Chapter Summaries

Plot points and events

• Gu Yanqing tries to leave after visiting Qiao Wanqing and Koukou, but Koukou cries as soon as he disappears. Gu Yanqing returns, comforts him, and decides to stay longer.
• Koukou calls out “bababa,” prompting Gu Yanqing to call himself “Daddy” for the first time. He recognizes how strongly the child is attached to him, though he feels he has not yet earned the title.
• Qiao Wanqing encourages Gu Yanqing to prioritize work. After Koukou settles down with a bottle, Gu Yanqing leaves reluctantly.
• Gu Yanqing arranges more formula, age-appropriate toys and clothes, gifts for Grandma Qiao, and a personal assistant to help while he remains in the countryside. He pointedly buys nothing for Qiao Wanqing.
• The next day, Gu Yanqing, Qiao Wanqing, and Koukou go to the hospital to bring Qiao Wanqing’s second uncle home. Doctor Huang Kewei gives them discharge advice and offers to share good news with Qiao Wanqing while settling the bill.
• Gu Yanqing realizes Huang is romantically interested in Qiao Wanqing. Huang, unaware that Koukou is her child, sees Gu Yanqing and the baby as relatives rather than a potential romantic rival.

Character developments and interactions

• Gu Yanqing reveals a more openly paternal side: Koukou’s distress makes him abandon his plans to leave, and he takes pride in being the person the baby seeks out. He balances this attachment against his work, though only reluctantly.
• Koukou shows a strong, immediate bond with Gu Yanqing, crying when he leaves and reaching for him when he returns. Once he has had enough attention, however, milk quickly becomes his main concern.
• Qiao Wanqing remains practical, urging Gu Yanqing not to neglect an important work commitment. She is also caring toward Koukou and manages his feeding.
• Huang Kewei displays interest in Qiao Wanqing, while Gu Yanqing’s jealousy surfaces as he notices the doctor’s attention and silently regards him as a possible rival.

Significant themes

• Fatherhood and attachment: Koukou’s behavior deepens Gu Yanqing’s sense of being his father, even as he questions whether he deserves the role.
• Duty versus affection: Gu Yanqing struggles between work responsibilities and his desire to stay with Koukou.
• Romantic rivalry and misunderstanding: Huang’s interest in Qiao Wanqing creates tension, compounded by his ignorance of her relationship to Koukou and Gu Yanqing.

Chapter Summary: “Hand Cream”

Plot Points and Events

• Huang Kewei, a hospital director and Qiao Wanqing’s old classmate, has begun considering marriage and believes Wanqing would be an ideal partner. However, his interest is shaken when he sees her with Gu Yanqing and Koukou.
• Gu Yanqing introduces himself as Wanqing’s “friend,” while carrying Koukou, leading Huang Kewei to speculate about their complicated relationship and assume Gu may be the child’s father.
• Huang tells Wanqing that he has found someone who can help resolve her legal or administrative problem. Wanqing explains that Gu Yanqing has already helped her and that they are proceeding through the proper legal channels.
• Huang is surprised by Gu’s influence but is relieved that Wanqing’s troubles have been resolved. He also advises her to make sure her uncle avoids farm work while recovering.
• Wanqing thanks Huang and offers to treat him to a meal, but he politely declines and leaves, apparently withdrawing after realizing that her circumstances are more complicated than he thought.
• At the hospital payment counter, Wanqing nearly forgets her medical insurance card. Gu retrieves it and teases her as “Little Forgetful Qing,” while Koukou adorably tries to say her name.
• After leaving the hospital, Gu drives Wanqing, Koukou, and Second Uncle home. Wanqing gives Second Uncle the supplements she bought, but refuses Second Aunt’s offer to prepare a chicken for them.
• Back at Wanqing’s home, the supplies Gu arranged through Wang Xiao have arrived. His new assistant, Chen Feng, proves reliable and discreet. Koukou receives new toys, including a rocking horse and baby walker, and demonstrates his improving ability to walk.

Character Development

• Qiao Wanqing: Remains considerate and modest, especially in refusing excessive hospitality and worrying about Huang’s feelings. She is increasingly comfortable relying on Gu Yanqing, though she still describes him as merely a “friend.”
• Gu Yanqing: Acts protectively and naturally assumes a place in Wanqing and Koukou’s life. His ease in handling Koukou, solving Wanqing’s problems, arranging supplies, and teasing her suggests growing intimacy.
• Huang Kewei: Moves from romantic interest and hopefulness to disappointment and acceptance. Though confused by Wanqing’s situation, he continues to help her as an old classmate and doctor before quietly stepping back.
• Koukou: Shows clear physical and linguistic development, walking with support and attempting to call Wanqing by name.
• Chen Feng: Is introduced as Gu’s competent, discreet assistant, expanding Gu’s support network.

Significant Themes

• Misunderstanding and appearances: Gu, Wanqing, and Koukou’s ambiguous relationship causes Huang to make assumptions about their marital history.
• Emotional distance and emerging intimacy: Wanqing still labels Gu a friend, but their domestic cooperation and playful exchanges reveal increasing closeness.
• Practical care as affection: Gu’s assistance, Huang’s medical guidance, and Wanqing’s concern for her uncle all express care through concrete actions rather than direct declarations.
• Moving forward: Huang lets go of his romantic expectations, while Wanqing and Gu gradually build a more stable family-like life.

Important Character Interactions

• Gu’s formal handshake and introduction to Huang subtly establish his protective role around Wanqing.
• Huang and Wanqing discuss the resolved legal matter, highlighting Gu’s influence and Huang’s decision to retreat respectfully.
• Gu retrieves Wanqing’s forgotten insurance card and playfully teases her, creating a warm, intimate moment.
• Wanqing, Gu, and Koukou function increasingly like a family as they travel home and settle into their newly prepared household.

Chapter Summary — Page 83

Key plot points and events

Gu Yanqing gives Koukou a baby walker despite Qiao Wanqing’s concerns about its possible effects. After reassuring her that occasional use is safe, he places Koukou inside and encourages him to walk toward him with a handbell. At first, Koukou wants to be carried, but he eventually takes his first steps in the walker and quickly gains confidence. He then races around the yard, causing chaos by pulling out Yellow Immortal’s fur, chasing a chicken, damaging plants, and eating things he finds. His walker eventually gets stuck in a crack in the floor, leaving him crying until Gu Yanqing frees it.

Character developments

Koukou becomes more independent and energetic, taking his first successful steps and showing his increasingly mischievous, curious nature. Qiao Wanqing realizes that the walker gives him freedom while making childcare easier, though it also creates new problems. Gu Yanqing demonstrates his tenderness and joy as a father, praising and encouraging Koukou. He also reveals a desire to win over Qiao Wanqing’s family, especially her timid grandmother, despite his naturally stern appearance. Qiao Wanqing begins to feel guilty for ignoring the gifts and care Gu Yanqing previously gave her after rejecting his confession.

Significant themes

The chapter highlights the joys and difficulties of parenthood, especially the emotional fulfillment of watching a child grow. It also explores family acceptance, romantic awkwardness, and Gu Yanqing’s efforts to become closer to Qiao Wanqing and her relatives. Koukou’s rampage adds a humorous contrast to the adults’ affection and responsibilities.

Character interactions

Gu Yanqing and Qiao Wanqing work together to teach and supervise Koukou, celebrating his progress and comforting him when he cries. They tease each other about Gu Yanqing’s gifts and his intimidating demeanor toward Grandma Qiao. Gu Yanqing encourages Qiao Wanqing to give Grandma the presents he bought, while Qiao Wanqing advises him to appear less stern. Koukou’s interactions with Yellow Immortal and the animals in the yard create much of the chapter’s comic chaos.

Summary

Plot points and events

• Qiao Wanqing manages Koukou’s mischievous behavior, including his fascination with the baby walker and his habit of tearing down the toys in his crib.
• A renovation company informs her that her vegetarian restaurant is complete. She schedules an inspection for the next day and begins planning practical details, including custom wooden furniture, kitchen equipment, and tableware.
• Qiao Wanqing worries about her finances. Recent legal, medical, and social expenses related to her second uncle’s accident have consumed tens of thousands of yuan, while her recent business income has declined. She considers taking out a bank loan.
• During her bedtime routine, Qiao Wanqing uses the hand cream Gu Yanqing gave her and applies a little to Koukou’s hands when he imitates her. Their playful interaction reassures her emotionally about her bond with him.
• The next morning, Koukou enthusiastically rides his walker through the courtyard, chasing chickens and ducks and damaging the plants. Qiao Wanqing moves him indoors, but he becomes frustrated because the walker cannot cross the high thresholds.
• While Qiao Wanqing feeds him carrot-and-pumpkin porridge, Koukou tries to spit it out and continues demanding to go outside. She disciplines him gently, warning that he will lose access to the walker if he refuses to eat.

Character development

• Qiao Wanqing is shown as a caring but increasingly responsible mother. She balances affection with discipline, refusing to spoil Koukou despite finding his sulking and cuteness difficult to resist.
• She is also developing into a practical businesswoman, actively planning the restaurant’s furnishings and supplies while confronting financial uncertainty.
• Koukou becomes more expressive and mobile. Though he still cannot speak fluently or crawl and stand independently, he understands Qiao Wanqing’s words, communicates through gestures and sounds, and displays a strong, mischievous personality.
• Qiao Wanqing’s moment of relief after seeing Koukou imitate her suggests her emotional attachment is deepening and that she is increasingly accepting him as truly her child.

Significant themes

• Motherhood and attachment: Everyday care—feeding, bathing, applying cream, and setting boundaries—strengthens the relationship between Qiao Wanqing and Koukou.
• Balancing affection and discipline: Qiao Wanqing recognizes that indulging Koukou too much could spoil him, so she combines warmth with consistent rules.
• Family and responsibility: Her concern over her second uncle’s expenses and her need to support the household emphasize the burdens she carries.
• Building an independent future: The completed vegetarian restaurant represents Qiao Wanqing’s attempt to create financial stability and a life of her own.
• Imitation and emotional connection: Koukou copying his mother’s gestures creates a tender sense of likeness and belonging, easing her insecurity about his resemblance to Gu Yanqing.

Character interactions

• Qiao Wanqing and Koukou share several playful but instructive exchanges: she distracts him with crib toys, negotiates over the baby walker, and uses humor while applying hand cream.
• Koukou imitates Qiao Wanqing sniffing the jasmine-scented cream, prompting her to kiss him and affectionately claim him as her baby.
• During breakfast, Koukou’s demands conflict with Qiao Wanqing’s expectations. He points outside and spits out porridge, while she responds with gentle firmness, warning him and encouraging him to eat properly.

Chapter Summary

Key plot points and events

• Koukou is persuaded to eat porridge when Qiao Wanqing praises his “big mouth,” though the trick only works when used sparingly.
• Gu Yanqing returns and Koukou excitedly calls him “Daddy,” showing how quickly he has learned the word. However, Koukou prefers his walker to being held and immediately asks to be put down.
• Qiao Wanqing insists that Koukou eat before going outside. Gu Yanqing supports her authority, and Koukou eventually gives in after his attempts to charm both parents fail.
• Gu Yanqing offers to take Koukou out and help Qiao Wanqing with her work. Qiao Wanqing explains that she has already arranged assistance and that she needs to inspect the newly renovated vegetarian restaurant instead.
• Because Qiao Wanqing’s electric scooter cannot make the trip to West Mountain, she reluctantly accepts Gu Yanqing’s offer to drive her.
• They leave Koukou with Grandma Qiao, since the freshly renovated restaurant has excessive formaldehyde. Koukou is so absorbed in his walker that he does not notice his parents leaving.
• On the way, they observe that the mountain road has been widened and improved after attracting attention from visiting officials. Gu Yanqing predicts that the improved road and increased attention will bring more customers to the area.
• At the restaurant, Qiao Wanqing reviews the renovation. She likes the natural, pastoral wooden style but identifies several flaws, including clashing wood colors and a poorly lit corner that would make dining inconvenient.

Character developments

• Koukou becomes increasingly expressive and clever, using sounds, gestures, and strategic cuteness to communicate what he wants. He also begins calling Gu Yanqing “Daddy,” though he remains more fluent with “Mama.”
• Gu Yanqing continues to bond with Koukou and acts as a playful, indulgent father. He also supports Qiao Wanqing emotionally and practically, restoring her confidence in the restaurant venture.
• Qiao Wanqing remains practical and cautious. She carefully manages the vegetable business, worries about overproduction and possible accusations from competitors, and pays close attention to the restaurant’s details. Her confidence is strengthened by Gu Yanqing’s encouragement.
• Their relationship has become more cooperative and family-like, with Gu Yanqing naturally participating in childcare and assisting with Qiao Wanqing’s work.

Significant themes

• Family bonding and parental roles: Koukou’s interactions with both parents establish a playful but affectionate family dynamic, with Qiao Wanqing enforcing rules and Gu Yanqing reinforcing them.
• Practical responsibility: Qiao Wanqing considers food supply, labor, transportation, safety, and business risks rather than acting impulsively.
• Growing confidence and mutual support: Gu Yanqing’s certainty helps counter Qiao Wanqing’s doubts about her restaurant.
• Development and opportunity: The improved mountain road symbolizes the area’s growing potential and the possibility of increased tourism and business.

Character interactions

• Qiao Wanqing uses praise to coax Koukou into eating, while Gu Yanqing humorously observes and joins in.
• Koukou seeks both parents’ approval but learns that Qiao Wanqing’s decisions cannot be overridden simply by acting cute.
• Gu Yanqing teases Qiao Wanqing about her scooter’s limited battery and then helps by driving her to the restaurant.
• At the renovation site, Qiao Wanqing confidently communicates her concerns to the contractor, demonstrating her growing authority as the restaurant owner.

Chapter Summary

• Renovation dispute: Qiao Wanqing inspects her vegetarian restaurant and points out several flaws, including poor lighting and mismatched colors between the door and floor. The renovation manager, Mr. Deng, tries to evade responsibility by claiming that repairs would be too difficult and expensive. Qiao firmly challenges him, threatening to file a complaint and warning him that his company’s reputation is at stake.
• Gu Yanqing intervenes: Gu Yanqing, who has been quietly observing, steps in with a calm but intimidating warning. He implies that Mr. Deng should resolve the problems rather than risk greater consequences. Realizing Gu is powerful and not someone to offend, Mr. Deng quickly changes his attitude and promises to correct all the issues. Qiao is surprised by how easily Gu’s intimidating presence succeeds where her arguments did not.
• Explanation for the defects: Qiao reflects that she had been unable to supervise the renovations regularly because of distance and time constraints. The workers took advantage of her absence and cut corners, causing the problems she discovered.
• Gu’s mysterious surprise: After the renovation matter is settled, Gu takes Qiao to a nearby construction site. He reveals that he has purchased the land and plans to build a mountain convalescent villa only 158 meters from her restaurant. He explains that he had originally considered building near her home but chose this location to avoid disturbing Koukou.
• Qiao’s reaction: Qiao is speechless at Gu’s wealth and obvious effort to place himself near her. She gives a noncommittal compliment about the scenic location, unable to object to his plans.
• Wild vegetables: Qiao notices naturally grown shepherd’s purse and eagerly gathers a large handful to make dumplings. Gu recognizes that she is using the discovery to avoid responding to his increasingly direct romantic advances, but he allows her to do so, confident in his gradual strategy of becoming indispensable to her.

Character Development and Interactions

• Qiao Wanqing demonstrates increasing confidence and assertiveness by refusing to let the renovation company dismiss her concerns. She is practical and sharp-tongued when necessary, yet becomes flustered and evasive around Gu’s romantic implications.
• Gu Yanqing shows his protective and influential side, using restrained intimidation to support Qiao. His romantic pursuit is becoming more calculated: rather than openly pressuring her, he plans to establish himself gradually in her life.
• Qiao and Gu’s relationship continues to develop through teasing, subtle pursuit, and mutual awareness. Qiao recognizes Gu’s unusual behavior but remains reluctant to confront its meaning, while Gu deliberately gives her space to retreat without abandoning his efforts.

Significant Themes

• Standing up for oneself: Qiao refuses to accept poor workmanship or excuses, asserting her rights as a customer and business owner.
• Power and social influence: Gu’s quiet authority contrasts with Qiao’s direct confrontation, showing how different forms of power can achieve the same goal.
• Persistent romantic pursuit: Gu’s decision to build nearby symbolizes his determination to remain close to Qiao and slowly win her over.
• Avoidance and emotional tension: Qiao repeatedly deflects Gu’s advances, while Gu patiently adapts his strategy rather than giving up.
• Domestic intimacy: The shared discovery of wild vegetables and Qiao’s plan to make dumplings add a warm, everyday quality to their increasingly intimate relationship.

Plot points

• Gu Yanqing joins Qiao Wanqing in gathering wild vegetables, despite having no personal interest in them. They collect a large haul, which Qiao divides between Boss Cai and Sister-in-law Song.
• Qiao’s gift to Sister-in-law Song leads to talk of her possible future work at Qiao’s planned vegetarian restaurant. Boss Cai wants Qiao to hire Song before a competing restaurant does, but Song’s salary expectations may exceed Qiao’s budget.
• Song mistakes Gu Yanqing for Qiao’s husband. Qiao is about to correct her when a crash from inside the house interrupts them: Song’s son, Zhuang Hui, is angry about not being able to attend a good school in the county and is smashing things.
• After leaving, Gu asks whether Koukou has been registered. Qiao explains the paperwork and household-registration complications. Gu offers to arrange it, and they decide to register Koukou in X City.
• Qiao buys fruit for Koukou, who likes apples. She notices he tends to reject foods Gu doesn’t eat and favor those Gu likes.

Character developments and interactions

• Gu’s willingness to search the mountains with Qiao shows his growing involvement in her ordinary life. He also takes practical responsibility by offering to handle Koukou’s registration.
• Qiao accepts his help rather than insisting on doing everything herself, while still making her own choice about where Koukou should be registered.
• Song is portrayed as capable and hardworking but wounded by her past conflict with Boss Cai. She is raising Zhuang Hui alone, and his outburst highlights the strain in their relationship.
• Song’s assumption that Gu is Qiao’s husband briefly unsettles Qiao, suggesting that their relationship remains sensitive and undefined. Koukou’s food preferences also hint at his attachment to Gu.

Significant themes

• Practical care and growing closeness: Gu’s help with the vegetables and paperwork shows affection expressed through useful actions.
• Work, dignity, and reconciliation: Song’s value as an experienced worker contrasts with the hurtful treatment that drove her away from Boss Cai.
• Family and belonging: Koukou’s unregistered status raises practical concerns about identity, education, and his future.
• Unspoken attachment: Qiao’s reaction to being called Gu’s wife and Koukou’s imitation of Gu’s tastes suggest emotional bonds developing beneath everyday conversation.

Chapter Summary: “Uninvited Guest”

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Yanqing buys cherries after seeing them, while Qiao Wanqing reflects on her cautious approach to introducing new foods to Koukou.
• When the family returns home, Koukou excitedly welcomes both parents. He clings to Qiao Wanqing and covers her face with soup while affectionately gnawing on her.
• Koukou then happily transfers to Gu Yanqing, who receives the same enthusiastic treatment.
• While Gu Yanqing is holding him, Koukou suddenly urinates. Gu Yanqing tries to move him away, but accidentally directs the stream toward his own face and clothes.
• The incident is explained by Koukou’s irritated thighs, which prevent him from wearing diapers. Qiao Wanqing has also noticed that Koukou grins mischievously whenever he is about to pee.
• Gu Yanqing accepts the accident with amused resignation and goes to shower.
• Since he has no spare clothing at Qiao Wanqing’s home, Grandma Qiao offers him an unattractive free-gift T-shirt. Gu Yanqing wears it without complaint.
• Despite the shirt’s poor design, Gu Yanqing still looks handsome and youthful. Qiao Wanqing stares at him, embarrassed when he teases her for admiring his appearance.

2. Character Developments

• Koukou is shown as affectionate, energetic, and mischievous. Though still too young to understand conversation, he clearly recognizes and misses both parents. His urination accident suggests an emerging playful cunning beneath his innocent appearance.
• Qiao Wanqing demonstrates her cautious, attentive nature as a mother. She is amused by Koukou’s behavior and increasingly comfortable sharing warm, playful moments with Gu Yanqing.
• Gu Yanqing becomes more involved in domestic and parental life. He tolerates Koukou’s messy affection patiently and handles the embarrassing accident with humor rather than anger. His willingness to wear the tacky shirt also reveals a relaxed side beneath his usual dignified image.

3. Significant Themes

• Family affection and bonding: Koukou’s enthusiastic greetings reinforce the growing emotional closeness between the child and both parents.
• The humor of domestic life: The chapter turns an embarrassing childcare mishap into a lighthearted family moment.
• Parenting’s unpredictability: Qiao Wanqing’s careful planning cannot prevent the messy realities of raising a child.
• Gu Yanqing’s transformation: His participation in ordinary household situations contrasts with his polished identity as a company president, making him seem more approachable and youthful.
• Hidden cleverness beneath innocence: Koukou’s knowing grin before urinating gives his childish behavior a mischievous, almost strategic quality.

4. Character Interactions

• Qiao Wanqing and Koukou share an affectionate reunion, with her cleaning him and playfully speaking to him despite his limited understanding.
• Gu Yanqing bonds with Koukou through physical affection, only to become the victim of the child’s enthusiastic urination.
• Qiao Wanqing helps Gu Yanqing clean his face while secretly finding the situation amusing.
• Grandma Qiao assists by providing replacement clothing, emphasizing Gu Yanqing’s temporary integration into the household.
• Gu Yanqing teases Qiao Wanqing after catching her admiring him in the ill-fitting shirt, adding a gentle romantic tension to their relationship.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Koukou develops an intense fondness for cherries, refusing other fruit after discovering them. Gu Yanqing suggests planting a cherry tree so Koukou can pick them himself.
• The suggestion reminds Qiao Wanqing that she has successfully grown out-of-season vegetables, something Gu Yanqing has quietly noticed.
• Gu Yanqing has investigated Qiao Wanqing’s past and discovered inconsistencies between her former claim that plants always died under her care and her current cultivation abilities. He also noticed her personality change after pregnancy.
• Although he suspects there is something unusual about her, Gu Yanqing chooses not to confront her, accepting the current, more lovable version of Qiao Wanqing.
• With the Matchmaker Temple scheduled to open during the Dragon Boat Festival, Qiao Wanqing completes the renovations and focuses on preparing the vegetarian restaurant. She reorganizes the vegetable-growing work, arranges help with packing and deliveries, and plans the restaurant’s equipment, menu, prices, staffing, discounts, and operating costs.
• Koukou approaches his first birthday. He can say a few simple words, walk unsteadily, and still prefers his father’s walker, in which he races around the courtyard.
• Yellow Immortal plays with Koukou by carrying away his toys and encouraging him to chase after them. Qiao Wanqing worries that Koukou relies too much on the walker and makes him practice walking independently.
• Gu Yanqing frequently travels back to C City for work but visits whenever possible. Qiao Wanqing also learns that Yuan Yuan’s parents have reconciled after Yuan Yuan was taken back.
• While practicing walking without the walker, Koukou is asked to retrieve a ball. He quickly recovers from his unhappiness, toddles over to get it, and happily runs back toward his mother before throwing himself into her arms.

Character Developments

• Qiao Wanqing: Becomes more confident and capable in managing both agriculture and the vegetarian restaurant. She remains cautious about revealing the truth behind her unusual abilities, but is increasingly settled into her role as Koukou’s mother. She is also less affected by Gu Yanqing’s absences and reflects on Koukou’s possible future.
• Gu Yanqing: Demonstrates deep trust and affection toward Qiao Wanqing. Though he has uncovered clues suggesting her identity or personality may have changed, he deliberately respects her silence instead of investigating or pressuring her further.
• Koukou: Shows typical development for a one-year-old: limited speech, emerging independence, and newly acquired walking skills. He is spoiled, expressive, energetic, and easily distracted from his frustrations. His innocent behavior contrasts sharply with the cruel villain he is destined to become in the original story.
• Yellow Immortal: Becomes more actively involved in Koukou’s upbringing, playfully treating him almost like a pet being taken for exercise.

Significant Themes

• Acceptance and unconditional love: Gu Yanqing accepts Qiao Wanqing despite recognizing that her past and present selves do not fully match.
• Identity and transformation: Qiao Wanqing’s changed personality and abilities raise questions about who she truly is, while Koukou’s innocent present self contrasts with his future reputation as a villain.
• Family and domestic happiness: Everyday moments—feeding Koukou, teaching him to walk, and preparing a business—show the family building a warm and stable life.
• Nature versus destiny: Koukou’s sweet, harmless behavior makes Qiao Wanqing doubt that he could really become the psychopath described in the book.
• Independence and growth: Qiao Wanqing encourages Koukou to walk on his own, symbolizing his gradual development and her role in guiding him.

Character Interactions

• Qiao Wanqing and Gu Yanqing discuss growing cherries for Koukou, with Gu Yanqing expressing faith in her abilities.
• Gu Yanqing silently chooses to protect Qiao Wanqing’s secret rather than challenge her about her unexplained changes.
• Qiao Wanqing and her second aunt-in-law cooperate on the vegetable business, while Qiao Wanqing handles the restaurant’s broader preparations.
• Yellow Immortal teases Koukou by running away with his toys, prompting Koukou to chase him.
• Qiao Wanqing patiently but firmly makes Koukou practice walking without his walker, eventually encouraging him to retrieve a ball. Their affectionate interaction ends with Koukou happily running into her arms.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Koukou gives Qiao Wanqing a small ball and receives praise and affection from her. She notices his handmade jade bracelet from Gu Yanqing has loosened and fastens it securely.
• Seeing the bracelet reminds Koukou of his father. He repeatedly calls for Gu Yanqing and becomes pitiful, clearly missing him. Qiao Wanqing comforts him by promising that his father will visit soon.
• Since it is market day, Qiao Wanqing takes Koukou into town to buy seasonal vegetable seeds and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
• They pass the farmhouse restaurant, where a dispute has broken out. An elderly couple who previously tasted Qiao Wanqing’s exceptional vegetables has traveled a long distance to buy some, but the restaurant has none available for sale.
• The couple mistakenly assumes that ordinary vegetables delivered by rival greenhouse growers are the same high-quality produce they had eaten. They take two bags of vegetables despite Boss Cai’s explanations, paying two hundred yuan.
• The couple’s family later accuses Boss Cai of cheating the elderly pair by selling them inferior vegetables at an inflated price, creating a serious disturbance at the restaurant. Qiao Wanqing avoids exposing Koukou to the confrontation and takes him home.
• At home, Qiao Wanqing works on the farmhouse restaurant’s menu while enjoying the peaceful courtyard she has developed over the past year. Koukou plays nearby in his walker.
• Koukou offers Qiao Wanqing a flower, but she realizes he wants it placed on him. She makes him a flower crown instead, and he proudly admires himself.
• Just as Qiao Wanqing reflects on her peaceful life and wishes she might someday have a daughter, Boss Cai calls to plead for her help with the restaurant crisis.

Character Developments

• Qiao Wanqing continues to demonstrate her nurturing, attentive nature toward Koukou. She protects him from the restaurant dispute and patiently responds to his childish demands.
• She has become increasingly capable and self-sufficient, managing the farm, preparing for the restaurant’s opening, designing the menu, and creating a comfortable rural home through her own efforts.
• Koukou displays strong emotional attachment to Gu Yanqing and growing expressiveness. He communicates his wishes through gestures, gives objects to others, enjoys praise, and shows a developing sense of vanity and playfulness.
• Gu Yanqing remains absent because of problems with his project, but his affection is represented by the bracelet and by Koukou’s longing for him.
• Boss Cai is shown to trust Qiao Wanqing and value her vegetables highly. His desperate phone call suggests he needs her assistance to resolve the restaurant’s current predicament.

Significant Themes

• Family affection and longing: Koukou’s repeated calls for his father emphasize the close bond between father and child despite Gu Yanqing’s absence.
• Domestic happiness and pastoral fulfillment: Qiao Wanqing’s carefully cultivated courtyard and peaceful routine reflect the rural life she once hoped to achieve.
• Quality and reputation: The dispute demonstrates how distinctive the taste of Qiao Wanqing’s produce has become and how strongly customers value it.
• Misunderstanding and conflict: The restaurant crisis arises from mistaken assumptions, rival business interests, and the difficulty of dealing with unreasonable customers.
• Nurturing and future hopes: Qiao Wanqing’s care for Koukou and her thoughts about having a daughter reveal her growing investment in family life.

Character Interactions

• Qiao Wanqing affectionately praises and comforts Koukou, adjusts his bracelet, and reassures him about Gu Yanqing’s return.
• Koukou’s gestures and calls reveal his dependence on both parents, while his flower-crown episode creates a playful mother-and-child moment.
• The elderly couple clashes with Boss Cai over the unavailable vegetables, while their family intensifies the dispute by accusing the restaurant of fraud.
• The greenhouse growers attempt to gain Boss Cai’s favor by supplying vegetables, but their efforts fail because of his loyalty to Qiao Wanqing’s produce.
• Boss Cai turns to Qiao Wanqing for help, setting up the next conflict.

Plot points and events

• Boss Cai asks Qiao Wanqing to let a difficult family pick vegetables from her garden, explaining that she cannot afford to refuse them. Qiao agrees out of gratitude for Boss Cai’s past help, though she dislikes strangers entering her plot.
• The family arrives and questions whether Qiao is truly a vegetable grower, judging her by her appearance and designer clothes. Qiao sharply pushes back, and Boss Cai smooths over the clash.
• The visitors pick vegetables carelessly, damaging crops and leaving parts of the garden in disarray. When Boss Cai’s warning does not stop them, Qiao has Yellow Immortal drive them out with foul-smelling farts.
• The family confronts Qiao, accusing her of deliberately poisoning them. She calmly blames the stench on farmyard manure and jokes that it comes with organic vegetables.

Character developments and interactions

• Qiao Wanqing balances gratitude toward Boss Cai with her dislike of intrusions. She shows she will defend her property, using humor and Yellow Immortal rather than arguing directly.
• Boss Cai acts as mediator and apologizes for the family’s behavior. She also encourages Qiao’s plans to open a restaurant and offers future support—though she jokingly asks for a free meal.
• The visiting family come across as entitled: they question Qiao’s credibility, ignore the damage they cause, and blame her when the garden smells.
• Qiao and Boss Cai speak warmly and familiarly, while Qiao’s exchanges with the visitors are tense and confrontational.

Significant themes

• Class prejudice and appearances: The visitors assume Qiao cannot be a farmer because of her clothes.
• Boundaries and respect: Qiao’s reluctant hospitality has limits, especially when the guests damage her work.
• Humor as resistance: Qiao counters the family’s accusations with a deadpan excuse rather than giving them the confrontation they seem to seek.
• Reciprocity and business ties: Qiao agrees to help Boss Cai out of gratitude, while both women see potential benefit in Qiao’s future restaurant.

Chapter 92 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• A difficult family accuses Boss Cai of selling them “fake” or poor-quality vegetables and demands 2,500 yuan in compensation.
• To discourage them from taking more vegetables, Qiao Wanqing invents an exaggerated explanation that the farm manure is made from disgusting materials and that its foul smell proves the soil is fertile. Repulsed, the family throws away the vegetables they picked.
• When the middle-aged man continues pressing Boss Cai for money, Boss Cai dramatically faints after hearing the demanded amount. Her workers claim her coronary disease has been triggered, causing the family to panic and rush her to the hospital in their car.
• Qiao Wanqing suspects Boss Cai may be pretending, but recognizes that the performance successfully scares the troublemakers away.
• After cleaning up the discarded vegetables, Qiao Wanqing sees Gu Yanqing returning after being absent for more than half a month. He brings Yuan Yuan, who happily greets her.
• Yuan Yuan kisses Qiao Wanqing’s cheek. Gu Yanqing scolds him for kissing girls casually, then admits he is jealous, embarrassing Qiao Wanqing.
• Gu Yanqing notices the disorder in Qiao Wanqing’s vegetable garden and realizes that someone has caused trouble there, asking her about it.

Character Developments

• Qiao Wanqing: Shows quick thinking, creativity, and a willingness to use unconventional tactics against unreasonable people. The incident also makes her consider the difficulties of running her own future shop and the possible need to hire a strong helper for protection.
• Boss Cai: Reveals herself as resourceful and theatrically manipulative. Whether or not her fainting is genuine, she uses it effectively to end the confrontation.
• Gu Yanqing: Returns after a long absence and displays a more openly affectionate and possessive side toward Qiao Wanqing. He is also protective, immediately noticing the damage to her garden.
• Yuan Yuan: Appears cheerful, affectionate, and innocent. His comments unintentionally expose the romantic tension between Qiao Wanqing and Gu Yanqing.
• The troublesome family: Their aggressive confidence collapses when Boss Cai appears to suffer a medical emergency, showing that their bullying depends on feeling in control.

Significant Themes

• Using cunning against injustice: Qiao Wanqing and Boss Cai defeat unreasonable demands not through direct argument but through psychological tactics.
• The dangers of deception and exploitation: The family pretends to be wronged in order to extort money, while Boss Cai may also be pretending to be ill.
• Romantic jealousy and emotional intimacy: Gu Yanqing’s declaration that he is jealous marks a playful but significant increase in openness between him and Qiao Wanqing.
• Protection and preparedness: Qiao Wanqing begins thinking practically about defending her future business, while Gu Yanqing instinctively worries about whoever damaged her garden.
• Childlike innocence versus adult romance: Yuan Yuan’s innocent affection contrasts humorously with Gu Yanqing’s jealousy and Qiao Wanqing’s embarrassment.

Character Interactions

• Qiao Wanqing verbally overwhelms the complaining family with a deliberately disgusting description of farm manure.
• Boss Cai and the middle-aged man exchange superficially polite but hostile demands before she collapses.
• Qiao Wanqing warmly welcomes Yuan Yuan, praises his eating habits, and treats him like her own child.
• Gu Yanqing reprimands Yuan Yuan for kissing Qiao Wanqing, then openly admits his jealousy, creating a flirtatious and embarrassing moment.
• The chapter ends with Gu Yanqing shifting from playful jealousy to genuine concern when he asks whether someone has attacked Qiao Wanqing’s garden.

Chapter Summary

• Qiao Wanqing tells Gu Yanqing about Boss Cai’s misconduct at the farmhouse. Gu Yanqing is angered by the number of malicious people in the area, while Qiao Wanqing jokes about “shallow ponds having plenty of turtles.”
• They return home, where Koukou is thrilled to see his father and clings to him. Gu Yanqing is touched by how much his son misses him and resolves to make more time for him despite his busy schedule.
• Koukou tries to communicate that he wants Gu Yanqing to wear the flower crown Qiao Wanqing made. After initially misunderstanding him, Gu Yanqing realizes what Koukou wants and puts the tiny crown on his head. Koukou happily praises him as “pretty,” creating a humorous and affectionate father-son moment.
• After dinner, Yuan Yuan and Koukou play with building blocks. Yuan Yuan patiently directs Koukou, who passes her pieces at random and celebrates whenever he gets one right. Together, they slowly build the foundation of a castle. Their gentle cooperation highlights Koukou’s unusually calm and well-behaved nature.
• Gu Yanqing organizes the clothes, toys, milk powder, and gifts he brought for the family. He also gives Qiao Wanqing an expensive platinum necklace. She refuses it, but he teasingly pressures her to accept or let him put it on her.
• Their flirtatious exchange is witnessed by Yuan Yuan and Koukou, who have stopped playing to watch them. Qiao Wanqing is embarrassed, adding to the chapter’s romantic and comedic tone.
• In the second scene, Xu Han is tired of eating fish and chicken every day, but Grandma Qiao serves her especially delicious wild-fish soup. The fresh, creamy, non-fishy flavor changes Xu Han’s attitude, and she eagerly suggests raising chicks in the yard.
• Grandma Qiao initially worries they will not stay long enough for the chicks to grow, but decides to indulge Xu Han because she wants her to be happy.

Character Development

• Gu Yanqing becomes more emotionally involved as a father. Koukou’s attachment makes him recognize how much his absence affects his son, prompting him to promise to visit more often.
• Koukou shows growing communication skills and affection. Though he cannot express himself clearly in words, he uses gestures to convey his wishes and enjoys praise and physical affection.
• Qiao Wanqing remains witty and independent, resisting Gu Yanqing’s expensive gift and teasing. Nevertheless, her comfortable interaction with him suggests increasing intimacy.
• Yuan Yuan is shown to be patient, considerate, and cooperative with Koukou.
• Xu Han shifts from food fatigue to enthusiastic enjoyment after tasting the superior local ingredients. Her suggestion to raise chickens also reflects her growing comfort in the rural household.
• Grandma Qiao demonstrates her nurturing nature by continually accommodating the younger characters’ needs and desires.

Themes

• Family affection and parental responsibility
• Communication beyond words
• Domestic warmth and childlike innocence
• Romantic teasing and growing intimacy
• The contrast between rural freshness and urban food
• Nurturing others through food, gifts, and small acts of care

Chapter Summary

Xu Han and Grandma Qiao prepare to settle into village life. They plan to buy chicks and vegetable seeds at the upcoming village market, since their old garden has become overgrown and unproductive. Xu Han, still inexperienced with rural living, decides to handle necessities gradually.
A neighbor, Aunt Li, visits after dinner and warmly praises Koukou’s appearance. When she asks about his father, Xu Han invents a believable explanation: she divorced him after discovering he cheated during her pregnancy. Aunt Li sympathizes with her, condemns unfaithful men, and assumes Xu Han has endured a difficult marriage. Xu Han’s humorous, cynical remarks about men contrast with Grandma Qiao’s silent awkwardness. The conversation also highlights the village’s close-knit social environment, where personal matters quickly become common knowledge.
Aunt Li demonstrates the generosity of the local community by offering the rice she harvested from the Qiao family’s field and inviting them to pick vegetables from her garden. Although Grandma Qiao initially refuses the rice, Aunt Li insists, and Grandma Qiao decides to repay her later. Xu Han is impressed by Aunt Li’s warmth and appreciates the mutual support among rural neighbors, finding it far more welcoming than the isolation of city life.
The following day, Grandma Qiao buys ten chicks and a wide variety of seasonal vegetable seeds. After rain softens the soil, she clears the old garden and replants it with leafy greens, radishes, peas, cauliflower, and other crops. Xu Han helps sow the seeds after putting Koukou to sleep. Grandma Qiao, accustomed to Xu Han’s recent transformation, allows her to participate despite her lack of experience. Together, they finish renewing the garden over two days, leaving Xu Han proud and excited about the future harvest.
Xu Han then decides to transform the spacious courtyard into a small garden filled with flowers and trees. As several days pass, she grows increasingly comfortable and content in the countryside. She enjoys the clean air, beautiful natural surroundings, and especially the freshness of locally grown food, discovering that even cabbage—once a food she disliked—tastes delicious when cooked with wood fire and village-grown produce. She also spends money to install an internet cable, combining rural tranquility with modern convenience.
The main inconvenience is the village’s limited shopping options. The only local shop carries few products, many of which are expired, and some villagers cannot read the dates on the packaging. This introduces a minor concern about food safety but does not diminish Xu Han’s overall satisfaction with her new life.

Character Development and Interactions

• Xu Han becomes more engaged in rural life, taking initiative with gardening, planning the courtyard, and providing for Koukou. She also demonstrates social adaptability by inventing a plausible story about her divorce.
• Grandma Qiao supports Xu Han’s choices and works alongside her, while continuing to act as a practical, experienced caretaker.
• Aunt Li is established as kind, generous, and community-minded. Her praise of Koukou and willingness to share rice and vegetables reveal the supportive nature of the village.
• Koukou remains the center of affection and motivates many of Xu Han’s decisions.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between city isolation and rural community, with village neighbors offering practical and emotional support.
• Xu Han’s gradual healing and adjustment after returning home.
• The satisfaction of self-sufficiency, gardening, and simple rural living.
• The importance of family, neighborly generosity, and belonging.
• Xu Han’s attempt to balance traditional countryside life with modern needs, represented by installing Wi-Fi.

Chapter Summary

Xu Han discovers that baby Koukou has an unusual ability: plants grow extraordinarily fast when watered with his urine. While caring for the cheerful, drooling baby, she notices one patch of weeds growing much faster than the surrounding grass. Remembering that Koukou had peed in that spot, she tests her theory by taking him to another patch of young weeds. The next day, the grass there has grown noticeably taller, confirming that Koukou’s urine acts as a powerful growth enhancer. Xu Han is thrilled by this “overpowered skill” and kisses the sleeping baby in excitement, though her enthusiasm wakes him and makes him cry.
With this discovery, Xu Han becomes even more confident about expanding her vegetable-growing plans. She and Grandma Qiao prepare wild-vegetable dumplings together, while Xu Han happily observes that their out-of-season crops—tomatoes, cucumbers, and snow peas—are already beginning to bear fruit despite being grown without a greenhouse.
The chapter then shifts to Gu Yanqing, who wakes with a severe hangover after drinking strong local baijiu the previous night. He regrets losing the opportunity to tease Qiao Wanqing while she was unusually gentle, but looks forward to seeing her again. After bathing and changing into spare clothes he keeps at her home, he encounters Qiao Wanqing carrying a heavy sack of peas. Although she has become physically stronger through a year of farm work, Gu Yanqing immediately helps her bring it inside.
Gu Yanqing reaches out to fix Qiao Wanqing’s disheveled hair, but she finds the gesture overly intimate and awkwardly brushes off the moment. She also refuses to let him handle the dirty sack because he has just showered and is wearing clean clothes. Feeling self-conscious about her messy appearance and village-woman image now that she has developed feelings for him, Qiao Wanqing asks whether he was frightened by her fierce, hardworking nature.

Character Development and Interactions

• Xu Han becomes increasingly inventive and confident as she investigates Koukou’s special ability and connects it to her agricultural plans. Her affectionate relationship with Koukou is emphasized through playful caretaking and excitement over his development.
• Koukou displays both ordinary infant behavior—drooling, smiling, gripping fingers, sleeping, and crying—and an extraordinary ability that accelerates plant growth.
• Qiao Wanqing has grown from physically frail to capable and strong through farming. Despite her practical confidence, she becomes shy and insecure around Gu Yanqing as her feelings deepen.
• Gu Yanqing is attracted to Qiao Wanqing and seeks opportunities for playful intimacy. His instinctive help and gentle gesture toward her hair reveal increasing affection, while Qiao Wanqing’s embarrassment shows their relationship becoming more emotionally charged.
• Grandma Qiao remains part of the household’s cooperative agricultural and domestic life, working with Xu Han to make dumplings.

Significant Themes

• Hidden abilities and unexpected opportunities: Koukou’s strange power may transform the family’s farming prospects.
• Hard work and self-reliance: Qiao Wanqing’s physical transformation reflects the rewards of labor and determination.
• Domestic intimacy and romance: Small acts—helping carry a sack, fixing someone’s hair, caring for a baby—build romantic tension between Gu Yanqing and Qiao Wanqing.
• Science versus the supernatural: Xu Han uses her bioengineering knowledge to investigate an impossible phenomenon, accepting that life in this novel world operates beyond normal scientific rules.
• Growing prosperity: The rapidly maturing crops suggest that the household may soon achieve greater abundance and financial stability.

Chapter 96 Summary

Plot points and events

• Qiao Wanqing dries and shells peas with the household so she can make pea jelly after the previous day’s heavy meal.
• Gu Yanqing helps with the work and teases her about being fiercer and carrying him into the bridal chamber, but then sincerely assures her that he likes her for herself rather than her background or public image.
• Koukou mischievously eats a mouthful of dirt from a dirty pea. Qiao Wanqing tries to make him spit it out, but Gu Yanqing successfully distracts and teaches him by demonstrating how to spit.
• Gu Yanqing comforts both Koukou and Yuan Yuan, creating a playful moment in which both boys compete for his attention and praise.
• The peas are ground into slurry using a stone mill. Gu Yanqing takes over the physically demanding task while Qiao Wanqing prepares the ingredients.
• They discuss Qiao Wanqing’s vegetarian restaurant, which is nearly ready to open during the Dragon Boat Festival. She is still struggling to choose a name.
• Gu Yanqing suggests “Siqiao Vegetarian Restaurant,” named after Koukou’s formal name, but Qiao Wanqing rejects it out of embarrassment. She proposes “Find-a-Partner Vegetarian Restaurant” instead, and Gu Yanqing seriously endorses it as simple, memorable, and potentially elegant. She decides to use the name for the signboard.

Character development

• Qiao Wanqing becomes more openly pleased by Gu Yanqing’s sincere affection, recognizing that he values her personality rather than status or appearances.
• Gu Yanqing continues to show a mix of teasing romance and dependable support. He takes on manual labor, offers business advice, and handles Koukou’s misbehavior patiently.
• Qiao Wanqing grows more confident in relying on Gu Yanqing’s judgment, especially regarding her restaurant.
• Yuan Yuan tries to defend his dignity after being teased about eating inappropriate things as a child, while Koukou displays an affectionate, attention-seeking bond with Gu Yanqing.

Themes

• Unconditional affection: Gu Yanqing emphasizes that his feelings are based on Qiao Wanqing herself, not her social position or image.
• Domestic intimacy and family life: Shared chores, childcare, teasing, and food preparation portray the household as warm and increasingly close-knit.
• Practicality over appearances: The restaurant-name discussion suggests that a simple, ordinary name can still become meaningful and elegant.
• Romantic tension and playful attraction: Gu Yanqing’s teasing causes Qiao Wanqing to imagine more intimate possibilities, though she quickly suppresses the thoughts.

Character interactions

• Gu Yanqing and Qiao Wanqing exchange flirtatious banter while working, followed by a heartfelt conversation about his feelings.
• Qiao Wanqing disciplines Koukou, while Gu Yanqing calms him through imitation and encouragement.
• Gu Yanqing praises both boys, prompting Koukou to seek the same affectionate head pat given to Yuan Yuan.
• Gu Yanqing and Qiao Wanqing collaborate on the restaurant’s opening and ultimately agree on its name.

Chapter Summary: “Restaurant Opening”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qiao Wanqing receives a proposed design for the restaurant’s advertising sign, but Gu Yanqing bluntly criticizes it as “ugly.” He teasingly offers to find a better designer if she calls him “hubby,” revealing his playful and flirtatious side.
• While Gu Yanqing works at the stone mill grinding soybeans, Qiao Wanqing wipes the sweat from his forehead. Their physical closeness creates a subtly romantic atmosphere, and Gu Yanqing notices her embarrassment.
• Qiao Wanqing prepares homemade starch jelly from soy-related ingredients, serving it with chili oil, garlic, peanuts, sesame seeds, soy sauce, vinegar, and other seasonings. She also makes a softer version for Koukou, along with cucumber salad and garlic pork slices.
• The meal is warmly received. Yuan Yuan eats enthusiastically, Koukou manages nearly half a bowl of his specially prepared food, and even the normally picky Gu Yanqing eats almost two bowls.
• Gu Yanqing praises the starch jelly as a potential signature dish for the vegetarian restaurant. Qiao Wanqing explains how she can prepare and preserve the starch in advance, making the dish practical for restaurant service.
• Gu Yanqing arranges for a new signboard to be designed. Soon afterward, the Dragon Boat Festival arrives, and both the Matchmaker Temple and Qiao Wanqing’s vegetarian restaurant officially open to visitors.
• Tan Yue visits after hearing about Xu Han’s exceptionally high-quality vegetables from Principal Qiu. Impressed by the produce, he travels to the countryside to purchase more.
• Tan Yue is surprised to discover that the vegetables are grown by a young and exceptionally beautiful woman. Xu Han receives him politely, offers him tea, and prepares to take him to the fields to select vegetables.

Character Developments

• Qiao Wanqing continues developing her food business through creativity, practical knowledge, and careful attention to customers’ needs. Her starch jelly becomes an important signature dish for the restaurant.
• Gu Yanqing shows a more mischievous and affectionate personality than Qiao Wanqing initially expected. He openly teases her, seeks her attention, and supports the restaurant by helping with the signboard and identifying promising dishes.
• Qiao Wanqing and Gu Yanqing’s relationship grows more intimate through domestic cooperation and small physical gestures. Her embarrassment and his amused awareness suggest increasing mutual attraction.
• Yuan Yuan and Koukou are portrayed as affectionate young diners who enjoy Qiao Wanqing’s cooking. Qiao Wanqing is especially considerate of Koukou’s limited chewing ability and sensitive stomach.
• Tan Yue is introduced as a refined, gentle, and well-mannered man whose calm temperament contrasts strongly with Gu Yanqing’s intimidating reserve.
• Xu Han appears hospitable and straightforward, treating Tan Yue warmly and showing confidence in the quality of her agricultural products.

Significant Themes

• Food as a source of livelihood and connection: Qiao Wanqing’s cooking supports the restaurant and brings people together.
• Rural authenticity versus luxury: Tan Yue’s willingness to travel far for countryside vegetables reflects wealthy people’s desire for natural, high-quality food after becoming accustomed to luxury.
• Domestic intimacy and romance: Everyday activities—grinding soybeans, wiping sweat, preparing meals, and eating together—create romantic closeness between Qiao Wanqing and Gu Yanqing.
• Ingenuity and self-reliance: Qiao Wanqing turns simple local ingredients into appealing dishes and finds ways to preserve them for commercial use.
• Contrasting personalities: Gu Yanqing’s cold, teasing presence is set against Tan Yue’s gentle elegance, establishing a possible contrast between two important male characters.

Important Character Interactions

• Qiao Wanqing and Gu Yanqing flirt while discussing the restaurant sign and share a charged moment when she wipes his sweat.
• The family and guests bond over Qiao Wanqing’s homemade meal, with Gu Yanqing’s strong approval validating her culinary abilities.
• Gu Yanqing’s suggestion that the starch jelly become a signature dish directly contributes to the restaurant’s menu.
• Tan Yue and Xu Han begin a cordial relationship through their discussion of vegetables and tea. His admiration for the tea and her hospitality create a positive first impression.
• Tan Yue’s first meeting with the vegetable grower introduces him to Xu Han and sets up further interaction between them.

Chapter Summary

Plot Points and Events

• After the rain, Tan Yue visits Xu Han’s home and tours her unusually productive vegetable garden.
• Xu Han worries that the abundant ripe vegetables will go unsold because the village already grows plenty of its own produce. She considers pickling or drying them.
• Tan Yue suggests selling beyond the village, first by supplying a successful farmhouse restaurant in town. He explains that customers could taste the vegetables in cooked dishes and then become interested in buying them.
• He further proposes that Xu Han open her own restaurant or develop the vegetables into a recognizable brand, such as natural vegetable crisps, especially with tourism around the renovated Matchmaker Temple likely to increase.
• Encouraged by Tan Yue’s business advice, Xu Han begins imagining the possibility of becoming wealthy, though she admits she lacks business knowledge and is cautious about ambitious plans.
• Tan Yue gives her his business card, identifying himself as the chairman of Shangfu Group, and offers to answer future questions.
• He loads his car with vegetables, apparently intending to eat or distribute them, and leaves after hinting that he expects to see Xu Han again.
• Afterward, Xu Han happily counts the money she earned and attributes her good fortune partly to Yellow Immortal. When she tries to pet him and asks him to help fulfill her second wish, he retaliates by farting on her, reminding her of his unpleasant but effective defense.

Character Developments

• Xu Han remains practical and modest, preferring steady progress over risky ambitions. However, Tan Yue’s ideas awaken her entrepreneurial potential and make her consider that her vegetables could become a major source of income.
• Tan Yue is revealed as both generous and commercially insightful. His experience as a businessman allows him to see opportunities Xu Han overlooks, and he takes an active interest in guiding her.
• Yellow Immortal continues to act like a mischievous supernatural animal. Though he may bring Xu Han luck, he dislikes excessive affection and responds in characteristically crude fashion.

Significant Themes

• Opportunity and vision: Ordinary resources can become profitable when viewed creatively and marketed beyond their original setting.
• Self-confidence and ambition: Xu Han must learn to imagine possibilities beyond her immediate circumstances while balancing ambition with caution.
• The value of mentorship: Tan Yue’s business knowledge helps Xu Han recognize abilities and opportunities she had previously ignored.
• Humor and supernatural domestic life: Yellow Immortal’s magical status is mixed with comical, animal-like behavior, keeping the story lighthearted.

Character Interactions

• Xu Han and Tan Yue share a cordial, increasingly meaningful conversation while walking through the garden. She listens attentively to his advice and is visibly inspired by his confidence.
• Tan Yue supports Xu Han through encouragement rather than merely purchasing her vegetables, offering his contact information and inviting future communication.
• Xu Han’s affectionate interaction with Yellow Immortal ends humorously when his annoyance leads him to unleash his foul-smelling fart.

Chapter Summary: “Kiss”

• Xu Han’s vegetable business plan: Inspired by Tan Yue’s advice, Xu Han decides not to start her own farm stay yet. Instead, she plans to expand her vegetable sales by supplying a local farm stay in addition to the school. She estimates that selling to tourists could bring in significant monthly income.
• Rejected but strategic approach: Xu Han visits the farm stay with a bag of vegetables, but its owner dismisses her before hearing the full proposal, insisting that she does not need vegetables. Xu Han cleverly gives her the vegetables for free while leaving her contact information, hoping the owner will be impressed by their quality and place future orders. The owner accepts reluctantly, attracted by the produce.
• Yellow Immortal’s punishment: Yellow Immortal is punished with reduced rations for offending the dignity of the household head, adding a humorous note to the chapter.
• After-work family scene: At the end of a long day at the vegetarian restaurant, Qiao Wanqing is exhausted and unable to carry Koukou. She explains that her hands hurt, but Koukou does not understand why this prevents her from carrying him. Gu Yanqing reframes the situation by asking Koukou to help carry his mother’s bag. Koukou proudly does so, though he still asks Qiao Wanqing to carry him afterward, showing that he has not fully grasped her fatigue.
• Family bonding: Gu Yanqing picks Koukou up, playfully scolds him for failing to be considerate, and handles the child affectionately. Koukou’s growing closeness to his father is noted, as he now accepts Gu Yanqing carrying him instead of always demanding his mother.
• Restaurant earnings: After closing, Qiao Wanqing calculates the day’s revenue through cash, WeChat, Alipay, and card payments. The restaurant earns 3,158 yuan, with labor costs of approximately 458 yuan, leaving her with roughly 2,700 yuan before taxes and other expenses. She is thrilled by the possibility of becoming wealthy.
• Gu Yanqing’s reaction: Gu Yanqing casually estimates the income and encourages her, though his enormous personal wealth makes him less familiar with the significance of a few thousand yuan. Nevertheless, he shares in her happiness and predicts even better business the following day.
• Business concerns: Qiao Wanqing realizes that the restaurant can earn substantial profits during the busy three-day period, but slow weekdays may be difficult because fixed labor costs remain high. Future success depends heavily on continued visitor traffic to the Matchmaker Temple.

Character Development and Interactions

• Xu Han becomes more ambitious and resourceful, pursuing practical ways to expand her agricultural business.
• Qiao Wanqing gains confidence and excitement from the restaurant’s unexpectedly strong earnings, while also confronting the financial risks of slow business days.
• Gu Yanqing continues to support Qiao Wanqing emotionally and participates actively in caring for Koukou.
• Koukou demonstrates growing attachment to his father and an eagerness to imitate adult responsibilities, though his understanding of others’ needs remains limited.
• The chapter emphasizes cooperation and affection within the family, particularly through the humorous interaction between Qiao Wanqing, Gu Yanqing, and Koukou.

Significant Themes

• Entrepreneurship and perseverance: Xu Han and Qiao Wanqing both pursue independent economic opportunities despite setbacks and uncertainty.
• Resourcefulness: Xu Han turns rejection into a potential future business lead by offering free samples and leaving her contact information.
• Family affection and caregiving: The restaurant family’s tiredness, cooperation, and playful parenting highlight their growing domestic intimacy.
• Financial independence and risk: Qiao Wanqing’s excitement over the restaurant’s profits is balanced by the concern that fixed costs could outweigh earnings on quiet days.

Chapter Summary

• Restaurant success: Qiao Wanqing calculates that her vegetarian restaurant served more than 130 customers on its opening day, thanks to its affordable pricing and 25% discount. She hopes business will be even stronger the next day and dreams of eventually opening a chain in C City. Although Gu Yanqing offers reliable financial support, she prefers to build the business through her own effort so that her success feels earned.
• Gu Yanqing’s support: Gu Yanqing assures Qiao Wanqing that he will support whatever she wants to do. Although she recognizes that his wealth could easily fund her plans, she values her independence and feels uncomfortable relying entirely on his money.
• Family bonding through bath time: After returning home exhausted, Qiao Wanqing lets Gu Yanqing bathe their son, Koukou. Though inexperienced, Gu Yanqing confidently takes responsibility and patiently learns how to care for the child. Koukou playfully splashes water in his father’s face, and Gu Yanqing responds with affection and amusement. With Qiao Wanqing’s guidance, Koukou even points out the parts of his body that Gu Yanqing has not washed, creating a warm and humorous family moment.
• Koukou’s pampered personality: Koukou enjoys his bath so much that he refuses to leave, relaxing in the tub while Gu Yanqing repeatedly pours warm water over him. The parents joke that he is being treated like a little emperor, emphasizing how lovingly and indulgently they care for him.
• Evening routine: Gu Yanqing eventually gets Koukou to sleep while Qiao Wanqing showers. He urges her to dry her hair and rest, showing his continuing attentiveness toward her. She invites him to stay the night, but he declines because he needs to return to the hotel to handle some documents.
• Qiao Wanqing’s guilt and concern: Qiao Wanqing worries that Gu Yanqing is sacrificing valuable work time to help care for Koukou. She suggests leaving the child with his grandmother so Gu Yanqing can focus on business, admitting that his dedication makes her feel pressured. Gu Yanqing reassures her that he can manage his work because his company is stable and has a capable CEO, allowing him to spend more time pursuing her and caring for Koukou.

Character Development and Relationships

• Qiao Wanqing grows more ambitious and independent, wanting to expand her restaurant without depending completely on Gu Yanqing’s wealth. At the same time, she becomes increasingly conscious of the imbalance between their finances and of the sacrifices he makes for her.
• Gu Yanqing demonstrates patience, domestic involvement, and sincere affection. His clumsy but committed effort to bathe Koukou reveals his development from a powerful businessman into an engaged partner and father figure.
• Koukou is portrayed as playful, expressive, and increasingly cooperative, strengthening his affectionate bond with Gu Yanqing.
• Qiao Wanqing and Gu Yanqing’s relationship becomes warmer and more intimate through shared childcare and mutual support, though Qiao Wanqing’s concern about burdening him introduces some emotional tension.

Key Themes

• Independence versus reliance on wealth
• Domestic intimacy and family bonding
• The value of earning success through personal effort
• Affection expressed through practical care
• The contrast between Gu Yanqing’s public authority and his gentle role at home