Chapter Summaries

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Zexi settles into He Jinyun’s villa, bringing warmth and liveliness to the previously empty home.
• During lunch, He Jinyun serves Ye Zexi chicken soup, and Ye Zexi later volunteers to wash the dishes.
• He Jinyun shows Ye Zexi an early, partially edited cut of The Famous General, featuring all of Ye Zexi’s scenes except the old-age portion.
• They discuss the film’s “old-age arc,” which He Jinyun cleverly created by treating the few final days of the characters’ lives as their old age, despite the original script not including such a section.
• Ye Zexi becomes emotional while watching the footage, impressed by how complete and moving the unfinished edit already feels.
• They joke about angry fans sending He Jinyun razor blades because of the tragic story. He Jinyun teases that, as neighbors, Ye Zexi would share the consequences—and jokes that Ye Zexi has already been compensated with dried fish.
• Ye Zexi bargains for more dried fish, and He Jinyun generously invites him to visit every day until his work begins.
• Over the following days, Ye Zexi enjoys the meals and companionship. On the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, he becomes downcast because He Jinyun will leave for work the next day.
• He Jinyun explains that he will first shoot a magazine, then participate in the travel-food variety show Food Journal, requiring him to be away for roughly a month and to return regularly for future filming.

Character Development

• Ye Zexi becomes increasingly comfortable and dependent on He Jinyun’s company. His willingness to help with chores and his casual appetite for He Jinyun’s cooking reveal growing familiarity and trust.
• Ye Zexi’s emotional response to the film shows that he remains deeply connected to Azi and invested in the project’s success.
• His exaggerated complaints about razor blades and dried fish highlight his playful, greedy, and increasingly affectionate side.
• He Jinyun displays greater warmth and tenderness toward Ye Zexi. He carefully includes him in the editing process, indulges his requests for food, and notices his moods immediately.
• He Jinyun’s teasing and open invitation for Ye Zexi to visit suggest that he enjoys their growing closeness and wants the relationship to continue beyond their professional connection.

Significant Themes

• Growing intimacy and domestic comfort: Shared meals, dishwashing, movie watching, and teasing create the atmosphere of an informal household.
• Art and emotional connection: Watching the edited film allows Ye Zexi to experience his own performance from an audience’s perspective and reinforces his emotional investment in the story.
• Loss and impermanence: The tragic tone of The Famous General contrasts with the temporary happiness Ye Zexi and He Jinyun share.
• Separation and anticipation: He Jinyun’s upcoming work schedule introduces anxiety and highlights how much Ye Zexi has come to value their time together.

Character Interactions

• He Jinyun serves Ye Zexi soup and later shows him the film, treating him as both a trusted colleague and a close companion.
• They playfully argue about possible fan backlash and how many meals of dried fish Ye Zexi should receive as compensation.
• He Jinyun reassures Ye Zexi that he may visit freely, while Ye Zexi’s enthusiastic acceptance reveals his eagerness to spend more time with him.
• At the end of the chapter, Ye Zexi questions He Jinyun about his upcoming work, indirectly expressing disappointment at the coming separation.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Jinyun explains that after returning to the capital around mid-March, he and Ye Zexi will become busy with film editing, review submission, publicity, trailer releases, and on-site promotions beginning in May or June.
• Ye Zexi becomes depressed at the thought of losing his free time—and, more importantly, being separated from He Jinyun’s cooking and dried little fish. He considers traveling abroad before the film’s promotional period begins.
• He Jinyun says he will probably spend the next Lunar New Year in the same place, giving Ye Zexi something to look forward to, though He Jinyun avoids making a definite promise because of future uncertainties.
• On the eighth day of the Lunar New Year, He Jinyun prepares extra dried little fish and several vacuum-packed dishes for Ye Zexi before leaving. Ye Zexi is deeply touched and watches him drive away.
• After He Jinyun leaves, the regular cook returns, but Ye Zexi finds the food bland compared with He Jinyun’s cooking. He decides to travel abroad after the Lantern Festival and buys his tickets.
• His plans are interrupted when Assistant Gao arrives with numerous scripts and collaboration offers. Ye Zexi shows no interest until Gao mentions a food-themed variety show called Food Journal, which will also feature He Jinyun.
• Ye Zexi immediately becomes enthusiastic and asks whether it is a food-travel variety show.

Character Developments

• Ye Zexi: Becomes increasingly attached to He Jinyun’s presence and cooking. His disappointment over their impending separation reveals how emotionally invested he has become, though he disguises it as concern over dried fish. He begins planning an overseas trip to cope with the separation, but his attitude changes instantly when he learns he may work with He Jinyun again.
• He Jinyun: Shows quiet thoughtfulness by preparing food specifically for Ye Zexi and reminding him to eat it before it spoils. He remains emotionally restrained, acknowledging Ye Zexi as a pleasant surprise in his life while refusing to make uncertain promises about the future.
• Assistant Gao: Demonstrates diligence and persistence by bringing Ye Zexi a large selection of work opportunities. His efforts inadvertently uncover the one offer that can genuinely interest Ye Zexi.

Significant Themes

• Growing emotional attachment: Ye Zexi’s sadness at leaving He Jinyun and his fixation on the food He Jinyun prepares suggest that their relationship is becoming increasingly important to him.
• Food as an expression of affection: He Jinyun’s homemade dishes function as a quiet, practical form of care, while Ye Zexi’s longing for them reflects his longing for He Jinyun himself.
• Separation and anticipation: Their upcoming professional schedules create distance, but the possibility of meeting again—especially during the next New Year—gives Ye Zexi hope.
• Career versus personal desire: Ye Zexi initially wants to avoid further work so he can travel and rest, but the chance to work alongside He Jinyun instantly changes his priorities.

Character Interactions

• He Jinyun and Ye Zexi discuss their future schedules, with Ye Zexi subtly seeking reassurance about seeing him again.
• He Jinyun gives Ye Zexi food before leaving, and their farewell is gentle and affectionate, with He Jinyun worrying about Ye Zexi catching cold.
• Assistant Gao’s enthusiastic presentation of career offers contrasts sharply with Ye Zexi’s indifference—until he mentions Food Journal and He Jinyun’s participation, prompting Ye Zexi’s sudden excitement.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gao Shu introduces Ye Zexi to Food Journal, a new five-episode food-and-travel variety show with no script, a relaxed filming schedule, and travel funds provided by the production team.
• Ye Zexi reviews the show’s materials and discovers that He Jinyun will also participate. Since the guests must prepare their own food, Ye Zexi becomes especially interested in eating food cooked by He Jinyun.
• Although Ye Zexi initially hesitates between accepting the show and taking an overseas trip, he realizes that joining Food Journal would allow him to eat dried fish within half a month and still give him a chance to travel domestically.
• He also predicts that the show will become popular, making it a convenient way to fulfill his plan of accepting only one variety program that year.
• Ye Zexi contacts He Jinyun to confirm his participation and openly says that he wants to be in the same group as him. He Jinyun welcomes the opportunity to work together again.
• Ye Zexi agrees to sign the contract, greatly relieving Gao Shu. He signs the following day.
• Ye Jianbin is pleased with Ye Zexi’s decision and believes the show’s distinctive concept and strong production team will make it successful. He advises Gao Shu not to force Ye Zexi to adopt a manufactured persona, but simply let him enjoy the trip.

Character Developments

• Ye Zexi shifts from reluctance toward work to genuine enthusiasm, though his motivation is largely personal: eating dried fish and spending time with He Jinyun. He also demonstrates growing confidence in his own instincts about successful projects.
• He Jinyun responds warmly to Ye Zexi’s desire to work with him again, suggesting increasing familiarity and comfort between them.
• Gao Shu remains anxious about managing Ye Zexi but is delighted when Ye Zexi finally agrees to the project. His relief reflects how difficult it has been to persuade Ye Zexi to accept work.
• Ye Jianbin shows support for his son’s career and recognizes that Ye Zexi’s natural personality is appealing enough that he does not need a carefully constructed public image.

Significant Themes

• Authenticity versus manufactured personas: Ye Jianbin emphasizes that Ye Zexi should not be forced into a fabricated character on the reality show.
• Personal motivation and career choices: Ye Zexi’s decision is driven by food, leisure, and He Jinyun rather than ambition alone, yet it still aligns with a strategically sound career plan.
• Growing companionship: The chapter highlights Ye Zexi and He Jinyun’s increasing desire to work together and their easy, affectionate communication.
• Family support and understanding: Ye Jianbin respects Ye Zexi’s autonomy while quietly supporting his career decisions.

Character Interactions

• Gao Shu enthusiastically persuades Ye Zexi to join Food Journal and explains its relaxed format.
• Ye Zexi messages He Jinyun to confirm the project and directly expresses his wish to be grouped with him. He Jinyun responds positively and looks forward to their reunion.
• Ye Jianbin advises Gao Shu to protect Ye Zexi’s natural personality rather than manipulate his behavior for publicity.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gao Shu agrees with Ye Jianbin’s plan to use a variety show to showcase Ye Zexi’s genuine personality and attract public support.
• Ye Jianbin offers to personally contact the show’s director, reassuring Gao Shu that Ye Zexi’s participation will go smoothly.
• The variety show is scheduled to begin filming in two weeks, with Gao Shu planning to personally pick Ye Zexi up.
• Ye Zexi views the two-week wait as his final period of leisure. Although work depresses him, the promise of eating dried fish makes him feel better.
• A week later, gossip account Happy Gossip Eater returns to Weibo after a long absence and reveals that Ye Zexi has signed onto a new variety show alongside He Jinyun.
• The revelation causes an immediate online frenzy. Fans celebrate Ye Zexi’s return to the public eye, while He Jinyun and Ye Zexi’s combined appearance sparks renewed speculation about their relationship.
• The show, The Food Journal, officially announces its cast: Ye Zexi, He Jinyun, comedian Wei Bei, and actress You Jia.
• The announcement further excites fans, who treat the pairing of Ye Zexi and He Jinyun as another “New Year” celebration for their favorite CP.

Character Developments

• Gao Shu becomes more confident in the variety-show plan after receiving Ye Jianbin’s personal backing.
• Ye Jianbin demonstrates his influence and concern for Ye Zexi’s career by personally intervening with the director.
• Ye Zexi remains carefree and food-motivated, showing little concern over the industry’s pressures as long as he has something enjoyable—especially dried fish—to look forward to.
• He Jinyun does not directly appear in the chapter, but his unusual decision to accept another variety show, especially one involving Ye Zexi, becomes the subject of intense fan speculation.
• Happy Gossip Eater reemerges as a source of major entertainment news, unintentionally triggering widespread discussion.

Significant Themes

• Public image and authenticity: The variety show is intended to reveal Ye Zexi’s true personality rather than rely solely on scripted publicity.
• Celebrity fandom and speculation: Fans interpret every professional decision and social-media interaction as possible evidence of romantic feelings.
• The power of publicity: A single gossip post generates massive attention, while the production team capitalizes on the free exposure to announce the program officially.
• Romantic ambiguity and CP culture: The repeated collaboration between Ye Zexi and He Jinyun strengthens fan theories, even though no relationship is confirmed.
• Work versus personal enjoyment: Ye Zexi’s reluctance toward work contrasts humorously with his excitement over food and leisure.

Character Interactions

• Ye Jianbin and Gao Shu discuss how to manage Ye Zexi’s variety-show appearance, with Ye Jianbin offering direct support.
• Ye Zexi’s future interaction with He Jinyun becomes the central focus of online discussion, despite neither character directly interacting in the chapter.
• Fans debate the supposed HeXi pairing, while XiTang supporters worry about Ye Zexi’s other pairing losing relevance.
• He Jinyun’s solo fans become increasingly anxious because his repeated projects and online interactions with Ye Zexi seem unlike his usual behavior.

Chapter 52 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Food Journal is officially announced as a large-scale travel and lifestyle variety show produced by Starlight Media. The program will explore different regions of China through local food, culture, and history.
• Fans immediately become excited, especially because Ye Zexi and He Jinyun are participating together. HeXi CP fans flood the announcement with enthusiasm.
• The show’s first destination is revealed to be Sanya. Ye Zexi is delighted by the prospect of eating seafood, particularly fish and shrimp, and admits internally that the tempting food was a major reason he accepted the program.
• The announcement remains trending for two days, generating significant public interest before filming even begins.
• Tang Jing questions why Ye Zexi accepted a relatively unfamiliar variety show after previously saying he wanted to travel. Although he suspects Ye Zexi may have accepted it because of He Jinyun, he does not say so directly.
• Tang Jing decides to pursue a position as a flying guest on the show. He rationalizes the decision as a career opportunity and a way to maintain the existing CP-related publicity surrounding him and Ye Zexi.
• His manager is initially suspicious of his motives but ultimately agrees to contact Director Zhang about the possibility.
• A week later, Gao Shu helps Ye Zexi prepare for the trip to Sanya and gives him the filming schedule. The crew will begin recording him at home one day before official filming starts.
• Gao Shu raises concerns about viewers discovering Ye Zexi’s residence through the home-filming footage. Ye Zexi decides it is acceptable because the security at Lakeside Villa is strong.

Character Developments

• Ye Zexi: Shows genuine excitement about the show, especially its food-centered concept. Though he tells Tang Jing that he accepted the program for exposure, his true motivation is largely the opportunity to enjoy delicious food. He also appears increasingly comfortable with public attention and confident about his living situation.
• Tang Jing: His lingering feelings or concern regarding Ye Zexi become more apparent. He carefully hides his jealousy or curiosity about Ye Zexi and He Jinyun, instead presenting his desire to join the show as a logical career move. His eagerness and relief after contacting his manager suggest that Ye Zexi is a significant motivation.
• Gao Shu: Acts as a thoughtful and protective manager, handling travel arrangements, schedules, packing, and privacy concerns. He remains attentive to potential risks involving Ye Zexi’s personal information.
• He Jinyun: Does not appear directly, but his participation drives much of the fan excitement and Tang Jing’s concern. He will depart from a hotel rather than his home.

Significant Themes

• Public image versus private motives: Ye Zexi publicly claims he accepted the show for exposure, while his actual motivation is his love of food. Tang Jing likewise disguises his personal interest in Ye Zexi as professional reasoning.
• Celebrity shipping and fan culture: The strong reaction from HeXi CP fans demonstrates how online fan communities shape publicity and influence the perceived relationships between celebrities.
• Career opportunities and calculated choices: The characters frame their decisions in terms of exposure, future popularity, and professional benefit, even when personal feelings are also involved.
• Privacy and celebrity security: The discussion about filming Ye Zexi’s home highlights the risks of public exposure and the need to protect celebrities’ personal information.

Character Interactions

• Ye Zexi and Tang Jing: Tang Jing asks why Ye Zexi accepted the show, and Ye Zexi gives him a practical explanation. Their exchange reveals Tang Jing’s unspoken suspicions and concern.
• Tang Jing and his manager: Tang Jing persuades his manager that joining Food Journal would be professionally worthwhile. His manager questions whether he is acting because of Ye Zexi but eventually agrees to help.
• Ye Zexi and Gao Shu: Gao Shu assists with packing and discusses the filming arrangements and security risks. Ye Zexi listens but ultimately decides that filming at home is safe.
• Ye Zexi and He Jinyun: They do not interact directly in the chapter, but their pairing dominates fan discussion and indirectly influences Tang Jing’s actions.

Chapter 106 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The production crew arrives at Ye Zexi’s home with Gao Shu to begin filming for the variety show.
• Ye Zexi warmly welcomes everyone inside and offers them breakfast, surprising the staff with his lack of celebrity airs.
• After breakfast, the group travels to Sanya. During the journey, Ye Zexi gives a brief interview.
• The guests stay at Atlantis, a luxurious seven-star hotel. Ye Zexi enjoys the sea view and sends He Jinyun a photo.
• He Jinyun explains that a work assignment will delay his arrival until after midnight. Ye Zexi tells him to hurry and says he will wait for him.
• He Jinyun is visibly affected by Ye Zexi’s message and appears unusually happy. His assistant, Yu Ye, notices the change.
• The next morning, Wei Bei, You Jia, and Ye Zexi gather for the show’s activities. He Jinyun is late, making Ye Zexi increasingly anxious.
• When He Jinyun finally arrives, Ye Zexi immediately gets up and excitedly greets him.

Character Developments

• Ye Zexi: Demonstrates his considerate, approachable nature by welcoming the crew and sharing breakfast with them. He also reveals how much he is looking forward to He Jinyun’s arrival, becoming distracted and anxious when He is late.
• He Jinyun: Despite his usual reserved and exhausted demeanor, he is visibly touched by Ye Zexi’s message and smiles without realizing it. He willingly follows Yu Ye’s advice to rest, partly because he needs energy for spending time with Ye Zexi.
• Gao Shu: Continues managing Ye Zexi’s schedule and helping him prepare for the program.
• Yu Ye: Observes He Jinyun’s unusual happiness and gently supports him by arranging a place for him to rest before his flight.
• Wei Bei: Shows himself to be socially perceptive and skilled at easing tension, noticing Ye Zexi’s distracted mood.
• You Jia: Establishes a friendly relationship with the other guests during their initial meeting.

Significant Themes

• Warmth and sincerity: Ye Zexi’s natural hospitality contrasts with the arrogant behavior often associated with celebrities.
• Growing emotional attachment: Both Ye Zexi and He Jinyun show signs of caring deeply about each other, even through brief messages and small actions.
• Public and private selves: The cameras capture Ye Zexi’s genuine behavior, while He Jinyun’s private reaction to Ye Zexi’s message reveals emotions he rarely displays publicly.
• Anticipation and reunion: Ye Zexi’s growing impatience and excitement emphasize the importance of He Jinyun’s presence to him.

Character Interactions

• Ye Zexi warmly hosts the production crew and coordinates with Gao Shu.
• Ye Zexi and He Jinyun exchange affectionate messages, with Ye telling He that he will wait for him.
• Yu Ye notices He Jinyun’s changed mood and discusses his schedule with him.
• Ye Zexi briefly bonds with Wei Bei and You Jia before becoming preoccupied with He Jinyun’s absence.
• Upon He Jinyun’s arrival, Ye Zexi openly expresses his excitement, greeting him with unusual eagerness.

Chapter 53 Summary

Key plot points and events

He Jinyun arrives at the hotel, immediately lifting Ye Zexi’s spirits. The production team announces that the first day of Food Journal will be a relaxed sightseeing day with no formal tasks. The four guests must divide into two groups before breakfast, then visit Atlantis Water World and Dolphin Bay. Wei Bei remains suspicious that the producers are hiding a challenge, but the director repeatedly assures him that the real tasks will begin the following day. The groups are ultimately divided into Ye Zexi and He Jinyun, and Wei Bei and You Jia. After breakfast, the guests head toward Atlantis Water World, but Ye Zexi stops He Jinyun to suggest taking a photo in the hotel lobby first.

Character developments

Ye Zexi’s earlier melancholy disappears completely when He Jinyun arrives, revealing how strongly he depends on and enjoys He Jinyun’s presence. He Jinyun begins to notice Ye Zexi’s attachment, though he interprets it humorously as Ye Zexi simply being fond of the dried fish he prepares. He also becomes more relaxed as the friendly breakfast conversation progresses, discovering that variety-show filming feels easier than making films. Wei Bei is established as distrustful of production crews because of past tricks, while You Jia acts as the calmer, reassuring presence who helps him settle down.

Significant themes

The chapter emphasizes companionship, growing familiarity, and the contrast between public assumptions and private feelings. Wei Bei and You Jia openly observe Ye Zexi’s fondness for He Jinyun, while He Jinyun remains only partially aware of its emotional significance. The relaxed travel-show setting also creates space for relationships to develop naturally, without the pressure of competition or scripted challenges.

Character interactions

He Jinyun warmly greets Ye Zexi and pats him on the back, prompting Wei Bei and You Jia to comment on Ye Zexi’s obvious affection. He Jinyun and Ye Zexi share a brief but meaningful exchange of gazes, with He Jinyun becoming subtly amused by Ye Zexi’s reactions. Wei Bei repeatedly questions the director about hidden traps, entertaining the group, while You Jia reassures him and encourages everyone to eat. During breakfast, Wei Bei’s talkative personality helps the four guests become more comfortable with one another. Finally, Ye Zexi privately asks He Jinyun to take a picture with him in the lobby before the group leaves.

Chapter 54 Summary

Key plot points and events

• Ye Zexi discovers a hidden mission printed beneath a milk carton: the guests must take tourist photos of all four participants.
• He signals the discovery to He Jinyun, who is surprised that the variety show contains secret missions despite the director’s claim that there are none.
• Once the mission is triggered, the production team gives each guest a phone. Ye Zexi and He Jinyun’s phones contain the full mission list, while Wei Bei and You Jia’s phones do not.
• At the hotel lobby, Ye Zexi cleverly suggests taking group photos, disguising the mission as a casual travel activity. He photographs You Jia, Wei Bei, He Jinyun, and himself, successfully completing the first mission without alerting the other team.
• After splitting into separate cars, Ye Zexi explains his reasoning: the production team must hide missions in places the guests can discover, and the guests should find and complete them before their rivals.
• Ye Zexi and He Jinyun agree to locate hidden mission clues first and destroy them afterward so Wei Bei and You Jia cannot complete the tasks.
• Motivated by the grand prize—a Poseidon Undersea Suite costing 100,000 per night—Ye Zexi enthusiastically begins strategizing, with He Jinyun agreeing to support him.

Character developments

• Ye Zexi demonstrates sharp observation, extensive variety-show experience, and considerable tactical intelligence. His playful, greedy enthusiasm for the luxury prize becomes especially apparent.
• He Jinyun, initially unfamiliar with variety-show tricks, quickly understands Ye Zexi’s strategy. He becomes increasingly amused and indulgent toward Ye, privately comparing him to a needy kitten and deciding to spoil him.
• Their cooperation becomes smoother and more natural, strengthening their teamwork.

Significant themes

• Strategy and competition: Success depends not only on completing missions but also on identifying clues before the opposing team.
• Performance and deception: Ye Zexi disguises mission completion as ordinary photography, showing how entertainment requires both acting and cunning.
• Trust and partnership: He Jinyun accepts Ye Zexi’s plan without hesitation, allowing them to work efficiently as a team.
• Affection and indulgence: He Jinyun’s growing fondness for Ye is reflected in his willingness to humor and support Ye’s ambitions.

Character interactions

• Ye Zexi silently communicates with He Jinyun when he spots the clue, and He follows his lead.
• Ye naturally involves You Jia and Wei Bei in the photo-taking, preventing them from realizing the activity is a mission.
• In the car, Ye explains the production team’s methods, while He asks questions and quickly grasps the larger strategy.
• Their shared goal and He’s supportive response deepen their rapport and establish them as an effective partnership.

Chapter Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Ye Zexi and He Jinyun spend the morning completing hidden tasks while deliberately distracting Wei Bei and You Jia.
• Their teamwork is exceptionally smooth; they communicate through brief glances and signals, demonstrating how well they understand one another.
• Wei Bei and You Jia repeatedly overlook the production team’s extremely obvious task clues, fully trusting the director’s claim that there are no tasks.
• On the way to Dolphin Bay, Ye Zexi predicts that Wei Bei will not discover the hidden tasks without staff intervention. His prediction comes true when the staff finally inform the pair in the afternoon.
• Wei Bei and You Jia are shocked and frustrated upon learning that they have missed the entire morning’s tasks. Wei Bei angrily blames the director and threatens to refuse the tasks altogether.
• The director warns that the day’s tasks are connected to the following day’s activities, forcing them to reconsider.
• Ye Zexi laughs at Wei Bei’s misfortune, prompting Wei Bei to chase him playfully. Ye Zexi hides behind He Jinyun and asks him for protection.
• He Jinyun shields Ye Zexi and gently stops Wei Bei. He explains that they did not warn Wei Bei and You Jia partly because there are only two special suites and Ye Zexi wanted to stay in one.
• Director Zhang continues teasing Wei Bei and You Jia, who realize they were misled by their trust in him.
• Since completing the tasks is now their only option, the pair agrees to participate. The production team offers compensation: completing at least three tasks before six o’clock will earn them a seafood feast.

Character Developments

• Ye Zexi: Shows cleverness, confidence, and playful mischief. He successfully predicts Wei Bei’s behavior and enjoys the advantage of knowing the hidden rules. His instinctive decision to seek refuge behind He Jinyun also reveals growing comfort and reliance on him.
• He Jinyun: Demonstrates calm efficiency and strong coordination with Ye Zexi. His instinctive protective gesture when Ye Zexi hides behind him hints at affection and deepening intimacy.
• Wei Bei: Becomes the victim of the production team’s prank. His frustration and dramatic complaints create much of the chapter’s humor, though he ultimately accepts the situation and completes the tasks.
• You Jia: Shares Wei Bei’s shock and embarrassment. She realizes that she unknowingly helped Director Zhang mislead them, but eventually regains motivation after hearing about the seafood reward.
• Director Zhang and the production team: Reveal a mischievous, deliberately deceptive approach to the supposedly relaxed travel show, turning it into an adventure-style challenge.

Significant Themes

• Trust and deception: Wei Bei and You Jia’s faith in the director causes them to miss obvious clues, while the production team exploits their assumptions.
• Teamwork and mutual understanding: Ye Zexi and He Jinyun’s silent communication allows them to complete tasks efficiently.
• Playful competition: The guests’ rivalry remains lighthearted, with the hidden tasks and teasing creating comedic tension.
• Growing intimacy: Ye Zexi’s instinctive dependence on He Jinyun and He Jinyun’s protective response suggest their relationship is becoming closer.
• Adaptability: Despite their anger and disadvantage, Wei Bei and You Jia adjust to the situation and pursue the remaining tasks.

Character Interactions

• Ye Zexi and He Jinyun communicate almost wordlessly and work together as an effective pair.
• Ye Zexi and He Jinyun share amused reactions as Wei Bei and You Jia fail to notice the clues.
• Wei Bei confronts the pair for withholding information, while He Jinyun calmly defends their decision.
• Ye Zexi playfully escapes Wei Bei’s anger and hides behind He Jinyun, who protects him.
• Director Zhang repeatedly provokes Wei Bei and You Jia, while they accuse him and the production team of unfairly setting them up.

Chapter 55 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Zexi and He Jinyun complete the final task of the competition and win the two Poseidon Undersea Suites without much suspense.
• Upon entering the underwater hotel, Ye Zexi is deeply moved by the ocean views. The glass corridors, clear blue water, coral reefs, and schools of fish fulfill a long-standing dream of his.
• Ye Zexi reflects on his past life: after paying off his parents’ debts, he had hoped to buy a home, slow down, work selectively, and travel. He died before realizing those plans.
• He Jinyun notices how genuinely happy and awed Ye Zexi is, recognizing an expression of joy and longing he has never seen from him before.
• He Jinyun suggests eating dried little fish while watching the underwater scenery. When Ye Zexi points out that they have none and cannot cook in the suite, He Jinyun promises to find a solution.
• He Jinyun arranges for fresh ingredients—including fruit, vegetables, seafood, and fish—to be delivered. He and Ye Zexi then visit Wei Bei’s room to cook.
• Wei Bei reluctantly joins them, partly because he misses He Jinyun’s cooking. The production team and You Jia also come to watch, turning the meal into an impromptu filmed event.
• You Jia initially plans to stay only briefly but is drawn in by the smell of the food. Ye Zexi notices her reaction and looks toward He Jinyun, who immediately understands what he is implying.

Character Development

• Ye Zexi: His emotional distance briefly gives way to open wonder and happiness. The underwater suite fulfills his former dream of traveling to a beautiful ocean destination, revealing a more vulnerable and hopeful side of him. He also becomes increasingly comfortable relying on He Jinyun and communicating with him through subtle looks.
• He Jinyun: He becomes more attentive and emotionally invested in Ye Zexi. Rather than merely observing Ye Zexi’s happiness, he actively works to preserve it by arranging a meal and recreating Ye Zexi’s favorite dried-fish experience.
• Wei Bei: Though annoyed by the interruption, he gives in to He Jinyun’s request and participates, showing their long-standing friendship and his fondness for He Jinyun’s cooking.
• You Jia: Her curiosity and appetite draw her into the group, adding a lighthearted, communal atmosphere.

Significant Themes

• Fulfilling long-delayed dreams: The underwater suite represents Ye Zexi finally experiencing the kind of travel and beauty he once wished for.
• Home and belonging: Ye Zexi’s memories reveal his desire not only for financial security but also for a home and a place where he can rest.
• Quiet care and emotional intimacy: He Jinyun understands Ye Zexi’s wishes from small remarks and expressions, responding through practical acts of kindness.
• Shared happiness: A private moment between Ye Zexi and He Jinyun gradually expands into a gathering with friends and the production team.

Character Interactions

• He Jinyun gently brings Ye Zexi back from his fascination with the underwater view and checks whether he is hungry.
• Their conversation about dried little fish demonstrates their growing familiarity and playful understanding.
• He Jinyun recruits Wei Bei to help cook, while Wei Bei balances irritation with affection for his friend.
• You Jia and the production crew become interested in the meal, creating a warm, informal group scene.
• Ye Zexi and He Jinyun communicate subtly through eye contact, with He Jinyun immediately understanding Ye Zexi’s unspoken request.

Chapter Summary

Plot points and events

He Jinyun invites Ye Zexi, You Jia, and Wei Bei to share dinner in the undersea suite. After preparing the meal, they bring the dishes to Ye Zexi’s room, where the production team adds a lavish seafood feast. Ye Zexi posts a humorous photo online of the group eating seafood while surrounded by fish, prompting enthusiastic and teasing fan reactions—especially renewed speculation about his relationship with He Jinyun. After dinner, the four guests clean up together and retire for the night. Ye Zexi reflects positively on joining Food Journal.
The next day, the production team reveals the next challenge: the guests must prepare lunch for a tour group arriving at the Atlantis Hotel. Each team will cook a dish, and the tourists’ votes will determine the winner, who will receive a clue for the fourth day’s task. The guests initially assume they only need to learn cooking, but the director reveals that they must also gather their own ingredients. They are then taken to a ferry dock and shown a yacht and maps, discovering that ingredient-gathering will involve an island expedition. Since Ye Zexi and He Jinyun completed the previous task first, they are allowed to reach the island ahead of Wei Bei and You Jia.

Character developments

Ye Zexi becomes increasingly comfortable and happy around the other guests, especially He Jinyun. His enjoyment of the dinner and his private reflection show that he feels joining the program was the right decision. He also displays a playful side through his social media post. He Jinyun continues to act considerate and attentive, preparing dinner and reminding Ye Zexi to rest. Wei Bei remains humorous and openly complains about the escalating difficulty of the show, while You Jia is enthusiastic and eager to document their luxurious surroundings. Both Wei Bei and You Jia recognize that Ye Zexi and He Jinyun are likely the strongest cooks.

Significant themes

The chapter emphasizes friendship, growing camaraderie, and the creation of a comfortable group dynamic. It also highlights the contrast between the show’s supposedly relaxed format and its increasingly demanding challenges. Social media and fan culture serve as another layer of entertainment, particularly through fans’ excited reactions to Ye Zexi and He Jinyun’s interactions. Teamwork, adaptability, and competition become increasingly important as the guests prepare for the island challenge.

Character interactions

He Jinyun’s invitation brings the four guests together for a relaxed communal meal, strengthening their bond. Ye Zexi and He Jinyun share several gentle, familiar moments, including He Jinyun calling him to eat and wishing him goodnight. You Jia and Wei Bei banter about their cooking abilities and jokingly assume the more experienced pair will win. The guests collectively react to the production team’s unexpected island mission, with Wei Bei providing comic complaints while Ye Zexi and He Jinyun quickly recognize that the task is more complicated than it first appears.

Chapter 56 Summary

Plot and Key Events

• After boarding the yacht, Ye Zexi and He Jinyun study the island map and realize they must collect a wide variety of ingredients before the next day’s dishes are announced.
• At the first checkpoint, labeled “seafood,” they discover the production crew will not simply provide ingredients; instead, they receive fishing equipment and must catch the seafood themselves.
• Wei Bei and You Jia arrive, and the guests learn that later checkpoints may also provide tools rather than ingredients. With more than fifty checkpoints and limited time, completing them individually seems impossible.
• Ye Zexi realizes that many tasks involve similar mini-games and questions, so the two teams decide to cooperate rather than compete.
• The four guests divide the checkpoints among themselves and efficiently complete thirty-five tasks by noon, gathering fishing gear, seafood, vegetables, seasonings, and other supplies.
• By 2 p.m., they have cleared all fifty checkpoints and return to the hotel with a yacht full of provisions, frustrating the production crew’s carefully designed challenge.
• The guests store the ingredients and seafood at the hotel. Ye Zexi jokes with He Jinyun in the kitchen, where He teasingly confirms that Ye’s thoughts do seem centered on eating fish.
• Since the guests finish far earlier than expected, the production crew hurriedly devises an evening task to prevent the next day’s filming from ending too quickly.

Character Development

• Ye Zexi demonstrates quick thinking by identifying the production crew’s strategy and suggesting that the guests cooperate. His playful, food-loving personality is also highlighted.
• He Jinyun proves highly perceptive and easily understands Ye Zexi’s reasoning. He supports the cooperative plan and engages in increasingly relaxed, teasing exchanges with Ye.
• Wei Bei and You Jia readily join forces with Ye and He once they understand the crew’s trap, contributing to the group’s successful strategy.
• The production crew is portrayed as overconfident and scheming, but their challenge backfires when the guests work together.

Significant Themes

• Cooperation over competition: The guests overcome the production crew’s obstacles by abandoning the intended team rivalry and working collectively.
• Ingenuity and adaptability: Rather than following the rules in the way the crew expects, Ye Zexi and He Jinyun reinterpret the challenge and find a more efficient solution.
• Playful intimacy: The banter between Ye and He reflects growing comfort and mutual understanding.
• Outsmarting authority: The guests turn the production crew’s carefully prepared “traps” against them.

Character Interactions

• Ye and He share a close moment while studying the map, with Ye admiring He’s appearance before being caught looking.
• They communicate effortlessly, with He immediately grasping Ye’s concerns about gathering ingredients.
• Ye, He, Wei Bei, and You Jia unite after realizing the checkpoints can be split among them.
• In the kitchen, He teases Ye about always thinking about food, and Ye responds with mock indignation, creating a warm and humorous exchange.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei Bei’s brief showboating earns the group another task from the production team, prompting You Jia to glare at him and blame him for their situation.
• The new task takes place indoors, in the kitchen: the guests must win games to obtain ingredients for dinner.
• Their first challenge involves reading song lyrics and guessing the titles. Although Wei Bei, You Jia, and Ye Zexi perform well, He Jinyun repeatedly gets stuck, preventing the team from winning.
• Ye Zexi suggests changing the rules, but the director refuses. Instead, he asks He Jinyun which singers he knows best. Since He Jinyun has listened to all of Ye Zexi’s songs from Era Idol, the production team adjusts the song selection.
• The group then wins several rounds and gathers plenty of ingredients. Their final potential prize is a selection of sea fish, especially appealing to Ye Zexi.
• The group jokes about Ye Zexi’s love of fish, recalling He Jinyun’s earlier comment that Ye seems to think about little besides eating fish. He Jinyun promises to try his best to win Ye’s preferred dried minnows.
• Despite his efforts, He Jinyun fails to guess the final song, “Red Rose,” in time. The group loses the fish, leaving Ye visibly disappointed.
• Though Wei Bei and You Jia reassure everyone that they have enough food—including an expensive king crab—He Jinyun notices Ye’s subdued mood and asks whether he truly feels all right without the fish. Ye is caught off guard and prepares to answer honestly.

Character Developments

• Wei Bei remains playful and outspoken, but his tendency to show off once again creates trouble for the group. He also becomes visibly anxious while helping He Jinyun guess the final song.
• You Jia continues acting as the practical, teasing member of the group. She blames Wei Bei humorously and helps ease the disappointment after their loss.
• He Jinyun reveals an unexpected weakness with contemporary popular songs. However, he is willing to adapt, remembers Ye Zexi’s music, and makes a sincere effort to win the fish for him. His concern over Ye’s disappointment suggests growing emotional attentiveness.
• Ye Zexi demonstrates consideration by defending He Jinyun and proposing a solution suited to his strengths. His strong attachment to fish becomes a source of playful teasing, while his genuine disappointment reveals a more childlike and candid side.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork and accommodation: The group succeeds only after adapting the challenge to He Jinyun’s musical familiarity.
• Playful camaraderie: Teasing and banter help the guests cope with the production team’s difficult tasks.
• Growing concern and affection: He Jinyun’s attention to Ye’s mood, and his desire to obtain the fish specifically for him, hint at an increasingly meaningful bond.
• Honesty and emotional openness: Ye chooses not to pretend that he is unaffected by losing the fish, suggesting greater trust between him and He Jinyun.

Character Interactions

• Wei Bei and You Jia joke about the consequences of his showboating.
• Ye Zexi supports He Jinyun when he struggles, then works with him to negotiate more suitable songs.
• The group repeatedly teases Ye about his love of fish, while He Jinyun responds with amused patience.
• He Jinyun promises to win Ye’s dried minnows, but after failing, becomes concerned by Ye’s disappointment and directly asks how he feels.

Chapter 57 Summary

Plot and events

Ye Zexi eagerly agrees to accompany He Jinyun to make more fried dried fish. He Jinyun unexpectedly takes him away from the hotel, ignoring the production crew’s requests to wait. They drive to the pier, where He reveals that he has prepared fishing rods and bait so they can catch fish themselves. The two board a yacht, put on life jackets, and immediately set sail before the cameramen can catch up.
The production crew is left stranded and anxious, unsure where the yacht has gone. They eventually contact the yacht owner, who confirms that He Jinyun and Ye Zexi are fishing and even sends a photo of them. The staff wait on another vessel until the pair finally return shortly before the pier closes. Gao Shu, having been informed that they had gone to sea without staff, is especially relieved after worrying for over an hour.

Character developments

He Jinyun shows a playful, decisive, and increasingly protective side. He deliberately creates private time with Ye Zexi, takes responsibility for the outing, and reminds him to sit safely once the yacht begins moving. His private thought that the trip was “worth it” suggests that spending time with Ye Zexi matters deeply to him.
Ye Zexi is relaxed and openly enthusiastic around He Jinyun. He readily accepts He’s invitations, holds his hand without hesitation, and is delighted by the fishing plan. His bright reactions and easy trust reinforce how comfortable he has become with He.

Themes

The chapter emphasizes growing intimacy and mutual comfort, particularly through hand-holding, shared plans, and the pair’s willingness to escape the constraints of filming. It also uses humor to contrast their carefree romantic atmosphere with the production crew’s mounting panic. The sea outing symbolizes freedom and private companionship, while the others’ reactions highlight how noticeable their closeness has become.

Character interactions

You Jia notices that He and Ye leave while holding hands and begins questioning the significance of their closeness, whereas Wei Bei innocently insists that men can hold hands too. He and Ye share playful exchanges throughout the trip, with He teasingly refusing to reveal their destination and Ye joking about abandoning the director. Their affectionate gestures—especially repeatedly taking each other’s hands—are observed by the cameramen and implicitly suggest a developing romantic relationship.

Chapter Summary

Plot and events

After Ye Zexi and He Jinyun return safely from fishing, Gao Shu and Yu Ye are relieved, having been worried when the two disappeared on their own. Director Zhang warns Ye Zexi and He Jinyun that they must bring a cameraman whenever they go off together for future activities. The pair return to the hotel with a bucket of fish and shrimp, joining Wei Bei and You Jia in preparing the group’s meal. The remaining challenge is handling a king crab, which they clean after following the hotel staff’s advice.
During the third day of filming, the production team announces two very different assigned dishes: Hainan chicken and Baoluo rice noodles. The cast realizes that cooperating is essential, since neither dish could easily be completed using only the ingredients or skills from one group. Cooking begins, with He Jinyun and Wei Bei taking primary responsibility while Ye Zexi and You Jia handle simpler preparation tasks.

Character development

He Jinyun continues to show practical competence and attentiveness toward Ye Zexi. He takes him fishing, carries the fish back, offers to fry food for him when he is hungry, and instinctively understands Ye Zexi’s needs. Ye Zexi, who has almost no cooking experience, becomes increasingly comfortable relying on He Jinyun and naturally stays close to him. Gao Shu remains protective and exasperated by Ye Zexi’s impulsiveness, while Director Zhang grows frustrated by the pair’s apparent disregard for production concerns. Wei Bei and You Jia contribute as cooperative teammates, though You Jia becomes more aware of the unusual closeness between the two leads.

Significant themes

The chapter emphasizes cooperation, mutual care, and the contrast between the show’s staged competition and the cast’s growing teamwork. It also develops the theme of romantic suspicion: He Jinyun’s special treatment of Ye Zexi is noticeable enough for You Jia to comment on it, though he quickly disguises any emotional reaction by offering a practical explanation. The production team’s concern about filming them alone also highlights how their private interactions may be attracting attention.

Character interactions

Director Zhang reprimands the pair indirectly by requesting that they take a cameraman with them, but He Jinyun responds casually and immediately leaves with Ye Zexi. On returning, Wei Bei is impressed by their successful fishing trip and takes charge of preparing the catch. You Jia tells He Jinyun that he is unusually good to Ye Zexi, briefly causing him to reveal a startled emotional reaction before he explains their behavior as ordinary friendship and regret over losing the previous fishing competition. Ye Zexi then joins them, offers to help, and eagerly follows He Jinyun when he promises to cook him fish. Later, the entire group divides the cooking responsibilities according to their abilities.

Chapter 58 Summary

• Completion of the first episode: The cooking tasks are completed easily, largely because He Jinyun is an excellent cook. Ye Zexi and He Jinyun win the competition without suspense, earning a private car for the remainder of the trip, while You Jia and Wei Bei must arrange their own transportation.
• Sightseeing and bonding: During the following days, the four guests explore the island by visiting a tropical rainforest, diving, and fishing. On the final day, Ye Zexi learns to surf with He Jinyun’s assistance, though he swallows plenty of seawater in the process. The group ends the trip with a lavish dinner provided by the production team.
• Farewells: After filming ends, Wei Bei and You Jia leave first for other engagements. They exchange WeChat contacts with Ye Zexi and agree to meet for a meal in the future. Ye Zexi then prepares to fly home and goes to say goodbye to He Jinyun.
• The film trailer reveal: Before Ye Zexi leaves, He Jinyun shows him the completed trailer for their film, The Famous General. He explains that the trailer will be released that evening and asks Ye Zexi to help promote it. Ye Zexi is surprised but agrees.
• Online promotion: At nine that night, the film’s official Weibo account releases the trailer. Ye Zexi, He Jinyun, and the other lead actors repost it using lines that initially make fans think they are promoting their romantic pairing. Once fans watch the trailer, they realize the posts are promoting the movie.
• Trailer content and audience reaction: The trailer opens with grand battlefield imagery and operatic singing, establishing the film as a large-scale war drama. Viewers praise Shan Zeyu’s singing, the impressive battle scenes, and He Jinyun’s fulfillment of his promise to invite him for the theme song. The trailer then introduces Ye Zexi as Azi, dressed in striking historical costume, and shows the growing affection between him and the young general Shan Chenzhou, played by He Jinyun. Fans enthusiastically begin shipping their characters and the two actors.
• Shift toward tragedy: The trailer’s tone suddenly darkens. Ning City falls, Great Jin is destroyed, and the screen fills with corpses and ruins. Azi’s anguished cry for “A-Yan”—apparently referring to Tang Jing—suggests that the story will involve devastating loss and possibly a tragic ending. The chapter ends as viewers anxiously await the rest of the trailer.

Character Development and Interactions

• Ye Zexi and He Jinyun: Their time together deepens their comfortable, cooperative dynamic. He Jinyun helps Ye Zexi learn to surf and personally introduces him to the film trailer, showing trust and consideration. Their on-screen chemistry also becomes a major focus of public attention.
• Ye Zexi, You Jia, and Wei Bei: The three maintain a friendly relationship after filming, exchanging contact information and making plans to meet again.
• Public perception: Fans grow increasingly invested in the apparent chemistry between Ye Zexi and He Jinyun, both in the variety show and in The Famous General, though the trailer hints that their characters’ story may end painfully.

Significant Themes

• Companionship and parting: The carefree island trip creates bonds among the guests, making the conclusion of filming and their farewells bittersweet.
• Performance versus reality: Fans blur the line between the actors’ real-life interactions and their fictional relationship, enthusiastically treating both as romantic.
• Beauty contrasted with tragedy: The trailer moves from elegant costumes, romance, and sweeping battle imagery to destruction and grief, foreshadowing the film’s tragic emotional stakes.

Chapter Summary

Plot and events

The trailer for The Famous General ends with Shan Chenzhou, now a celebrated general after years of war, standing on the peaceful capital’s walls. Hearing an opera aria associated with the past, he turns and silently cries, leaving viewers uncertain about the fate of Azi and the film’s ending. Fans immediately debate whether Azi died during the fall of Ning City alongside A-Yan or survived the chaos. They also analyze the trailer for hidden clues, including an opening scene showing Shan Chenzhou’s parents sending him to war. The trailer’s popularity drives both #The Famous General Trailer# and #The Famous General Easter Eggs# onto the trending lists.
He Jinyun is pleased but cautious about the film’s prospects. He confirms that the movie will be released on July 1st, and Chen Zhengtian offers to help with promotion if needed.

Character developments

Shan Chenzhou’s transformation from a famous young soldier into a revered, weathered general is emphasized. Despite achieving peace and glory, his tears suggest unresolved grief and lasting emotional pain. He Jinyun remains measured and humble about the film’s success, refusing to celebrate before its release. At the same time, his concern for Ye Zexi becomes increasingly obvious: he defends Ye’s need to rest and speaks of him with unusual gentleness. Chen Zhengtian, frustrated that Ye agreed to a variety show but refused his film role, becomes comically exasperated and accuses He Jinyun of always taking Ye’s side.

Themes

The chapter highlights the contrast between public victory and private sorrow, suggesting that peace cannot erase the losses caused by war. It also emphasizes the power of careful storytelling: viewers focus less on the film’s impressive visuals than on its emotional mysteries and narrative clues. Other themes include sacrifice, memory, the lasting effects of violence, and the tension between artistic ambition and commercial expectations.

Character interactions

He Jinyun and Chen Zhengtian discuss the trailer’s success and the confirmed release date. Their conversation shifts to Ye Zexi, with Chen complaining about his refusal to act in another film. He Jinyun responds protectively, explaining that Ye is tired and deserves a break. Chen teases him for being overly partial to Ye, while He Jinyun denies it, though his fondness is evident.

Chapter 59 Summary

Key plot points and events

• Chen Zhengtian insists that Ye Zexi must play a role in his film, threatening to abandon the project if no suitable replacement can be found. He ends the call before He Jinyun can argue.
• He Jinyun reflects that he behaved similarly when casting Ye Zexi as Azi, realizing that Ye Zexi had genuinely been the best choice.
• He Jinyun contacts Ye Zexi to invite him over to watch the first cut of The Famous General. Their conversation subtly turns into an invitation for dinner.
• Ye Zexi eagerly decides to cook for He Jinyun and orders groceries, including fish, despite the risk that his intentions will become obvious.
• When He Jinyun arrives, he coincidentally picks up Ye Zexi’s fish delivery at the entrance. He immediately realizes that Ye Zexi had gone out of his way to prepare dinner for him.
• Embarrassed, Ye Zexi invents an explanation that the fish was delivered separately from the vegetables. He Jinyun playfully accepts the excuse and goes to cook at Ye Zexi’s home.

Character developments

• He Jinyun recognizes his own attachment to Ye Zexi and becomes increasingly comfortable teasing him while quietly indulging his efforts.
• Ye Zexi grows bolder in expressing his care for He Jinyun, though he remains shy and easily flustered when his intentions are exposed.
• Chen Zhengtian’s insistence on Ye Zexi reinforces Ye Zexi’s growing professional value and reputation.

Significant themes

• Mutual affection and indirect courtship: Both men communicate their feelings through food, invitations, and small acts of consideration rather than direct confession.
• Professional recognition: The chapter highlights Ye Zexi’s suitability for roles and the confidence others have in his abilities.
• Embarrassment and playful intimacy: He Jinyun sees through Ye Zexi’s excuses but chooses to humor him, creating a warm, flirtatious dynamic.

Character interactions

• Chen Zhengtian and He Jinyun argue over casting, mirroring He Jinyun’s own earlier determination to cast Ye Zexi.
• He Jinyun and Ye Zexi exchange increasingly suggestive messages about dinner.
• At the door, He Jinyun catches Ye Zexi’s fish-related scheme, while Ye Zexi awkwardly tries to explain himself. He Jinyun responds with restrained amusement and enters to cook, deepening their domestic closeness.

Chapter Summary

Key plot points and events

Ye Zexi leads He Jinyun into the kitchen, where He discovers that the vegetables have already been washed, chopped, and portioned. Ye’s explanation is somewhat suspicious, since he prepared them himself, but He kindly accepts it without pressing him. He cooks the fish and other dishes while Ye stays to help. After dinner, He retrieves a projector, and they watch the first cut of their film together. The emotionally devastating ending leaves Ye in tears. He then tells Ye that the film will be released on July 1, with promotional activities beginning in May, meaning he will soon become much busier. Before leaving, He and Ye discuss seeing each other through Food Journal and agree to remain on the same team for the next episode, regardless of the new guest.

Character developments

Ye Zexi becomes increasingly comfortable and emotionally open around He Jinyun. His guilt over pretending the vegetables were store-prepared shows that he still worries about being exposed, but he also willingly remains in the kitchen to assist He. Watching the film causes Ye to recognize and appreciate He’s dark sense of humor, as he jokes that audiences will be too devastated to send “razor blades.” Ye also reveals how much he has come to rely on He, particularly for food and companionship, becoming visibly anxious at the possibility of seeing him less often. He Jinyun continues to show patience, warmth, and amusement toward Ye, skillfully cooking, comforting him when he cries, and accepting his request to stay partners.

Significant themes

The chapter emphasizes growing intimacy, trust, and domestic companionship. Shared activities—cooking, watching the film, joking, and making future plans—create a relaxed, almost familial closeness between the two men. The emotional impact of the film also highlights the contrast between their professional collaboration and personal relationship. Ye’s dependence on He suggests that his attachment is deepening, while their playful exchange reflects mutual comfort and affection.

Character interactions

He gently overlooks Ye’s questionable explanation about the vegetables and thanks him for preparing them. They work together in the kitchen, then watch the film side by side, with He offering Ye a tissue when he becomes emotional. Ye jokes about audiences being unable to retaliate after the tragic ending, amusing He and revealing their shared sense of humor. Later, Ye anxiously asks whether they will still meet once He becomes busy. He reassures him by pointing out their continued work on Food Journal. Ye insists on reserving He as his teammate, and they seal the agreement with a handshake before He leaves for the night.

Chapter 60 Summary

Key plot points and events

• After He Jinyun leaves, Ye Zexi watches the lights turn on in the neighboring villa. The two exchange a brief good-night text, emphasizing their growing closeness and the ease of their relationship.
• Recording for the second episode of Food Journal is scheduled for early April in Qinghai. Ye Zexi eagerly anticipates the trip, especially the possibility of eating Qinghai’s dried little fish.
• During his break, Ye Zexi repeatedly visits his father Ye Jianbin’s home, where Yan Man prepares fried dried little fish for him. Ye Haoyan gradually becomes more willing—even eager—to deliver food to Ye Zexi, particularly because Ye Zexi gives him shoes in return.
• Yan Man’s attitude toward Ye Zexi changes significantly. She begins to accept him as her stepson and considers asking him for autographed photographs for a friend’s daughter.
• Ye Jianbin notices the improved relationship between Ye Zexi, Yan Man, and Ye Haoyan. After years of worrying about family tension, he feels relieved and allows Ye Zexi to rest rather than pressuring him to take more work.
• Gao Shu repeatedly tries to persuade Ye Zexi to accept new acting projects. Ye Zexi ignores most of the proposals while relaxing, eating dried fish, and watching anime. He even rejects a script from the well-known Director Chen Zhengtian.
• As the Qinghai trip approaches, Ye Zexi finally packs his luggage and does some light exercise, though he quickly returns to bed to browse Weibo.

Character developments

• Ye Zexi remains carefree and uninterested in work, but his enthusiasm for Food Journal and his anticipation of Qinghai show how much he enjoys the program and his time with He Jinyun. He is also more comfortable interacting with his family.
• He Jinyun and Ye Zexi display increasing mutual affection through their simple nighttime exchange and the emotional comfort of living next door.
• Yan Man moves from rejecting Ye Zexi as her stepson to treating him warmly and thinking of him as part of the family.
• Ye Haoyan becomes more affectionate and cooperative toward Ye Zexi, while also happily benefiting from their exchange of food and shoes.
• Ye Jianbin is finally reassured that his family relationships have improved.
• Gao Shu remains persistent in managing Ye Zexi’s career, though his efforts continue to fail because Ye Zexi is content with his relaxed lifestyle.

Significant themes

• Family reconciliation: Years of resentment begin to fade as Ye Zexi, Yan Man, and Ye Haoyan develop genuine, informal affection.
• Emotional healing and change: The chapter highlights how relationships can improve gradually through repeated small acts of kindness.
• Domestic comfort: Food, gifts, neighboring homes, and casual messages create a sense of warmth and belonging.
• Freedom versus obligation: Ye Zexi prioritizes rest and personal enjoyment over career expectations, while Gao Shu represents the pressure to remain professionally active.
• Growing romantic intimacy: Ye Zexi and He Jinyun’s brief exchange suggests increasing attachment and anticipation of seeing each other again.

Important character interactions

• Ye Zexi and He Jinyun exchange good-night messages after watching each other from their neighboring villas.
• Yan Man repeatedly makes dried little fish for Ye Zexi, while Ye Haoyan delivers them and receives shoes in return.
• Yan Man and Ye Haoyan’s changing behavior toward Ye Zexi brings Ye Jianbin considerable relief.
• Gao Shu presents several work offers, including Director Chen Zhengtian’s film, but Ye Zexi dismisses them all.
• Ye Zexi prepares to reunite with He Jinyun and the Food Journal cast in Qinghai.