Chapter Summaries

Chapter Summary: “Little Devil”

Key plot points and events

Qiao Wanqing visits Gu Yanqing’s office to “inspect” him and Koukou. She finds Koukou sitting in Gu’s chair and secretly eating ice cream, despite having previously forbidden it because it once made him sick. Gu Yanqing tries to evade responsibility by blaming the employees who gave Koukou the snack. Qiao removes the ice cream, cleans Koukou up, and offers him a cookie instead. After Koukou settles down, Qiao and Gu flirt and share a brief kiss. While they are distracted, Koukou secretly retrieves the ice cream and hides under the desk to eat it. They eventually discover him, amused and exasperated by his mischievous behavior.

Character developments

Qiao is shown as a caring but strict mother who carefully manages Koukou’s diet and behavior. Gu is playful and indulgent toward both Koukou and Qiao, though he becomes slightly guilty when caught allowing Koukou to eat something forbidden. Koukou’s mischievous, clever, and stubborn personality is emphasized: he understands how to sneak around, hide his actions, and use an innocent expression to soften his parents’ disapproval.

Significant themes

The chapter highlights family intimacy, playful domestic conflict, and the contrast between parental discipline and indulgence. It also emphasizes the humor of raising a young child, especially one who imitates adults and possesses surprising cleverness. The affectionate relationship between Qiao and Gu is shown through teasing and flirtation, while their shared concern for Koukou reinforces their familial bond.

Character interactions

Qiao briefly interacts with Wang Xiao before entering the office. Inside, she scolds Gu for letting Koukou eat ice cream, while Gu jokingly shifts the blame to the employees. Qiao negotiates with Koukou by promising him candy and giving him a cookie, successfully persuading him to act obediently—at least temporarily. Qiao and Gu exchange flirtatious banter and attempt to kiss, but remain cautious because Koukou may imitate them. In the final interaction, Gu retrieves Koukou from beneath the desk and affectionately kisses him, while Qiao reacts with resigned amusement to her son’s antics.

Plot points and events

• Koukou wants ice cream but has trouble eating it with a spoon. Qiao Wanqing worries that giving in will teach him to ignore rules, but Gu Yanqing argues that he is still young and already well-behaved. Qiao eventually agrees to let him have some.
• Qiao receives messages from Director Zheng: Sister Hong will be moved to another group, and Qiao and Chen Yu can return to class that afternoon, with the missed lesson made up later.
• At lunch, Qiao explains the conflict with Sister Hong to Gu. He focuses instead on whether Director Zheng has feelings for Qiao, prompting her to tease him for being jealous.
• Qiao returns to the training center, while Gu takes Koukou back to his office for a nap. Koukou refuses to sleep and repeatedly wakes and plays with Gu, who eventually falls asleep again while Koukou entertains himself.

Character developments and interactions

• Qiao Wanqing balances affection for Koukou with her wish to set boundaries, but lets Gu’s reassurance sway her. She also handles the workplace conflict calmly and mocks Gu’s possessiveness.
• Gu Yanqing shows a gentle, indulgent side as a father, while his jealousy surfaces when he hears about Director Zheng’s attention to Qiao. He is also so tired that he tolerates Koukou treating him like a ride.
• Koukou is affectionate, mischievous, and energetic. Though too young to manage the spoon well, he keeps trying to enjoy the ice cream, then turns his father’s nap into playtime.
• Director Zheng supports Qiao and Chen Yu by arranging Sister Hong’s transfer and ensuring they can resume their training.

Significant themes

• Parenting and boundaries: Qiao and Gu differ slightly on whether to enforce rules strictly, but both act out of care for Koukou.
• Jealousy and possessiveness: Gu’s concern about Director Zheng’s messages reveals his attachment to Qiao, which she treats with humor.
• Workplace fairness and support: Sister Hong’s reassignment removes an obstacle, while Director Zheng’s intervention helps Qiao and Chen Yu continue their studies.
• Family warmth and everyday comedy: The chapter’s lighthearted moments emphasize the affectionate, chaotic bond between Gu and Koukou.

Key plot points and events

• Koukou repeatedly wakes Gu Yanqing at night, including demanding a diaper change, leaving Gu exhausted.
• At the Startup Center, Sister Hong leaves after being replaced and angrily warns Qiao Wanqing. Afterward, the team works more smoothly: orders remain modest, but visitor numbers and other indicators improve.
• For National Day, Mrs. Gu and Gu Jingzhi plan to travel abroad. Qiao Wanqing stays behind to visit Grandma Qiao, promising Gu Yanqing they can travel together another time.
• Back in Dongyang Village, Qiao Wanqing finds that the Yellow Immortal has lost weight because he is courting Aunt Li’s cat. To everyone’s surprise, he soon returns with the cat, sharing his food with her.
• Koukou is delighted by the cat, and Qiao Wanqing teaches him to watch animals gently rather than grab them.
• National Day brings a surge of visitors to the Matchmaker Temple and nearby persimmon orchards. Qiao Wanqing’s vegetarian restaurant becomes overwhelmed with customers despite hiring extra staff.

Character developments and interactions

• Gu Yanqing remains a caring, patient father, though Koukou’s nighttime antics test his limits. He also jokes about accommodating the Yellow Immortal’s new companion.
• Qiao Wanqing continues balancing work and family, and shows affection and concern for the Yellow Immortal while setting safe boundaries for Koukou around animals.
• The Yellow Immortal changes from a food-loving homebody into a lovesick suitor; his successful courtship surprises the family.
• Koukou is energetic and curious, especially around the cat.
• Qiao Wanqing and Gu Yanqing share lighthearted reactions to the Yellow Immortal’s romance and agree to postpone their trip rather than argue over holiday plans.

Significant themes

• Family life and caregiving: Koukou’s antics bring both exhaustion and humor to parenting.
• Love and change: The Yellow Immortal’s courtship transforms his habits and produces an unexpectedly happy outcome.
• Work and community growth: The center’s improving figures and the restaurant’s holiday rush show the rewards—and pressures—of local enterprise.
• Gentleness and respect for animals: Qiao Wanqing encourages Koukou to observe rather than handle the cat.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qiao Wanqing learns from her manager that business at their vegetarian restaurant has been exceptionally strong, with customers waiting outside and arriving early to secure tables.
• A new competitor, Happy Marriage Farmhouse Cuisine, has opened nearby and is aggressively targeting their restaurant with provocative advertising and a 50% discount.
• Qiao Wanqing, Gu Yanqing, and Koukou decide to visit the competitor to assess its food, business strategy, and possible weaknesses.
• The new restaurant is located below a steep staircase. Koukou becomes frightened and asks Qiao Wanqing to carry him.
• Qiao Wanqing realizes that Gu Yanqing is also uncomfortable with heights. She takes his hand and reassures him, allowing him to walk beside her while she carries Koukou.
• Upon arriving, they discover that the restaurant’s owner is the hostile woman who previously caused trouble at Qiao Wanqing’s home and damaged her garden while trying to obtain vegetables.
• The woman reveals her personal grudge by accusing Qiao Wanqing of jealousy and mocking her for eating at another restaurant.
• Qiao Wanqing calmly counters that her own restaurant is so busy that she and her family could not find a table there. Her clever response leaves the rival owner speechless.
• The family sits down to eat, with Qiao Wanqing jokingly worrying that the hostile owner might poison their food. Gu Yanqing dismisses the concern humorously.

Character Developments

• Qiao Wanqing demonstrates confidence, composure, and sharp wit. Rather than reacting angrily to the rival’s insults, she uses the public setting to turn the situation in her favor.
• Gu Yanqing shows a more vulnerable side through his fear of heights. He is embarrassed because it contrasts with his usual powerful, capable image, but he accepts Qiao Wanqing’s support.
• Qiao Wanqing and Gu Yanqing’s relationship becomes more affectionate and intimate as she holds his hand and reassures him. Gu Yanqing admires her quick thinking and silently praises her successful comeback.
• Koukou is portrayed as a dependent but endearing child who feels safe asking his mother for protection.
• The rival restaurant owner is revealed to be motivated less by business competition than by resentment from their previous conflict.

Significant Themes

• Competition and business rivalry: The new restaurant uses discounts and sensational advertising to draw customers away, forcing Qiao Wanqing and Gu Yanqing to evaluate the threat.
• Personal grudges disguised as business: The competitor’s marketing campaign is ultimately shown to be driven by revenge rather than ordinary commercial strategy.
• Confidence and verbal wit: Qiao Wanqing’s calm, socially polished response defeats the owner more effectively than an angry confrontation would.
• Vulnerability within relationships: Gu Yanqing’s fear of heights humanizes him and allows Qiao Wanqing to care for and support him.
• Family closeness: The outing functions as a family activity, with Qiao Wanqing, Gu Yanqing, and Koukou navigating the awkward encounter together.

Character Interactions

• Qiao Wanqing and Gu Yanqing discuss the competitor and agree that they need to investigate it firsthand.
• Qiao Wanqing comforts Koukou on the stairs and simultaneously supports Gu Yanqing by holding his hand.
• The rival owner openly taunts Qiao Wanqing in front of customers, accusing her of jealousy.
• Qiao Wanqing responds with controlled sarcasm, claiming that her own restaurant is too successful to provide them a seat.
• Gu Yanqing silently congratulates Qiao Wanqing for her effective retort, while later joking with her about the unlikely possibility of food poisoning.

Chapter 165 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qiao Wanqing, Gu Yanqing, and Koukou visit the competing Happy Marriage Farmhouse Cuisine to assess its food and potential threat to their vegetarian restaurant.
• They order all of the restaurant’s signature dishes, including Steamed Reservoir Fish, Farmhouse One-Pot Feast, Salt-Wine Farm Chicken, Grandma’s Vegetables, and Old Duck Soup.
• The food looks appealing, but its quality is largely mediocre:
  • The salt-wine chicken is bitter from being soaked too long and appears to use inferior farm-raised chicken.
  • The other dishes are edible but overly heavy, lacking distinctive flavor, and some of the supposedly free-range poultry seems to be fake.
  • The fish is fresh and well-cooked but slightly over-steamed and tough.
• Qiao concludes that the competing restaurant is unlikely to seriously threaten their vegetarian restaurant, whose reputation is based on genuinely delicious food.
• Gu Yanqing jokes that his spoiled palate is the reason he cannot enjoy the meal, prompting playful marital banter with Qiao Wanqing.
• Koukou rejects nearly all the food, mirroring his father’s picky tastes, while Qiao ends up eating what they refuse.
• Upon returning to their restaurant, Qiao encounters Boss Cai, who has come to complain about Happy Marriage Farmhouse Cuisine.
• Boss Cai reveals that the rival family has repeatedly harassed her restaurant, even planting a cockroach in a dish and falsely accusing her of unhygienic practices.

Character Developments

• Qiao Wanqing demonstrates her expertise as a restaurant owner through her precise evaluation of ingredients, preparation methods, and authenticity. She is confident that her restaurant’s quality and reputation will protect it from competition.
• She also displays her practical, nurturing side by caring for Koukou, preparing food for him, washing his hands, and worrying that he will become hungry after barely eating.
• Gu Yanqing remains affectionate and flirtatious, using humor to compliment Qiao’s cooking and reinforce their intimate relationship.
• Koukou continues to show his strong resemblance to his father, especially in his picky eating habits and identical expressions of disgust.
• Boss Cai is revealed to be under ongoing pressure from the rival restaurant and seeks support or understanding from Qiao.

Significant Themes

• Quality versus appearance: The rival restaurant’s dishes look attractive but fail to match their presentation in taste and authenticity.
• Professional expertise and confidence: Qiao’s experience allows her to identify inferior ingredients and poor preparation that ordinary diners might overlook.
• Family intimacy and domestic humor: The meal showcases the playful dynamic between Qiao and Gu Yanqing, as well as their shared care for Koukou.
• Competition and unfair business practices: The conflict expands beyond ordinary rivalry, with the rival family using deliberate harassment and fabricated health and hygiene accusations.
• Reputation and authenticity: Qiao believes consistent quality and genuine ingredients will ultimately matter more than flashy presentation or aggressive competition.

Character Interactions

• Qiao and Gu Yanqing evaluate the rival restaurant’s food together, with Gu teasing Qiao about having “spoiled” his palate.
• Qiao responds by joking that he may have another wife, creating a lighthearted exchange that highlights their comfort and affection.
• Qiao and Koukou interact as she repeatedly tries to feed him, while he stubbornly refuses the food and she eats it herself.
• Qiao welcomes Boss Cai privately and listens sympathetically as she describes the rival restaurant’s malicious actions, setting up a broader conflict between the restaurants.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Boss Cai tells Qiao Wanqing how she exposed a rival restaurant’s false cockroach accusation. By stir-frying another cockroach and comparing it with the supposedly “cooked” one found in her food, she proved that the complaint had been fabricated.
• The rival restaurant, Happy Union, has opened nearby after noticing the success of Qiao Wanqing and Boss Cai’s businesses. Although its owners are jealous and have attempted to undermine them, Qiao Wanqing decides not to retaliate unfairly.
• Boss Cai proposes a joint promotion: customers who eat at Qiao Wanqing’s vegetarian restaurant receive a discount on vegetables at Boss Cai’s shop, and vegetable customers receive a discount at the restaurant. Qiao Wanqing recognizes that the plan mainly benefits Boss Cai’s vegetable sales but agrees because it is still mutually beneficial.
• After Boss Cai leaves, Qiao Wanqing notices that Gu Yanqing barely ate lunch and personally prepares him tossed noodles with minced pork, mushrooms, spicy sauce, vegetables, and bean sprouts. He enjoys the meal immensely.
• Gu Yanqing becomes amorous after eating, but Qiao Wanqing playfully stops him.
• Later, Qiao Wanqing suggests taking Gu Yanqing and Koukou to pick ripe persimmons. Koukou initially pretends to remain asleep, but when he realizes they may leave without him, he quickly gets up and insists on going.
• Before they leave, Qiao Wanqing cooks Koukou some wontons because he has eaten very little. Unfortunately, the wontons contain spice, burning his mouth. Gu Yanqing realizes what happened and gives him water, but Koukou eventually cries from the pain and feeling wronged.

Character Developments

• Qiao Wanqing remains cautious and principled. Despite Happy Union’s questionable behavior, she refuses to initiate dirty competition or unnecessary conflict. She also shows her caring, domestic side by cooking for Gu Yanqing and feeding Koukou.
• Boss Cai is revealed as clever, outspoken, and commercially aggressive, though not genuinely malicious. Her “scheme” against Happy Union is actually a cooperative marketing strategy designed to increase both businesses’ profits.
• Gu Yanqing is increasingly comfortable relying on Qiao Wanqing’s care. He appreciates her cooking, enjoys their playful intimacy, and reacts attentively when Koukou is hurt.
• Koukou displays a lively, clever, and highly attached personality. He manipulates the adults into taking him along to pick persimmons, then becomes especially vulnerable and childlike when the spicy wontons hurt him.

Significant Themes

• Fair competition versus retaliation: Qiao Wanqing acknowledges that other businesses have the right to compete, but she refuses to tolerate dishonesty or respond with unethical tactics.
• Mutual support and cooperation: The discount campaign shows how small businesses can strengthen each other rather than compete destructively.
• Domestic affection: Cooking, feeding, and caring for one another emphasize the warmth and intimacy of Qiao Wanqing and Gu Yanqing’s household.
• Family-centered humor: Koukou’s clever insistence on joining the outing and his dramatic reaction to the spicy food create a lighthearted family scene.
• Food as a form of love and conflict: The chapter repeatedly uses meals to reveal relationships—Qiao Wanqing cooks thoughtfully for Gu Yanqing, while the accidentally spicy wontons lead to Koukou’s distress.

Character Interactions

• Qiao Wanqing and Boss Cai discuss the rival restaurant, balancing suspicion with restraint and eventually agreeing on a promotional partnership.
• Qiao Wanqing cares for Gu Yanqing by preparing a special meal, while Gu Yanqing responds with appreciation and playful romantic behavior.
• Qiao Wanqing and Gu Yanqing tease Koukou about leaving without him, prompting him to abandon his feigned sleep and join them.
• Qiao Wanqing feeds Koukou with care, while Gu Yanqing quickly identifies the cause of Koukou’s distress and helps him cool the burning sensation.

Chapter Summary: “Gold Pendant”

Key Plot Points and Events

• During a family meal, Qiao Wanqing unknowingly gives Koukou a wonton with an unusually spicy filling. Koukou cries bitterly, refuses comfort from his mother, and clings to Gu Yanqing instead.
• Koukou angrily calls Qiao Wanqing a “big bad guy,” while praising Gu Yanqing as a “good Daddy.” Qiao Wanqing is exasperated but continues caring for him, preparing soft rice and vegetables when he refuses to eat the meal.
• The family visits a persimmon orchard, picks a large quantity of fruit, and plans to mail boxes to relatives and friends. Qiao explains how unripe persimmons can be treated so they become crisp and sweet.
• Several days later, the family assembles a large cat tree. Koukou claims the cat’s comfortable cushion for himself and hides it in his secret cabinet. When asked what the cat should use instead, he offers his disliked pillow, amusing the entire family.
• Qiao Wanqing receives a work message reporting that their Taobao shop’s best-selling dried sweet potato product has received two suspicious negative picture reviews, alleging mold and damaged packaging.
• The team suspects the reviews are deliberate retaliation from “Sister Hong,” a former associate with whom they recently had a conflict. The group becomes angry because the fake reviews could damage their small business, which already has limited funds and has struggled to generate legitimate orders.
• Qiao and Gu Yanqing discuss the incident. Although they suspect the previous dispute is connected, they cannot yet identify the attacker because the reviews’ IP address is not from their city.

Character Developments

• Qiao Wanqing is shown as a patient, caring mother despite being frustrated by Koukou’s temporary rejection. She prioritizes his comfort and indulges his attachment to the cushion. At work, her normally calm personality gives way to anger when the family business is attacked.
• Koukou displays a strong personality, a good memory for perceived wrongs, and clever, possessive behavior. He quickly shifts his affection toward his father after the spicy food incident, claims the cat’s cushion, and cleverly offers his own unwanted pillow as a replacement.
• Gu Yanqing is playful and attentive. He teases Koukou about being a “good Daddy,” comforts him, and notices Qiao Wanqing’s anger. He also responds practically and perceptively when the business problem arises.
• The extended family, especially Grandma Qiao, are warm and accommodating. Grandma Qiao offers to sew a new cushion for the cat so Koukou can keep the one he has claimed.
• The work team becomes increasingly united and defensive when the shop is targeted, particularly Chen Yu, who reacts with intense anger because she believes Sister Hong is responsible.

Significant Themes

• Family affection and domestic humor: The spicy wonton, Koukou’s favoritism toward his father, and the struggle over the cat cushion create lighthearted scenes that emphasize the family’s intimacy.
• Parenting and indulgence: Although Qiao Wanqing is annoyed by Koukou’s behavior, she ultimately respects his wishes and makes sure both the child and cat are cared for.
• Small-business struggles: The team faces the financial and logistical difficulties of building an online shop, including the need for subsidized funds and fake orders to improve visibility.
• Retaliation and unfair competition: The malicious reviews introduce conflict and show how vulnerable a new business can be to sabotage.
• Team loyalty: The group’s shared suspicion and anger over Sister Hong’s possible actions strengthen their sense of solidarity.

Character Interactions

• Koukou rejects Qiao Wanqing after the spicy food incident but seeks comfort from Gu Yanqing, creating playful tension between the parents.
• Gu Yanqing teases Koukou while comforting him, and Qiao Wanqing silently resents being labeled the “bad” parent.
• Qiao Wanqing and Gu Yanqing work together to assemble the cat tree and later discuss the suspicious reviews.
• Koukou negotiates with Qiao Wanqing over the cushion, while Grandma Qiao resolves the dispute by offering to make a new one for the cat.
• The members of the Taobao team communicate through QQ, debate how to handle the negative reviews, and gradually identify Sister Hong as the likely source of the attack.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qiao Wanqing and Gu Yanqing discuss the malicious negative reviews affecting her small business. They suspect someone familiar—likely Sister Hong—hired professional reviewers, but lack sufficient evidence to confront her.
• Gu Yanqing offers to help through his connections, but Qiao Wanqing refuses for now, preferring to handle the issue independently. She and the others decide to report their suspicions to Director Zheng without making a direct accusation and to contact the reviewers to request that the posts be removed.
• Later that evening, Qiao Wanqing investigates Koukou’s private storage cabinet while he plays with Gu Yanqing. Inside, she finds objects Koukou treasures, including a broken roly-poly toy from Gu Yanqing, a flower crown she made, feathers, and a gift from Yuan Yuan.
• Among the keepsakes, she discovers a heavy gold angel-baby pendant. Concerned that Koukou may have taken it from someone else, she questions him, but his vague claim that he “picked it up” at the front door seems unreliable.
• Qiao Wanqing and Gu Yanqing consider who may have visited their home recently and eventually discover that Mrs. Gu secretly gave the pendant to Koukou. She told him to hide it because she did not want to present it to him openly in front of Qiao Wanqing.

Character Developments

• Qiao Wanqing demonstrates independence and responsibility by declining Gu Yanqing’s immediate assistance with the review scandal. She wants to resolve problems through ordinary means rather than rely on him.
• Her discovery of Koukou’s keepsakes reveals a more sentimental and observant side of her. She realizes that, despite his young age, Koukou forms emotional attachments and preserves memories.
• Gu Yanqing remains playful and flirtatious with Qiao Wanqing, but becomes practical and supportive when serious matters arise. He helps her reason through both the review problem and the mystery of the pendant.
• Koukou is shown to possess a private emotional world. His cabinet contains objects connected to people and experiences he values, especially the toy associated with his father.
• Mrs. Gu is revealed to still harbor complicated feelings toward Qiao Wanqing. Although she loves her grandson, her resentment leads her to behave secretly and awkwardly.

Significant Themes

• Independence and mutual support: Qiao Wanqing wants to solve her own problems, while Gu Yanqing respects her decision and remains available to help.
• Childhood memory and attachment: Koukou’s collection of seemingly random objects represents his developing emotional understanding and his way of preserving meaningful experiences.
• Family tensions and reconciliation: Mrs. Gu’s secret gift reflects both her affection for Koukou and her unresolved discomfort with Qiao Wanqing.
• Misunderstanding and communication: Koukou’s unreliable explanation initially creates anxiety, but careful questioning and communication uncover the truth.

Character Interactions

• Qiao Wanqing and Gu Yanqing exchange playful banter before cooperating seriously on the negative-review issue.
• They work together as partners, discussing practical solutions while avoiding an unsupported accusation against Sister Hong.
• Qiao Wanqing reacts warmly to Koukou’s treasured belongings, then becomes alarmed when she finds the pendant and questions him gently but firmly.
• Gu Yanqing reassures her and helps investigate the pendant’s origin.
• The revelation about Mrs. Gu exposes the indirect and strained nature of her relationship with Qiao Wanqing, despite her genuine affection for Koukou.

Chapter Summary: “Little Dress”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Koukou discovers his mother has opened his personal cabinet and becomes upset, revealing his strong sense of privacy and territory.
• He unexpectedly insists that his father, Gu Yanqing, sleep in another room with him instead of sharing the usual bed with both parents.
• Qiao Wanqing happily encourages the separation, curious to see how Gu Yanqing will cope with caring for Koukou alone.
• During the night, Gu Yanqing handles Koukou’s various demands: changing his diaper, kissing him goodnight, scratching his back, and getting him water.
• Just when Gu Yanqing believes Koukou has finally fallen asleep, Koukou begins crying for his mother. Gu Yanqing takes him back to Qiao Wanqing’s room.
• Koukou immediately settles in his mother’s arms and soon falls asleep, leaving Gu Yanqing exhausted and amused by the child’s apparent “tricks.”
• The next morning, Koukou has forgotten that he spent the night away from his mother and assumes Qiao Wanqing secretly carried him back.
• After the National Day holiday, Yellow Immortal and Aunt Li’s black cat, Little Black, become close thanks to the snacks and cat tree provided by the family. Their owners celebrate the cats’ “relationship” with a shared meal.

Character Developments

• Koukou: Shows a strong attachment to his mother, a possessive personality, and a mischievous but endearing nature. Although he initially insists on sleeping with his father, he ultimately cannot tolerate being separated from his mother.
• Gu Yanqing: Experiences the difficulties of solo childcare firsthand. His initial reluctance gradually softens when Koukou asks for affection, though the repeated nighttime demands leave him worn out.
• Qiao Wanqing: Treats the situation playfully, enjoying Gu Yanqing’s predicament rather than feeling hurt by Koukou’s temporary rejection. Her relationship with both husband and son remains affectionate and humorous.
• Yellow Immortal and Little Black: Their friendship—or imagined romance—develops quickly, mirroring the warm social bonds among the adults.

Significant Themes

• Family intimacy and attachment: Koukou’s dependence on his mother emphasizes the closeness of the family, while Gu Yanqing’s care demonstrates his growing involvement as a father.
• Parenting as both exhausting and joyful: The chapter presents childcare as physically tiring but emotionally rewarding, especially through Koukou’s affectionate gestures.
• Humor in domestic life: Everyday family conflicts, bedtime struggles, and misunderstandings are treated comically.
• Territory and possessiveness: Koukou’s reaction to his cabinet being opened parallels Gu Yanqing’s own possessive nature, suggesting he has inherited this trait from his father.
• Comfort and security: Koukou’s fear of darkness and need for his mother highlight the importance of familiar people and routines.

Character Interactions

• Koukou and Gu Yanqing: Their father-son bond strengthens through bedtime care, kisses, soothing, and playful frustration. Koukou clearly trusts his father but still prefers his mother’s comfort.
• Koukou and Qiao Wanqing: Koukou relies heavily on his mother, immediately calming in her arms after crying for her.
• Gu Yanqing and Qiao Wanqing: They share a teasing, cooperative relationship. Qiao Wanqing knowingly sends Gu Yanqing to deal with Koukou alone and enjoys the resulting chaos.
• Yellow Immortal and Little Black: Their growing closeness becomes a playful extension of the families’ affectionate domestic world.

Chapter 170 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qiao Wanqing observes that Yellow Immortal and Little Black have become noticeably fatter since becoming companions, spending most of their time sleeping together or occupying the cat tree.
• On the final night of National Day, Qiao Wanqing calculates the restaurant’s earnings. Thanks to holiday crowds, higher-priced dishes, and vegetarian food sold through Boss Cai, the business brings in approximately 300,000 yuan, with around 240,000 yuan in profit after expenses.
• Gu Yanqing teases Qiao Wanqing by calling her a “rich lady” and claiming he may soon live off her. She initially assumes he is joking, especially since she believes his income is extremely high.
• Gu reveals that his official salary is actually modest and has been reduced because he frequently takes leave and has poor attendance. He proves this by showing her his salary deposits, surprising her.
• Continuing the joke, Gu asks Qiao Wanqing to support him with his “excellent skills.” She gives him a rarely used bank card. He promptly uses it to buy winter cotton pants and posts a picture online, humorously presenting them as his wife’s gift.
• With her new profits, Qiao Wanqing contacts a greenhouse construction company to begin resolving the greenhouse project.
• She gives red envelopes to relatives and acquaintances who helped her, while treating Grandma Qiao more considerately by giving her money rather than more unnecessary gifts.
• Since Qiao Wanqing must return to C City for school, Grandma Qiao and her second uncle will help oversee the greenhouse.
• The team’s Taobao store continues to suffer from suspected malicious reviews posted by Sister Hong. Director Zheng explains that they cannot prove her involvement, though he may seek help through Alibaba contacts to remove or suppress the reviews.
• The team discusses retaliating against Sister Hong, but realizes doing so would make them obvious suspects. Qiao Wanqing instead suggests opening a new store under a different name, preventing Sister Hong from targeting it.

Character Developments

• Qiao Wanqing experiences major financial success and gains confidence from earning a substantial profit through her restaurant. She immediately uses the money responsibly, investing in the greenhouse and rewarding those who supported her.
• Gu Yanqing reveals a more playful, shameless, and affectionate side. His teasing about being financially supported by Qiao Wanqing strengthens their romantic intimacy, while his actual salary situation shows that his public image as an all-powerful executive is misleading.
• Qiao Wanqing and Gu Yanqing’s relationship becomes increasingly comfortable and marital in tone. Their joking about money, mutual teasing, and the “cotton pants” incident show growing domestic familiarity.
• The supporting team remains loyal and protective of Qiao Wanqing, especially Brother Meng, who angrily wants to defend the store, though the group ultimately chooses a more practical solution.

Significant Themes

• Love and domestic intimacy: The cats’ weight gain humorously parallels the comfortable, indulgent atmosphere created by companionship. Qiao Wanqing and Gu Yanqing’s banter reflects their deepening relationship.
• Success and responsibility: Qiao Wanqing’s financial achievement is not treated merely as personal wealth; she channels it into business expansion, family support, and future plans.
• Appearance versus reality: Gu Yanqing appears to be an immensely wealthy and untouchable CEO, but his actual salary and workplace treatment are surprisingly ordinary.
• Practicality over revenge: Although the team is angry about Sister Hong’s sabotage, they recognize that retaliation could backfire and instead seek a clean, strategic solution.
• Family gratitude and care: Qiao Wanqing repays those who helped her while tailoring her gifts to Grandma Qiao’s frugal personality and actual needs.

Character Interactions

• Qiao Wanqing and Gu Yanqing flirt through jokes about her becoming wealthy enough to support him.
• Gu deliberately exaggerates his dependence on her, accepts her bank card, and turns the cotton pants purchase into a public display of affection.
• Qiao Wanqing gives financial thanks to her relatives and helpers, reinforcing her bonds with them.
• The Taobao team collaborates in the group chat, with Brother Meng expressing aggressive loyalty and Qiao Wanqing providing the calm, strategic solution of opening a new store.

Chapter Summary

Plot and Events

• The class members realize they cannot keep their plan secret because they all work in the same office and their instructors may use their stores as examples.
• Gu Yanqing unexpectedly arrives as the day’s guest mentor. Director Zheng introduces him as the highly accomplished chairman of Chisheng Information Technology, praising both his company’s rapid rise and his reputation.
• Qiao Wanqing is surprised to learn how influential and capable her usually low-key husband is. Gu Yanqing gives a clear, well-organized lecture that impresses the class.
• After class, Gu Yanqing summons Qiao Wanqing outside under the pretext of an “urgent” matter. In reality, he wants to take her home for lunch and to feed their baby, while also making their relationship obvious to everyone.
• At home, their son Koukou enthusiastically shows off a new pink dress and headband given to him by his grandmother. Gu Yanqing disapproves of the headband and questions Koukou about whether he is a boy or a girl.

Character Development

• Qiao Wanqing gains a new appreciation for Gu Yanqing after seeing his professional authority, intelligence, and teaching ability firsthand. She also feels embarrassed by the public attention surrounding their marriage.
• Gu Yanqing reveals a more playful and possessive side. He deliberately displays his closeness with Qiao Wanqing in public, suggesting lingering jealousy over Director Zheng and a desire to assert their relationship.
• Koukou is portrayed as cheerful, expressive, and eager for praise. He proudly presents his new outfit but confidently identifies himself as a boy when questioned.
• Gu Yanqing’s mother is shown as indulgent and playful, dressing Koukou in a princess outfit for amusement.

Themes

• Hidden relationships and the embarrassment—or pride—of public acknowledgment.
• The contrast between Gu Yanqing’s humble private identity and his impressive public status.
• Romantic possessiveness and playful marital affection.
• Family humor, especially generational differences in raising and indulging children.
• Gender expectations, reflected in the discussion of Koukou wearing traditionally feminine clothing.

Character Interactions

• Director Zheng praises Gu Yanqing before the class, while Qiao Wanqing reacts with surprise and admiration.
• Chen Yu openly gushes over Gu Yanqing’s appearance and voice, amusing and embarrassing Qiao Wanqing.
• Gu Yanqing publicly takes Qiao Wanqing’s hand, drawing attention and reinforcing their couple status.
• At home, Qiao Wanqing finds Koukou’s outfit amusing, while Gu Yanqing reacts sternly and removes the headband, leading to a playful exchange about Koukou’s identity.

Chapter Summary

Family interaction and Koukou’s dress

Qiao Wanqing and Gu Yanqing return home to find their son, Koukou, wearing a little dress and wanting to keep his headband. Gu Yanqing initially objects because Koukou is a boy, but Mrs. Gu defends the child, joking that Gu Yanqing also wore dresses as a child. Koukou uses his grandmother’s support to accuse his father of “bullying” him, and Gu Yanqing reluctantly gives back the headband. Mrs. Gu then hints that she would like another granddaughter, prompting Gu Yanqing and Qiao Wanqing to silently recognize the pressure to have a second child. They agree to wait until Koukou is older.

Gu Yanqing and Qiao Wanqing’s relationship

After Koukou falls asleep, Gu Yanqing asks when they will make their relationship official. Qiao Wanqing leaves the decision to him, trusting his judgment on major matters. Their conversation turns into playful intimacy, highlighting how comfortable and affectionate they have become. Qiao Wanqing jokingly reflects that romantic and erotic novels exaggerate how often couples have sex, since real-life intimacy is much more exhausting. Gu Yanqing teases her shamelessly and jokingly asks her to call him “Teacher Gu,” emphasizing their flirtatious dynamic.

Rumors about their marriage

Gu Yanqing and Qiao Wanqing are seen walking home hand in hand, causing their classmates to realize that she has a handsome, capable husband. Qiao Wanqing suddenly becomes the subject of gossip and questioning, including from Director Zheng, who wonders why she is participating in the training program. She avoids answering intrusive questions by smiling or changing the subject, and because she keeps to herself during meals and free time, the attention eventually fades.

Training-class rankings

During the weekly review, Qiao Wanqing’s team ranks second in store sales, an impressive result given the malicious bad reviews they had previously suffered. Sister Hong’s team ranks last because of their poor attitude and failure to decorate their store or make sales. Their instructor publicly criticizes them and warns that their training qualifications and government subsidy could be revoked if officials inspect their unfinished, careless work.

Sister Hong’s downfall

Frightened by the consequences, Sister Hong’s group works overtime while the other trainees enjoy the weekend. Qiao Wanqing and Chen Yu secretly inspect their store and laugh at its disastrous decoration, including badly distorted images. They feel vindicated because Sister Hong had previously caused trouble through malicious reviews and returns. Chen Yu credits Qiao Wanqing’s powerful husband with discouraging further harassment. Since learning about Gu Yanqing, Sister Hong has stopped confronting Qiao Wanqing and avoids her, demonstrating that even she submits when faced with someone more powerful.

Character Development and Themes

• Qiao Wanqing and Gu Yanqing grow more openly affectionate and function as a trusting couple, while still maintaining a playful, teasing relationship.
• Koukou is shown as mischievous and expressive, confidently seeking protection from his grandmother.
• Mrs. Gu is affectionate but mischievous, using Koukou’s dress to tease Gu Yanqing and indirectly encourage the couple to have another child.
• Sister Hong suffers the consequences of her laziness and hostility, while Qiao Wanqing and Chen Yu gain satisfaction from seeing justice unfold.
• Major themes include family affection, romantic intimacy, social gossip, workplace competition, karma, and the way power influences people’s behavior.

Chapter Summary — Page 173

Plot Points and Events

• Chen Yu asks Qiao Wanqing how she met and married Gu Jingzhi, but Qiao avoids answering by joking that her story is like Cinderella.
• Gu Jingzhi is away on a month-long business trip, while Qiao plans to return home for the weekend to accompany him later and care for their child, Koukou.
• Tang Yueyue visits Qiao because both Gu Jingzhi and Qiao’s mother-in-law are away. She has recently changed her hairstyle and looks noticeably younger and more energetic.
• Concerned that Qiao has neglected her appearance since marriage, Tang Yueyue drags her to a salon for a makeover. Koukou accompanies them for a haircut.
• Qiao chooses a different salon from Gu Jingzhi’s usual high-end barbershop because her previous haircut there—especially her bangs—was badly done.
• Koukou initially refuses to get his hair cut, so Qiao promises him his favorite cake. He agrees only after negotiating for cake instead of proper meals.
• At the salon, Qiao points to another well-behaved child as an example for Koukou. Koukou confidently claims he can be even better.
• The example backfires when the other child panics and cries after the barber shaves the sides of his head. Koukou immediately becomes frightened and abandons his promise to cooperate, even giving up the cake.
• Tang Yueyue takes Koukou away to play while Qiao begins her own appointment. Unsure what style to choose, Qiao asks the hairstylist for advice, but rejects his suggestion of a “princess cut” after seeing the examples.

Character Development

• Qiao Wanqing remains modest and evasive about her romantic history, while also showing how marriage and motherhood have caused her to neglect her own appearance.
• Tang Yueyue is portrayed as energetic, confident, and fashion-conscious. She acts as Qiao’s close friend and pushes her to care for herself again.
• Koukou is shown as clever, spoiled, and easily influenced. He can be persuaded through bargains and competition, but his bravery quickly disappears when confronted with something frightening.
• Gu Jingzhi is absent physically but remains important to the family dynamic as Qiao’s husband and Koukou’s admired father. Koukou even compares his own skills with those of his father.

Significant Themes

• Marriage and personal change: Qiao’s marriage and responsibilities as a mother have shifted her priorities, causing her to pay less attention to her appearance.
• Friendship and support: Tang Yueyue helps Qiao reconnect with her former self and encourages her to enjoy a little personal care.
• Parenting and childhood behavior: Qiao uses rewards, comparisons, and reassurance to manage Koukou, illustrating both the challenges and humor of caring for a young child.
• Appearance versus reality: Tang Yueyue’s transformation shows the influence of styling, while the salon incident humorously demonstrates how quickly appearances can change from appealing to frightening.

Character Interactions

• Chen Yu’s curiosity about Qiao’s marriage contrasts with Qiao’s evasive humor.
• Tang Yueyue teases Qiao about letting herself go and insists on taking her to the salon.
• Qiao negotiates with Koukou over his haircut, while Tang Yueyue later comforts and entertains him.
• Qiao uses the other child’s good behavior to motivate Koukou, but the child’s sudden fear has the opposite effect.
• The chapter ends with Qiao seeking advice from the hairstylist but rejecting his first suggestion, leaving her makeover unresolved.

Key plot points and events

• After hours of indecision, Qiao Wanqing lets a salon director choose her hairstyle. He gives her medium-length, curled hair with thick, muted-teal bangs—a cute, youthful look that she feels does not suit her glamorous features.
• Her son, Koukou, initially refuses to enter the salon, but returns after Tang Yueyue tells him his mother has a pretty new hairstyle. He briefly fails to recognize Qiao Wanqing before rushing to her.
• Qiao Wanqing suggests video-calling Gu Yanqing so Koukou can show him how well-behaved he has been. Koukou agrees when promised a spaceship model.
• Gu Yanqing answers the call before an important meeting. He recognizes Qiao Wanqing’s new look and teases her about it, then agrees to help persuade Koukou to get his hair trimmed.
• Koukou remains nervous when the clippers start, insisting he is not afraid despite clearly being frightened.

Character developments

• Qiao Wanqing tries to trust the stylist, then struggles to accept a look that feels unlike her. She quickly shifts her attention from her own disappointment to helping Koukou.
• Koukou is playful and easily distracted, but hesitant about haircuts. His desire for a spaceship model helps persuade him, though he still tries to appear brave.
• Gu Yanqing shows affection through gentle teasing and readily joins Qiao Wanqing in reassuring their son.
• Tang Yueyue playfully jokes about Qiao Wanqing’s new, “innocent” look and helps bring Koukou back to the salon.

Significant themes

• Family affection and cooperation: Qiao Wanqing and Gu Yanqing work together to comfort Koukou.
• Appearance and self-image: Qiao Wanqing’s new hairstyle highlights the gap between how others see her and how she sees herself.
• Parenting and indulgence: Koukou is persuaded with a promised toy, while his parents recognize that the family’s generosity has left them with more toys than he can use.

Character interactions

• The salon director confidently defends his hairstyle, while Qiao Wanqing privately doubts it.
• Tang Yueyue teases Qiao Wanqing but also helps coax Koukou back.
• Qiao Wanqing and Gu Yanqing trade playful remarks during their video call before turning their attention to Koukou.
• Gu Yanqing reassures Koukou as the haircut begins, and Koukou insists on being brave.

Chapter Summary

• Koukou’s haircut: Koukou remains extremely nervous about getting his hair cut, despite Gu Yanqing reassuring him that he is “the strongest little boy in the world.” Gu Yanqing distracts and comforts him, while Tang Yueyue jokingly records his fear. Afterward, Qiao Wanqing rewards Koukou with his favorite cakes. Once praised for his new hairstyle and given food, he quickly regains his cheerful, energetic mood.
• Dinner at the private club: Qiao Wanqing takes Tang Yueyue and Koukou to an upscale seafood club associated with Gu Yanqing. Tang Yueyue jokes that she is benefiting from Gu Yanqing’s status, prompting Qiao Wanqing to tell her to have some self-respect. Qiao reflects that she once felt similarly out of place in high-end establishments, but Gu Yanqing had gradually taught her how to behave in such settings. The group enjoys an elegant meal, though Koukou eats very little because he is still full from his cake.
• Qiao Wanqing’s discovery: After feeding Koukou and leaving him with Tang Yueyue, Qiao goes to the restroom. While returning, she encounters a heavily made-up woman and hears her call someone “Darling.” The man who responds is unmistakably Gu Yanze, Yuan Yuan’s father, recognizable by his distinctive smoker’s voice and lean figure. He is behaving intimately with the woman, who is clearly not his wife, Chu Shishi.
• Qiao’s reaction: Qiao is shocked and distressed by the apparent affair. She is relieved that her unusual new haircut has changed her appearance enough that Gu Yanze does not recognize her. A waiter notices her troubled expression and assumes she has just witnessed her own husband with another woman, feeling sympathy for her. Qiao, unaware of his misunderstanding, maintains a polite smile while internally struggling with how to respond.

Character Developments and Interactions

• Koukou moves from intense fear to happiness, showing how easily reassurance, praise, and small rewards affect him.
• Gu Yanqing displays patience and tenderness while comforting Koukou, reinforcing his caring role.
• Qiao Wanqing acts protectively toward Koukou and demonstrates increasing familiarity with elite social settings, though the discovery about Gu Yanze leaves her shaken.
• Tang Yueyue provides comic relief through her teasing and irreverent attitude, particularly about enjoying Gu Yanqing’s privileges.
• Qiao Wanqing and Gu Yanze do not directly interact, but their near-recognition creates tension. Qiao must now decide whether to inform Gu Yanqing.
• The chapter ends with Qiao considering calling Gu Yanqing to verify Gu Yanze’s whereabouts and determine how to handle the possible infidelity.

Significant Themes

• Family secrets and betrayal: The sight of Gu Yanze with another woman introduces a serious potential scandal within the Gu family.
• Appearances versus reality: Qiao’s altered hairstyle prevents recognition, while the waiter misinterprets her distress, highlighting how easily appearances can conceal the truth.
• Social class and adaptation: Qiao’s memories of learning how to behave in luxury settings contrast with Tang Yueyue’s humorous delight at benefiting from Gu Yanqing’s status.
• Care and emotional reassurance: Gu Yanqing’s treatment of Koukou and Qiao’s attentiveness toward the child emphasize affection, patience, and familial bonds.
• Comic relief amid tension: Koukou’s haircut anxiety and Tang Yueyue’s jokes lighten the chapter before the unexpected and troubling discovery at the club.

Chapter Summary: “Godfather”

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Qiao Wanqing worries about the possibility that Gu Yanze may have been unfaithful to Chu Shishi, potentially causing another family crisis for Yuan Yuan.
• She returns to the private room and comforts Koukou, who dramatically claims to have missed her despite her being gone only briefly.
• Qiao Wanqing, Tang Yueyue, and Koukou have dinner and spend the evening shopping. They buy clothes and shoes for themselves, Koukou, and Gu Yanqing, filling the car’s trunk.
• During the ride home, Koukou imitates Tang Yueyue’s profanity, amusing her but alarming Qiao Wanqing. He repeats the phrase when Tang Yueyue touches his freshly cut hair, earning a light spanking from his mother.
• Qiao Wanqing spends a restless night thinking about Gu Yanze. The next morning, she tells Gu Yanqing what she saw.
• Gu Yanqing promises to verify whether Gu Yanze has recently been in C City and instructs Qiao Wanqing not to tell Mrs. Gu or anyone else until the matter is confirmed.
• Qiao Wanqing hopes she was mistaken and that Yuan Yuan’s parents remain a happy couple.
• Before Tang Yueyue’s evening flight to X City, Qiao Wanqing plans to show her around. However, Gu Yanqing calls and asks her to retrieve an important document from his study for Wang Xiao.
• Unable to find the butler, Uncle Qing, Qiao Wanqing decides to bring the document downstairs herself.

2. Character Developments

• Qiao Wanqing shows strong concern for Yuan Yuan’s emotional well-being and remains cautious about spreading an uncertain accusation. She also displays her affectionate, patient side as Koukou’s mother.
• Gu Yanqing responds responsibly to Qiao Wanqing’s concern, agreeing to investigate discreetly rather than jumping to conclusions.
• Koukou is portrayed as clingy, mischievous, and highly impressionable. He quickly imitates adult language, demonstrating both his intelligence and his tendency to copy what he hears.
• Tang Yueyue enjoys her carefree friendship with Qiao Wanqing and enthusiastically embraces shopping and spending money. She claims to be content being single, though Qiao Wanqing suspects she simply has not met the right person.
• Gu Yanze does not appear directly, but suspicion surrounding his whereabouts and possible infidelity becomes the chapter’s underlying tension.

3. Significant Themes

• Family stability and emotional protection: Qiao Wanqing’s main concern is preventing Yuan Yuan from suffering another family breakdown.
• Trust and uncertainty: The possible sighting of Gu Yanze raises questions, but Qiao Wanqing avoids making accusations without confirmation.
• Motherhood and responsibility: Qiao Wanqing balances affection with discipline while managing Koukou’s behavior.
• Friendship and personal freedom: Shopping with Tang Yueyue gives Qiao Wanqing a rare opportunity to socialize and enjoy herself outside her roles as wife and mother.
• Imitation and childhood innocence: Koukou’s repeated use of swear words highlights how easily children absorb adult behavior.

4. Character Interactions

• Qiao Wanqing comforts and disciplines Koukou, while Tang Yueyue spoils and plays with him.
• Tang Yueyue’s careless language is copied by Koukou, creating a humorous but embarrassing exchange.
• Qiao Wanqing and Gu Yanqing discuss the suspected sighting of Gu Yanze, with Gu Yanqing taking responsibility for investigating it discreetly.
• Qiao Wanqing and Tang Yueyue deepen their friendship through dinner, shopping, and conversation about relationships and single life.
• The chapter ends with Qiao Wanqing carrying out Gu Yanqing’s request, setting up a likely development involving the document or the household.

Chapter 177 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• When Qiao Wanqing and Tang Yueyue leave the building, they find that Wang Xiao has been replaced by Qi Xing, Chisheng Technology’s vice president, who has come to collect confidential documents from Gu Yanqing.
• Qiao Wanqing initially distrusts Qi Xing, since she has never met him and worries he may be impersonating a company employee. Gu Yanqing calls to confirm Qi Xing’s identity, allowing her to hand over the documents.
• Tang Yueyue is immediately attracted to Qi Xing, describing him as a handsome, refined, “abstinent elite.” However, she doubts someone of his status would be interested in her.
• Qiao Wanqing encourages Tang Yueyue to pursue the possibility and asks Gu Yanqing about Qi Xing. She learns that Qi Xing is single but recently ended a relationship less than three months earlier.
• While leaving, Koukou finds a discarded red-envelope pouch containing a hundred-yuan bill. Qiao Wanqing teaches him not to keep lost property, and they give it to the building’s security guard so its owner can be found.
• Qiao Wanqing arranges an afternoon-tea meeting between Tang Yueyue and Qi Xing. Tang prepares carefully, while Qiao feels nervous about acting as a matchmaker.
• At the tea shop, Qi Xing is already waiting and politely welcomes Qiao, Tang, and Koukou, setting up their first formal meeting.

Character Developments

• Qiao Wanqing demonstrates caution and responsibility by verifying Qi Xing’s identity before handing over company documents. She also becomes enthusiastic and proactive in helping Tang Yueyue find a potential romantic partner.
• Tang Yueyue develops an immediate crush on Qi Xing but struggles with insecurity because she believes their social and professional positions are too different. Despite her doubts, she decides to give the meeting a chance.
• Qi Xing is established as polished, courteous, and professional. His recent breakup suggests he may not be ready for a new relationship, though his willingness to meet Tang leaves the possibility open.
• Koukou continues to imitate the adults around him, copying Qiao’s gesture of comforting Tang. His innocence and excitement about possibly gaining a “godfather” add humor and warmth.

Significant Themes

• Caution and trust: Qiao Wanqing’s suspicion of Qi Xing emphasizes the need to verify identities, especially when confidential documents are involved.
• Romance and social insecurity: Tang Yueyue’s attraction to Qi Xing is accompanied by doubts about class and status, highlighting her fear that romantic opportunities are limited by social differences.
• Friendship and matchmaking: Qiao actively supports Tang’s romantic hopes, showing the closeness of their friendship and her willingness to help her friend pursue happiness.
• Childlike innocence and moral guidance: Koukou’s discovery of the money creates a small lesson about honesty and returning lost property.
• Hope after heartbreak: Qi Xing’s recent breakup introduces uncertainty, while the arranged meeting suggests the possibility of beginning again.

Character Interactions

• Qiao carefully questions Qi Xing before apologizing and handing over the documents; he responds graciously and reassures her that her caution was reasonable.
• Tang openly admires Qi Xing, while Qiao teases and encourages her rather than allowing her to give in to self-doubt.
• Qiao and Gu Yanqing communicate about Qi Xing’s identity and relationship status, with Gu providing the information needed for Qiao’s matchmaking plan.
• Qiao and Koukou interact affectionately as she teaches him proper behavior, while Koukou humorously echoes her encouragement of Tang.
• The chapter ends with Qi Xing politely greeting Qiao, Tang, and Koukou at the tea shop, beginning the anticipated matchmaking encounter.

Key plot points and events

• Qiao Wanqing accompanies Tang Yueyue to meet Qi Xing, Gu Yanqing’s vice president. Qi Xing comes across as polished, capable, and sincere. His previous relationship ended because his ex made demanding financial and family-related conditions.
• Qiao takes Koukou out, leaving Tang and Qi to talk. Koukou unexpectedly calls Qi “godfather,” mortifying Tang; Qi calmly plays along and says goodbye.
• Koukou falls asleep on the ride home, and Qiao naps too. Tang returns soon afterward because she has an evening flight. She and Qiao discuss the meeting: they have exchanged WeChat details, and Qi is taking Tang to the airport. Tang teases Qiao about her past romantic uncertainty with Gu Yanqing.
• After Tang leaves, Qiao realizes how much she misses Gu Yanqing. He quickly provides information about Gu Yanze, who has come to C City and met Jiang Yi.
• Qiao recognizes Jiang Yi as the woman who later becomes Gu Mingyuan’s stepmother in the original story. She realizes Gu Yanze has cheated, setting in motion a painful future for Mingyuan.

Character developments and interactions

• Tang Yueyue is initially nervous around Qi, but remains playful and independent. Despite their apparent connection, she still plans to leave for her flight; Qi’s offer to drive her to the airport gives Qiao hope for the match.
• Qi Xing is presented as principled and family-oriented: his former partner’s demands crossed a boundary concerning his parents. He handles Koukou’s awkward “godfather” remark with composure.
• Qiao Wanqing supports Tang’s budding romance, then shifts from amused matchmaking to concern when Gu Yanqing’s findings expose Gu Yanze’s affair and its likely consequences.
• Koukou is affectionate, polite, and surprisingly perceptive, adding humor to the meeting.

Significant themes

• Healthy relationships and boundaries: Qi’s breakup reflects the importance of respect for family and personal limits.
• Romance and timing: Tang and Qi’s connection begins cautiously, while Tang’s teasing recalls Qiao and Gu Yanqing’s earlier hesitation.
• The weight of foreknowledge: Qiao’s knowledge of the story makes Jiang Yi’s arrival especially alarming, because she can foresee the harm awaiting Gu Mingyuan.
• Family and vulnerability: The chapter’s ending highlights Mingyuan’s lack of parental care and foreshadows further suffering.

Chapter Summary

Plot and Events

• Qiao Wanqing and Gu Yanqing learn that Gu Mingyuan—“Yuan Yuan”—may be brought into Gu Yanqing’s family as an adopted son, a development apparently designed to advance the original novel’s plot.
• Qiao is deeply uncomfortable with the possibility because she fears Yuan Yuan could eventually threaten her son Koukou’s inheritance and well-being. She decides that everything should belong to Koukou and cannot tolerate him suffering any disadvantage.
• Gu Yanqing agrees to keep the matter quiet temporarily while he considers what to do. Neither of them can find an ideal solution: exposing the truth could hurt Yuan Yuan, while ignoring it could hurt Chu Shishi.
• Qiao becomes heavily occupied with Singles’ Day preparations as her e-commerce training enters its final practical phase.
• Her five-person team operates six Taobao stores, and their Linhe dried sweet potato listing becomes a huge success, reaching nearly 2,000 orders and earning the highest sales ranking.
• Qiao graduates from the program with distinction and becomes a major candidate for government support. The training center also establishes an incubation center for participants who want continued assistance.
• Chen Yu chooses to remain with the incubation center rather than start independently, believing the support will make entrepreneurship easier.
• At the farewell dinner, the team becomes emotional after working closely together. Chen Yu drinks heavily and cries, but Director Zheng arrives to pick her up, revealing that the two have begun a relationship.

Character Development

• Qiao’s maternal protectiveness becomes even clearer. Her love for Koukou outweighs her affection for Yuan Yuan, and she reveals how strongly she prioritizes her son’s security and future.
• She and Gu Yanqing demonstrate mutual trust and emotional maturity by discussing the adoption issue calmly without making dramatic promises.
• Qiao grows substantially as an entrepreneur. What began as a low-expectation training opportunity gives her practical skills, confidence, professional recognition, and a path toward independent business ownership.
• Her intense work schedule causes her to feel guilty about neglecting Koukou, strengthening her determination to bring him with her once she is self-employed.
• Chen Yu shows a softer, more vulnerable side beneath her fiery temperament. Her decision to stay with the incubation center reflects practical self-awareness.
• Director Zheng’s appearance suggests that Chen Yu now has a dependable, patient partner who may help her avoid future difficulties.

Themes

• Maternal love and protection: Qiao’s greatest concern is preventing Koukou from being deprived or harmed.
• Moral and emotional ambiguity: The adoption dilemma has no simple answer, since every possible choice could hurt someone.
• Trust in relationships: Qiao and Gu Yanqing rely on mutual understanding rather than grand declarations.
• Personal growth and self-reliance: Qiao transforms from an uncertain participant into a capable and promising entrepreneur.
• Community and shared ambition: The training team’s cooperation gives Qiao a sense of belonging and motivation she had not previously experienced.
• Balancing family and career: Qiao’s success comes at the cost of time with Koukou, creating emotional tension.

Important Character Interactions

• Qiao and Gu Yanqing discuss Yuan Yuan’s possible adoption and agree to postpone action while remaining attentive to the situation.
• Qiao comforts Gu Yanqing and reminds him not to exhaust himself with the problem while he is abroad handling a major project.
• Qiao struggles with guilt when Koukou waits up for her, but continues working because of the importance of the Singles’ Day campaign.
• The team celebrates its unexpected sales success together, reinforcing their bond.
• At the farewell dinner, Qiao worries about Chen Yu’s future and plans to care for her after Chen Yu becomes intoxicated.
• Director Zheng’s arrival surprises Qiao and confirms his growing relationship with Chen Yu.

Chapter Summary: “President Gu Returns”

Plot points and events

Qiao Wanqing returns home in a cheerful mood after making progress toward leaving her job and starting her own Taobao shop. She plans to sell dried fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural products from Dongyang Village, especially the village’s undervalued dried persimmons, with the goal of creating a recognizable local brand. At home, she finds Mrs. Gu caring for an exhausted Koukou, who has stayed awake waiting for her. Qiao puts him to bed and reassures him that she will not leave for work the next day, sealing the promise with a playful pinky promise.
Two days later, Gu Yanqing returns from a business trip abroad that lasted more than a month. Qiao and Koukou go to the airport to welcome him. While waiting, Koukou becomes frightened by two dark-skinned foreigners, and Qiao gently explains that they are ordinary people whose skin color is simply different. When Gu Yanqing appears, Koukou excitedly runs to him, and father and son share an affectionate reunion.

Character developments

Qiao is increasingly independent and entrepreneurial, showing determination to improve the fortunes of her village through online commerce. At the same time, she remains a caring and reassuring mother who is attentive to Koukou’s emotional needs. Koukou is shown as affectionate, clingy, playful, and somewhat timid; he deeply misses his father and depends on promises from his mother for reassurance. Gu Yanqing’s return emphasizes his close bond with his son and his loving relationship with Qiao. Mrs. Gu continues to provide quiet support and childcare, despite not fully approving of Qiao’s business plans.

Significant themes

The chapter highlights family affection, parental devotion, and the emotional importance of keeping promises to children. It also introduces themes of rural economic development, entrepreneurship, and building value around local products. Koukou’s fear of people with different appearances briefly raises the theme of unfamiliarity and the need for gentle education about human differences.

Character interactions

Qiao and Koukou share a tender bedtime scene involving reassurance, humor, and a pinky promise. Mrs. Gu and Qiao cooperate naturally in caring for him, with Mrs. Gu watching over him while Qiao is away. At the airport, Qiao comforts Koukou when he becomes frightened, then watches as he enthusiastically reunites with Gu Yanqing. Gu and Koukou exchange mutual declarations of missing each other, reinforcing their close father-son relationship, while Qiao welcomes Gu home warmly.