Lu Zhengrong

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Lu Zhengrong (陆峥嵘)
Aliases	Shen Nuo; Huo Zhengrong (霍峥嵘) 639 640
Gender	Female 249
Affiliation	Huo family; formerly the Lu family revenge faction and Jiang University 221 249 639 640
Occupation/Role	Former Jiang University teacher; former participant in Lu Yunrou's plan against the Gu family; dating-show participant; aspiring researcher 243 249 602 639
Health	Has a heart condition but repeatedly disregards its risks when pursuing Shen Qingling. 574 575
First Appearance	Chapter 221 221

Power Progression

Chapter	Advancement	Details
222	Daughter of Destiny Counterattack System binding	Lu Zhengrong is bound to a counterattack System tasked with preventing Shen Qingling and Shen Qi's destined relationship and changing her tragic fate. 222
223	Thought-hearing golden finger	She obtains the ability to eavesdrop on others' inner thoughts, using it to assess the protagonists and seek hidden darkness beneath their outward behavior. 223
294	Romance-system guidance	Zero explains the Heart-Throb Score, physical-contact, and point-redemption rules, allowing Lu Zhengrong to obtain romance materials for her pursuit of Shen Qingling. 294
526	System abandonment	Following the failure of her mission and the collapse of her former life, the System abandons Lu Zhengrong. 526

Background / History

Lu Zhengrong and her brother Lu Xiao grew up amid drugs, violence, and severe deprivation. Their lack of affection contributed to the ruthless, obsessive tendencies they later developed. Although Lu Yunrou was not her biological mother, she taught Lu Zhengrong to read and write and once cared for her as a daughter before revenge overtook their household. 221 398

As an adult, Lu Zhengrong underwent plastic surgery alongside Lu Xiao so that their faces would resemble Gu Chenwang's. The alteration was meant to secure Gu Chenwang's attention and trust as part of Lu Yunrou's revenge against the Gu family. 221 240

She and Lu Xiao were separately bound to counterattack Systems and learned that Shen Qingling and Shen Qi were the novel's destined leads. The siblings initially sought to interfere with the pair's relationship to alter their own tragic fates. 222 284

Following Lu Yunrou's death, Lu Zhengrong and Lu Xiao survive their apparent deaths at sea and disappear from public life. Lu Zhengrong restores her original appearance, assumes the identity Shen Nuo, and later reveals herself as Huo Zhengrong, the eldest daughter of the powerful Huo family. 459 477 526 639 640

Appearance

Lu Zhengrong presents herself as an imposing, intellectual beauty whose meticulously controlled appearance matches her precise manner. Her classroom entrance immediately commands the students' attention. 249 250

• Crisp shirt with buttoned cuffs, black suit trousers, black high heels, and a thin silver-strapped watch. 249
• Cold white wrists, sharp brows, a high nose, thin lips, and calm, sharp eyes behind glasses. 249
• Her steady footsteps and restrained expression reinforce an aura of authority and dominance. 249
• At the theater, she wears a fitted black dress with a minimalist V-neck and vivid red lipstick, a markedly more feminine presentation than her usual academic attire. 353
• After escaping the sea confrontation, she restores her original face and later adopts a new, beautiful appearance under her new identity. 477 526
• As Shen Nuo, she retains an outwardly reserved and businesslike image, though her composure repeatedly breaks around Shen Qingling. 568 573 575

Personality

Lu Zhengrong is highly intelligent, rigorous, and intensely competitive. She initially approaches people and emotions as problems to be solved: she treats winning Shen Qingling as a mission, attempts to calculate love with formulas, and believes persistence is preferable to retreat. 250 322 354

Her disciplined rationality fractures as her feelings for Shen Qingling deepen. Admiration turns into jealousy, possessiveness, and an increasingly destructive fixation; she resents the women close to him and struggles to separate love from control. 267 303 322

Despite her original loyalty to Lu Yunrou's revenge, Lu Zhengrong gradually becomes willing to defy both Lu Yunrou and Lu Xiao to protect Shen Qingling. Her desire to be loved ultimately supersedes her commitment to the Lu family's cause. 305 344 355

Her obsession reaches its most destructive stage when she equates possession with love and abducts Shen Qingling to an isolated island. Even while recognizing that she has ruined his former life, she initially believes that control, domestic devotion, and a shared child could permanently secure his affection. 420 431 440

After surviving the collapse of the Lu family, Lu Zhengrong remains paranoid, emotionally empty, and determined to take revenge on Shen Qingling. However, her continued love repeatedly undermines her hatred; small signs of his lingering attachment, particularly the red bracelet she made, leave her unable to truly harm him. 526 578 580

Her later confrontation with Shen Qingling and Shen Qi forces her to recognize the selfishness and coercion within her former love. She begins seeking a life defined by research, friendships, hope, and self-worth rather than revenge or emotional dependence, though her possessiveness and impulsiveness remain difficult habits to overcome. 600 602 611 639

Abilities & Skills

Academic Ability and Teaching

Lu Zhengrong is an accomplished academic and an effective teacher at Jiang University.

• Speaks with steady pacing, precise wording, and rigorous logic; she wins over initially doubtful students after a single lesson. 250
• Possesses numerous academic honors and is regarded as exceptionally capable by Shen Qingling. 291 293
• Uses the competition as both an academic project and a pretext to spend time with Shen Qingling. 284 285
• Her room is dominated by bookshelves, academic books, certificates, and awards representing years of disciplined effort. 291
• After revealing her Huo family background, she chooses to pursue the research she genuinely enjoys rather than continue exhausting herself in the family business. 639

System Interface and Thought-Hearing

Lu Zhengrong is bound to the Daughter of Destiny Counterattack System, later addressed as Zero. 222 294

• Can hear Shen Qi's inner thoughts, which reveals Shen Qi's perception of her and informs Lu Zhengrong's assessment of the protagonists. 249
• Seeks the System's guidance on romance and obtains dating material through its point-and-heartbeat-value rules. 294
• Uses what she hears from Shen Qingling's thoughts to recognize that he sees Lu Yunrou more negatively than he says aloud. 291
• Initially considers thought-hearing a means to expose the protagonists' hidden darkness, but Shen Qingling's apparent inner sincerity instead becomes a major reason for her attachment to him. 223 288
• The System later abandons her after her counterattack mission fails. 526

Planning and Manipulation

Before becoming consumed by romance, Lu Zhengrong methodically researches Shen Qingling and looks for ways to expose or test his character.

• Searches campus networks and the “Encounter” app for information about Shen Qingling, specifically seeking unfavorable material rather than praise. 251
• Uses revenge as a stated reason when asking Lu Xiao to assist with a plan involving Shen Qingling. 251
• Prevents Lu Xiao from framing Shen Qingling during final examinations, recognizing that accusing Jiang University's top student of cheating would fail. 344
• Sends photos of Gu Chenwang and Lu Yunrou to Wen Sulan in an attempt to fracture Gu Chenwang and Lu Yunrou's remaining connection. 384
• Studies the Gu family's routines, Ji Yunmiao's arrangements, hotel security blind spots, and Shen Qingling's habits in preparation for his abduction. 381 419
• Coordinates with Lu Xiao through surveillance, earpieces, forged identification, a false linen-worker role, decoy carts, and a concealed linen-cart compartment to remove Shen Qingling from the hotel. 419 420
• Reinvents herself after her presumed death by changing her appearance, adopting new identities, and concealing her history from the public. 477 526 639

Intimidation and Obsessive Surveillance

Lu Zhengrong increasingly relies on coercive actions against women she considers rivals.

• Considers imprisoning Shen Qingling and forcing him to love her, though she initially rejects the idea as an admission of defeat. 267 299
• Sends Lin Xingmian a human head and a written warning to stay away from Shen Qingling. 346
• Rents a villa near the Gu family residence, monitors Shen Qingling, and creates a relationship diagram of the people around him. 347
• Watches the Lin family and tracks Shen Qingling's movements from afar in order to identify an opportunity to take him away. 419
• Continues to react intensely toward perceived romantic rivals after returning as Shen Nuo, particularly Wen Yu and Pei Shishi. 603 607

Coercion and Violence

Lu Zhengrong is willing to employ sedation, threats, and direct violence when she believes Shen Qingling is endangered or slipping beyond her control.

• Ambushes Shen Qingling with an anesthetic-soaked cloth during the hotel kidnapping, helping Lu Xiao overpower him after he resists the initial attack. 419
• Helps transport the unconscious Shen Qingling through hotel staff passages, a delivery van, and illegal maritime routes to Nanxia Island. 420
• Breaks into Ye Xin's home, sedates and restrains him, then threatens him with a knife after learning that he struck Shen Qingling. 435
• Retrieves a handgun before fleeing Nanxia Island with Lu Yunrou and Lu Xiao when Sheng Mo and Nan Zhen close in. 456
• Later removes an intoxicated Shen Qingling from the dating-show cameras and takes him away with Lu Xiao's assistance despite Shen's incomplete forgiveness of her past actions. 611 613

Relationships

• Shen Qingling — Her student, original counterattack target, kidnapping victim, and central love interest. Their relationship progresses from obsessive, one-sided pursuit to an island life built on Shen Qingling's feigned amnesia and assumed identities; Shen later reveals that he recognized her, arranged her survival at sea, and still retains affection for her despite never excusing her crimes. 285 419 452 599 600 602
• Lu Xiao — Her brother and lifelong rival. They cooperate in the revenge plot but distrust one another; their conflict worsens when Lu Zhengrong protects Shen Qingling from Lu Xiao's schemes. After their presumed deaths and Lu Yunrou's loss, their relationship gradually softens, with Lu Xiao continuing to assist her while she shows greater concern for him. 221 243 344 477 618
• Lu Yunrou — Her non-biological mother figure and the architect of the revenge plan. Lu Yunrou taught her to read and write, but their relationship collapses as Lu Zhengrong chooses Shen Qingling over revenge. Lu Yunrou later dies from the gunshot she receives during their sea escape, leaving Lu Zhengrong deeply affected by their unresolved bond. 293 397 398 458 459 460
• Zero (077) — Her counterattack System, which provides romance-oriented guidance and rewards before abandoning her after the mission fails. 222 294 526
• Shen Qi — Shen Qingling's close companion and a major source of Lu Zhengrong's jealousy; Lu Zhengrong originally sought to prevent Shen Qi and Shen Qingling from becoming closer. Shen Qi later exposes Shen Qingling's efforts to save Lu Zhengrong and confronts her over the coercive nature of her love. 249 284 324 600
• Lin Xingmian — A perceived rival for Shen Qingling's affection. Lu Zhengrong becomes hostile after witnessing Shen Qingling's tenderness toward her and later threatens her directly. Lin Xingmian's dinner reservation ultimately provides the opening Lu Zhengrong uses for the kidnapping. 344 346 419
• Gu Chenwang — Target of the Lu family's revenge. Lu Zhengrong altered her appearance to resemble him and later learns that she and Lu Xiao are not his children. 221 399
• Sheng Mo and Nan Zhen — Two of Shen Qingling's most dangerous protectors and romantic rivals. Their pursuit of Lu Zhengrong after the kidnapping forces Shen Qingling to deny his feelings for her publicly in order to preserve her life. 456 457 458 600
• Pei Shishi — A dating-show rival for Shen Qingling's attention. Pei Shishi openly confronts Lu Zhengrong over her advances toward him, while Lu Zhengrong repeatedly outmaneuvers and provokes her. 580 603
• Wen Yu — A fellow dating-show participant and romantic rival. Wen Yu covertly undermines Lu Zhengrong's hopes, sabotages the race that injures her, and later becomes the target of Lu Zhengrong's hostility after seeking intimacy with Shen Qingling. 574 575 607
• Huo Family — Lu Zhengrong's revealed family. She is publicly identified as Huo Zhengrong, the eldest daughter of the powerful Huo family; her parents are members of the family, and her father is Third Master Huo. 639 640

Story Role / Major Arcs

Revenge Plot and University Infiltration

Lu Zhengrong undergoes surgery to resemble Gu Chenwang, is bound to a counterattack System, and enters Jiang University alongside Lu Xiao. Both siblings take teaching positions to approach Shen Qingling and Shen Qi while advancing Lu Yunrou's revenge plan. 221 222 243

As Shen Qingling's new teacher, she immediately recognizes him and Shen Qi as the protagonists. His lack of visible attraction toward her intrigues her, prompting her to investigate his past, reputation, and emotional weaknesses. 249 251 263

Competition and Growing Attachment

Lu Zhengrong draws Shen Qingling into a competition project, giving her regular opportunities to observe him. She is unsettled by his intelligence, thoughtfulness, and the affection others show him, while her efforts to alter her appearance for him fail to move him. 284 285

Their dinner, scooter ride, and shared visit to the sea destabilize her professional distance. She begins ignoring Lu Yunrou's calls, studies romance dramas, and actively consults Zero on how to make Shen Qingling fall in love with her. 287 294 296

Break with the Lu Family

Lu Zhengrong's loyalty to revenge weakens as she realizes that Lu Xiao intends to harm Shen Qingling. She destroys evidence of Lu Xiao's exam-frame scheme, openly belittles his jealousy, and no longer wants Lu Yunrou's plan to succeed. 293 344

She attempts to bargain with Shen Qingling by offering information in exchange for a relationship and tries to influence Lu Xiao into abandoning revenge as well. 355 356

Obsession and Escalation

After recognizing her feelings as love rather than a desire to win, Lu Zhengrong becomes openly possessive. She confesses to Shen Qingling, bites him after he rejects her, stalks him, threatens Lin Xingmian, and refuses to accept his boundaries. 322 323 346 353

Her fixation drives her to prioritize Shen Qingling above her own identity and family. She declares that she wants to destroy the face he dislikes and frames her actions as protecting him from Lu Yunrou. 371

Exposure and Collapse

Lu Zhengrong helps destabilize Lu Yunrou's position by sending compromising photos to Wen Sulan, but Shen Qingling later confronts her over her original reasons for coming to Jiang University and her knowledge of the Lu family's schemes. 384 395

When Shen Qingling rejects her and leaves, Lu Zhengrong blames Lu Yunrou and violently confronts her. The Lu family alliance disintegrates, and Lu Zhengrong subsequently leaves the Lu household. 397 399

Kidnapping and Island Captivity

Believing that Shen Qingling's possible marriage alliance with Shen Qi will permanently take him from her, Lu Zhengrong persuades Lu Xiao to help abduct him and frame Lu Yunrou. She carefully exploits the security limitations of a hotel restroom, where Sang Yin cannot accompany Shen Qingling. 417 419

When Shen Qingling resists Lu Xiao's initial ambush, Lu Zhengrong attacks him from behind with anesthetic. The siblings conceal him in a modified linen cart, evade Sang Yin through a decoy and a fire alarm, and smuggle him from River City by ship. 419 420

On Nanxia Island, Lu Zhengrong treats Shen Qingling as her partner under the names Lu Zhen and Shen Qing. Believing that he has lost his memory, she attempts to construct an ordinary domestic life, contemplates having a child to bind him to her, and briefly agrees to give him limited freedom outside their home. 428 431 440

Rescue, Sea Confrontation, and Presumed Death

Shen Qingling eventually contacts Shen Qi with Nanxia Island and Clear Creek Town's location, enabling his allies to find him. Although he refuses to report Lu Zhengrong directly, Shen Qi, Sheng Mo, Nan Zhen, and Sang Yin close in on the island. 448 456

During the confrontation at sea, Shen Qingling denies ever loving Lu Zhengrong in order to prevent Sheng Mo and Nan Zhen from killing her. Unable to shoot him despite drawing a gun, Lu Zhengrong jumps into the sea with the wounded Lu Yunrou after Lu Yunrou is struck by Nan Zhen's bullet. 457 458

Lu Zhengrong survives because Shen Qingling and Shen Qi secretly arrange a fishing boat and escape route for her, Lu Xiao, and Lu Yunrou. Lu Yunrou subsequently dies, while Lu Zhengrong and Lu Xiao later fake their deaths and vanish from public life. 459 460 526

Return as Shen Nuo

After returning with a new appearance and identity, Lu Zhengrong joins Shen Qingling's dating show as Shen Nuo. She initially tells herself that she has come for revenge, but jealousy, attraction, and her inability to hurt him repeatedly expose the depth of her unresolved love. 526 568 573 575

The red bracelet that Shen Qingling continues wearing becomes a turning point for her. It convinces her that their island relationship may not have been entirely false, weakens her resolve for revenge, and leads her to choose him for a date and openly care for him again. 578 579 580

Her fragile progress remains uneven: she pushes herself through a race despite her heart condition, collapses after winning, and later takes an intoxicated Shen Qingling away from the cameras with Lu Xiao's help. 574 575 611 613

Recognition and New Life

Shen Qingling finally confronts Shen Nuo and reveals that he recognized her as Lu Zhengrong from the moment she reappeared, identifying her through her eyes despite her changed face and identity. 598 599

Shen Qi then reveals that Shen Qingling had feigned amnesia, fulfilled Lu Zhengrong's wish for an island wedding, retained the bracelet she made, and secretly arranged her survival at sea. The revelation forces Lu Zhengrong to confront the harm she caused through her possessive love and revenge. 600

Rather than demanding that she prove her love, Shen Qingling tells Lu Zhengrong to prove that she can live differently from Lu Yunrou: with hope, self-respect, research, friendships, and happiness beyond him. Lu Zhengrong accepts this challenge, begins openly acknowledging her feelings, and later reveals her Huo family identity while pursuing the research she genuinely values. 602 639 640

Notable Quotes

“A twisted love is still love.” 353

“Stay away from him.” 346

“Because a play is a play, and reality is reality. I won't lose.” 354

“I just wanted to look at you. Openly.” 602

“Yes, it keeps getting better. I have you, my brother, Dad, and Mom. I have everything. I'm the happiest person in the world.” 618

Trivia

• Lu Zhengrong enjoys watching plays and later uses a play about revenge and love as a lens for her relationship with Shen Qingling. 263 353
• She stays up late watching idol dramas and takes extensive notes in an attempt to learn romantic behavior. 294 296
• She briefly imitates Shen Qi's style in hopes of attracting Shen Qingling, but he remains unaffected. 285
• She makes Shen Qingling a red braided bracelet before their island wedding; he continues wearing it after returning to River City. 456 578
• Despite her harsh relationship with Lu Xiao, she knows his preferred colors, clothing styles, and measurements well enough to shop for him accurately. 618