Chapter Summaries

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shi Zhongye returns home after an absence, expecting rejection or hostility, but finds his old room perfectly preserved. Although briefly moved, he quickly concludes that Shi Jihan is manipulating him emotionally.
• Irritated by memories of Shi Jihan’s teasing and by his own reflection, Shi Zhongye orders the butler to remove every mirror and reflective object from his room.
• He questions Zhou Jingcheng’s presence at his welcome party. Zhou claims he attended out of friendship, but Shi Zhongye catches him socializing with the family and eating a cake decorated with Shi Zhongye’s face, exposing his lie about being busy with work.
• Zhou Jingcheng has a bruised cheek from Shi Zhongye’s earlier punches. Shi Jihan treats the injury while the family enjoys the absurd face-shaped cake and decorations.
• Zhou becomes increasingly annoyed by Shi Jihan’s strange comments, especially when Shi Jihan misunderstands his insult about the cake’s “air intakes.” Zhou retaliates by stabbing a fork into the cake’s nostril.
• A system task orders Shi Jihan to fabricate intimate photographs implicating Shen Qinghuai in marriage fraud, knowing that Shi Zhongye is investigating Shen’s past.
• Shi Jihan devises a plan involving Zhou Jingcheng and his dog Pizza. He intends to create blurry, intimate-looking silhouette photos that can be shown to Shi Zhongye as false evidence against Shen Qinghuai.
• To carry out the plan, Shi Jihan asks Zhou Jingcheng whether he is free the next day. Zhou says he must walk his dog, and Shi Jihan cheerfully invites himself along.

Character Developments

• Shi Zhongye: Remains suspicious, prideful, and easily provoked. His brief sentimental response to his preserved room quickly turns into renewed hostility toward Shi Jihan. His jealousy and anger intensify when he sees Zhou enjoying the welcome party without him.
• Shi Jihan: Continues acting innocent and absurd while secretly manipulating events to complete his system missions. He is inventive in developing the fake-photo scheme and views Pizza affectionately as the ideal “romantic” partner for the setup.
• Zhou Jingcheng: Despite claiming to be busy, he is fully participating in Shi Zhongye’s welcome celebration. He is irritable and vengeful after being punched, but also shows growing, reluctant attention toward Shi Jihan’s appearance and behavior.
• Shi Bochuan: Is increasingly bewildered by the chaotic situation in his own home, particularly as his wife and Zhou Jingcheng casually treat the villa and party as their own.
• Zhou Zeyang: Mostly serves as a silent observer, becoming embarrassed when Shi Jihan’s bizarre comments threaten to provoke Zhou Jingcheng.
• Shen Qinghuai: Does not appear directly, but remains central to Shi Zhongye’s suspicions and Shi Jihan’s next scheme.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation disguised as affection: The preserved room and welcome party appear caring, but Shi Zhongye interprets them as deliberate emotional tactics.
• Appearance and self-image: Mirrors, insurance on Shi Zhongye’s face, the giant poster, and the face-shaped cake emphasize vanity, humiliation, and the power of appearance.
• Miscommunication and absurdity: Characters constantly misunderstand one another, producing comic tension and escalating conflict.
• Jealousy and concealed attraction: Zhou Jingcheng’s irritation is mixed with reluctant admiration of Shi Jihan, suggesting feelings he does not consciously acknowledge.
• System-driven morality and deception: Shi Jihan’s actions are shaped by assigned missions, requiring him to fabricate evidence and manipulate perceptions to earn Malice Points.

Character Interactions

• Shi Zhongye clashes indirectly with Shi Jihan through memories, insults, and his furious reaction to the welcome celebration.
• Shi Zhongye and Zhou Jingcheng exchange hostile messages after Zhou claims to be busy, while Shi Zhongye discovers him enjoying the party.
• Shi Jihan tends Zhou Jingcheng’s bruised face, creating an intimate moment that makes Zhou unusually conscious of Shi Jihan’s appearance.
• Shi Jihan innocently insults Zhou’s breathing and offers him cake, while Zhou retaliates by stabbing the cake’s nostril.
• Shi Jihan recruits Zhou for the next day’s scheme by attaching himself to Zhou’s dog-walking plans, setting up the fabricated “intimate photos” plot.

Chapter 30 Summary

Plot and key events

• Shi Jihan invites Zhou Jingcheng to a carnival at a pet-friendly amusement park. Zhou is surprised that Shi wants to go with him alone, but accepts and agrees to buy the tickets.
• Shi puts a cute Kuromi-and-bows Band-Aid on Zhou’s cheek. Zhou is embarrassed by its childish appearance, while Shi insists it suits him, leading to playful teasing between them.
• The group spends the afternoon at the Shi residence eating delivered snacks and watching a movie. They eventually realize they have completely forgotten the supposed purpose of the gathering: welcoming Shi Zhongye. They jokingly claim that Shi Zhongye “lives in their hearts.”
• Before leaving, Shi reminds Zhou twice to pick him up the next day and bring Pizza.
• At home, Zhou spends the entire evening agonizing over what to wear, laying out numerous outfits and shoes. His brother Zhou Zeyang mocks him, suggesting he is preparing for a striptease, and narrowly avoids being hit by a slipper.
• The next day, Zhou picks up Shi and Pizza. Zhou has dressed unusually stylishly in an all-black, fashion-forward outfit rather than his usual formal suits. Shi is stunned by his appearance and jokes that he is dressed as though the sun rose in the west.
• Shi dresses Pizza in an absurd emperor costume, complete with a huge curly wig and a sign reading “What crime have I committed?” He calls Pizza the “Beagle Emperor” and hires a photographer to capture intentionally blurry, artistic pictures.
• They arrive at the amusement park as the evening sky turns a warm orange and honey-colored.

Character development

• Zhou Jingcheng reveals growing romantic interest in Shi. He accepts the invitation despite pretending it is an inconvenience, carefully chooses an outfit for the outing, and takes Shi’s reminders seriously.
• Shi Jihan remains playful, eccentric, and affectionate. His eagerness to spend time with Zhou is increasingly obvious, and he treats Zhou with casual physical closeness and teasing familiarity.
• Zhou Zeyang continues functioning as a humorous observer of his brother’s unexpected emotional changes, recognizing how unusual it is for Zhou to worry so much about his appearance.
• Pizza serves as both a beloved pet and a source of comic energy, becoming the centerpiece of Shi’s elaborate amusement-park preparations.

Themes

• Romantic tension and growing intimacy: The outing resembles a date, though neither man openly acknowledges it. Zhou’s concern over his clothing and Shi’s repeated reminders emphasize their mutual anticipation.
• Playfulness versus restraint: Shi’s colorful, chaotic personality contrasts with Zhou’s normally dignified and controlled image. Their differences create both humor and attraction.
• Found-family absurdity: The Shi family’s forgotten welcome party and their jokes about Shi Zhongye show their affectionate but wildly unconventional family dynamic.
• Leisure and emotional relaxation: The characters enjoy an afternoon of food, movies, and idleness, highlighting the importance of carefree moments amid their more complicated lives.

Character interactions

• Shi and Zhou tease each other constantly, particularly over the Band-Aid, clothing, and Pizza’s costume.
• Zhou’s brothers mock his sudden concern with fashion, while Zhou responds with his usual cool disdain.
• Shi’s physical closeness—tugging Zhou’s clothes, leaning near him, and reminding him about the outing—makes their relationship feel increasingly intimate.
• Zhou quietly accommodates Shi’s wishes, agreeing to the amusement-park trip, bringing Pizza, and dressing to match the setting, even while pretending to be indifferent.

Chapter 31 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

Shi Jihan, Zhou Jingcheng, and Pizza visit an amusement park while a photographer follows them to capture promotional material. Shi Jihan eagerly rushes between attractions, while Zhou Jingcheng is dragged along despite his growing exhaustion and regret.
They first ride a roller coaster. Shi Jihan and Pizza scream enthusiastically throughout the ride, while Zhou Jingcheng remains silent and emotionally traumatized. His gloomy reaction earns Shi Jihan several Malice Points, and the photographer captures a humorous photo of the man and dog screaming in matching poses. The photographer later edits the image to make Pizza appear more like a beautiful, innocent dog.
Next, they ride a water-rapids attraction. Shi Jihan clings to Zhou Jingcheng in fear, while Zhou tries to protect Pizza and survive the ride. During a plunge, Zhou falls into the water, and Shi Jihan accidentally lands on him, causing him to swallow water and curse. This earns Shi Jihan even more Malice Points.
Afterward, Zhou sits exhausted and refuses to continue riding attractions, claiming he is already full from drinking water. Feeling guilty, Shi Jihan buys him a matcha ice cream and gets mint chocolate chip for himself. However, Pizza secretly licks Zhou’s ice cream before it is delivered and then eats the remaining portion in one bite. Zhou’s frustration reaches its limit, and Pizza immediately runs away. Shi Jihan chases after him through the amusement park, shouting for him to stop.

Character Developments

• Shi Jihan remains energetic, impulsive, and thrill-seeking. He enjoys the amusement park enthusiastically but is also considerate toward Zhou, trying to obtain suitable photographs, buying him ice cream, and attempting to replace the stolen portion.
• Zhou Jingcheng becomes increasingly exhausted and exasperated as he is subjected to roller coasters, rapids, and Pizza’s antics. Though usually composed and detached, his patience is repeatedly tested, revealing a humorous and increasingly helpless side.
• Pizza acts like a mischievous, food-obsessed dog. He enjoys the rides, steals Zhou’s ice cream, and escapes before Zhou can punish him.
• Zero-Zero-Zero continues to mock Shi Jihan and comment on his behavior, especially his apparent use of public money for personal amusement. It also humorously tracks the Malice Points Shi Jihan earns.

Significant Themes

• Comedic chaos and companionship: The chapter portrays the trio’s amusement-park outing as a chaotic bonding experience, with the disasters creating an unusual sense of intimacy.
• Selflessness versus selfishness: Shi Jihan may be motivated by personal enjoyment, but he repeatedly shows concern for Zhou and tries to compensate him for the ordeal.
• Loss of dignity: Zhou’s normally refined image is undermined by screaming rides, accidental drowning, sticky ice cream, and being forced to chase after a dog.
• Animal mischief: Pizza’s behavior drives much of the chapter’s comedy and exposes the characters’ different reactions to trouble.
• Emotional closeness through conflict: Shi Jihan and Zhou’s constant bickering, physical proximity, and mutual dependence suggest a growing familiarity and affection beneath the complaints.

Character Interactions

Shi Jihan and Zhou Jingcheng are repeatedly paired together, with Shi enthusiastically dragging Zhou through the park while Zhou responds with sarcasm, resignation, and irritation. Their relationship is especially evident during the rapids ride, when Shi clings to Zhou for protection and Zhou instinctively reaches out to catch him. Shi’s attempt to comfort Zhou afterward by buying ice cream further highlights their developing bond.
Pizza interacts mischievously with both men, enjoying the rides alongside Shi but provoking Zhou by stealing his ice cream. Shi initially scolds Pizza, but the dog’s immediate escape forces him to chase after him, leaving the chapter on another burst of comic disorder.

Chapter Summary

Plot and events

Shi Jihan and Zhou Jingcheng chase Pizza, Zhou’s energetic Beagle, around the amusement park until both men are exhausted. Their repeated departures and returns entertain the crowd, who jokingly nickname Pizza the “Beagle Demon King” and post a video online. Afterward, the trio eats at an expensive restaurant. Shi Jihan is alarmed by the prices and silently suggests changing restaurants, but Zhou reveals that he is paying. Zhou then teases Shi by implying he needs a pharmacy for his “eye condition,” prompting Shi to sit up and behave politely in hopes of impressing his generous companion.
After dinner, they visit a souvenir shop. Shi buys matching lion headpieces for himself and Pizza, performs an exaggerated Lion King ritual in public, and earns Malice Points by embarrassing the surrounding shoppers. Zhou, mortified, hides by stealing a clown mascot’s head. The amusement park then announces that “Little Zhou Jingcheng” has become separated from his father, creating a public misunderstanding that Zhou himself is lost. Shi enjoys the resulting ten Malice Points but becomes worried that Zhou will retaliate.
Shi checks his daily task and discovers that he has completed “Randomly Ruin Zhou Jingcheng” with an unusually high score, earning the hidden achievement “Ruining Him Isn’t a Crime.” As he reflects that he may have gone too far, Zhou approaches the service center, where Shi is being mistaken for the father of a lost child.

Character development

• Shi Jihan remains shameless, dramatic, and motivated by Malice Points, but his concern about Zhou’s possible revenge reveals genuine fear beneath his playful confidence. He is also highly image-conscious, immediately becoming obedient and charming when he realizes Zhou is treating him to dinner.
• Zhou Jingcheng shows patience and a playful, teasing side. Although easily embarrassed by Shi’s public antics, he continues accompanying him and caring for Pizza. His willingness to pay for the meal and quietly follow along suggests growing comfort and intimacy with Shi.
• Pizza remains chaotic, energetic, and completely unbothered by the men’s exhaustion or discipline. He is the true source of much of the chapter’s comedy.

Significant themes

• Embarrassment as intimacy: Shi and Zhou’s increasingly ridiculous interactions show them becoming comfortable enough to tease and expose one another publicly.
• Public image versus private behavior: Zhou is portrayed as a respectable, dignified man who repeatedly loses composure because of Shi’s antics, while Shi openly embraces shamelessness.
• Humor and miscommunication: Their silent gestures, mistaken assumptions, and the “lost father” announcement create much of the chapter’s comedy.
• Consequences of mischief: Shi’s pursuit of Malice Points succeeds, but his exceptionally high task score reminds him that humiliating Zhou may eventually provoke serious retaliation.

Character interactions

Shi and Zhou bicker throughout the outing, especially over food, money, Pizza, and Zhou’s attempts to suggest a pharmacy. Shi tries to charm Zhou after learning he is paying, while Zhou avoids eye contact and later flees from Shi’s theatrical performance. Their dynamic combines mock hostility, teasing, embarrassment, and growing familiarity.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Jingcheng arrives at the service center and is immediately hit by a flying paint bucket, which a photographer captures. Shi Jihan then theatrically clings to him, pretending he has suffered terribly from their separation.
• When staff question their relationship, Shi Jihan invents an absurd explanation involving Pizza, Xiao Zhou, and a supposed father-son reunion. His joke earns him additional Malice Points and visibly frustrates Zhou.
• After leaving, Zhou confronts Shi Jihan about refusing to let go. He explains that he regards Shi Jihan as a younger brother and asks whether Shi Jihan sees him as an older brother or friend. Shi Jihan responds with more sarcasm, comparing their relationship to father and son, leaving Zhou exasperated.
• Shi Jihan and Pizza continue filming their amusement-park material, including a balloon-popping task. Meanwhile, the photographer edits and sends over a large collection of attractive photos.
• Shi Jihan admires the photos of himself, sends the embarrassing hugging picture to Zhou, and then anonymously emails the remaining images to Shi Zhongye with a sensational message exposing Shen Qinghuai’s concealed sexual orientation and marriage.
• Shi Zhongye does not respond because he is visiting Zhou Jingcheng’s office during a major crisis at Universal Company.
• Pei Mingxuan and Universal competitor Wang Chengbiao launch a coordinated smear campaign against Universal, spreading fabricated accusations of corruption, artist exploitation, blacklisting, abusive contracts, and other misconduct.
• Zhou Jingcheng quickly takes control, ordering legal action against Pei Mingxuan, investigations into his contracts and taxes, pressure on brands, media counterattacks, and measures against Wang Chengbiao.
• Zhou also decides to redistribute Pei Mingxuan’s luxury endorsements, particularly considering the newly signed Xiao Yuan. The meeting is interrupted when Secretary Sun reveals that a video of Zhou and Shi Jihan chasing Pizza through the amusement park has gone viral. Zhou is embarrassed, hides the tablet, and ends the meeting.
• Universal’s departments respond efficiently to Zhou’s orders, stabilizing the company’s position as the corporate conflict escalates.

Character Developments

• Shi Jihan remains shameless, dramatic, and mischievous. He uses exaggerated affection and ridiculous lies to provoke Zhou, while privately enjoying their interactions and believing he has won their verbal exchanges.
• Zhou Jingcheng is increasingly flustered by Shi Jihan’s physical closeness and teasing, despite trying to maintain authority. His declaration that Shi Jihan is like a younger brother establishes the relationship as emotionally significant but also creates tension because Shi Jihan does not interpret it romantically.
• Shi Zhongye continues to behave casually and teasingly, even while Universal is under attack. His presence suggests familiarity and trust with Zhou.
• Pei Mingxuan is revealed as the source of the corporate crisis, having secretly prepared a major betrayal after appearing to remain quiet.
• Wang Chengbiao emerges as Pei Mingxuan’s collaborator and Universal’s behind-the-scenes rival.
• Zhou Jingcheng’s executives regain confidence once he provides a clear, strategic response, reinforcing his reputation as a capable leader.

Significant Themes

• Comedy through misunderstanding and role confusion: Shi Jihan repeatedly manipulates family and friendship labels, turning ordinary relationships into absurd “father-son” or “sworn brother” explanations.
• Unspoken affection and emotional tension: Zhou’s embarrassment and Shi Jihan’s constant physical affection suggest a complicated bond beneath their comedic exchanges.
• Public image versus reality: The fabricated scandals against Universal contrast with the company’s actual conduct, while leaked videos and photographs show how easily private behavior can become public entertainment.
• Corporate warfare and reputation management: The chapter depicts crisis PR as a strategic battle involving lawsuits, media narratives, contracts, endorsements, and financial investigations.
• Self-image and vanity: Shi Jihan’s enthusiastic admiration of his own appearance highlights his narcissistic, playful personality.

Character Interactions

• Shi Jihan and Zhou Jingcheng dominate the chapter through flirtatious teasing, physical comedy, and arguments over whether they are brothers, friends, or something else.
• Shi Jihan relies on Zero-Zero-Zero for interpretation, though the system offers little sympathy and points out when his behavior deserves Zhou’s anger.
• Shi Jihan interacts affectionately with Pizza, using the dog to support his ridiculous explanation of the relationship between him and Zhou.
• Shi Zhongye teases Zhou about Universal’s scandals while occupying his office, but Zhou remains focused on managing the crisis.
• Zhou commands his executives firmly and methodically, restoring their confidence.
• Secretary Sun’s discovery of the amusement-park video exposes Zhou’s embarrassment and provides a final comedic contrast to the serious corporate crisis.

Chapter 32 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Jingcheng is horrified when a video from his amusement-park outing with Shi Jihan goes viral. The footage shows him being physically dominated or “walked over” by Beagle, ruining his carefully maintained public image.
• Secretary Sun secretly enjoys the video, though he reassures Zhou that public comments are mostly supportive. Zhou, embarrassed, orders the video and its reposts to be removed, but netizens interpret the suppression as further evidence that he is flustered.
• Shi Zhongye visits Zhou while seeking funding for his next film project. Zhou explains that he signed Xiao Yuan while Shi Zhongye was away directing.
• Zhou receives a photo from Shi Jihan showing the two of them together at the amusement park—symbolized by rainbow candy and black coffee. Zhou becomes unusually flustered, notices Shi Jihan’s exposed waist, and struggles to determine the meaning behind the message.
• Shi Zhongye shows Zhou a set of supposedly intimate photos of Shen Qinghuai with a mysterious woman, believing they prove Shen married Shi Bochuan for ulterior motives. Zhou immediately realizes something is wrong, especially when he compares the photos with his own amusement-park pictures.
• The photos are revealed to be fabricated by Shi Jihan as part of a malicious scheme. His system rewards him with Malice Points for successfully provoking and misleading Shi Zhongye.
• Shi Jihan spends the accumulated points on holographic movies with his system companion, Zero-Zero-Zero, while remaining unaware that he has also completed a daily task involving ruining Zhou Jingcheng.
• Zhou carefully examines the fabricated photos and realizes the supposed woman is likely himself, distorted by editing and perspective. His confusion and self-doubt generate even more Malice Points for Shi Jihan.
• Shi Zhongye decides to confront Shi Bochuan with the “evidence,” convinced that Shen Qinghuai is deceitful. Zhou, however, firmly rejects this interpretation and insists the accusation is impossible.
• Zhou is so absorbed in thinking about Shi Jihan’s affectionate actions that he completely ignores Shi Zhongye’s argument, then cheerfully asks him to repeat what he said.

Character Developments

• Zhou Jingcheng: His dignified, controlled persona continues to collapse under public embarrassment. He becomes increasingly preoccupied with Shi Jihan, interpreting the latter’s affectionate behavior and shared photo as meaningful romantic signals. Although he remains perceptive enough to recognize the fabricated photos, his emotional bias makes him oblivious to Shi Zhongye’s conversation.
• Shi Jihan: Demonstrates his mischievous and manipulative side by fabricating photos to provoke Shi Zhongye and harvest Malice Points. He treats the resulting chaos as entertainment and rewards himself with holographic films.
• Shi Zhongye: Remains impulsive, dramatic, and overly confident in his conclusions. He believes the forged photos expose Shen Qinghuai, but his failure to understand the images makes him look foolish.
• Secretary Sun: Secretly delights in Zhou’s humiliation while outwardly maintaining a professional attitude.
• Zero-Zero-Zero: Encourages Shi Jihan to spend his Malice Points, acting as a tempting, mischievous influence.

Significant Themes

• Public image versus private reality: Zhou’s polished reputation is undermined by a harmless amusement-park video, showing how quickly appearances can be distorted by public opinion.
• Misperception and misunderstanding: The fabricated photos, altered perspectives, and Zhou’s romantic assumptions create layers of comic confusion.
• Manipulation as entertainment: Shi Jihan treats the emotional turmoil of others as a source of points and amusement.
• Emerging romantic feelings: Zhou’s fixation on Shi Jihan’s photo, body, and affectionate behavior reveals that his feelings are becoming more personal and conflicted.
• Satire of online scandal culture: Attempts to suppress embarrassing content only make netizens more suspicious and eager to speculate.

Character Interactions

• Zhou and Secretary Sun exchange a tense but humorous moment over the viral amusement-park video.
• Zhou and Shi Zhongye discuss Xiao Yuan and the forged photos, with Zhou repeatedly becoming distracted by his own thoughts about Shi Jihan.
• Shi Jihan and Zero-Zero-Zero collaborate in exploiting Shi Zhongye’s confusion for Malice Points.
• Zhou internally interprets Shi Jihan’s actions as romantic encouragement, while Shi Jihan remains focused on causing mischief.
• Shi Zhongye tries to recruit Zhou as an “external brain” to expose Shen Qinghuai, but Zhou ultimately dismisses his theory and barely listens to him.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shi Zhongye and Zhou Jingcheng discuss anonymous photos allegedly exposing Shen Qinghuai’s immoral behavior. Suspicious of the sender, Zhou agrees to investigate through the contact information.
• Shi Jihan uses a newly created anonymous account, posing as “AAA Private Detective Old Wang,” and contacts Shi Zhongye. He sends an apparently scandalous photograph of Shen Qinghuai as a child.
• The “evidence” turns out to be a kindergarten play photo: Shen Qinghuai is dressed as Snow White while seven children prepare to kiss him awake. Shi Zhongye and Zhou are shocked by how absurdly the image has been misrepresented.
• Shi Jihan believes he has successfully fulfilled his mission and even asks the Main System for additional rewards. He then receives a new mission: portray Shen Qinghuai as a gold-digger.
• Shi Zhongye, convinced the first photograph was merely a sample of more damaging evidence, pays 18,888 yuan for supposed proof of Shen Qinghuai’s materialism. Shi Jihan promises to send a package.
• That evening, Shi Zhongye and Zhou attend the Shi family dinner to await the evidence. Shen Qinghuai has prepared the meal, while Shi Jihan contributes a bizarre green soup.
• Zhou forces himself to drink the soup and gives an exaggeratedly polite description of its terrible taste. Shi Zhongye drinks a large bowl without suspicion and immediately vomits, earning Shi Jihan five Malice Points.
• Shi Jihan, unaware of how awful the soup is, offers Zhou an even larger bowl, leaving Zhou horrified but unable to refuse.

Character Developments

• Shi Jihan continues enthusiastically embracing his role as a malicious supporting character. He is deceitful, money-minded, and pleased with his ability to exploit Shi Zhongye, yet his schemes are so absurd that they create comedy rather than real harm.
• Shi Zhongye becomes increasingly gullible and impulsive. His prejudice against Shen Qinghuai makes him accept ridiculous “evidence” and spend a large sum chasing scandal.
• Zhou Jingcheng remains the most skeptical and rational character, but he is repeatedly dragged into the Shi family’s chaos. He also displays strong social tact by pretending Shi Jihan’s terrible soup is delicious.
• Shen Qinghuai is shown as cheerful, domestic, and generous, personally preparing dinner for the family. His innocent nature contrasts with the malicious rumors Shi Jihan is fabricating about him.
• Shi Bochuan reacts with familiar exasperation to Shi Zhongye and Zhou’s unexpected arrival, highlighting the chaotic but close-knit family dynamic.

Significant Themes

• Misinterpretation and manufactured scandal: Innocent events are deliberately reframed as evidence of immoral behavior, parodying melodramatic gossip and “crematorium” romance plots.
• Greed and gullibility: Shi Jihan profits from Shi Zhongye’s eagerness to believe damaging rumors, while Shi Zhongye’s obsession blinds him to obvious scams.
• Comedy through role reversal: The supposed villain is comically incompetent and the supposed victim, Shen Qinghuai, remains unaware of the schemes against him.
• Family intimacy amid chaos: Despite suspicion and conflict, the characters continue gathering for meals and interacting like a dysfunctional family.
• System-driven morality: Shi Jihan treats Malice Points and mission rewards as practical currency, justifying his actions as simply completing assigned work.

Character Interactions

• Shi Jihan and Shi Zhongye interact indirectly through anonymous messages, with Shi Jihan manipulating his brother into paying for fabricated evidence.
• Zhou Jingcheng acts as Shi Zhongye’s skeptical adviser but cannot prevent him from transferring money or believing the supposed detective.
• Zhou and Shi Jihan develop a comic dynamic during dinner: Zhou recognizes the soup is terrible but lies to spare Shi Jihan’s feelings, only to be pressured into drinking more.
• Shi Zhongye’s hostility toward Shen Qinghuai fuels the anonymous-investigation plot, while Shen’s kindness at dinner unknowingly undermines the malicious image being constructed of him.
• Shi Bochuan’s brief exchange with Shi Zhongye and Zhou reinforces his irritation at their frequent intrusions into his household.

Chapter 33 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Qinghuai serves dinner to Shi Bochuan, Shi Zhongye, Zhou Jingcheng, and Shi Jihan. Although Shi Zhongye intends to expose Shen as a gold-digger, he is unexpectedly impressed by Shen’s cooking—especially the stir-fried beef with pickled peppers—while pretending it is only “average.”
• The package arranged by Shi Zhongye’s detective, Old Wang, arrives. He presents it as a “gift from Sister-in-law” and pressures Shi Bochuan to open it publicly.
• Instead of incriminating evidence, the package contains several blatantly suggestive books, including How to Empty Your Rich Husband’s Pockets, How to Make Your Husband Earn Ten Million in Fifteen Seconds, The Cultivation of a Bait-Type Beauty, and an erotic book about “eating soft rice.”
• The supposed evidence completely backfires. Shi Bochuan becomes embarrassed but secretly delighted, interpreting the gifts as confirmation of Shen Qinghuai’s vain, money-loving persona. Shen’s task to establish his “gold-digger” image is successfully completed, earning him Malice Points.
• Zhou Jingcheng investigates the identity behind the “AAA Detective Old Wang” account. Seeing the account’s real-name information marked “Zero,” he concludes that it is unrelated to Shi Jihan and feels relieved that Shi Jihan has not secretly gone on a trip with others.
• Zhou compensates for his earlier suspicion by placing a huge braised pork knuckle in Shi Jihan’s bowl, creating another affectionate and comedic display that horrifies Shi Zhongye.
• After dinner, Shi Zhongye drags Zhou Jingcheng into his room to analyze the failed operation. They suspect Old Wang intentionally sabotaged them, but Shi Zhongye irrationally concludes that the books were meant to humiliate Shen’s professional reputation.
• Rather than abandoning his scheme, Shi Zhongye sends Old Wang another assignment: find proof that Shen Qinghuai is incompetent, occupying his position unfairly, and damaging the company. A new task is consequently issued to Shi Jihan to obtain evidence satisfying Shi Zhongye.
• Zero-Zero-Zero reveals that the Main System is emotionally overwhelmed because Shi Bochuan and Shen Qinghuai’s relationship is progressing rapidly despite the system’s attempts to correct the plot. Shi Jihan smugly mocks the supposedly powerful higher-dimensional intelligence.

Character Developments

• Shen Qinghuai: Continues to manipulate the situation effortlessly. He remains calm and composed while his “gold-digger” persona is strengthened by the absurd books. His sarcastic response to Shi Zhongye—claiming he is being a “negative example”—shows his growing confidence and sharp humor.
• Shi Bochuan: Becomes increasingly attracted to and fascinated by Shen. Rather than being offended by the books, he finds the image of Shen as vain and money-loving appealing, revealing his willingness to indulge Shen’s supposed desires.
• Shi Zhongye: His determination to expose Shen repeatedly collapses in the face of Shen’s cooking, charm, and the family’s strange reactions. Despite recognizing that the operation may have been sabotaged, he remains stubbornly committed to proving Shen is fraudulent.
• Zhou Jingcheng: Shows possessiveness and affection toward Shi Jihan. His relief after confirming that the detective account is not connected to Shi Jihan leads him to overfeed him with a pork knuckle. He also recognizes that Old Wang’s evidence was suspicious, though he treats Shi Zhongye’s theories with amused disbelief.
• Shi Jihan: Continues to exploit misunderstandings and complete tasks through indirect manipulation. He is pleased that the failed evidence still advances his objectives and receives a new mission to satisfy Shi Zhongye’s suspicions.
• Zero-Zero-Zero/Main System: The Main System is portrayed as emotionally collapsing because the plot is deviating too far from its intended course, while Zero-Zero-Zero remains an amused and somewhat conspiratorial assistant.

Significant Themes

• Miscommunication and mistaken interpretation: Nearly every character interprets the same events incorrectly, especially the books, which Shi Zhongye sees as an insult while Shi Bochuan views them as attractive evidence of Shen’s supposed nature.
• Plot subversion: Attempts to restore the original storyline consistently produce outcomes that further strengthen the relationships and identities the system is trying to prevent.
• Affection expressed through absurdity: Shi Bochuan’s delight over the inappropriate books and Zhou’s exaggerated feeding of Shi Jihan reveal romantic interest through comedic, unconventional behavior.
• Manipulation and accidental success: Shen and Shi Jihan benefit from schemes that were meant to harm them, turning malicious plans into rewards and relationship progress.
• The contrast between appearances and reality: Shen appears like a shameless gold-digger because of the staged evidence, but the audience knows the persona is deliberately constructed. Similarly, Shi Zhongye’s confident conclusions are based on wildly inaccurate assumptions.

Character Interactions

• Shen and Shi Zhongye exchange sarcastic remarks during dinner, with Shen calmly correcting his table manners.
• Shi Bochuan and Shen share an embarrassed but affectionate reaction to the books, with Shi Bochuan effectively encouraging more “gifts” of the same kind.
• Zhou Jingcheng fusses over Shi Jihan by giving him an enormous pork knuckle, while Shi Jihan obediently eats it; their interaction makes Zhou’s protective affection obvious.
• Shi Zhongye reacts with outrage to the increasingly intimate atmosphere between the couples, feeling that no one in the household behaves normally.
• Shi Zhongye and Zhou later discuss the failed investigation, with Zhou teasing him and recognizing his foolishness while still offering practical insight.
• Shi Jihan and Zero-Zero-Zero discuss the Main System’s collapse, highlighting their shared amusement at how completely the original plot has gone off course.

Chapter 34 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shi Jihan disguises himself as a detective and begins investigating Shen Qinghuai, whom he suspects of trying to harm the company.
• After monitoring Shen closely, Shi Jihan concludes that Shen is not a normal human because he genuinely enjoys working. He then photographs Shen’s everyday activities as “evidence.”
• Using his alias, “AAA Detective Old Wang,” Shi Jihan sends Shi Zhongye photos of Shen drinking coffee, working late, and using office resources.
• Shi Zhongye wildly interprets the photos as evidence of corporate espionage and massive financial losses. Shi Jihan clarifies that Shen’s “crimes” are drinking three cups of coffee daily, increasing electricity costs through overtime, obtaining free supplies, and using the bathroom during work hours.
• Zhou Jingcheng and Shi Zhongye are both stunned by the absurd investigation. Zhou feels a strange familiarity with Old Wang’s behavior and suspects the detective is connected to the Shi family.
• Zhou has Secretary Sun freeze Old Wang’s bank card by repeatedly making tiny transfers. When Shi Jihan discovers the account is frozen, he gives Shi Zhongye his personal bank details instead.
• Zhou notices that the replacement account is linked to the name “Han” and realizes Old Wang is actually Shi Jihan.
• By enhancing an amusement-park photograph, Zhou also discovers that the “beautiful woman” in the picture is actually Pizza, Shi Jihan’s dog, wearing a wig. He realizes Shi Jihan used Pizza to fabricate rumors and scam money from Shi Zhongye.
• Zhou further deduces that Shi Jihan’s previous invitations were likely meant for Pizza, not him, and that Shi Jihan deliberately edited Zhou out of their photos.
• When Zhou questions Old Wang about the missing people in the pictures, Shi Jihan innocently claims he cropped them out because they were unimportant.

Character Developments

• Shi Jihan: Becomes increasingly committed to his ridiculous detective persona. His investigation is driven by exaggerated hostility toward employees and his determination to complete the mission, even though his “evidence” is entirely harmless. He also demonstrates creativity and shamelessness by using Pizza in his schemes.
• Zero-Zero-Zero: Remains anxious about the mission and repeatedly tries to correct Shi Jihan’s extreme assumptions, but is forced to assist him.
• Shi Zhongye: Is easily manipulated by Old Wang’s fabricated evidence and becomes increasingly distressed by the supposed financial losses. He remains oblivious to Old Wang’s true identity.
• Zhou Jingcheng: Grows suspicious of Old Wang and finally identifies him as Shi Jihan. He also begins connecting Shi Jihan’s strange invitations, the amusement-park photographs, and Pizza’s involvement.
• Shen Qinghuai: Is portrayed as an exceptionally dedicated employee whose diligence is absurdly reframed as behavior harmful to the company.

Significant Themes

• Satire of workplace culture: Ordinary employee habits—drinking coffee, working overtime, using utilities, and taking bathroom breaks—are humorously treated as serious corporate offenses.
• Absurd misunderstandings: The chapter relies on characters interpreting completely innocent actions as evidence of espionage, financial crimes, or romantic plots.
• Deception and identity: Shi Jihan’s use of the Old Wang persona, multiple bank accounts, disguises, and Pizza to manipulate others creates layers of comic mistaken identity.
• Family and financial manipulation: Shi Jihan exploits Shi Zhongye’s suspicion and willingness to pay, while Zhou uses underhanded banking tactics to interfere with the investigation.
• Animal-human role reversal: Pizza becomes an active participant in Shi Jihan’s schemes, functioning almost like a human accomplice in the fabricated romance narrative.

Character Interactions

• Shi Jihan and Zero-Zero-Zero argue over whether Shen Qinghuai’s dedication proves he is suspicious.
• Shi Zhongye communicates with Old Wang and repeatedly misunderstands the increasingly ridiculous “evidence.”
• Zhou Jingcheng mocks Shi Zhongye while secretly investigating Old Wang’s identity and attempting to freeze his account.
• Zhou and Shi Zhongye’s exchanges highlight their contrasting reactions: Shi Zhongye is genuinely horrified, while Zhou recognizes the absurdity and gradually uncovers the truth.
• Zhou’s final messages to Old Wang become an indirect confrontation, though Shi Jihan remains unaware that Zhou has already identified him.

Chapter 50 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Jingcheng discovers that the person wearing a clown mask while watching Shi Jihan perform was actually himself. He realizes he had humiliatingly tried to establish a “brotherly” relationship with Shi Jihan and feels deeply embarrassed.
• After Zhou Jingcheng transfers Shi Jihan’s remaining payment, Shi Jihan immediately blocks him. Zhou interprets this as being used and abandoned, comparing himself to someone discarded after intimacy. His resentment toward Shi Jihan intensifies.
• Pei Mingxuan comes to apologize to Zhou Jingcheng, offering to wear the ridiculous floral padded jacket and perform the embarrassing dance again. Zhou refuses to forgive him and orders that the company continue legal action to terminate Pei’s contract.
• Pei Mingxuan’s attempt to manipulate public opinion has completely failed. His accusations against Zhou and Universe have been disproven, while his own history of stirring up fans and causing trouble is exposed. The public now mocks and pities both him and Zhou, though fans jokingly want Zhou to remain “sick” so his comedic relationship with Shi Jihan can continue.
• A new artist, Xiao Yuan, witnesses Pei’s breakdown. After learning that Shi Jihan is in Zhou’s office, Xiao Yuan refuses to enter, joking—or seriously fearing—that he will be thrown out of a window like Pei. His strange, cautious personality is introduced.
• Zero-Zero-Zero discovers that the mission to “randomly kill Zhou Jingcheng” has inexplicably been marked complete, despite Shi Jihan not meeting Zhou that day. Shi jokingly concludes that Zhou must still be suffering from the effects of their previous encounters.
• Shi Jihan contacts Zhou to invite him to Shi Bochuan’s upcoming wedding. Zhou replies that he will attend “for” Shi Jihan, using a sarcastic smile emoji. Shi notices Zhou has changed his profile picture from Pizza, his dog, to a dramatic silhouette of himself.
• The Main System issues a new mission requiring Shi Jihan to cooperate with his “awful relatives.” The Shi family relatives intend to pressure Shen Qinghuai into signing a prenuptial agreement that would leave him with nothing after a divorce.
• Shi Jihan begins preparing to deal with the relatives. He also volunteers to design the wedding decorations so the family’s money will go to the brothers instead of an expensive outside planner. Shi Zhongye, remembering Shi Jihan’s disastrous planning for his own welcome party, rushes to intervene, but ends up helping with the wedding preparations.
• On the wedding day, Shi Geren, an arrogant senior relative and shareholder, arrives with his family and criticizes the idea of holding a second wedding ceremony. He assumes the brothers’ involvement in the wedding planning means they are behaving responsibly.
• The manor hotel has been elaborately decorated in a medieval-European style. Shi Geren’s first sight is a large promotional standee created by Shi Jihan and Shi Zhongye for the newlyweds, setting up the next comedic reveal.

Character Developments

• Zhou Jingcheng: Becomes increasingly emotionally affected by Shi Jihan’s casual behavior. His wounded pride, jealousy, and growing attachment are disguised as anger and sarcasm. His dramatic new profile picture suggests he may be embracing a more self-conscious or performative persona.
• Shi Jihan: Remains oblivious to Zhou’s romantic or emotional frustration, treating him as a “treasury” and interpreting his sarcasm as simple aging or poor emoji literacy. He takes an active role in defending Shen Qinghuai and planning the wedding.
• Pei Mingxuan: Suffers a complete collapse in reputation and career. His confidence and manipulative tactics fail, leaving him desperate, tearful, and regretful about ever crossing paths with Shi Jihan.
• Xiao Yuan: Is introduced as taciturn, eccentric, and highly survival-conscious. His refusal to approach Zhou’s office after seeing Pei suggests he is observant and wary of chaotic people.
• Shi Zhongye: Despite distrusting Shi Jihan’s abilities, he becomes involved in organizing the wedding, showing the brothers’ increasingly cooperative—if exasperated—relationship.
• Zero-Zero-Zero: Grows suspicious of the Main System’s strange behavior and notices that its missions are becoming increasingly desperate and resigned.

Significant Themes

• Misunderstanding and emotional blindness: Zhou is clearly affected by Shi Jihan, while Shi interprets their interactions in an entirely different way.
• Public opinion and reputation: Pei’s downfall demonstrates how quickly public narratives can reverse once evidence of his manipulation is revealed.
• Comedy through humiliation: Clown masks, absurd dances, sarcastic emojis, and disastrous event planning turn emotional conflict into farce.
• Resistance to fate and the original plot: The Main System struggles to restore the story, but Shi Jihan and the Shi brothers repeatedly derail the intended dramatic conflicts.
• Family power and protection: The coming wedding conflict centers on the relatives’ attempt to control Shen Qinghuai’s financial position, while Shi Jihan prepares to defend him.
• Brotherhood and cooperation: The Shi brothers’ involvement in the wedding shows that, despite constant criticism and rivalry, they are increasingly working together.

Important Character Interactions

• Zhou Jingcheng and Shi Jihan: Their messages are filled with sarcasm and misunderstanding. Shi Jihan blocks Zhou after receiving payment, while Zhou remains fixated on him and agrees to attend the wedding.
• Zhou Jingcheng and Pei Mingxuan: Zhou rejects Pei’s apology and confirms that the company will continue pursuing his contract termination.
• Pei Mingxuan and Secretary Sun: Pei desperately clings to Secretary Sun and insists that his proposed apology should be enough, but Secretary Sun tells him Zhou will not forgive him.
• Xiao Yuan and his agent: Xiao Yuan refuses to enter Zhou’s office after learning Shi Jihan is inside, revealing his bizarre fear of becoming another victim of the Shi family’s chaos.
• Shi Jihan and Shi Zhongye: Shi Jihan eagerly takes charge of the wedding décor, while Shi Zhongye distrusts him and tries to prevent another embarrassment.
• Shi Geren and Secretary Wu: Shi Geren puts on an authoritative elder’s manner and criticizes the wedding arrangements, while Secretary Wu remains outwardly polite but privately considers him foolish.

Chapter 35 Summary

Plot and key events

• The wedding venue is decorated with outrageous, mocking artwork created by the Shi brothers. The displays include romanticized wedding photos of Shi Bochuan and Shen Qinghuai, a meme of Shi Zhongye “approving” the marriage, and bizarre sculptures titled “Refund Request” and “Shut up. Who asked you?”
• While Shi Geren goes looking for Shi Bochuan in fury, the rest of the Shi Family pressures Shen Qinghuai to sign a prenuptial agreement. They argue that he should not take advantage of the family’s fortune.
• Shi Jihan unexpectedly produces his own agreement: a “Shi Bochuan Leaves with Nothing After Divorce Agreement,” assigning all marital assets—including Shen Qinghuai and even the right to like social-media posts—to Shi Jihan.
• Shi Jihan eagerly tries to force Shi Bochuan to sign, motivated by greed and a desire to complete his system mission. The mission succeeds, rewarding him with ten Malice Points, but Shi Bochuan refuses to cooperate because he believes everyone is trying to take his wife.
• The relatives immediately turn on one another, each demanding that their own name be added to the agreement so they can claim the family fortune. The scene devolves into a chaotic struggle, with Shi Jihan being shoved around like a spinning top.
• Shen Qinghuai finally loses patience. He curses the relatives, rejects their demands, threatens them with organ-donation forms, and orders security to remove them.
• Before allowing them to leave, he insists that they hand over their wedding gifts. Shi Jihan enthusiastically supports this demand.
• Zhou Jingcheng arrives and verbally humiliates Third Uncle, accusing him of coveting the younger generation’s money and mocking his prospects for old-age care and burial.
• Shi Bochuan has the relatives escorted away to pay their gifts and leave, determined not to let them ruin his wedding.

Character development

• Shen Qinghuai shifts from appearing quiet and submissive to revealing a sharp, intimidating temper. He decisively defends himself, Shi Bochuan, and their wedding.
• Shi Bochuan remains fiercely protective and possessive of Shen Qinghuai, refusing to sign away his assets or tolerate the family’s attempts to interfere. He also takes responsibility for removing the troublemakers.
• Shi Jihan demonstrates shameless greed and childlike single-mindedness. He genuinely wants both the money and the system rewards, yet he does not appear malicious in the traditional sense.
• Shi Geren and the other relatives are exposed as hypocritical and avaricious: their concern about protecting the family fortune quickly turns into a scramble to claim it for themselves.
• Zhou Jingcheng establishes himself as a sharp-tongued ally who effortlessly intimidates the Shi relatives.

Themes

• Greed and hypocrisy: The family frames its schemes as concern for inherited wealth, but their selfish motives become obvious when they compete to put their own names on Shi Jihan’s agreement.
• Family versus loyalty: The Shi relatives treat marriage and family wealth as transactions, while Shi Bochuan and Shen Qinghuai protect their relationship from outside manipulation.
• Power reversal: Shen Qinghuai’s outburst overturns the relatives’ assumption that he is easy to bully.
• Comedy through absurdity: The ridiculous decorations, bizarre legal agreement, system mission, and relatives’ chaotic scramble turn a serious family confrontation into farce.

Important interactions

• The Shi relatives pressure Shen Qinghuai to sign a prenuptial agreement.
• Shi Jihan attempts to make Shi Bochuan sign an agreement giving everything to him, prompting Shi Bochuan’s jealous resistance.
• The relatives betray their own argument by fighting to add their names to the agreement.
• Shen Qinghuai protects Shi Jihan, then turns on the relatives and orders their removal.
• Zhou Jingcheng joins the confrontation and verbally dismantles Third Uncle.
• Shi Bochuan and Shen Qinghuai work together to eject the relatives and collect their wedding gifts.

Chapter 36 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Jingcheng catches Shi Jihan hiding behind Shi Bochuan and teasingly shakes him, causing the snacks he stole from the wedding banquet—sunflower seeds, macadamia nuts, and candy—to spill everywhere. He jokes that Shi Jihan is a “stockpiling hamster,” but Shi Jihan bites him when he touches his food.
• The wedding of Shi Bochuan and Shen Qinghuai begins with extravagant decorations, including an orchestra, a pipe organ, and a dramatic shower of one hundred thousand Ecuadorian roses.
• During the ceremony, Shi Bochuan emotionally acknowledges how difficult it was for them to reach this point. Zhou Jingcheng tells Shi Jihan that Bochuan keeps looking at him because Shi Jihan was the “road he took” to reach his marriage.
• The ring exchange proceeds without the disastrous prank Shi Bochuan feared. At that moment, Shi Jihan’s system announces that the contract-marriage mission is complete, though the main storyline has collapsed. Shi Jihan is awarded the title “Best Outstanding Employee.”
• Shi Jihan argues with the Main System, blaming the collapsed storyline on its failed error-correction mechanism and demanding compensation. The Main System agrees to repay previously deducted performance points at double value—but the deduction was only 0.39 points, earning him 0.78 points. Shi Jihan realizes the reward is essentially meaningless and breaks down in exaggerated despair.
• When Zhou Jingcheng asks why he is crying, Shi Jihan claims he is imagining his own future wedding. He says he would marry a McDonald’s Double Cheeseburger and serve a banquet of various meat dishes, prompting Zhou Jingcheng to accuse him of “cheating.”
• Shi Jihan notices that his second brother Shi Zhongye is producing fewer Malice Points than before. Concerned that his “value” is declining, he deliberately flicks both Shi Zhongye and Zhou Jingcheng on the forehead to test their reactions.
• He escalates the prank, flicking them repeatedly before tricking them with a nonsensical “sound of water in your brains” joke and fleeing. Shi Zhongye chases him while Zhou Jingcheng tries to hide his face from the other guests to avoid appearing in the news.
• After the ceremony, Shi Jihan promises Shi Bochuan that he has prepared a thoughtful gift for the newlyweds. Instead, he reveals a gaudy red bedding set covered in romantic slogans, floral designs, and oversized portraits of Shi Bochuan and Shen Qinghuai.

Character Developments

• Shi Jihan remains chaotic, shameless, food-obsessed, and highly motivated by Malice Points. Even during an important wedding, he focuses on stealing snacks, provoking relatives, and exploiting the system for rewards. His behavior also shows a strange form of affection: he contributes to the wedding celebration through outrageous pranks and gifts.
• Zhou Jingcheng continues to act as Shi Jihan’s amused but exasperated partner in mischief. He is comfortable teasing Shi Jihan, tolerates his absurdity, and responds quickly to his jokes, though he is embarrassed by their public antics.
• Shi Bochuan is portrayed as sentimental and nervous about his wedding, especially regarding possible humiliation by his younger brother. Despite his anxiety, he recognizes Shi Jihan’s importance in helping him reach this happiness and remains cautiously hopeful about his gifts.
• Shi Zhongye has become relatively resistant to Shi Jihan’s provocations, producing fewer Malice Points. This alarms Shi Jihan, who treats his brother’s emotional reactions as a personal source of income and entertainment.
• The Main System becomes unusually apologetic and vulnerable after acknowledging its own failures. Shi Jihan successfully manipulates it into offering compensation, though the result is comically insignificant.

Significant Themes

• Chaos as affection: Shi Jihan’s disruptive behavior functions as his unconventional way of participating in and celebrating family events.
• Family bonds beneath conflict: The wedding highlights how Shi Jihan’s troublesome actions are intertwined with his family’s relationships and milestones.
• System versus individual agency: Shi Jihan’s task completion despite the collapse of the intended storyline emphasizes his ability to succeed by ignoring or subverting the system’s plans.
• Materialism and absurdity: Rewards, Malice Points, stolen food, and wedding decorations are treated with exaggerated importance, creating comedy through the clash between grand occasions and petty motivations.
• Public embarrassment: Several characters fear becoming spectacles, while Shi Jihan remains entirely unconcerned, intensifying the contrast between him and everyone around him.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Jingcheng and Shi Jihan share playful physical and verbal teasing, including the hamster joke, the bitten hand, and their discussion of Shi Jihan’s imaginary wedding.
• Shi Jihan provokes Shi Zhongye and Zhou Jingcheng together, creating a chaotic chase that embarrasses Zhou Jingcheng and enrages Shi Zhongye.
• Zhou Jingcheng offers Shi Jihan an unexpectedly perceptive interpretation of Shi Bochuan’s emotional attention, making Shi Jihan feel important.
• Shi Jihan and the Main System engage in a comedic negotiation in which Shi Jihan presents himself as an unfairly mistreated employee and successfully extracts compensation.
• Shi Jihan’s final “gift” to Shi Bochuan and Shen Qinghuai transforms a sincere moment into another embarrassing prank, reinforcing his role as the family’s disruptive but affectionate troublemaker.

Chapter 37 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shi Bochuan discovers that Shi Jihan has sat on and ruined an important diagram. When the lights go out, their newly taken wedding photographs begin projecting across the bedroom wall with romantic music, horrifying Shi Bochuan because the “couple” is his younger brother and Shen Qinghuai.
• Both Shi Bochuan and Shen Qinghuai agree that they do not need to see each other every day, while Shen privately considers punishing Shi Jihan by adding cilantro and fish mint to his breakfast.
• Shi Jihan decides that earning small amounts of money is no longer enough; he wants complete financial freedom. To increase his Malice Points, he studies Shi Zhongye’s assigned storyline, Burning Bones.
• The original story concerns Shi Zhongye and Xiao Yuan, two emotionally damaged university students who fall in love but refuse to communicate honestly. Their silence and mutual misunderstandings eventually lead to a tragic bad ending.
• Zero-Zero-Zero instructs Shi Jihan to interfere in their relationship by sowing suspicion, making Xiao Yuan appear interested in him, and deepening the couple’s emotional rift. Shi Jihan mocks the premise and compares the story to “The Mute’s Love Story.”
• At breakfast, Shen Qinghuai serves Shi Jihan an egg pancake stuffed with cilantro and fish mint as revenge for his bedroom prank. Shi Jihan is disgusted, but Shi Zhongye unexpectedly enjoys the strange flavor.
• Shi Jihan repeatedly flicks Shi Zhongye’s forehead to farm Malice Points. After becoming increasingly irritated, Shi Zhongye puts on a steel helmet with protective goggles and continues eating.
• Shi Jihan asks for leave using increasingly absurd excuses, claiming that Zhou Jingcheng’s dog, Pizza, is depressed and needs psychiatric care. Shi Bochuan loses his temper, while Shen Qinghuai jokingly suggests that Shi Jihan deserves regular beatings.
• Shi Zhongye explains that he plans to visit Universe, choose a script, seek investment, and begin filming a new project. He is reluctant to remain at the Shi residence because the chaotic household is giving him headaches.
• The main storyline, Burning Bones, is activated. Shi Jihan receives a mission to radically alter the script and drive Shi Zhongye insane, with a reward of fifteen Malice Points.
• Zero-Zero-Zero sends him a collection of bizarrely titled scripts, apparently the result of screenwriters being forced to revise their work ninety-nine times. Shi Jihan wants to discard them, but Zero-Zero-Zero insists that they are valuable.
• Although the titles are absurd, Shi Jihan discovers that the scripts themselves contain a surprisingly serious story about residents of a community struggling to adapt to social change and the pressures of a rapidly developing era.

Character Developments

• Shi Jihan becomes increasingly focused on achieving financial freedom and efficiently farming Malice Points. Despite his sarcasm and desire to discard the ridiculous scripts, he agrees to work on them because he wants the system’s rewards and gaming benefits.
• Shen Qinghuai demonstrates growing confidence and a playful willingness to retaliate against Shi Jihan. His poisoned breakfast is a calculated revenge for the bedroom prank, though he remains outwardly calm and polite.
• Shi Zhongye begins to show that he can tolerate—and perhaps even fit into—the Shi family’s bizarre dynamic. He is easily provoked by Shi Jihan but responds pragmatically by wearing protective headgear rather than fighting.
• Shi Bochuan is established as the relatively responsible and long-suffering family member. He attempts to maintain order but is repeatedly pushed to the edge by Shi Jihan’s outrageous excuses and behavior.
• Zero-Zero-Zero grows exasperated with Shi Jihan’s constant jokes but remains invested in making him complete his missions, especially because it wants the resulting rewards and income.

Significant Themes

• Communication and silence: Burning Bones is built around characters who refuse to speak openly, allowing misunderstandings to replace honest communication. Shi Jihan’s mission is to exploit this weakness.
• Chaos within family relationships: The Shi household operates through pranks, retaliation, teasing, and absurdity, yet its members are gradually shown to coexist comfortably within that chaos.
• Reality versus appearances: The bizarre script titles conceal serious and meaningful stories, suggesting that seemingly ridiculous surfaces may hide substantial emotional or social content.
• Money and personal freedom: Shi Jihan’s desire to escape financial insecurity drives his increasingly ambitious schemes and willingness to manipulate the storyline.
• Adaptation to change: The scripts’ underlying plot focuses on ordinary people facing the transformation of society and being forced to move forward despite their reluctance.

Character Interactions

• Shi Bochuan and Shen Qinghuai bond over their shared discomfort with the wedding-photo display and their mutual frustration with Shi Jihan.
• Shen Qinghuai and Shi Jihan engage in a playful revenge contest, with Shen retaliating through the breakfast prank and Shi Jihan responding by mocking and provoking him.
• Shi Jihan and Shi Zhongye continue their antagonistic relationship. Shi Jihan tries to extract Malice Points through physical teasing, while Shi Zhongye counters by wearing a steel helmet and refusing to give him much emotional payoff.
• Shi Bochuan and Shi Jihan clash over Shi Jihan’s ridiculous requests for leave, highlighting Bochuan’s responsibility and Jihan’s shameless inventiveness.
• Shi Zhongye and the rest of the family begin to develop an odd sense of belonging. Although he is baffled by their behavior, he recognizes that he can unexpectedly fit into their unconventional household.

Chapter 54 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shi Jihan reads about his second brother Shi Zhongye’s artistic filmmaking background and jokes with Zhou Jingcheng about the hardships of Zhou’s life.
• Zhou reveals that Shi Zhongye told him about volunteering to accompany Pizza, a disabled person, to see a psychiatrist. Their playful chat shows their increasingly familiar relationship.
• Zhou Jingcheng announces an open script submission event seeking innovative, groundbreaking stories with potential film and television adaptation rewards.
• Shi Jihan realizes this could give him access to the production crew and decides to submit a script. With Zero-Zero-Zero’s encouragement—and considerable procrastination—he writes “Superpowered Neighborhood Committee.”
• The story humorously reinterprets ordinary elderly neighborhood residents as “superhumans,” whose supposed powers are actually caused by arthritis, job-related tricks, poor eyesight, or experience with stray cats. Their great enemy is the demolition crew, linking comedy with social change and the destruction of old communities.
• Shi Jihan then rewrites several existing scripts into absurd parody versions, including:
  • A Wall Street drama transformed into sheep ranch management.
  • An alien-invasion film centered on snail rice noodles and pickled bamboo shoots.
  • A medical drama about a veterinarian treating a CEO’s cow cat.
  • A wuxia epic about cafeteria competition and bizarre recipes.
• These scripts are shortlisted for being exceptionally innovative and are presented to Shi Zhongye, who is horrified that such ridiculous works might actually be produced.
• Zhou Jingcheng, however, considers the scripts novel, entertaining, and suitable for younger audiences, alarming Shi Zhongye further.
• Shi Jihan completes the task of driving Shi Zhongye crazy through the rewritten scripts and earns 15 Malice Points.
• Shi Jihan visits Universe to investigate Zhou Jingcheng and Shi Zhongye’s film project as part of another task: stealing the company’s trade secrets. He hopes the film will flop, allowing him to gain Malice Points from the financial losses and angry audiences.
• When Shi Jihan arrives, he discovers that his own absurd scripts have already been selected. Instead of needing to replace the script, he receives a new long-term task: participate in production as a screenwriter and ensure the film becomes a disastrous failure, earning 80 Malice Points.

Character Developments

• Shi Jihan remains mischievous, opportunistic, and theatrically self-congratulatory. He deliberately creates terrible scripts to sabotage Zhou Jingcheng’s company while pretending to be helpful.
• His literary background becomes useful in an unexpected way: rather than producing serious work, he excels at parody, satire, and genre distortion.
• Zhou Jingcheng appears increasingly fond of Shi Jihan. He notices Shi Jihan’s happiness at seeing him and even returns his smile. At the same time, he unexpectedly approves of the bizarre scripts, suggesting either unusual taste or a growing willingness to indulge Shi Jihan.
• Shi Zhongye is portrayed as a serious filmmaker with artistic ambitions but limited tolerance for absurdity. His despair at the selected scripts contrasts sharply with Zhou’s approval.
• Zero-Zero-Zero acts as Shi Jihan’s eager but exasperated assistant, physically forcing him to write and even studying postpartum care for sows to support him.
• The chapter also reinforces Shi Jihan’s confidence in his own schemes, though his success repeatedly depends on unpredictable decisions by Zhou Jingcheng.

Significant Themes

• Satire of creative industries: The chapter mocks film development, adaptation culture, marketing departments, and the demand for novelty by showing respectable projects transformed into absurd, commercially questionable concepts.
• Subversion of genre conventions: Familiar genres—business drama, science fiction, medicine, and wuxia—are humorously reworked into stories about sheep, food, pets, and cafeteria battles.
• Social change and nostalgia: “Superpowered Neighborhood Committee” combines comedy with themes of aging communities, demolition, modernization, and the loss of traditional neighborhoods.
• Malice and unintended consequences: Shi Jihan intends to sabotage the company, but his malicious creations are taken seriously. His plans succeed in ways he did not expect.
• Romantic/comedic misunderstanding: Shi Jihan thinks Zhou’s decisions are irrational, while Zhou interprets Shi Jihan’s bright expression as happiness at seeing him, adding warmth to their teasing relationship.

Character Interactions

• Shi Jihan and Zhou Jingcheng exchange affectionate, sarcastic messages, with Zhou rejecting Shi Jihan’s declarations of “great love” as an attempt to kick him into a ditch.
• Zero-Zero-Zero repeatedly pressures Shi Jihan to write and reacts with admiration, frustration, and concern toward his creative process.
• Shi Zhongye confronts Zhou Jingcheng over the absurd scripts, accusing the marketing department—and Zhou himself—of losing their minds.
• Shi Jihan enters the office intending to manipulate the project, only to discover that Zhou and Shi Zhongye have already accepted his sabotage as legitimate creative work.

Chapter 38 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Jingcheng considers buying the adaptation rights to Shi Jihan’s scripts, despite everyone else doubting the commercial value of the strange and unconventional material.
• He discovers that Shi Jihan’s author account, “AAA Detective Old Wang,” is directly connected to Shi Jihan’s personal WeChat account and bank information. Zhou secretly uses Secretary Sun’s alternate account to add him instead.
• Shi Jihan receives the friend request and is thrilled when “Universe” offers to purchase all of his adaptation rights for several million yuan—an unusually high industry price.
• Zhou observes Shi Jihan’s suspiciously excited behavior and deliberately teases him, while pretending not to realize that he is the mysterious scriptwriter.
• Zhou arranges for the marketing department to negotiate with “AAA” and approves the high purchase price. The employees interpret his decision as evidence of brilliant, forward-thinking business judgment.
• Shi Zhongye initially refuses to direct the comedy script because it conflicts with his serious arthouse-director image. However, when Zhou threatens to replace him, he reluctantly agrees.
• Shi Jihan assumes the combination of Shi Zhongye’s genre change and his absurd script will guarantee the film’s failure, helping him complete his mission of causing Zhou to lose money.
• His system informs him that one mission—stealing Zhou’s company secrets—remains incomplete. Shi Jihan then interrogates the “corporate slave” account, unknowingly messaging Zhou himself.
• Shi Jihan asks ridiculous questions about Zhou’s habits, appearance, sneezing patterns, and reactions to pranks. Zhou realizes that Shi Jihan is secretly interested in observing him and answers the questions.
• The system announces that Shi Jihan has completed the commercial-secrets mission and rewards him with eight Malice Points.
• At the end of the chapter, Shi Jihan says he is leaving just as Zhou unexpectedly asks whether he wants to eat together, leaving both of them surprised.

Character Developments

• Shi Jihan remains careless, impulsive, and comically bad at hiding his identity. His excitement over the business deal repeatedly exposes him, though Zhou chooses to indulge rather than confront him.
• Zhou Jingcheng becomes increasingly entertained by Shi Jihan’s schemes. Instead of exposing him, he deliberately plays along, teases him, and appears genuinely interested in spending time with him outside work.
• Shi Zhongye is forced to compromise his artistic pride and take on a commercial comedy project. His dramatic resistance contrasts with his practical need to earn money.
• Zero-Zero-Zero displays increasingly sarcastic and independent thinking, often pointing out the flaws in Shi Jihan’s plans—though it also fails to warn him about the obvious danger of using his old scam account.
• Zhou’s employees develop an exaggerated image of him as a visionary business genius because of his willingness to invest heavily in an unconventional project.

Significant Themes

• Identity and disguise: Shi Jihan repeatedly attempts to conceal his true identity but makes obvious mistakes, while Zhou recognizes the truth and chooses not to expose him.
• Mutual deception and playful manipulation: Both men know—or nearly know—more than they admit, creating a humorous dynamic built on secrets, teasing, and deliberate misunderstandings.
• Art versus commerce: Shi Zhongye’s resistance to commercial comedy highlights the tension between artistic ideals and financial reality.
• Unintended success: Zhou’s investment is intended by Shi Jihan to lose money, but the employees’ confidence and the project’s novelty suggest it may instead become commercially successful.
• Growing personal interest: Shi Jihan’s bizarre questions reveal that he pays close attention to Zhou, while Zhou’s invitation to dinner suggests his own curiosity and affection are developing.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Jingcheng and Shi Jihan: Their exchanges are filled with suspicion, teasing, and concealed motives. Zhou enjoys watching Shi Jihan panic and seems increasingly fond of him.
• Shi Jihan and Zero-Zero-Zero: They bicker constantly, with Shi Jihan blaming the system for failing to warn him and the system responding with literal-minded sarcasm.
• Zhou Jingcheng and Shi Zhongye: Zhou uses his authority and the threat of replacement to force Shi Zhongye into directing the comedy.
• Shi Jihan and Zhou through their alternate accounts: Shi Jihan asks absurd “business intelligence” questions while Zhou responds as if he were an ordinary employee, secretly amused by Shi Jihan’s attention.
• Zhou Jingcheng and Shi Jihan at the conclusion: Their simultaneous departures and dinner invitation mark a possible shift from purely business-related interaction toward more personal companionship.

Chapter 39 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Jingcheng angrily assumes Shi Jihan has been waiting for him, then immediately softens when Shi agrees to have dinner together. He eagerly offers to buy snacks and drinks, revealing how easily Shi’s attention affects him.
• Shi Jihan spends the evening eating at Zhou Jingcheng’s company and leaves extremely satisfied. He and Zero-Zero-Zero jokingly decide that he should somehow transfer into Zhou’s company, perhaps by having his eldest brother “exchange hostages.”
• Shi Jihan’s second brother, Shi Zhongye, adds his alternate account. Shi hides his identity behind an absurd work-related username and bombards Zhongye with overly polite, customer-service-style messages.
• Shi Zhongye forwards the conversation to Zhou Jingcheng, mistakenly interpreting Shi and Zhou’s matching usernames as evidence of an online romance between Zhou and Secretary Sun. Zhou’s confused barrage of question marks only deepens the misunderstanding.
• Zhongye asks the screenwriter, “AAA,” to revise the film script by adding another major role and two supporting characters. Shi agrees suspiciously easily, concluding that Zhongye does not care about the project and that the film may be destined to fail.
• Motivated by the possibility of earning money from a flop, Shi writes several deliberately absurd characters:
  • A gloomy, nearly invisible man whose weak presence causes people to mistake him for scenery.
  • An overly energetic college student whose passive ability forces him to respond to every negative statement with motivational speeches.
  • A talkative residents’ committee director who can lecture people for hours and resembles Zero-Zero-Zero’s bald appearance.
• Shi sends the draft to Zhongye at three in the morning. Zhongye is annoyed at being awakened but ultimately praises the script and informs Shi that auditions and casting will take place in half a month.
• Zhongye jokes about selling Zhou’s company online because of Zhou’s irritating behavior, but he still keeps the screenwriter because he considers him useful. Shi, meanwhile, becomes anxious about eventually meeting Zhongye in person.
• Half a month later, two short dramas Shi authorized begin airing. The first, The Veterinarian Goes Wild, opens with alien surgeon Ni Haoya transmigrating into the body of an explosive-disposal expert and pet doctor. The absurd medical comedy features him delivering a hamster and saving an obese cat with improvised medical equipment, after which the cat’s domineering CEO owner recruits him.

Character Developments

• Shi Jihan remains shameless, money-focused, and opportunistic, but he is also increasingly comfortable relying on Zhou’s generosity. His enthusiasm for food and potential profits drives many of his decisions.
• Zhou Jingcheng becomes visibly more affectionate and emotionally dependent on Shi. His anger disappears the moment Shi agrees to dinner, and he reacts with delighted possessiveness to their apparently matching usernames.
• Shi Zhongye is shown as a hardworking, irritable producer/director with a sharp tongue, though he is more tolerant and less demanding toward the mysterious screenwriter than expected. He becomes increasingly convinced that Zhou is eccentric.
• Zero-Zero-Zero continues acting as Shi’s mischievous adviser and comic partner. Its bald appearance inspires one of Shi’s characters, though it silently resents the resemblance.
• Shi Bochuan reacts with confusion to Shi’s proposal that he be transferred into Zhou’s company, suggesting that Shi’s schemes are becoming increasingly outrageous.

Significant Themes

• Workplace satire: The chapter mocks corporate exhaustion, long working hours, office politics, and the absurd demands placed on creative workers.
• Miscommunication and mistaken identities: Shi’s hidden identity, Zhou and Secretary Sun’s borrowed accounts, and the matching usernames create a series of ridiculous romantic misunderstandings.
• Money and opportunism: Shi interprets nearly every situation through the possibility of profit, even hoping that a badly received film could generate another business opportunity.
• Absurd creativity: The deliberately ridiculous superpowers and exaggerated characters reflect the story’s comedic approach to writing, entertainment, and genre conventions.
• Affection expressed through indulgence: Zhou’s willingness to feed, accommodate, and indulge Shi contrasts with Shi’s casual exploitation of that affection.

Character Interactions

• Zhou and Shi share a playful but unequal dynamic: Zhou is eager to please, while Shi readily accepts his attention and resources.
• Shi and Zero-Zero-Zero collaborate constantly, combining practical schemes with irreverent humor.
• Shi and Shi Zhongye interact without Zhongye realizing who Shi really is, allowing Shi to tease him through exaggerated customer-service language.
• Shi Zhongye and Zhou exchange messages filled with sarcasm, confusion, and mutual irritation, with Zhongye repeatedly mocking Zhou’s apparent romantic situation.
• The chapter ends by shifting from behind-the-scenes script development to the public release of Shi’s short dramas, establishing the next stage of his entertainment-related ventures.

Chapter 40 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Universal Company releases two wildly absurd short dramas written under Teacher AAA’s pseudonym:
  • A private-veterinarian story featuring bizarre medical inventions, a cat-and-dog uprising, and a CEO’s catnip-assisted rescue and romance.
  • Interstellar Expedition: The Aliens Only Want Rice Noodles, in which aliens, planets, warships, and eventually the entire galaxy become involved in a rice-noodle craze and establish Universal Rice Noodle Day.
• Both dramas become massive online successes, dominating short-video platforms, hot searches, and public discussion. AAA’s reputation and commercial value rise sharply, while even minor actors gain popularity.
• Universal announces that AAA’s comedy film, Superpowered Neighborhood Committee, directed by Shi Zhongye, has entered the project-registration stage. Fans immediately demand a release date and more information.
• The company’s publicity department celebrates the announcement’s success and passes the results upward until they reach Zhou Jingcheng.
• Zhou is delighted by the campaign’s effectiveness and sends the report to Shi Jihan through their anonymous Workmate chat, expecting praise.
• Shi Jihan is horrified because his secret goal is for the film to fail and lose money. He is especially distressed that the project is already attracting enormous attention.
• Zero-Zero-Zero reassures him that online popularity may fade before the film is completed. Meanwhile, Zhou secretly orders the public-relations department to push AAA to the top of the trending list, hoping to further impress Shi Jihan.
• The next morning, Shi Jihan discovers that AAA is not only still trending but has risen to number one after twenty hours. He reacts with panic and rage, while his family mistakes his behavior for eccentricity.
• Shi Jihan learns that he must attend Universal Company’s audition casting as the screenwriter. A new mission orders him to obstruct the normal audition process for Malice Points, making his situation even more dangerous.
• He ends the chapter in melodramatic despair, earning only a small Malice Points reward for his complaint.

Character Developments

• Shi Jihan: Becomes increasingly desperate as every attempt to make the film fail instead produces success. His frustration is expressed through exaggerated physical reactions, violent fantasies, and theatrical complaints. He remains determined to sabotage the production but is forced to participate in casting.
• Zhou Jingcheng: Reveals himself as an enthusiastic and capable businessman. He believes the promotional success will make Shi Jihan happy and deliberately boosts AAA’s ranking to gain his approval, unaware that he is worsening Shi Jihan’s distress.
• Zero-Zero-Zero: Continues acting as Shi Jihan’s supportive but somewhat unhelpful companion, encouraging him with the claim that “the internet has no memory.”
• Shi Jihan’s family: His brothers and sister-in-law respond to his strange behavior with increasing calm and amusement, showing that they have become accustomed to his eccentricity.
• Teacher AAA/AAA’s persona: Gains enormous fame despite remaining mysterious. The pseudonym becomes commercially valuable, attracting interest from other companies.

Significant Themes

• Success against one’s intentions: Shi Jihan’s efforts to create a financial disaster produce unprecedented popularity, reinforcing the story’s comedic inversion of his goals.
• Absurdity as commercial innovation: The deliberately ridiculous plots outperform conventional short dramas, satirizing formulaic entertainment and demonstrating the appeal of novelty.
• The entertainment industry and publicity: Viral trends, fandoms, hot searches, and promotional strategy are portrayed as powerful, unpredictable forces capable of transforming unknown creators into major commercial assets.
• Miscommunication and dramatic irony: Zhou interprets Shi Jihan’s restrained responses as insufficient enthusiasm, while Shi Jihan sees Zhou’s help as malicious sabotage.
• The internet’s fleeting memory: The belief that online fame fades quickly becomes a source of hope for Shi Jihan, though the immediate reality contradicts him.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Jingcheng and Shi Jihan: Their anonymous chat remains central to the comedy. Zhou seeks praise and tries to encourage him, while Shi Jihan responds with forced politeness and private resentment.
• Shi Jihan and Zero-Zero-Zero: They share mutual panic over the film’s success, with Zero-Zero-Zero offering optimistic reassurance and Shi Jihan struggling to maintain his composure.
• Shi Jihan and his family: His bizarre shouting, air-punching, and dramatic breakfast behavior amuse and confuse the family. They interpret his distress as exercise, a nightmare, or eccentricity rather than recognizing the real problem.
• Universal’s staff and Zhou Jingcheng: The company’s promotional chain illustrates how each employee proudly passes the success upward, eventually turning AAA’s popularity into a source of Zhou’s personal satisfaction.

Page 58 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shi Jihan secretly enters Universal Company disguised in a cap, mask, and casual clothing, intending to interfere with an audition for Superpowered Neighborhood Committee.
• Since he lacks an employee card, he follows an employee into the elevator. Zhou Jingcheng mistakes him for an obsessive fan and pins him against the elevator wall.
• Zhou recognizes Shi Jihan, releases him, and massages his neck after Shi strains it during the struggle.
• Their physically close interaction is witnessed by Secretary Sun and several employees, who immediately misinterpret the scene as romantic or intimate. Zhou becomes mortified and worries that rumors about him will spread.
• Shi Jihan remains completely oblivious to the suggestive appearance of their interaction. He even gets close to Zhou to smell his new citrus-and-mint cologne, unintentionally making Zhou increasingly flustered.
• When the elevator arrives, Zhou hurriedly escapes toward the audition room, while Shi Jihan follows and resumes his mission.
• With the audition about to begin, Shi Jihan invents the identity of a “psychological counselor” hired by Universal to advise the actors, hoping to disrupt the normal audition process.
• At 10:29, just before the audition, AAA has not appeared. Zhou, distracted and visibly preoccupied, has been doodling oranges on paper. When asked whether the audition should begin without AAA, he insists that AAA will come because he has just seen him—unaware that the disguised Shi Jihan is the person in question.

Character Developments

• Shi Jihan: Demonstrates boldness, shameless confidence, and improvisational skill while sneaking into the company. He remains socially oblivious, failing to recognize how intimate his behavior toward Zhou appears. He actively schemes to fulfill his mission by posing as a psychological counselor.
• Zhou Jingcheng: Shows strong physical reflexes and suspicion, initially treating Shi Jihan as a potential intruder or obsessive fan. After recognizing him, he becomes embarrassed and increasingly flustered by Shi’s closeness and casual compliments. His distraction suggests that Shi Jihan has begun occupying his thoughts.
• Secretary Sun: Accidentally exposes the ambiguous elevator scene to the entire lobby, then immediately retreats and apologizes after realizing the misunderstanding he has helped create.
• Shi Zhongye: Acts as the practical director trying to begin the audition, while noticing Zhou’s unusual distraction and concern over AAA’s absence.
• Zero-Zero-Zero: Continues monitoring the mission and urging Shi Jihan to focus, especially as the deadline approaches.

Significant Themes

• Miscommunication and mistaken impressions: A harmless interaction is interpreted by employees as romantic or scandalous, while both men understand it differently.
• Oblivious intimacy: Shi Jihan behaves affectionately and physically close without recognizing the effect he has on Zhou.
• Public image and rumor: Zhou’s embarrassment reflects his fear that others will define his character through gossip.
• Improvisation and deception: Shi Jihan repeatedly invents identities and explanations to advance his mission.
• Growing romantic tension: Zhou’s embarrassment, physical stiffness, and distraction contrast with Shi Jihan’s relaxed confidence, suggesting an emerging attraction or emotional imbalance.

Character Interactions

• Shi Jihan and Zhou Jingcheng: Their encounter shifts from physical confrontation to awkward caretaking and escalating flirtation-like tension. Shi demands an apology, accepts Zhou’s massage, comments on his scent, and unintentionally corners him emotionally and physically.
• Zhou Jingcheng and the employees: Secretary Sun and the lobby staff turn Zhou’s private embarrassment into a public spectacle through their assumptions and gossip.
• Shi Jihan and the audition participants: Shi presents himself as an official psychological counselor, setting up his attempt to disrupt the audition.
• Zhou Jingcheng and Shi Zhongye: Shi Zhongye tries to begin the audition, but Zhou’s thoughts remain focused on AAA—who is actually the disguised Shi Jihan.

Chapter 41 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The auditions at Universal Malatang are scheduled to begin, but none of the contestants respond when called. The hallway, previously crowded, suddenly becomes completely silent and empty.
• Shi Zhongye, Zhou Jingcheng, and Secretary Sun investigate and discover that nearly everyone is lying on the floor in a deep, relaxed sleep.
• Shi Jihan is revealed to be leading a “psychological counseling” and Yoga Nidra session, supposedly helping the disciples “reset their HP.” His soothing instructions have hypnotized the entire group.
• The session is abruptly disrupted when Zhou Jingcheng pushes the unconscious cow cat, causing Shi Jihan and everyone else to wake in panic and scream about a ghost.
• Shi Zhongye discovers that Xiao Yuan is among the people lying on the floor. Xiao Yuan explains that “the master” was giving them counseling.
• Shi Zhongye realizes that Shi Jihan is actually the mysterious online contact “AAA,” whom he had unknowingly interacted with through an alternate account. Zhou Jingcheng theatrically expresses shock at the revelation.
• Shi Jihan tries to collect payment from the disciples, calling the fee a “good karmic bond” and requesting one yuan from each person. Xiao Yuan instead transfers one thousand yuan.
• The chapter ends with Shi Jihan and system 000 discovering that Xiao Yuan has become a new target of the daily mission: “Randomly kill Xiao Yuan.”

Character Developments

• Shi Zhongye becomes increasingly exasperated by Shi Jihan’s deception and shameless behavior. He realizes that his younger brother has been misleading him online and is the identity behind the “AAA” account.
• Shi Jihan demonstrates his talent for manipulating people, presenting himself as a spiritual master while exploiting the disciples’ trust for money. He remains bold and theatrical even when confronted by Shi Zhongye.
• Zhou Jingcheng continues acting strangely calm and philosophical, though he also plays along with Shi Jihan’s identity reveal. His witty remarks repeatedly frustrate Shi Zhongye.
• Xiao Yuan remains emotionally detached and unbothered, even after being stepped on and roughly dragged around. His unexpected 1,000-yuan payment suggests either extreme loyalty to Shi Jihan or an unusual interpretation of the “counseling” session.
• Secretary Sun maintains his serene, almost supernatural demeanor, speaking in cryptic philosophical statements and behaving as though the bizarre situation is perfectly normal.
• Shi Jihan and 000 are alarmed by Xiao Yuan’s appearance because it triggers a new dangerous system mission.

Significant Themes

• Deception and hidden identities: Shi Jihan has secretly interacted with Shi Zhongye online while pretending not to know him.
• Absurdity and role reversal: A cooking-show audition is derailed by a mass relaxation session, while a supposedly authoritative older brother is repeatedly outmaneuvered by his mischievous younger brother.
• Exploitation disguised as spirituality: Shi Jihan turns a simple relaxation exercise into a paid “master” service, using spiritual language to justify collecting money.
• System-driven danger: Even humorous interactions can suddenly become threatening when the system assigns Shi Jihan a mission to kill Xiao Yuan.
• Family conflict and affection: Shi Zhongye is furious with Shi Jihan’s antics, but his anger reflects the familiar frustration of an older brother dealing with a reckless younger sibling.

Character Interactions

• Shi Zhongye and Zhou Jingcheng: Their banter is antagonistic and comedic. Shi Zhongye tries to maintain control, while Zhou Jingcheng responds with calm sarcasm and repeatedly undermines him.
• Shi Zhongye and Shi Jihan: Their confrontation centers on Shi Jihan’s deception and shameless money-making. Shi Zhongye attempts to discipline him, while Shi Jihan defends himself with increasingly absurd excuses.
• Zhou Jingcheng and Shi Jihan: Zhou jokingly validates Shi Jihan’s identity as “AAA,” prompting Shi Jihan to demand even more dramatic praise.
• Shi Zhongye and Xiao Yuan: Shi Zhongye is shocked to find Xiao Yuan among the sleeping disciples and becomes even more bewildered by Xiao Yuan’s flat, unhelpful responses.
• Shi Jihan and the disciples: Shi Jihan treats the disciples as followers, ending the session with a fee request. They enthusiastically accept his terminology and offer him money.
• Shi Jihan and 000: Both react in alarm when Xiao Yuan appears as the system’s newest assassination target, shifting the chapter from comedy toward a new potential crisis.

Chapter 42 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shi Jihan is surprised that his earlier schemes and physical antics still have not “wrecked” Xiao Yuan. Zhou Jingcheng remains far ahead in the damage-resistance competition, while Xiao Yuan has only reached a score of 5/1.
• Xiao Yuan confirms that the thousand yuan he gave Shi Jihan was a genuine gift, but bitterly thanks him for teaching him that society contains even more bad people.
• After the commotion, the auditions resume. Zhou Jingcheng helps Shi Jihan up after his painful fall and instructs him to take over AAA’s judging position.
• Shi Jihan sits beside Shi Zhongye, whose shock at discovering that the brilliant screenwriter AAA is actually Shi Jihan makes him visibly uncomfortable. Zhou Jingcheng jokingly restrains Shi Jihan’s shaking and middle-finger gestures.
• Shi Jihan’s task is to obstruct the normal audition process. He uses a broccoli as a “White Moonlight” dying of cancer and forces the first actor to perform a tearful confession to it. He then gives another actor absurd instructions about synchronizing tears.
• These antics eventually complete the system task, rewarding Shi Jihan with 15 Malice Points.
• Shi Jihan admires Zhou Jingcheng’s sarcastic audition notes, while Shi Zhongye grows increasingly frustrated at being the only person doing serious work.
• Shi Jihan discovers Zhou Jingcheng’s discarded drawing of oranges. When he connects the design to Zhou Jingcheng’s citrus-and-mint scent, Zhou Jingcheng becomes evasive. Shi Jihan adds mint leaves, a cute chibi figure, a tie, a smile, and sunglasses to the drawing.
• Xiao Yuan is eventually called in for his audition. A new task appears, requiring Shi Jihan to create obstacles that prevent Xiao Yuan from joining the production, since Xiao Yuan’s popularity and acting ability would make the film too successful to lose money.
• Shi Jihan asks Xiao Yuan to say “Ah” in ten different emotional styles, hoping to provoke him or make him spend money. Xiao Yuan calmly complies, producing multiple variations and frustrating Shi Jihan’s plan.

Character Developments

• Shi Jihan: Continues to pursue his “cannon fodder” objectives with increasingly bizarre tactics. He remains competitive, mischievous, and determined to sabotage the film, but his creative improvisation also reveals his sharp comedic instincts.
• Zhou Jingcheng: Acts as both a restrained authority figure and Shi Jihan’s amused partner in chaos. He physically manages Shi Jihan’s antics, makes dry professional comments, and shows subtle embarrassment when Shi Jihan notices details connected to his personal scent and preferences.
• Xiao Yuan: Becomes more emotionally controlled and resistant to provocation. Instead of losing his temper or wasting money, he responds with weary sarcasm and effortlessly completes Shi Jihan’s ridiculous acting exercise.
• Shi Zhongye: Grows increasingly exasperated and overwhelmed. He recognizes AAA’s script as genuinely excellent but struggles to accept that its author is Shi Jihan. He becomes the only person seriously trying to keep the audition functioning.
• Secretary Sun: Continues monitoring Zhou Jingcheng’s behavior and teasingly warns him to maintain self-awareness, prompting Zhou to threaten a pay cut.

Significant Themes

• Chaos versus professionalism: The audition should be a serious business process, but Shi Jihan’s absurd interventions repeatedly derail it, leaving Shi Zhongye to restore order.
• Manipulation and resistance: Shi Jihan tries to provoke others into failure, but Xiao Yuan’s emotional stability prevents the expected reaction.
• Unexpected competence: Despite his ridiculous behavior, Shi Jihan is the author of an excellent script and displays real creativity in directing performances.
• Power and control: Zhou Jingcheng and Shi Jihan constantly challenge and restrain each other, creating a playful struggle for dominance.
• Hidden intimacy: The shared drawing, physical assistance, scent recognition, and comfortable banter between Shi Jihan and Zhou Jingcheng suggest growing familiarity and emotional closeness beneath their comedic exchanges.

Character Interactions

• Shi Jihan and Zhou Jingcheng trade sarcastic remarks, with Zhou physically stopping Shi Jihan’s shaking and rude gestures.
• Shi Jihan uses bizarre props and instructions to torment the auditioning actors, while Zhou evaluates them with dry, mocking comments.
• Shi Jihan and Zhou collaborate playfully on the orange logo drawing, creating a cute caricature of Zhou.
• Shi Zhongye repeatedly interrupts their banter to move the auditions forward and silently suffers through their behavior.
• Shi Jihan attempts to sabotage Xiao Yuan, but Xiao Yuan turns the exercise against him by calmly performing ten different versions of “Ah,” leaving Shi Jihan frustrated and unsuccessful.