Chapter Summaries

Chapter 1 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Actor Ning Luo wins Best Supporting Actor but is struck unconscious by a falling chandelier and wakes up in the world of a reverse-harem novel.
• He has transmigrated into the body of the novel’s notorious cannon-fodder character, also named Ning Luo: the Ning Family’s biological second son, who was abandoned as a child and recently brought home.
• The original Ning Luo is jealous of Ning Xibai, the family’s former adopted son and the novel’s seemingly innocent protagonist. In the original storyline, Ning Xibai becomes a famous actor, inherits the family, gains several powerful love interests, and ultimately causes Ning Luo’s ruin and death.
• Ning Xibai calls Ning Luo about returning home for dinner, subtly trying to provoke him into angrily insulting him in front of the Ning family. Instead, Ning Luo jokingly claims that Ning Xibai has been secretly in love with and pursuing him.
• Ning Xibai accidentally has the call on speaker, causing Ning Father, Ning Mother, and Ning Yang to hear the outrageous claims. Ning Xibai is left unable to explain himself and becomes the target of suspicion.
• Ning Luo changes Ning Xibai’s contact name to “Edging Male Bodhisattva” and embraces a deliberately absurd, self-dramatizing persona to cope with his situation.
• At a dinner with his film crew and investors, female lead Sun Shaoyi retrieves Ning Luo from the bathroom and protects him from the lecherous investor Li Zhigang, who attempts to seat Ning Luo beside him.
• Li Zhigang pressures director Wang Lin to sign an investment contract immediately. Ning Luo recognizes Li Zhigang from the novel as a money launderer and mentally warns Wang Lin not to sign.
• Wang Lin and Sun Shaoyi mysteriously hear Ning Luo’s internal thoughts, despite Ning Luo never speaking aloud. This unsettles them and may prevent the crew from entering a dangerous business arrangement.

Character Developments

• Ning Luo: Quickly adapts to transmigration by using his acting skills, sarcasm, and shameless improvisation to protect himself. Rather than following the original character’s jealous and self-destructive path, he decides to disrupt the plot and avoid becoming a disposable villain. His bizarre internal monologue reveals both anxiety and an instinct for survival.
• Ning Xibai: Is exposed as more calculating than his “pure and innocent” image suggests. He deliberately frames himself as considerate while attempting to make Ning Luo look unreasonable, but Ning Luo’s unexpected response humiliates him before the family.
• Sun Shaoyi: Though initially critical and irritated by Ning Luo, she shows protective instincts by stopping Li Zhigang from taking advantage of him and helping him leave the private room.
• Wang Lin: Initially dislikes Ning Luo as a supposedly forced, backdoor casting choice. His attitude shifts toward confusion and alarm after hearing Ning Luo’s thoughts about the investor.
• Li Zhigang: Is established as predatory and manipulative, using investment money to control people and seemingly planning to exploit Ning Luo.

Significant Themes

• Transmigration and rewriting fate: Ning Luo is aware of the original plot and intends to escape his predetermined role as a villainous foil.
• Performance versus reality: Characters constantly act out public personas, while their hidden motives differ. Ning Luo weaponizes performance and false romantic claims, while Ning Xibai’s innocence is revealed as an act.
• Miscommunication and unintended consequences: Ning Luo’s jokes and internal thoughts are repeatedly misunderstood, producing dramatic effects he did not anticipate.
• Power and exploitation in entertainment: The chapter highlights backdoor casting, reputation wars, resource competition, sexual harassment, and investors’ ability to manipulate vulnerable filmmakers and actors.
• The contrast between inner thoughts and outward behavior: Ning Luo appears polite and innocent while mentally producing chaotic, irreverent commentary. The ability of others to hear these thoughts creates both comic tension and a possible survival advantage.

Character Interactions

• Ning Luo and Ning Xibai engage in a psychological contest: Xibai attempts to provoke and discredit him, but Ning Luo reverses the situation by inventing a scandalous story about Xibai’s supposed love and pursuit.
• Ning Luo and Sun Shaoyi develop a tense but potentially protective relationship. She criticizes him openly but intervenes when Li Zhigang targets him.
• Ning Luo’s interaction with Wang Lin changes the director’s view of him from contempt to suspicion and fear, especially when Ning Luo’s unspoken warning appears to expose Li Zhigang’s criminal background.
• Li Zhigang attempts to establish control over Ning Luo, but Sun Shaoyi blocks him, setting up an antagonistic relationship between them.

Chapter 2 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• During a dinner meeting, Ning Luo’s inner thoughts reveal that investor Li Zhigang is involved in criminal activity and that accepting his investment will bring disaster to the film crew.
• Director Wang Lin hears Ning Luo’s thoughts and becomes suspicious of the contract. Instead of signing immediately, he postpones the deal under the pretext of organizing a more formal signing ceremony.
• Sun Shaoyi reveals that she can also hear Ning Luo’s thoughts. She and Wang Lin agree to keep this secret, avoid acting rashly, and investigate Li Zhigang.
• Ning Luo, unaware that he has saved the production, assumes Wang Lin postponed the signing merely for appearances. He begins considering leaving his current agency because the original body has no savings.
• At home, Ning Luo studies his role in the drama: a tragic second male lead traumatized by bullying, emotionally dependent on the female lead, and later consumed by abandonment and resentment.
• On set the next day, Ning Luo unexpectedly delivers an excellent performance in the bullying flashback scenes. The crew is shocked because his previous acting had been notoriously poor.
• Wang Lin’s investigation confirms that Li Zhigang has been arrested for money laundering and organized crime. All productions he funded are suspended, proving that postponing the contract prevented a major disaster.
• Grateful to Ning Luo and impressed by his sudden improvement, Wang Lin decides to use his industry connections to recommend him for better projects.
• When Wang Lin enthusiastically offers to help Ning Luo find new opportunities, Ning Luo misunderstands his intentions and worries that Wang Lin is pursuing him sexually.

Character Developments

• Ning Luo: Continues to misunderstand events because he cannot hear others’ thoughts. He demonstrates strong acting ability after studying his role, revealing that his apparent incompetence may have been deliberate or circumstantial. He remains vain, dramatic, paranoid, and comically self-congratulatory, while also showing professional responsibility and concern about his career.
• Wang Lin: Changes from distrustful and frustrated director to grateful supporter. Ning Luo’s inner voice convinces him to reject Li Zhigang’s dangerous investment, and Ning Luo’s improved acting makes Wang Lin recognize his potential. He resolves to repay Ning Luo by finding him better opportunities.
• Sun Shaoyi: Shows patience and perceptiveness by recognizing that something supernatural or unusual is happening. She confirms she hears Ning Luo’s thoughts and cooperates with Wang Lin to investigate the situation.
• Li Zhigang: Is exposed as a criminal investor involved in money laundering and underworld activities. His arrest threatens every production he funded.
• The film crew: Initially expects Ning Luo to ruin the scenes but becomes amazed by his transformation and newfound acting skill.

Significant Themes

• Fate and accidental salvation: Ning Luo unknowingly prevents the crew from accepting criminal funding, while Wang Lin interprets the ability to hear his thoughts as a heavenly warning.
• Misunderstanding and dramatic irony: The audience understands Ning Luo’s thoughts and the real situation, while Ning Luo remains unaware of how much he has helped others.
• Hidden potential and second chances: Ning Luo’s successful performance challenges the crew’s assumptions about him and opens the possibility of a major career transformation.
• Appearance versus reality: Ning Luo appears foolish and self-absorbed, yet his thoughts contain vital information and his acting proves genuinely excellent.
• Comedic paranoia: Ning Luo repeatedly misreads ordinary kindness as either a hidden conspiracy or romantic/sexual interest, creating humor through the contrast between his assumptions and reality.

Character Interactions

• Sun Shaoyi reprimands Ning Luo for his distracting behavior, while his exaggerated inner complaints make her increasingly exasperated.
• Wang Lin and Li Zhigang engage in a tense negotiation, with Wang Lin carefully avoiding the contract despite Li Zhigang’s obvious eagerness to provide funding.
• Wang Lin and Sun Shaoyi privately compare their experiences of hearing Ning Luo’s thoughts and agree to investigate discreetly.
• Wang Lin observes Ning Luo’s unexpectedly impressive acting and begins to view him as a valuable talent rather than a liability.
• After learning that Li Zhigang was arrested, Wang Lin approaches Ning Luo enthusiastically and offers to recommend new projects. Ning Luo, alarmed by the sudden friendliness, withdraws and suspects Wang Lin has improper intentions.

Chapter 3 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Lin unexpectedly offers Ning Luo introductions to industry resources, claiming he sees “great potential” in him. Ning Luo accepts eagerly, privately viewing Wang Lin as a useful “money tree” and an easy target to exploit.
• Wang Lin invites Ning Luo to a prestigious directors’ dinner, where he intends to help Ning Luo build connections with Director Sun.
• The production crew is confused by Wang Lin’s sudden change of attitude, since he previously disliked Ning Luo and had even complained to Ning Xibai about his involvement in the production.
• At the dinner, Ning Luo is distracted by the lavish buffet, while Wang Lin tries to introduce him to influential people. Despite Ning Luo’s poor reputation, his striking appearance attracts attention.
• In the corridor, Cui Xiangyang insults Ning Luo, accusing him of being vulgar, greedy, and jealous of Ning Xibai. He offers to invest money in the production in exchange for Ning Luo removing items of clothing.
• Ning Luo deliberately interprets the offer literally, counting socks, shoes, accessories, and other clothing items as separate payments. He turns Cui’s attempted humiliation back on him, leaving Cui furious and embarrassed.
• Ning Luo returns to the banquet and focuses on desserts while waiting for Director Sun. He then notices Lu Tingzhou, the novel’s powerful villain character.
• Ning Luo is immediately attracted to Lu Tingzhou, but his private thoughts reveal Lu’s tragic future. Lu hears Ning Luo’s seemingly ominous thoughts and approaches him, ending the chapter by asking who he is.

Character Developments

• Ning Luo: Demonstrates his opportunistic, money-loving nature, but also shows quick wit and confidence when dealing with Cui Xiangyang. He remains outwardly polite and vulnerable while privately manipulating situations for personal gain. His attraction to Lu Tingzhou is immediate and intense, though it is mixed with sympathy because he knows Lu’s eventual fate.
• Wang Lin: Shifts from hostility to reluctant mentorship. Although he believes Ning Luo is taking advantage of him, he genuinely begins helping him because he recognizes—or convinces himself—that Ning Luo has untapped potential.
• Cui Xiangyang: Reveals himself as arrogant, classist, and vindictive. His attempt to control and humiliate Ning Luo backfires, exposing his own foolishness and poor temper.
• Lu Tingzhou: Makes his first major appearance as an elegant, intimidating, and highly influential figure. He appears perceptive and composed, but Ning Luo’s strange thoughts immediately catch his attention.
• Sun Shaoyi: Observes that Ning Luo may be selfish or unintelligent but does not seem malicious, challenging the negative reputation surrounding him.

Significant Themes

• Misjudgment and hidden identities: Others assume Ning Luo is a shallow, scheming gold-digger, while his thoughts reveal a more complicated mixture of greed, humor, and self-awareness.
• Social power and exploitation: The dinner highlights the entertainment industry’s dependence on connections, money, and status. Cui attempts to use wealth as leverage, but Ning Luo reverses the power dynamic.
• Appearances versus reality: Wang Lin’s praise is largely fabricated, Ning Luo’s apparent vulnerability is partly an act, and Lu Tingzhou’s polished exterior conceals his tragic future.
• Fate and changing the storyline: Ning Luo knows the characters’ original destinies, especially Lu Tingzhou’s downfall, suggesting that his presence may disrupt the novel’s predetermined events.
• Food and money as sources of comedy: Ning Luo’s intense focus on buffets and potential earnings contrasts with the supposedly sophisticated setting, reinforcing his practical and shameless personality.

Character Interactions

• Wang Lin and Ning Luo develop an uneasy mentor–opportunist relationship: Wang Lin tries to guide him, while Ning Luo privately treats him as a useful benefactor.
• Ning Luo and Cui Xiangyang clash over class, wealth, and Ning Xibai. Ning Luo wins by pretending to accept Cui’s degrading offer literally.
• Ning Luo’s thoughts about Lu Tingzhou are overheard, creating an unusual connection before they have properly met.
• Lu Tingzhou’s final approach establishes immediate tension and curiosity, as he appears to have identified Ning Luo as the source of the disturbing inner voice.

Chapter 4 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• At a banquet, Lu Tingzhou suddenly approaches Ning Luo after mistaking him for someone else. Their close interaction draws everyone’s attention, though Lu quickly clarifies that it was only a misunderstanding.
• Ning Luo’s inner thoughts reveal that he is attracted to Lu and jokingly refers to him as his “husband.” Lu discovers that he can hear Ning Luo’s thoughts, though he keeps this secret.
• Ning Luo unknowingly predicts Lu’s future misfortune: a cultural and creative company associated with Lu will soon be ruined by plagiarism accusations, causing financial losses and damaging Lu’s reputation. Lu realizes Ning Luo may possess unusual knowledge about the future and decides to investigate.
• Wang Lin takes Ning Luo away and later helps him obtain an audition for a supporting role in Director Sun Xuebin’s upcoming adapted drama. Wang’s attitude toward Ning Luo has changed dramatically after witnessing his rapid improvement in acting.
• Ning Luo privately sends anonymous warnings to Lu, his studio, and his email, advising him to be cautious about the investments and people around him.
• After returning to the production hotel, Ning Luo becomes an enthusiastic Lu Tingzhou fan, creating an alternate account, joining fan groups, and collecting Lu’s photos.
• Ning Luo’s manager, Xu Ling, informs him that he has secured the audition and that a new assistant, Xiao Song, will arrive. Xiao Song is a huge, intimidating-looking but considerate man who quickly begins helping Ning Luo.
• When Ning Luo returns to set, he finds the production in chaos. A worm-eaten wooden frame has collapsed and injured the male lead, Shen Wenyu.
• Wang Lin angrily confronts the production staff after discovering that someone supplied inferior materials while pocketing the budget difference. Fu Gangqun, a connected member of the production team and Wang Lin’s cousin, forces a subordinate to confess.
• Ning Luo’s inner thoughts reveal that Fu Gangqun is likely responsible for later spreading scandalous rumors that Wang Lin is sexually exploiting Shen Wenyu. Shen overhears the thought and is horrified, ending the chapter on a comedic cliffhanger.

Character Developments

• Ning Luo: Becomes increasingly comfortable using his knowledge of the original plot to help others, though he remains fatalistic about his own survival. He shows genuine concern for Lu Tingzhou and tries to warn him despite having limited information. His acting career also begins to improve as he secures a valuable audition.
• Lu Tingzhou: Learns that he can hear Ning Luo’s thoughts and remains outwardly calm while carefully analyzing him. He becomes suspicious that Ning Luo can predict the future, particularly after hearing details about the plagiarism scandal. His interest in Ning Luo grows, even as he tries to maintain distance.
• Wang Lin: Shifts from seeing Ning Luo as a useless burden to recognizing his talent and potential. He actively supports Ning Luo by recommending him for an audition, though their interactions remain comically antagonistic.
• Xu Ling: Continues to act as a capable, practical manager, arranging Ning Luo’s career opportunities and assistant while remaining concerned about his difficult behavior.
• Xiao Song: Introduced as Ning Luo’s new assistant. Despite his imposing appearance, he is reliable, attentive, and helpful.
• Fu Gangqun: Appears to be a corrupt and manipulative insider who uses his family connection to Wang Lin to protect himself and redirect blame.
• Shen Wenyu: The injured male lead becomes an unwitting target of future rumors and is shocked by Ning Luo’s outrageous internal speculation.

Significant Themes

• Mind-reading and hidden thoughts: Lu hears Ning Luo’s unfiltered thoughts, creating dramatic irony and comic tension because Ning Luo remains unaware.
• Foreknowledge and fate: Ning Luo attempts to alter the predetermined tragedies of the novel, especially Lu’s impending downfall, while still believing death may ultimately be unavoidable.
• Public image versus private reality: Characters maintain polite, professional appearances while harboring chaotic thoughts, secret motives, or hidden corruption.
• Career growth and second chances: Ning Luo begins gaining opportunities through improved talent and unexpected support, suggesting that he may escape his original fate.
• Corruption and exploitation in entertainment: The damaged set, stolen production funds, plagiarism scandal, and planned rumors expose the industry’s financial and reputational dangers.
• Comedy through misunderstanding: Ning Luo’s exaggerated internal monologue contrasts with his innocent outward behavior, while Lu’s ability to hear him creates repeated humorous misunderstandings.

Important Character Interactions

• Ning Luo and Lu Tingzhou: Their first substantial meeting combines attraction, awkwardness, and mutual suspicion. Ning Luo openly admires Lu internally, while Lu quietly investigates his strange predictions.
• Ning Luo and Wang Lin: Wang offers Ning Luo career support, and their relationship evolves from hostility and distrust into reluctant cooperation and mutual recognition.
• Ning Luo and Xu Ling: Xu confirms his new audition and assistant, showing that Ning Luo’s professional situation is improving.
• Ning Luo and Xiao Song: Their first meeting is humorous because Ning Luo is intimidated by Xiao Song’s size, while Xiao Song immediately treats him respectfully.
• Wang Lin and Fu Gangqun: Their family connection complicates the production scandal. Wang demands accountability, while Fu attempts to preserve himself by blaming a subordinate.
• Ning Luo and Shen Wenyu: Though they barely interact directly, Ning Luo’s private speculation about Shen’s future scandal is overheard, leaving Shen deeply alarmed.

Chapter 5 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ning Luo’s careless remarks expose rumors about Fu Gangqun’s exploitation of young men in Wang Lin’s production crew, including coercive sexual arrangements, blackmail, and misuse of production funds.
• Wang Lin realizes Fu Gangqun may genuinely be involved in serious crimes. Angered by his cousin’s misconduct and his attempts to shift blame, Wang Lin decides to involve the police rather than protect him as he had in the past.
• Fu Gangqun is taken away for questioning along with the other people involved, and Wang Lin gives the crew the rest of the day off.
• Shen Wenyu wants to question Ning Luo about the strange rumors surrounding him, but Sun Shaoyi stops him. She explains that she and Wang Lin suspect something unusual about Ning Luo and believe confronting him too quickly could harm him.
• On the way back to the hotel, Ning Luo receives a call from his younger “brother,” Ning Xibai. Pretending to reject Xibai’s romantic advances, Ning Luo launches into an exaggerated speech about how Xibai must let go of his love.
• Ning Father unexpectedly takes the phone, hears Ning Luo’s dramatic confession, and assumes Xibai truly has romantic feelings for his newly acknowledged older brother. He invites Ning Luo home for the weekend.
• Horrified by his mistake, Ning Luo considers fleeing—or even driving off an overpass—but ultimately agrees to return to the Ning family villa.
• Upon seeing the enormous estate, Ning Luo is overwhelmed by its wealth and privately celebrates finally reclaiming the rich second-generation life he believes should have been his.
• Ning Yang arrives and witnesses Ning Luo’s ecstatic behavior and inner thoughts, concluding that his younger brother may be mentally unstable.

Character Developments

• Ning Luo: His unfiltered thoughts continue to reveal secrets and create chaos, though he remains unaware that others can hear them. He is morally indignant about Fu Gangqun’s abuse but also extremely dramatic and impulsive. His obsession with Lu Tingzhou continues, while his excitement over the Ning family’s wealth shows how strongly he identifies with his “original” privileged life.
• Wang Lin: He becomes more assertive and principled, refusing to shield Fu Gangqun any longer. His concern shifts from protecting family ties to protecting his crew and ensuring that possible sexual exploitation is properly investigated.
• Shen Wenyu: He is shocked and disgusted by the rumors about Fu Gangqun, particularly those involving him and Wang Lin. He also becomes more suspicious of Ning Luo and more protective of him.
• Sun Shaoyi: She acts as the voice of caution, restraining Shen Wenyu from confronting Ning Luo prematurely and helping him understand that Ning Luo’s situation may be unusual.
• Fu Gangqun: His confident façade collapses once Wang Lin threatens police involvement. He realizes that his misconduct may be exposed and that he can no longer rely on Wang Lin’s previous tolerance.
• Ning Xibai: He continues manipulating appearances by presenting himself as a wounded, innocent younger brother. His performance unintentionally convinces Ning Father that he is in love with Ning Luo.
• Ning Father: He becomes alarmed by what he believes is Xibai’s inappropriate romantic attachment to Ning Luo, but he remains gentle and cautious toward Ning Luo himself.
• Ning Yang: His first major impression of Ning Luo is bewilderment. Seeing Ning Luo’s unusual behavior causes him to reconsider his assumptions about his brother.

Significant Themes

• Truth exposed through misunderstanding: Ning Luo’s internal monologue reveals information that others interpret in bizarre and incomplete ways, turning hidden wrongdoing into public scandal.
• Abuse of power and exploitation: Fu Gangqun’s alleged coercion, blackmail, and financial misconduct highlight the vulnerability of young performers within the entertainment industry.
• Family and mistaken identity: Ning Luo’s return to the Ning family is complicated by false assumptions about romantic relationships and by the family’s incomplete understanding of his personality.
• Unintended consequences: Ning Luo repeatedly causes major events without realizing it—exposing Fu Gangqun, misleading Ning Father, and alarming Ning Yang.
• Wealth and belonging: Ning Luo’s amazement at the Ning estate reflects his longing to reclaim the privileged identity and status he believes were taken from him.

Important Character Interactions

• Wang Lin and Fu Gangqun: Wang Lin confronts Fu Gangqun over his irresponsibility and threatens to let the police investigate him, marking a decisive break in their relationship.
• Shen Wenyu and Sun Shaoyi: Sun Shaoyi prevents Shen Wenyu from questioning Ning Luo and advises him to wait until they understand the situation better.
• Ning Luo and Ning Xibai: Ning Luo jokingly frames Xibai as someone hopelessly in love with him, while Xibai tries to maintain his victimized image.
• Ning Luo and Ning Father: Ning Father accidentally hears Ning Luo’s fabricated love speech and invites him home, unaware of the misunderstanding behind it.
• Ning Luo and Ning Yang: Ning Yang sees Ning Luo celebrating the family’s wealth and is left convinced that his brother has an eccentric—or possibly unstable—side.

Chapter 6 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ning Luo unknowingly performs an absurd, self-congratulatory poem about money in the courtyard while Ning Yang secretly watches. Ning Yang is stunned by his brother’s eccentric behavior and retreats to the car to smoke.
• The driver jokingly suggests that the Ning family is doomed for having both a lovesick fool and a lunatic. Ning Yang punishes him by canceling his bonus, then brings desserts he bought for Ning Xibai into the villa.
• The chapter explains the Ning family’s complicated structure: Ning Yang is the eldest son from Ning Father’s first marriage, Ning Luo is the biological second son recently brought back, and Ning Xibai is the former “fake” young master who was mistakenly switched at birth. Each brother has a different mother.
• Ning Luo encounters Ning Xibai at the entrance. Xibai drops his friendly façade and threatens to force Ning Luo out, insisting that Ning Luo cannot take his family position or inheritance.
• Ning Father approaches, and Xibai deliberately stages the appearance that Ning Luo pushed him. However, he cannot convincingly fall, and Ning Father interprets the situation in Ning Luo’s favor.
• Ning Luo tries to explain that Xibai simply tripped, while Xibai presents himself as humble and self-sacrificing, claiming he does not care about his status and would even move out or give up his room.
• Ning Yang instinctively defends Xibai, assuring him that he will always belong to the Ning family. Ning Luo internally mocks Xibai’s manipulative “green tea” behavior.
• Ning Xibai then hints that he could find a new family and another brother who loves him. This provokes Ning Yang, whose pride and attachment make him realize how replaceable Xibai may be treating him.
• Ning Yang suddenly discovers that he can hear Ning Luo’s inner thoughts. The revelation exposes Xibai’s manipulation and leaves Ning Yang overwhelmed, angry, and close to a heart attack.

Character Developments

• Ning Luo: Remains outwardly awkward, defensive, and often bewildered, but his internal commentary is sharp and perceptive. He recognizes Xibai’s manipulative tactics immediately, though his thoughts frequently make situations worse. He also begins to understand how absurd and dangerous his position in the family is.
• Ning Yang: Initially regards Ning Luo as an immoral, incompetent celebrity and strongly favors Ning Xibai. His attitude begins to crack when he hears Ning Luo’s inner voice and realizes that Xibai’s apparent innocence may be an act. His pride and emotional dependence on Xibai are exposed.
• Ning Xibai: Reveals his true hostility toward Ning Luo while maintaining a gentle, victimized public persona. He skillfully uses humility, tears, and suggestions of abandonment to manipulate Ning Father, Ning Yang, and the servants.
• Ning Father: Misreads the confrontation, assuming Ning Luo is kind and Xibai is overly sensitive. His protective instincts toward Ning Luo become apparent, though he remains unaware of the deeper conflict.
• The driver: Provides comic relief by bluntly commenting on the family’s dysfunction and Ning Luo’s strange behavior.

Significant Themes

• False appearances versus hidden intentions: Xibai’s gentle image contrasts with his aggressive private behavior, while Ning Luo’s ridiculous outward conduct hides accurate insight into others.
• Manipulation and emotional blackmail: Xibai uses self-deprecation, tears, and threats of leaving to secure Ning Yang’s loyalty.
• Family identity and belonging: The brothers struggle over who truly belongs in the Ning family and who can be replaced.
• Pride and dependency: Ning Yang’s attachment to Xibai is tied to his need to feel uniquely important to him.
• Comic misunderstanding: The chapter repeatedly turns hostile confrontations into absurd misunderstandings, especially because Ning Luo’s inner monologue is sarcastic and only Ning Yang can hear it.

Character Interactions

• Ning Luo and Ning Xibai: Their meeting becomes an indirect battle of hostility and manipulation. Xibai provokes Ning Luo and frames him, while Ning Luo identifies and mocks every step of his performance internally.
• Ning Luo and Ning Yang: Although they barely speak directly, Ning Yang’s perception of Ning Luo changes dramatically after hearing his thoughts. Ning Luo unknowingly undermines Ning Yang’s trust in Xibai.
• Ning Xibai and Ning Yang: Xibai performs vulnerability to secure Ning Yang’s protection, but his remarks about finding another brother trigger Ning Yang’s insecurity.
• Ning Luo and Ning Father: Ning Luo desperately tries to clarify that he did not hurt Xibai, while Ning Father mistakenly interprets his behavior as evidence of kindness and familial affection.

Chapter 7 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ning Yang suddenly claims to have chest pain after Ning Xibai’s emotional remarks. Although the family worries, he quickly recovers and attributes it to exhaustion from overwork.
• Ning Yang hears Ning Luo’s sarcastic inner thoughts and realizes that Ning Luo is not genuinely worried about him. Ning Luo’s mockery destroys the brief sympathy Ning Yang feels toward him.
• Ning Yang begins questioning Ning Xibai’s habitual meekness. He wonders whether Xibai deliberately makes himself appear bullied and innocent, though he ultimately excuses it as part of Xibai’s gentle personality.
• Ning Mother returns home and warmly welcomes Ning Luo, fussing over his health and treating him with affection. Ning Luo enjoys her attention, privately recognizing her as the kind of mother he had always wanted.
• During dinner, Ning Mother asks Ning Yang to help Ning Luo with his career. Ning Xibai attempts to discourage this, but Ning Luo enthusiastically accepts the offer and flatters both Ning Mother and Ning Yang.
• Ning Yang agrees to give Ning Luo a magazine opportunity, likely a highly valuable shoot with famous actor Lu Tingzhou. Ning Xibai is visibly jealous, causing Ning Yang to reassess his motives and suspect that he wants access to Ning Family resources.
• Ning Father unexpectedly offers Ning Xibai a position in the company. Xibai is thrilled, believing this is his chance to gain power within the family.
• The opportunity turns out to be an international public-welfare project in Africa involving trade negotiations with primitive tribes and medical-equipment deployment. Ning Father is deliberately sending Xibai away to separate him from Ning Luo and prevent their rumored relationship from developing.
• Ning Luo sarcastically congratulates Xibai on the “trip,” while Ning Yang tells Ning Luo to follow him to the study, suggesting he intends to question or reprimand him.

Character Developments

• Ning Yang: Becomes increasingly unsettled by Ning Luo’s inner thoughts. He starts examining Ning Xibai’s behavior more critically and notices Xibai’s jealousy. Despite insisting that Ning Luo does not affect him, he repeatedly reacts strongly to Luo’s thoughts and shows growing curiosity and concern about him.
• Ning Luo: Continues using playful sarcasm and shameless flattery to secure advantages. He genuinely likes Ning Mother’s warmth and openly accepts her care. His thoughts reveal both his desire for family affection and his practical willingness to seize Ning Family resources.
• Ning Xibai: Displays jealousy and possessiveness when Ning Luo receives attention and opportunities. He tries to prevent Ning Luo from gaining Ning Yang’s support but becomes delighted when offered a company position. His outward gentleness contrasts with his strong ambition.
• Ning Father: Shows himself to be observant and strategically decisive. He interprets the brothers’ suspicious closeness as dangerous and engineers Xibai’s assignment to Africa as a forced separation.
• Ning Mother: Immediately embraces Ning Luo with maternal affection, eager to compensate for the hardships he endured after being separated from the family.

Significant Themes

• Appearances versus intentions: Xibai appears meek and innocent, but his jealousy and ambition suggest deeper motives. Ning Luo’s outward flattery hides sarcasm and strategic calculation.
• Family affection and belonging: Ning Luo responds strongly to Ning Mother’s warmth because it fulfills his longing for a loving parent. His acceptance into the family begins to feel genuine despite his original outsider status.
• Jealousy and competition: Xibai resents Ning Luo’s growing place in the family and access to resources, while Ning Yang begins noticing the rivalry between them.
• Mind-reading and misunderstanding: Ning Yang’s ability to hear Ning Luo’s thoughts constantly contradicts Luo’s spoken words, producing confusion, irritation, and unwanted emotional intimacy.
• Parental control and manipulation: Ning Father uses his authority to manage the brothers’ relationships, disguising his attempt at separation as a career opportunity.

Important Character Interactions

• Ning Yang and Ning Xibai interact with increasing tension: Xibai acts apologetic and affectionate, while Ning Yang instinctively withdraws and begins doubting his sincerity.
• Ning Luo repeatedly provokes Ning Yang through his private commentary, while Ning Yang struggles to conceal that he can hear him.
• Ning Mother and Ning Luo quickly form a warm, affectionate bond, largely ignoring the rest of the family during dinner.
• Ning Xibai tries to block Ning Luo’s access to Ning Yang’s support, but Ning Luo wins the exchange by enthusiastically flattering Ning Mother and Ning Yang.
• Ning Father and Ning Xibai share a superficially supportive exchange that turns into comic punishment when the “promotion” is revealed to be an assignment in Africa.
• The chapter ends with Ning Yang summoning Ning Luo to the study, likely to confront him about his behavior or the thoughts he has been hearing.

Chapter 8 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ning Yang withdraws from dinner and smokes alone in the study while staring at a childhood photo of himself and Ning Xibai.
• Ning Luo visits him, and Ning Yang accidentally hears Luo’s unfiltered thoughts. Luo internally criticizes Ning Xibai and suspects Ning Yang is blindly defending him.
• To end the awkward conversation, Ning Yang gives Ning Luo detailed materials for an upcoming magazine shoot with famous actor Lu Tingzhou. Luo is thrilled because Lu is his favorite and treats the opportunity as a major reward.
• Ning Luo returns to his luxurious bedroom and becomes ecstatic over the expensive furnishings, designer carpet, lambskin sofa, art pieces, and enormous wardrobe. His excitement reinforces his belief that wealth is more important than avoiding his supposed “cannon-fodder” fate.
• Ning Yang, affected by Luo’s warning about staying up late, goes to bed early. However, Luo’s wildly off-key singing and energetic thoughts disturb him through the wall. Ning Yang texts Luo repeatedly to sleep.
• Luo eventually falls asleep but has a frightening nightmare involving snakes and a controlling mother. The dream reflects his past: a deceased, emotionally oppressive mother who claimed her harmful behavior was motivated by love and high expectations.
• After waking early, Luo has breakfast with Ning Yang. Their interaction remains awkward, though Luo tries to make conversation.
• Ning Yang reveals that he is going on a blind date with the Chen family’s second daughter, who has recently returned from abroad.
• Luo realizes the woman is the sister of Chen Chuan’ang and suspects the date is part of a scheme arranged by Ning Xibai and Chen Chuan’ang to deceive Ning Yang. He mentally compares Ning Yang to a helpless pig being led to slaughter, offending Ning Yang when he hears the thought.

Character Developments

• Ning Yang: His trust in Ning Xibai begins to show cracks, though he still instinctively defends him. He becomes increasingly irritated by Ning Luo’s thoughts but is also affected by Luo’s presence, appearance, and concern for him. His decision to sleep early because of Luo’s warning suggests Luo is beginning to influence him.
• Ning Luo: He grows more comfortable in the Ning household and enthusiastically embraces his new wealth and resources. His admiration for Lu Tingzhou is revealed to be intense and comedic. Beneath his carefree, money-focused attitude, he carries unresolved trauma connected to his mother and recognizes similarities between himself and the original Ning Luo.
• Ning Xibai: Though absent in person, he remains central to the chapter. Luo views him as manipulative and scheming, while Ning Yang continues rationalizing his behavior.
• Ning Luo’s mother: Appears only in the nightmare but is important to Luo’s emotional background. Her controlling love has left him with guilt, fear, and difficulty responding emotionally to her sacrifices.

Significant Themes

• Appearance versus reality: Ning Luo behaves politely while privately mocking others, while Ning Yang presents himself as controlled despite growing emotional disturbance.
• Family loyalty and denial: Ning Yang refuses to acknowledge Ning Xibai’s possible ulterior motives, showing how affection and familial loyalty can blind him.
• Wealth and security: Luo sees his luxurious new life as compensation for his hardships and believes financial comfort can outweigh the danger of his role in the novel.
• Trauma disguised as love: Luo’s nightmare exposes the damaging effects of parental control and the conflict between gratitude and emotional harm.
• Communication and misunderstanding: Ning Yang can hear Luo’s thoughts but cannot fully interpret them, creating constant comic tension and causing him to mistake Luo’s concern for mockery or hostility.

Character Interactions

• Ning Luo attempts to comfort Ning Yang in the study, but his inner commentary frustrates Ning Yang.
• Ning Yang gives Luo professional guidance and a major career opportunity, while Luo responds with sincere gratitude and excitement.
• Their nighttime exchange reveals their contrasting personalities: Luo is exuberant and oblivious, while Ning Yang is easily disturbed and increasingly conscious of him.
• At breakfast, Luo tries to learn about Ning Yang’s blind date. His internal warning about the suspected trap causes Ning Yang to become angry, ending the chapter with growing tension between them.

Chapter 9 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ning Luo warns Ning Yang through his mind-reading ability that Chen Chuan’ang is using his illegitimate daughter, Chen Yan, to infiltrate Ning Yang’s company. Her plan is supposedly to become his personal secretary, steal company secrets and documents, cause investment losses, and help Ning Xibai gain influence.
• Ning Yang is initially skeptical, fearing Ning Luo is merely making wild guesses, but Chen Yan later repeats almost exactly the same proposal and reasoning Ning Luo predicted.
• To convince Ning Yang, Ning Luo sends him recordings parodying melodramatic CEO romance stories. The recordings are absurd and impossible to stop, embarrassing Ning Yang and amusing his driver, but they successfully make Ning Yang wary of Chen Yan’s secretary proposal.
• Ning Yang agrees to hire Chen Yan as his secretary, apparently intending to investigate the situation rather than blindly trust her.
• His assistant confirms that Chen Yan is indeed an illegitimate daughter and that Ning Xibai has an unusually close relationship with Chen Chuan’ang, lending credibility to Ning Luo’s suspicions.
• Ning Luo, struggling financially despite living with the wealthy Ning family, complains about having only 23,000 yuan in savings. Ning Yang transfers five million yuan to him.
• Overjoyed, Ning Luo hugs Ning Yang and declares his love for him, prompting Ning Yang to mock him for loving money.
• The chapter ends with Ning Yang unexpectedly asking Ning Luo how a man could become pregnant after receiving a uterus transplant, revealing that the ridiculous recording has remained on his mind and leaving Ning Luo speechless.

Character Developments

• Ning Yang: Becomes increasingly suspicious of Chen Yan, Chen Chuan’ang, and Ning Xibai, though he remains emotionally conflicted because Xibai is the younger brother he raised. He begins taking Ning Luo’s warnings seriously and shows growing affection and protectiveness toward him, demonstrated by the large financial gift.
• Ning Luo: Continues using his chaotic imagination and unconventional methods to protect Ning Yang. Despite his teasing and bizarre thoughts, his warnings prove accurate. His financial insecurity and straightforward love of money are also revealed.
• Ning Xibai: Shows irritation at Ning Luo’s pointed remarks about Africa and appears determined to prevent Ning Father from sending him abroad. His relationship with Chen Chuan’ang becomes more suspicious after Ning Yang investigates it.
• Chen Yan: Appears affectionate and concerned about Ning Yang, but her behavior matches Ning Luo’s prediction closely, suggesting that her romantic approach may be part of a larger scheme.
• Chen Chuan’ang: Is presented as someone manipulating Chen Yan to gain leverage over Ning Xibai and possibly undermine Ning Yang.
• Ning Yang’s driver: Briefly provides comic relief by laughing at the ridiculous recordings, though he is punished by Ning Yang for doing so.

Significant Themes

• Trust versus suspicion: Ning Yang struggles between trusting the brother he has known since childhood and believing the evidence supplied by Ning Luo.
• Hidden motives and manipulation: Romantic affection may be a façade for corporate espionage and family power struggles.
• Family loyalty and rivalry: The chapter emphasizes the unstable relationships among the Ning brothers and the Chen family’s attempts to influence the Ning family.
• Comedy as protection: Ning Luo’s absurd behavior and parody recordings seem ridiculous but serve a practical purpose by helping Ning Yang avoid falling into a trap.
• Money and affection: Ning Luo openly values financial security, while Ning Yang begins expressing care through money and quiet concern.

Character Interactions

• Ning Luo repeatedly provokes Ning Xibai with fake concern about his trip to Africa, frustrating him while pretending to be supportive.
• Ning Yang and Ning Luo develop a more cooperative relationship: Ning Luo warns him, sends him the recordings, and Ning Yang responds by trusting him enough to provide financial support.
• Ning Yang confronts Chen Yan indirectly by accepting her secretary proposal while privately investigating her background.
• Ning Yang’s final question about uterus transplants reverses the earlier power dynamic, embarrassing Ning Luo and providing the chapter’s closing joke.

Chapter 10 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ning Luo tries to explain sexuality to Ning Yang with absurd “scientific” reasoning, but quickly runs out of excuses.
• Ning Father discovers that Ning Yang has given Ning Luo five million and immediately transfers him 6.66 million, raising Ning Luo’s funds to over eleven million. He jokingly—but competitively—insists that his love and financial support must surpass Ning Yang’s.
• Ning Yang sends Ning Luo upstairs to prepare for signing a filming contract, partly to prevent Ning Father from overhearing Ning Luo’s thoughts about being attracted to men.
• Ning Luo asks Ning Father whether Ning Xibai will be allowed to avoid going to Africa. Ning Father becomes suspicious that Ning Luo and Ning Xibai are working together and decides to extend Xibai’s eventual Africa trip from two months to three.
• Ning Luo leaves to sign the contract, while Ning Yang stays behind to investigate the Chen Family’s scheme and determine Ning Xibai’s involvement.
• Lu Tingzhou’s manager informs him that Ning Luo has been chosen for a magazine feature and was escorted by Ning Yang’s secretary. Lu recognizes Ning Luo as the Ning Family’s newly recovered second son and calls him “an interesting little friend.”
• Lu Tingzhou learns that an anonymous account warned his team about a company involved in plagiarism and financial wrongdoing. Investigating the account, he discovers it is Ning Luo’s obsessive fan account, filled with exaggerated posts about Lu.
• Lu realizes that Ning Luo is the owner of the account and quietly likes one of the posts, amused by Ning Luo’s eccentricity.
• Ning Luo invests his new money in Wang Lin’s production crew, confident that the project will succeed if its original financial and casting problems are removed.
• Wang Lin is overwhelmed after discovering that Fu Gangqun embezzled money, misused public funds, and was involved in pimping. Cui Xiangyang also refuses to invest and persuades others to withdraw.
• Ning Luo attempts to comfort the despairing Wang Lin, but his distracted attention to nearby street food repeatedly undermines the seriousness of the conversation.
• Declaring himself a wealthy benefactor, Ning Luo offers Wang Lin ten million yuan. However, he accidentally gives him a Lu Tingzhou photo card, featuring Lu in a bathing scene, instead of his bank card.

Character Developments

• Ning Luo becomes even more openly money-focused and embraces his role as a wealthy investor. Despite his frivolity, he genuinely wants to help Wang Lin and protect the production crew from the setbacks described in the original novel.
• Ning Yang shows protective concern for Ning Luo and remains alert to the family’s complicated schemes. He is also beginning to investigate Ning Xibai instead of dismissing his behavior.
• Ning Father is revealed to be extremely possessive of his sons’ affection. His generous allowance is partly motivated by jealousy of Ning Yang and his determination to remain Ning Luo’s favorite.
• Ning Xibai remains absent but central to the family’s suspicions. His desire to avoid Africa makes Ning Father believe that he and Ning Luo are conspiring together.
• Lu Tingzhou becomes interested in Ning Luo after recognizing him and discovering his fan account. His amusement suggests a growing curiosity and possible attraction toward Ning Luo.
• Wang Lin is pushed to the brink by betrayal, financial collapse, and family pressure, but Ning Luo’s unexpected offer provides a potential solution.
• Fu Gangqun and Cui Xiangyang are established as major sources of corruption and obstruction for Wang Lin’s production.

Significant Themes

• Money as affection and power: Ning Father and Ning Yang compete by giving Ning Luo money, while Ning Luo treats wealth as both security and a means of helping others.
• Hidden identities and thoughts: Ning Luo’s inner monologue exposes his true feelings, while others only see his bizarre outward behavior. His secret fan identity is also uncovered by Lu Tingzhou.
• Family suspicion and manipulation: Ning Father interprets innocent questions as evidence of conspiracy and responds by tightening his control over Ning Xibai.
• Comedy amid serious conflict: Embezzlement, exploitation, and financial ruin are contrasted with Ning Luo’s food cravings, absurd thoughts, and mistaken photo card.
• Changing fate through intervention: Ning Luo uses his knowledge of the original story to remove the production crew’s obstacles, hoping to turn its future success into reality.
• Emerging romantic interest: Lu Tingzhou’s discovery of Ning Luo’s fan account creates a private connection between them, even though Ning Luo does not know he has been found out.

Important Character Interactions

• Ning Luo and Ning Yang exchange awkward banter about sexuality, money, and responsibility, with Ning Yang quietly protecting Ning Luo from embarrassment.
• Ning Luo and Ning Father share a playful but competitive father-son moment over financial support, while Ning Yang reacts with disgust.
• Ning Luo’s question about Ning Xibai unintentionally makes Ning Father more suspicious and causes Xibai’s punishment to worsen.
• Lu Tingzhou and Nie Wentao discuss Ning Luo, the corrupt company, and the anonymous warning account. Lu’s private investigation reveals Ning Luo’s fan identity.
• Ning Luo and Wang Lin form an amusing contrast: Wang Lin is crushed by real financial and moral crises, while Ning Luo responds with distracted optimism and an impulsive promise of funding.

Chapter 11 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ning Luo discovers that the “bank card” he thought he had taken out is actually Lu Tingzhou’s shirtless abdominal photo card. He becomes intensely embarrassed when Wang Lin sees it, while Wang Lin teases him and struggles not to laugh.
• Ning Luo announces that he wants to invest in the struggling production. When Wang Lin dismisses the idea, Ning Luo reveals that he will invest ten million yuan.
• Wang Lin is overwhelmed by the amount, realizing it will allow the production to improve its costumes, props, editing, post-production, dubbing, and other departments. He briefly worries that Ning Luo obtained the money by sacrificing himself, but Ning Luo explains that his father and brother provided it.
• Ning Luo accidentally reveals that Ning Xibai is his adopted brother, shocking Wang Lin and hinting at deeper complications in their family relationship.
• Wang Lin announces the investment to the entire crew. The production resumes filming, and everyone becomes energized, treating Ning Luo like a wealthy benefactor. Ning Luo, however, is extremely uncomfortable with the attention because of his social anxiety.
• Shen Wenyu privately tries to clarify that he is attracted to mature women with long black hair and high ponytails. He is worried Ning Luo may believe the rumors that Shen had an inappropriate relationship with Wang Lin. Ning Luo reassures him, though he misunderstands Shen’s real romantic interest.
• Shen Wenyu thanks Ning Luo for helping him twice and gives him six bags of European chocolates and desserts. Ning Luo happily accepts the food and forgets to ask what the first favor was.
• While watching the male and female leads film, Ning Luo realizes that Shen Wenyu’s stated preferences match Sun Shaoyi, concluding that Shen secretly likes her. He sends Shen a joking message promising not to interfere, which only makes Shen more nervous.
• Filming resumes without the planned holiday. Ning Luo receives permission to commute between the set and the Ning family home, enjoying comfortable beds, Aunt Zhang’s cooking, and the nearby food street.
• Xu Ling arrives to pick Ning Luo up before his scheduled collaboration shoot with Lu Tingzhou. She has brought Zhou Wenyu, a newly returned actor who is hostile toward Ning Luo.
• Zhou Wenyu deliberately blocks Ning Luo’s way and provokes him. Ning Luo retaliates with sarcastic remarks, leading to a confrontation in the car.
• Xu Ling explains that Zhou Wenyu has just returned from filming a travel variety show with Best Actor Wang Jiang. Ning Luo recognizes Zhou as the celebrity involved in a notorious leaked sex-video scandal and internally reacts with exaggerated melodrama.
• The chapter ends with Xu Ling crushing her iced coffee cup in frustration as the quarrel continues.

Character Developments

• Ning Luo: Demonstrates both financial power and loyalty by investing heavily in the production. Despite his wealth, he remains socially awkward, easily embarrassed, food-motivated, and prone to dramatic internal monologues. He also continues interpreting events through the lens of the adult novel’s world, often reaching absurd but sometimes accurate conclusions.
• Wang Lin: Changes from amused teasing to enthusiastic gratitude after learning about the ten-million-yuan investment. The funding restores his confidence and allows him to resume production on a much larger scale.
• Shen Wenyu: Reveals his genuine heterosexual preferences and his anxiety about being misunderstood because of false rumors. He becomes more comfortable with Ning Luo after receiving reassurance, though Ning Luo’s message inadvertently makes him more suspicious.
• Xu Ling: Appears competent and practical but increasingly exasperated by the difficult personalities around her. She tries to control the conflict between Ning Luo and Zhou Wenyu.
• Zhou Wenyu: Is introduced as antagonistic, arrogant, and quick to shift blame. His behavior suggests he may deliberately provoke Ning Luo, possibly because of prior rumors or resentment.
• Ning Xibai and Ning Luo’s family: Ning Luo’s revelation that Ning Xibai is adopted adds new context to their strained relationship and indicates that Ning Luo comes from a powerful, wealthy family.

Significant Themes

• Money as rescue and influence: Ning Luo’s investment saves the production and demonstrates the power his family wealth gives him, even though he personally dislikes public attention.
• Public image versus reality: Rumors, staged interpretations, and scandalous media stories repeatedly distort the characters’ real relationships. Shen Wenyu’s anxiety shows how damaging these rumors can be.
• Miscommunication and mistaken assumptions: Ning Luo misreads Shen Wenyu’s concerns, while others misunderstand Ning Luo’s intentions and background. These misunderstandings create much of the chapter’s comedy.
• Social anxiety versus public attention: Ning Luo becomes the center of attention after funding the production, but he feels overwhelmed rather than proud.
• Humor through contrast: Serious production problems, family revelations, and celebrity scandals are juxtaposed with embarrassing photos, chocolates, food, and exaggerated inner commentary.

Character Interactions

• Ning Luo and Wang Lin: Their relationship combines teasing, embarrassment, and mutual benefit. Wang Lin mocks Ning Luo over Lu Tingzhou’s photo but becomes deeply grateful when Ning Luo saves the production financially.
• Ning Luo and Shen Wenyu: Shen seeks reassurance about his sexuality and rumors, while Ning Luo responds kindly but misunderstands the situation. Their exchange establishes a friendly, comic dynamic.
• Ning Luo and Zhou Wenyu: They immediately clash in the car, trading insults after Zhou deliberately obstructs Ning Luo. Ning Luo’s knowledge of Zhou’s scandal adds an ironic layer to their confrontation.
• Xu Ling and the others: Xu Ling acts as the practical mediator, attempting to manage both actors while transporting them to the set, but the chapter closes with her patience visibly wearing thin.
• Ning Luo and Lu Tingzhou: Lu Tingzhou does not appear directly, but his shirtless photo remains a source of Ning Luo’s embarrassment and romantic possessiveness, reinforcing Ning Luo’s attachment to him.

Chapter 12 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Ling accidentally sprays coffee on Xiao Song when Ning Luo reveals his shock and disgust at the situation surrounding the carpool event.
• Ning Luo demands to leave the carpool, irritated by Zhou Wenyu’s arrogance and by the scandalous secrets he has learned through his mind-reading ability.
• After Zhou Wenyu insults him, Ning Luo sarcastically threatens to learn sign language so he can slap Zhou Wenyu without speaking.
• Ning Luo’s thoughts reveal that Zhou Wenyu knew about Wang Jiang’s tax evasion. Xu Ling questions Zhou Wenyu, whose guilty reaction confirms that he is hiding something.
• Xu Ling takes Ning Luo and Zhou Wenyu to Lecheng Pictures to review raw footage from the travel variety show.
• The footage shows Zhou Wenyu and Wang Jiang behaving intimately, contradicting Zhou Wenyu’s claim that they are merely “ordinary friends.”
• Ning Luo secretly finds an explicit video of Zhou Wenyu and Wang Jiang online and sends it to Xu Ling.
• Xu Ling confronts Zhou Wenyu with the video. He becomes terrified, realizing that its exposure could destroy both his career and personal life.
• Xu Ling ends her professional relationship with Zhou Wenyu and assigns him to another manager, declaring that he and Wang Jiang can continue relying on each other.
• Zhou Wenyu lashes out by accusing Ning Luo of obtaining his new opportunities through a sugar daddy.
• Ning Luo counters by claiming to be a wealthy heir whose family owns the building and controls Lecheng Pictures. His revelation leaves Zhou Wenyu stunned.
• Zhou Wenyu trips and falls to his knees before Ning Luo. Ning Luo mockingly gives him two one-yuan coins as a “reward” for his dramatic bow.

Character Developments

• Ning Luo becomes increasingly bold and openly sarcastic. Rather than tolerating Zhou Wenyu’s hostility, he retaliates with humor and psychological attacks. His mind-reading also allows him to expose hidden scandals and protect Xu Ling.
• Xu Ling shifts from loyal manager to disillusioned professional. She realizes that Zhou Wenyu has deceived her and that her efforts to advance his career have been wasted. Her decision to abandon him marks a major break in their relationship.
• Zhou Wenyu is exposed as dishonest, arrogant, and dependent on Wang Jiang for career opportunities. Once his secret relationship and possible involvement in Wang Jiang’s schemes are threatened, his confidence collapses into panic and resentment.
• Xiao Song remains a quiet observer, physically distancing himself from the chaos and reacting with silent disbelief.
• Wang Jiang, though absent, is revealed as both a tax evader and a powerful older figure involved in Zhou Wenyu’s private and professional life.

Significant Themes

• Exposure and hypocrisy: Zhou Wenyu repeatedly insists that Wang Jiang is only an “ordinary friend,” while the footage and video reveal the contradiction between his public image and private behavior.
• Power and exploitation: The chapter highlights how entertainment-industry opportunities may depend on compromising relationships, manipulation, and unequal power.
• Mind-reading and truth: Ning Luo’s ability exposes secrets that characters try to hide, while Xu Ling’s professional instincts help her interpret the evidence.
• Reversal of power: Zhou Wenyu initially treats Ning Luo as insignificant, but Ning Luo ultimately humiliates him and reveals that he may possess far greater social and financial power.
• Mockery as defense: Ning Luo uses exaggerated sarcasm and jokes to cope with disturbing information and to undermine people who attack him.

Important Character Interactions

• Ning Luo and Xu Ling: Ning Luo’s thoughts provide Xu Ling with crucial information, while his bizarre behavior leaves her increasingly confused and mentally exhausted. Despite this, he helps her recognize Zhou Wenyu’s betrayal.
• Ning Luo and Zhou Wenyu: Their antagonism escalates from verbal hostility to open humiliation. Ning Luo consistently mocks Zhou Wenyu’s arrogance and ultimately gains the upper hand.
• Xu Ling and Zhou Wenyu: Xu Ling interrogates Zhou Wenyu, reviews the evidence against him, and finally terminates their manager-artist relationship after realizing he has lied to her.
• Zhou Wenyu and Wang Jiang: Their secret intimate relationship and Wang Jiang’s influence over Zhou Wenyu’s career are exposed through the raw footage and online video.
• Ning Luo and the fan chat group: Ning Luo uses Lu Tingzhou’s fan group to locate explicit websites, unintentionally discovering the video that brings Zhou Wenyu down.

Chapter 13 Summary

Key plot points and events

• Ning Luo tries to compensate Zhou Wenyu with two one-yuan coins, but Zhou angrily rejects them. Ning Luo responds with exaggerated inner dramatics, frustrating Xu Ling, who pulls him away.
• In the car, Xu Ling questions Ning Luo about his unusual behavior and apparent knowledge of Wang Jiang and Zhou Wenyu. She also seems to be hearing his thoughts for the first time. However, Ning Luo’s attention is distracted by a muscular billboard model and thoughts of eating spicy bullfrog hotpot, leading Xu Ling to assume he needs mental-health counseling.
• Ning Luo searches his social-media account and discovers widespread criticism from passersby and Ning Xibai’s fans. Instead of being upset, he cleverly replies to the insults with sarcastic humor and subtle promotions for his endorsements. His responses cause #NingLuo’sBeautifulMentalState# to trend.
• At a magazine shoot, Xu Ling explains Ning Luo’s role: a mute servant whose loyalty and goodness ultimately help lead his master toward darkness. Ning Luo is nervous about working with acclaimed actor Lu Tingzhou but insists he can handle it.
• The staff reveal that Ning Luo is Ning Yang’s biological younger brother, making him the Ning family’s current second young master rather than Ning Xibai.
• Ning Luo meets Lu Tingzhou in period costume. Lu says Ning Luo resembles a friend and asks him to call him “Brother Tingzhou.” Ning Luo’s delighted inner thoughts are nearly overheard, though Xu Ling realizes only she can hear them.
• During the outdoor shoot, Ning Luo must cross a deteriorating rope bridge over a valley. Although terrified of heights, he refuses Lu Tingzhou’s offered help. Lu teases him by noting that the alternative route is a dead end.

Character development

• Ning Luo displays a shamelessly playful and eccentric personality, but also demonstrates quick wit, confidence, and strong promotional instincts. He handles online abuse with humor rather than insecurity and shows determination to prove himself professionally.
• Xu Ling becomes increasingly concerned about Ning Luo’s mental state and his strange behavior, while also becoming protective of him. Her discovery that she can hear his thoughts creates both confusion and comic frustration.
• Lu Tingzhou shows immediate interest and familiarity toward Ning Luo, treating him warmly and teasingly rather than formally. His attentive offer of help reveals a considerate side.
• Zhou Wenyu is left enraged by Ning Luo’s insulting attempt at compensation, while Ning Yang’s secretary demonstrates unwavering support and makes it clear that money and influence will protect Ning Luo professionally.

Significant themes

• Misunderstanding and hidden thoughts: Xu Ling’s ability to hear Ning Luo’s inner monologue contrasts sharply with his outwardly innocent behavior.
• Public image and celebrity culture: Ning Luo turns online hate and criticism into publicity, showing how social media and endorsements can be manipulated.
• Identity and reinvention: As the new Ning Luo, he is trying to survive a hostile entertainment industry and establish himself independently of Ning Xibai.
• Courage versus pride: Ning Luo is genuinely afraid of the bridge but refuses assistance because he wants to appear capable and avoid being looked down upon.
• Humor as self-defense: His absurd internal commentary and witty replies allow him to deflect hostility and maintain control of difficult situations.

Character interactions

• Xu Ling repeatedly attempts to guide and protect Ning Luo, while his bizarre thoughts leave her exasperated.
• Ning Luo’s sarcastic online replies transform attacks from strangers and Ning Xibai’s fans into a trending topic.
• Lu Tingzhou and Ning Luo quickly develop a playful dynamic: Lu encourages informality, while Ning Luo outwardly behaves obediently and inwardly reacts with exaggerated enthusiasm.
• On the bridge, Lu Tingzhou offers practical concern, but Ning Luo rejects his assistance, leading to teasing banter about the dangerous path ahead.

Chapter 14 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ning Luo is startled when Lu Tingzhou jokingly describes their route as a “dead end.” He awkwardly laughs along to avoid embarrassing himself, though his exaggerated laughter echoes through the valley.
• Ning Luo becomes terrified while crossing a swaying rope bridge. He secretly encourages himself with dramatic heroic slogans, but a strong gust leaves him frozen in fear.
• Lu Tingzhou notices his distress, places a hand on his shoulder, and personally guides him across by holding his forearm. He advises Ning Luo to look ahead rather than down. Ning Luo is embarrassed and flustered by their physical closeness.
• After reaching the cave beside the waterfall, Ning Luo is called to participate in a promotional photo shoot. Nie Wentao initially tells Lu Tingzhou that the planned joint photos may be canceled because Ning Luo supposedly lacks professional ability.
• Lu Tingzhou and Nie Wentao then see Ning Luo skillfully performing sword movements with a prop sword. Although Ning Luo ruins the moment by attempting a ridiculous “scientific” Wudang Cloud-Step, his actual sword training surprises everyone.
• The photographer initially expects Ning Luo to be difficult to work with because he does not fit the intended image of Mute Slave. However, once Ning Luo becomes serious, he delivers a striking sword pose with intense eyes and a powerful, menacing aura.
• His performance changes everyone’s opinion. The photographer becomes enthusiastic, Zhao Wanwan praises the resulting image, and Nie Wentao angrily rejects the rumor that Ning Luo is professionally incompetent.
• Lu Tingzhou decides to proceed with the originally planned two-person shoot. He and Ning Luo choose a pose based on the scene in which Mute Slave is killed by the elder brother of the twin brothers.
• Ning Luo places the sword against Lu Tingzhou’s neck but becomes shy and claims that he is “afraid of men.” Internally, he admits that Lu Tingzhou does not frighten him—he resembles his lover. Xu Ling notices Ning Luo’s reaction and is visibly disturbed or embarrassed.

Character Developments

• Ning Luo: Reveals a strong fear of heights and a tendency to hide vulnerability behind jokes, bravado, and exaggerated behavior. Despite his childish and eccentric side, he demonstrates genuine sword training, strong concentration, and impressive acting instincts when he finds the correct emotional state.
• Lu Tingzhou: Shows quiet consideration by helping Ning Luo across the bridge. He also recognizes Ning Luo’s hidden abilities before the others do and supports including him in the joint shoot. His amusement and subtle scrutiny suggest growing interest and curiosity toward Ning Luo.
• Nie Wentao: Initially assumes Ning Luo is a liability, but quickly changes his opinion after witnessing Ning Luo’s sword skills and camera presence.
• Xu Ling: Understands Ning Luo’s actual limitations better than anyone else and remains skeptical of the exaggerated praise around him. She also notices his unusual reactions around Lu Tingzhou.
• The photographer and Zhao Wanwan: Both move from irritation and doubt to genuine admiration after seeing Ning Luo’s transformed performance on camera.

Significant Themes

• Hidden ability versus public reputation: Rumors portray Ning Luo as incompetent, but his performance proves that outsiders often mistake his unserious personality for a lack of talent.
• Vulnerability and support: Ning Luo’s fear on the bridge contrasts with Lu Tingzhou’s calm, protective assistance, deepening their personal connection.
• Performance and transformation: Ning Luo can shift from absurd, childish behavior to a powerful, convincing character once he enters the right emotional state.
• Appearance versus reality: The staff initially believe Ning Luo cannot embody Mute Slave, yet his expression and presence ultimately match the role perfectly.
• Growing attraction and embarrassment: Physical contact and exchanged glances make Ning Luo increasingly conscious of his feelings toward Lu Tingzhou.

Character Interactions

• Lu Tingzhou teases Ning Luo, then gently helps him across the bridge when his fear becomes obvious.
• Nie Wentao discusses removing Ning Luo from the joint shoot, but Lu Tingzhou counters by drawing attention to Ning Luo’s sword performance.
• Ning Luo entertains Xiao Song with exaggerated martial-arts demonstrations, prompting Xu Ling’s concern about his mental state.
• The photographer first criticizes Ning Luo’s posing, then becomes excited when he produces a compelling and intense image.
• Lu Tingzhou and Ning Luo exchange a suggestive gaze before working together. Their intimate staged pose makes Ning Luo blush and joke about being afraid of men, while his inner thoughts reveal romantic attraction.

Chapter 15 Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Xu Ling privately prays that Lu Tingzhou will never hear Ning Luo’s thoughts, while Ning Luo continues enthusiastically praising Lu’s appearance.
• Ning Luo’s exaggerated compliments become increasingly ridiculous, comparing Lu to famous artworks and joking that his tears could solve global water shortages. The onlookers, including Nie Wentao and Ning Yang’s secretary, burst into laughter.
• Embarrassed after realizing he has made a spectacle of himself, Ning Luo desperately wishes everyone would stop laughing. Lu Tingzhou, however, begins laughing softly rather than remaining angry.
• Lu Tingzhou decides to “punish” Ning Luo by taking him to a dangerous rock beside a waterfall under the excuse that the cave lighting is poor. Ning Luo is visibly terrified of the height but stubbornly claims to be fearless.
• The cameraman uses the rock as a shooting location. Ning Luo struggles through the shoot while secretly admiring Lu Tingzhou’s exposed collarbones and appearance.
• After filming, Nie Wentao accuses Lu Tingzhou of deliberately frightening Ning Luo and calls him extremely petty. Lu retaliates by ordering Nie to inspect a distant variety-show location, proving that he really does take revenge immediately.
• Ning Luo returns and happily shows Lu the photographs. Lu focuses more on Ning Luo’s pleased expression than on the pictures and tells him that he performed well and was enjoyable to work with.
• On the drive home, Xu Ling notices that Ning Luo’s acting has improved significantly. Ning Luo confidently declares that he intends to become a Best Actor.
• Xu Ling asks how much Ning Luo likes Lu Tingzhou. Ning Luo bluntly admits that he “covets his beauty.”
• Xu Ling attempts to update Ning Luo’s Weibo with the day’s photos, but soon discovers that Ning Luo has somehow caused a trending topic titled “Ning Luo’s Beautiful Mental State.” The top comment calls him insane.

Character Development

• Ning Luo: Remains impulsive, shamelessly infatuated, and comically self-conscious. Despite his embarrassing behavior, he shows genuine improvement in acting and develops stronger confidence and ambition. His attraction to Lu becomes increasingly obvious.
• Lu Tingzhou: Initially appears irritated by Ning Luo’s strange behavior, but quickly becomes amused and curious about him. He teases Ning Luo, deliberately gives him a difficult filming location, and begins appreciating the entertainment Ning Luo provides. He also shows subtle concern and approval by praising Ning Luo’s performance.
• Xu Ling: Acts as the practical, exasperated observer of Ning Luo’s behavior. She becomes increasingly worried about his obsession with Lu Tingzhou but also recognizes and supports his professional improvement.
• Nie Wentao: Serves as Lu Tingzhou’s blunt friend and comedic foil. He accurately identifies Lu as petty, only to suffer immediate retaliation.
• The cameraman and onlookers: Their laughter emphasizes how unusual and entertaining Ning Luo’s behavior is, while their reactions reinforce his tendency to embarrass himself publicly.

Significant Themes

• Unspoken thoughts and misunderstandings: Lu Tingzhou can hear Ning Luo’s inner thoughts, creating a contrast between Ning Luo’s outward embarrassment and his wildly exaggerated internal monologue.
• Attraction and emotional vulnerability: Ning Luo’s admiration is exaggerated for comedic effect, but Lu increasingly notices and responds to his sincerity.
• Humor through contrast: Lu’s calm, elegant demeanor clashes with Ning Luo’s frantic enthusiasm, producing much of the chapter’s comedy.
• Personal growth: Beneath the romantic and comedic chaos, Ning Luo is genuinely improving as an actor and beginning to pursue a serious professional goal.
• Teasing as intimacy: Lu’s “punishment,” attention to Ning Luo, and gentle praise suggest that their interactions are becoming more familiar and emotionally charged.
• Public image versus private reality: Ning Luo’s fan-facing online presence spirals out of control, reflecting the gap between his intended image and his chaotic personality.

Character Interactions

• Ning Luo overwhelms Lu Tingzhou with extravagant compliments, while Lu responds with restrained amusement and subtle teasing.
• Lu intentionally places Ning Luo in a frightening location for the photo shoot, exposing Ning Luo’s stubbornness and vulnerability.
• Nie Wentao teases Lu about his pettiness, prompting Lu to retaliate by sending him on an inconvenient assignment.
• Lu praises Ning Luo’s acting and gently ruffles his hair, leaving Ning Luo delighted.
• Xu Ling questions Ning Luo about his feelings for Lu and attempts to manage his social media, only to discover that Ning Luo has created another online scandal.

Chapter 16 Summary

Plot Points and Events

• College student Tang Yuhui discovers Ning Luo trending on Weibo because of his bizarre advertising campaign and secretly recorded videos.
• Ning Luo’s exaggerated compliments toward Lu Tingzhou—such as comparing him to a handsome person whose beauty caused dinosaurs to go extinct—become viral memes.
• Another video showing Ning Luo attempting “Wudang Cloud-Step” is turned into jokes, and netizens dig through his old photos and performances to create more memes.
• The incident spreads across Weibo, Douyin, and Xiaohongshu, with marketing accounts amplifying the trend. Ning Luo gains over 500,000 followers, while his existing fans hide in embarrassment.
• Ning Luo feels publicly humiliated and considers claiming his account was hacked or using AI face-swapping to deny the videos. His manager, Xu Ling, instead persuades him to endure the embarrassment because the publicity may help him become famous and eventually win a Best Actor award.
• Back on set, Ning Luo is teased by Shen Wenyu and the rest of the crew. He responds with sarcastic “green tea” and “chrysanthemum tea” jokes, showing that his strange humor has become even more exaggerated.
• Xu Ling hires Taozi as an additional assistant to help manage Ning Luo’s daily affairs, Weibo account, and growing fanbase.
• During filming, Ning Luo jokes to Taozi that he already has a boyfriend, then clarifies that their relationship is unstable because he cannot always dream about him, leaving everyone confused.
• The chapter ends during a boxing-gym scene. Ning Luo internally gives Sun Shaoyi an absurdly grand martial-arts-style narration while she fights. His distracting commentary causes her to lose focus, slip, and strain her thigh, prompting her to curse him silently while Wang Lin enjoys the reversal.

Character Development

• Ning Luo: His embarrassment intensifies as his viral fame grows, but he gradually accepts that the publicity may advance his acting career. He remains shamelessly eccentric, quick-witted, and prone to dramatic inner monologues, even when others are trying to work.
• Xu Ling: She demonstrates practical business sense and recognizes the viral incident as a valuable publicity opportunity. Her priorities are Ning Luo’s career and earning potential rather than protecting his dignity.
• Tang Yuhui and her roommate: Their uncontrollable laughter reflects the public’s fascination with Ning Luo’s chaotic image.
• Shen Wenyu: He teases Ning Luo but also helps pull him back into the production, suggesting a familiar and friendly relationship.
• Taozi: As Ning Luo’s new assistant, she quickly realizes that his bizarre behavior is even stranger in person than online.
• Sun Shaoyi: She is shown as athletic and capable, but Ning Luo’s ridiculous commentary disrupts her concentration and leads to an embarrassing injury.
• Wang Lin: He takes satisfaction in seeing Sun Shaoyi suffer the same kind of disruption Ning Luo has previously caused others.

Significant Themes

• Public humiliation becoming publicity: Ning Luo’s embarrassing behavior paradoxically increases his popularity and career prospects.
• The power and cruelty of online culture: Netizens rapidly transform private footage and old images into memes, showing how easily social media can overwhelm an individual.
• Fame versus dignity: Xu Ling argues that Ning Luo must sacrifice his pride if he wants success, while Ning Luo struggles with the emotional cost.
• Karmic comedy and reversal: Characters who have mocked or been disrupted by Ning Luo eventually experience similar misfortune themselves.
• Absurdity as a source of charm: Ning Luo’s unconventional personality, rather than destroying his image, makes him more memorable and attracts active fans.

Character Interactions

• Tang Yuhui and her roommate bond over laughing at Ning Luo’s viral content.
• Xu Ling manages Ning Luo’s reaction to the scandal, balancing mockery with career advice.
• Shen Wenyu and Ning Luo exchange sarcastic banter while preparing for filming.
• Taozi, Xiao Song, and Ning Luo discuss his supposed romantic relationship, highlighting his talent for creating confusion through deadpan jokes.
• Ning Luo’s internal narration interrupts Sun Shaoyi’s boxing scene, causing her to lose concentration and giving Wang Lin an opportunity to enjoy her misfortune.

Chapter 17 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• During filming, Ning Luo and Shen Wenyu joke around between takes. Shen notices Ning Luo’s muscular physique and discovers that Ning Luo is wearing a heat patch directly on his skin, warning him about burns.
• The production films an emotionally intense scene between Yin Zhijing and Bai Xi. Yin recognizes Bai Xi as the timid boy who once called her “sister,” while Bai Xi has become a formidable lawyer hardened by years of mistreatment.
• Bai Xi challenges Yin to a boxing match. He fights aggressively, refusing to defend himself and revealing through his scars and anger how deeply he has suffered.
• Yin apologizes for abandoning him and encourages him to stop allowing past insults to define his life. Bai Xi leaves without responding, but his tearful expression suggests that her words affect him.
• Ning Luo delivers Bai Xi’s emotional performance convincingly, earning praise from director Wang Lin and moving several crew members. However, his internal thoughts remain humorous and focused mainly on the cold.
• Wang Lin informs Ning Luo that he has gained ten jin and must lose twenty jin within a month for a later role requiring an extremely thin, emaciated appearance. Ning Luo reacts dramatically and threatens to withdraw his investment, though he does not actually do so.
• Taozi creates a strict diet plan and hires a fitness coach. Ning Luo is forced to eat tiny portions, exercise, and endure everyone’s comments about his weight.
• At dinner, Ning Luo exchanges sarcastic remarks with his brother Ning Yang and father. The family also discusses Chen Yan, whom Ning Yang made his personal secretary to investigate possible ulterior motives involving the Chen Family.
• Ning Luo suffers through hunger overnight, then attends an early-morning workout. Returning to the set, he encounters coworkers eating barbecue and becomes intensely resentful, especially after seeing a watermelon.

Character Development

• Ning Luo: Demonstrates strong acting ability despite his carefree and comedic personality. His emotional performance as Bai Xi is convincing, but he remains comically self-centered in his thoughts, particularly regarding the cold and his diet. He begins an unwanted fitness and weight-loss regimen.
• Bai Xi: His past trauma and transformation are revealed. Once weak and bullied, he has become physically strong, emotionally guarded, and vengeful, though Yin’s words expose lingering pain and a desire for recognition.
• Yin Zhijing: Shows remorse for abandoning Bai Xi and sincerely views him as a younger brother. Her advice encourages him to stop living under the control of past humiliation.
• Shen Wenyu: Displays concern for Ning Luo’s safety and notices details about his appearance, while also teasing him.
• Ning Yang: Reveals himself to be cautious and strategic, keeping Chen Yan close to investigate her family’s motives. He remains blunt and unsympathetic toward Ning Luo’s dieting complaints.
• Taozi and Wang Lin: Take practical responsibility for Ning Luo’s weight loss and career requirements, showing little sympathy for his exaggerated suffering.
• Ning Family: Their dinner conversation highlights their affectionate but sarcastic family dynamic, with Father Ning often mediating between the brothers.

Significant Themes

• Trauma and healing: Bai Xi’s scars, aggression, and emotional defenses show how long-term abuse shapes identity. Yin’s appeal suggests that healing requires refusing to let past cruelty define one’s entire life.
• Performance versus reality: Ning Luo convincingly portrays Bai Xi’s despair while internally remaining goofy, hungry, and distracted, creating comic contrast between acting and inner thoughts.
• Discipline and sacrifice: Ning Luo must endure dieting and exercise to meet the physical demands of his role, emphasizing the hardships of acting.
• Family protection and suspicion: Ning Yang’s investigation into Chen Yan reflects the family’s efforts to protect one another while navigating hidden motives and possible manipulation.
• Comedy amid emotional darkness: The painful Bai Xi storyline is balanced by Ning Luo’s absurd internal monologue, family banter, and dramatic reactions to food.

Character Interactions

• Ning Luo and Shen Wenyu: Tease each other backstage, with Shen offering practical concern about Ning Luo’s heat patch.
• Bai Xi and Yin Zhijing: Reunite after years apart, confront their painful past, and express unresolved resentment and affection through a boxing match and emotional conversation.
• Ning Luo and Wang Lin: Wang praises Ning Luo’s acting but then delivers the devastating news about his required weight loss.
• Ning Luo and Taozi: Taozi enforces the diet and exercise plan while Ning Luo reacts with exaggerated despair.
• Ning Luo, Ning Yang, and Father Ning: Trade sarcastic remarks during dinner while discussing Ning Yang’s suspicious new secretary and the Chen Family.
• Ning Luo and the production crew: His hunger and jealousy intensify when he sees everyone enjoying barbecue and watermelon while he is restricted to a diet.

Chapter 18 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ning Luo struggles with his strict diet while everyone around him deliberately tempts him with watermelon and grilled pork. He begs Shen Wenyu for “just a little” meat, then devours most of an entire skewer, earning a threat of extra training.
• He retaliates against Sun Shaoyi with exaggerated compliments, comparing her watermelon-eating to Robinson Crusoe devouring hunted prey. His sharp remarks leave Wang Lin and the others amused—and wary.
• After three days of dieting, Ning Luo moves back into the production team’s hotel, claiming he wants to share the crew’s hardships and stay immersed in his role. Taozi correctly points out that he mainly could not bear watching the crew eat food he was forbidden to have.
• Ning Luo crosses paths with his half-brother Ning Xibai and Cui Xiangyang, who have just arrived nearby with another production crew. Cui remains resentful toward Ning Luo, while Ning Xibai defends their brotherly relationship, despite admitting that Ning Luo may not feel the same way.
• Ning Luo reposts promotional material for his magazine shoot with Lu Tingzhou. Online reactions quickly explode when fans see the dramatic images of the two portraying enemies in a blood-soaked, intense scene. Many viewers begin shipping them, provoking Lu Tingzhou’s fans.
• Xu Ling instructs Taozi to keep Ning Luo from interfering in the online controversy. Ning Luo instead logs into an alternate account to complain about dieting and unknowingly begins chatting with Lu Tingzhou, who is using a cat-profiled account. Their exchange is casual and humorous, with Ning Luo mistakenly calling him a “male sister.”
• Lu Tingzhou laughs over the interaction and admits that Ning Luo is interesting. He also tells his assistant Nie Wentao to control the fan backlash, explaining that Ning Luo helped him and therefore deserves his protection.
• Upon returning from the restroom, Ning Luo finds Cui Xiangyang insulting the production crew and its supposedly poor equipment. Wang Lin, no longer intimidated by Cui, openly drives him away.
• Ning Luo notices Qiao Zichen, Cui’s conspicuous associate, and identifies him through his inner thoughts as someone who habitually carries Viagra for Cui. Wang Lin and the others immediately become eager to search Qiao Zichen.

Character Developments

• Ning Luo: Remains witty, vindictive, and shamelessly food-obsessed while dieting. He shows growing confidence in verbally attacking people who provoke him. His inner commentary continues to influence those around him, even when they cannot openly acknowledge its source.
• Shen Wenyu: Is easily disarmed by Ning Luo’s pleading and becomes a playful target of Ning Luo’s teasing. Their interaction shows increasing familiarity.
• Wang Lin and the crew: Become less intimidated by Cui Xiangyang as the production gains strength and resources. Wang Lin now feels confident enough to insult and dismiss him.
• Lu Tingzhou: Demonstrates increasing interest and fondness toward Ning Luo. He finds Ning Luo’s online behavior genuinely amusing and takes steps to protect him from fan conflict.
• Cui Xiangyang: Remains arrogant, resentful, and insecure. He attempts to assert superiority by belittling Wang Lin’s production but is no longer treated with respect.
• Ning Xibai: Tries to preserve the image of a caring brother, though Cui’s comments suggest tension and emotional distance between him and Ning Luo.

Significant Themes

• Food, deprivation, and self-control: Ning Luo’s diet creates comic conflict while highlighting how difficult professional discipline can be.
• The contrast between public image and reality: Ning Luo presents himself as a dedicated actor, but his true motivation is simply that he cannot endure watching others eat.
• Online fandom and celebrity culture: The magazine’s release sparks shipping, fan wars, and intense public speculation over Ning Luo and Lu Tingzhou.
• Power shifting through success: As Ning Luo’s project gains attention and Wang Lin’s crew becomes stronger, Cui Xiangyang loses the authority he once held over them.
• Hidden thoughts and misunderstandings: Ning Luo’s internal monologue repeatedly reveals truths or insults that others somehow understand through their reactions, creating both comedy and strategic opportunities.

Character Interactions

• Ning Luo and Shen Wenyu engage in playful bargaining over food, with Ning Luo tricking him into surrendering nearly an entire skewer.
• Ning Luo verbally provokes Sun Shaoyi and Wang Lin, demonstrating his growing comfort with the crew.
• Ning Luo’s online exchange with Lu Tingzhou is lighthearted and informal, while Lu’s private reaction reveals his increasing affection and interest.
• Lu Tingzhou and Nie Wentao discuss Ning Luo’s growing popularity and the need to manage the fan backlash.
• Wang Lin confronts Cui Xiangyang, marking a reversal in their former power dynamic.
• Ning Luo’s discovery of Qiao Zichen’s alleged Viagra supply gives the crew a new opportunity to embarrass Cui Xiangyang.

Chapter 19 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cui Xiangyang arrives on Ning Luo’s production set to taunt him, blaming him for the restroom accident that fractured his tailbone and left him bedridden for a month.
• Ning Luo calmly mocks Cui in return, while Shen Wenyu, Wang Lin, and the rest of the crew enjoy watching Cui lose his temper.
• Sun Shaoyi confronts Cui and Qiao Zichen, insulting their dysfunctional relationship and claiming that Qiao is carrying the pills he intends to use on Cui.
• Cui forces Qiao to reveal the medicine in his pocket. Although Qiao claims it is stomach medicine, Cui orders him to take it.
• The pills quickly produce the expected effect: Qiao becomes more openly affectionate and attempts to embrace Cui, confessing that he likes him despite Cui’s feelings for Ning Xibai.
• Horrified and humiliated, Cui orders his companions to restrain Qiao. He eventually faints from shock and embarrassment.
• Wang Lin misses the chance to tell Cui that the production team has secured a ten-million investment.
• After waking at the hotel, Cui goes to Ning Xibai’s room. Xibai subtly implies that the production team has bullied him, prompting Cui to vow to confront the producer.
• Inside Xibai’s room, it is revealed that Jin Rong—the drama’s director and one of Xibai’s romantic interests—is present. Jin is possessive and suspicious of Cui’s late-night visit.
• The following day, Cui demands that Xibai receive more scenes. The producer reluctantly agrees to ask Jin, and Jin approves the changes, enraging the screenwriter.
• Ning Luo learns that Xibai’s production team—and possibly Jin Rong—has moved into the same hotel. His internal thoughts reveal that he recognizes Jin as a dangerous yandere and fears his proximity.

Character Developments

• Ning Luo: Remains sharp-tongued and fearless, actively provoking Cui while providing comic commentary through his thoughts. His reaction to Jin Rong reveals deeper knowledge of the original story and genuine concern about Jin’s possessive nature.
• Cui Xiangyang: His aggressive confidence repeatedly collapses into humiliation. He remains devoted to Ning Xibai and readily uses his influence to protect and benefit him, including forcing the production team to add scenes for Xibai.
• Qiao Zichen: Publicly confesses his attraction to Cui and becomes increasingly clingy under the medicine’s influence. His behavior exposes the unhealthy, one-sided nature of his relationship with Cui.
• Ning Xibai: Presents himself as vulnerable and mistreated to manipulate Cui into intervening on his behalf. His private relationship with Jin Rong suggests he is entangled with possessive romantic interests.
• Jin Rong: Is introduced as a powerful, controlling figure. His possessive interrogation of Xibai establishes him as a threatening yandere character.
• Sun Shaoyi: Acts as a fierce ally of Ning Luo and openly humiliates Cui and Qiao. She supports Ning Luo when Cui attacks her verbally.
• Wang Lin and Shen Wenyu: Serve as amused spectators, enjoying the drama and reacting to Ning Luo’s outrageous internal commentary.

Significant Themes

• Humiliation and reversal of power: Cui arrives intending to dominate Ning Luo but becomes the target of ridicule, public embarrassment, and Qiao’s unwanted confession.
• Manipulation and favoritism: Xibai uses Cui’s affection to secure special treatment, while Jin’s authority allows those demands to be implemented despite the damage to the script.
• Toxic and possessive romance: Qiao’s obsession with Cui and Jin’s suspicion toward Cui both portray love as control, entitlement, and emotional pressure.
• The conflict between creative integrity and influence: The screenwriter objects to arbitrary additions, but the investor and director’s power overrides artistic concerns.
• Comedy through internal thoughts: Ning Luo’s irreverent mental narration contrasts with the characters’ dramatic behavior, turning tense confrontations into absurd entertainment.

Character Interactions

• Ning Luo and Cui trade insults, establishing their continued hostility.
• Sun Shaoyi sides with Ning Luo and verbally attacks Cui and Qiao, while Ning Luo reciprocates her support.
• Qiao’s confession and attempted embraces expose the imbalance between his feelings and Cui’s disgust.
• Cui remains emotionally susceptible to Ning Xibai, immediately responding to Xibai’s implied victimhood.
• Jin Rong’s confrontation with Xibai reveals jealousy and possessiveness beneath their relationship.
• Cui’s demands on behalf of Xibai create tension with the producer and screenwriter, while Jin’s compliance further confirms his influence over the production.

Chapter 20 Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Ning Luo becomes increasingly worried about Director Jin Rong’s violent reputation and decides to move hotels with the production crew. Wang Lin supports the decision and warns everyone to avoid provoking Jin Rong.
• Wang Lin checks Ning Luo’s weight. Ning Luo has lost five pounds after surviving on an extremely small amount of food while filming. He complains bitterly about the diet, though Wang Lin insists that maintaining his appearance is part of being an actor.
• Xu Ling updates Ning Luo about the online controversy surrounding his magazine shoot with Lu Tingzhou. Lu’s agency has generously agreed to the collaboration and even helped calm the situation, but Xu advises Ning Luo not to respond publicly.
• Ning Luo discovers that Lu Tingzhou’s fans are criticizing him and becomes dramatically offended, insisting that he is worthy of everything—and even worthy of “killing” Lu Tingzhou. He logs into his alternate account, “Crotch on Fire,” and engages with online commenters.
• Ning Luo’s sarcastic replies attract more attention. Netizens speculate that he is a Lu Tingzhou fan, a solo fan, or a shipper. He rejects all romantic pairings, claiming that the only “CP” he supports is “Ning Luo x RMB,” revealing his strong devotion to money.
• Hoping to read several saved chapters from his favorite online writer, Ning Luo is devastated to find that the writer has not updated at all. His loud, melodramatic grief annoys Wang Lin and Sun Shaoyi, who force him outside to give them some peace.
• Outside, Taozi suggests running laps, horrifying Ning Luo. Meanwhile, Ning Xibai notices him and deliberately avoids him.
• Cui Xiangyang reassures Ning Xibai that Ning Luo’s popularity and upcoming project will not surpass him. Privately, Cui considers using black PR tactics against Ning Luo, though he hides this intention from the innocent Ning Xibai.
• Cui gives Ning Xibai an overly sweet milk tea and announces plans for luosifen hotpot, causing Ning Xibai to silently panic about his diet.
• At the same time, Lu Tingzhou meets with financial advisor Manager Yao. Lu casually approves an investment plan, then frightens Manager Yao by joking about sending dishonest associates to harsh charity assignments in the desert or Africa.
• Lu and Nie Wentao discuss investing in several television dramas, including one starring Ning Xibai. Lu agrees to let Nie handle the investments.
• Lu checks the specially followed account “Crotch on Fire,” which is clearly Ning Luo’s anonymous account. He enjoys Ning Luo’s comments and privately messages him, probing what he likes about Lu Tingzhou.
• Ning Luo bluntly says he only likes Lu’s face and jokes that handsome men should be paired with “low-class” people like them. Lu teases him about Lu’s “pure college boy” image, prompting Ning Luo to mock the ever-changing personas celebrities create.
• Lu is amused by Ning Luo’s responses and asks Nie Wentao to find scripts involving transmigration or rebirth, suggesting he may be interested in a story—or perhaps in the person behind the anonymous account.

Character Developments

• Ning Luo: Continues to display a combination of dramatic insecurity, sharp wit, shamelessness, and resilience. Though emotionally affected by online criticism and his strict diet, he regains confidence through sarcastic online interactions. His anonymous account reveals his blunt honesty, obsession with money, and strong interest in Lu Tingzhou’s appearance.
• Wang Lin: Acts as a practical guardian figure, prioritizing the crew’s safety and Ning Luo’s career while remaining unsympathetic to Ning Luo’s complaints.
• Ning Xibai: Becomes increasingly anxious about being outperformed by Ning Luo. His insecurity makes him vulnerable to Cui Xiangyang’s manipulation, even though he remains outwardly kind and obedient.
• Cui Xiangyang: Reveals a calculating and malicious side. He comforts Ning Xibai while secretly considering a campaign to damage Ning Luo’s reputation.
• Lu Tingzhou: Shows his intimidating power and ruthless attitude toward betrayal, but also demonstrates a playful, amused side when interacting with Ning Luo online. He appears increasingly curious about Ning Luo and entertained by his unusual personality.
• Nie Wentao: Serves as Lu’s grounded companion and occasional critic, recognizing Lu’s manipulative tendencies and teasing him about them.
• Manager Yao: Is frightened into extreme obedience after Lu’s joking—or semi-serious—references to punishing dishonest associates.

Significant Themes

• Celebrity image and public opinion: Ning Luo’s reputation is shaped by viral clips, fan wars, rumors, and online commentary rather than by his actual behavior.
• Anonymity and authenticity: Ning Luo’s “Crotch on Fire” persona allows him to speak more freely and reveal his real opinions, while Lu’s interest in the account blurs the line between public image and private self.
• Power and intimidation: Lu Tingzhou’s wealth and influence make others cautious, while his humor often carries an underlying threat.
• Competition and insecurity: Ning Xibai fears being eclipsed by Ning Luo, and Cui Xiangyang’s response shows how competition can turn into manipulation and sabotage.
• Physical appearance and celebrity labor: Ning Luo’s harsh dieting highlights the pressure placed on actors to maintain marketable bodies and images.
• Humor as emotional defense: Ning Luo uses sarcasm, absurdity, and exaggerated complaints to cope with hunger, criticism, anxiety, and disappointment.

Character Interactions

• Ning Luo and Wang Lin: Their exchanges center on safety, dieting, and Ning Luo’s complaints, with Wang Lin acting as a blunt but supportive authority figure.
• Ning Luo and Xu Ling: Xu advises him to remain silent about the Lu Tingzhou controversy, while Ning Luo reacts emotionally to fan criticism.
• Ning Luo and online netizens: His alternate-account comments transform hostility into entertainment and attract unexpected followers.
• Ning Xibai and Cui Xiangyang: Cui reassures Xibai while quietly encouraging his dependence and contemplating an attack on Ning Luo.
• Lu Tingzhou and Manager Yao: Lu’s casual threats leave Manager Yao terrified, emphasizing Lu’s intimidating influence.
• Lu Tingzhou and Nie Wentao: Their conversation shows Nie’s familiarity with Lu’s dangerous humor and Lu’s trust in Nie’s business judgment.
• Lu Tingzhou and Ning Luo: Their anonymous online exchange becomes the chapter’s central comedic interaction. Lu recognizes Ning Luo’s account, enjoys his insults, and deliberately teases him, while Ning Luo remains unaware that his conversation partner is Lu himself.