Chapter Summaries

Chapter Summary

• Plot and events: Xin Chun accompanies Ke Hang into the forest to collect soil samples for the research project’s second phase, with Owen and Li Ze joining them. On the return trip, Handsome Star runs after a bug and falls into a mud pit, forcing Xin Chun and Owen to bathe him in the river. Afterward, Xin Chun invites Owen to stay overnight. The next day, they collect their developed photos, buy albums, and browse a bookstore together. Ke Hang later calls to announce that the group will leave Jingu Town in two days and wants everyone to meet once more. Owen offers his rented villa as the venue, and the group gathers there for a barbecue and karaoke evening.
• Character development: Xin Chun is shown as responsible but affectionate, particularly in his exasperated care for Handsome Star. He becomes increasingly comfortable sharing domestic routines and quiet time with Owen, inviting him to stay, lending him clothes, reading poetry together, and planning bookstore visits. Owen continues to demonstrate attentiveness and generosity by helping bathe the dog, caring for Xin Chun, offering his villa for the gathering, and gently responding to Xin Chun’s needs. Xin Chun’s old college drinking habits are also revealed: although he blushes easily, he once surprised others by out-drinking them.
• Character interactions: Xin Chun and Owen grow closer through ordinary shared activities, including bathing Handsome Star, showering and changing at home, reading poetry, shopping for photo albums, and choosing books in the Y Language. Their physical and emotional intimacy is especially evident when Owen wipes sweat from Xin Chun’s collarbone and gently ruffles his hair. Xin Chun also interacts warmly with Ke Hang, who jokes about his drinking ability. The wider group—Ke Hang, Li Ze, Ivy, and Miko—joins the barbecue, strengthening their sense of camaraderie before their departure.
• Significant themes: The chapter emphasizes domestic intimacy, companionship, and the comfort of shared everyday life. Caring for Handsome Star and hosting the group highlight responsibility and generosity, while the photo collection and planned gathering underscore the importance of preserving memories before parting. The relaxed summer setting, barbecue, books, and karaoke create a warm, communal atmosphere, contrasting with the group’s impending separation.

Chapter Summary

• Plot and events: At the barbecue gathering, Xin Chun reveals that his apparent drunkenness is mostly an illusion: despite his flushed face, he has a high alcohol tolerance because of his childhood experience helping his grandfather brew liquor. After the beer runs out, Owen brings out two bottles of strong Bacardi rum, and the group becomes increasingly relaxed and playful. They begin playing party games, including singing and physical challenges. Xin Chun is eventually chosen to do push-ups while carrying Owen, but rather than admit he cannot manage Owen’s weight, he accepts the drinking penalty and finishes a cup of rum. He then acts extremely drunk and allows Owen to escort him inside. Owen carries him upstairs, places him in bed, removes his shoes, covers him with a quilt, and leaves.

Character development

• Xin Chun is shown to be tougher and more capable than his gentle appearance suggests. He has a strong alcohol tolerance and a stubborn sense of pride, refusing to take an easier option in the game. At the same time, he demonstrates cleverness by exaggerating his drunkenness, creating an opportunity to spend time alone with Owen.
• Owen appears generous, composed, and attentive. He provides expensive alcohol for the group, participates in the games, and treats Xin Chun with noticeable gentleness when he becomes “drunk.” His decision to carry Xin Chun upstairs and care for him highlights his considerate nature and growing personal attention toward him.
• Ke Hang and the others help create the lively, teasing atmosphere, while the advisor’s early intoxication allows the younger group to relax further.

Significant themes

• Appearances versus reality: Xin Chun looks delicate and easily bullied but is physically and mentally resilient. His apparent drunkenness is partly an act, emphasizing the contrast between what others perceive and what is actually happening.
• Growing intimacy and trust: Owen’s physical care of Xin Chun, including touching his cheek, carrying him, and tucking him into bed, signals increasing closeness between them.
• Social bonding and vulnerability: Alcohol and games loosen everyone’s usual restraint, allowing flirtation, teasing, and more intimate interactions to emerge.
• Pride and self-reliance: Xin Chun would rather drink than admit he cannot carry Owen, reflecting his reluctance to appear weak.

Character interactions

• Xin Chun and Owen speak casually while preparing the drinks, with Xin Chun privately recognizing Owen’s excellent alcohol tolerance.
• The group admires Owen’s singing and teases Xin Chun during the push-up challenge.
• When Xin Chun drinks the rum, Owen becomes concerned and gently checks on him.
• Xin Chun leans against Owen, and Owen responds by carrying him upstairs and caring for him privately, creating the chapter’s most significant moment of romantic tension.

Chapter 13 Summary

• Plot and events: After the gathering ends, everyone leaves except Xin Chun, who is still asleep from drinking. Owen agrees to let him stay the night and takes responsibility for caring for him. When Xin Chun wakes, Owen gives him water and wipes the sweat from his face, neck, hands, and body with a warm towel. The quiet caretaking gradually becomes physically intimate when Xin Chun asks to touch Owen’s abs. Owen teases him about reciprocity, guides Xin Chun’s hand beneath his shirt, and allows him to touch him.
• Character developments: Xin Chun is shown as physically vulnerable, innocent, and uninhibited while drunk. His shy attraction toward Owen becomes more overt, though his actions are hazy and impulsive. Owen displays patience and attentiveness while caring for him, but his restraint begins to weaken as Xin Chun initiates increasingly intimate contact. His possessive or controlling side appears when he holds Xin Chun in place and tells him not to move, even as he remains outwardly gentle.
• Significant themes: The chapter emphasizes caretaking, physical attraction, temptation, and the blurred boundary between tenderness and desire. Xin Chun’s intoxication creates uncertainty around his awareness and consent, while Owen’s self-control is tested by the situation. Reciprocity becomes a playful but suggestive way for the two to negotiate intimacy.
• Character interactions: Owen and Xin Chun share the chapter’s central interaction. Owen nurses Xin Chun, wipes him with a warm towel, and supports him physically. Xin Chun responds by touching Owen and expressing admiration for his body. Their dialogue becomes teasing and flirtatious, revealing mutual attraction and escalating tension as Owen guides Xin Chun’s hand and permits the intimate exchange.

Chapter 14 Summary

Key plot points and events

After drinking heavily, Xin Chun spends the night with Owen. The next morning, he wakes in Owen’s bed wearing only underwear and discovers that Owen has cared for him throughout the night. Xin Chun admits he remembers very little, so Owen helps him recall what happened by initiating intimacy again. Later, after they become intimate a second time, Owen leaves to retrieve clothes and breakfast for him. When he returns, they eat together, and Xin Chun helps wash the dishes. Owen then asks for Xin Chun’s answer about pursuing a relationship.

Character developments

Xin Chun remains shy, embarrassed, and uncertain, but he is clearly attracted to Owen and increasingly comfortable in his presence. His pleasant mood after Owen leaves, along with his barely concealed smile, suggests that he enjoyed their intimacy and is emotionally affected by Owen’s confession. However, Xin Chun is cautious and does not want to accept the relationship impulsively; he worries that they do not truly understand each other.
Owen becomes more direct and emotionally vulnerable. He openly admits that he likes Xin Chun and asks for the chance to pursue him. His actions—bringing clothes and breakfast, drying Xin Chun’s hands, and waiting patiently for an answer—show care and attentiveness, though his insistence on “helping” Xin Chun remember also reflects his confident, forceful approach.

Significant themes

• Attraction versus uncertainty: Xin Chun’s physical and emotional response conflicts with his doubts about whether their relationship is appropriate.
• Trust and mutual understanding: Xin Chun emphasizes that neither man knows enough about the other’s background or life, making genuine understanding a necessary foundation for romance.
• Vulnerability and consent: Owen openly states his feelings and asks for a chance, while Xin Chun asks for time rather than giving an immediate answer.
• Care expressed through actions: Owen’s practical gestures—providing clothing, food, and personal care—reinforce his growing emotional investment.

Character interactions

Owen and Xin Chun share several intimate moments that deepen their attraction. Owen reassures Xin Chun that he does not need to feel guilty and tells him not to run away. He formally confesses his feelings and promises to wait for Xin Chun’s answer. Xin Chun responds positively but cautiously, requesting more time and questioning whether they truly know one another well enough to begin a relationship.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xin Chun asks Owen for more time before entering a relationship, explaining that they need to understand each other better and avoid future regrets or losing their friendship. Owen accepts this positively, noting that Xin Chun has not rejected his attempts to grow closer.
• Their changed dynamic is noticed by Li Ze and Ivy at work, though neither fully understands what has happened between them.
• Ke Hang leaves Jingu Town, briefly teasing Xin Chun about his lowered alcohol tolerance. Afterward, Xin Chun and Owen continue working together while the medicinal herb project approaches its final stage and upcoming harvest.
• With the project nearing completion, Owen is expected to return to S City, and Xin Chun’s short-term contract is also ending. Ivy hints that Owen’s decision to remain in Jingu Town was motivated by his unwillingness to leave Xin Chun.
• Owen offers Xin Chun a permanent position through a revised long-term contract. Xin Chun accepts, partly because of the favorable opportunity and because he has become comfortable with Owen and the team. His decision means he will move to S City with them.
• Owen offers Xin Chun a place to stay, initially as a temporary arrangement but potentially permanently. Xin Chun agrees, provided he pays rent, while Owen openly reaffirms that he is pursuing him and wants to care for him without violating his boundaries.
• After they settle in S City, Owen and Xin Chun develop a routine of walking the dog together.
• Owen’s cousin William Jensen unexpectedly arrives at Owen’s villa with luggage. His surprise appearance mirrors events from Xin Chun’s previous life, though the circumstances of their meeting are now different.

Character Developments

• Xin Chun: Becomes more receptive to Owen while remaining cautious. He does not reject Owen outright and agrees to both a long-term job and living arrangement, suggesting growing trust and affection. His awareness of his previous life continues to influence how he interprets events, especially William’s arrival.
• Owen: Demonstrates patience, sincerity, and determination in pursuing Xin Chun. He respects Xin Chun’s request for time but makes clear that he wants a deeper relationship. His decision to stay in Jingu Town and later offer Xin Chun permanent work and housing reveals how strongly his priorities have shifted.
• Ivy: Perceptively recognizes the romantic tension between Owen and Xin Chun. She subtly prompts Xin Chun to acknowledge Owen’s motives.
• Li Ze: Notices the change between Owen and Xin Chun but remains confused about its meaning.
• Ke Hang: Leaves Jingu Town on friendly terms, maintaining his teasing and familiar relationship with Xin Chun.
• William Jensen: Is introduced as Owen’s cousin, a confident, fashionable blond who arrives unexpectedly and immediately notices Xin Chun and the dog.

Significant Themes

• Slow-building romance: Xin Chun insists that affection and compatibility require time, while Owen accepts a gradual progression rather than demanding an immediate commitment.
• Trust and emotional boundaries: Owen repeatedly assures Xin Chun that he will respect his wishes, while Xin Chun cautiously allows greater closeness.
• Choices and altered fate: Although events resemble Xin Chun’s previous life, his decisions and relationships are changing their outcomes. William’s arrival is familiar but occurs under different circumstances.
• Personal and professional commitment: Owen’s decision to remain in Jingu Town and extend Xin Chun’s contract shows how his personal feelings increasingly shape his professional choices.
• Home and belonging: Xin Chun’s decision to move to S City, live with Owen, and remain with the team suggests that he is beginning to form a new sense of stability and belonging.

Character Interactions

• Xin Chun and Owen: Have an honest conversation about the pace of their relationship. Owen later offers Xin Chun permanent employment and housing, while Xin Chun agrees cautiously and insists on paying rent.
• Li Ze and Ivy: Discuss the noticeable change in the atmosphere between Owen and Xin Chun, with Ivy showing greater insight into their developing romance.
• Xin Chun and Ke Hang: Part warmly, with Ke Hang teasing Xin Chun about drinking.
• Owen and William: Reunite unexpectedly at the villa. Owen is displeased and surprised by William’s unannounced arrival, while William is initially unaware of Xin Chun’s identity or his connection to Owen.

Chapter 15 Summary

Key plot points and events

William, Owen’s wealthy foreign cousin, arrives unexpectedly in Hua Country with his Alaskan malamute. He explains that he ran away from home to avoid an arranged engagement and because his family tried to prevent him from keeping a dog. Although Owen tells him he must eventually return, his sense of responsibility leads him to let William move in. Xin Chun kindly gives the cousins privacy and helps care for the dog.
After living with Owen and Xin Chun for several days, William realizes that Owen is seriously pursuing Xin Chun with marriage in mind. Shocked and disapproving of Owen’s relationship with a man, William decides Xin Chun is unsuitable for his cousin. He begins watching Xin Chun closely and looking for flaws that might break them apart, but the couple’s easy compatibility leaves William feeling like an outsider.
William questions Xin Chun about his background, education, language skills, and feelings toward Owen. Xin Chun responds modestly and pretends to be shy about deciding whether to accept Owen, which frustrates William. Unable to find any genuine weakness, William shifts tactics. While discussing his love of racing, he reveals that Owen was once an exceptionally talented and popular racer. William offers to show Xin Chun old photographs of Owen, but only if Xin Chun accompanies him somewhere. He takes Xin Chun to the exclusive S City Racetrack.

Character developments

• William is introduced as arrogant, impulsive, and resistant to family pressure, but also dependent on Owen and unwilling to accept Owen’s relationship. His opposition gradually becomes a self-appointed attempt to protect his cousin, though his schemes are increasingly undermined by Xin Chun and Owen’s harmony.
• Owen demonstrates patience and responsibility by taking William in despite his disruptive behavior. He is revealed to have a more rebellious, adventurous past as a skilled racer, contrasting with his current composed image.
• Xin Chun remains observant and composed. He recognizes William’s efforts to sabotage or test him and quietly looks forward to turning the situation in his favor. His playful confidence is shown through his deliberate “shy” act and hidden amusement at William’s hostility.

Significant themes

• Love versus social and family expectations: William’s escape from an arranged engagement parallels his resistance to Owen choosing his own partner.
• Prejudice and assumptions: William judges Xin Chun by his nationality, perceived family status, and language ability, assuming he cannot match Owen.
• Appearance versus reality: Owen’s polished exterior hides his former life as a daring racer, while Xin Chun’s seemingly ordinary identity conceals his confidence and awareness.
• Acceptance and compatibility: William expects the couple to be mismatched, but their natural understanding repeatedly proves otherwise.

Character interactions

Owen firmly questions William about running away but ultimately shelters him. Xin Chun treats William courteously, even taking his dog outside to give him and Owen privacy. William interrogates Xin Chun about his suitability for Owen and later tries to manipulate him by revealing Owen’s racing past. Xin Chun recognizes William’s motives and cooperates with apparent innocence, accompanying him to the racetrack—likely anticipating the opportunity to challenge or surprise him.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• William takes Xin Chun to a racetrack, where he has rented a car for three months. He introduces Xin Chun as someone who cannot drive or understand Y language and plans to take him for a ride.
• After William leaves to change, the staff member and two H Country nationals mock him in H language, calling him a wealthy “fat sheep” and discussing how easily he can be deceived.
• Xin Chun reveals that he understood everything and secretly recorded their conversation. He confronts them in fluent Y language and threatens to file a complaint.
• The racetrack owner investigates, fires the staff member, blacklists the two H Country nationals from every racetrack in S City, and compensates William by waiving his fees for three months.
• Xin Chun then shocks William by driving the race car far better than William himself. He also admits that he deliberately pretended not to understand Y language.
• William accuses Xin Chun of deceiving him and threatens to expose him to Owen, but Xin Chun reminds him that he protected William and already understood that the racetrack visit was likely part of William’s scheme against him.
• William ultimately keeps quiet. The following day, he continues to be astonished when Xin Chun again pretends that he cannot drive.
• The company’s project advances smoothly, leading to a planned overseas business trip to sign a contract. The trip is extended into a five-day stay involving a hot spring hotel and skiing.
• Xin Chun will attend, and William insists on joining at his own expense. Annie, Ivy’s girlfriend, also plans to participate.

Character Developments

• Xin Chun: Demonstrates intelligence, linguistic ability, confidence, strong driving skills, and considerable strategic awareness. He exposes the racetrack scam and makes it clear that he has been deliberately concealing his abilities. He also sees through William’s intentions and maintains control of the situation.
• William: Initially appears confident in his attempt to manipulate or test Xin Chun, but becomes embarrassed and intimidated after Xin Chun exposes the scam and outperforms him. He begins to recognize that Xin Chun is far more perceptive and capable than expected.
• Owen: Remains largely unaware of the deception surrounding him, though William’s hesitation suggests he is reconsidering whether exposing Xin Chun would benefit him.
• The racetrack staff and H Country nationals: Their arrogance and attempted exploitation lead to public disgrace, dismissal, blacklisting, and loss of credibility.
• Annie and Ivy: Their relationship becomes connected to the upcoming business and leisure trip, with Annie choosing to join Ivy for the skiing excursion.

Significant Themes

• Hidden abilities and deception: Xin Chun’s claims of ignorance are revealed as deliberate disguises, while William’s own manipulative plan is turned against him.
• Intelligence versus arrogance: The racetrack scammers underestimate both William and Xin Chun, while William underestimates Xin Chun’s skills and awareness.
• Justice and accountability: The racetrack owner responds decisively to the scam, punishing those responsible and compensating the victim.
• Power and control in relationships: Xin Chun’s calm threats and superior knowledge shift the balance of power between him and William.
• Trust and manipulation: William’s willingness to believe appearances mirrors the way the scammers exploit him, while Xin Chun challenges his gullibility.

Character Interactions

• Xin Chun initially acts like a silent, uninformed companion, allowing the scammers to reveal their intentions before confronting them.
• His confrontation with the racetrack staff exposes both their prejudice and William’s vulnerability.
• Xin Chun and William exchange sharp accusations after the incident, with Xin Chun warning William not to betray him after receiving his help.
• William’s fear and uncertainty show that he now recognizes Xin Chun as someone difficult to deceive or control.
• The upcoming trip brings Xin Chun, Owen, William, Annie, and Ivy into closer proximity, setting up further interaction and possible conflict.

Chapter 16 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Before leaving for R Country, William privately warns Owen that Xin Chun may not be as innocent or straightforward as he appears and could be hiding something. Owen gives only a cryptic “Mm,” leaving William unsure of his reaction.
• During the flight, Xin Chun falls asleep beside Owen. When a foreign passenger causes a disturbance, Owen shields Xin Chun from it, reassuring him and tucking him back under his blanket.
• After arriving in R Country, the group checks into a hotel and quickly completes several business meetings and contract signings. With the project successfully finalized, they begin their vacation.
• Ivy leaves with Annie to spend time alone together, while Owen, Xin Chun, and William explore a street festival featuring cosplay, food, and other activities.
• In the crowded festival, Owen protects Xin Chun from being jostled, while William struggles through the crowd alone.
• Xin Chun buys ice cream for himself and Owen, but generously gives one cone to William, explaining that he and Owen can share because Owen does not particularly like sweets.
• Owen and Xin Chun openly display affectionate, couple-like behavior while sharing ice cream. Xin Chun then asks William to take photographs of them together, turning him into their unwilling photographer.

Character Developments

• Owen: His protective and tender side becomes increasingly visible around Xin Chun. He calmly cares for him on the plane, shields him in the crowd, indulges his wishes, and affectionately wipes ice cream from his mouth. His warmth toward Xin Chun contrasts sharply with his intimidating, detached manner toward William.
• Xin Chun: He remains sweet, affectionate, and considerate. He trusts Owen completely, seeks his company, and openly wants to preserve memories of their trip through couple photographs. His behavior suggests genuine romantic attachment, even though the question of his true nature remains unresolved.
• William: His suspicions about Xin Chun continue, but the couple’s obvious intimacy makes him increasingly confused. He feels excluded and useless while accompanying them, though Xin Chun’s gesture of giving him ice cream shows that he is not deliberately neglected. William reluctantly accepts his role as their photographer.
• Ivy and Annie: They separate from the group to enjoy private time together, reinforcing the chapter’s romantic atmosphere.

Significant Themes

• Appearance versus reality: William questions whether Xin Chun’s gentle exterior conceals another side, creating ongoing uncertainty about his motives and identity.
• Romantic intimacy: Owen and Xin Chun’s natural physical affection and domestic-like interactions strongly suggest a relationship, despite any hesitation or denial surrounding it.
• Protection and care: Owen repeatedly looks after Xin Chun, emphasizing the trust and closeness between them.
• Third-wheel humor and exclusion: William’s discomfort provides comic relief as he realizes he is interrupting the couple’s time together.
• Generosity and consideration: Xin Chun includes William by giving him ice cream, even while remaining primarily focused on Owen.

Important Character Interactions

• William warns Owen about Xin Chun, but Owen offers no meaningful explanation.
• Owen comforts Xin Chun during the disturbance on the plane.
• Xin Chun and Owen share ice cream in an intimate, affectionate exchange.
• Xin Chun gives William the extra ice cream and later asks him to photograph the couple.
• Owen firmly assumes William will cooperate, leaving William as the group’s reluctant “heartless photo-taking machine.”

Chapter Summary

• Plot and events: Xin Chun and Owen spend the day sightseeing and cycling by the sea with William, taking numerous photos together. Xin Chun praises William’s photography, prompting William to become eager for more approval, but he feels excluded by the couple’s intimate atmosphere. At the ski resort hotel, William unsuccessfully tries to persuade Xin Chun to share a room with him instead of Owen. Owen reassures Xin Chun that he will respect his boundaries, while Xin Chun secretly teases and threatens William, leaving William frustrated and confused.
• Character development: William’s jealousy and sense of being left out become increasingly obvious. He wants to remain close to Xin Chun but is unable to compete with Owen’s confidence and intimacy. Xin Chun appears affectionate and playful, deliberately provoking William while also becoming more comfortable expressing his attraction toward Owen. Owen demonstrates protectiveness, confidence, and respect for Xin Chun’s consent, though he also knowingly teases and seduces him.
• Character interactions: Xin Chun and Owen behave like an intimate couple throughout the chapter, taking pictures, traveling together, and sharing a room. Xin Chun’s teasing exchange with William contrasts with the warmth and tension between him and Owen. Annie and Ivy notice the romantic implications of their arrangement, while William remains oblivious or resistant to the relationship.
• Themes: The chapter emphasizes jealousy, romantic rivalry, playful manipulation, and growing sexual tension. It also highlights trust and consent, particularly through Owen’s assurance that he will not act without Xin Chun’s permission. The playful public interactions gradually lead into a private, more sensual encounter.
• Ending: After showering, Xin Chun returns wearing only a bath towel, apparently aware of the effect he has on Owen. Owen removes the towel and begins helping him dress, creating a charged moment that suggests their relationship is about to become more physically intimate.

Chapter 17 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Owen helps Xin Chun get dressed after their bath, teasingly kissing his neck and telling him to wait.
• Owen emerges from the shower wearing only boxer briefs, and the two share a bed under one quilt.
• When Xin Chun asks what he was waiting for, Owen says he intends to recite poetry to him.
• Owen recites a highly sensual, suggestive poem in Y language. Although Xin Chun pretends not to understand it, he recognizes its erotic meaning and becomes increasingly flustered.
• Owen touches Xin Chun’s ear, neck, and chest, deliberately intensifying the intimate atmosphere and implying that he wants to “cool down” Xin Chun in a much more provocative way.
• Xin Chun avoids further escalation by claiming to be sleepy and asking Owen to finish the poem another day. Owen agrees, and they fall asleep together.
• Xin Chun wakes the next morning in Owen’s arms, emphasizing his growing sense of comfort and security with him.
• After breakfast, the group prepares to go skiing. Xin Chun is the only one unable to ski, so Owen personally teaches him.
• Ivy and Annie leave to spend time together, while William abandons his scheme to separate Xin Chun and Owen in favor of enjoying the ski resort.
• With Owen’s patient guidance, Xin Chun gradually learns to ski short distances.

Character Developments

• Xin Chun: Becomes increasingly attracted to and emotionally comfortable with Owen. Though embarrassed and cautious, he responds to Owen’s advances and finds reassurance in Owen’s presence. His willingness to sleep beside Owen and accept his instruction shows growing trust.
• Owen: Acts more openly flirtatious and physically affectionate. He deliberately tests Xin Chun’s reactions through suggestive poetry and intimate touches, but he respects Xin Chun’s request to stop and does not force the situation. He also demonstrates patience and care while teaching Xin Chun to ski.
• William: Shows a more relaxed and self-interested side, abandoning his matchmaking or separation plan once he realizes he can simply enjoy the trip.
• Ivy and Annie: Choose to spend private time together, leaving Xin Chun and Owen alone.

Significant Themes

• Growing intimacy and mutual attraction: The shared bed, flirtatious poem, physical contact, and morning embrace all suggest that Xin Chun and Owen’s relationship is becoming more emotionally and physically intimate.
• Trust and emotional safety: Xin Chun feels secure beside Owen despite his nervousness, while Owen’s willingness to stop when asked reinforces a sense of mutual boundaries.
• Second chances and changed relationships: Xin Chun reflects on how different this trip is from his previous life, when he and Owen were estranged and he would never have accompanied him.
• Care expressed through actions: Owen’s assistance with dressing and skiing reveals affection through practical support as well as romantic teasing.
• Embarrassment versus desire: Xin Chun repeatedly tries to suppress or disguise his reactions, even as Owen’s words and touch awaken his attraction.

Character Interactions

• Owen and Xin Chun share the chapter’s central romantic interaction, moving from playful physical closeness to overtly suggestive teasing.
• Xin Chun attempts to redirect Owen’s advances by pretending to be tired, and Owen accepts his retreat without pressure.
• The next morning, their physical closeness continues as Xin Chun wakes in Owen’s arms.
• At the ski resort, Owen takes on a supportive teacher’s role, guiding Xin Chun as he learns to ski while the others give them more privacy.

Chapter 18 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Owen continues teaching Xin Chun to ski, correcting his posture and helping him improve quickly. Xin Chun becomes capable of skiing alongside Owen, though he still falls when trying to stop.
• After falling into the snow, Xin Chun asks Owen to pull him up. Owen catches him when he stumbles, creating an intimate moment.
• Owen kisses Xin Chun’s eyelashes and says, in Y Country’s language, “Be with me.” Xin Chun pretends not to understand, interpreting it as “be careful,” because he is not yet ready to commit.
• William remains out playing and forgets to return, so Owen and Xin Chun go back to their room and prepare to use the private hot spring.
• Xin Chun is highly aware of Owen’s attractive body and becomes embarrassed while changing, despite already being familiar with Owen physically.
• At the hot spring, the two share salt water and sit together in a quiet, intimate atmosphere.
• Xin Chun asks whether Owen will return to Y Country permanently. Owen explains that he will go back but intends to return because Xin Chun is the person he cares about. He even suggests he would settle in Hua Country for Xin Chun.
• Xin Chun asks Owen for more time before making a commitment, then directly asks Owen to hold him. Owen embraces him and promises he would hold him forever.

Character Development

• Xin Chun: Gains confidence and enjoyment from learning to ski, but remains emotionally cautious. Though he clearly desires Owen and enjoys their physical closeness, he deliberately avoids answering Owen’s implied confession. By asking to be held, he shows growing trust and affection while still needing time to make a formal commitment.
• Owen: Acts as a patient, encouraging teacher and becomes increasingly open about his feelings. His declaration that he would return to Hua Country and possibly settle there demonstrates the seriousness of his love and willingness to adapt his life for Xin Chun.

Significant Themes

• Love and commitment: Owen openly expresses his desire for a lasting relationship, while Xin Chun struggles between his feelings and his reluctance to commit too quickly.
• Trust and emotional vulnerability: Xin Chun’s request to be held is a small but meaningful act of openness, allowing him to seek reassurance without yet agreeing to a relationship.
• Physical and emotional intimacy: The skiing lesson, embrace, hot spring, and shared conversation gradually deepen the bond between them.
• Cross-cultural connection: Owen’s willingness to live in Hua Country emphasizes how love can bridge national and cultural differences.

Character Interactions

• Owen teaches and physically supports Xin Chun while skiing, leading to playful and affectionate exchanges.
• Owen attempts to confess his feelings, but Xin Chun deflects the statement and asks for more time.
• At the hot spring, they discuss Owen’s future and Xin Chun’s importance to him.
• Xin Chun initiates a tender moment by asking Owen to hold him, and Owen responds with an unconditional promise of lasting affection.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• After their intimate time in the hot spring, Owen carries the exhausted Xin Chun to bed, cares for him tenderly, and silently resolves to give him more time before pursuing a committed relationship.
• Upon returning home, Xin Chun and Owen are enthusiastically greeted by their Alaskan Malamute, Handsome Star. William joins Xin Chun in feeding the dog, while Li Ze departs with souvenirs.
• Xin Chun begins preparing for a trip to Y City to visit his grandfather’s grave and meet Jiao Yang, a university student whom his grandfather once sponsored.
• Owen asks to accompany Xin Chun, and Xin Chun agrees, privately intending to introduce him to his grandfather’s memory.
• In Y City, Xin Chun and Owen visit Jiao Yang’s university while waiting for him to finish class. Owen attracts considerable attention because of his striking appearance.
• When several female students approach Owen and one attempts to exchange contact information, Xin Chun intervenes by affectionately embracing and kissing Owen, presenting them as lovers.
• Owen teases Xin Chun about being jealous and kisses him publicly in return, embarrassing Xin Chun just as Jiao Yang is about to finish class.

Character Developments

• Owen: Shows increasing tenderness and patience toward Xin Chun. Though he desires a deeper relationship, he consciously decides not to pressure him. His willingness to accompany Xin Chun to visit his grandfather signals emotional commitment and a desire to become part of Xin Chun’s personal life.
• Xin Chun: Becomes more openly affectionate and protective of Owen. His public display of intimacy suggests jealousy and growing attachment, even though he denies being jealous. He also takes an important step by bringing Owen to a place connected to his family and grandfather.
• William: Remains cheerful and eager to participate in Xin Chun’s domestic life, particularly in caring for Handsome Star.
• Jiao Yang: Though he does not appear directly in the chapter, his connection to Xin Chun’s grandfather establishes him as an important figure from Xin Chun’s family history.

Significant Themes

• Growing intimacy and emotional commitment: Owen and Xin Chun’s relationship continues progressing from physical closeness toward deeper emotional inclusion.
• Patience and trust: Owen’s decision to wait for Xin Chun reflects respect for Xin Chun’s pace and emotional boundaries.
• Jealousy as evidence of affection: Xin Chun’s instinctive reaction to the girls approaching Owen reveals feelings he is reluctant to acknowledge openly.
• Family, memory, and legacy: The visit to Xin Chun’s grandfather’s grave connects the developing romance to Xin Chun’s past and family obligations.
• Public versus private affection: Xin Chun is embarrassed by Owen’s public kiss, highlighting the contrast between their private intimacy and Xin Chun’s discomfort with openly displaying their relationship.

Character Interactions

• Owen cares for Xin Chun after the hot spring, reinforcing their gentle and intimate bond.
• Xin Chun and William share a playful domestic moment while feeding Handsome Star.
• Xin Chun invites Owen to accompany him to Y City, symbolically allowing him closer into his family life.
• At the university, Xin Chun publicly claims Owen as his lover to discourage the girls’ advances. Owen recognizes the underlying jealousy, teases him, and reciprocates with a public kiss.
• The chapter ends with the couple heading to meet Jiao Yang, combining romantic development with Xin Chun’s family-related journey.

Chapter 19 Summary

Plot Points and Events

Xin Chun reunites with Jiao Yang, a younger acquaintance who grew up in the Y City Orphanage, and introduces him to Owen. Xin Chun explains that he and Owen will spend two days in Y City visiting his grandfather’s grave and the orphanage. At the cemetery, Jiao Yang reports his academic achievements and future plans to Xin Chun’s grandfather before leaving Xin Chun and Owen alone.
Contrary to Jiao Yang’s expectation, Xin Chun asks Owen to remain with him. Holding Owen’s hand, Xin Chun tells his grandfather that he is doing well and reflects on his second chance at life. He realizes that the people beside him are what matter most and resolves to live happily without leaving regrets.
The following day, Xin Chun, Owen, and Jiao Yang visit the orphanage. Xin Chun and Owen donate a large quantity of necessities, books, stationery, and other supplies before returning toward S City. During the nighttime drive through the mountains, Xin Chun notices that the date and approximate time match the plane crash from his previous life. He becomes uneasy, but before he can warn Owen, their car is struck by a truck.
Owen shields Xin Chun with his body during the crash. Xin Chun later wakes in the hospital with a fractured arm and minor injuries. Learning that Owen remains unconscious, Xin Chun immediately insists on seeing him. Li Ze takes him to Owen’s ward, where William explains that the truck driver was fatigued but swerved into the mountain wall at the last moment, preventing more serious injuries.

Character Development

• Xin Chun becomes more emotionally open and decisive about valuing his present relationships. His conversation at the grave shows that he has moved beyond regret and is determined to protect and cherish those around him.
• Owen demonstrates his devotion by instinctively shielding Xin Chun during the accident. His actions reinforce the depth of his care for Xin Chun.
• Jiao Yang is portrayed as respectful and grateful toward Xin Chun, while also revealing his connection to the orphanage and his continued concern for its children.
• Li Ze remains attentive and supportive, helping Xin Chun after the accident.
• William takes responsibility for watching over the unconscious Owen and provides information about the crash.

Significant Themes

• Second chances and avoiding regret: Xin Chun recognizes that his renewed life gives him the opportunity to make different choices and hold on to the people he loves.
• The importance of present relationships: He concludes that those beside him matter more than past losses or future uncertainties.
• Fate and coincidence: The accident occurs on the same date and around the same time as the disaster in Xin Chun’s previous life, suggesting that fate may be repeating itself.
• Sacrifice and protection: Owen’s willingness to shield Xin Chun emphasizes love expressed through action.
• Family, remembrance, and responsibility: Xin Chun honors his grandfather while also supporting the orphanage that shaped Jiao Yang’s life.

Character Interactions

Xin Chun and Jiao Yang greet each other warmly, reflecting their close bond. Xin Chun also thanks Owen for accompanying them and helping with the orphanage donation. At the grave, Xin Chun deliberately holds Owen’s hand and includes him in an intimate moment of remembrance. After the crash, Xin Chun’s immediate concern is Owen’s condition, showing how deeply attached he has become to him.

Chapter Summary

Key plot points and events

Owen remains unconscious after the car accident, suffering injuries to his legs, back, and head, though the doctor assures everyone that his life is not in danger. Xin Chun breaks down at Owen’s bedside, confessing his love and promising they can be together if Owen wakes up. Owen unexpectedly regains consciousness and reassures him. After a medical examination, the doctor confirms that Owen’s head is fine but that he will need hospitalization and extensive rest for his other injuries. William decides not to inform the family yet, leaving the choice to Owen. Later, Xin Chun and Owen share an emotional reconciliation, openly acknowledging their relationship and affection. They are moved into the same hospital room, where Xin Chun cares for Owen in his wheelchair. Ivy and Li Ze gradually recognize that the two men are now a couple. The chapter ends when Owen asks Xin Chun to answer a phone call for him while the doctor is treating his back.

Character developments

• Xin Chun confronts his fear of losing Owen and finally expresses his love openly. He agrees to be with Owen and becomes deeply attentive to his recovery, though he remains shaken by Owen’s willingness to risk his life for him.
• Owen wakes sooner than expected, comforts Xin Chun, and firmly reaffirms his commitment to him. He admits that protecting Xin Chun was instinctive and promises that they will have a happy future together.
• William comes to accept the depth and legitimacy of Owen and Xin Chun’s bond, realizing that their relationship cannot—and should not—be separated.
• Li Ze initially fails to understand the situation but finally realizes that Owen and Xin Chun are a couple, accepting the relationship without difficulty.
• Ivy recognizes the relationship as well and reacts with amused discomfort at their overt affection.

Significant themes

• Love and sacrifice: Owen’s instinctive decision to protect Xin Chun during the accident demonstrates the depth of his devotion.
• Emotional honesty and commitment: Xin Chun’s confession marks a turning point, as both men stop avoiding their feelings and formally choose to be together.
• Fear of loss and relief: Xin Chun’s tears reflect the terror of losing Owen, while Owen’s survival allows them to imagine a shared future.
• Care and mutual dependence: Although Xin Chun tends to Owen physically, Owen also comforts and supports him emotionally, emphasizing the reciprocity of their relationship.
• Acceptance: William, Ivy, and Li Ze each come to recognize and accept the couple’s relationship.

Character interactions

Xin Chun confesses his love to the unconscious Owen and kisses him, prompting Owen to wake and respond tenderly. They embrace, cry together, and promise to avoid another dangerous situation. Their renewed relationship becomes openly affectionate, including passionate kissing despite Owen’s injuries. During their hospitalization, Xin Chun pushes Owen’s wheelchair and helps him with daily tasks, while Owen feeds Xin Chun during meals. Their closeness is witnessed by Ivy and Li Ze, making the relationship clear to those around them.

Chapter 20 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xin Chun answers a phone call intended for Owen and learns that the caller is Owen’s stepmother. He politely tells her Owen is unavailable, though her call causes a moment of tension.
• Owen explains that he informed his family about the car accident but withheld the details. His stepmother wants to visit him in Hua Country, but he refuses, saying he will return to Y Country after recovering.
• Owen asks Xin Chun to accompany him to Y Country. After briefly thinking about Owen’s stepmother and the implications of returning, Xin Chun agrees. Owen is relieved and embraces him.
• After recovering sufficiently, both men are discharged from the hospital and return home. Owen still requires a wheelchair because of his leg injury, while Xin Chun’s fractured arm remains in a cast.
• Their injuries force them to depend on each other. At home, they prepare to bathe, with Owen needing help because he cannot get his back wet or move easily.
• William offers to help but ends up bathing Handsome Star instead. Xin Chun gives him detailed instructions for washing and drying the dog.
• Xin Chun assists Owen in the bathroom. Seeing Owen’s severe leg wound and remembering the danger of the accident, Xin Chun becomes emotional.
• Owen comforts him, emphasizing that he is grateful Xin Chun survived unharmed enough and that protecting him mattered most. They share an affectionate, passionate kiss before finally continuing with their bath.

Character Developments

• Xin Chun: Shows increasing emotional attachment and commitment to Owen by agreeing to return with him to Y Country. His reaction to Owen’s injuries reveals how deeply he worries about him, while his tenderness and willingness to care for Owen demonstrate the strength of their relationship. He also wonders whether surviving the accident means he has escaped the fatal disaster of his previous life.
• Owen: Remains protective and emotionally devoted to Xin Chun. Although he minimizes his family’s concern and hides his own pain, he openly asks Xin Chun to accompany him home, signaling that he sees him as part of his future. His regret over Xin Chun’s injury shows that he still blames himself for failing to keep him completely safe.
• William: Provides light comic relief by volunteering to help, only to take responsibility for bathing the dog instead.
• Owen’s stepmother: Though she appears only through a phone call, her concern suggests that she cares about Owen, even if Owen interprets her behavior as an effort to preserve family appearances.

Significant Themes

• Mutual dependence and care: Both injured, Owen and Xin Chun must rely on each other, deepening their intimacy and partnership.
• Survival and second chances: Their recovery from the accident raises the possibility that Xin Chun has escaped the tragic fate associated with his previous life.
• Love expressed through protection: Owen’s central concern is Xin Chun’s safety, while Xin Chun responds with emotional and physical care for Owen.
• Family obligations versus personal relationships: Owen’s reluctance to receive his family in Hua Country and his decision to return later with Xin Chun highlight the tension between family expectations and his chosen relationship.
• Healing and vulnerability: Physical injuries expose both characters’ emotional vulnerability, allowing them to express affection more openly.

Character Interactions

• Xin Chun and Owen share several tender exchanges, including Xin Chun’s playful response about Owen’s stepmother and Owen’s invitation to return to Y Country.
• Their intimate bathing scene combines practical cooperation with emotional reassurance. Xin Chun reacts painfully to Owen’s wounds, while Owen comforts him and reassures him that his survival is what matters.
• Their kissing underscores their growing emotional and physical closeness.
• Xin Chun directs William’s efforts toward caring for Handsome Star, adding humor to the otherwise intimate and serious domestic scene.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xin Chun and Owen share an intimate bath, expressing their mutual desire while acknowledging that they must continue waiting before taking their relationship further.
• William, after bathing the dog, waits downstairs and eventually decides to eat with the Alaskan Malamute, Starlight, while the couple remains upstairs.
• Owen continues recovering from his injuries. Xin Chun has his cast removed, and Owen eventually regains enough mobility that he no longer needs a wheelchair.
• The date for the group’s trip to Y Country is finalized. William decides to accompany Owen, partly because his family already knows where he is and will eventually force him to return.
• Owen plans to openly introduce Xin Chun as his partner to his family and establish their relationship publicly.
• Xin Chun agrees to travel with them and brings Starlight along, anticipating a long stay abroad.
• Upon arriving in Y Country, they are collected in a luxurious car and taken to the Williams family estate.
• Xin Chun becomes uneasy and reflective when approaching the household, recalling his previous life and his complicated feelings toward Owen’s stepmother, Duan Wei.
• Owen reassures Xin Chun that his family’s opinions do not matter, emphasizing that they love each other and intend to settle in Hua Country.
• Owen introduces Xin Chun to his father, Marcus, and stepmother, Duan Wei. Duan Wei warmly welcomes Xin Chun but fails to recognize him as her biological son, a fact that Xin Chun finds bitterly ironic.
• After the formal introductions, the family members withdraw and the butler shows Owen and Xin Chun to their room. Once alone, Xin Chun clings affectionately to Owen.

Character Developments

• Xin Chun: Becomes more openly affectionate and confident in his relationship with Owen, while still carrying unresolved resentment and emotional pain connected to his past life and Duan Wei. Although nervous about meeting Owen’s family, he maintains a composed exterior and refuses to appear vulnerable.
• Owen: Continues recovering physically and takes a decisive step toward publicly acknowledging Xin Chun. He is protective and reassuring, making clear that his family’s approval is secondary to their relationship.
• William: Remains caught between his family’s expectations and his own desire for independence. He recognizes that returning home is unavoidable and chooses to face the situation proactively. His loneliness is humorously emphasized by Owen and Xin Chun’s public affection.
• Duan Wei: Appears warm, elegant, and welcoming, but her failure to recognize Xin Chun highlights the emotional distance and neglect surrounding their past relationship.
• Marcus: Presents himself as supportive of Owen and communicates considerately with Xin Chun by speaking Hua Country language.

Significant Themes

• Love versus family expectations: Owen and Xin Chun prioritize their relationship despite possible judgment from the Williams family.
• Public acknowledgment and identity: Owen’s decision to introduce Xin Chun openly marks an important commitment to their future together.
• Past trauma and unresolved resentment: Xin Chun’s memories of Duan Wei reveal lingering pain over being ignored by his biological mother.
• Emotional distance within families: The Williams family is wealthy and polite but lacks warmth, contrasting with the intimacy between Owen and Xin Chun.
• Personal agency: William chooses to confront his family’s pressure on his own terms rather than wait to be forced back.

Character Interactions

• Xin Chun and Owen flirt and show physical affection throughout the chapter, reinforcing their deepening intimacy.
• William jokes with Starlight and treats the dog as his companion while waiting for the couple.
• William and Xin Chun discuss the risks of returning to Y Country and facing William’s family.
• Owen reassures Xin Chun during the journey and publicly holds his hand, signaling commitment.
• Owen introduces Xin Chun to Marcus and Duan Wei, while Xin Chun politely greets them despite his private resentment toward Duan Wei.
• Once alone, Xin Chun embraces Owen tightly, seeking closeness and comfort after the emotionally charged family meeting.

Chapter 21 Summary

Plot and key events

• Owen comforts and carries a tired Xin Chun to bed, where Xin Chun asks to be held tightly. Xin Chun sleeps in Owen’s arms until nearly evening.
• They join Owen’s family for dinner. Marcus, Owen’s father, questions Xin Chun about his family background, future plans, and commitment to Owen.
• Xin Chun explains that he has no close family left: his grandfather raised him, his father died young, and his mother abandoned him. He confirms that he intends to remain with Owen.
• Marcus also tests Xin Chun’s Y Country language skills. Xin Chun initially hesitates, but Owen confidently reveals that Xin Chun practices the language with him. Xin Chun then speaks fluently with Marcus, satisfying him.
• After dinner, Xin Chun and Owen walk the family’s large Alaskan dog around the estate. Owen reveals that he knew Xin Chun could speak Y Language and had investigated his claim that he could not drive after learning that Xin Chun had raced a car with William.
• Xin Chun realizes Owen deliberately read erotic Y Language poetry to expose his hidden ability. He also learns that Owen’s initial discomfort came from William discovering Xin Chun’s secrets before he did.

Character development

• Xin Chun appears increasingly comfortable and spoiled in Owen’s care. He is affectionate, playful, and unafraid of being exposed, responding to Owen’s discoveries with shameless confidence rather than anxiety.
• Owen shows himself to be deeply attentive and protective, while also teasing and quietly investigating Xin Chun. His pride and possessiveness are evident when he discusses William knowing Xin Chun’s secrets first.
• Marcus moves from cautious scrutiny toward acceptance. His questions suggest he is assessing whether Xin Chun is a suitable, sincere long-term partner for Owen.
• Duan Wei reacts noticeably when Xin Chun discusses his abandoned family background, hinting at a personal or emotional response that is not yet explained.
• William is embarrassed after Owen exposes his role in revealing Xin Chun’s abilities and avoids drawing attention to himself at dinner.

Themes

• Trust and acceptance: Xin Chun is formally evaluated by Owen’s family but is ultimately accepted after honestly answering Marcus’s questions.
• Intimacy and possessiveness: Owen’s physical affection, teasing, and desire to know Xin Chun’s secrets reflect the couple’s close but possessive relationship.
• Hidden abilities and deception: Xin Chun has concealed his fluency and driving skills, while Owen deliberately uncovers these secrets.
• Family and abandonment: Xin Chun’s difficult childhood contrasts with his growing sense of belonging within Owen’s household.
• Playful power dynamics: Their relationship is marked by teasing, mutual exposure, and Xin Chun’s confidence that Owen’s affection protects him from consequences.

Character interactions

• Owen tenderly cares for Xin Chun in private, while Xin Chun openly seeks his affection.
• Marcus questions Xin Chun directly, and Owen supports him by revealing his language practice.
• Xin Chun and Owen walk hand in hand with the dog, discussing the secrets Owen has uncovered.
• Xin Chun embraces Owen and jokingly claims credit for protecting William from being manipulated, ending the chapter with his characteristic arrogance and playfulness.

Chapter Summary

• Key events: Owen and Xin Chun share a playful, affectionate moment while caring for Handsome Star. Xin Chun then encounters Duan Wei, who questions him about his hometown. When Xin Chun reveals that he grew up in Jingu Town, Duan Wei is visibly shocked, suggesting she recognizes the name or has a significant connection to it.
• Owen later tells Xin Chun that he will officially introduce him to the family at an upcoming dinner party, which will also serve as Owen’s birthday celebration. Xin Chun happily agrees and teasingly offers himself as Owen’s “early birthday present.” They spend the night together.
• The next morning, Owen lovingly cares for Xin Chun, bringing him breakfast in bed. Xin Chun eventually goes downstairs, where William warns him that Catherine, Owen’s childhood acquaintance and a woman once considered as a possible match for Owen, will attend the dinner. William cautions Xin Chun that Catherine may cause trouble.
• Xin Chun suspects William’s earlier hostility toward him may have been influenced by Catherine. He privately tells Owen about William’s secret, leaving William embarrassed.
• Duan Wei continues to watch Xin Chun with an unreadable, troubled expression. That afternoon, she asks to speak with him privately. They walk into the estate’s surrounding forest, where Xin Chun finally stops and presses her to explain what she wants to discuss.

Character developments and interactions

• Xin Chun remains calm, observant, and subtly provocative. He deliberately reveals his hometown to Duan Wei, seemingly aware that the information will unsettle her. He is also confident in his relationship with Owen and shows no insecurity about Catherine.
• Owen is openly affectionate and indulgent toward Xin Chun, treating him tenderly and emphasizing that he intends to acknowledge him publicly before the family. His care after their intimate night reinforces his devotion.
• Duan Wei becomes increasingly unsettled by Xin Chun. Her shock at hearing “Jingu Town” and her later request for a private conversation suggest she may know something important about his past.
• William shifts from teasing and warning Xin Chun to acting embarrassed when Xin Chun exposes his possible connection to Catherine’s interests. Despite his denial, his behavior implies he may previously have opposed Xin Chun because of Catherine.
• Catherine does not appear directly, but her past relationship with Owen and possible romantic interest create a new source of tension before the birthday dinner.

Significant themes

• Public recognition and commitment: Owen’s plan to introduce Xin Chun to the family signals that their relationship is becoming official.
• Jealousy and hidden motives: Catherine’s history with Owen and William’s possible allegiance to her foreshadow conflict at the dinner.
• Secrets and identity: Duan Wei’s reaction to Xin Chun’s hometown hints at concealed connections or revelations about his past.
• Intimacy and emotional security: The couple’s affectionate domestic interactions contrast with the undercurrents of suspicion and potential rivalry surrounding them.

Chapter Summary

• Xin Chun confronts Duan Wei: Duan Wei realizes that Xin Chun is the son she abandoned years earlier in Hua Country. Xin Chun confirms his identity but makes clear that he no longer hates her; instead, he regards her as little more than a stranger because of her abandonment. He refuses to give her the respect or affection expected of a mother and offers to keep their relationship secret so she can continue pretending not to know him in front of Marcus.
• Duan Wei questions Xin Chun’s relationship with Owen: She suspects Xin Chun is dating Owen as an act of revenge. Xin Chun rejects this idea harshly, insisting that his relationship with Owen has nothing to do with her. He also contrasts Owen’s genuine love for him with Marcus’s apparent lack of love for Duan Wei, deeply unsettling her. Duan Wei’s reaction suggests that Xin Chun has identified a painful truth about her marriage or relationship with Marcus.
• Xin Chun and Owen reaffirm their bond: Xin Chun returns to find Owen anxiously searching for him. Owen embraces him and admits he was afraid Xin Chun might disappear. Xin Chun reassures him that he will never leave and promises to remain by his side. Duan Wei witnesses their affectionate reunion, her expression complicated by the revelation of Xin Chun’s identity and the strength of his relationship with Owen. She does not approach Xin Chun again afterward.
• Preparation for the banquet: Owen gives Xin Chun an elegant white satin suit embroidered with silver details, while he wears a matching black suit. He is visibly captivated by Xin Chun’s appearance, and the two share playful, intimate chemistry while dressing. Their matching outfits emphasize their closeness and present them publicly as a couple.
• Discussion of Catherine: Before the banquet, Xin Chun asks about Catherine, a woman who grew up close to Owen and whose family is connected to his. Owen assures him that he has never had romantic feelings for Catherine and that Xin Chun is the only person who has inspired such feelings. Their flirtation becomes intimate, reinforcing Owen’s devotion and Xin Chun’s confidence in their relationship.
• The banquet begins: At the event, Marcus introduces Xin Chun and Owen to the guests. Xin Chun notices Catherine, an elegant and commanding woman whom William apparently admires. Catherine approaches Xin Chun and reveals that she once confessed her feelings to Owen but was rejected. Although she once regretted not dating him, she now appears reflective rather than openly hostile. The chapter ends when Xin Chun asks what she feels about Owen now.

Character Development

• Xin Chun displays emotional detachment toward Duan Wei, showing that he has moved beyond the resentment he may have carried in his previous life. At the same time, he remains deeply affectionate and emotionally secure with Owen.
• Duan Wei is shaken by learning that her abandoned son is close to her without acknowledging her publicly. Her insecurity is intensified when Xin Chun points out the contrast between Owen’s love and Marcus’s possible lack of affection.
• Owen is shown as protective, devoted, and emotionally dependent on Xin Chun, openly fearing that he might lose him.
• Catherine is introduced as confident and candid. Her past feelings for Owen establish her as a potentially important figure in the social tensions surrounding the couple.

Major Themes

• Abandonment and the limits of familial obligation: Xin Chun rejects the idea that biological motherhood automatically deserves love or respect.
• Chosen love versus imposed relationships: Owen’s voluntary, sincere love is contrasted with Duan Wei’s failed maternal bond and the uncertain nature of her relationship with Marcus.
• Healing and emotional distance: Xin Chun’s lack of hatred suggests he has moved past revenge, choosing indifference and personal happiness instead.
• Public identity and intimacy: The matching suits and banquet setting highlight the couple’s willingness to appear together socially, while private affection strengthens their relationship.
• Past relationships and jealousy: Catherine’s history with Owen introduces the possibility of romantic competition, though Owen’s declarations reassure Xin Chun.

Chapter 22 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Catherine confidently dismisses the man who rejected her, declaring that “missing out on me was his loss” and that she will not devote herself to a single person. Xin Chun praises her attitude, and they bond over their shared interest in alcohol.
• Xin Chun recommends Hua Country liquor to Catherine. When Owen later sees them talking and notices Catherine’s happiness, he becomes quietly jealous.
• After the banquet, Owen questions Xin Chun about their conversation. Xin Chun explains that they discussed liquor, admitting that William told him about Catherine’s collecting habit.
• Owen’s jealousy leads to an intimate encounter with Xin Chun. Although Owen never openly says he is jealous, his possessive behavior makes his feelings clear. Xin Chun playfully encourages him, but the encounter leaves Xin Chun exhausted and sore the following day.
• Xin Chun sleeps until late morning. Owen cares for him affectionately, kisses his forehead, and offers to massage his aching waist.
• Catherine visits the manor under the pretense of seeing Marcus but actually comes to find Xin Chun. William accompanies her, appearing slightly wounded that Catherine is more interested in Xin Chun despite having met him only once.
• Catherine brings several kinds of Hua Country liquor so she and Xin Chun can taste them. William joins them, while Xin Chun advises moderation because mixing alcohol can cause drunkenness and upset the stomach.
• The group spends the afternoon in the home theater eating, drinking, chatting, and watching movies. Catherine eventually drinks herself unconscious and is carried away by William.
• Xin Chun also becomes tipsy and asks Owen first to carry him and then to give him a piggyback ride. Owen happily accommodates him.
• In the hallway, they encounter Duan Wei, who recognizes that Xin Chun is drunk and offers to have hangover soup prepared. Xin Chun sleepily complains about stopping and clings possessively to Owen’s neck.

Character Developments

• Xin Chun grows more confident and playful in his relationship with Owen. He enjoys teasing Owen and openly accepts Owen’s affection and possessiveness. His relaxed interactions with Catherine also show him becoming more socially comfortable.
• Owen reveals a jealous and possessive side. Rather than confessing his jealousy directly, he expresses it through intense intimacy and attentive care. His willingness to carry, comfort, and massage Xin Chun emphasizes his tenderness beneath his dominant exterior.
• Catherine is portrayed as bold, independent, sociable, and enthusiastic about alcohol. She quickly forms a friendship with Xin Chun and acts decisively by obtaining the liquor he recommends.
• William appears mildly jealous or aggrieved over Catherine’s interest in Xin Chun, but he still joins the tasting and takes responsibility for carrying Catherine away afterward.
• Duan Wei demonstrates concern for Xin Chun by offering practical help in preparing hangover soup.

Significant Themes

• Jealousy and possessiveness: Owen’s jealousy is never verbalized but is unmistakable in his behavior and intimate treatment of Xin Chun.
• Romantic intimacy and trust: Xin Chun feels secure enough to tease Owen, surrender control, and rely on him for care.
• Independence and self-worth: Catherine’s declaration about not sacrificing an entire forest for one tree reflects her refusal to be defined by rejection.
• Companionship and social bonding: Drinking, watching movies, and casual conversation create a warm communal atmosphere among the characters.
• Care beneath dominance: Owen’s intense behavior is balanced by his gentleness the next morning and his attentive care when Xin Chun is drunk.

Character Interactions

• Xin Chun and Catherine connect through their conversation about liquor and their shared lively personalities.
• Owen and Xin Chun’s romantic interaction centers on jealousy, flirtation, and mutual trust.
• Catherine and William’s dynamic includes William’s subdued frustration at her preference for Xin Chun’s company, though he remains involved and supportive.
• Xin Chun and Owen’s affectionate piggyback exchange highlights their comfort and playful dependence.
• Duan Wei’s encounter with them adds a brief moment of outside concern and reinforces the manor’s supportive household atmosphere.