, he gives no comment and leaves.
• He returns home, expecting to confront Jing Yi—also called Jing Xiao Yi—about their relationship and wondering how Jing Yi will react to his survival.
• Qin notices neighbors secretly watching him through their doors, highlighting the public curiosity surrounding his return.
• Entering his home, Qin is surprised by the smell of freshly prepared food and by the extensive changes Jing Yi has made to the previously plain, utilitarian residence.
• The house has become warm, orderly, and comfortable, revealing Jing Yi’s effort to create a genuine home.
• Qin finds Jing Yi drunk and asleep at the dining table. Instead of confronting him, Qin carries him upstairs.
• Qin briefly enters his former bedroom and discovers it has been converted into a memorial space containing his photograph, memorial tablet, incense burner, fruit, and pastries. Realizing Jing Yi had treated him as dead, Qin silently carries him to the upstairs master bedroom instead.

Character developments

• Qin Meng: Though outwardly cold and composed, Qin reveals unexpected anticipation, amusement, and emotional vulnerability about seeing Jing Yi again. His reaction to the transformed house shows that he longs for warmth and belonging, despite his austere military lifestyle. His decision to care for the drunk Jing Yi rather than immediately confront him also suggests growing tenderness.
• Jing Yi/Jing Xiao Yi: Jing Yi’s elaborate redecoration of the house demonstrates domestic competence, thoughtfulness, and emotional investment in Qin. His memorial shrine reveals that he genuinely mourned Qin’s presumed death. His drunkenness suggests he has been overwhelmed by grief, anxiety, or the shock of Qin’s return.

Significant themes

• Home and belonging: Qin’s residence changes from a sterile military dwelling into a warm home, symbolizing Jing Yi’s influence and the possibility of emotional connection.
• Grief and remembrance: The memorial altar shows how deeply Qin’s supposed death affected Jing Yi and contrasts with Qin’s sudden, living return.
• Public image versus private identity: Qin’s fans imagine him as an extravagant, untouchable hero, but the real Qin is practical, modest, and emotionally affected by domestic comforts.
• Reunion and emotional tension: Qin expects a dramatic confrontation, but instead finds Jing Yi unconscious, delaying their first honest face-to-face encounter under their real identities.
• Marriage and social scrutiny: The press’s questions and the neighbors’ surveillance emphasize how Qin and Jing Yi’s relationship is treated as public spectacle.

Character interactions

• Qin and the reporters clash indirectly: he refuses to discuss his arranged marriage, preserving his privacy.
• Qin observes the neighbors’ curiosity with cold authority, causing them to retreat.
• Qin’s first encounter with Jing Yi after his return is one-sided: Jing Yi, drunk and unaware, cannot respond to Qin’s presence. Qin nevertheless cares for him physically and begins to recognize the emotional significance of what Jing Yi has done in the home.

Chapter Summary

Key plot points and events

Qin Meng carries the apparently drunken Jing Yi to the master bedroom. Suspecting that Jing Yi is pretending, he deliberately tells him that he knows about Jing Yi’s feelings, promises to treat him well, and suggests they may eventually develop genuine affection. Qin then leaves, pleased that his teasing has unsettled Jing Yi. Once alone, Jing Yi reveals that he was awake and is deeply alarmed, interpreting Qin’s words as a possible threat to his freedom and chastity. He realizes that Qin is unpredictable and decides to proceed cautiously while continuing to assess whether cooperation is possible.
Downstairs, Qin Meng happily dismantles the funeral altar Jing Yi had prepared for him, destroying his portrait, memorial tablet, offerings, and incense setup. Although the room is restored, Qin remains psychologically affected by the bizarre funeral atmosphere and chooses to sleep in a separate bedroom. Unable to sleep while on leave, he creates an alternate account to secretly observe Jing Yi’s personal homepage, which has been overwhelmed by public attention after news of Qin’s return spreads.

Character developments

• Jing Yi demonstrates cleverness and caution by faking drunkenness to investigate Qin’s personality and intentions. However, Qin’s unexpected response leaves him anxious and unsure how to protect himself. He resolves not to rush into the arranged marriage or accept the expected domestic future.
• Qin Meng reveals a mischievous, playful side, deliberately frightening Jing Yi as revenge for the trouble Jing Yi caused while Qin was presumed dead. He also shows discomfort with the funeral arrangements and an obsessive need to restore order, while secretly taking interest in Jing Yi’s public image and reactions.

Significant themes

• Misdirection and psychological games: Both men conceal their true awareness and intentions, each trying to gain the upper hand.
• Arranged marriage versus personal autonomy: Jing Yi fears being trapped in a relationship dictated by social expectations, while Qin’s attitude complicates his assumptions about the marriage.
• Public image and gossip: Qin’s resurrection transforms Jing Yi into the focus of intense public scrutiny, with strangers eagerly judging their relationship.
• Humor through role reversal: The supposedly vulnerable “widow” and resurrected husband both manipulate appearances, creating an ongoing battle of teasing and deception.

Character interactions

Qin’s intimate-sounding reassurance unsettles Jing Yi, who had intended merely to test him. Their exchange establishes a flirtatious but adversarial dynamic in which Qin enjoys provoking Jing Yi and Jing Yi becomes increasingly wary of Qin’s intentions. Meanwhile, Qin’s secret observation of Jing Yi’s homepage introduces the broader public as another force influencing their relationship.

Chapter 104 Summary

Key plot points and events

Online debate erupts over Madam Qin and Major Qin’s relationship. Some commenters accuse Madam Qin of being ambitious and scheming, while others defend him fiercely, citing the success of his Basic Cookbook and arguing that Major Qin is not worthy of him. Zero Quarter interrupts the argument by sharing a video. At the same time, Jing Xiaoyi and Qin Xiaomeng watch it from separate rooms in their home. The video opens with a dramatic aerial shot of Mi Star people forming a huge ring, then cuts to an auditorium where Jing Yi stands at the end of a red carpet. A close-up emphasizes his extraordinary beauty before the footage shifts to enthusiastic extras rushing toward him and chanting slogans.

Character developments

Jing Yi becomes increasingly aware that fame brings both admiration and hostility, privately blaming Qin Xiaomeng for attracting so much attention. Despite initially feeling embarrassed by the public spectacle, he is deeply moved when Diandian’s polished editing transforms the event into an inspiring tribute filled with sincere fans. He gains a better understanding of why celebrities enjoy being admired. Qin Xiaomeng, meanwhile, feels proud of her husband and recognizes how quickly he has gained devoted supporters. Diandian demonstrates unexpected skill in filming and editing, revealing that it created and uploaded the video to support Jing Yi.

Significant themes

The chapter explores the benefits and burdens of fame, particularly the contrast between online criticism and genuine public support. It also highlights the power of presentation: Diandian’s cinematic editing makes an awkward, embarrassing real-life event appear grand and emotionally powerful. Beauty, popularity, fandom, and the public’s tendency to judge people based on appearances are recurring themes.

Character interactions

The online commenters clash over Madam Qin and Major Qin, with supporters defending Madam Qin against personal attacks. Jing Yi confronts Diandian after realizing that it produced the video, questioning why it posted such an embarrassing and sentimental recording. Diandian explains that it noticed Jing Yi enjoyed filming and wanted to help him. Their exchange shows Jing Yi’s embarrassment and Diandian’s quiet, practical concern for him, while Qin Xiaomeng’s simultaneous viewing underscores her admiration for her newlywed husband.

Chapter 105 Summary

Plot and Events

• Diandian reassures Jing Yi that he does not want anyone to bully him. Jing Yi becomes emotional, wishing Diandian had a physical body so he could hug him.
• Qin Meng watches the video depicting Jing Yi’s devotion and suffering during Qin Meng’s presumed death. The public reaction is overwhelmingly sympathetic toward Jing Yi and supportive of their marriage.
• Former admirers and critics of Qin Meng begin defending Jing Yi, praising his loyalty, cooking, popularity, and willingness to marry Qin Meng even when he believed Qin Meng was dead.
• A small number of fans still criticize Jing Yi for his appearance and supposedly weak physical and spiritual abilities, but other commenters fiercely refute them.
• The comments culminate in fans sending blessings for Qin Meng and Jing Yi to remain together and have a child. Qin Meng and Jing Yi both realize that their situation is becoming increasingly difficult to escape or undo.
• General Chen calls Qin Meng and angrily demands that he treat Jing Yi properly, accusing him of risking becoming a heartless man now that he has returned alive.
• Fan Qiao calls Jing Yi to comfort him, encouraging him not to lose hope and promising that their friends will support him if Qin Meng mistreats him.
• General Chen continues lecturing Qin Meng, insisting that relationships develop over time and arguing that an arranged marriage can still become a happy and lasting one.

Character Developments

• Jing Yi is shown as deeply emotional, loyal, and vulnerable. His devotion to Qin Meng, including marrying him while believing him dead, wins over the public and strengthens his support network.
• Qin Meng is moved and somewhat overwhelmed by the public’s reaction. He appears troubled by the growing expectations surrounding his relationship with Jing Yi and recognizes that simply withdrawing may no longer be possible.
• Diandian displays strong affection and protectiveness toward Jing Yi, while also highlighting the emotional bond between them despite lacking a physical body.
• General Chen takes on a protective, almost parental role toward Jing Yi. He openly pressures Qin Meng to accept responsibility and not abandon his husband.
• Fan Qiao supports Jing Yi emotionally, reassuring him that Qin Meng’s return is ultimately good news and that he will not face the situation alone.

Major Themes

• Devotion and sacrifice: Jing Yi’s willingness to marry Qin Meng’s memorial tablet and urn becomes the clearest evidence of his love.
• Public judgment and social pressure: Online opinion rapidly shifts in Jing Yi’s favor, creating expectations that Qin Meng honor the marriage.
• Love versus social status: Fans debate whether Jing Yi’s beauty, weak abilities, or lack of conventional dignity make him unsuitable for Qin Meng, while others argue that love and personal character matter more.
• Responsibility and emotional consequences: Qin Meng’s return forces him to confront the impact of his “death” and Jing Yi’s years of loyalty.
• Found family and support: Friends, commanders, and even strangers rally around Jing Yi, making it clear that he has earned genuine affection and protection.

Character Interactions

• Jing Yi and Diandian share a tender, emotionally intimate exchange.
• Qin Meng silently reacts to the public’s defense of Jing Yi, while Jing Yi is moved by the praise but also unsettled by the pressure it creates.
• General Chen confronts Qin Meng directly, defending Jing Yi and warning Qin Meng not to become ungrateful or cruel.
• Fan Qiao comforts Jing Yi and promises collective support.
• The online commenters function almost like a public chorus, transforming from Qin Meng admirers into passionate defenders of Jing Yi and their marriage.

Chapter Summary: “When You’re Unhappy, You Should Spend Money”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fan Qiao and General Chen discuss Qin Meng’s failure to return home after revealing that he is alive. They criticize him for faking his death and leaving Jing Yi distressed, while encouraging Jing Yi to be more confident and avoid indulging Qin Meng too much.
• General Chen orders Qin Meng to take three days off and spend time with Jing Yi, including helping with Jing Yi’s newly opened online store.
• Fan Qiao offers relationship advice, telling Qin Meng to keep Jing Yi interested and valued. He also promises to send Jing Yi some “treasured items,” implying intimate or suggestive advice.
• Qin Meng and Jing Yi are unable to speak during the call and are awkwardly treated as a troubled couple by Fan Qiao and General Chen.
• Jing Yi receives a huge package from Fan Qiao but is too upset and embarrassed to investigate its contents.
• After checking his finances, Jing Yi discovers that his cookbook has earned 540 million Federation credits. At twenty credits per copy, he has sold approximately 27 million copies in half a day.
• Jing Yi recognizes that his success comes from several factors: Qin Meng’s dramatic return, the publicity surrounding it, Diandian’s polished promotional video, and the public’s curiosity about his cookbook.
• With his new wealth, Jing Yi decides to purchase advanced equipment for purifying, fusing, and molding materials. Diandian determines that equipment costing around 400 million credits will meet his needs without being excessive.
• To avoid attracting attention, Jing Yi alters his appearance before shopping online. The chapter explains that the Interstellar Network reflects users’ real appearances and identities, so disguises must be made in reality rather than through virtual avatar customization.

Character Developments

• Jing Yi/Jing Xiaoyi: Though emotionally miserable over Qin Meng’s absence, he becomes unexpectedly wealthy and gains the financial freedom to expand his work. He remains modest and realistic about his success, acknowledging that timing, publicity, and Qin Meng’s return all contributed to it.
• Qin Meng: He is portrayed as emotionally distant or unreliable by others because of his disappearance and failure to immediately return home. His military background is used as a possible explanation, but he is still expected to make amends to Jing Yi.
• Fan Qiao: He acts as a meddling but supportive friend, offering blunt relationship advice and attempting to comfort Jing Yi. His behavior suggests familiarity and affection toward both Jing Yi and Qin Meng.
• General Chen: He is practical and authoritative, directly ordering Qin Meng to take time off and repair his relationship with Jing Yi.
• Diandian: The character continues to provide valuable business and technical support, especially by helping Jing Yi choose suitable equipment.

Significant Themes

• Love, neglect, and reconciliation: Qin Meng’s unexplained absence has created emotional strain, and those around him believe he must actively rebuild Jing Yi’s trust.
• Wealth as comfort and opportunity: Jing Yi’s sudden financial success gives him a way to redirect his unhappiness into productive action and invest in his ambitions.
• Publicity and timing: The chapter emphasizes how fame, news events, marketing, and coincidence can combine to create extraordinary commercial success.
• Reality versus virtual identity: The Interstellar Network is presented not as an escapist game but as an extension of real life, reinforcing themes of accountability, identity, and social order.
• Supportive interference: Friends and family intervene in Jing Yi and Qin Meng’s relationship, showing that affection can take the form of criticism, advice, and forced closeness.

Character Interactions

• Fan Qiao and General Chen dominate the call, jointly reprimanding Qin Meng and comforting Jing Yi.
• Fan Qiao treats Jing Yi as a close friend by sharing personal relationship advice and promising to send him private materials.
• General Chen gives Qin Meng explicit instructions to spend his leave with Jing Yi and assist with the business.
• Qin Meng and Jing Yi remain mostly silent, creating comic awkwardness as others discuss their relationship in front of them.
• Jing Yi and Diandian work together indirectly as Jing Yi uses Diandian’s assessment to select equipment appropriate for his current abilities.

Chapter Summary

Jing Yi travels incognito to the Starry Sky Grand Marketplace to purchase a complete set of materials-processing equipment. Although he wears a wig and mask to conceal his identity, his striking appearance attracts constant attention. Passersby stare, some mistake him for a beautiful woman, and several even attempt to touch him, forcing him to fend them off. He reflects on how, before transmigrating, people had looked at him with pity because of his disability, whereas now he receives attention purely because of his appearance and celebrity status.
At the marketplace, Jing Yi asks a salesperson to guide him to the materials-processing equipment section. The salesperson becomes visibly excited upon realizing that Jing Yi intends to place a major order and enthusiastically explains the strengths of various brands. Kew ei specializes in biological-material processing and is popular among Bio-Mecha manufacturers; Celestial Cycle is best for mineral materials and can produce superior results when used by someone with strong spiritual power; Flying Carpet is affordable and suited to beginners; Blue Cosmos is a more expensive, balanced high-end brand; and other brands offer additional options.
Jing Yi listens carefully despite already having researched the subject with Diandian, recognizing that the salesperson may provide useful practical knowledge. He shows particular interest in Celestial Cycle equipment. The salesperson notices this preference and privately assumes Jing Yi is wealthy, highly talented, and probably possesses exceptionally strong spiritual power. He is delighted by the possibility of earning a large commission from Jing Yi’s purchase.

Character Developments and Interactions

• Jing Yi demonstrates greater confidence and independence as he navigates public attention and makes an expensive technical purchase. He remains calm, practical, and willing to seek expert advice rather than relying solely on his own research.
• The salesperson is dazzled by Jing Yi’s appearance and potential wealth. His professional enthusiasm is mixed with personal admiration and hopes of earning a substantial commission.
• Jing Yi and the salesperson develop a straightforward customer-and-expert interaction, with Jing Yi asking questions and the salesperson providing detailed recommendations.

Significant Themes

• Celebrity and public scrutiny: Jing Yi struggles with unwanted attention now that he is famous and physically admired.
• Appearance and perception: The contrast between the pity he once received and the fascination he now inspires highlights how society judges people based on appearance and status.
• Freedom and leisure in the Holographic World: The opening references a society that permits personal freedom as long as rules are followed.
• Expertise versus assumption: Jing Yi values practical knowledge, while the salesperson makes increasingly exaggerated assumptions about his wealth and abilities based only on his appearance, composure, and spending power.

Chapter Summary: “You Have Quite a Collection!”

Key plot points and events

• Jing Yi spends nearly all of his money at the Starry Sky Grand Marketplace purchasing specialized equipment and large quantities of materials. The salesperson is deeply impressed by his extravagant spending and assumes he is extraordinarily wealthy.
• To avoid revealing his purchases—and to ensure there is enough storage space—Jing Yi has the equipment sent to a warehouse previously purchased by Yang Chun rather than to Major Qin’s residence.
• Because of his major purchase, Jing Yi receives a discount card granting him 20% off future material purchases, except for especially rare or precious items.
• While entering the materials section, Diandian unexpectedly speaks to Jing Yi through a synthesized electronic voice and alerts him that there is something valuable nearby.
• Jing Yi becomes excited by Diandian’s ability to speak and tries to determine whether they can communicate through brainwaves. Diandian explains that their communication requires speech or typing, correcting Jing Yi’s assumptions based on “system” stories and holographic technology.
• Jing Yi realizes he has been talking aloud in public and attracting the salesperson’s attention. He then resumes shopping, beginning with Astral Sand and planning to inspect Blue Crystal Metal as well.
• Meanwhile, Qin Meng reflects on General Chen’s criticism and decides he needs to take more initiative in his relationship with Jing Yi. He goes to knock on Jing Yi’s door, believing that waiting for Jing Yi to make the first move would be futile.

Character developments

• Jing Yi demonstrates both boldness and financial recklessness, spending nearly his entire fortune to support Diandian and pursue his goals. Despite his poverty and weak mental-power ranking, he remains determined and indulgent toward Diandian.
• He is shown to be curious, excitable, and somewhat naïve, particularly in his expectations about brainwave communication and “system-like” abilities. His concern about goods being secretly switched also reveals his cautious, practical side.
• Diandian takes a more active role by speaking aloud for the first time and directing Jing Yi toward valuable materials. Its dry, logical responses contrast with Jing Yi’s enthusiasm.
• Qin Meng begins moving from passive interest to active pursuit. He acknowledges his feelings for Jing Yi and resolves to take responsibility for advancing their relationship.

Significant themes

• Wealth and appearances: Jing Yi looks like an untouchably rich figure to outsiders, even though his spending leaves him nearly penniless. The chapter highlights the gap between public image and private reality.
• Trust and reputation: Jing Yi’s concern about material substitutions and the marketplace’s assurances emphasize the importance of commercial trust.
• Curiosity versus practicality: Jing Yi’s excitement over Diandian’s voice leads him into an awkward public conversation, while Diandian repeatedly redirects him toward the immediate task of shopping.
• Taking initiative in relationships: Qin Meng’s decision to approach Jing Yi reflects a shift from hesitation to deliberate action.
• Support and sacrifice: Jing Yi willingly exhausts his resources to obtain what Diandian needs, showing the depth of his commitment despite his limited abilities and means.

Character interactions

• Jing Yi and Diandian share a humorous exchange about electronic speech, brainwaves, holographic technology, and the logic of fictional “systems.” Their interaction establishes a more direct form of communication while highlighting their contrasting personalities.
• Jing Yi interacts with the salesperson in a polite but guarded manner, asking for both assistance and reassurance about the authenticity of his purchases.
• Qin Meng’s interaction with Jing Yi has not yet occurred by the end of the excerpt, but his decision to knock on Jing Yi’s door sets up a likely romantic or emotionally significant encounter.

Chapter Summary

Key plot points and events

• Qin Meng goes to the master bedroom to see how Jing Xiao Yi will react to him after the previous night’s events. Believing Jing Yi’s drunkenness was only an act, he expects Jing Yi to be awake and deliberately ignoring him.
• After receiving no response to repeated knocking, Qin Meng angrily kicks the door open.
• He discovers that Jing Yi is not in bed but using the holographic pod by the window to access the Interstellar Network. This slightly reassures Qin Meng, since Jing Yi is not simply pretending not to hear him, though Qin Meng remains irritated by his apparent indifference.
• Qin Meng pokes Jing Yi’s active personal port. The device unexpectedly projects the video Jing Yi had been watching, accompanied by suggestive sounds.
• Jing Yi, who is remotely connected and unaware of what has happened, suddenly realizes that the video may have been exposed—and that Qin Meng may have seen or heard it.
• The chapter ends by explaining the Interstellar Network’s rules concerning adult content in holographic mode: users must rent private spaces, while public viewing results in immediate muting, detention, and a fine.

Character developments

• Qin Meng: His outwardly controlled, cold military persona gives way to irritation, possessiveness, and mischievous impulsiveness. His familiarity with Jing Yi has grown through their past encounters as enemies and through his unwilling exposure to Jing Yi’s online antics. Although he still treats Jing Yi as an inconvenient spouse, he clearly knows him far too well to regard him as a stranger.
• Jing Xiao Yi/Jing Yi: He continues to behave unpredictably and irreverently, showing little concern for maintaining the image of a devoted husband. His careless failure to secure his personal port creates the embarrassing situation, highlighting both his boldness and his lack of caution.

Significant themes

• Strangers becoming familiar: Despite Qin Meng’s insistence that Jing Yi is merely a contractual or nominal husband, their history has created an unusual intimacy and familiarity.
• Clashing public and private identities: Qin Meng presents himself as serious and disciplined, while Jing Yi’s chaotic behavior repeatedly drags him into comedic and embarrassing situations.
• Comedy through misunderstanding and embarrassment: Qin Meng assumes Jing Yi is deliberately ignoring him, while Jing Yi unknowingly exposes private entertainment. The chapter builds humor through their mismatched assumptions.
• Technology and surveillance of private behavior: Personal ports, holographic pods, and network regulations make even private actions vulnerable to accidental exposure.

Character interactions

• Qin Meng repeatedly knocks on Jing Yi’s door, becomes offended by the lack of response, and finally breaks in.
• He interprets Jing Yi’s actions through the lens of their complicated past, believing Jing Yi should be emotionally affected by their marriage.
• Qin Meng’s casual poke activates Jing Yi’s device, unintentionally exposing the adult video and setting up an awkward confrontation between the supposedly “untouchable beauty” and the “little firecracker.”

Chapter Summary

Plot and events

The passage begins with public outrage among the Mi Star people over the Federation’s permissive laws regarding adult content. Citizens argue that allowing adult permissions while banning minors’ permissions is a form of entrapment. The Federation defends the policy as an expression of civil liberty: people are free to choose whether to obey the law, but they must accept the consequences of criminal choices. Jing Yi recalls laughing at this legal philosophy compared with the severe internet censorship of his home planet, but he soon finds himself caught in an embarrassing situation. While purchasing major materials at Starry Sky Grand Marketplace, a holographic prompt asks whether he wants to play an adult video, Outdoor & Pool & Prop Play, in holographic mode. Horrified, Jing Yi immediately selects “No,” signs for the transaction, and logs out, fearing that the video may somehow have been activated by Major Qin or Fan Qiao.

Character developments

Jing Yi, previously amused by the Federation’s unusual ideas about personal freedom, becomes anxious and mortified when those freedoms directly affect him. His embarrassment also reveals his idealized view of Major Qin: he cannot imagine the supposedly dignified “military god” being vulgar or sexually careless. Major Qin, meanwhile, is exposed as far less worldly than his public image suggests. Despite being admired as a perfect, untouchable figure and the subject of countless fantasies and fan works, he has almost no romantic or sexual experience and has barely watched pornography. His reputation for discipline and purity has unintentionally isolated him from ordinary social experiences.

Character interactions

Jing Yi interacts briefly with the saleswoman, who correctly identifies him as male through his voice, mannerisms, and gait and addresses him as “sir.” His imagined suspicions about Qin Meng and Fan Qiao suggest that the embarrassing gift may be connected to them. The scene then shifts to Major Qin, who is forced to witness the adult holographic content and is overwhelmed with shame, creating an ironic parallel between Jing Yi’s panic and Qin’s embarrassment.

Significant themes

The passage explores the contradiction between personal freedom and legal responsibility, emphasizing that liberty includes the freedom to make criminal choices—but not freedom from punishment. It also contrasts the Federation’s permissive culture with Jing Yi’s heavily censored homeland. A major theme is the gap between public image and private reality: Qin Meng appears experienced, perfect, and self-controlled, yet is actually naïve and inexperienced. The scene further uses sexual embarrassment and misunderstanding for comedy, undermining Qin’s godlike reputation and revealing the vulnerability beneath both characters’ composed exteriors.

Chapter Summary

Plot points and events

Qin Meng’s public image as an impossibly pure, innocent “male god” is humorously contrasted with the obvious contradiction that no one can have a fully developed “skill tree” while knowing nothing about sex or reproduction. His sheltered upbringing becomes clear when Fan Qiao’s collection of explicit holographic films accidentally opens while Qin Meng is checking on the intoxicated Jing Yi. The film, featuring the famous real-life actor couple Dongchen and Xiaoxiao, is unusually passionate and affectionate, leaving Qin Meng stunned and unable to decide whether to shut it off or escape. Before he can act, Jing Yi wakes and catches him watching. Qin Meng asks him, with forced righteousness, to turn it off; Jing Yi hurriedly shuts it down after hearing an especially explicit moment.

Character developments

Qin Meng, normally decisive and intimidating, is revealed to be profoundly inexperienced and shaken by the film. His embarrassment is masked by a rigid, self-righteous demeanor, but his reddened ears and nose betray him. Jing Yi is equally shocked and humiliated, despite having had more opportunities to encounter such material in the past. His embarrassment quickly transforms into intense anger toward Qin Meng, worsening his already negative feelings toward Grey Eagle. After Qin Meng apologizes and explains that he opened the file accidentally while checking on Jing Yi, Jing Yi remains unconvinced and interrogates him about why he failed to turn it off sooner. Jing Yi then deliberately sits down so that Qin Meng must stand over him, using the height difference and a “boss disciplining an employee” posture to regain psychological dominance.

Significant themes

The chapter uses comedy to explore the gap between public image and private reality, especially the absurdity of Qin Meng’s reputation for purity. It also emphasizes the disruptive power of forbidden or unfamiliar knowledge, portraying the film as Qin Meng’s shocking first exposure to adult intimacy. Embarrassment, loss of composure, and attempts to preserve dignity drive the scene, while social expectations about innocence and masculinity are playfully mocked.

Character interactions

Qin Meng and Jing Yi experience an intensely awkward first moment of mutual exposure as newlywed husbands. Qin Meng tries to maintain authority through moralistic composure, while Jing Yi responds with outrage and adopts a deliberately dominant seated position. Their exchange is adversarial and embarrassed rather than affectionate, but the scene highlights their growing personal entanglement and the tension between Qin Meng’s outward control and Jing Yi’s increasingly forceful reactions.

Chapter Summary: “We’ll Let Things Happen Naturally”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jing Yi confronts Qin Meng about accidentally opening an explicit online image without closing it. Qin Meng admits he failed to react in time but avoids revealing his inexperience.
• Jing Yi struggles to decide how to punish him. Qin Meng uses the opportunity to suggest helping Jing Yi establish his new online store while he is on leave.
• Qin Meng admits that his main reason for helping is to spend more time with Jing Yi and develop their relationship.
• He explains that although their marriage began through an accident, he believes Jing Yi has genuine feelings for him and that affection can be cultivated gradually. He views their marriage as fate that should not be wasted.
• Jing Yi tries to deny that his previous online declarations of love were sincere, claiming he was merely performing for an audience.
• Qin Meng gently accepts this explanation on the surface, then proposes that they forget the past and formally get to know each other again.
• After a long silent standoff, Jing Yi finally accepts Qin Meng’s offered handshake, though he insists that they are legally married strangers who should treat one another as new friends.

Character Developments

• Jing Yi remains defensive, suspicious, and embarrassed by the misunderstanding. He tries to maintain emotional distance and protect himself by reframing their marriage as a purely legal arrangement.
• Jing Yi’s carefully prepared plans for escaping the marriage and protecting himself from possible retaliation begin to collapse because Qin Meng is far more accepting and cooperative than expected.
• Qin Meng reveals himself to be patient, sincere, and emotionally perceptive rather than cold or domineering. He deliberately offers practical help and companionship instead of pressuring Jing Yi.
• Qin Meng appears convinced that Jing Yi’s past online behavior reflected real affection, even when Jing Yi insists it was an act. His tolerant attitude causes Jing Yi considerable confusion and frustration.

Significant Themes

• Miscommunication and mistaken assumptions: Jing Yi and Qin Meng interpret the same events differently, creating both comedy and emotional tension.
• Love developing gradually: Qin Meng embraces the idea that affection can grow naturally through time spent together.
• Fate versus personal choice: Their accidental marriage may have been arranged by circumstance, but Qin Meng chooses to give the relationship a genuine chance.
• Emotional defensiveness: Jing Yi uses denial, sarcasm, and strict labels such as “new friends” to shield himself from vulnerability.
• Subverting expectations: Jing Yi expects Qin Meng to resent the marriage, but Qin Meng responds with warmth and acceptance, disrupting all of Jing Yi’s preparations.

Character Interactions

• Jing Yi interrogates Qin Meng in an attempt to assert control, while Qin Meng responds honestly but redirects the conversation toward cooperation.
• Qin Meng offers to help with Jing Yi’s online store as both a practical gesture and an excuse to spend more time together.
• Jing Yi repeatedly rejects Qin Meng’s interpretation of his feelings, but Qin Meng remains calm and indulgent, treating his denials as shyness rather than hostility.
• Their extended silence over Qin Meng’s handshake symbolizes their opposing positions: Qin Meng openly offers a fresh start, while Jing Yi hesitates before reluctantly accepting it.

Chapter 113 Summary

Key plot points and events

Jing Yi revisits their earlier argument about the inappropriate movie incident and becomes intensely concerned about maintaining his chastity and personal safety around Qin Meng. He insists that they sleep in separate rooms, avoid physical contact beyond handshakes, and preserve clear boundaries as friends. Qin Meng agrees outwardly, but playfully adds that once their feelings develop, marital intimacy will happen naturally. Jing Yi is visibly unsettled by this confidence and argues that they may never fall in love, though they could still remain friends.
Jing Yi then asks Qin Meng to leave while he changes. He explains that he needs to inspect a recently purchased item being delivered, and Qin Meng offers to drive him since Jing Yi has no car. After Qin Meng exits, Jing Yi locks the bedroom door, resolving to be more careful about protecting his privacy.

Character developments

• Jing Yi becomes increasingly wary of Qin Meng’s charm, intelligence, and hidden knowledge. Although he tries to frame their relationship as a practical friendship, he recognizes Qin Meng as unusually capable and potentially dangerous to offend. His exaggerated suspicion also reveals his discomfort with romantic or physical intimacy.
• Qin Meng remains composed, gentlemanly, and teasing. He respects Jing Yi’s immediate request for separate rooms while confidently expressing his belief that they will eventually fall in love. His lingering reaction to holding Jing Yi’s hand suggests growing emotional and physical attraction.

Significant themes

• The tension between friendship, marriage, and romantic expectations.
• Personal boundaries and consent, especially as Jing Yi attempts to control the pace and nature of their relationship.
• Mutual attraction concealed by denial and teasing.
• The imbalance created by Qin Meng’s unexplained knowledge of Jing Yi’s circumstances, leaving Jing Yi feeling exposed and vulnerable.

Character interactions

Their conversation combines earnest boundary-setting with flirtatious provocation. Jing Yi attempts to establish strict rules, while Qin Meng agrees but undermines Jing Yi’s confidence by insisting that love between them is inevitable. Qin Meng’s praise of Jing Yi’s strength and character affects him deeply, even as Jing Yi is disturbed by being called “Xiao Yi.” Their physical contact is limited to holding hands, but Qin Meng’s lingering response shows the moment carries greater significance for him than Jing Yi realizes.

Chapter Summary

• Jing Yi changes into casual clothes and meets Qin Meng, who is waiting for him downstairs. They travel together in Qin Meng’s stylish, extremely fast hovercar to inspect Jing Yi’s newly purchased warehouse and equipment.
• Jing Yi is impressed—and envious—of Qin Meng’s driving, but reminds himself that his previous reckless speeding was dangerous and that he should avoid driving until he can control his impulses.
• Qin Meng asks about Jing Yi’s purchases. Jing Yi explains that he has bought material-processing equipment, mech-component materials, and Energy Card materials using royalties from his Basic Cookbook.
• Qin Meng realizes Jing Yi intends to enter mech manufacturing. He is surprised because Jing Yi’s spiritual power is only around D-rank and his physical condition is C-rank, making a conventional combat-mech career seem unrealistic. Nevertheless, Qin Meng admires Jing Yi’s ambition and determination.
• Jing Yi reveals his goal: to build an exceptionally powerful mech and personally pilot it, allowing him to “sweep through all opposition and be invincible.” When Qin Meng points out that combat mechs generally require at least B-rank physical ability, Jing Yi insists that this is precisely why he must create a combat mech usable by C-rank people.
• Their exchange highlights their contrasting personalities: Qin Meng is rational and unintentionally discouraging, while Jing Yi is proud, impulsive, and fiercely determined. Qin Meng ultimately encourages him, though Jing Yi remains annoyed by his teasing and skepticism.
• They arrive at the warehouse and factory complex, located in a prosperous industrial zone outside the Military District. The remote property covers roughly ten mu and cost more than fifty million Federation Credits—essentially exhausting all the money Jing Yi obtained from his father after disrupting the wedding.

Character Developments and Interactions

• Jing Yi: Shows growing independence, ambition, and willingness to pursue a difficult new path. His goal is not merely to manufacture mechs but to overcome the physical limitations normally imposed on C-rank pilots.
• Qin Meng: Demonstrates admiration and increasing warmth toward Jing Yi’s drive, even while viewing his plans as impractical. His teasing and supportive response reveal a playful but caring dynamic between them.
• Their relationship is marked by affectionate misunderstandings, humor, and friction: Qin Meng imagines Jing Yi building a mech for him to pilot, while Jing Yi insists on being the one to achieve victory.

Significant Themes

• Ambition against limitations: Jing Yi refuses to accept the restrictions imposed by his physical and spiritual ranks.
• Self-reliance and reinvention: Having begun a new life, Jing Yi uses his own earnings to establish a future in mech manufacturing.
• Support versus realism: Qin Meng’s practical objections contrast with Jing Yi’s idealism, but his skepticism ultimately gives way to encouragement.
• Pursuit of invincibility: Jing Yi’s determination to build and pilot his own superior mech reinforces the chapter’s central goal of transcending ordinary limits.

Chapter Summary: “Celebrate with Delicious Meat Jerky~”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jing Yi visits the warehouse and factory complex he purchased through Yang Chun’s connections. The former nutritional-fluid plant is spacious, clean, well-maintained, and equipped with useful food-safety facilities such as sterilization rooms and changing areas.
• Jing Yi is increasingly pleased with the property, while Qin Meng grows anxious about their financial situation. Comparing his savings with Jing Yi’s new investment, Qin Meng worries that he is falling behind his wife and will need to work harder.
• Although Jing Yi and Qin Meng recently agreed to behave as “friends” after a disagreement, Jing Yi notices Qin Meng’s unease and asks whether he is feeling ill. Qin Meng avoids explaining the real reason.
• A delivery truck arrives with the equipment Jing Yi ordered for the factory. Robots unload the machinery, and Jing Yi begins inspecting the shipment.
• The delivery staff recognize Jing Yi and Qin Meng as the famous Madam Qin and Major Qin. Their excitement reveals that the public rumors claiming the couple is unhappy or near divorce are likely false.
• Jing Yi carefully checks the goods, paying special attention to a mineral suspected to be Astral Sand. With Diandian’s assistance, he intends to ensure that the seller has not substituted inferior materials.
• The delivery supervisor contacts his superior after realizing the importance of the buyers. The matter reaches the sales department manager of Starry Sky Grand Marketplace.
• The manager considers the situation against the marketplace’s broader financial troubles. Once a dominant shopping center, Starry Sky Grand Marketplace is losing customers to newer competitors and has been forced into an increasingly painful price war. As the second son of a major shareholder, the manager is under intense family and professional pressure to produce results.

Character Developments

• Jing Yi: Shows confidence and enthusiasm as he takes control of his new business premises. He demonstrates careful judgment by personally inspecting the equipment and verifying the suspected Astral Sand rather than trusting the supplier blindly.
• Qin Meng: Becomes insecure about his financial position and worries that Jing Yi’s success is leaving him behind. His concern reveals both his pride and his desire to remain worthy of Jing Yi, even though he does not openly explain his feelings.
• Delivery staff: Their exaggerated excitement establishes Jing Yi and Qin Meng’s celebrity status and suggests that outsiders view them as an attractive, affectionate couple despite negative online rumors.
• Starry Sky Grand Marketplace manager: Is introduced as a capable but politically pressured businessman struggling against both market competition and rivalry within his own family. Jing Yi’s order may represent an important opportunity for him.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and entrepreneurship: Jing Yi is building a new food-processing business and carefully preparing its facilities and equipment.
• Financial insecurity and personal pride: Qin Meng’s anxiety reflects the pressure of maintaining status and equality within a relationship where one partner is rapidly becoming more successful.
• Public image versus private reality: Online rumors portray Jing Yi and Qin Meng’s marriage negatively, while witnesses see a seemingly harmonious and well-matched couple.
• Trust and verification: Jing Yi’s inspection of the delivery, especially the suspected Astral Sand, emphasizes the importance of caution and reliability in business.
• Competition and family pressure: The marketplace manager’s situation highlights the cutthroat commercial environment and the influence of inheritance and sibling rivalry.

Character Interactions

• Jing Yi and Qin Meng travel through the factory together, but Qin Meng’s silent financial worries create emotional distance. Jing Yi briefly shows concern, though he does not realize the true cause of Qin Meng’s anxiety.
• The delivery staff react with starstruck enthusiasm upon seeing the couple, privately rejecting the rumors that they are headed for divorce.
• Jing Yi interacts professionally with the delivery team while inspecting the shipment, and his presence prompts the supervisor to alert higher management.
• The marketplace manager is indirectly drawn into Jing Yi’s business dealings and begins considering how the high-profile customer might benefit his struggling company.

Summary

Plot and events

After learning that Jing Yi possesses a permanent 80% VIP card—granted for a single purchase exceeding three hundred million—the marketplace manager, Yan Kun, sees a major business opportunity and asks to speak with him directly. The delivery team, impressed by Jing Yi’s knowledge of materials and machines, gathers around him while he inspects and assembles the equipment. Their enthusiasm fails to account for Major Qin’s increasingly dark expression, prompting the team leader to intervene and summon Jing Yi to the communicator.
Yan Kun appears through a three-dimensional projection and first confirms Jing Yi’s satisfaction with Starry Sky Grand Marketplace’s products and services. Jing Yi explains that he has carefully checked the Astral Sand, other materials, and equipment, finding them authentic, high-quality, and correctly delivered. Yan Kun then proposes a promotional partnership: Jing Yi would advertise the marketplace through several of his popular comic short stories, and in return, all his future purchases would be sold at cost.

Character developments

Jing Yi’s expertise becomes evident as he quickly identifies the quality and properties of the materials and assembles machinery more efficiently than the delivery workers. His growing influence as a creator is also acknowledged; Yan Kun treats his comic stories as valuable promotional assets rather than casual entertainment. Jing Yi is initially embarrassed by being called “Madam Qin,” especially with Major Qin beside him, but he remains composed and evaluates the proposal pragmatically. He recognizes the enormous financial and logistical advantages of gaining a permanent low-cost supply channel.
Yan Kun is shown as perceptive and commercially ambitious. He understands both Jing Yi’s online popularity and the publicity surrounding Major Qin’s return, seeing cooperation with the couple as a chance to combine commercial credibility with emotional public appeal. Major Qin remains mostly silent but visibly displeased by the workers’ excessive attention toward Jing Yi.

Character interactions

The team leader reprimands the delivery workers indirectly after seeing them crowd around Jing Yi, while one enthusiastic employee openly praises Jing Yi’s abilities. The team leader then respectfully brings Jing Yi to the communicator, with Major Qin accompanying him. During the conversation, Yan Kun initially addresses Jing Yi as “Madam Qin,” but Jing Yi asks to be called Jing Yi or Mr. Jing, and Yan Kun adjusts smoothly. Yan Kun presents his proposal persuasively, complimenting Jing Yi’s comics and asking for his endorsement. Jing Yi responds thoughtfully rather than impulsively, considering how the arrangement could benefit his business.

Significant themes

The chapter emphasizes commercial opportunity and mutual exploitation of influence: Jing Yi’s creativity and popularity have become valuable business assets, while the marketplace can provide the resources needed for his expanding enterprise. It also highlights quality, trust, and professional standards, since Jing Yi’s positive impression comes from the marketplace’s authenticity and careful service. Finally, the chapter develops the theme of public image and celebrity association, as Yan Kun recognizes that Jing Yi and Major Qin’s popularity can strengthen the marketplace’s emotional appeal and public reputation.

Chapter Summary: “Working Together”

Plot and key events

Yan Kun persuades Jing Yi to cooperate by offering to refund the profits from their completed transaction. After the company calculates the amount as 35 million Federation Credits, Jing Yi immediately agrees, requesting that they formalize the arrangement with a contract. The deal ends successfully, with Yan Kun accepting the loss as a worthwhile advertising investment.
Afterward, Jing Yi distributes homemade spicy dried beast meat to Qin Meng and the delivery workers. The unfamiliar, richly seasoned food overwhelms everyone, who are accustomed to nutrient solutions and powders. The workers become intensely focused on preserving their food and possibly obtaining a second piece, carefully matching one another’s eating pace. However, they fail to account for Qin Meng, who is secretly their strongest competitor.

Character developments

• Jing Yi reveals his practical, money-conscious side. Although he agrees to future cooperation, the immediate refund of 35 million credits is what truly convinces him. He is also generous and confident in sharing his cooking.
• Yan Kun demonstrates persuasive business instincts, sacrificing short-term profits for the long-term promotional value of working with Jing Yi.
• Qin Meng recognizes that his newlywed husband is a “money-grubber,” but also becomes possessive and comically resentful when the dried meat is shared with others.
• The delivery workers experience an almost transformative appreciation for Jing Yi’s cooking. Their delight quickly turns competitive as they strategize over whether a second serving will appear.

Character interactions

Yan Kun and Jing Yi engage in a formal business negotiation, with Yan Kun sweetening the offer until Jing Yi accepts. Qin Meng silently observes the deal and is amused by Jing Yi’s love of money. Later, Jing Yi shares the dried meat equally, giving the final piece to Qin Meng. Qin Meng enjoys the food but feels jealous that the workers also receive it. The workers’ synchronized eating creates a humorous silent competition, though Qin Meng remains the real threat because he may seize any extra food first.

Significant themes

The chapter highlights cooperation and mutually beneficial business arrangements, showing how short-term sacrifice can secure greater long-term rewards. It also emphasizes the commercial value of Jing Yi’s creativity and skills, particularly his cooking and related promotional potential. A lighter theme is the almost universal power of delicious food: it breaks through cultural differences, inspires greed and rivalry, and turns ordinary people into tactical competitors.

Chapter 118 Summary

Plot and Events

• Qin Meng greedily finishes his own bag of beef jerky, then breaks the rules by taking the remaining jerky from Jing Yi, shocking and disappointing the delivery workers.
• The equipment delivery is completed within half an hour. The workers organize the materials in the warehouse, complete the handover with Jing Yi, and sign the necessary documents.
• The person in charge asks Jing Yi to contact them once the contract is finalized so the payment can be returned. Jing Yi is pleased with the partnership and plans to have Fan Qiao negotiate the contract with Starry Sky Grand Marketplace.
• Fan Qiao is delighted by the news and promises to handle the contract fairly. However, he quickly shifts the conversation to Jing Yi’s relationship with Qin Meng and asks whether the suggestive “little movies” he provided have helped them become closer.
• Embarrassed, Jing Yi pretends the signal is bad and abruptly ends the call. Fan Qiao notices Qin Meng in the background eating jerky and begins speculating that the couple’s relationship has progressed.
• Jing Yi worries that Qin Meng may have overheard the conversation. Seeing Qin Meng lingering over the spicy jerky, he gives him another bag, this time in his preferred five-spice flavor.
• Qin Meng happily accepts, praises Jing Yi’s cooking, and receives permission to eat the jerky as a snack. Jing Yi then asks Qin Meng to leave first while he experiments with purifying several materials, requesting that Qin Meng return later to pick him up.

Character Development

• Qin Meng: His normally aloof and dignified image gives way to a comically greedy, food-loving side. His eagerness over Jing Yi’s homemade jerky makes him appear almost like a large, needy cat. He also shows consideration by cleaning his hands before accepting more food and offering Jing Yi the first piece.
• Jing Yi: He demonstrates growing affection and familiarity with Qin Meng, rewarding his obvious enjoyment with another bag of jerky. He is still embarrassed about romantic matters, especially Fan Qiao’s teasing, but is increasingly comfortable caring for Qin Meng.
• Fan Qiao: He remains energetic, meddlesome, and highly curious about the couple’s private relationship. He also shows enthusiasm and responsibility regarding the business deal.
• Delivery workers: Their admiration for Qin Meng collapses after witnessing his shameless behavior over the jerky, providing comic relief.

Themes

• Domestic intimacy and affection: Food becomes a way for Jing Yi and Qin Meng to express care and grow closer.
• The contrast between public image and private behavior: Qin Meng’s cold, impressive persona is undercut by his childish enthusiasm for snacks.
• Embarrassment and romantic progress: Jing Yi’s discomfort over Fan Qiao’s teasing suggests that the couple’s relationship is developing, even if he is not ready to discuss it openly.
• Business and future plans: The successful equipment delivery and planned contract signal the beginning of Jing Yi’s larger commercial ambitions.

Character Interactions

• Qin Meng’s shamelessly taking the jerky clashes humorously with the delivery workers’ former respect for him.
• Jing Yi and Fan Qiao’s call highlights their close friendship, with Fan Qiao teasing Jing Yi about Qin Meng while Jing Yi hurriedly avoids the subject.
• Jing Yi and Qin Meng share a gentle food-centered exchange: Jing Yi gives him another bag of jerky, Qin Meng praises it and offers him the first piece, and Jing Yi asks him to return later to pick him up.

Chapter Summary

Plot points and events

Jing Yi decides to use his unexpected extra money to buy a car, tired of relying on others for transportation. Qin Meng offers to accompany him to the workshop and help process materials. Jing Yi agrees but carefully assigns Qin Meng only the purification work so that his secret method of making Energy Cards remains hidden.
At the workshop, Jing Yi and Qin Meng work separately using advanced Luotian equipment. Qin Meng purifies Violet Luo Silver and Dibao Steel, while Jing Yi purifies three other materials and secretly prepares the specialized base plate needed for Diandian’s new Energy Card template. The recipe differs from standard cards through one additional material and slightly altered proportions and fusion pressure. Jing Yi takes the work seriously because the base plate’s quality will determine the card’s eventual rank.
After about an hour, they leave in a hovercar. Jing Yi is visibly pleased with the finished result and calls Yang Chun, inviting him to dinner to make up for a previous missed meal. General Chen is nearby and discreetly listens to the conversation.

Character developments

Jing Yi demonstrates caution, technical competence, and dedication. Although he accepts Qin Meng’s assistance, he deliberately protects his secret abilities and controls which parts of the process Qin Meng can observe. His satisfaction afterward suggests confidence that the experiment went well.
Qin Meng remains energetic and food-driven, eating beast jerky while reflecting on Jing Yi’s social connections. He is also increasingly impressed by Jing Yi, especially when watching him work seriously.
Yang Chun is shown to have an established friendship with Jing Yi, while General Chen’s interest in their conversation hints that Jing Yi’s relationships and activities may be attracting official attention.

Significant themes

The chapter contrasts the efficiency of traditional assembly-line manufacturing with the costly, labor-intensive production of biomechas and modern Energy Cards. It explains how the rise of psychic-powered biomechas created a powerful elite class of mecha manufacturers while leaving material processing as the more ordinary, technical part of production.
Other themes include secrecy and trust, the importance of precision, technological advancement, and the growing social bonds around Jing Yi. The passage also uses humor through Qin Meng’s appetite and his jealous thoughts about Fan Qiao’s gift to Jing Yi.

Character interactions

Jing Yi and Qin Meng cooperate in the workshop, with Jing Yi quietly limiting Qin Meng’s access to the important parts of the process. Qin Meng observes Jing Yi admiringly while they work. Later, Jing Yi warmly contacts Yang Chun and invites him to dinner, showing that he values their friendship. General Chen silently listens in, adding an element of curiosity and possible future tension.

Chapter 120 Summary

• Key events: Jing Yi invites Yang Chun and General Chen’s family to dinner. Yang Chun arrives with a rare Emperor Owl Dragon juvenile, a powerful predator from Planet One that a squad nearly died capturing. Although the creature resembles an oversized, fluffy duck or goose, Qin Meng explains its dangerous origins and rarity.
• Character developments: Yang Chun tries to impress Jing Yi with the unusual gift, but Qin Meng casually takes over the explanation, stealing his opportunity to show off. Qin Meng’s protectiveness and subtle possessiveness become apparent when he deliberately blocks Yang Chun’s eager gaze toward Jing Yi. Jing Yi remains unfazed by the creature’s status and immediately begins thinking of ways to cook it.
• Character interactions: General Chen is annoyed that Yang Chun has interrupted Jing Yi and Qin Meng’s time together, but accepts the dinner invitation. He also silently criticizes Yang Chun for intruding on the couple’s developing relationship. Madam Chen enjoys watching the men’s rivalry, while General Chen pretends to remain stern but is secretly amused and pleased.
• Themes: The chapter emphasizes friendship, domestic intimacy, and playful rivalry. It also highlights Qin Meng and Jing Yi’s growing closeness, with Qin Meng’s understated jealousy contrasting with Jing Yi’s straightforward, food-focused attitude. The rare and dangerous creature is humorously reduced from a fearsome predator to a potential duck-style meal, reinforcing the chapter’s lighthearted tone.