Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ling, a Chinese scientist, refuses the Nobel Prize, citing disinterest.
• Netizens are stunned, and Western media accuses her of looking down on other scientists.
• Jiang Yan Hai, Jiang Ling's brother, defends her and launches a new website, Xing Hai, publishing 328 papers on controlled nuclear fusion in Chinese.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ling: Stands firm in her decision to refuse the Nobel Prize, demonstrating humility and disinterest in fame.
• Jiang Yan Hai: Shows strong support for his sister, exhibits quick thinking and sharp wit in defending her, and takes initiative in sharing her work through Xing Hai.

Significant Themes

• Humility vs. Ambition: Jiang Ling's humility is juxtaposed with the ambition of those who seek the Nobel Prize for recognition.
• Language and Accessibility: The use of Chinese language and idioms in the published papers highlights the theme of accessibility and inclusivity in scientific knowledge.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ling and Jiang Yan Hai: The siblings show strong mutual support, with Jiang Yan Hai actively promoting Jiang Ling's work and defending her against criticism.
• Jiang Ling and the Media/Netizens: Jiang Ling's interaction with the media and netizens highlights the contrast between her humility and the public's expectations of a Nobel laureate.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Yan Hai creates a private blog, Xing Hai, to publish scientific papers, using a server at the National Supercomputing Center.
• He publishes 328 papers in various fields, mostly written by Er Dan (his AI) but reviewed by him.
• He sets up a system where others can publish papers, with Er Dan reviewing and providing feedback.
• Xing Hai goes live quietly, aiming to become the top scientific journal in the industry.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yan Hai demonstrates his dedication to scientific progress and his ambition to make Chinese the leading language in cutting-edge scientific technologies.
• Er Dan shows its capability in writing and reviewing scientific papers, indicating its advanced AI capabilities.

Significant Themes

• The challenges and importance of translation, particularly of idioms.
• The potential of AI in scientific research and publishing.
• The global competition in scientific discovery and language dominance.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yan Hai collaborates with Er Dan in writing and reviewing papers.
• He informs senior professors about Xing Hai, expecting them to inform their students.
• He anticipates support from domestic experts and professors, who may publish papers on Xing Hai.

Notable Quotes

• "Translation is absolutely soul-crushing."
• "I don't have the time, and I won't translate them into English."
• "Perhaps one day it [Er Dan] will make a mistake, or perhaps someone will be able to write a paper that it cannot prove or refute. Honestly, Jiang Yan Hai looks forward to that day."

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Yan Hai declines the Nobel Prize invitation.
• Three physicists withdraw from Nobel Prize consideration due to Jiang Ling's achievements.
• Other physicists follow suit, leading to an unprecedented Nobel Prize situation.
• Jiang Ling participates in China's State Preeminent Science and Technology Award, accepting it with emotion.
• She expresses her pride in being recognized by her country and people, sparking national sentiment.
• Jiang Yan Hai focuses on his work, ignoring external opinions about the Nobel Prize.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yan Hai: Reiterates his disinterest in the Nobel Prize, focusing on his work and national recognition.
• Jiang Ling: Shows emotion upon receiving national recognition, emphasizing her connection to her country.
• Other scientists: Withdraw from Nobel Prize consideration due to Jiang Ling's achievements, highlighting their integrity and pride.

Significant Themes

• Nationalism vs. Globalism: Jiang Ling's preference for national recognition over global awards.
• Integrity and Pride: Scientists withdraw from Nobel Prize consideration to maintain their reputation and integrity.
• Work and Dedication: Jiang Yan Hai focuses on his work, ignoring external distractions.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yan Hai and Jiang Ling: Their relationship is not explicitly shown, but Jiang Yan Hai's actions indirectly support Jiang Ling's choices.
• Jiang Ling and other scientists: Their interactions are implied through the scientists' withdrawals, showing respect for Jiang Ling's achievements.
• Jiang Yan Hai and the Nobel Prize committee: Their interaction is implied through Jiang Yan Hai's declination and the subsequent events.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Pangu System has been generating and storing data on countless new materials, with an astronomical computational capacity.
• Jiang Yan Hai is invited to Institute 382 by Professor Wu Min to discuss a new discovery related to brainwave capture devices.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yan Hai is now more familiar with the Pangu System's capabilities and its infinite database.
• Professor Wu Min has led his team to make a significant breakthrough in brainwave capture technology.

Significant Themes

• Technological advancement and its potential to revolutionize various fields, including military training and virtual reality.
• The intersection of science and fiction, with the realization of concepts previously thought to exist only in sci-fi movies.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yan Hai and Professor Wu Min reconnect, with the latter inviting the former to discuss a new discovery.
• Jiang Yan Hai is greeted warmly by Professor Wu Min and his team, some of whom recognize or suspect Jiang Yan Hai's true identity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Professor Wu Min introduces a new material that can deceive the human brain through special waveforms, creating a neural deception effect.
• The material allows for the creation of pseudo-holographic simulation games, where users can experience VR movies without physical movement.
• Professor Wu Min suggests using the technology to create a realistic combat simulation system for soldiers, but safety concerns and the lack of human trials are raised.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yan Hai demonstrates his understanding of the technology's potential applications, showing his intelligence and strategic thinking.
• Professor Wu Min exhibits his expertise in the field of neural deception and his enthusiasm for pushing the boundaries of technology.

Significant Themes

• The blurring line between reality and simulation, raising questions about the potential consequences and ethical implications of such advanced technology.
• The risks and benefits of human trials, highlighting the tension between scientific progress and ethical considerations.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yan Hai and Professor Wu Min engage in a productive discussion about the technology's applications and potential risks, showcasing their mutual respect and understanding.
• Jiang Yan Hai consults with Er Dan, his AI companion, about the illusion simulation program, revealing his trust in Er Dan's knowledge and expertise.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Yan Hai decides to submit an application to conduct an experiment using the simulator on death row inmates.
• He shares his pre-existing program with Professor Wu Min, which can simulate soldiers' movements and reactions in a virtual environment.
• They discuss potential risks, such as the brain's subconsciousness forming from continuous training and the body's inability to keep up with the simulated physical demands.
• Jiang Yan Hai suggests conducting a comprehensive body scan before the experiment to reduce risks.
• He offers to modify the program to accommodate individual physical data.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yan Hai demonstrates his initiative, expertise, and confidence in his work.
• Professor Wu Min shows concern for the safety of the inmates and acknowledges Jiang Yan Hai's capabilities.

Significant Themes

• The ethical implications of using death row inmates for experiments, with Jiang Yan Hai's pragmatic approach contrasting with the professor's concern for safety.
• The potential dangers of deceiving the brain with false physical sensations and the importance of accurate simulation data.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yan Hai and Professor Wu Min collaborate, with Jiang Yan Hai taking the lead in modifying the program and Professor Wu Min providing medical insights and raising concerns.
• Jiang Yan Hai consults with the Old Commander about the application, demonstrating respect for his superior's opinion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Yan Hai discusses with military leaders about using death row inmates for a new soldier training program.
• Jiang Yan Hai decides to use Scorpion, a notorious criminal, for the experiment instead of death row inmates.
• Jiang Yan Hai contacts relevant parties (Director Wen, Fan Tian Lei, He Chen Guang) to arrange Scorpion's involvement in the experiment.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yan Hai: Shows strategic thinking and willingness to use unconventional methods (like using Scorpion) for the greater good.
• Scorpion: Despite his criminal past, he's considered for the experiment due to his unique status and combat effectiveness.
• Director Wen: Shows concern for Jiang Yan Hai's well-being and the humane nature of the experiment.
• He Chen Guang: Understands and supports the use of his father's killer, Scorpion, for the experiment, prioritizing the greater good.

Significant Themes

• Sacrifice for the Greater Good: Characters are willing to use a dangerous criminal like Scorpion for the potential benefit of many soldiers' lives.
• Unconventional Solutions: Jiang Yan Hai considers using Scorpion, a unique candidate, instead of typical death row inmates for the experiment.
• Communication and Cooperation: Jiang Yan Hai communicates effectively with relevant parties to arrange Scorpion's involvement in the experiment.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yan Hai interacts with Director Wen, Fan Tian Lei, and He Chen Guang to arrange Scorpion's involvement in the experiment.
• Jiang Yan Hai and Director Wen show mutual respect and understanding, with Director Wen showing concern for Jiang Yan Hai's well-being.
• He Chen Guang and Jiang Yan Hai have a candid conversation about using Scorpion for the experiment, showing understanding and support for the greater good.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Colonel Jiang Yan Hai visits Scorpion in prison.
• Jiang offers Scorpion a deal: cooperate in an experiment to avoid the death penalty and live in a restricted area instead of prison.
• Jiang shows Scorpion photos of his family, revealing they're alive and well.
• Scorpion agrees to the deal, with the condition that he receives periodic updates about his family.
• Jiang provides Scorpion with a micro-electronic bomb as a security measure.

Character Developments

• Scorpion: Maintains his calm and collected demeanor despite his situation. Shows concern for his family's well-being.
• Jiang Yan Hai: Demonstrates strategic thinking and understanding of Scorpion's motivations. Uses Scorpion's family as leverage to secure his cooperation.

Significant Themes

• Leverage and manipulation: Jiang uses Scorpion's love for his family to secure his cooperation.
• Consequences of actions: Scorpion's past actions have led him to this point, and he must now face the consequences.
• Family and love: Despite his criminal past, Scorpion cares deeply for his family and is willing to cooperate to ensure their safety.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yan Hai and Scorpion: Their interaction is tense but respectful. Jiang understands Scorpion's nature and uses it to his advantage, while Scorpion accepts the reality of his situation and agrees to the deal.
• Scorpion and his family: Though not present, Scorpion's love for his family is evident in his agreement to cooperate and his request for periodic updates about them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Director Wen meets Jiang Yan Hai, who impresses him with his thoroughness and maturity.
• Jiang Yan Hai takes Scorpion under his protection, and they travel to Research Institute 382.
• Scorpion is fitted with a metal collar and a sensor-equipped suit for data collection.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yan Hai is portrayed as steady, mature, and thorough, leaving no room for enemies.
• Scorpion remains calm and cooperative, showing no signs of resistance.
• Fire Phoenix members are shown to be more experienced and physically fit, but still tense from their past loss.

Significant Themes

• Trust and cooperation: Jiang Yan Hai hopes Scorpion will cooperate voluntarily, while Scorpion remains calm and unthreatening.
• Learning from losses: Jiang Yan Hai believes that suffering losses helps soldiers grow and avoid mistakes.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yan Hai and Scorpion engage in a casual yet tense conversation, each trying to read the other.
• Jiang Yan Hai and Professor Wu Min discuss the Illusion Simulation Program and its limitations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Yan Hai proposes a new method to improve the Golden Body Suit, allowing it to control muscle movements and induce pain sensations.
• Professor Wu Min agrees to the plan, and they decide to collect human data by having the Scorpion wear the suit for 24 hours.
• Jiang Yan Hai and his team work on redesigning the tight-fitting suits, completing the preparations in less than two weeks.
• The Scorpion is briefed about the military simulation program he will be testing, which will apply pain and other factors through the tight-fitting suit.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yan Hai demonstrates his innovative thinking and leadership by proposing the new method and overseeing the project's progress.
• The Scorpion shows resilience and acceptance of his situation, preparing himself for the experiment without asking too many questions.

Significant Themes

• Innovation and adaptation in technology and research.
• The potential dangers and ethical considerations of interfering with the human body and brain.
• The use of simulations and virtual reality for testing and research purposes.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yan Hai and Professor Wu Min collaborate and agree on the new plan, showcasing their professional respect and trust in each other's expertise.
• Jiang Yan Hai briefs the Scorpion about the experiment, maintaining a clear and concise communication style despite the potential risks involved.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Yan Hai and his team activate a simulation program for Scorpion, a captured criminal with extensive combat experience.
• Scorpion enters the simulation, experiencing a realistic jungle environment with a fellow soldier (an AI-controlled character).
• Scorpion's team communicates with him, providing information about enemy snipers.
• Jiang Yan Hai and his team monitor Scorpion's physical and brain activity, deeming the experiment a success so far.

Character Developments

• Scorpion shows adaptability and quick thinking in the simulation, demonstrating his combat skills and experience.
• Jiang Yan Hai displays concern for the experiment's success rather than Scorpion's immediate well-being, indicating his prioritization of scientific progress.

Significant Themes

• The power of realistic simulations and their potential applications.
• The ethical implications of using criminals as experimental subjects.
• The human response to the unknown and fear.

Character Interactions

• Scorpion interacts with an AI-controlled soldier in the simulation, following standard combat protocols.
• Jiang Yan Hai and his team monitor Scorpion's progress, with Jiang Yan Hai anticipating Scorpion's first "death" in the simulation.
• Scorpion's team communicates with him, providing information and support within the simulation.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Jiang Yan Hai explains how fear can lead to death due to physiological responses, using a story and a joke about human body functions.
• Jiang Yan Hai and his team face infrared induction mines with a large detection and kill radius, linked to detonate simultaneously.
• Scorpion, in the simulation, steps into the trigger range of a mine and is severely injured.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yan Hai demonstrates his experience and knowledge, understanding the danger they're in and how to navigate it.
• Scorpion shows his survival instincts and reflexes, but ultimately falls victim to the mine.

Significant Themes

• The fragility and resilience of the human body and mind under extreme stress.
• The dangers of underestimating one's enemies and the environment.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yan Hai commands his team to stay alert as they navigate the minefield.
• Scorpion, in the simulation, acts independently, relying on his instincts and experience.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Scorpion experiences intense pain and fear during the simulation, questioning his mortality.
• Medical personnel, including Jiang Yan Hai, monitor and stabilize Scorpion's condition post-simulation.
• Scorpion's physical and mental state improves, and he regains consciousness.
• Jiang Yan Hai reveals that Scorpion's life was spared to prevent further comrade losses, and Scorpion is impressed by the advanced technology.

Character Developments

• Scorpion: Exhibits fear of death, shows resilience post-traumatic experience, and acknowledges the simulation's effectiveness.
• Jiang Yan Hai: Demonstrates calm demeanor, honesty about his intentions, and understanding of the simulation's potential impact on soldiers.

Significant Themes

• Fear of death and its impact on personal growth.
• The advancements of technology and its potential applications in warfare.
• Honesty and straightforwardness in communication.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yan Hai and Scorpion: Jiang reveals the reason for sparing Scorpion's life, and Scorpion expresses his admiration for the technology, leading to a calm and honest exchange between the two former enemies.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Yan Hai discusses Scorpion's mental state and the simulator's issues with specialists.
• Medical professors examine Scorpion's physical condition and discuss potential harm from the hallucination simulations.
• An old professor emphasizes the importance of addressing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in soldiers undergoing such training.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yan Hai demonstrates concern for Scorpion's mental health and the potential psychological impact of the simulations.
• Medical professors show expertise in their fields and awareness of the simulator's potential psychological effects.

Significant Themes

• Psychological Health: The chapter highlights the importance of addressing psychological well-being, particularly PTSD, in soldiers undergoing intense training.
• Realism vs. Simulation: The high realism of the simulation causes Scorpion to barely distinguish it from reality, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of psychological impacts.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yan Hai interacts with medical professors, discussing Scorpion's condition and the simulator's potential hazards.
• The old professor conveys his expertise and concern for the soldiers' psychological health to Jiang Yan Hai.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Yan Hai learns about psychological issues faced by soldiers post-war and their lack of effective counseling in China.
• He discusses the importance of psychologists with professors but learns about the scarcity of specialists in this field domestically.
• Jiang Yan Hai decides to rely on the professors for Scorpion's physical condition and reports psychological issues up the chain of command.
• He focuses on refining Scorpion's bodysuit and runs simultaneous tests to improve its perfection.
• After a month, the system is near-perfect, and Scorpion's condition improves significantly.
• Jiang Yan Hai announces the completion of Scorpion's mission and the start of preliminary testing with real Special Forces soldiers.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yan Hai shows responsibility and dedication to his work, prioritizing the soldiers' well-being.
• He demonstrates strategic thinking by acknowledging the importance of psychological health while prioritizing survival on the battlefield.
• Scorpion remains focused and committed to his mission, showing resilience and adaptability.

Significant Themes

• The importance of mental health and psychological support for soldiers.
• The balance between perfection and practicality in military technology.
• The responsibility of military personnel towards their comrades and the country.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yan Hai interacts with professors, seeking their expertise and advice on psychological health.
• He communicates with Scorpion, updating him on the mission's progress and its completion.
• Jiang Yan Hai's interactions with the professors reflect his respect for their expertise and his willingness to learn from them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Scorpion is offered two choices for his punishment: life imprisonment or mining work with restrictions.
• He chooses the latter and wakes up in a simple, ordinary room with basic furnishings from twenty years ago.
• He is given a work ID with an empty name field, a pen, and instructions about his restricted activity area.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yan Hai demonstrates the country's integrity and trustworthiness by not executing Scorpion secretly.
• Scorpion shows acceptance and understanding of his situation, choosing to cooperate with his new circumstances.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Integrity: The country keeps its word, showing trust and integrity by not killing Scorpion secretly and offering him choices.
• Redemption and New Beginnings: Scorpion is given a chance to start anew, symbolized by the empty name field on his work ID.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yan Hai and Scorpion have a straightforward, honest conversation about Scorpion's fate.
• Scorpion interacts with his new environment, exploring his living space and reading the instructions provided.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Scorpion discovers he's in a modern town with advanced infrastructure but old-fashioned interiors.
• He meets Yang Wen, a neighbor, and learns about the mine's operations and Supervisor Wang.
• Supervisor Wang takes Scorpion to the office, revealing they're in the Great Qin Empire and discussing a recent disaster and new era.

Character Developments

• Scorpion: Shows keen observation skills, adaptability, and curiosity about his surroundings.
• Yang Wen: Friendly and helpful, provides information about the mine and its operations.
• Wang Hai (Supervisor Wang): Informative, respectful of the empire and government, reveals crucial details about the world's history and current state.

Significant Themes

• Disorientation and confusion: Scorpion's initial reaction to his new environment and the revelation of its imperial past.
• Adaptation: Scorpion's quick thinking and ability to adapt to his new circumstances.
• Historical and cultural shifts: The mention of the Great Qin Empire, a Red Mad Wolf disaster, and a new era hint at significant historical changes.

Character Interactions

• Scorpion and Yang Wen: A friendly exchange where Scorpion gathers information and Yang Wen offers assistance.
• Scorpion and Wang Hai: Wang Hai provides crucial information about the world's history and current state, while Scorpion asks direct questions to understand his situation better.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Scorpion arrives in an unfamiliar place, seemingly Earth-like but with peculiarities.
• He meets Manager Wang, who guides him through registration and provides a job with a state-owned enterprise.
• Scorpion learns about the local currency, prices, and living conditions, all of which are anachronistic and unusual.
• He discovers a wall surrounding the town with soldiers carrying vintage rifles.
• Scorpion buys supplies at a supply and marketing cooperative, another anachronism.
• Manager Wang hints at a "Red Mad Wolf disaster" and the rule of the "Great Qin Empire."

Character Developments

• Scorpion: Initially skeptical, he now believes he's in an alternate world. He's resourceful, observant, and honest.
• Manager Wang: He's friendly, helpful, and seems to have influence. He's aware of Scorpion's situation and offers assistance.

Significant Themes

• Displacement and adaptation: Scorpion finds himself in an unfamiliar world and must adapt.
• The passage of time: The anachronistic elements highlight the theme of time and its progression.
• Government and power: The "Great Qin Empire" and Manager Wang's influence suggest a theme of power dynamics.

Character Interactions

• Scorpion and Manager Wang: They form a mentor-mentee relationship. Manager Wang guides Scorpion, showing kindness and concern for his well-being.
• Scorpion and the environment: Scorpion interacts with his surroundings, observing and processing the peculiarities, leading to his realization about the alternate world.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Scorpion learns that the Chinese government is aware of his true background but hasn't targeted him.
• He realizes the extent of China's control and the futility of trying to escape.
• Scorpion ponders the significance of his newfound knowledge and the limitations of speaking out.
• Yang Wen, Scorpion's neighbor, invites him for a meal, displaying genuine warmth and enthusiasm.

Character Developments

• Scorpion: Struggles with the weight of his new knowledge, feels a mix of loss and gratitude for his newfound freedom.
• Yang Wen: Shows kindness and enthusiasm towards Scorpion, reflecting the positive spirit of the era.

Significant Themes

• The value of freedom and the consequences of knowing too much.
• The power dynamics between individuals and the state.
• The contrast between Scorpion's past experiences and the current era's optimism.

Character Interactions

• Scorpion and Manager Wang: Their interaction reveals the government's awareness of Scorpion's background and their confidence in controlling him.
• Scorpion and Yang Wen: Yang Wen's genuine kindness towards Scorpion highlights the positive atmosphere of the era, challenging Scorpion's initial skepticism.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter emphasizes the importance of core reforms like laws, political systems, and national education, which are more crucial than technological advancements.
• The Scorpion, a prisoner, is integrated into the mine's workforce, showing no unusual behavior for a week.
• Jiang Yan Hai, the brigade commander, orders the return of 12 special forces officers, including Zhang Qi and Pan Ye, sparking their concern about potential rigorous training.

Character Developments

• The Scorpion shows initial compliance and integration into his new environment.
• Jiang Yan Hai demonstrates his authority and efficiency in mobilizing forces.
• Zhang Qi and Pan Ye, despite their seniority, express apprehension about their recall, hinting at their past struggles with intense training.

Significant Themes

• The importance of foundational reforms and trust in governance.
• The enduring impact of past experiences on present actions and attitudes (Zhang Qi and Pan Ye's concern about rigorous training).

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yan Hai interacts with Hei Ying, giving instructions about the Scorpion's monitoring.
• Zhang Qi, Pan Ye, and others discuss their recall and the potential reason behind it, revealing their shared history and camaraderie.