Chapter Summaries

Chapter 121 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tang Mingxi remembers that Ye Heng’s injury was supposedly on his lower abdomen, yet Ye Heng had been clutching his chest, making Mingxi suspicious.
• When Mingxi asks about his brother, Ye Heng says the Tang Family remains unchanged and that Tang Nuo was deeply affected after Mingxi left. This troubles Mingxi, especially because Ye Heng has not taken revenge on the Tang Family as he did in the original novel.
• Mingxi prepares to leave his tiny rental apartment, though his lack of domestic skills is humorously evident when he struggles to pack his clothes.
• Hungry and unable to find anything in his nearly empty refrigerator except orange juice, Mingxi orders takeout. Ye Heng takes his phone and insists on treating him to a meal at a newly opened private restaurant, presenting it as compensation for Mingxi caring for him after his injury.
• After dinner, Ye Heng follows Mingxi back to the apartment and folds the clothes scattered across the bed. He then asks where Mingxi is staying and offers to drive him to Mingchen International.
• Mingxi initially tries to sit in the back seat to maintain distance, but Ye Heng guilt-trips him by invoking his status as Mingxi’s lifesaver. Mingxi reluctantly sits in the passenger seat.
• In the confined car, Mingxi becomes nervous and assumes Ye Heng is about to kiss him. When Ye Heng leans toward him, Mingxi covers his mouth, only to discover that Ye Heng was merely reaching for the seat belt.
• Ye Heng teases him by suggesting that he thought Mingxi wanted a kiss and adds that “next time” he definitely will. Mortified, Mingxi begins a one-sided cold war and refuses to speak to him.
• At Mingchen International, Ye Heng carries Mingxi’s luggage and asks whether he plans to return home. He reveals that he bought Mingxi a private island where he can watch the aurora, recalling Mingxi’s love of the phenomenon and his earlier promise to buy him islands after a serious mistake.
• Mingxi sarcastically demands even more extravagant compensation, then shuts the door in Ye Heng’s face.
• As Mingxi reaches his floor, Li Xiaowei rushes out and immediately asks who the man was who brought him home, setting up further gossip and confrontation.

Character Developments

• Tang Mingxi: Remains proud, defensive, and financially conscious despite his wealthy upbringing. He feels conflicted about accepting Ye Heng’s help because it creates an unwanted sense of obligation. His exaggerated suspicion and embarrassment in the car reveal that, beneath his hostility, he is increasingly conscious of Ye Heng’s romantic intentions and physical proximity.
• Ye Heng: Displays unusual patience and domestic attentiveness by treating Mingxi to dinner, folding his clothes, driving him, and carrying his luggage. He uses both guilt and playful teasing to draw closer to Mingxi, while his purchase of a private island demonstrates the extravagant way he expresses concern and affection.
• Tang Nuo and the Tang Family: Though absent, they remain emotionally important to Mingxi. His concern over Tang Nuo’s suffering suggests that he still cares about his family despite leaving them.

Significant Themes

• Growing intimacy beneath hostility: Mingxi and Ye Heng continue to act antagonistically, but their interactions increasingly resemble those of a married couple with unresolved feelings.
• Debt and obligation: Mingxi repeatedly worries that accepting Ye Heng’s food or assistance means owing him something, making it harder for him to reject Ye Heng outright.
• Miscommunication and embarrassment: Mingxi’s mistaken assumption about the seat belt creates the chapter’s central comedic moment and highlights his tendency to overinterpret Ye Heng’s actions.
• Power and emotional manipulation: Ye Heng uses his role as Mingxi’s lifesaver and his financial resources to persuade Mingxi, though his behavior also conveys genuine care.
• The contrast between wealth and independence: Mingxi comes from a privileged family but now lives in a cramped apartment, orders takeout, and struggles financially, emphasizing his changed circumstances.

Character Interactions

• Mingxi and Ye Heng: Their relationship dominates the chapter. Ye Heng alternates between caring gestures, subtle emotional pressure, and flirtatious teasing, while Mingxi responds with suspicion, embarrassment, sarcasm, and silent treatment.
• Mingxi and the Tang Family: Mingxi’s conversation with Ye Heng reveals his lingering concern for his brother and unresolved feelings toward his family.
• Mingxi and Li Xiaowei: The chapter ends with Li Xiaowei’s arrival and immediate curiosity about Ye Heng, likely threatening to expose or intensify the romantic rumors surrounding Mingxi’s relationship.

Chapter 122 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tang Mingxi returns home and is immediately questioned by Li Xiaowei, who saw Ye Heng bringing him back and suspects Tang Mingxi has secretly found a boyfriend.
• Tang Mingxi evasively describes Ye Heng as an “old friend,” but admits their relationship is complicated: they were once “sort of” together, Ye Heng previously lied to him, and Tang Mingxi also deceived Ye Heng.
• He explains that Ye Heng used to treat him attentively even while supposedly devoted to his “white moonlight,” leading Tang Mingxi to suspect that Ye Heng is keeping multiple romantic options open.
• Tang Mingxi recounts how, in the past, he slapped Ye Heng and told him to leave, only for Ye Heng to imprison him. Li Xiaowei is shocked by the revelation but humorously romanticizes the situation because Ye Heng is handsome, wealthy, and powerful.
• Li Xiaowei advises Tang Mingxi to directly reject Ye Heng or claim to like someone else. Tang Mingxi refuses, afraid that he may be misreading Ye Heng’s intentions and embarrassing himself.
• She also suggests that Tang Mingxi confirm whether Ye Heng truly has feelings for his supposed white moonlight, since Tang Mingxi only inferred it rather than hearing Ye Heng admit it.
• When Li Xiaowei points out that Tang Mingxi seems to still like Ye Heng, Tang Mingxi reacts with immediate shock and denial.

Character Developments

• Tang Mingxi: Reveals increasing emotional confusion about Ye Heng. He insists that Ye Heng may not be pursuing him, yet repeatedly analyzes Ye Heng’s actions and worries about his past attachment to someone else. His defensiveness and embarrassment suggest he still cares deeply, despite trying to present himself as annoyed and detached. He also shows some self-awareness about his demanding personality, though Li Xiaowei rejects his self-criticism.
• Li Xiaowei: Acts as Tang Mingxi’s blunt, supportive confidante. She teasingly interrogates him, defends his value, criticizes Ye Heng’s supposed behavior, and pushes Tang Mingxi to confront his feelings. Her reactions provide comic relief while also highlighting how obvious Tang Mingxi’s emotional attachment appears from the outside.
• Ye Heng: Does not appear directly, but his influence dominates the conversation. His past deception, possessiveness, attentiveness, and possible romantic pursuit remain central sources of Tang Mingxi’s anxiety and uncertainty.

Significant Themes

• Miscommunication and emotional denial: Tang Mingxi continually interprets Ye Heng’s behavior while refusing to ask him directly, creating misunderstandings.
• Jealousy and insecurity: Tang Mingxi is troubled by Ye Heng’s alleged “white moonlight” and fears being treated as one option among several.
• Self-awareness versus self-deception: Although Tang Mingxi recognizes his own difficult personality and emotional reactions, he still refuses to acknowledge that he may love Ye Heng.
• Romantic ambiguity: The chapter emphasizes the uncertain boundary between past coercive intimacy, present attraction, and genuine romantic pursuit.
• Humor through genre awareness: Tang Mingxi mocks the melodramatic roles he seems trapped in—such as the spoiled second male lead or domineering-CEO romance—while ironically behaving like someone caught in exactly that kind of plot.

Character Interactions

• Tang Mingxi and Li Xiaowei’s close friendship allows her to tease him openly and physically while challenging his excuses.
• Li Xiaowei repeatedly presses Tang Mingxi about Ye Heng, while Tang Mingxi responds with evasions, embarrassment, and defensive rationalizations.
• Their conversation shifts from playful gossip to serious emotional probing when Li Xiaowei suggests that Tang Mingxi still likes Ye Heng, leaving him visibly flustered and shaken.

Chapter 123 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Xiaowei suggests that Tang Mingxi’s intense concern over Ye Heng’s ex-boyfriend and first love proves he still likes Ye Heng. Tang Mingxi is shocked by the suggestion and spends the night unable to stop thinking about it.
• The next morning, Tang Mingxi and Li Xiaowei encounter Ye Heng’s familiar Maybach outside her residence. Tang Mingxi deliberately ignores him and leaves with Li Xiaowei.
• At work, Zeng Yang uses Tang Mingxi’s recent absences as an excuse to criticize his work attitude and summon him to a meeting. The discussion lasts three hours and extends well past working hours.
• Zeng Yang attempts to pressure Tang Mingxi into having dinner with him, insisting that he is handsome and that Tang Mingxi might mistakenly think he is pursuing him. Tang Mingxi mocks his self-confidence and leaves.
• Hungry and frustrated, Tang Mingxi enters a convenience store after work. The male clerk offers him free food, revealing a small crush on him.
• Ye Heng suddenly appears, pays for Tang Mingxi’s meal, and jokingly claims that Tang Mingxi is his wife. The clerk realizes they are married and becomes embarrassed.
• Outside the store, Tang Mingxi criticizes Ye Heng for making their relationship look ridiculous. Ye Heng focuses on Tang Mingxi’s accidental use of the phrase “flaunting our affection,” teasing him about it.
• Although initially angry, Tang Mingxi accepts the sandwich and milk Ye Heng feeds him. After eating, he realizes he has instinctively reverted to accepting Ye Heng’s care, which makes him uncomfortable and self-conscious.

Character Developments

• Tang Mingxi: Becomes increasingly troubled by the possibility that he still has feelings for Ye Heng. He remains defensive and verbally sharp, especially toward Zeng Yang and Ye Heng, but his dependence on Ye Heng’s care is still evident. His hunger and exhaustion also expose how vulnerable he is beneath his pride.
• Ye Heng: Continues pursuing and caring for Tang Mingxi in a calm, shameless manner. He uses humor and possessive declarations—calling Tang Mingxi his wife—to assert their relationship, while quietly making sure Tang Mingxi eats.
• Li Xiaowei: Acts as Tang Mingxi’s perceptive friend, openly identifying the emotional contradiction in his behavior.
• Zeng Yang: Is portrayed as arrogant, self-important, and oblivious. He abuses his position to keep Tang Mingxi at work and assumes his own attractiveness makes him desirable.
• The convenience-store clerk: Shows a brief romantic interest in Tang Mingxi but immediately withdraws after seeing Ye Heng’s apparent claim over him.

Significant Themes

• Denial and unresolved feelings: Tang Mingxi insists that he is not interested in Ye Heng, yet his jealousy, preoccupation, and instinctive acceptance of Ye Heng’s care suggest otherwise.
• Emotional dependence: Despite their strained relationship, Tang Mingxi remains accustomed to Ye Heng feeding and looking after him.
• Pride versus vulnerability: Tang Mingxi’s sharp remarks and refusal to admit weakness contrast with his obvious hunger and willingness to accept Ye Heng’s help.
• Possessiveness and public identity: Ye Heng openly presents Tang Mingxi as his wife, forcing Tang Mingxi to confront how others perceive their relationship.
• Comic contrast: Zeng Yang’s exaggerated self-confidence and Ye Heng’s quiet shamelessness provide humor while highlighting Tang Mingxi’s irritation and discomfort.

Character Interactions

• Li Xiaowei confronts Tang Mingxi about his apparent jealousy and lingering affection for Ye Heng.
• Zeng Yang attempts to dominate Tang Mingxi professionally and socially, but Tang Mingxi humiliates him with dry sarcasm.
• Ye Heng interrupts the clerk’s attempt to treat Tang Mingxi, pays for the food, and publicly claims him as his wife.
• Ye Heng tenderly feeds Tang Mingxi, while Tang Mingxi alternates between resisting him and instinctively accepting his care.

Chapter 124 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• After Ye Heng pays for Tang Mingxi’s sandwich, Tang Mingxi insists on reimbursing him because he dislikes owing favors. Ye Heng jokes that his “wife” no longer gives him an allowance, despite being the chairman of Jingyu and clearly not needing to worry about sixteen yuan and fifty cents.
• While transferring the money, Ye Heng sees that Tang Mingxi has saved his contact as “Pornographic male streamer.” Tang Mingxi becomes embarrassed and repeatedly denies that Ye Heng saw correctly.
• Zeng Yang walks through the Financial Center with the Financing Department manager and boasts that Ye Xi is attracted to him. They then spot Ye Xi standing closely with Ye Heng.
• The manager deliberately provokes Zeng Yang by suggesting that Ye Xi’s companion is his wealthy boyfriend and pointing out the man’s expensive Lamborghini. Zeng Yang reacts bitterly, insulting wealthy “second-generation” men and implying that Ye Xi might be a kept man.
• As Ye Heng and Tang Mingxi leave together, the manager begins to suspect that Ye Xi’s companion may actually be Ye Heng, Jingyu’s chairman, though he considers the possibility too shocking to say aloud.
• Ye Heng takes Tang Mingxi to an expensive dinner and drives him home. Li Xiaowei teases Tang Mingxi about being dropped off by his “ex-boyfriend,” noting that Ye Heng has used several luxury cars recently.
• Later that night, Ye Heng sends Tang Mingxi a provocative post-shower photograph wearing only a towel. He claims this is part of his “professional ethics” as a pornographic male streamer and offers additional pictures as “fan perks.”
• Their teasing exchange becomes increasingly flirtatious. Tang Mingxi is flustered and incredulous, while Ye Heng calmly plays along, even misusing the yellow-bean smile and kiss emojis. Tang Mingxi eventually reports him and shuts off his phone.
• The next morning, Ye Heng continues the routine by sending a good-morning message after his goodnight text. Tang Mingxi ignores him and focuses on finding a new apartment.
• Tang Mingxi posts a rental request on Moments because he does not want to impose on Li Xiaowei indefinitely. Unexpectedly, he receives a call that afternoon and schedules an apartment viewing for Saturday.
• The agent arrives in a suit and drives a nice car, which Tang Mingxi finds comfortable, though he knows little about cars.

Character Developments

• Tang Mingxi: Remains proud and determined to maintain independence by repaying Ye Heng and finding his own place. However, his embarrassment over the contact name and Ye Heng’s suggestive messages reveals how strongly Ye Heng affects him.
• Ye Heng: Becomes increasingly bold and playful in his pursuit of Tang Mingxi. He deliberately embraces the “pornographic male streamer” nickname and uses flirtatious photos and messages to provoke Tang Mingxi while maintaining a calm, teasing demeanor.
• Zeng Yang: Shows jealousy and wounded pride upon seeing Ye Xi with another man. His exaggerated claims about Ye Xi’s interest in him are exposed as self-delusion.
• Financing Department Manager: Quietly mocks Zeng Yang and enjoys turning the situation against him. He also begins suspecting that Ye Xi is connected to Ye Heng.
• Li Xiaowei: Continues to tease Tang Mingxi about Ye Heng and recognizes the obvious signs of Ye Heng’s wealth and attention.

Significant Themes

• Flirtation disguised as repayment and joking: Tang Mingxi frames his interactions with Ye Heng as practical or adversarial, while Ye Heng uses humor to make their relationship increasingly intimate.
• Pride and independence: Tang Mingxi’s insistence on paying Ye Heng back and moving out reflects his desire not to be dependent on anyone.
• Jealousy and self-deception: Zeng Yang’s reaction highlights his inability to accept that Ye Xi may be interested in someone else.
• Class and wealth: The luxury cars, expensive dinners, and speculation about kept lovers emphasize the characters’ differing assumptions about money and status.
• Public image versus private intimacy: At work, Ye Heng and Tang Mingxi’s relationship is mysterious and subject to gossip; privately, Ye Heng openly teases and seduces Tang Mingxi.

Character Interactions

• Tang Mingxi and Ye Heng: Their relationship grows more intimate through teasing, financial banter, flirtatious messages, and Ye Heng’s provocative photograph. Tang Mingxi protests constantly but remains engaged.
• Zeng Yang and the Financing Department manager: The manager subtly humiliates Zeng Yang by praising Ye Xi’s apparent boyfriend and highlighting the man’s wealth, while Zeng Yang responds with defensive insults.
• Tang Mingxi and Li Xiaowei: Li Xiaowei openly jokes about Ye Heng’s repeated appearances and wealth, embarrassing Tang Mingxi.
• Tang Mingxi and the rental agent: Their meeting introduces a possible new apartment and may provide the next development in Tang Mingxi’s attempt to establish independence.

Chapter 125 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tang Mingxi views an apartment arranged through a real-estate agent, expecting it to fit his six-thousand-yuan rental budget. Instead, the agent takes him to an ultra-luxurious apartment at East Mountain Gazing Lake, a prestigious city-center complex where units cost tens of millions and rent is likely around sixty thousand per month.
• Tang immediately realizes Ye Heng arranged the apartment through Jingyu’s resources. He rejects it as an insulting and obvious attempt to deceive him, then leaves without giving the agent an explanation.
• Ye Heng learns that Tang refused the apartment. He tries to contact Tang through WeChat but discovers that Tang has blocked him. Unsure how to repair the relationship, Ye Heng asks his assistant, He Wenfang, for advice. He Wenfang suggests gifts, but Ye Heng recognizes that Tang’s anger cannot be solved simply with expensive presents.
• Tang continues staying at Li Xiaowei’s home after the earlier incident involving the stalker. When a man visits to meet Li Xiaowei on a family-arranged blind date, Tang realizes that he may be intruding on her personal life. He becomes depressed at the possibility that she may eventually have a boyfriend and no longer be able to accommodate him.
• After two weeks without seeing Ye Heng, Tang unblocks him but refuses to message him first, maintaining that he is still angry.
• At work, Tang tries to avoid being assigned an outside task, but his manager, Zeng Yang, orders him to accompany him to meet a client. The client meeting takes place at Jingyu Group, bringing Tang back into Ye Heng’s sphere.
• At Jingyu, Zeng Yang boasts about his own status and connections while instructing Tang to act quickly and submissively around the client. The chapter ends as they enter the reception area, with the receptionist appearing uncomfortable after hearing Zeng Yang criticize Jingyu’s corporate culture and compare its current management with its former female leader.

Character Developments

• Tang Mingxi: Becomes increasingly sensitive to whether others are treating him sincerely. He rejects Ye Heng’s extravagant apartment because he sees it as manipulative rather than helpful. His stay with Li Xiaowei also makes him more aware of his dependence on others and his uncertain situation. Although he remains angry at Ye Heng, unblocking him shows that he is not completely unwilling to reconnect.
• Ye Heng: Shows unusual uncertainty and vulnerability. He recognizes that Tang is genuinely upset but does not understand the reason behind it. His instinct is to solve problems materially, yet he begins to realize that Tang’s feelings require more than gifts or luxury.
• He Wenfang: Acts as Ye Heng’s practical adviser, suggesting that Tang’s preferences might be appeased with expensive gifts while also pointing out that Ye Heng should identify the true cause of Tang’s anger.
• Li Xiaowei: Her blind date reminds Tang that she has an independent life and romantic prospects beyond their friendship. She remains hospitable, but the situation introduces possible tension into their living arrangement.
• Zeng Yang: Appears arrogant and domineering, forcing Tang to accompany him despite Tang’s refusal. He enjoys showing off and using Tang’s attractive appearance to enhance his own prestige during business dealings.
• Tang and Ye Heng’s relationship: Their estrangement continues, but Tang’s decision to remove Ye Heng from his blacklist suggests that his anger is mixed with lingering concern and emotional attachment.

Significant Themes

• Sincerity versus material compensation: Ye Heng assumes that luxury and expensive gifts can repair the relationship, while Tang wants genuine consideration and honesty.
• Emotional dependence and personal boundaries: Tang’s stay with Li Xiaowei forces him to recognize that relying on someone’s kindness may interfere with their private life.
• Pride and miscommunication: Both Tang and Ye Heng remain unwilling to openly address the real source of their conflict, allowing resentment to continue.
• Social status and appearance: The luxury apartment, Jingyu’s imposing headquarters, and Tang’s striking appearance all emphasize wealth, prestige, and the way people use outward appearances to influence others.
• Power in the workplace: Zeng Yang’s behavior highlights the pressure placed on junior employees to obey supervisors and perform submissive roles for clients.

Important Character Interactions

• Tang Mingxi and the agent: Tang rejects the suspiciously cheap luxury apartment and leaves when he realizes Ye Heng arranged it.
• Ye Heng and He Wenfang: Ye Heng asks how to calm an angry person, revealing his confusion and concern. He Wenfang advises him to understand Tang’s real grievance rather than relying only on gifts.
• Tang Mingxi and Li Xiaowei: Their comfortable friendship is complicated by Tang’s realization that her romantic life may eventually affect his living arrangement.
• Tang Mingxi and Zeng Yang: Zeng Yang pressures Tang into joining the client meeting, while Tang resists his authority and dislikes his condescending instructions.
• Tang Mingxi and Ye Heng: Though they have not met for two weeks and Tang remains angry, Tang unblocks Ye Heng, quietly signaling that the relationship is not over.

Chapter 126 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tang Mingxi and Zeng Yang wait at Jingyu for over an hour to meet Project Department Director Wang Yu. Wang deliberately—or negligently—keeps them waiting and appears to have already left for the day.
• After Tang Mingxi complains to Ye Heng by message about being stood up, Ye Heng quickly intervenes. Wang Yu suddenly returns, apologizes profusely, and treats the collaboration far more favorably than expected.
• Wang Yu invites Zeng Yang to dinner to continue discussing the partnership. He tells Zeng Yang to leave Tang Mingxi behind, apparently because the dinner may involve sensitive or important business.
• Ye Heng arrives at the office to pick Tang Mingxi up. He jokes that he has come to “rub his wife’s back,” using Tang Mingxi’s employee badge—which bears the name “Ye Xi”—to claim that Tang has taken his surname.
• Ye Heng successfully coaxes Tang Mingxi into having dinner with him, despite Tang’s initial refusal.
• Back at home, Tang Mingxi examines the extremely valuable diamond tie clip Ye Heng previously gave him. Li Xiaowei points out that the expensive gift is clearly part of Ye Heng’s romantic pursuit, forcing Tang to consider that Ye Heng may genuinely be courting him.

Character Developments

• Tang Mingxi becomes increasingly irritated by being disrespected and forced to wait, but his anger is softened whenever Ye Heng appears and takes care of him. He remains verbally defensive and embarrassed by Ye Heng’s advances, yet repeatedly gives in to them.
• Ye Heng demonstrates his influence and attentiveness by promptly bringing Wang Yu back to the meeting. He also continues his shameless, affectionate teasing and uses gifts, attention, and persistence to win Tang Mingxi over.
• Zeng Yang is furious after being stood up but quickly becomes deferential once Wang Yu returns and treats him respectfully. He also appears cautious about Tang Mingxi’s presence affecting the business dinner.
• Wang Yu initially behaves arrogantly toward the smaller company, but his attitude changes completely after learning that Ye Heng is involved, revealing the power Ye Heng holds within Jingyu.
• Li Xiaowei acts as an outside observer who bluntly interprets Ye Heng’s behavior for Tang Mingxi: the gifts and attention are unmistakably courtship.

Significant Themes

• Power and status in business: Wang Yu’s sudden change from dismissive to overly polite shows how corporate hierarchy and connections determine who receives respect.
• Romantic pursuit disguised as teasing: Ye Heng persistently frames his concern and gifts as jokes, but his actions clearly reveal genuine affection.
• Resistance versus emotional dependence: Tang Mingxi insists that he dislikes Ye Heng’s behavior, yet he accepts Ye Heng’s help, dinner invitation, and gifts, suggesting that his hostility is weakening.
• Material gifts as emotional pressure: The multimillion-dollar diamond tie clip symbolizes Ye Heng’s extravagant approach to winning Tang Mingxi’s affection and leaves Tang conflicted about how to respond.

Character Interactions

• Tang Mingxi and Zeng Yang share frustration over Wang Yu’s deliberate neglect.
• Tang Mingxi vents to Ye Heng through sarcastic text messages, unintentionally prompting Ye Heng to intervene.
• Ye Heng teases Tang about the “Ye Xi” name on his badge, turning it into evidence that Tang belongs to him.
• Ye Heng persuades Tang to eat with him despite Tang’s protests, reinforcing their pattern of Ye Heng’s persistence overcoming Tang’s resistance.
• Li Xiaowei directly confronts Tang with the obvious conclusion that Ye Heng is courting him, leaving Tang to reconsider the nature of their relationship.

Chapter 127 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Xiaowei argues that Ye Heng’s behavior clearly suggests he is pursuing Tang Mingxi. Tang remains skeptical, unable to believe the protagonist would genuinely want a former “cannon-fodder” like him.
• Tang worries that reconnecting with Ye Heng would undo all the effort he made to leave him. Although Ye Heng has not shown murderous intentions, Tang remains wary and emotionally conflicted.
• As New Year approaches, Tang receives several pieces of good news: Zeng Yang is occupied with a project at Jingyu, Li Xiaowei has fallen in love with her blind date, and Tang has found a new place to live.
• Li Xiaowei holds a celebration at Slope Club for her final night of being single. Tang reluctantly attends, despite disliking alcohol and nightlife.
• At the bar, guests discuss Su Luoxi’s attempts to marry Ye Heng. They reveal that Ye Heng rejected her and that she has been trying to enter private gatherings to contact him.
• Tang becomes unexpectedly upset by the conversation and defends Su Luoxi, criticizing the woman who insults her. He then drinks despite normally avoiding alcohol, quickly becoming dizzy and sick.
• Tang leaves the bar and sits outside in the snow, making a series of small snowmen. Ye Heng calls him, and their conversation becomes comically strained because Tang is drunk and pretends—or genuinely believes—that Ye Heng is dead.
• Ye Heng arrives at the bar within fifteen minutes and finds Tang sitting beside the flowerbed. When Ye Heng jokes that the snowmen resemble him, Tang angrily crushes the head of the snowman Ye Heng points out.

Character Development

• Tang Mingxi: His denial about Ye Heng’s feelings remains strong, but his reaction to news about Ye Heng and Su Luoxi reveals jealousy, concern, or lingering attachment. Alcohol lowers his defenses, making his hostility and emotional dependence more obvious. His childish snowman-making and drunken behavior contrast with his usual aloof image.
• Ye Heng: He continues to show concern for Tang, immediately going to find him after learning he is drunk. He remains patient despite Tang’s hostility and uses teasing humor to interact with him.
• Li Xiaowei: She acts as Tang’s confidante and pushes him to acknowledge Ye Heng’s apparent pursuit. Her romantic success with her blind date marks a transition into a new stage of her life.
• Su Luoxi: Though absent, she becomes a source of tension. Her desire to marry Ye Heng and attempts to approach him indirectly affect Tang emotionally.
• Zeng Yang: His temporary involvement in the Jingyu project gives Tang relief by keeping him away.

Significant Themes

• Denial and emotional self-protection: Tang insists Ye Heng could not want him because of their roles and past relationship, using the novel’s protagonist–cannon-fodder framework to avoid confronting his feelings.
• Jealousy and unresolved attachment: Tang’s distress over Ye Heng’s lack of contact and Su Luoxi’s pursuit suggests that he still cares deeply about Ye Heng.
• Care hidden beneath hostility: Tang and Ye Heng continue to express concern and affection through arguments, sarcasm, and teasing rather than direct emotional honesty.
• Vulnerability and loss of control: Tang’s drunkenness exposes feelings he normally suppresses, while the snow scene creates a softer, more intimate contrast to his usual guarded behavior.

Character Interactions

• Li Xiaowei challenges Tang’s denial and encourages him to test Ye Heng’s intentions.
• Tang confronts a woman at the bar for speaking harshly about Su Luoxi, indirectly revealing his emotional sensitivity regarding Ye Heng.
• Tang and Ye Heng’s phone call is marked by drunken insults and absurd misunderstandings, but Ye Heng still takes responsibility for finding him.
• Their reunion in the snow continues their pattern of antagonistic flirtation: Ye Heng teases Tang about the snowmen, while Tang responds with childish indignation and destroys the snowman he believes Ye Heng has identified as himself.

Chapter 128 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Heng joins the drunk Tang Mingxi in making snowmen. When Tang Mingxi notices Ye Heng’s snowman is larger, Ye Heng makes another one for him and gently points out that the snow in Cloud Capital is deep enough for large snowmen.
• Ye Heng asks why Tang Mingxi deleted him from WeChat. Tang Mingxi, still furious and intoxicated, accuses him of being a “cheating bastard” and of “two-timing” him with Su Luoxi.
• Ye Heng realizes Tang Mingxi is jealous and teases him, which briefly pleases him. However, Tang Mingxi throws a valuable pink diamond tie clip back at Ye Heng and insists he no longer wants any of his gifts.
• Tang Mingxi attempts to leave but becomes lost and eventually returns to Ye Heng. Overwhelmed by his feelings, he collapses in the snow and begins crying.
• Ye Heng tries to comfort and restrain him while asking what he has done wrong. Tang Mingxi explodes, accusing Ye Heng of having originally approached him only to obtain bone marrow for his sister, then abandoning or deceiving him.
• Tang Mingxi brings up numerous past grievances involving Tang Nuo, Su Luoxi, the Azure Luo Bay cliff incident, Jingyu’s project, and Ye Heng’s supposed intention to imprison or dispose of him.
• Ye Heng is stunned by the depth of Tang Mingxi’s suspicions and realizes there is a major gap between what each of them believes happened in their relationship.

Character Developments

• Tang Mingxi: His drunken jealousy exposes how deeply hurt, insecure, and traumatized he remains by the past. Although he tries to reject Ye Heng and return his gifts, his inability to leave and his emotional breakdown reveal that he still cares deeply for him. He has internalized a narrative that Ye Heng’s affection was always manipulative, making him afraid to trust Ye Heng’s current kindness.
• Ye Heng: Initially calm and mildly amused by Tang Mingxi’s jealousy, Ye Heng gradually becomes shocked and distressed as Tang Mingxi reveals the extent of his resentment. He begins to understand that Tang Mingxi has interpreted many past events as proof of betrayal, even though Ye Heng does not share that understanding. His desire to comfort Tang Mingxi persists despite the accusations.
• Their relationship: The chapter reveals that their apparent reconciliation has not resolved the original wounds between them. Their affection remains strong, but it is buried beneath mistrust, jealousy, and unresolved misunderstandings.

Significant Themes

• Unresolved trauma and resentment: Past betrayals and painful events continue to dominate the present, proving that emotional wounds cannot be erased simply by resuming a relationship.
• Miscommunication and differing perspectives: Ye Heng and Tang Mingxi remember and interpret the same events very differently, creating a severe “information gap.”
• Jealousy and fear of abandonment: Tang Mingxi’s anger toward Su Luoxi and Tang Nuo reflects his fear that he is replaceable and that Ye Heng’s love is not genuine.
• Love expressed through conflict: Despite harsh accusations and physical resistance, Tang Mingxi returns to Ye Heng and remains emotionally dependent on him, while Ye Heng continues trying to care for him.
• Emotional vulnerability: Tang Mingxi’s drunkenness strips away his usual defenses, allowing his grief, fear, and longing to surface openly.

Character Interactions

• Ye Heng tries to soothe Tang Mingxi through companionship, humor, and physical support, while Tang Mingxi alternates between seeking connection and violently pushing him away.
• Tang Mingxi repeatedly accuses Ye Heng of infidelity and manipulation; Ye Heng attempts to question and correct these assumptions but is increasingly overwhelmed by the accusations.
• Their snowman-making initially creates a gentle, intimate moment, but the conversation quickly turns into a confrontation over jealousy and their painful history.
• The chapter ends with the couple emotionally entrenched in conflict: Tang Mingxi is openly devastated, while Ye Heng is left bewildered by the beliefs and memories driving his anger.

Chapter 129 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• While drunk and emotional, Tang Mingxi confronts Ye Heng in the snow, accusing him of using kisses to resolve conflicts and warning him not to kiss him in public.
• Because the only bench is covered in snow, Ye Heng clears it for himself, and Tang Mingxi climbs onto his lap so his clothes will not get wet. He insists that this does not mean they have reconciled.
• Ye Heng sincerely apologizes and explains that he has no relationship with Tang Nuo or Su Luoxi. He tells Tang Mingxi that he has only ever loved him and regrets both marrying him for Ye Yue’s bone marrow and failing to hold on to him during their earlier separation.
• Tang Mingxi realizes that Ye Heng’s recent attentiveness—driving him to work, giving him gifts, and treating him to meals—is deliberate courtship. Ye Heng openly confirms that he is pursuing him and asks whether Tang Mingxi will accept.
• Tang Mingxi falls asleep on Ye Heng’s lap. Ye Heng carries him to the car, messages Li Xiaowei from Tang Mingxi’s phone, and takes him to East Mountain Gazing Lake rather than returning him to the others.
• The next morning, Tang Mingxi wakes in unfamiliar surroundings and gradually remembers his drunken behavior, including his accusations, emotional outburst, and question about whether Ye Heng is courting him. He is intensely embarrassed.
• Wearing oversized pajamas and Ye Heng’s coat, Tang Mingxi sneaks out to eat breakfast. He tries to conceal the missing soup dumpling and the food he has eaten, but Ye Heng catches him.
• When Tang Mingxi attempts to leave after thanking Ye Heng, Ye Heng stops him and hints that Tang Mingxi has forgotten something he did the previous night.

Character Developments

• Tang Mingxi: His drunken anger exposes deep insecurity and jealousy, but also reveals that he still cares strongly about Ye Heng. Beneath his pride and denial, he is receptive to Ye Heng’s affection and comfortable enough to fall asleep in his arms. The next morning, his embarrassment and defensive behavior show that he remains emotionally vulnerable.
• Ye Heng: He becomes unusually patient and emotionally open, directly addressing Tang Mingxi’s suspicions and confessing his regret and enduring love. His decision to care for Tang Mingxi while he is drunk, prepare breakfast, and openly court him demonstrates a more sincere and affectionate side.
• Li Xiaowei: She reacts with surprise and amusement to Ye Heng’s message, especially when she calls him Tang Mingxi’s “ex-husband,” prompting Ye Heng to firmly clarify that they are not divorced.

Significant Themes

• Reconciliation and unresolved hurt: Ye Heng’s apology addresses the painful motives behind their marriage and separation, while Tang Mingxi’s accusations show that the past still affects their relationship.
• Love versus pride: Tang Mingxi’s words are defensive and harsh, but his actions—accepting Ye Heng’s lap, falling asleep beside him, and quietly eating the breakfast prepared for him—contradict his insistence that he has not forgiven Ye Heng.
• Courtship and second chances: Ye Heng explicitly reframes his recent behavior as courtship, suggesting that the two are beginning their relationship again rather than simply returning to their former marriage.
• Comedy and emotional vulnerability: Tang Mingxi’s drunken complaints and elaborate attempt to hide the missing food create humor while revealing his dependence on and affection for Ye Heng.

Character Interactions

• Tang Mingxi and Ye Heng’s confrontation shifts from bickering and jealousy to a vulnerable exchange of apologies and confession.
• Ye Heng physically comforts Tang Mingxi by holding him on the snowy bench and later carrying him home.
• Tang Mingxi’s interaction with Li Xiaowei is indirect, through Ye Heng’s message, but her teasing highlights the ambiguous status of Ye Heng and Tang Mingxi’s relationship.
• The chapter ends with Ye Heng playfully confronting Tang Mingxi about his drunken behavior, setting up further embarrassment and likely romantic tension.

Chapter 130 Summary

Plot points and events

Tang Mingxi recalls the previous night while drunk and learns from Ye Heng that he kissed him and promised to take responsibility. Ye Heng also reminds him that Tang Mingxi agreed to be with him, forcing Tang Mingxi to admit he remembers enough to deny it. Ye Heng directly asks whether Tang Mingxi will accept his pursuit. Tang Mingxi refuses, citing Ye Heng’s apparent romantic entanglements and claiming that Ye Heng is not his type. To discourage him, Tang Mingxi invents an absurd ideal partner: a short, poor, slightly overweight, average-looking male high school student. Ye Heng nevertheless asks whether he may pursue Tang Mingxi, and Tang Mingxi gives a reluctant, deliberately noncommittal answer: Ye Heng can prove himself through his actions.
At work, Tang Mingxi discusses Ye Heng with Li Xiaowei and complains internally that Ye Heng has not contacted him or made any effort to court him. As the Lunar New Year approaches, work becomes increasingly busy, leaving Tang Mingxi exhausted. Near the end of the day, Ye Heng finally messages him and formally invites him to a movie. Though embarrassed by Ye Heng’s stiff, overly polite wording and annoyed that the invitation came so late, Tang Mingxi accepts after finishing his work.

Character developments

Tang Mingxi remains defensive and prideful, using sarcasm, denial, and outrageous standards to hide his embarrassment and growing interest in Ye Heng. Although he insists that Ye Heng is not his type, he clearly expects romantic attention, gifts, and special treatment, revealing that he wants to be pursued even while pretending otherwise. Ye Heng becomes more direct and persistent, calmly challenging Tang Mingxi’s excuses and explicitly asking for permission to court him. His teasing also shows a less distant and more playful side.

Significant themes

The chapter centers on romantic pursuit, emotional denial, and the contrast between outward rejection and inward expectation. Tang Mingxi’s pride makes him reject Ye Heng verbally while secretly hoping Ye Heng will prove his sincerity. Miscommunication—especially surrounding Ye Heng’s relationship with Tang Nuo and Tang Mingxi’s drunken confession—continues to fuel their tension. The chapter also uses comedic role reversal: the usually domineering male lead awkwardly attempts a date, while Tang Mingxi evaluates and “scores” his performance.

Character interactions

Ye Heng confronts Tang Mingxi about their drunken kiss and his promise to take responsibility, then asks to pursue him. Tang Mingxi rejects him but eventually allows him to try, adding that many people are already competing for his attention. Li Xiaowei teases Tang Mingxi about Ye Heng, while Tang Mingxi privately complains about Ye Heng’s lack of initiative. Ye Heng’s eventual movie invitation marks the first concrete step in his pursuit, and Tang Mingxi’s acceptance suggests that his resistance is weakening.

Chapter 131 Summary

Plot and Events

Tang Mingxi carefully dresses for his date with Ye Heng, determined not to appear overly eager. At the plaza, he expects Ye Heng to arrive in a luxury car but instead finds him dressed like a youthful, aloof high school student. Ye Heng explains that “high school students” do not drive, though they can still have girlfriends, and jokingly asks Tang Mingxi to give him a chance at “early romance.”
Despite fearing that Ye Heng might make him take the subway during rush hour, Tang Mingxi is relieved when Ye Heng summons Old Yang and a Bentley arrives. The two dine at a private French restaurant, where Ye Heng has arranged dishes specifically suited to Tang Mingxi’s picky tastes. Tang Mingxi enjoys the meal and quietly awards Ye Heng additional approval.
After dinner, Ye Heng suggests shopping because Tang Mingxi does not want to sit in a movie theater after eating too much. They visit Global Trade Shopping Center, where Tang Mingxi becomes fascinated by the arcade and spots a stern-faced cotton doll resembling Ye Heng. He spends one hundred yuan trying to win it from a claw machine but fails eighteen times. When he considers spending even more, Ye Heng stops him and teases that Tang Mingxi could act cute with his husband to get what he wants.
The chapter ends with Tang Mingxi criticizing Ye Heng’s flirtatious, overly sentimental manner as “greasy.” To explain the term, Tang Mingxi recites several exaggerated romantic pickup lines, leaving Ye Heng speechless and confused.

Character Development

• Tang Mingxi remains proud, spoiled, and reluctant to admit he is excited about the date, but his behavior reveals that he genuinely enjoys spending time with Ye Heng. His enthusiasm over the arcade and claw machine exposes a playful, youthful side rarely seen in his usual wealthy social life.
• He is also increasingly comfortable judging and teasing Ye Heng, openly criticizing his romantic remarks while still enjoying the attention.
• Ye Heng demonstrates thoughtful attentiveness by dressing to fit the playful “high school student” persona, arranging transportation, selecting a restaurant suited to Tang Mingxi’s tastes, and planning the evening carefully with a memo. His teasing becomes more confident and openly affectionate, showing his growing comfort in their relationship.

Themes

• Romance disguised as teasing: Both men conceal affection behind sarcasm, mockery, and pretended indifference.
• Youth and playfulness: Ye Heng’s high school persona and Tang Mingxi’s delight in the arcade create a lighter, more youthful atmosphere for their date.
• Care expressed through practical gestures: Ye Heng’s restaurant arrangements, transportation, and date itinerary show love through preparation rather than grand declarations.
• Pride versus vulnerability: Tang Mingxi wants attention and indulgence but refuses to ask directly, while Ye Heng encourages him to be more openly affectionate.

Character Interactions

The chapter centers on Tang Mingxi and Ye Heng’s flirtatious marital dynamic. Ye Heng repeatedly provokes Tang Mingxi with jokes about being a high school student and pursuing “early romance,” while Tang Mingxi responds with exasperated insults and internal complaints. At the arcade, Ye Heng playfully withholds his phone and challenges Tang Mingxi to act cute, prompting Tang Mingxi to accuse him of being cheesy. Their banter reveals mutual affection beneath their constant verbal sparring.

Chapter 132 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tang Mingxi teases Ye Heng about his overly cheesy, domineering-CEO-style romantic lines, but Ye Heng surprisingly likes Tang’s imitation and finds it cute.
• During their date at a claw-machine arcade, Ye Heng spends money and effortlessly wins the cotton doll Tang Mingxi had failed to get, along with a fox plushie.
• Several girls notice Ye Heng and secretly photograph him, apparently mistaking him for a handsome university student. Tang Mingxi becomes absorbed in admiring Ye Heng’s youthful appearance and realizes how attractive he looks in casual clothes.
• When Ye Heng catches him staring, Tang Mingxi becomes embarrassed and denies being interested.
• Tang Mingxi grows tired after an hour and asks to go home. Ye Heng has Old Yang drive them to Tang’s apartment.
• Too sleepy to walk, Tang Mingxi refuses to get out of the car. Ye Heng carries him through the parking garage, elevator, and into the apartment while Tang clings to him.
• Ye Heng insists that Tang sleep in bed rather than on the couch and tries to make him brush his teeth and wash his face first.
• Tang receives flirtatious messages from a handsome intern who regularly brings him food and has invited him to a movie. Tang hides the messages from Ye Heng, feeling unexpectedly guilty.
• Ye Heng points out that Tang is already married. Tang argues that their marriage is falling apart and criticizes Ye Heng for not making enough effort to repair it.
• Tang compares Ye Heng unfavorably to the intern, praising the intern’s thoughtful gestures, gaming skills, and lack of cheesy romantic talk.

Character Developments

• Tang Mingxi: Becomes increasingly aware of Ye Heng’s physical appeal and shows signs of jealousy and emotional attachment, despite continuing to deny his feelings. He enjoys provoking Ye Heng and exaggerates the intern’s merits to make Ye Heng jealous. His exhaustion also reveals a softer, clingier side.
• Ye Heng: Demonstrates practical attentiveness by winning Tang’s desired plushies, carrying him home, and taking care of his bedtime routine. He remains earnest and slightly awkward in romance, but is beginning to actively pursue Tang and becomes visibly jealous upon seeing the intern’s messages.
• Old Yang: Quietly observes the couple’s affectionate behavior and tactfully pretends not to notice Ye Heng carrying Tang.

Significant Themes

• Romantic pursuit and jealousy: Tang deliberately compares Ye Heng with a rival admirer, forcing Ye Heng to recognize that he has competition.
• Actions versus words: Ye Heng’s cheesy declarations are less effective than his practical care, while the intern’s consistent gestures make Tang question what genuine pursuit looks like.
• Denial and growing attraction: Tang insists he is unimpressed, yet repeatedly watches, clings to, and relies on Ye Heng.
• Domestic intimacy: The chapter emphasizes ordinary acts—carrying someone home, enforcing bedtime hygiene, and caring for a tired partner—as signs of marital closeness.
• Playful relationship dynamics: Their teasing and bickering conceal genuine affection and create a lighthearted form of emotional negotiation.

Character Interactions

• Tang mocks Ye Heng’s corny romantic lines, while Ye Heng responds sincerely and calls Tang cute.
• Ye Heng wins plushies for Tang, and Tang openly directs his efforts while privately admiring him.
• Ye Heng carries the sleepy Tang home, showing patience and physical tenderness despite Tang’s complaints.
• Tang hides the intern’s messages, but Ye Heng notices his suspicious behavior and becomes jealous.
• Their argument over the intern becomes a playful challenge: Tang criticizes Ye Heng’s romantic abilities, while Ye Heng insists he is working to repair their marriage.

Chapter 133 Summary

Key plot points and events

Ye Heng teases Tang Mingxi by pulling him onto his lap and jokingly asking whether a kiss would count as “bribing the examiner.” Tang Mingxi, expecting a kiss but determined not to be fooled by Ye Heng’s attractiveness, shields himself with a fox plushie. Ye Heng instead kisses his forehead, leaving Tang Mingxi flustered and fleeing to the bathroom. Ye Heng eventually leaves, while Tang Mingxi privately records “date point” deductions and gives Ye Heng an enormous bonus because he likes him. Later, Ye Heng messages him, calling him “babe,” which embarrasses Tang Mingxi so much that he can only reply with a sticker.
In the following days, Ye Heng consistently picks Tang Mingxi up from work and brings him breakfast after Tang Mingxi turns down an interested intern. Tang Mingxi notices Ye Heng’s exhaustion and dark eye circles, realizing that Ye Heng is managing a demanding company during the busy New Year period while still making time for him. Concerned, Tang Mingxi searches for ways to help a tired husband, encounters ridiculous results, and eventually buys Ye Heng a neck massager and lumbar therapy device. He brings them along after work but feels awkward about giving them to Ye Heng.

Character developments

Tang Mingxi becomes increasingly aware of his romantic feelings for Ye Heng, though he continues to hide them behind pride, teasing, and private jokes. His “deduction” list reveals that even his complaints are outweighed by how much he likes Ye Heng. He also begins acting more openly caring, worrying about Ye Heng’s workload and purchasing gifts to ease his fatigue. Ye Heng grows bolder and more affectionate, using physical closeness and the pet name “babe” to test Tang Mingxi’s reactions, while still showing restraint by leaving when Tang Mingxi becomes overwhelmed.

Significant themes

The chapter emphasizes romantic tension, mutual attraction, and the contrast between Tang Mingxi’s outward resistance and inner affection. It also highlights acts of service as an expression of love: Ye Heng repeatedly picks Tang Mingxi up and feeds him, while Tang Mingxi responds by worrying about Ye Heng’s health and buying practical gifts. Pride, embarrassment, and indirect communication continue to shape their relationship.

Character interactions

Ye Heng’s playful advances repeatedly fluster Tang Mingxi, especially the lap-pulling, forehead kiss, and “babe” message. Tang Mingxi responds with avoidance, teasing, secret praise, and a reserved sticker rather than direct confession. Their daily routine becomes more intimate as Ye Heng provides breakfast and transportation, while Tang Mingxi quietly begins caring for Ye Heng in return.

Chapter 134 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Heng drives Tang Mingxi home, prompting Tang to remember the gift he bought him: a neck and waist massager. Tang presents it awkwardly and urges Ye Heng to focus on work instead of picking him up every day.
• Ye Heng teases Tang about being concerned for him, while Tang insists that he is only protecting his “meal ticket.” Their exchange reveals Tang’s embarrassment over his genuine concern and growing emotional dependence.
• Ye Heng asks when Tang plans to return home and suggests that he visit his brother, Tang Yun, during the approaching New Year. This unsettles Tang, who has avoided thinking about how to explain his three-year disappearance.
• Tang loses sleep over the issue and is further irritated by Zeng Yang, who repeatedly boasts about his work with Jingyu and deliberately performs his success for Tang to hear.
• During lunch break, Zeng Yang and a colleague disturb Tang’s sleep. Tang confronts them, mocking Zeng Yang’s supposed “experience” because Jingyu is handling most of the collaborative project.
• Zeng Yang responds harshly, but Li Xiaowei defends Tang and ridicules Zeng Yang for acting like a self-important “lapdog.” The conflict highlights the unpleasant office atmosphere and Zeng Yang’s declining interest in Tang after becoming involved with a secretary connected to a Jingyu executive.
• Later, Tang overhears coworkers criticizing his attitude and begins to feel emotionally and physically exhausted.
• When Ye Heng picks him up, Tang falls asleep in the car. Rather than taking him out to dinner, Ye Heng brings him home, carries him to bed, and waits while he sleeps.
• Tang wakes hungry at night to find Ye Heng still nearby, working on his laptop. Ye Heng heats up food for him and says he will leave after Tang finishes eating.

Character Developments

• Tang Mingxi: Shows increasing concern for Ye Heng’s health and workload, though he disguises it with sarcasm and jokes about Ye Heng being his “meal ticket.” He is emotionally vulnerable regarding his estrangement from Tang Yun and becomes increasingly worn down by work and office hostility.
• Ye Heng: Demonstrates patience, attentiveness, and domestic care. He accepts Tang’s gift warmly, notices Tang’s concern, and quietly takes care of him when he is exhausted, suggesting deepening affection.
• Zeng Yang: Appears boastful, petty, and status-conscious. His behavior is driven by vanity and opportunism, particularly his attempt to impress a secretary with influential connections.
• Li Xiaowei: Continues to act as Tang’s outspoken ally, directly confronting and humiliating those who mistreat him.
• Tang Yun: Does not appear, but his impending reunion with Tang Mingxi becomes a major emotional concern.

Significant Themes

• Hidden affection and emotional denial: Tang repeatedly disguises genuine care for Ye Heng through sarcasm and practical excuses.
• Home and belonging: Ye Heng’s question about Tang returning home and seeing his brother forces Tang to confront his unresolved past and his uncertain place in his family.
• Workplace rivalry and class/status anxiety: Zeng Yang’s boasting and opportunism reveal how professional connections and family influence shape office relationships.
• Care expressed through actions: Ye Heng’s quiet acts—driving Tang home, carrying him to bed, and preparing food—communicate affection more powerfully than direct declarations.
• Exhaustion and emotional isolation: Tang’s poor sleep, workplace criticism, and nighttime loneliness reflect his growing emotional strain.

Important Character Interactions

• Tang Mingxi and Ye Heng: Their teasing conversation over the massager exposes mutual concern and growing intimacy. Ye Heng later provides quiet, practical support when Tang is exhausted.
• Tang Mingxi and Zeng Yang: Their confrontation reflects Tang’s frustration with Zeng Yang’s arrogance and Zeng Yang’s resentment toward Tang.
• Li Xiaowei and Zeng Yang: Li Xiaowei openly insults and challenges Zeng Yang, defending Tang and silencing his colleague.
• Tang Mingxi and Tang Yun: Though they do not interact directly, Tang’s anxiety about seeing his brother establishes a significant unresolved family conflict.

Chapter 135 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tang Mingxi, upset over both work-related stress and his fear of facing his brother after jumping into the sea, asks Ye Heng to stay with him longer.
• Ye Heng teasingly interprets the request as an invitation to spend the night. Tang Mingxi insists that he only means they should sleep, and he makes Ye Heng sleep on the sofa—at least in theory.
• The two go to a late-night convenience store to buy Ye Heng a toothbrush. Their playful exchange becomes awkward when they notice condoms at the checkout, which Tang Mingxi immediately refuses to consider.
• Back at home, Ye Heng ultimately sleeps beside Tang Mingxi rather than on the sofa. Although he does nothing inappropriate, Tang Mingxi gradually moves closer to him in his sleep for comfort.
• Ye Heng sees messages from Tang Mingxi’s friends, Li Xiaowei and Xiaoqin, comforting him after Zeng Yang and his colleagues mocked him at work. He also discovers their group is humorously named “Fu Ying’s Little Fairies.”
• The next morning, Tang Mingxi finds that the group name was changed overnight—using his account—to the extremely formal “Jushun Venture Capital 2024 Risk Control Management Department Exchange Group (3 members).” He immediately realizes Ye Heng changed it while he was asleep.
• At the office, Zeng Yang learns that he has been removed as the person in charge of the Jingyu project. Though the project itself is not canceled, Jingyu has replaced him without explanation.
• Zeng Yang is furious because he had invested heavily and raised money for the project. General Manager Chen hints that Zeng Yang may have offended someone powerful.
• The chapter strongly implies that Ye Heng arranged Zeng Yang’s removal in retaliation for his insulting Tang Mingxi.

Character Developments

• Tang Mingxi: Shows vulnerability beneath his usual sharp, prideful exterior. He seeks Ye Heng’s company, unconsciously relies on him for comfort, and is deeply affected by workplace ridicule. His mood improves after sleeping, though he remains embarrassed by Ye Heng’s actions.
• Ye Heng: Becomes increasingly protective of Tang Mingxi. He quietly investigates the reason for Tang Mingxi’s distress and uses his influence to punish Zeng Yang. His teasing remains playful, but his care is expressed through discreet, decisive action.
• Zeng Yang: Suffers a major professional and financial setback. His arrogance and mockery toward Tang Mingxi appear to have provoked consequences far beyond what he expected.
• Li Xiaowei and Xiaoqin: Act as loyal friends who comfort Tang Mingxi and defend his character. Their supportive messages reveal that he has allies at work.
• General Manager Chen: Serves as the messenger of Zeng Yang’s downfall and subtly indicates that the order came from someone at the highest level of Jingyu.

Significant Themes

• Protection expressed through action: Ye Heng does not openly confront Zeng Yang but quietly uses his authority to protect Tang Mingxi.
• Vulnerability and emotional dependence: Tang Mingxi’s request for Ye Heng to stay and his unconscious movement toward him show a growing need for emotional security.
• Misunderstanding and romantic tension: Their exchanges about spending the night and the condoms maintain the chapter’s teasing, unresolved intimacy.
• Consequences of cruelty and arrogance: Zeng Yang’s disparaging behavior toward Tang Mingxi leads to serious professional repercussions.
• Humor amid emotional tension: The group-name prank, Tang Mingxi’s embarrassment, and the convenience-store scene lighten the more serious developments.

Character Interactions

• Tang Mingxi and Ye Heng exchange flirtatious, sarcastic remarks while negotiating where Ye Heng will sleep.
• Tang Mingxi unconsciously seeks physical reassurance from Ye Heng, while Ye Heng deliberately remains still so as not to disturb him.
• Ye Heng reads the supportive messages from Tang Mingxi’s friends and learns what caused his bad mood.
• Zeng Yang confronts General Manager Chen over the Jingyu project’s personnel change, but Chen refuses to reveal the real reason.
• Li Xiaowei and Xiaoqin continue supporting Tang Mingxi and begin gossiping about Zeng Yang’s sudden removal.

Chapter 136 Summary

• Ye Heng’s support and Tang Mingxi’s reaction: Tang Mingxi learns that Ye Heng canceled Zeng Yang’s project, apparently to defend and comfort him. Ye Heng playfully asks for praise, and although Tang Mingxi refuses to praise him openly, he is secretly pleased and becomes more cheerful around him.
• Ye Heng’s extravagant gifts: With Jushun’s annual meeting approaching, Tang Mingxi worries about what to wear. After hearing that Tang Mingxi and his coworkers are discussing formalwear, Ye Heng sends an overwhelming number of couture outfits from luxury brands to Tang Mingxi’s small apartment. When the clothing takes over the apartment, Ye Heng suggests buying the neighboring unit for storage and repeatedly hints that Tang Mingxi should move into a larger home with him. Tang Mingxi recognizes the implication—that Ye Heng wants him to return home—but stubbornly refuses to be persuaded.
• The Cloudwater Residence revelation: Tang Mingxi and his colleagues discuss the sale of Cloudwater Residence, an extraordinarily expensive luxury estate in Cloud Capital. He realizes that its location and design resemble Mingxi Residence, making him uneasy. He is shocked to discover that Ye Heng bought the property. When questioned, Ye Heng jokingly claims he needs a marital home because he is “getting married” and worries that his future mother-in-law will look down on him. He also says the house will motivate him and provide space for Tang Mingxi’s belongings. Although Tang Mingxi challenges the idea that he has agreed to marry Ye Heng, he is secretly touched—and genuinely impressed by the house.
• Valentine’s Day and the annual meeting: The Jushun and Jingyu annual meetings happen on the same day, February 14, so Ye Heng cannot personally accompany Tang Mingxi. Tang Mingxi is disappointed when only the driver, Old Yang, arrives to take him to the event, especially after he spent the morning carefully choosing his outfit. At Cloud Court Hotel, he meets his elegantly dressed coworker Li Xiaowei, who immediately links arms with him. Their friendly closeness shows Tang Mingxi’s growing comfort with his colleagues.
• Zeng Yang’s downfall: Xiaoqin informs Tang Mingxi that Zeng Yang has attended the event despite taking extended leave after Jingyu canceled his project. His former managerial duties are now being handled by the deputy manager, and Zeng Yang appears exhausted, distressed, and visibly affected by the collapse of his business prospects.
• Character development and themes: Tang Mingxi remains proud and verbally resistant, but his reactions reveal that he is increasingly moved by Ye Heng’s efforts and material demonstrations of affection. Ye Heng expresses care through extravagant, sometimes absurd gestures and subtly plans for a shared future. The chapter emphasizes romance expressed through wealth, the contrast between Tang Mingxi’s stubborn independence and his emotional dependence on Ye Heng, and the consequences of Zeng Yang’s failed investment and damaged reputation.

Chapter 137 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• At Jushun’s annual meeting, Xiaoqin and Li Xiaowei gossip about Zeng Yang’s recent downfall. He has apparently offended someone powerful at Jingyu, causing influential employees to avoid him and even his secretary to abandon him.
• Their speculation jokingly centers on Jingyu’s chairman’s spouse, the mysterious Second Young Master Tang, whom Li Xiaowei believes is overseas and famously handsome. Tang Mingxi, secretly the person they are discussing, reacts awkwardly but is pleased when Li Xiaowei praises his appearance.
• The annual meeting is tedious for Tang Mingxi. He spends the first half trying not to fall asleep and the second half eating, though he restrains himself because of his fitted suit.
• During the executives’ toast, Vice President Li notices that Tang Mingxi resembles the Second Young Master Tang, whom he briefly saw years earlier in Ningcheng. He dismisses the resemblance as imagination because he cannot believe someone from such a wealthy background would be working as an intern at Jushun.
• After the meeting, the intern Tang Mingxi previously rejected tries to approach him again and offers to accompany him home. Tang Mingxi declines repeatedly, claiming someone will come to pick him up, though he privately doubts Ye Heng remembers the event or Valentine’s Day.
• Tang Mingxi waits outside for nearly an hour in the snow, hoping Ye Heng will arrive. When Ye Heng fails to appear, he decides to leave on his own and spend Valentine’s Day with Old Yang instead.
• The intern offers Tang Mingxi his jacket and a ride home, but before Tang Mingxi can fully refuse, Ye Heng finally appears beside his car with a black umbrella.
• Ye Heng confronts Tang Mingxi for ignoring his calls and immediately notices the intern’s jacket and offer to take Tang Mingxi home. He coolly makes it clear that Tang Mingxi is not available for the intern to escort.

Character Developments

• Tang Mingxi: Remains outwardly proud, sharp-tongued, and easily irritated, but his behavior reveals that he wants Ye Heng’s attention and reassurance. He secretly hopes Ye Heng will remember Valentine’s Day and come to collect him. His disappointment and jealousy-like frustration show how emotionally invested he has become in Ye Heng.
• Ye Heng: Although late, he does come to pick Tang Mingxi up. His restrained questioning and possessive reaction toward the intern suggest concern and jealousy, even though he does not openly apologize or express affection.
• Vice President Li: Begins to suspect Tang Mingxi’s true identity because of his resemblance to the Second Young Master Tang, though he ultimately dismisses the possibility.
• The intern: Continues to show interest in Tang Mingxi and tries to care for him, but becomes intimidated when Ye Heng appears. His comparison with Ye Heng emphasizes Ye Heng’s powerful presence and status.
• Zeng Yang: Is shown to be suffering serious professional and social consequences, though the identity of the person who caused his downfall remains unclear.

Significant Themes

• Hidden identity and mistaken assumptions: Tang Mingxi’s wealthy background remains concealed, while others speculate about the Second Young Master Tang without realizing he is present.
• Jealousy and possessiveness: Ye Heng’s arrival and reaction to the intern reveal a territorial side, while Tang Mingxi’s waiting and disappointment show his desire to be prioritized.
• Emotional miscommunication: Tang Mingxi expects Ye Heng to understand his feelings without explanation, while Ye Heng expresses concern indirectly rather than through an apology or romantic gesture.
• Class and social status: The chapter contrasts the intern’s ordinary position with Ye Heng’s intimidating presence and Tang Mingxi’s hidden elite identity.
• Romantic expectation versus reality: Tang Mingxi fantasizes about Valentine’s Day and being spoiled, but instead faces Ye Heng’s lateness, missed calls, and emotionally restrained behavior.

Character Interactions

• Xiaoqin and Li Xiaowei tease one another while gossiping about Zeng Yang and admiring the unknown Second Young Master Tang.
• Vice President Li shares his suspicion about Tang Mingxi’s resemblance with his assistant.
• The intern repeatedly offers Tang Mingxi companionship, warmth, and transportation, but Tang Mingxi refuses him because he is still waiting for Ye Heng.
• Ye Heng’s arrival changes the atmosphere immediately. His calm but possessive exchange with the intern establishes the apparent romantic relationship between himself and Tang Mingxi and leaves the intern embarrassed and intimidated.

Chapter 138 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• An intern hurriedly leaves after Ye Heng confronts him, prompting Tang Mingxi to criticize Ye Heng for being overly harsh and jealous.
• Ye Heng reveals that he waited outside for Tang Mingxi on Valentine’s Day after discovering that Tang had blocked him on WeChat. He also admits he was upset upon seeing Tang looking affectionately at another man.
• Tang initially becomes furious at Ye Heng’s accusations, but his anger disappears when he discovers a large bouquet of blue roses waiting in Ye Heng’s car. The flowers reveal that Ye Heng had remembered Valentine’s Day and bought him a gift.
• Tang, who is dressed stylishly but inadequately for the freezing weather, shivers until Ye Heng drapes his coat over him. Their evening proceeds like a normal date, though Tang must return to work the following morning.
• At the company, Tang notices coworkers staring at him. A hostile male coworker accuses him of shameless behavior, while Li Xiaowei defends him, exposing tensions within the department.
• Xiaoqin tells Tang that he should have taken the day off and asks whether he saw the group-chat messages. Tang then discovers a viral Weibo post attacking him.
• The post falsely accuses Tang of being manipulative, abusive, corrupt, involved in workplace bullying, responsible for his former supervisor’s downfall, and sleeping with a major client to advance his career.
• The post’s source is linked to Jushun Venture Capital, and commenters add further rumors. A photograph of Tang entering Ye Heng’s car with the Valentine’s bouquet is presented as “proof” of the alleged affair.
• Tang is shaken and enraged by the public slander. Before he can defend himself online, the viral post and its associated trending topic suddenly disappear, leaving readers confused.

Character Developments

• Tang Mingxi: Despite remaining prideful, sharp-tongued, and image-conscious, Tang shows growing emotional sensitivity toward Ye Heng. He secretly appreciates the flowers and accepts Ye Heng’s coat, though he tries to hide his embarrassment. At work, he manages to restrain his temper despite the hostile attention. The fabricated accusations leave him bewildered and deeply angered because he has never faced public condemnation on this scale.
• Ye Heng: Ye Heng displays strong possessiveness and jealousy, confronting the intern and expressing resentment over Tang’s perceived closeness to another man. At the same time, he demonstrates thoughtfulness by waiting for Tang, remembering Valentine’s Day, buying flowers, and protecting him from the cold. His affection is expressed through actions more readily than words.
• Li Xiaowei and Xiaoqin: Both coworkers support Tang. Li Xiaowei openly defends him against the hostile colleague, while Xiaoqin worries about his well-being and urges him not to read the hurtful comments.
• The hostile male coworker: His personal resentment toward Tang becomes clear, as he repeats and amplifies the accusations against him, though Li Xiaowei quickly counters his attack.

Significant Themes

• Jealousy and possessive affection: Ye Heng’s harshness toward the intern stems from his desire to protect his relationship with Tang.
• Miscommunication: Tang misreads Ye Heng’s behavior as careless and insensitive until the bouquet reveals that Ye Heng had remembered the occasion and intended to make amends.
• Public judgment and online rumors: The chapter highlights how quickly fabricated accusations can spread through social media and how easily strangers accept malicious narratives without evidence.
• Reputation and vulnerability: Tang, accustomed to privilege and control, is deeply unsettled when his public image is attacked. His inability to immediately defend himself emphasizes his vulnerability.
• Support and loyalty: Li Xiaowei and Xiaoqin’s defense of Tang contrasts with the cruelty of the gossip and shows the importance of genuine allies.

Character Interactions

• Tang and Ye Heng exchange sarcastic, flirtatious remarks about jealousy, clothing, and intimacy, revealing their combative but affectionate dynamic.
• Ye Heng’s coat and flowers create a brief, intimate moment that softens their earlier tension.
• Li Xiaowei confronts Tang’s hostile coworker, defending Tang and turning the accusation back on him.
• Xiaoqin privately warns Tang about the workplace gossip and encourages him to stop reading the online abuse.
• The chapter ends with Tang and the public alike confused by the unexplained disappearance of the defamatory post, suggesting that someone powerful intervened.

Chapter 139 Summary

Plot points and events

Online rumors accusing Tang Mingxi of being Jushun’s “male mistress” spread rapidly, but the trending topic and related forum discussions are soon removed. Tang is furious and embarrassed, especially when his coworkers stare at him suggestively. He struggles to focus at work and repeatedly searches for news about himself despite knowing it will only upset him.
Meanwhile, Zeng Yang discovers that the gossip post has been deleted and that the blogger has returned his money, refusing to pursue the story. Realizing Tang may be protected by Ye Heng, Zeng becomes convinced that Tang ruined his career through Ye Heng’s influence. Overwhelmed by anger, debt, and resentment, Zeng decides to hire another gossip blogger to expose Tang further.
During lunch, Tang is comforted and entertained by Li Xiaowei’s fierce online-style defenses of him. He then messages Ye Heng and discovers that Ye Heng personally arranged for the trending topic to be taken down. Tang initially blames him for the situation because his intervention makes the rumors seem more credible, but his mood improves when Ye Heng offers to pick him up and playfully asks Tang to give him an official status as his “husband.”

Character developments

• Tang Mingxi becomes increasingly sensitive and frustrated under public scrutiny, revealing how deeply the rumors and his coworkers’ reactions affect him. Although he acts angry toward Ye Heng, he clearly seeks Ye Heng’s reassurance and companionship. His mood quickly improves once he learns Ye Heng protected him.
• Ye Heng demonstrates his influence by suppressing the scandal and remains attentive to Tang’s messages. He also uses teasing, affectionate language to push Tang toward formally acknowledging their relationship.
• Zeng Yang shifts from shock to obsessive resentment. Blaming Tang for his professional collapse and massive debts, he abandons caution and begins plotting revenge despite fearing Ye Heng’s power.
• Li Xiaowei acts as Tang’s outspoken ally, defending him aggressively and helping distract him from the scandal.

Significant themes

The chapter explores the destructive power of gossip, public judgment, and class or corporate influence. It also highlights the contrast between online rumors and private reality: while outsiders frame Tang and Ye Heng’s relationship as scandalous, their actual interactions are affectionate and playful. Resentment and scapegoating are also important, as Zeng refuses to accept responsibility for his own situation and instead directs all his anger toward Tang.

Character interactions

Tang clashes with teasing coworkers and is comforted by Xiaoqin and Li Xiaowei. Zeng unsuccessfully contacts the original gossip account before deciding to hire another one. Tang and Ye Heng exchange flirtatious messages, including playful “pats” and marital teasing. Their conversation ends with Ye Heng jokingly asking Tang to let him “pass probation” and become his officially recognized partner, leaving Tang embarrassed but noticeably comforted.

Chapter 140 Summary

Plot Points and Events

• After successfully removing an earlier trending topic, the protagonist briefly enjoys himself before a new scandal erupts during rush hour.
• A powerful gossip account, Gossip Insider, claims that Ye Heng, chairman of Jingyu, was photographed cheating. The post alleges that the affair involved “another man” whose exposure had previously been suppressed through Jingyu’s influence.
• The account strongly hints that the man is connected to the earlier scandal involving a “male homewrecker” at Jushun. The rumor quickly climbs the trending searches and spreads across major online forums.
• Although Jingyu repeatedly deletes the gossip post, Gossip Insider reposts it without fear, suggesting that the account has powerful backing and is not intimidated by Jingyu.
• Netizens begin investigating the identity of the alleged affair partner. Photos of Tang Mingxi are leaked from Jushun’s internal company network, followed by the exposure of his WeChat account and phone number.
• Tang is immediately bombarded with abusive messages accusing him of being a shameless homewrecker. Confused and furious, he checks Weibo and discovers that the scandal has exploded.
• In anger, Tang publicly challenges Gossip Insider to delete the post and apologize, threatening legal action for damaging his reputation.
• Gossip Insider reposts Tang’s response, labeling him the person involved and intensifying the public spectacle.
• Netizens then uncover Tang’s old Weibo post showing his marriage certificate with Ye Heng from three years earlier. They conclude that Tang is married as well and accuse him of “mutual cheating,” making the gossip even more sensational.
• Overwhelmed by the harassment, Tang hides his old Weibo posts, but the damage has already been done.
• The chapter ends with a well-connected young heir, byyyy, warning Gossip Insider to flee the country, implying that the scandal may have serious consequences and that he knows more about the people involved.

Character Developments

• Tang Mingxi is shown as emotionally fragile, sheltered, and unaccustomed to public humiliation. The relentless abuse leaves him trembling, enraged, and close to tears, revealing how poorly equipped he is to deal with mass online hostility.
• His instinctive public response demonstrates his pride and impulsiveness: rather than quietly endure the accusations, he confronts the gossip account directly.
• Ye Heng’s public image is damaged as rumors portray him as an unfaithful husband and suggest that he used Jingyu’s influence to suppress evidence.
• Gossip Insider is characterized as bold, well-connected, and willing to challenge powerful elites. Its repeated reposting of deleted content establishes it as confident in its protection and influence.
• byyyy’s warning introduces another figure with insider knowledge and suggests that the scandal is connected to a much larger power struggle among Cloud Capital’s wealthy families.

Significant Themes

• Power and censorship: The repeated deletion of Gossip Insider’s posts raises questions about how wealthy corporations use influence to control public information.
• Public shaming and online mob mentality: Netizens quickly condemn Tang without knowing the truth, turning leaked private information into mass harassment.
• Appearance versus morality: Tang’s beauty attracts attention, but commenters use it both to explain the alleged affair and to intensify their moral judgment of him.
• The vulnerability of private life: Tang’s old marriage post, phone number, and workplace photos are weaponized against him, showing how easily personal information can be exposed online.
• Class privilege and social power: The scandal involves wealthy families, corporate leaders, gossip networks, and influential heirs, suggesting that ordinary people see only fragments of a larger conflict among elites.

Character Interactions

• Tang Mingxi and Gossip Insider: Tang threatens legal action, while Gossip Insider mockingly identifies him as the person involved and amplifies his response.
• Tang Mingxi and online netizens: Their interaction is overwhelmingly hostile, with strangers flooding him with insults and accusations.
• Ye Heng and Tang Mingxi: Though Ye Heng does not appear directly, their marriage certificate becomes central evidence in the scandal, causing the public to frame both of them as unfaithful.
• byyyy and Gossip Insider: byyyy publicly warns the gossip account to escape the country, implying either concern for its safety or knowledge of the powerful forces behind the scandal.