Let me break down why this chapter keeps me on edge even after Zhang Tao is dead, because the stakes here are layered in a way that a lot of novels in this genre don't manage. On the surface, the conflict is straightforward: Feng Moxi vs. her past-life enemies. But the author immediately complicates it. First, there's the Golden Retriever—a creature she manipulated but can't fully control. It killed Zhang Tao, yes, but it also ignored Wan Wanxin and Yao Zichong's attacks, showed what might have been awareness, and then disappeared into the night. Is it gone? Will it come back? The text literally ends with dog barks in the distance, and that's not accidental suspense-building—that's the author reminding us that Feng Moxi's plan has consequences she can't fully predict. Then there's the secondary conflict: supply scarcity. While Feng Moxi is settling old scores, everyone else is fighting over food and resources. The fact that stores have already been looted, that crystal cores are described as "practically useless" by Xiaoying but were literally worth dying for in her previous life—this creates a tension between what Feng Moxi knows and what the current survivors don't. She's playing a different game than everyone else, and that asymmetry is where the real stakes live. And internally? The stakes are even higher. Every time she uses her divine sense to manipulate the dog, she's risking exposure. Every time she feels that old pain resurface, she's risking the emotional control that's her only real weapon. The question isn't just whether she'll survive—it's whether she'll survive without becoming exactly what she's fighting against.
Okay so this whole memory recovery thing is clearly the engine driving the plot forward, and honestly? It works. The scene where Wen Lan sits on that sofa and suddenly gets hit with fragments—she's reading, sunlight is falling, Lu Zhixing is watching her, and then the kiss. It's not a full flashback, it's just shards. And that's what makes it so effective because it mirrors how actual memory works, right? You don't get the whole movie, you get a sensory fragment and your brain fills in the rest. What I love is how the author uses these memory flashes to recontextualize everything we thought we knew. Wen Lan assumed they were a couple in name only, and then this one moment shatters that assumption. She pushes Lu Zhixing away afterward though—which is such a realistic reaction, by the way. When you're trying to reconstruct your identity and your husband's face suddenly appears in your memories in an intimate context, you don't just calmly accept it. And then there's the Lu Zhihan thread. The author keeps this subplot simmering in the background—Lu Zhixing monitoring him, the stepfather connection, Leng Feng's brother Su Qing who's been looking for Lu Zhixing. These aren't just filler; they're ticking time bombs. The plot is building this web of secrets, and I have a feeling Wen Lan's recovered memories are going to collide with all of them in the most explosive way possible. The author is playing 4D chess here.
There's a reason food appears in almost every scene of this passage, and it's not accidental. Let me unpack this because the symbolism is layered and I'm obsessed. The meat buns are the first symbol. They come from Eldest Aunt — generosity, family care, warmth. But Fu Ziheng eats them and tastes wax. Why? Because he can't enjoy anything when he believes he's a fraud, a burden, someone who doesn't deserve kindness. The buns represent everything he feels unworthy of. Meanwhile, Yang Tiehua uses food as a tool of manipulation — the persistent offers, the 'you need nourishment' framing. Food becomes both love and weapon in her hands. Then there are the pickled vegetables. Mother Fu's labor — hours of preparation, care, tradition — reduced to something Yang Tiehua initially rejected and now performs gratitude for. The fact that Factory Director Ao genuinely enjoys them while Fu Ziheng watches in stunned silence speaks to the whole theme: people who haven't been corrupted by the scheme can appreciate what Mother Fu offers. It's the uncorrupted eye that sees value. But the deepest symbol is the kidney itself. Fu Ziheng is being groomed to sell a part of his body. This isn't just a plot device — it's the microcosm of the macro theme. The organ trafficking ring at the hospital represents the same idea on a societal scale: vulnerable people being processed, their bodies becoming commodities. Zheng Chao is about to become a scapegoat for a system that treats human organs like spare parts. The name badge Yang Tiehua puts on is the final symbol. A piece of clothing, a piece of plastic — identity as something that can be worn and removed. The mob sees the badge and believes. Reality is what you wear. This connects back to Fu Ziheng's entire situation: he's been made to believe he's worthless, and that belief is just a badge someone else put on him. The story is asking: who gets to decide what a person is worth? And what happens when someone refuses to accept the answer?
Great start to this novel! Immediately got hooked from the first 4 chapters of the story! Writing quality is amazing as hell, BUT you could still improve by making use of more conciseness and sharper prose. Dialogue as natural, as it should be, and I really like how distinct your characters' voices are. Now, it may need some work on characters' appearances and the world-building, BUT you could always do that in the later chapters. Aside from that, keep it up man! I can see great potential in your book!
Author review, I am not gonna say anything since I am writing so, please support this novel
overall its passable. but it can be better
Oh my god crash and dek are og goated the elemental listing is crazy good the rank 1 is my favourite tho his powers makes the main characters look weak plus he teaches how to cook !! wicked
I have read it to chapter 15 and it is so damn interesting and i love the intense battle
"Service Charge" is an absolute gem! Ryo Okame is a refreshing and relatable protagonist, his hustle, determination, and struggles make him easy to root for. The blend of supernatural elements with his money-making schemes keeps the story engaging, with just the right balance of humor, mystery, and eerie suspense.The concept of using a third eye for financial gain is brilliant, and the deeper layers of intrigue make it impossible to put down. Each twist keeps you hooked, and the spirits he encounters add depth to the plot. Whether you're in for the adventure, the witty dialogue, or the ghostly chills, this story delivers on all fronts!Highly recommend for anyone looking for a fresh, thrilling, and entertaining read! Can't wait to see where Ryo's journey takes him next.
A really good story, keep up the good work.
I was kind of surprise that your writing an R18 book now. Anyway, good luck on saving 100,000 dollar.
This idea of not selecting text while uploading a chapter sucks. Anyways how do you upload or add a image or illustration in the chapter for better reading experience? If so then plz help me.