Chapter Summaries

Key plot points and events

• Wu Chen answers a call from his mother after Wu Jiao tells her he is dating someone. He confirms the relationship and promises to bring Li Ruobing home soon.
• Li Ruobing is pleased but nervous at the prospect of meeting Wu Chen’s parents, since she cares about him despite her own difficult family relationships.
• Wu Chen’s brother-in-law, Li Ruotai, reports that the Ding family has agreed to pay one billion yuan for the Clubhouse fire and related losses. Wu Chen accepts Li Maoren’s proposal to split the compensation with Li Ruotai.
• Li Ruotai invites Wu Chen and Li Ruobing to dinner before he leaves town. Wu Chen suggests they eat at home and says Wu Jiao will join them.
• While Li Ruobing handles work, Wu Chen dries Wu Jiao’s hair and fields her questions about his relationship. He gives her a deliberately brief account, saying they fell in love at first sight.
• Wu Jiao asks about Wu Chen’s watch, which Li Ruobing gave him. He claims it cost 200,000 yuan; Chen Xue later identifies the model online as worth over two million. Wu Jiao rushes out to confront him.

Character developments and interactions

• Wu Chen openly commits to the relationship by deciding to introduce Li Ruobing to his parents. Li Ruobing’s nervousness reveals how important Wu Chen and his family have become to her.
• Wu Chen is affectionate and teasing with Wu Jiao, while she shifts between scheming, wheedling, and playful indignation. Their familiar sibling banter shows Wu Chen’s more candid, relaxed side.
• Li Ruobing treats Wu Jiao warmly, even helping dry her hair. Wu Chen notes that he behaves differently with his sister, and Li Ruobing recognizes the genuine older-brother tenderness in him.
• Li Ruotai is eager to involve Wu Chen in the family’s dealings and shares his father’s willingness to divide the settlement fairly. Wu Chen remains pragmatic, accepting the money because it comes from the Ding family.
• Chen Xue quietly observes the siblings’ antics and uncovers the real price of Wu Chen’s watch.

Significant themes

• Commitment and family: Bringing Li Ruobing home marks a meaningful step in Wu Chen’s relationship and underscores the importance of family approval.
• Trust and intimacy: Li Ruobing’s concern about meeting Wu Chen’s parents contrasts with her strained ties to her own family.
• Power, strategy, and compensation: The Ding family’s payment reflects the Li family’s leverage and its broader political and business calculations.
• Affection expressed through teasing: The playful exchanges among Wu Chen, Wu Jiao, Li Ruobing, and Chen Xue show closeness through humor and familiar banter.

Key plot points

• Li Ruobing leaves for a sales-department issue and an executive meeting, arranging to have dinner at home that evening because A Tai is leaving the next day.
• Wu Chen takes his younger sister, Wu Jiao, and her friend Chen Xue shopping in his Bentley. Wu Jiao is still annoyed that he misled her about the price of his expensive watch.
• Wu Chen buys both young women comparable outfits, spending nearly 50,000 yuan on each. Wu Jiao worries about where his money came from, since he has only recently started working.
• In the parking garage, Feng Yuan—one of Wang Zhuangyuan’s men—recognizes Wu Chen and greets him deferentially. Wu Jiao sees the gang’s respect for her brother and becomes increasingly suspicious that he has a hidden, possibly dangerous, life.
• Feng Yuan identifies Wu Jiao as Wu Chen’s sister and warns his men not to offend her. He then reports the encounter to Wang Zhuangyuan.
• On the drive, Wu Jiao presses Wu Chen about his money and the men in the garage. He denies doing anything wrong but gives her few details. He confirms that he lives with Li Ruobing.
• Wu Chen takes a call from superstar An Menglan. Afterward, he tells a stunned Wu Jiao that the caller really was the famous singer she admires.

Character developments and interactions

• Wu Chen is generous and protective toward his sister and Chen Xue, carefully keeping their gifts within a range he thinks they’ll accept. He remains teasing and evasive when Wu Jiao questions his wealth and connections, while his composed exchanges with Feng Yuan reveal his influence in the underworld.
• Wu Jiao shifts from indignation over the watch to concern about Wu Chen’s finances and safety. She trusts his character but suspects he is hiding something, and decides to watch him rather than keep asking.
• Chen Xue initially refuses Wu Chen’s gifts but accepts them after Wu Jiao appeals to their friendship. Her close bond with Wu Jiao is reflected in Wu Chen’s decision to treat them equally.
• Feng Yuan shows conspicuous respect for Wu Chen and protects Wu Jiao by warning his men to recognize her. His call to Wang Zhuangyuan underlines Wu Chen’s standing among those men.
• Wu Chen and Li Ruobing coordinate their evening plans warmly and casually, with Wu Chen openly acknowledging that they are living together.
• An Menglan calls after returning home, partly to check in and partly to ensure Wu Chen keeps a private matter from Li Ruobing. Wu Jiao’s discovery of her identity ends the chapter on a revelation.

Significant themes

• Hidden power and secrets: Wu Jiao sees signs that Wu Chen’s wealth and influence extend well beyond what he has told her.
• Family loyalty and care: Wu Chen’s generosity and concern for his sister and her friend contrast with his reluctance to explain his own circumstances.
• Trust and suspicion: Wu Jiao believes Wu Chen would not exploit anyone, yet his secrecy makes her increasingly uneasy.
• Status and recognition: Feng Yuan’s deference—and his warning to his men—shows how reputations and connections shape behavior in the underworld.

Plot points and events

• Wu Jiao doubts that the “Menglan” who called her brother is the famous singer An Menglan. Wu Chen proves it by video-calling her.
• During the call, An Menglan reveals that Wu Chen is the mysterious singer-songwriter “Morning Mist”: he wrote and performed the hit “Heart’s Remedy” and is writing songs for her upcoming album.
• Wu Jiao and her friend Chen Xue are stunned, then listen to the song and recognize Wu Chen’s voice. An Menglan says he has extraordinary musical talent and mentions that he wrote eight songs for her. She warns Wu Jiao to keep the album collaboration confidential.
• Wu Chen explains that An Menglan paid him 800,000 yuan for the songs, offering his work with her as a straightforward explanation for his recent wealth.
• Wu Chen takes Wu Jiao and Chen Xue to Li Ruobing’s villa, where they settle into a guest room together. Wu Jiao calls their mother to say she is staying overnight and begins excitedly revealing Wu Chen’s secret.

Character developments and interactions

• Wu Jiao moves from disbelief to excitement and amazement as she learns her brother is both An Menglan’s collaborator and the anonymous artist behind a popular song. Her questions show how difficult it is for her to reconcile this fame with the brother she knows.
• Wu Chen remains relaxed and playful, teasing his sister while deliberately confirming his connection to An Menglan. He uses the revelation to reassure her about the source of his money, while keeping more dangerous aspects of his life private.
• An Menglan is warm and friendly with Wu Jiao and Chen Xue, and speaks candidly about Wu Chen’s talent. Her familiarity with Wu Chen also shows their growing closeness.
• Chen Xue shares Wu Jiao’s excitement and helps confirm Wu Chen’s identity by playing “Heart’s Remedy.”
• The siblings’ affectionate, teasing relationship is central: Wu Chen indulges Wu Jiao, while she openly admires him once she learns the truth.

Significant themes

• Hidden identity and surprise: Wu Chen’s ordinary family life contrasts sharply with his concealed success as “Morning Mist.”
• Family trust and protection: He shares a safe, credible explanation for his wealth but withholds troubling matters to spare his family worry.
• Talent and recognition: An Menglan’s praise and Wu Jiao’s discovery establish Wu Chen as an exceptional, newly recognized musician.
• Fame versus normality: To Wu Jiao, speaking with a superstar is astonishing; Wu Chen treats it as casual, highlighting their different perspectives.

Key plot points and events

• Wu Jiao nearly tells their mother that Wu Chen is dating Li Ruobing and has earned a huge sum, but Wu Chen stops her. He explains that their parents might worry or suspect something improper if they learned how quickly he had made money. He plans to tell them himself when he visits home.
• Wu Chen covers for Jiao Jiao during their mother’s call, sparing her another scolding over his spending money on her. Their mother reminds him to eat properly and ends the call.
• Li Ruobing returns with groceries, and she and Wu Chen prepare a large dinner. Jiao Jiao and her friend Chen Xue try on the clothes Wu Chen bought and repeatedly show off their outfits.
• Li Ruobing’s younger brother, Li Ruotai, arrives with a welcome gift for Jiao Jiao. He and Wu Chen speak privately about his departure, their business arrangements, and Wu Chen’s upcoming trip to Magic City. Li Ruotai also hands Wu Chen a case containing equipment and access items connected to Crown Entertainment Club, along with assurances that Wu Chen can call on his people.
• Everyone shares dinner. Li Ruotai charms the girls by making conversation and pretending to work in investment rather than revealing his nightclub business.
• Li Ruotai gives Jiao Jiao a Chanel scarf, Cartier bracelet, and a diamond-set Patek Philippe watch worth over 1.2 million yuan. Jiao Jiao is overwhelmed by the price and tries to return everything. When Li Ruotai says Wu Chen has helped him greatly, he abruptly stops after sensing Wu Chen’s threatening glare.

Character developments and interactions

• Wu Chen shows his protective, considerate side: he shields Jiao Jiao from their mother’s lecture, keeps his sudden wealth private from their parents for now, and quietly manages business matters with Li Ruotai. He is also watchful of how generously Li Ruotai treats his sister.
• Wu Jiao is affectionate and grateful toward her brother, listens to his reasoning, and tries to behave maturely in front of Li Ruobing’s family. She is delighted by her new clothes but uncomfortable accepting an extravagant gift from Li Ruotai.
• Li Ruobing welcomes Jiao Jiao to stay and helps create a warm, family-like evening with Wu Chen.
• Li Ruotai works hard to win Jiao Jiao’s approval, using easy conversation and lavish gifts. His enthusiasm borders on excessive, while his business relationship with Wu Chen remains discreet.
• Chen Xue accompanies Jiao Jiao and joins the relaxed household gathering.

Significant themes

• Family affection and protection: Wu Chen and Jiao Jiao look out for one another, while their mother’s scolding reflects concern rather than favoritism.
• Generosity and its limits: Gifts express welcome and affection, but Jiao Jiao’s discomfort highlights the awkwardness of accepting wealth beyond what feels appropriate.
• Secrecy and trust: Wu Chen carefully manages what his parents and the girls know about his finances and business dealings.
• Belonging and impression-making: Li Ruotai tries to integrate into Wu Chen’s family circle, while Jiao Jiao makes an effort to behave well in her sister-in-law’s home.

Key plot points and events

• At dinner, Li Ruotai’s lavish watch gift to Wu Jiao makes her uncomfortable because it seems far too expensive for her family to accept. Wu Chen tells her to keep it, easing the awkwardness.
• Li Ruobing is angry with her brother for ignoring Wu Chen’s warning to keep a low profile. Wu Chen postpones her confrontation with Li Ruotai until after dinner, and Li Ruotai leaves soon afterward to avoid being scolded.
• Later, Wu Chen receives a panicked call from singer An Menglan: the demos for her upcoming album have leaked online, rapidly gaining attention and threatening the album’s sales and licensing value.
• Wu Chen learns that An Menglan had secretly recorded alternate versions of all seven songs in her preferred style. She circulated both versions to dozens of company employees for a blind evaluation; only her alternate versions have leaked.
• Wu Chen decides the situation is not as bad as it might have been and plans to visit An Menglan’s company in Magic City the next day to investigate. Li Ruobing, hearing his plan, reacts sharply when he mentions An Menglan.

Character developments and interactions

• Li Ruotai realizes his attempt to impress Wu Chen with an extravagant gift has caused trouble. He is embarrassed, avoids Li Ruobing’s promised lecture, and tries to restore a cheerful mood at dinner.
• Wu Jiao is grateful but uneasy about accepting the watch; she plans not to wear it and intends to ask Wu Chen what to do with it.
• Wu Chen manages the family tension calmly, then responds practically to An Menglan’s crisis. Rather than dwell on her apologies, he focuses on how the leak happened and how to address it.
• An Menglan feels deeply guilty, especially because Wu Chen co-wrote the songs and shares in the album’s profits. Her lingering doubts about Wu Chen’s artistic direction led her to make the alternate demos and circulate them.
• Li Ruobing remains protective and suspicious around her brother, while Wu Jiao and Chen Xue observe Wu Chen’s authority in the family. At the chapter’s end, Li Ruobing’s expression changes when she hears that An Menglan is involved.

Significant themes

• Misjudged generosity and social class: A gift meant to honor someone can become intimidating when its value exceeds the recipient’s comfort.
• Trust and responsibility: An Menglan’s broad circulation of private demos creates an opportunity for an insider leak, despite her trust in her staff.
• Pride and artistic disagreement: An Menglan’s unresolved doubts about Wu Chen’s version prompt her to seek validation for her own interpretation.
• Composure under pressure: Wu Chen avoids emotional blame and turns toward practical investigation, while others struggle with embarrassment, guilt, or suspicion.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• An Menglan’s upcoming album unexpectedly leaks after a company blind-review process. Wu Chenyu learns of the incident from An Menglan and decides to travel to Magic City.
• Li Ruobing initially becomes jealous because Wu Chenyu’s trip appears connected to helping An Menglan, but her concern shifts when she realizes the leak could seriously affect both An Menglan and Wu Chenyu financially.
• Wu Chenyu plans to locate the leaker and release the album ahead of schedule. However, his calm and amused attitude makes Li Ruobing suspect that he may have orchestrated the leak.
• Wu Chenyu denies deliberately causing the incident, but admits that he sees it as a valuable opportunity. By solving An Menglan’s crisis, he hopes to make her indebted to him and eventually use that connection to approach or influence the powerful An Family.
• On July 29, Wu Chenyu begins putting his plans into action. He contacts Peng Wei, head of a major unofficial intelligence organization, and assigns him numerous investigations connected to his broader schemes.
• Peng Wei reports progress on investigating He Zhong Yige and Zhou Shenglong. He has uncovered evidence of Zhou Shenglong’s affair with Wang Yaoyao, though he still needs conclusive photographs of their latest meeting.
• Wu Chenyu calls Zhuang Xiaodie and tells her to prepare to accompany him to Magic City. He also allows her to invite Xiaobao and the others.
• After sleeping late, Wu Chenyu spends the morning with Li Ruobing, Wu Jiao, and Chen Xue. While preparing lunch, he privately gives Wu Jiao instructions about what to tell their mother when she returns home, leaving her shocked and uncertain whether the plan will work.

Character Developments

• Wu Chenyu: Displays his usual composure, strategic thinking, and willingness to exploit unexpected events. Rather than resetting the day to erase the album leak, he chooses to use the crisis to build leverage over An Menglan and the An Family. He also continues expanding his intelligence network and long-term schemes.
• Li Ruobing: Her jealousy toward An Menglan quickly gives way to concern and curiosity. She recognizes Wu Chenyu’s unusual behavior and correctly suspects that he intends to turn the leak into a larger opportunity. Their playful exchange shows both intimacy and her growing awareness of his manipulative nature.
• An Menglan: Though she does not appear directly, she is portrayed as distressed and self-blaming over the album leak. Her wealth and privileged background have protected her from serious problems, making Wu Chenyu’s assistance particularly valuable.
• Peng Wei: Becomes increasingly impressed by Wu Chenyu’s ability to uncover hidden information. His excitement and near-worshipful admiration emphasize Wu Chenyu’s extraordinary investigative advantage.
• Zhuang Xiaodie: Reacts warmly and obediently to Wu Chenyu’s invitation to Magic City, suggesting her loyalty and eagerness to remain close to him.
• Wu Jiao: Remains caught between family expectations and the secrets surrounding her brother. She is surprised by Wu Chenyu’s proposed explanation for their mother and unsure whether she can convincingly carry it out.

Significant Themes

• Opportunity within crisis: Wu Chenyu views the album leak not merely as a disaster but as a “heaven-sent opportunity” that can strengthen his relationship with An Menglan.
• Debt and leverage: The chapter emphasizes Wu Chenyu’s preference for having others owe him rather than owing anyone himself. Helping people through crises allows him to create lasting influence.
• Power and privilege: An Menglan’s wealthy family can easily resolve ordinary scandals, but Wu Chenyu seeks a problem significant enough to make even someone as protected as her genuinely depend on him.
• Manipulation and uncertainty: Wu Chenyu constantly withholds his true intentions, leaving even Li Ruobing unable to determine how far his plans extend.
• Intelligence and control: His use of Peng Wei demonstrates how Wu Chenyu combines supernatural knowledge, strategic planning, and outside resources to control multiple events simultaneously.
• Romantic jealousy and intimacy: Li Ruobing’s jealousy over An Menglan becomes playful rather than hostile, reinforcing the closeness and teasing dynamic between her and Wu Chenyu.

Character Interactions

• Wu Chenyu and Li Ruobing: Discuss the album leak and his hidden motives. Their conversation shifts from jealousy and suspicion to flirtatious teasing, ending with Li Ruobing joking that she has “knocked over the vinegar jar.”
• Wu Chenyu and Peng Wei: Wu Chenyu delegates extensive investigative work, while Peng Wei reports his progress and expresses admiration for Wu Chenyu’s methods.
• Wu Chenyu and Zhuang Xiaodie: He invites her to join him in Magic City, and her mood immediately brightens when she realizes he is not sending her away but taking her with him.
• Wu Chenyu and Wu Jiao: In private, he gives his sister a secret explanation to use with their mother, showing his protective attitude and willingness to involve her in his carefully managed cover stories.
• Wu Chenyu, Li Ruobing, Wu Jiao, and Chen Xue: They share a domestic morning preparing lunch, contrasting the household’s relaxed atmosphere with Wu Chenyu’s increasingly complex schemes.

Key plot points and events

• Wu Chen coaches his sister, Wu Jiao, on how to tell their parents about his relationship with Li Ruobing. She can mention the expensive gifts and say Li Ruobing is probably worth at least 100 million yuan, but must keep the watch and Wu Chen’s new income secret for now.
• Wu Jiao worries that the wealth gap will alarm their parents. Wu Chen believes introducing a smaller estimate will help prepare them for the truth, and plans to explain the rest himself. Wu Jiao agrees to support the relationship and praise Li Ruobing to their parents.
• Wu Chen tells Wu Jiao he is heading to Magic City to work with singer An Menglan, and promises to bring her an autograph. He travels with Zhuang Xiaodie, while Tang Xinbao and Guo Qiqi make the trip separately.
• At An Menglan’s company, the executives gather to welcome Wu Chen, unsure why their famous, immensely wealthy boss is receiving a young newcomer so formally. An Menglan introduces him as “Teacher Chen Wu,” preserving their professional front and concealing their private relationship.
• Wu Chen and An Menglan discuss the leak of “Fated Love,” a song from her new album. Her bodyguards have identified five suspects but found no conclusive proof. Rather than risk accusing innocent employees, An Menglan has continued investigating discreetly.
• After reviewing the suspects’ files, Wu Chen identifies one person as the culprit and tells An Menglan to confront him directly.

Character developments and interactions

• Wu Chen is strategic and reassuring: he guides Wu Jiao through the family disclosure and takes charge of the leak investigation, quickly drawing a conclusion from the evidence.
• Wu Jiao shifts from anxiety to cooperation, showing loyalty to her brother and willingness to help her parents accept Li Ruobing.
• An Menglan is exhausted and troubled by the leak, but handles the investigation cautiously to protect her staff. Her respect for Wu Chen is genuine, though she hides their personal connection at work.
• Zhuang Xiaodie meets An Menglan for the first time and is excited to meet the singer she admires; their friendly exchange is kept formally professional.
• Dream China’s executives are impressed and confused by Wu Chen’s reception, unaware of his songwriting contribution and the terms of his contract.

Significant themes

• Family, wealth, and social distance: Wu Chen plans to ease his parents into the reality of Li Ruobing’s extraordinary wealth.
• Public image versus private relationships: An Menglan’s workplace title and formal behavior conceal her personal ties to Wu Chen.
• Trust and fairness: An Menglan avoids rushing to accuse employees, while Wu Chen’s confident judgment promises a faster resolution.
• Talent and recognition: The executives underestimate Wu Chen because of his youth and newcomer status, not knowing the extent of his musical ability.

Key plot points and events

• An Menglan reviews five suspects in the leak of Dream China Music’s unreleased album. Each had been the last person to leave one of the recording studios where staff listened to the tracks.
• Wu Chen identifies Su Lei, a vocal coach and mid-level manager, as the culprit without explaining how. He tells Menglan to summon Su Lei and promises to make him confess.
• When Su Lei arrives, Wu Chen confronts him with details of a phone number used to contact paparazzo Xia Xiaobing and a payment routed through Su Lei’s mother-in-law. Su Lei’s startled reaction strongly suggests guilt, but he denies everything and announces that he is quitting.
• Su Lei tries to leave, arguing that Menglan cannot detain him without evidence. Wu Chen says Su Lei intends to coordinate stories with Xia and flee abroad, then claims the missing evidence is on Su Lei’s laptop.
• Su Lei reluctantly agrees to let them inspect it, maintaining an appearance of innocence. Wu Chen, Menglan, Zhuang Xiaodie, and the bodyguards head to the computer.

Character developments and interactions

• Wu Chen displays striking confidence and investigative insight, using precise personal details to unsettle Su Lei. He remains in control and refuses to explain his reasoning until the confrontation is settled.
• An Menglan trusts Wu Chen but is baffled by how he chose the suspect. She balances her anger over the betrayal with her commitment to acting lawfully, even when Su Lei tries to exploit her restraint.
• Su Lei shifts from apparent calm to visible shock, then adopts a defensive, self-righteous posture. He relies on the lack of direct evidence and Menglan’s principles, while Wu Chen’s accusations reveal how much he fears exposure.
• Zhuang Xiaodie observes the confrontation closely, while Menglan’s bodyguards are brought in as the group prepares to investigate Su Lei’s laptop.

Significant themes

• Trust versus proof: Menglan’s faith in Wu Chen conflicts with the need for evidence, while Su Lei tries to exploit the gap between suspicion and proof.
• Deception and composure: Su Lei’s performance of innocence repeatedly falters under specific accusations.
• Power and restraint: Menglan has the means to exert influence but remains bound by her moral limits; Su Lei mistakes that restraint for helplessness.
• Competence and mystery: Wu Chen’s unexplained ability to identify the traitor deepens the chapter’s sense of his extraordinary capabilities.

Key plot points and events

• Wu Chen searches vocal coach and assistant supervisor Su Lei’s computer for the leaked Fated Love demo. Finding nothing through ordinary searches, he writes and runs a program to recover files Su Lei had deliberately shredded.
• The recovered data reveals a suspicious folder titled “New Album Demo Blind Review.” Wu Chen asks whether he still needs to open it; Su Lei panics and confesses, begging An Menglan for forgiveness.
• An Menglan orders the police called. Bodyguards restrain Su Lei and secure the laptop, while she, Wu Chen, and Zhuang Xiaodie leave.
• In a restroom, Wu Chen calls Peng Wei and tells him to prepare to take over Magic Cube Studio’s resources after its founder, Xiaobing Xia, is arrested. He directs Peng Wei to pursue the studio’s full acquisition.
• Back in An Menglan’s office, Wu Chen explains that Su Lei had been Xiaobing Xia’s informant for two years, repeatedly selling company information. He claims Peng Wei told him, concealing that he already knew from the Millennium Reincarnation.
• Wu Chen then says he wants to record a song before the company closes, describing it as a way to contain the damage caused by the leak.

Character developments and interactions

• Wu Chen demonstrates technical skill and confidence, using the threat of file recovery to make Su Lei crack. He keeps the source of his knowledge secret from An Menglan and appears to have a broader plan involving Xiaobing Xia and Magic Cube Studio.
• Su Lei shifts from defensive denial to terrified confession when he believes the deleted evidence has been recovered. His betrayal turns a respected employee into the company’s exposed insider.
• An Menglan moves from anger at the betrayal to relief that the leak has been traced. She thanks Wu Chen and presses him for explanations, but he redirects her attention to his proposed recording.
• Peng Wei readily accepts Wu Chen’s instructions and is excited by the prospect of absorbing a rival studio.
• Zhuang Xiaodie accompanies Wu Chen and An Menglan but has little direct involvement in the investigation.

Significant themes

• Trust and betrayal: Su Lei’s secret role as an informant damages the company’s sense of solidarity.
• Knowledge and concealment: Wu Chen’s unusual foresight gives him control, but he hides how he knows the truth.
• Power and opportunity: The investigation becomes not only a matter of accountability but also a chance to expand Wave Studio’s influence.
• Damage control: Wu Chen’s planned song suggests that responding to a leak may require a public or creative countermeasure, though its purpose remains unexplained.

Key plot points and events

• An Menglan and Wu Chen discuss the damage caused by the leak of her new album. Releasing it early can prevent further losses, but cannot restore the attention and momentum already lost.
• Wu Chen proposes using his own popularity to help promote An Menglan. She doubts a newcomer can make much difference, but lets him use her computer.
• Wu Chen begins writing a new song, “Genius Superstar,” intending to finish and release it quickly enough to boost An Menglan’s album.
• Music director and vice president Yu Xiaohu arrives, distressed by reports that employee Su Lei leaked the album. An Menglan confirms that Su Lei confessed and that evidence is on his computer; the police are on their way.
• Yu Xiaohu explains that he had previously vouched for Su Lei and hoped to mentor him as a future producer. He is furious and disappointed when he learns the truth.
• Wu Chen completes the song’s lyrics and music in minutes, prints copies for the band, and heads with An Menglan and Yu Xiaohu to the rehearsal room.
• As they read the lyrics, An Menglan, Zhuang Xiaodie, and Yu Xiaohu are visibly shaken. Yu Xiaohu grows angry at the song’s provocative attack on the Chinese pop music scene and confronts Wu Chen about whether he wrote it.

Character developments and interactions

• Wu Chen is confident in his ability to create another hit and acts quickly, treating the ambitious plan as practical rather than far-fetched.
• An Menglan remains skeptical about Wu Chen’s ability to generate attention, but trusts his talent and gives him space to work. Her deference to his concentration surprises Yu Xiaohu.
• Yu Xiaohu is revealed as Su Lei’s former supporter and potential mentor. His concern turns to anger and betrayal when he learns Su Lei was responsible for the leak. He is also unsettled by Wu Chen’s bold lyrics.
• Zhuang Xiaodie quietly observes Wu Chen and reacts strongly to the lyrics, though her role in the company visit is mainly to accompany him.
• The contrast between An Menglan’s trust in Wu Chen and Yu Xiaohu’s uncertainty about him highlights how unusual Wu Chen’s influence and confidence appear to others.

Significant themes

• Reputation and momentum: A hit’s success depends not only on quality but also on timing and audience excitement; early damage cannot simply be reversed.
• Risk and ambition: Wu Chen is attempting a second major success under intense time pressure, despite the rarity of repeat hits.
• Betrayal and trust: Su Lei’s leak damages the company and shatters Yu Xiaohu’s faith in someone he had tried to help.
• Provocation and artistic confidence: “Genius Superstar” appears deliberately arrogant, positioning its singer against the entire music industry and foreshadowing controversy.

Key plot points and events

• Wu Chen confirms he wrote “Arrogant Myself”—also referred to in his memories as “Genius Superstar.” Its boastful lyrics mock the Chinese music scene, prompting Yu Xiaohu to view it as offensive and potentially career-damaging.
• An Menglan agrees to release Wu Chen’s song that night, hoping it will draw attention before her own album comes out. She assigns her top backing band to record it, despite the risk of delaying the album.
• Yu Xiaohu objects: the album schedule is already urgent, and interrupting rehearsals could cost the company time and money. An Menglan takes him outside to avoid a public argument.
• Wu Chen calmly begins directing the musicians. After several run-throughs, he demonstrates passages on the drums and piano, showing strong musical ability. The pianist, Gao Yao, is impressed.
• An Menglan and Yu Xiaohu return. Yu remains skeptical, doubting An’s claim that Wu Chen wrote all seven songs on her album and suspecting the new release is merely an attempt to generate publicity.

Character developments

• Wu Chen remains confident and unbothered by criticism. His memories reveal that, during his endless repeating day, he wrote “Genius Superstar” as a venting exercise—and was astonished when it became a hit. He also understands that the song’s controversial lyrics are not the only reason it succeeded, though he does not explain the real factor yet.
• An Menglan shows trust in Wu Chen and is willing to risk disrupting her album schedule. She also tries to protect him from Yu Xiaohu’s harsh criticism.
• Yu Xiaohu is principled and protective of An Menglan’s album, but his judgment of Wu Chen is colored by his disbelief that the young online singer could be so talented.
• Gao Yao quickly recognizes Wu Chen’s technical skill, while the drummer and other musicians are more reluctant to accept his authority.

Character interactions

• Yu Xiaohu questions Wu Chen’s song but restrains himself from openly berating him, partly out of consideration for An Menglan.
• An Menglan backs Wu Chen’s decision in front of the band, then privately tries to manage Yu Xiaohu’s objections.
• The musicians follow Wu Chen’s directions because An Menglan has instructed them to, though his demonstrations begin to win at least some of their respect.

Significant themes

• Talent versus reputation: Wu Chen’s abilities exceed what others expect from his online image and previous work.
• Risk and artistic ambition: An Menglan gambles valuable studio time on an unconventional song.
• Controversy and success: The chapter raises the question of whether a provocative song can succeed despite—or because of—the backlash it invites.
• Trust versus skepticism: An Menglan believes in Wu Chen, while Yu Xiaohu demands proof before accepting his claims.

Key plot points and events

• After An Menglan returns, Wu Chen corrects all eight musicians’ mistakes, demonstrating exceptional skill on each instrument. Yu Xiaohu remains skeptical, believing Wu’s talent does not justify interrupting the album’s production.
• Wu gives the band half an hour to rehearse, then uses An Menglan’s recording studio to prepare his song, “Genius Superstar.” Its centerpiece is a 27-second, single-breath rap averaging 16 Chinese characters per second—faster than the established human record.
• Wu records the song in one take with the band. He makes quick adjustments to the accompaniment and releases it online under his Morning Mist account.
• An Menglan arranges for her company to monitor the response. Wu leaves with Zhuang Xiaodie, asks promoter Peng Wei to push the song to the top of trending searches, and then contacts Mao Rusong and Gu Ruibo to discuss Chenghai Entertainment and plans for Zhuang Xiaodie’s career.
• That evening, An Menglan sees the song’s impact: it reaches number one on Weibo with roughly 40 million searches, far surpassing the day’s major celebrity-wedding story. Related topics also surge into the top rankings.

Character developments and interactions

• Wu Chen displays confidence, extraordinary musical ability, and strategic foresight. He knows the song will attract attention and deliberately seeks to accelerate its spread. He also makes arrangements to support Zhuang Xiaodie’s future in entertainment.
• An Menglan remains professionally busy but increasingly impressed and anxious about Wu’s work. She supervises the musicians, helps with the recording, and personally alerts her staff to watch the song’s reception. She still keeps Wu’s true background from Yu Xiaohu.
• Yu Xiaohu remains doubtful of Wu’s musical judgment, but assists with the recording once it is underway. Afterward, he questions An Menglan about Wu, unable to reconcile her respect for him with her description of him as simply a talented musician.
• Zhuang Xiaodie accompanies Wu and follows the song’s early online response; her future career becomes part of his business discussions.
• Peng Wei is surprised to learn Wu is Morning Mist, but agrees to mobilize her promotional network.
• Mao Rusong and Gu Ruibo welcome Wu deferentially and are ready to help with his business plans.

Significant themes

• Talent beyond conventional limits: Wu’s rap challenges the accepted peak of human performance.
• Performance and impact: Wu sees the vocal delivery as the song’s core, while treating the accompaniment as secondary.
• Power of publicity: Online promotion can rapidly amplify a release, though Wu expects the song itself to sustain the attention.
• Trust and influence: Wu’s personal and business relationships help him arrange support without needing to manage every detail himself.

Chapter Summary

Key plot points and events

• Chen Wu’s new song, “Genius Superstar,” becomes the internet’s biggest topic. The song’s blisteringly fast rap and attacks on the Chinese pop music scene provoke fierce backlash from musicians and fan groups, while drawing praise from respected rappers.
• Most online critics admit the song is excellent but condemn Chen Wu as arrogant, demanding that he prove his talent. Meanwhile, An Menglan’s album-leak story loses prominence as discussion shifts to Chen Wu.
• Yu Xiaohu learns that Chen Wu wrote all seven songs on An Menglan’s upcoming album. He realizes the controversy may be deliberate: once the album is released, its quality could answer the online accusations and expose the critics’ doubts as misplaced.
• An Menglan recognizes the scale of Chen Wu’s strategy and is moved by the burden he is taking on. She calls him, learns he has not been following the online uproar, and hears that he will visit the company the next day. She and Yu Xiaohu resolve to release the album quickly.
• The narrative then shifts to July 30. Wu Chen wakes in a luxury suite with Zhuang Xiaodie, who is due to be introduced at Chenghai Entertainment as a major shareholder and newly signed actress. While she sleeps, he begins writing an article that he expects could earn billions of yuan.

Character developments

• An Menglan moves from worry about the backlash to admiration for Chen Wu’s intelligence and confidence. Her feelings for him intensify, weakening her earlier resolve to keep their relationship from happening again.
• Yu Xiaohu changes from privately resenting Chen Wu to enthusiastically supporting him. He comes to see Chen’s controversial song and online strategy as justified and beneficial to the company.
• Chen Wu remains calm amid the controversy, apparently trusting his plan enough not even to check the online reaction. His attention has already turned to a new, potentially lucrative project.
• Zhuang Xiaodie is positioned for a new phase in her career as she prepares to join Chenghai Entertainment officially.

Significant themes

• Public opinion as a tool: Controversy can distract from a crisis and create an opportunity to prove oneself.
• Talent versus reputation: Even people who praise Chen Wu’s work attack his character, showing how personal judgments can overshadow artistic merit.
• Strategic sacrifice and loyalty: An Menglan sees Chen Wu as accepting public blame in service of a plan that benefits her and the company.
• Ambition and control: Chen Wu’s calculated handling of attention—and his immediate move toward another high-stakes opportunity—emphasizes his ability to shape events.

Character interactions

• Yu Xiaohu presses An Menglan to confirm that Chen Wu wrote her album’s songs; their conversation leads them to understand the potential impact of his strategy.
• An Menglan calls Chen Wu to ask about the online storm and his plans. Their warm exchange deepens her emotional conflict, while Chen’s composure contrasts with her concern.
• Wu Chen quietly leaves the sleeping Zhuang Xiaodie undisturbed, then works alone on his article.

Plot points and events

• Wu Chen writes a film screenplay based on a successful work from his previous life. Since he cannot personally oversee its production, he adds extensive performance notes and instructions to help reproduce the original’s success, then encrypts it on a USB drive and deletes the computer copy.
• While Wu Chen writes, Zhuang Xiaodie prepares to take up her new role at Chenghai Entertainment. Mao Rusong introduces her to the company and announces that she will become its chairwoman. He steps back to a director’s role, despite retaining the majority of shares, to strengthen his relationship with Wu Chen.
• After the meeting, Zhuang returns to Wu Chen, who gives her the screenplay USB and asks her to keep it confidential, initially sharing it only with Mao Rusong.
• At lunch, they encounter Qi Chenhong, a wealthy, troublesome classmate who had pursued and harassed Zhuang, spread rumors about her, and encouraged others to ostracize her. He approaches with his uncle, Qi Jun, a powerful businessman and Mao Rusong’s social acquaintance.
• Qi Chenhong taunts Zhuang and insults her by implying she has had many wealthy boyfriends. When Wu Chen encourages her to act, she throws her wine in Qi’s face. Qi retaliates by lunging at her and raising his hand; the chapter ends as a blow lands, leaving its target and the immediate outcome unclear.

Character developments

• Wu Chen pursues an ambitious new project, applying knowledge from his repeating lives to reproduce a known success. He also supports Zhuang’s confidence and gives her permission to stand up to her bully.
• Zhuang Xiaodie takes a major step toward independence by becoming Chenghai Entertainment’s chairwoman. Though nervous, she performs confidently in the meeting; later, with Wu Chen’s support, she directly confronts Qi Chenhong.
• Mao Rusong demonstrates how seriously he now regards Wu Chen by placing the company’s leadership in Zhuang’s hands.
• Qi Chenhong is shown as entitled and vindictive, escalating from verbal harassment to physical aggression when Zhuang resists him.

Significant themes

• Power and status: Zhuang’s new position reflects Wu Chen’s influence and Mao Rusong’s strategic deference.
• Agency and empowerment: Zhuang moves from enduring school harassment to openly retaliating against her bully.
• Using knowledge from the past: Wu Chen turns expertise and remembered success into a practical creative venture.
• Abuse and entitlement: Qi Chenhong’s history of rumor-spreading and his violent response expose the destructive behavior enabled by privilege.

Character interactions

• Wu Chen encourages Zhuang before her first day as chairwoman and later entrusts her with his screenplay.
• Mao Rusong formally supports Zhuang’s leadership while maintaining a respectful, deferential relationship with Wu Chen.
• Qi Jun and Qi Chenhong approach Zhuang; Qi Jun recognizes Mao Rusong, while Qi Chenhong uses their encounter to provoke and humiliate her.
• Zhuang identifies Wu Chen as her boyfriend. When Qi Chenhong insults her, Wu Chen backs her up, and she throws wine in Qi’s face, triggering his attack.

Key plot points and events

• At a restaurant in Magic City, Qi Chenghong lunges at Zhuang Xiaodie after she throws wine on him. Wu Chen secretly trips him; Chenghong slips on the spilled wine, hits his head on the marble table, and is badly injured.
• Qi Jun suspects Wu Chen, but Wu Chen insists there is no proof and points out that the table sits in a camera blind spot. His taunting makes it clear he was responsible, yet Qi Jun cannot safely attack him in front of witnesses and phone cameras. He takes Chenghong to get medical help, warning Wu Chen that the matter is not over.
• Afterward, Wu Chen reassures the shaken Xiaodie and tells her she need not tolerate further abuse. He offers to take responsibility if she defends herself next time, even suggesting she use a wine bottle.
• Wu Chen and Xiaodie leave. On the drive, Tang Jingbin calls and invites Wu Chen to dinner. Wu Chen accepts and hints that he has another “grand gift” for Tang, leaving Tang curious.

Character developments and interactions

• Wu Chen remains composed and provocative throughout. He protects Xiaodie, manipulates the public setting to prevent Qi Jun from retaliating, and shows that he has no desire to befriend the Qis.
• Zhuang Xiaodie is frightened by the injury and worried that her actions have endangered Wu Chen. His reassurance and support comfort her, though her gentle nature makes her hesitant to fight back.
• Qi Jun is furious and suspects Wu Chen, but chooses restraint because of the witnesses, recordings, and Chenghong’s urgent condition. His parting words imply future retaliation.
• Tang Jingbin approaches Wu Chen warmly as a host and old acquaintance. Wu Chen’s hint of a new gift intrigues him, recalling Wu Chen’s earlier help in building ties between the Tang and Li families.

Significant themes

• Power and accountability: Wealth and influence do not excuse the Qis’ mistreatment of others, while public scrutiny limits their ability to act with impunity.
• Protection and loyalty: Wu Chen’s decisive intervention shows his commitment to shielding Xiaodie from humiliation.
• Proof versus truth: Wu Chen openly implies his guilt but exploits the lack of evidence, making the title’s challenge—“I did it, but you have no proof”—central to the conflict.
• Restraint and escalation: Wu Chen keeps the confrontation controlled in public, but his deliberate injury of Chenghong signals that the feud may intensify.

Key plot points and events

• Wu Chen tells Tang Jingbin he plans to give him Twin Banner Real Estate, a Magic City developer worth more than 20 billion yuan and backed by the Xiang Family. Tang is stunned and wary: the gift is enormous, Wu Chen has no obvious connection to the company, and the Tang Family already feels indebted to him. They agree to discuss it in person that evening.
• While driving, Wu Chen notices a black Mercedes-Benz following him. Recognizing it as one of Qi Jun’s vehicles, he infers that Qi Jun has sent bodyguards to seize or kill him before Qi Ming learns about the recent trouble involving Qi Jun and his son.
• Wu Chen deliberately leads the Mercedes-Benz out of central Magic City and toward a remote area with fewer cameras and cars. He drives fast enough to keep the pursuers tense, but not so fast that they lose contact.
• At an unfinished overpass with a missing section, Wu Chen swerves and brakes at the last moment. The Mercedes-Benz, unable to react, flies off the edge and crashes below, then explodes.
• Wu Chen stops just short of the drop, turns around, and calls Qi Jun to tell him where to collect his men’s bodies.

Character developments and interactions

• Wu Chen remains composed and calculating. He treats the apparent pursuit as an opportunity to eliminate the threat, using his knowledge of the unfinished bridge and careful control of the chase. His casual announcement that he is going to kill two people reveals a ruthless side that Zhuang Xiaodie has not seen before.
• Tang Jingbin is shocked by the proposed gift but responds cautiously, mindful of the financial and political implications and of the growing obligation it would create. He regains his composure and postpones questions until they can meet face-to-face.
• Zhuang Xiaodie is frightened by Wu Chen’s remark and the high-speed chase, but her trust in his abilities steadies her. Her reaction highlights the contrast between his usually calm, caring demeanor and his willingness to use lethal force.
• Qi Jun does not appear in person, but his fear of his older brother and his attempt to handle the incident secretly motivate the pursuit. Wu Chen’s final call directly confronts him with the outcome.
• The chapter also establishes tension between Qi Jun and Qi Ming: Qi Jun expects his brother to punish him for involving Qi Ming’s son in trouble and bringing shame to the family.

Significant themes

• Debt, generosity, and obligation: Wu Chen’s offer of a major company is as unsettling as it is generous, because Tang Jingbin worries that accepting it would create an unmanageable debt.
• Power and family influence: The Qi brothers’ business success and connections to the Xiang Family show how wealth and political ties shape the city’s elite.
• Control and calculation: Wu Chen turns a dangerous pursuit into a trap by managing the pursuers’ attention, choosing the route, and relying on prior knowledge of the bridge.
• Hidden ruthlessness: The chapter contrasts Wu Chen’s calm public manner with his capacity for deliberate, lethal action.

Plot points and events

• Wu Chen blocks Qi Jun after their confrontation, then drives to An Menglan’s company with Zhuang Xiaodie.
• Qi Jun arrives at the overpass and finds the burned wreckage of the van he sent to follow Wu Chen and Zhuang. All three of his men are dead.
• Assuming Mao Rusong arranged the deaths, Qi Jun refuses to call the police and instead phones Mao, angrily threatening him and demanding that Zhuang apologize to his nephew. Mao realizes Qi Jun has provoked Wu Chen and hangs up to contact him.
• At the recording studio, An Menglan is working on her final album. Producer Yu Xiaohu, who had doubted Wu Chen the previous day, warmly apologizes and praises his song biographies, which have helped generate publicity and divert attention from the leaked audio.
• Yu explains that the team is recording, mixing, and completing the seven songs in parallel to speed up production, though the schedule depends on An Menglan’s health.
• Mao calls Wu Chen to ask what happened. Wu tells him the Qi family has blamed him for the deaths and warns him to prepare for retaliation.
• When Mao asks what Wu intends to do, Wu references The Last Three Days of Raya, a story in which a reckless young nobleman and his powerful family meet a sudden end. Mao understands this as a warning that Wu plans to destroy the Qi family.

Character developments and interactions

• Wu Chen remains calm and decisive: he cuts off Qi Jun, protects Zhuang, and gives Mao a measured warning while implying a sweeping response to the Qi family.
• Qi Jun is impulsive and blinded by anger. Rather than investigate, he accuses Mao, threatens him, and further escalates the conflict.
• Mao Rusong is initially confused, then recognizes the danger Qi Jun has created. He respects Wu Chen’s intentions and prepares to act cautiously.
• Yu Xiaohu shows humility by admitting his earlier mistake. His respect for Wu grows as he sees the impact of Wu’s work, and his concern for An’s album and wellbeing is clear.
• Zhuang Xiaodie accompanies Wu and remains attentive, but gives him privacy during his call.

Significant themes

• Escalation through pride and misunderstanding: Qi Jun’s rash accusations turn a potentially manageable dispute into a larger feud.
• Power and consequence: Wu’s literary allusion signals that the Qi family’s wealth and status may not protect them from the consequences of their actions.
• Professional responsibility and collaboration: The studio team reorganizes its workflow to meet a deadline, while Yu’s apology reflects integrity and accountability.
• Loyalty and protection: Wu warns Mao because Mao is on his side, while the conflict centers on the powerful men’s attempts to protect their relatives and interests.

Plot and events

• Mao Rusong reflects on Wu Chen’s decision to go after the Qi Brothers. Unlike previous disputes that Wu Chen allowed to settle peacefully, this time he seems intent on destroying them and their family. Mao worries that attacking them could provoke the powerful Xiang Family, which backs Qi Min.
• Wu Chen tells Mao to keep a low profile and stay safe, promising that the situation will be resolved in a few days. Mao is stunned by the timeline and wonders how Wu Chen could accomplish it without resorting to assassination or triggering a major conflict. He asks whether to inform Gu Rui Bo; Wu Chen leaves the choice to him.
• Zhuang Xiaodie worries that Wu Chen’s actions have put Mao in danger. Wu reassures her and heads back to the recording studio.
• An Menglan and producer Yu Xiaohu offer Wu Chen control of her new album’s production. Yu also asks whether it can be completed faster. Wu says he can finish it in five hours without sacrificing quality. Though skeptical, both Yu and An Menglan agree to trust him.
• Wu sends most of the studio staff away and directs the work himself. He has Yu oversee the band’s accompaniment, asks An to rerecord vocals, and begins mixing and post-production. He compensates for weaknesses in both the performances and accompaniment with his unusually precise musical ear and memory.
• At 6:15 p.m., after roughly four and a half hours, Wu declares the album finished and suggests releasing it that night. An and Yu remain unsure whether such a rushed production can truly meet professional standards.

Character developments and interactions

• Mao Rusong is loyal to Wu Chen but frightened by the political and practical risks of his plan. His conversation with Wu reveals how seriously he views the threat from the Xiang Family.
• Wu Chen remains calm and confident on both fronts: he gives Mao no details about his strategy, and he takes on an ambitious production job with striking certainty.
• Zhuang Xiaodie feels guilty that Wu’s confrontation may endanger others, but Wu comforts her.
• Yu Xiaohu shows genuine dedication by offering to surrender his producer role for the album’s sake and to help Wu create a major musical breakthrough. Wu’s five-hour claim unsettles him, but he honors his decision.
• An Menglan hesitates at the impossible-sounding deadline but ultimately places her trust in Wu.

Significant themes

• Power and escalation: Wu’s campaign against the Qi Brothers may challenge the influence of an entire powerful family network.
• Trust amid uncertainty: Mao, Yu, and An must decide whether to rely on Wu despite not understanding how he will succeed.
• Exceptional talent and efficiency: Wu’s musical ability allows him to compress a process that normally takes far longer, while raising doubts about whether speed can replace conventional methods.
• The stakes of public reputation: Yu sees the album as a chance to counter criticism of Wu and create a sensation that could benefit An’s career as well.

Key plot points and events

• An Menglan and producer Yu Xiaohu listen through Wu Chen’s newly completed seven-song album, The Last Chapter. They find it flawless and are stunned that he produced it in only a few hours.
• While they listen, Zhuang Xiaodie massages Wu Chen’s sore neck and shoulders. He asks about Li Ruobing’s messages; Xiaodie admits she has told Li the truth about An Menglan and where Wu Chen spent the night. Wu Chen says she can keep doing so. Xiaodie relaxes, kisses him, and joins him in his lap while he tells her about their plans for the next morning.
• Wu Chen writes and prints more than thirty pages of incriminating information about the Qi Brothers and their allies. He intends to give the dossier to Tang Jingbin, believing that evidence is useful only when placed in the hands of someone powerful enough to act on it. He now has the connections to bring down the entire Qi Family, though he has a deeper motive he does not yet reveal.
• After hearing the album, An Menglan and Yu Xiaohu praise it. An Menglan is disappointed when Wu Chen says he has dinner plans and leaves, despite their recent intimacy and her wish to share the album’s success with him. They agree to sign the producer’s contract the next day.
• On the way to dinner with Tang Jingbin, Wu Chen receives a call from Gu Ruibo. Having heard about Wu Chen’s plans against the Qi Family, Gu offers help and asks to meet. Wu Chen arranges to see him at the same restaurant later that evening.
• Wu Chen and Xiaodie arrive at the restaurant, where he plans to meet Tang Jingbin first and Gu Ruibo afterward. He intends to settle the Qi Family matter that night.

Character developments and interactions

• Wu Chen remains composed and strategic. He welcomes Xiaodie’s honesty, prepares a powerful case against the Qi Family, and coordinates with influential allies rather than acting alone.
• Zhuang Xiaodie shows growing affection and trust toward Wu Chen, while feeling caught between him and Li Ruobing. His reassurance eases her worry about reporting honestly to Li.
• An Menglan is impressed by Wu Chen’s achievement but feels a renewed emotional distance when he leaves. Her restrained reaction contrasts with her excitement about the album.
• Yu Xiaohu openly celebrates Wu Chen’s exceptional musical talent and confirms the album’s quality.
• Gu Ruibo demonstrates loyalty and concern, offering support because Wu Chen’s plan could have major consequences—and because their shared business interests depend on him.
• Li Ruobing remains offstage but influences events through Xiaodie, using her to learn how Wu Chen and An Menglan’s relationship is developing.

Significant themes

• Power and evidence: Damaging information alone is not enough; it must reach someone with the influence to make it count.
• Networks and strategy: Wu Chen’s expanding connections allow him to pursue goals that would once have been beyond his reach.
• Intimacy and distance: Xiaodie’s closeness with Wu Chen contrasts with An Menglan’s sense that they have grown apart despite their shared history.
• Loyalty and divided roles: Xiaodie is trusted by both Wu Chen and Li Ruobing, leaving her to navigate competing connections honestly.

Plot points and events

• Wu Chen and Zhuang Xiaodie arrive at the Holy Bible Grand Hotel, where Tang Jingbin is hosting dinner with Tang Xinbao and Guo Qiqi. Tang Jingbin and Wu Chen exchange formal pleasantries before Tang Jingbin asks about Wu Chen’s apparent conflict with the Qi family.
• Wu Chen explains that Qi Chenghong tried to hit Xiaodie after she rejected his advances. Wu Chen kicked him, then dealt with three men sent by Qi Jun to follow them.
• Wu Chen gives Tang Jingbin a thick file documenting crimes and corrupt dealings by Qi Min, Qi Jun, and Qi Chenghong. The evidence also implicates powerful Magic City officials and members of the Xiang family. Tang Jingbin realizes that using it could trigger a major upheaval.
• Wu Chen calls the file—and Twin Banner Real Estate, along with its assets—a “gift” to the Tang family. Tang Jingbin understands the offer could let his family destroy the Qi family and take its assets, but wonders why Wu Chen would risk a feud with the Xiang family.
• Wu Chen sends Tang Xinbao and Guo Qiqi out, then tells Tang Jingbin the plan is connected to the Gu family. He asks him to imagine the Tang family moving against the Qi family while the Gu family publicly backs them. Tang Jingbin sees that the Xiang family might then hesitate to retaliate, mistaking the support for a broader alliance.

Character developments and interactions

• Wu Chen remains calm and deliberate, presenting a seemingly personal retaliation as part of a larger political strategy. He trusts Tang Jingbin with the evidence but withholds the full explanation.
• Tang Jingbin shifts from courteous host to deeply alarmed strategist. He recognizes the file’s destructive potential and probes Wu Chen’s motives, eventually grasping the intended leverage against the Xiang family.
• Zhuang Xiaodie is the immediate target of Qi Chenghong’s aggression, but she remains quiet during the discussion and follows Wu Chen’s cue to leave.
• Tang Xinbao angrily condemns Qi Chenghong and is curious about the documents, but Tang Jingbin dismisses him and Guo Qiqi from the private discussion. Guo and Xiaodie leave together, reflecting their growing friendship.
• Wu Chen and Tang Jingbin’s relationship becomes more trusting and candid: Tang Jingbin says he trusts Wu Chen, while Wu Chen gives him the sensitive evidence and explains part of the strategy privately.

Significant themes

• Power and political calculation: A personal insult becomes the possible catalyst for conflict among major families.
• Trust and leverage: The documents are both a gift and a powerful instrument that could endanger whoever uses them.
• Family alliances and reputation: Tang Jingbin weighs how the Xiang family might respond and how the Gu family’s public support could change the balance.
• Personal loyalty and consequences: Wu Chen’s defense of Xiaodie sets events in motion, but the scale of his response suggests motives beyond simple revenge.