Chapter Summaries

Chapter Summary: Elementary School Classmate Zheng Xiaoqi

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Yuan meets his elementary school classmate, Zheng Xiaoqi, at a milk tea shop to purchase an anime figurine for Gu Lianyin’s birthday.
• Zheng Xiaoqi still looks remarkably young despite being seventeen, leading Lin Yuan to be shocked by how little she has changed since elementary school.
• They catch up on their lives. Zheng Xiaoqi attends another high school, performs poorly academically, and spends most of her time watching anime and staying at home.
• Zheng Xiaoqi agrees to sell Lin Yuan the figurine, but while inspecting him, she realizes that he resembles a popular anime character.
• Excited by the resemblance, she insists on giving Lin Yuan makeup and styling him for cosplay. She eventually drags him home and transforms him into the character.
• Lin Yuan is initially embarrassed and resistant, but he is stunned by how handsome he looks after Zheng Xiaoqi’s makeover. He agrees to cosplay at an upcoming convention in exchange for receiving the figurine.
• Afterward, Lin Yuan prepares for his new appearance by consulting Zheng Xiaoqi, choosing stylish clothes, and getting an expensive haircut.
• He returns to school and tells his roommates that he will be away late the following night.
• The next day, the homeroom teacher announces a campus singing competition with significant scholarship prizes. Gu Lianyin signs up, while Lin Yuan initially refuses because he believes he is not good at singing.
• The system then presents Lin Yuan with four choices: entering the competition and placing in the top ten, top three, or first place, with increasingly powerful singing-related rewards. The highest option also promises fame, two emotionally moving songs, and exceptional skill with the game Honor of Kings hero Hou Yi.

Character Developments

• Lin Yuan: Reconnects with an old classmate and becomes more concerned with his appearance after discovering his potential as a handsome cosplay performer. Though initially unwilling to endure embarrassment, he sacrifices his pride to obtain Lianyin’s gift. His reluctance to enter the singing contest is challenged by the system’s rewards.
• Zheng Xiaoqi: Is established as an anime enthusiast with a playful, forceful personality. Her youthful appearance remains unchanged, causing social inconveniences and personal insecurity, particularly regarding her lack of physical development. She demonstrates creativity and skill with makeup and cosplay.
• Gu Lianyin: Shows confidence in her singing ability by voluntarily entering the school competition. Her upcoming birthday remains important to Lin Yuan, motivating his efforts to obtain the figurine.
• Lin Yuan’s roommates: Are briefly informed that Lin Yuan will be away, suggesting that his upcoming activities may become relevant to them later.

Significant Themes

• Appearance and self-perception: Lin Yuan is surprised by how much makeup and styling transform his appearance, while Zheng Xiaoqi struggles with being judged by her childlike looks.
• Friendship and favors: Lin Yuan and Zheng Xiaoqi’s reunion quickly becomes a mutually beneficial exchange, blending business, teasing, and old familiarity.
• Personal sacrifice: Lin Yuan accepts humiliation and inconvenience to secure a meaningful birthday present for Lianyin.
• Hidden potential: Lin Yuan’s possible talent in singing—and his unexpectedly strong visual appeal—suggests that he possesses abilities he has not yet recognized.
• Opportunity and ambition: The singing competition offers Lin Yuan a chance to gain money, fame, and supernatural abilities through the system.

Character Interactions

• Lin Yuan and Zheng Xiaoqi reconnect through jokes and teasing, with Lin Yuan commenting on her unchanged appearance and Zheng Xiaoqi joking about her unsuccessful suitors.
• Their figurine transaction becomes playful bargaining, with Zheng Xiaoqi using the item to pressure Lin Yuan into agreeing to cosplay.
• Zheng Xiaoqi takes control of Lin Yuan’s makeover, treating him like a model while he protests but ultimately cooperates.
• Gu Lianyin encourages Lin Yuan to join the singing competition, but he initially declines before the system presents him with its choices.

Chapter Summary: “Beautiful Ling Wanqing, Gu Lianyin Got Angry”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Yuan receives a system mission requiring him to enter the campus singing competition. He chooses the option offering the greatest reward, which depends on achieving first place.
• The system grants him two unreleased songs, expert-level singing ability, mastery of the Honor of Kings hero Hou Yi, and a naturally beautiful singing voice. The reward is issued in advance but will be reclaimed if he fails the mission.
• Confident in his new abilities, Lin Yuan declares that no one will be able to compete with him. Gu Lianyin considers this arrogant and challenges him to prove it.
• They make a bet: if Lin Yuan wins first place, Gu Lianyin must fulfill one of his requests; if he loses, he must fulfill one of hers. Lin Yuan immediately signs up for the competition.
• Since it is Gu Lianyin’s birthday, Lin Yuan accompanies her home with a gift. He helps prepare dinner, eventually taking over the cooking and producing several impressive dishes.
• Gu Lianyin’s best friend, Ling Wanqing, arrives late. She is exceptionally beautiful and dressed elegantly, causing Gu Lianyin to become furious because she fears Ling Wanqing will attract Lin Yuan’s attention.
• Gu Lianyin shuts the door on Ling Wanqing and refuses to let her in. Ling Wanqing explains that she dressed this way to test Lin Yuan’s character and see whether he would become distracted by her beauty.

Character Developments

• Lin Yuan: Gains powerful singing-related abilities and becomes highly confident, perhaps overly so, about winning the competition. He also demonstrates practical skills, especially cooking, and behaves attentively toward Gu Lianyin.
• Gu Lianyin: Becomes increasingly emotionally invested in Lin Yuan. She is excited about his birthday gift, notices his improved appearance, and grows jealous and protective when Ling Wanqing appears. Her anger reveals romantic interest and insecurity.
• Ling Wanqing: Is introduced as strikingly beautiful, confident, and mischievous. She claims to be testing Lin Yuan’s character, though her behavior also seems intended to provoke or compete with Gu Lianyin.

Significant Themes

• Confidence and competition: Lin Yuan’s new abilities lead him to aim directly for first place, setting up the singing competition as an important future conflict.
• Jealousy and romantic tension: Gu Lianyin’s reaction to Ling Wanqing’s beauty exposes her feelings for Lin Yuan.
• Testing character: Ling Wanqing believes a person’s response to beauty reveals their loyalty and moral character.
• Friendship and rivalry: Although Gu Lianyin and Ling Wanqing are best friends, their interactions show playful rivalry, especially concerning Lin Yuan’s attention.
• Domestic intimacy: Cooking and celebrating together create a warm, personal atmosphere that strengthens the bond between Lin Yuan and Gu Lianyin.

Character Interactions

• Lin Yuan and Gu Lianyin tease each other over his confidence, leading to their bet about the singing competition.
• While preparing Gu Lianyin’s birthday dinner, Lin Yuan takes charge of cooking, and Gu Lianyin obediently assists him, creating a comfortable and affectionate dynamic.
• Gu Lianyin eagerly anticipates Lin Yuan’s gift and praises his cooking.
• Ling Wanqing’s arrival immediately disrupts the birthday gathering. Gu Lianyin becomes possessive and refuses to open the door, while Ling Wanqing defends her actions as a test of Lin Yuan’s loyalty and character.

Chapter Summary: Lianyin’s Birthday Dinner

Key Plot Points and Events

• On Gu Lianyin’s birthday, her best friend Ling Wanqing arrives, but Lianyin refuses to let her enter because she fears Lin Yuan might be attracted to Wanqing.
• After a fifteen-minute standoff, Wanqing forces her way inside, provoking Lianyin into angrily declaring that she is ending their friendship.
• Wanqing assumes Lin Yuan is immediately captivated by her beauty when he walks toward her. However, he simply passes her and goes to comfort the upset Lianyin.
• Lin Yuan reassures Lianyin, strokes her hair, holds her hand, and seats her at the table before inviting Wanqing to eat.
• The three share an initially awkward meal. Wanqing gives Lianyin an expensive necklace, but Lianyin’s cold response reveals that she is still angry.
• Lin Yuan gives Lianyin a relatively inexpensive Da Qiao figurine from Honor of Kings, knowing it is her favorite character. Lianyin is genuinely delighted, making Wanqing realize that the emotional meaning of a gift matters more to her friend than its price.
• During the cake ritual, Lianyin wishes for happiness, her family’s health, greater beauty, and for the person she loves to love her in return.
• Wanqing wishes for their friendship to last forever. Lin Yuan then repeats a version of Lianyin’s romantic birthday wish, unknowingly—or perhaps indirectly—touching her deeply.
• The dinner ends with casual conversation. Wanqing thanks Lin Yuan for looking after Lianyin, while Lin Yuan remains polite but pays far more attention to Lianyin.

Character Developments

• Gu Lianyin: Her jealousy and insecurity are evident at the beginning, especially concerning Lin Yuan’s reaction to Wanqing. She becomes genuinely happy when Lin Yuan gives her a thoughtful gift and gradually forgives Wanqing.
• Ling Wanqing: She begins confident and highly self-assured because of her beauty, assuming Lin Yuan will be attracted to her. His indifference humbles her and makes her question the importance of appearance. She also realizes that her expensive gift cannot compare with the personal significance of Lin Yuan’s present.
• Lin Yuan: He demonstrates attentiveness and affection toward Lianyin, comforting her physically and emotionally. His treatment of Wanqing shows that he is not easily distracted by beauty, particularly because his special ability lets him perceive Lianyin’s true appearance.

Significant Themes

• Appearance versus genuine affection: Wanqing’s beauty attracts attention from others, but Lin Yuan values Lianyin’s true self rather than superficial attractiveness.
• Thoughtfulness over material value: Lianyin prefers the inexpensive figurine because it reflects Lin Yuan’s understanding of her interests, while the costly necklace feels emotionally impersonal.
• Jealousy and insecurity: Lianyin’s fear of losing Lin Yuan exposes her romantic feelings and lack of confidence.
• Friendship and reconciliation: Although Wanqing’s teasing causes conflict, her birthday gift and sincere wishes eventually help repair their friendship.
• Unspoken romantic feelings: Lianyin’s birthday wish and Lin Yuan’s repetition of it reveal the emotional tension between them without either openly confessing.

Important Character Interactions

• Lianyin and Wanqing clash over Wanqing’s forced entrance, but their friendship survives the argument.
• Lin Yuan comforts Lianyin while completely ignoring Wanqing’s attempts to attract his attention, reversing Wanqing’s expectations.
• Wanqing observes the clear difference between Lianyin’s reaction to her expensive necklace and to Lin Yuan’s sentimental figurine.
• Lin Yuan’s affectionate gestures—holding Lianyin’s hand, touching her hair, and noticing cake on her nose—highlight his growing closeness to her.
• Wanqing thanks Lin Yuan for caring for Lianyin, while his restrained, indifferent attitude toward Wanqing confirms that his interest lies with Lianyin.

Chapter Summary: “I Have Tickets to Lin Qingyue’s Concert”

Plot Points and Events

• Lin Yuan spends time with Gu Lianyin and her friend Ling Wanqing, comfortably discussing schoolwork and various topics.
• The conversation turns to popular singer Lin Qingyue, whose upcoming concert is highly anticipated and whose tickets are scarce and extremely expensive.
• Both Gu Lianyin and Ling Wanqing reveal that they are devoted fans but cannot obtain tickets. Ling also cannot attend because of her grandfather’s birthday.
• Lin Yuan reveals that he has three genuine tickets personally given to him by Lin Qingyue.
• He offers one to Gu Lianyin for free as a birthday present and invites her to attend the concert with him. Gu is thrilled.
• After Gu leaves the room, Ling Wanqing tries to add Lin Yuan as a contact under the pretext of asking him for academic help. Lin Yuan’s indifference frustrates her, especially because she is accustomed to attracting attention from boys.
• Lin Yuan leaves late in the evening to avoid missing the school dormitory curfew. Gu walks him downstairs, and he affectionately ruffles her hair before they part.
• After returning to the dormitory, Lin Yuan stores the concert tickets and plans to give Gu hers the next day.
• Meanwhile, his roommate Liu Qing worries about finding and affording a ticket for his girlfriend. Wang Ping criticizes the girlfriend’s expensive demands and suggests breaking up, but Liu insists he is willingly doing it.

Character Developments

• Lin Yuan: Demonstrates social confidence, generosity, and emotional restraint. He remains unmoved by Ling Wanqing’s beauty and attempts to gain his attention, while showing clear warmth toward Gu Lianyin.
• Gu Lianyin: Her jealousy toward Ling Wanqing becomes obvious, but she tries to maintain composure. She is delighted by Lin Yuan’s gift and appears increasingly comfortable and affectionate around him.
• Ling Wanqing: Reveals her competitive and self-confident personality. Lin Yuan’s lack of interest unsettles her and sparks curiosity, leading her to take the initiative in seeking contact with him.
• Liu Qing: Shows devotion to his girlfriend despite the financial burden of buying an overpriced concert ticket.
• Wang Ping: Acts as the practical, blunt roommate who questions Liu Qing’s relationship and spending habits.

Significant Themes

• Jealousy and romantic rivalry: Gu Lianyin becomes jealous of Ling Wanqing’s conversation with Lin Yuan, while Ling grows interested after Lin Yuan refuses to be impressed by her.
• Generosity and affection: Lin Yuan’s decision to give Gu a valuable ticket functions as both a gift and a sign of their growing closeness.
• Beauty and social attention: Ling Wanqing is accustomed to receiving admiration because of her appearance, making Lin Yuan’s indifference especially striking.
• Money and relationships: The inflated ticket prices highlight class and financial pressures, while Liu Qing’s willingness to sacrifice his living expenses raises questions about devotion and unhealthy spending.
• Friendship and romantic tension: Casual interactions—such as Lin Yuan ruffling Gu’s hair—suggest a relationship becoming more intimate, even if it has not been openly defined.

Character Interactions

• Lin Yuan and Ling Wanqing engage in an intellectually balanced conversation, though Ling privately evaluates his reactions.
• Gu Lianyin watches them jealously and later confronts Ling over her behavior.
• Lin Yuan offers Gu Lianyin a concert ticket and invites her to attend with him, strengthening their bond.
• Ling attempts to establish a private connection with Lin Yuan, but his refusal to immediately add her frustrates her pride.
• Gu and Ling later wrestle playfully over the evening’s events, expressing their rivalry through teasing and physical horseplay.
• In the dormitory, Liu Qing, Wang Ping, and Li Wencai provide contrasting attitudes toward romance, money, and personal priorities.

Chapter Summary: “Torn-Up Tickets”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Qing desperately complains about being short of money while trying to obtain a ticket to Lin Qingyue’s concert for his girlfriend.
• Lin Yuan reveals that he has an extra ticket and agrees to sell it to Liu Qing. After bargaining—and being called out by Wang Ping for trying to underpay him—Liu Qing buys it for 7,500 yuan.
• Liu Qing immediately calls his girlfriend, relieved that she is no longer angry with him.
• Lin Yuan gives his remaining ticket to Gu Lianyin, who discovers that it is an extremely rare diamond ticket worth tens of thousands of yuan.
• Gu Lianyin worries that Lin Yuan may have been scammed, but he assures her that the ticket is genuine. When he says Lin Qingyue personally gave it to him, Gu Lianyin assumes he is joking.
• Lin Yuan sells his stocks and earns over 600,000 yuan in profit. Gu Lianyin insists on transferring half of the money to him, honoring their agreement.
• Their increasingly close relationship attracts attention from classmates, who begin speculating that they are dating.
• At the end of the chapter, Lin Yuan returns to the dormitory and finds Lin Qingyue’s diamond concert ticket torn in half on the floor, creating a sudden mystery and possible threat.

Character Developments

• Lin Yuan: Remains calm and practical, helping Liu Qing despite his complaints and maintaining his financial partnership with Gu Lianyin. His growing wealth gives him the chance to improve his family’s life, though he worries about explaining his sudden success and villa to his mother.
• Liu Qing: Shows his willingness to plead and bargain shamelessly to help his girlfriend attend the concert. His relief after obtaining the ticket highlights how important his relationship is to him, but his attempt to underpay Lin Yuan reveals his opportunistic side.
• Gu Lianyin: Demonstrates concern for Lin Yuan’s safety and honesty. She also proves herself fair and trustworthy by insisting on giving him half of their stock profits. Her increasing closeness with Lin Yuan becomes noticeable to others.
• Wang Ping: Acts as a blunt but observant roommate, exposing Liu Qing’s attempt to take advantage of Lin Yuan.
• Lin Qingyue: Though absent from the main events, her personal gift of the diamond ticket establishes her special connection to Lin Yuan and makes the destroyed ticket especially significant.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and fairness: Lin Yuan helps his roommate, but Wang Ping reminds Liu Qing not to exploit that friendship.
• Romantic devotion: Liu Qing’s financial desperation stems from his desire to please his girlfriend, while Gu Lianyin and Lin Yuan’s partnership continues to deepen.
• Sudden wealth and hidden identity: Lin Yuan’s financial success contrasts with his modest appearance and lifestyle, creating tension over how he will explain his new circumstances.
• Trust and suspicion: Gu Lianyin trusts Lin Yuan but remains cautious about the ticket, while the final image of the torn ticket introduces uncertainty about who may be hostile toward him.
• Social perception: Classmates begin interpreting Lin Yuan and Gu Lianyin’s closeness romantically, showing how quickly their relationship becomes a topic of speculation.

Important Character Interactions

• Lin Yuan and Liu Qing: Their negotiation over the ticket reveals both Liu Qing’s desperation and Lin Yuan’s generosity.
• Liu Qing and Wang Ping: Wang Ping challenges Liu Qing’s dishonest bargaining tactics.
• Lin Yuan and Gu Lianyin: Their conversation about the diamond ticket and shared stock profits reinforces their trust and partnership.
• Lin Yuan and his classmates: The class notices his repeated interactions with Gu Lianyin and begins suspecting they are romantically involved.
• Final incident: Lin Yuan’s discovery of the destroyed ticket suggests that someone may be targeting him or rejecting his connection with Lin Qingyue.

Chapter Summary

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Qing angrily confronts his roommate, Lin Yuan, after discovering that the concert ticket Lin Yuan sold him was supposedly fake.
• Liu Qing had given the ticket to his girlfriend, who was embarrassed when her friend identified it as a rare Diamond Concert ticket. Believing Lin Yuan could not possibly afford or obtain such a ticket, Liu Qing assumes it was counterfeit.
• Lin Yuan calmly insists that the ticket is genuine and tells Liu Qing to have it authenticated. However, Liu Qing insults him, accusing him of stealing the ticket and deceiving his friends.
• Lin Yuan retrieves the torn ticket, refunds Liu Qing’s money, and leaves without arguing further, deciding that their friendship is over.
• Lin Yuan tells singer Lin Qingyue about the incident. She agrees that Liu Qing behaved unreasonably.
• Lin Qingyue posts a screenshot of their conversation on Weibo, describing the foolish roommate who mistook a real ticket for a fake and tore it up.
• The post quickly goes viral, attracting thousands of comments and offers as high as 50,000 yuan for the valuable ticket.
• The next morning, classmate Gu Lianyin shows Lin Yuan the trending post. He realizes that Lin Qingyue has publicly shared their private conversation, leaving him shocked and speechless.

2. Character Developments

• Lin Yuan: Remains calm and restrained despite Liu Qing’s insults. He demonstrates self-respect by refunding the money and ending the relationship rather than continuing to justify himself. His connection to Lin Qingyue is also revealed to be close enough for casual, personal conversations.
• Liu Qing: Becomes consumed by embarrassment and anger. Instead of verifying the ticket, he lashes out at Lin Yuan, revealing his prejudice toward Lin Yuan’s modest background and his lack of trust.
• Lin Qingyue: Shows sympathy for Lin Yuan and amusement at the absurd situation. Her decision to post the conversation publicly unexpectedly turns the incident into a viral scandal.
• Gu Lianyin: Serves as the person who informs Lin Yuan that the story has become a major online trend.

3. Significant Themes

• Prejudice based on wealth and appearance: Liu Qing assumes the ticket must be fake because Lin Yuan appears poor and uses inexpensive belongings.
• Misunderstood kindness: Lin Yuan intended to help his roommate by selling the ticket cheaply, but his gesture is repaid with accusations and insults.
• Pride and loss of face: Liu Qing’s humiliation in front of his girlfriend causes him to act irrationally and destroy his relationship with Lin Yuan.
• Truth versus assumptions: The genuine ticket is rejected because Liu Qing trusts his assumptions more than verification.
• The power of social media: A private conversation becomes a viral public controversy almost immediately, magnifying a personal dispute into a widespread spectacle.

4. Character Interactions

• Lin Yuan and Liu Qing: Their confrontation ends their roommate friendship. Liu Qing attacks Lin Yuan verbally, while Lin Yuan responds with silence, a refund, and withdrawal.
• Lin Yuan and Lin Qingyue: They exchange messages about the incident. Lin Qingyue supports Lin Yuan and later publicizes the story.
• Lin Yuan and Gu Lianyin: Gu Lianyin unknowingly reveals the viral post to Lin Yuan, allowing him to discover that his conversation has become a trending topic.

Chapter 27 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Qingyue posts her chat history with Liu Qing on Weibo, carefully censoring his profile picture and nickname. She assumes Liu Qing will not discover the post because he does not use Weibo.
• Lin Yuan continues tutoring Gu Lianyin so she can maintain her second-place ranking in class.
• Lin Yuan and Gu Lianyin agree to attend Lin Qingyue’s concert together.
• During lunch break, both students are called to audition for a school performance.
• Several students perform poorly, while a few talented contestants pass the judges’ evaluations.
• Gu Lianyin performs a popular song beautifully and receives unanimous approval from the judges.
• Lin Yuan is called to audition next. He plans to sing Jay Chou’s “Love Confession Balloon.”

Character Developments

• Gu Lianyin demonstrates strong singing ability and gains confidence from successfully passing the audition.
• Her feelings for Lin Yuan deepen. She becomes increasingly aware that she may be in love with him, but she is uncertain whether he feels the same way.
• Gu Lianyin considers becoming braver and possibly taking the initiative in their relationship, though she also worries that changing their current closeness might be risky.
• Lin Yuan continues to care for and encourage Gu Lianyin. He recognizes her romantic feelings and admits internally that he also likes her.
• However, Lin Yuan believes they have not known each other long enough and chooses to let their relationship develop naturally before confessing.
• Lin Qingyue’s decision to expose the chat history suggests she is willing to act impulsively, though the immediate consequences remain uncertain.

Significant Themes

• Growing romantic feelings: Gu Lianyin’s affection develops gradually through Lin Yuan’s kindness, attention, and companionship.
• Uncertainty and hesitation in love: Both characters like each other but refrain from confessing because they fear acting too soon or misreading the relationship.
• Natural progression of relationships: Lin Yuan prefers to wait until their bond becomes stronger rather than forcing a confession prematurely.
• Public performance and confidence: The audition provides Gu Lianyin with an opportunity to display her talent and receive recognition from others.
• Impulsiveness and consequences: Lin Qingyue’s social-media post reflects the chapter’s concern with acting rashly and potentially regretting it later.

Character Interactions

• Lin Yuan tutors Gu Lianyin and invites her to attend Lin Qingyue’s concert with him.
• He encourages her before her audition and enthusiastically praises her singing afterward, joking that he is “almost falling in love” with her.
• Gu Lianyin becomes flustered but secretly delighted by his words, interpreting them as possible evidence that their relationship is more than friendship.
• Lin Yuan understands her uncertainty but deliberately withholds a confession, believing the right moment has not yet arrived.
• The chapter ends with Lin Yuan preparing to perform, setting up his own audition and possibly a more direct expression of his feelings through song.

Chapter Summary: Lin Yuan Gains Priority in Choosing a Partner

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Yuan performs “Love Confession Balloon” at the school singing competition auditions.
• His confident, romantic performance captivates the audience, especially the girls, while the judges are impressed by his voice.
• All three judges approve him, allowing Lin Yuan to advance in the competition.
• Gu Lianyin is surprised by how talented Lin Yuan is, realizing she had underestimated her deskmate’s singing ability.
• After returning to class, Lin Yuan’s popularity rises sharply. Female classmates begin paying attention to him and asking Gu Lianyin for his contact information.
• Gu Lianyin reads the notes they give her, many of which contain requests to meet, learn from him, become friends, or even date him. Jealous and alarmed, she destroys the notes instead of passing them along.
• Her feelings for Lin Yuan deepen, and she privately thinks of him as “hers.”
• After school, another girl, Yang Xiaoli from the first-year classes, approaches Lin Yuan and asks to add him as a friend.

Character Developments

• Lin Yuan: Reveals himself as a highly skilled singer, demonstrating confidence and charm. His performance dramatically increases his popularity among the female students.
• Gu Lianyin: Moves from mild affection and admiration toward clear jealousy and possessiveness. She recognizes Lin Yuan as a “hidden treasure” and becomes worried that other girls will take him away.
• The other girls: Become interested in Lin Yuan after hearing him perform, establishing him as a new object of attention within the school.

Significant Themes

• Hidden talents and changing perceptions: Lin Yuan’s classmates discover that he is far more talented than they realized.
• Romantic jealousy and awakening feelings: Gu Lianyin’s protective reaction reveals that her feelings for Lin Yuan are becoming stronger.
• Popularity and competition: Lin Yuan’s performance creates a rush of romantic interest, suggesting that his relationships—and especially Gu Lianyin’s position beside him—may soon face competition.
• Youthful romance: The song and the students’ reactions reinforce the chapter’s atmosphere of teenage admiration, attraction, and emotional uncertainty.

Character Interactions

• Lin Yuan performs for the judges and audience, earning their unanimous approval.
• Gu Lianyin praises Lin Yuan after the performance, while he playfully boasts about his talent.
• Classmates begin treating Lin Yuan differently after witnessing his singing.
• Several girls approach Gu Lianyin for help contacting Lin Yuan, prompting her jealous and defensive response.
• The chapter ends with Yang Xiaoli directly approaching Lin Yuan, creating a new potential romantic complication.

Chapter Summary: “Rejection”

Key Plot Points and Events

• During auditions for a campus singing competition, Lin Yuan attracts the attention of Yang Xiaoli, an attractive and outgoing girl who is impressed by both his singing and appearance.
• Yang Xiaoli approaches Lin Yuan to ask for his contact information, but he politely refuses, saying that he does not add other girls.
• When she asks whether he already likes someone, Lin Yuan confirms that he does. Disappointed, Yang Xiaoli leaves.
• Gu Lianyin is shocked and saddened by Lin Yuan’s statement, assuming he has feelings for another girl. She wonders whether she might still have a chance if he is not officially dating that person.
• Lin Yuan explains that he only claimed to like someone to discourage girls from bothering him. Gu Lianyin realizes he may have explained himself because he was worried she would misunderstand.
• After discussing the situation with her best friend Ling Wanqing, Gu Lianyin decides to subtly attract Lin Yuan’s attention while maintaining her usual unattractive disguise.
• The next day, she wears a slightly undersized summer uniform that reveals more of her slim figure and fair skin.
• Lin Yuan openly admires her appearance and touches her arm and hand. Although he stops himself before holding her hand, the interaction leaves both of them embarrassed and emotionally affected.

Character Developments

• Lin Yuan: Demonstrates that he is uninterested in casual attention from other girls, though he enjoys teasing and admiring Gu Lianyin. His impulse to touch and hold her hand suggests growing attraction.
• Gu Lianyin: Reveals strong romantic feelings and jealousy toward Yang Xiaoli. She becomes more hopeful after realizing Lin Yuan may have been concerned about her misunderstanding him. Encouraged by Ling Wanqing, she begins taking small steps to attract his attention.
• Yang Xiaoli: Shows confidence and initiative by approaching Lin Yuan, but experiences an unusual rejection that leaves her disappointed.
• Ling Wanqing: Acts as Gu Lianyin’s confidante and gives her strategic advice on how to draw Lin Yuan closer.

Significant Themes

• Romantic misunderstanding: Lin Yuan’s vague claim that he likes someone causes Gu Lianyin to believe he has a secret love interest.
• Jealousy and insecurity: Gu Lianyin feels threatened by Yang Xiaoli despite her own disguised appearance and uncertainty about Lin Yuan’s feelings.
• Hidden beauty and identity: Gu Lianyin continues concealing her true attractiveness, while her clothing begins revealing the contrast between her disguise and her actual appearance.
• Growing intimacy: Physical contact and mutual embarrassment signal the developing romantic tension between Lin Yuan and Gu Lianyin.
• Initiative in romance: Ling Wanqing encourages Gu Lianyin to stop waiting passively and take deliberate steps to gain Lin Yuan’s attention.

Character Interactions

• Yang Xiaoli approaches Lin Yuan, but he rejects her request for contact and claims to like someone else.
• Gu Lianyin silently reacts with jealousy and disappointment, while Lin Yuan later explains his words to reassure her.
• Ling Wanqing advises Gu Lianyin on how to appear more attractive and catch Lin Yuan’s attention.
• Lin Yuan compliments Gu Lianyin’s figure, touches her arm and hand, and nearly holds her hand, creating an awkward but intimate moment between them.

Chapter Summary: Xiao Ke and the Little Squirrel

• Plot and Events: Lin Yuan and Gu Lianyin plan to attend a concert together, taking advantage of their diamond tickets to sit in the front rows. After class, Lin Yuan returns to the villa where he has been staying and later goes for a walk. Beneath a large banyan tree, he discovers a hollow containing nuts and encounters an unusually plump squirrel. The squirrel climbs onto his shoulder, eats from his hand, and allows him to pet it. Lin Yuan photographs the scene and sends the pictures to Gu Lianyin, who finds the squirrel adorable.
  A five-year-old girl named Xiao Ke then appears carrying a squirrel plushie. She reveals that she has raised the squirrel for nearly a year, feeding it until it became fat, but it has never allowed her to touch it. The squirrel is inexplicably comfortable with Lin Yuan but becomes frightened when Xiao Ke tries to approach. Lin Yuan comforts the animal and encourages Xiao Ke to try petting it again.

Character Developments

• Lin Yuan is shown enjoying his newfound wealth but remaining practical and somewhat reluctant to waste money. He is curious, gentle, and patient, particularly in his interactions with the squirrel and Xiao Ke. His ability to calm the squirrel makes him a bridge between the child and her pet.
• Gu Lianyin remains close to Lin Yuan, responding enthusiastically to his pictures and sharing his small experiences.
• Xiao Ke is introduced as an innocent, affectionate, and slightly jealous child. Despite raising the squirrel, she feels hurt and confused that it prefers Lin Yuan, but she continues hoping to bond with it.
• Character Interactions: Lin Yuan and Gu Lianyin discuss their upcoming concert and exchange messages about the squirrel. Lin Yuan bonds with the squirrel almost immediately, while Xiao Ke watches enviously because her own pet refuses to let her touch it. Lin Yuan kindly invites her closer and repeatedly tries to help her gain the squirrel’s trust.
• Themes: The chapter emphasizes companionship, innocence, and the unexpected bonds formed between people and animals. It also explores jealousy and affection from a child’s perspective, while highlighting Lin Yuan’s gentleness and his growing tendency to care for others.

Chapter Summary: “The Concert Begins”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Yuan successfully helps Xiao Ke approach and pet a timid squirrel. When Xiao Ke’s shout alerts it, the squirrel quickly escapes up a banyan tree.
• Xiao Ke’s older sister finds her and takes her home, warning her about bacteria and rabies. Xiao Ke says goodbye to Lin Yuan, who later returns to his villa.
• The next day, Lin Yuan goes to Gu Lianyin’s residence to accompany her before the concert. She spends time carefully applying makeup and disguising her naturally striking appearance.
• While waiting, Lin Yuan plays Honor of Kings. He demonstrates impressive skill with Hou Yi, helping his team defeat three enemy heroes and destroy their crystal.
• Lin Yuan and Gu Lianyin eat at a noodle shop before heading to the concert venue.
• At the concert, Lin Qingyue makes a dramatic entrance in a black gown and immediately energizes the audience. She performs her first two songs and notices Lin Yuan in the front rows, waving at him.

Character Developments

• Lin Yuan is shown as patient and considerate, waiting while Xiao Ke spends time with the squirrel. He also acts casually and confidently, displaying strong gaming ability and taking responsibility for arranging Gu Lianyin’s outing.
• Xiao Ke remains innocent, friendly, and fascinated by the squirrel. She forms a brief but meaningful connection with Lin Yuan despite not knowing him.
• Gu Lianyin reveals her shy and self-conscious side by disguising her naturally beautiful appearance. She is also enthusiastic and emotionally expressive, becoming an excited fan during both Lin Yuan’s game and Lin Qingyue’s performance.
• Lin Qingyue demonstrates her confidence and star power through her commanding stage presence and ability to move the entire audience. Her wave to Lin Yuan suggests a personal familiarity or special connection between them.

Significant Themes

• Kindness and trust: Lin Yuan’s calm presence allows the squirrel to overcome its fear, while Xiao Ke quickly treats him warmly.
• Youthful innocence and wonder: Xiao Ke’s delight over the squirrel and Gu Lianyin’s enthusiastic fan behavior create a lighthearted atmosphere.
• Public image versus private self: Gu Lianyin’s effort to conceal her natural beauty contrasts with Lin Qingyue’s confident public persona.
• Admiration and celebrity culture: The concert highlights the intense emotional connection between Lin Qingyue and her fans, especially Gu Lianyin.

Important Character Interactions

• Lin Yuan patiently encourages the squirrel to trust Xiao Ke, creating a gentle bond between them.
• Xiao Ke introduces Lin Yuan indirectly to her sister, though her sister remains cautious and protective.
• Gu Lianyin watches Lin Yuan play, becoming excited by his skill, and later shares her enthusiasm for Lin Qingyue’s concert.
• Lin Qingyue acknowledges Lin Yuan from the stage, but Gu Lianyin mistakenly believes the wave was directed at her, adding a humorous misunderstanding and ending the chapter on a lively note.

Chapter Summary: “Meeting Lin Qingyue”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Yuan and Gu Lianyin attend Lin Qingyue’s concert, seated in the expensive front row.
• Lin Yuan records part of the performance and posts it to Moments, including a shot of himself and Gu Lianyin.
• His roommates, Wang Ping, Li Wencai, and Liu Qing, react with surprise:
  • Wang Ping is shocked that Lin Yuan could afford such costly tickets.
  • Li Wencai criticizes the spending, believing the money could have been used for books and stationery.
  • Liu Qing initially assumes Lin Yuan stole and reposted someone else’s video, but the appearance of Lin Yuan on camera proves the ticket is genuine.
• Liu Qing realizes that the Diamond Concert ticket Lin Yuan previously sold him cheaply had been real. He regrets believing others who claimed it was fake and understands that his mistake damaged both his relationship with Lin Yuan and his relationship with his girlfriend.
• After the concert ends near midnight, Lin Qingyue messages Lin Yuan and invites him to a late-night meal.
• Lin Yuan accepts and secretly brings Gu Lianyin along, intending to surprise her by introducing her to Lin Qingyue.
• Lin Qingyue’s assistant escorts them backstage. Gu Lianyin initially thinks Lin Yuan is joking, but she is stunned when she actually sees Lin Qingyue.
• Lin Yuan introduces Gu Lianyin to the singer. Nervous but thrilled, Gu Lianyin tells Lin Qingyue that she is a fan.

Character Developments

• Lin Yuan: Becomes increasingly connected to Lin Qingyue and casually treats backstage access and personal invitations as normal. He enjoys surprising Gu Lianyin and teasing her reaction.
• Gu Lianyin: Shows her intense admiration for Lin Qingyue. Her excitement turns into disbelief and nervousness when she meets her idol, revealing her shy and easily overwhelmed side.
• Liu Qing: Experiences strong regret and embarrassment after discovering that he wrongly distrusted Lin Yuan. His realization highlights the consequences of judging Lin Yuan without verifying the truth.
• Lin Qingyue: Demonstrates a friendly and familiar relationship with Lin Yuan by inviting him to eat after the concert and welcoming Gu Lianyin warmly.
• Wang Ping and Li Wencai: Their reactions emphasize how extraordinary and expensive Lin Yuan’s concert experience appears to his roommates.

Significant Themes

• Regret and missed opportunities: Liu Qing realizes too late that his suspicion caused him to lose both a valuable ticket and a friendship.
• Changing perceptions: Lin Yuan’s front-row seat and connection with Lin Qingyue challenge his roommates’ assumptions about his finances and social standing.
• Admiration and celebrity worship: Gu Lianyin’s emotional reaction reflects the powerful effect Lin Qingyue has on her fans.
• Friendship and trust: The chapter contrasts Lin Qingyue’s trust in Lin Yuan with Liu Qing’s earlier suspicion.
• Surprise and social status: Lin Yuan’s ability to access the backstage area suggests that his relationships and circumstances are far more privileged than his roommates realize.

Character Interactions

• Lin Yuan and Gu Lianyin share a playful dynamic, with Lin Yuan intentionally hiding the backstage meeting to surprise her.
• Lin Yuan’s Moments post sparks discussion and disbelief among his roommates.
• Liu Qing’s reaction reveals unresolved tension between him and Lin Yuan following the ticket dispute.
• Lin Qingyue’s assistant acts as the link between Lin Yuan and the singer, recognizing him and escorting him backstage.
• Lin Qingyue warmly introduces herself to Gu Lianyin, who responds timidly as an excited fan.

Chapter Summary: “Held Hands”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Lianyin is stunned and thrilled when she meets and shakes hands with the famous actress Lin Qingyue, whom Lin Yuan already knows.
• Lin Yuan introduces Gu Lianyin as his deskmate and close friend, emphasizing that their relationship is especially close.
• Lin Qingyue invites Lin Yuan and Gu Lianyin to dinner before leaving the city. During the meal, she expresses dissatisfaction with her wealthy, glamorous life, admitting that money and luxury have not made her happy.
• Gu Lianyin excitedly takes photos with Lin Qingyue, obtains her autograph, and receives an album. She treats these items as precious treasures.
• After Lin Qingyue leaves, Gu Lianyin enthusiastically shares the experience with her best friend, Ling Wanqing, who becomes jealous and regrets missing the opportunity.
• Gu Lianyin posts the photos online, attracting widespread envy and attention.
• She thanks Lin Yuan for making the encounter possible, while playfully accusing him of hiding his connection to Lin Qingyue.
• On their way home, Lin Yuan compliments Gu Lianyin’s appearance, personality, and singing. Embarrassed, she insists that she does not want a boyfriend yet, though her thoughts reveal that she hopes Lin Yuan will pursue her.
• Lin Yuan takes Gu Lianyin’s hand and walks with her under the moonlight. Although he eventually takes her home by taxi, the hand-holding leaves her convinced that his feelings may be romantic.

Character Developments

• Gu Lianyin: Her excitement over meeting her idol shows her youthful, energetic side. More importantly, she grows increasingly confident in her feelings for Lin Yuan. His compliment and the act of holding hands make her hopeful that he reciprocates her affection.
• Lin Yuan: He remains calm and considerate, protecting Lin Qingyue’s reputation by withholding the true circumstances of their meeting. He enjoys teasing Gu Lianyin and deliberately compliments her, while his decision to hold her hand reveals his own attachment despite his otherwise restrained behavior.
• Lin Qingyue: Her glamorous public image contrasts with her private exhaustion and dissatisfaction. She feels emotionally unfulfilled despite her fame, wealth, and possessions.
• Ling Wanqing: She is shown as envious of Gu Lianyin’s encounter with Lin Qingyue, while also being frustrated by family members trying to arrange a romantic match for her.

Significant Themes

• Fame versus happiness: Lin Qingyue’s wealth and celebrity status fail to bring her genuine fulfillment, highlighting the emptiness behind her glamorous life.
• Young love and unspoken feelings: Lin Yuan and Gu Lianyin communicate indirectly through teasing, compliments, blushing, and hand-holding rather than openly confessing their feelings.
• The value of sincere companionship: While material possessions do not satisfy Lin Qingyue, Gu Lianyin finds great happiness in personal connection and shared memories.
• Hidden identity and perception: Gu Lianyin’s earlier experience of being treated differently because of her appearance continues to shape how she understands Lin Yuan’s kindness and her own feelings.

Character Interactions

• Lin Yuan introduces Gu Lianyin to Lin Qingyue, establishing Gu Lianyin’s importance in his life.
• Lin Qingyue listens to Lin Yuan and Gu Lianyin during dinner and warmly agrees to photos and an autograph.
• Gu Lianyin excitedly boasts to Ling Wanqing, whose jealousy reflects the social value of meeting a celebrity.
• Lin Yuan and Gu Lianyin tease each other after dinner, with Lin Yuan complimenting her and Gu Lianyin bashfully denying romantic interest.
• Their walk home culminates in Lin Yuan holding Gu Lianyin’s hand, a quiet but emotionally significant moment that both interpret as evidence of mutual affection.

Chapter 34 Summary: “Making an Excessive Request”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Yuan encounters the unusually clingy fat squirrel on his way home. Despite trying to remove it, the squirrel follows him and spends the night outside his villa.
• The next day, Lin Yuan discovers the squirrel still waiting nearby. It obeys his command to climb down from a tree and once again attaches itself to him.
• Xiao Ke visits Lin Yuan and happily pets the squirrel before being called home by her older sister. Lin Yuan briefly notices the older sister’s beauty but remains unmoved because of his feelings for Gu Lianyin.
• At home, Gu Lianyin tells her best friend Ling Wanqing that Lin Yuan held her hand while walking her home the previous day.
• Ling Wanqing is emotionally conflicted: she feels jealous and worried that Gu Lianyin may fall for Lin Yuan, but she also wants her friend to find someone who accepts her genuine appearance.
• Following Ling Wanqing’s advice, Gu Lianyin messages Lin Yuan and tells him he may make an “excessive request” to thank him for walking her home.
• Lin Yuan carefully considers his response and unexpectedly asks her to top up twenty yuan of phone credit for him.

Character Developments

• Lin Yuan: Shows patience and affection toward children, particularly Xiao Ke, but remains puzzled by the squirrel’s attachment to him. His feelings for Gu Lianyin continue to deepen, and he interprets her willingness to hold hands as a sign of romantic possibility. His final request reveals his humorous, modest, and somewhat unconventional personality.
• Gu Lianyin: Becomes more conscious of her relationship with Lin Yuan after he holds her hand. Shy and inexperienced in romance, she seeks Ling Wanqing’s advice and takes the first step by contacting him.
• Ling Wanqing: Displays jealousy and concern over Gu Lianyin’s growing closeness with Lin Yuan, while also sincerely wishing for Gu Lianyin’s happiness. She takes on the role of an inexperienced but encouraging relationship adviser.
• Xiao Ke: Remains innocent and affectionate, enjoying both Lin Yuan’s company and the friendly squirrel.
• The Fat Squirrel: Acts unusually attached to Lin Yuan, obeying his commands and repeatedly seeking his company, suggesting that there may be something special about Lin Yuan.

Significant Themes

• Romantic uncertainty and indirect confession: Lin Yuan and Gu Lianyin communicate their feelings through gestures rather than direct declarations.
• Jealousy versus friendship: Ling Wanqing struggles with her own emotional reaction while trying to support Gu Lianyin’s romantic prospects.
• Appearance and genuine acceptance: The chapter emphasizes the value of someone accepting Gu Lianyin despite her intentionally unattractive appearance.
• Humor and emotional awkwardness: The expected romantic “excessive request” becomes a mundane request for phone credit, creating a comedic contrast.
• The mysterious bond between Lin Yuan and the squirrel: The animal’s persistent attachment hints at unexplained qualities or secrets surrounding Lin Yuan.

Important Character Interactions

• Lin Yuan repeatedly tries—and fails—to distance himself from the fat squirrel.
• He shares a relaxed, affectionate conversation with Xiao Ke, who admires his apparent ability to command the animal.
• Gu Lianyin confides in Ling Wanqing about Lin Yuan holding her hand.
• Ling Wanqing advises Gu Lianyin to test Lin Yuan’s intentions by allowing him to make a request.
• Gu Lianyin contacts Lin Yuan, and he responds with the unexpectedly practical request that she recharge his phone.

Chapter Summary

Key plot points and events

• Gu Lianyin eagerly waits for Lin Yuan to message her, expecting an invitation to dinner or a movie. Instead, he asks her to top up his phone with twenty yuan, leaving her embarrassed and furious.
• She ignores him and sulks, while Lin Yuan remains unaware of why she is upset.
• On Monday, Gu Lianyin refuses to buy Lin Yuan his usual breakfast and admits that “someone named Lin Yuan” made her angry. Using his ability to understand women’s thoughts, Lin Yuan realizes the phone-credit request caused the problem and invites her to hotpot as an apology.
• Both Lin Yuan and Gu Lianyin advance easily through the singing competition’s fifty-to-twenty-five round. Lin Yuan’s performance receives enthusiastic applause, and his growing popularity attracts several girls seeking his contact information.
• A younger female student gives Lin Yuan a heart-shaped note in front of Gu Lianyin. The chapter ends when Lin Yuan chooses to accept it.

Character developments

• Gu Lianyin becomes increasingly conscious of her feelings for Lin Yuan. Her anger over the phone-credit request and intense jealousy reveal that she wants to be treated as someone special, despite denying any romantic interest.
• Lin Yuan remains socially oblivious but begins to recognize and enjoy Gu Lianyin’s jealousy. When presented with the system’s choice, he prioritizes obtaining a random skill over money, a favorability increase, or the “Heartless” title.
• Ling Wanqing serves as a teasing observer, laughing openly at Gu Lianyin’s embarrassing misunderstanding.

Significant themes

• Miscommunication in romance: Gu Lianyin expects a meaningful invitation, while Lin Yuan’s mundane request unintentionally hurts her feelings.
• Jealousy and unspoken affection: Gu Lianyin’s reactions expose feelings she refuses to acknowledge verbally.
• Choices between emotion and reward: Lin Yuan rejects immediate money and favorability gains in favor of the unknown benefit offered by the system.
• Public attention and popularity: Lin Yuan’s singing success increases his visibility and attracts romantic interest from other students.

Character interactions

• Ling Wanqing mocks Gu Lianyin’s disappointment over the phone-credit request.
• Lin Yuan tries to comfort the angry Gu Lianyin by offering to take her for hotpot.
• After other girls approach Lin Yuan, he teases Gu Lianyin about being jealous, prompting her to deny caring about him.
• A younger girl presents Lin Yuan with a heart-shaped note while Gu Lianyin watches possessively. Although Gu Lianyin silently threatens to stop speaking to him if he accepts it, Lin Yuan chooses to accept the note, intensifying her jealousy.

Chapter Summary: Dawn of Tragic Love

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Yuan accepts a heart-shaped note from another girl in front of Gu Lianyin, provoking intense jealousy.
• To complete a system task, he reads the note aloud. It praises his singing and asks to add him as a friend.
• After finishing the task, Lin Yuan receives the Grandmaster Combat Skill, which floods his mind with combat knowledge and motivates him to begin physical training.
• He tears up the note in front of Gu Lianyin, implying that he did so to reassure someone who might be upset. Gu Lianyin realizes he was referring to her and secretly feels pleased.
• Lin Yuan and Gu Lianyin advance from the competition’s top twenty-five to the top ten. They now face stronger contestants and must display their full abilities.
• Determined to become famous online through the competition and satisfy future system tasks, Lin Yuan asks Lin Qingyue to promote him after the top-ten-to-top-three round. She agrees after discovering how talented he is.
• Lin Qingyue encourages Lin Yuan to enter the entertainment industry and offers to mentor him, but he declines because he dislikes the industry’s chaotic and exhausting nature.
• Lin Yuan remembers his promise to Zheng Xiaoqi to cosplay and attend a large anime convention with her as part of Gu Lianyin’s birthday preparations.
• During the top-ten-to-top-three round, Gu Lianyin performs a sweet love song successfully. Lin Yuan then takes the stage to perform his original song, “Dawn of Tragic Love,” ending the chapter on a performance cliffhanger.

Character Developments

• Lin Yuan: Gains the Grandmaster Combat Skill and begins considering physical training. He remains calm and perceptive about Gu Lianyin’s jealousy, while also becoming more serious about using the singing competition to build fame. He rejects a possible entertainment career, showing independence and awareness of his own preferences.
• Gu Lianyin: Her jealousy becomes obvious when Lin Yuan accepts another girl’s note. Although she pretends to be indifferent, she is secretly delighted when he tears up the note and implies that he did it for her. Her affection and emotional attachment to Lin Yuan continue to deepen.
• Lin Qingyue: Becomes more impressed by Lin Yuan’s singing talent and takes an active interest in helping his career. She treats him affectionately as a younger brother and offers to guide him in the entertainment industry.
• Zheng Xiaoqi: Remains involved in Lin Yuan’s birthday-plan preparations, reminding him of his cosplay promise and expecting him to attend the convention.

Significant Themes

• Jealousy and romantic tension: Gu Lianyin’s reaction to the note reveals her feelings for Lin Yuan, while his teasing response strengthens their emotional connection.
• Ambition and recognition: Lin Yuan seeks internet fame through the singing competition, balancing personal goals with the system’s demands.
• Choice and independence: Although offered an opportunity in entertainment, Lin Yuan refuses because it conflicts with his preferences, emphasizing his desire to control his own path.
• Hidden abilities and self-improvement: The system grants Lin Yuan combat expertise, encouraging him to develop talents beyond singing.
• Performance and emotional expression: Both Gu Lianyin’s love song and Lin Yuan’s original composition reflect the characters’ emotions and set up the competition’s next major confrontation.

Character Interactions

• Lin Yuan and Gu Lianyin share a flirtatious, jealousy-driven exchange over the heart-shaped note. His deliberate teasing and decision to destroy it reassure her without either openly confessing their feelings.
• Lin Qingyue praises Lin Yuan’s singing and offers him professional support, but he respectfully declines her entertainment-industry proposal.
• Zheng Xiaoqi reminds Lin Yuan of their cosplay agreement, connecting the convention trip to his plan to prepare a birthday gift for Gu Lianyin.
• Before his performance, Lin Yuan encourages Gu Lianyin, showing his support for her. After she succeeds, he follows her onto the stage to perform his own original song.

Chapter 37 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Yuan performs a sorrowful song from the system, depicting separation, despair, and lovers finding hope amid hardship.
• His emotional performance deeply affects the audience. Some cry over painful memories, while another person impulsively confesses their feelings to someone they love.
• Gu Lianyin is especially moved because the song reminds her of the tragic wartime love story between her grandparents.
• After the performance, Lin Yuan comforts her and jokingly remarks that whoever marries her will have to endure her tendency to cry. Gu Lianyin replies that she will never marry, prompting Lin Yuan to promise, “Then I won’t marry anyone either.”
• Lin Yuan and Gu Lianyin advance to the competition’s top three. The finals will take place a week later, with a skilled folk singer as their remaining competitor.
• Lin Yuan walks Gu Lianyin home. Their continued handholding and shy interaction make their growing romantic relationship obvious, although neither openly confesses.
• At her doorstep, Lin Yuan gently fixes Gu Lianyin’s hair, making her extremely embarrassed and happy. She flees upstairs and hides beneath her blankets.
• Ling Wanqing notices Gu Lianyin’s red eyes and assumes Lin Yuan has bullied or emotionally hurt her. She prepares to confront him.

Character Developments

• Lin Yuan: Demonstrates his powerful singing ability and emotional sensitivity. His teasing and physical affection toward Gu Lianyin reveal increasing romantic confidence, though he still avoids directly defining their relationship.
• Gu Lianyin: Becomes more emotionally vulnerable and openly affected by Lin Yuan. Her tears, shyness, handholding, and eagerness for his acknowledgment show that she has fallen deeply for him.
• Ling Wanqing: Continues acting as Gu Lianyin’s protective best friend. She misinterprets the situation and becomes suspicious of Lin Yuan, setting up possible conflict.

Significant Themes

• Love enduring hardship: The song and Gu Lianyin’s memories emphasize devotion surviving war, despair, and loss.
• Music as emotional connection: Lin Yuan’s performance allows the audience to confront buried feelings and express love they have kept hidden.
• Unspoken romance: Lin Yuan and Gu Lianyin communicate affection through gestures, teasing, and shared promises rather than an explicit confession.
• Hope emerging from despair: The song’s “dawn” symbolizes love and emotional healing after suffering.

Character Interactions

• Lin Yuan’s performance emotionally unites him with the audience and particularly affects Gu Lianyin.
• He comforts Gu Lianyin by wiping her tears and making a mutual vow not to marry if the other will not.
• Their bet over the competition remains unresolved: Lin Yuan must win first place to make his request, while Gu Lianyin will make a request if he loses.
• At her home, their shy physical closeness strengthens their romantic bond.
• Ling Wanqing misreads Gu Lianyin’s tears as evidence of mistreatment and vows to teach Lin Yuan a lesson.

Chapter Summary: “News of the Transfer Leaked”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Lianyin explains to her best friend, Ling Wanqing, what happened with Lin Yuan, including allowing him to hold her hand.
• Worried that Lianyin is too inexperienced and trusting, Wanqing warns her that Lin Yuan may take advantage of her if she does not establish clear boundaries.
• Wanqing advises Lianyin to keep her distance, avoid further physical contact, and directly ask Lin Yuan why he is pursuing her.
• Unable to understand Lin Yuan’s motives, Wanqing analyzes possible explanations:
  • He does not appear to be interested in Lianyin’s money, since he made profits from the money she lent him.
  • He seemingly could not know her true appearance because she disguises herself at school.
  • He may have learned about her transfer—and possibly her disguise—from someone close to her family.
• Lianyin calls her father to ask who knew about her transfer. She discovers that numerous relatives, including aunts, uncles, and cousins, were told.
• Lianyin becomes furious because the information could reach her former pursuers, whom she escaped by transferring schools.
• Wanqing suspects that Lianyin’s hostile relatives may have deliberately informed Lin Yuan about her true identity and arranged for him to approach her.
• The chapter ends with Lianyin frightened and uncertain, wondering whether Lin Yuan was manipulated by her relatives or genuinely pursued her on his own.

Character Developments

• Gu Lianyin: Reveals her innocence and lack of romantic experience. She trusts Wanqing completely and follows her advice by investigating who knew about her transfer. Her anger and fear grow as she realizes her family may have exposed her whereabouts.
• Ling Wanqing: Acts as Lianyin’s protective and practical best friend. She becomes suspicious of Lin Yuan’s motives and demonstrates a strong understanding of Lianyin’s family conflicts and past unwanted attention.
• Lin Yuan: Does not appear directly, but his unexplained interest in Lianyin becomes the chapter’s central mystery. His motives are increasingly questioned.
• Lianyin’s family: Her parents are shown to be careless with private information, while her hostile relatives are portrayed as potentially manipulative and vindictive.

Significant Themes

• Trust and vulnerability: Lianyin’s inexperience makes her susceptible to being deceived, while Wanqing urges her to be more cautious.
• Hidden identities and deception: Lianyin’s disguise and concealed background create uncertainty about who knows the truth and why Lin Yuan is approaching her.
• Family betrayal and conflict: The careless disclosure of Lianyin’s transfer may expose her to people she deliberately fled, highlighting the danger posed by her relatives.
• Romantic suspicion: Genuine affection is difficult to distinguish from manipulation, particularly when money, appearance, and family schemes may all be involved.
• Protection through friendship: Wanqing’s concern and advice provide Lianyin with emotional and practical support.

Character Interactions

• Lianyin and Wanqing have an intimate, honest friendship in which they freely discuss personal matters.
• Wanqing reprimands Lianyin for allowing Lin Yuan to hold her hand and advises her to confront him about his intentions.
• Lianyin contacts her father and learns that her transfer was widely discussed within the family.
• Wanqing and Lianyin jointly speculate that Lianyin’s enemies may have leaked her secrets to Lin Yuan, leaving Lianyin anxious about whether his interest is sincere.

Chapter Summary: “Lin Yuan, Stop Pretending”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Lianyin worries that Lin Yuan may have learned her secret—that she has been pretending to be ugly—and deliberately approached her because of it.
• She and Ling Wanqing devise several plans to test Lin Yuan’s true motives:
  1. Bluff him with supposed evidence of his secret meeting.
  2. Ask what he genuinely likes about her.
  3. Use a more forceful plan if necessary.
• The next day, Gu Lianyin acts cold and distant toward Lin Yuan in class. When he arrives, she confronts him, claiming she knows why he approached her and accusing him of pretending not to understand.
• She places a USB drive on the desk, falsely claiming it contains surveillance footage proving that someone told Lin Yuan her secret.
• Lin Yuan is genuinely confused. He assumes she is referring to his recent meeting with his elementary-school classmate Zheng Xiaoqi, whom he contacted to buy a Da Qiao figurine as Lianyin’s birthday present.
• Gu Lianyin realizes that Lin Yuan’s reaction appears sincere, but she still suspects he may be acting. She prevents him from opening the USB drive, since it contains no evidence and was only meant to frighten him.
• As a second test, she asks Lin Yuan what he likes about her. Lin Yuan reflects on their relationship and internally acknowledges that he truly likes her—not merely because of her beauty, but because of her personality, shared interests, and the time they have spent together.
• The chapter ends with Lin Yuan affirming that he likes everything about Gu Lianyin, while recognizing that the system has greatly influenced the development of their relationship and his own rapidly improving circumstances.

Character Developments

• Gu Lianyin: Becomes increasingly anxious and suspicious about whether Lin Yuan’s feelings are genuine. Although she presents a cold, accusatory exterior, her actions reveal that she deeply cares about him and fears being deceived. Her relief at his apparently sincere confusion suggests she wants their relationship to be real.
• Lin Yuan: Remains genuinely unaware of the secret Gu Lianyin is referring to. His confusion emphasizes his sincerity. He also realizes that his feelings for Lianyin are genuine and based on emotional compatibility rather than only her hidden beauty or the system’s influence.
• Ling Wanqing: Acts as Gu Lianyin’s adviser, helping her formulate increasingly elaborate tests to determine Lin Yuan’s motives.
• Zheng Xiaoqi: Appears only through Lin Yuan’s explanation as his elementary-school classmate and the person helping him obtain Lianyin’s birthday gift.

Significant Themes

• Trust and insecurity: Gu Lianyin’s fear that Lin Yuan may be manipulating her reflects her difficulty trusting that someone could genuinely like her.
• Miscommunication: Both characters interpret the same situation differently, creating comic confusion. Gu Lianyin believes Lin Yuan is hiding a secret, while Lin Yuan thinks she is referring to an innocent meeting.
• Authentic affection versus ulterior motives: The chapter questions whether Lin Yuan’s feelings arise from sincere emotional attachment or from knowledge of Lianyin’s secret and the system’s influence.
• Hidden identities and deception: Lianyin’s disguise and the false USB evidence highlight the risks created when relationships are built around concealed truths.
• Growing romance: Lin Yuan’s internal reflection confirms that his attachment to Lianyin has developed into genuine romantic affection.

Character Interactions

• Gu Lianyin and Ling Wanqing: Discuss how to test Lin Yuan’s motives, with Wanqing providing strategic advice.
• Gu Lianyin and Lin Yuan: Have a tense confrontation in class. Lianyin accuses him of pretending, while Lin Yuan sincerely tries to understand her concerns. His innocent explanation and emotional reflection gradually ease her fears.
• Lin Yuan and Zheng Xiaoqi: Their off-page meeting is revealed to have been entirely innocent and related to purchasing a birthday gift for Gu Lianyin.

Chapter Summary: “Gu Lianyin’s Test”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Yuan reassures Gu Lianyin that he genuinely likes her personality, interests, thoughtful expressions, and playful side—not her appearance or wealth.
• Gu Lianyin remains suspicious because of her hostile relatives, who have repeatedly sabotaged her family and could potentially have sent Lin Yuan to approach her.
• Her past experiences—including a maliciously switched birthday gift and rumors spread about her mother—have made her distrustful and highly sensitive to deception.
• After an uncomfortable morning in which Gu Lianyin distances herself from Lin Yuan, he catches up with her after school and pretends to believe she looks down on him because of his poorer family background.
• Gu Lianyin admits that she likes him but avoids explaining the “secret” she is investigating. Their tension fades, and they part on friendly terms.
• Gu Lianyin reports everything to her best friend, Ling Wanqing. Together, they decide to continue testing Lin Yuan through a “third plan,” involving anonymous messages and other schemes.
• Ling Wanqing sends Lin Yuan a threatening text demanding that he ask Gu Lianyin to a Western restaurant and kiss her, claiming she will reveal Gu Lianyin’s secret if he refuses.
• Lin Yuan recognizes the test, pretends to be confused, and blocks the number. Gu Lianyin and Ling Wanqing interpret his reaction as evidence that he may not know her true identity.
• Gu Lianyin then sends Lin Yuan a fake message claiming she has a terminal illness and wants to break up.
• Rather than becoming frightened or abandoning her, Lin Yuan immediately promises to stay by her side and says he is coming to see her.

Character Developments

• Gu Lianyin: Her attraction to Lin Yuan grows, but her traumatic family history makes her wary of trusting him. She struggles between believing his sincere feelings and testing him for signs of betrayal. Her elaborate tests reveal both her insecurity and her childish, impulsive side.
• Lin Yuan: He understands Gu Lianyin’s fears by hearing her inner thoughts and realizes that her suspicion is based on past experiences rather than malice. He remains patient and playful, deliberately acting hurt to draw out her true feelings. He also sees through her tests without exposing that he knows what she is doing.
• Ling Wanqing: She serves as Gu Lianyin’s adviser and accomplice, helping design increasingly elaborate tests to determine whether Lin Yuan is trustworthy.
• Gu Lianyin’s relatives: Though absent, they remain an important source of danger and mistrust because of their history of manipulation and sabotage.

Significant Themes

• Trust versus suspicion: Gu Lianyin’s past makes it difficult for her to accept sincere affection, even when Lin Yuan openly reassures her.
• Love beyond appearances and status: Lin Yuan emphasizes that he values personality rather than beauty or wealth, challenging Gu Lianyin’s assumptions about why someone might pursue her.
• Trauma and self-protection: Gu Lianyin’s disguising herself and testing Lin Yuan are defensive responses to years of family conflict and betrayal.
• Miscommunication and emotional testing: Both characters avoid directly discussing the truth, creating misunderstandings that are resolved through teasing, indirect confession, and reassurance.
• Humor within romance: Gu Lianyin’s exaggerated tests, especially the fake terminal-illness message, contrast with the seriousness of her fears and highlight her endearing but immature behavior.

Character Interactions

• Lin Yuan and Gu Lianyin have an emotionally sincere conversation in which he praises her personality and she nearly confesses her feelings.
• After Gu Lianyin becomes distant, Lin Yuan deliberately provokes her by suggesting she dislikes him, prompting her to admit that she likes him.
• Gu Lianyin and Ling Wanqing discuss Lin Yuan’s behavior and collaborate on testing his loyalty.
• Lin Yuan responds to the anonymous threats with feigned confusion and blocks the sender, subtly undermining the test.
• When Gu Lianyin pretends to be terminally ill, Lin Yuan responds with unconditional support, promising not to leave her and immediately offering to come to her.