Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Guiliang has a book signing event, attracting a group of older women who protest against online games, specifically targeting Chen Guiliang and Sanguosha.
• The women cause chaos at the event, arguing with Chen Guiliang and other book fans, leading to police intervention.
• Chen Guiliang manages to calm the situation by explaining Sanguosha's nature, offering to give each woman a set of Sanguosha Physical Cards, and inviting them to try the game themselves.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang demonstrates patience, calmness, and resourcefulness in handling the chaotic situation, showing his ability to manage crises and maintain composure under pressure.
• The older women, initially aggressive and misinformed, show signs of reconsidering their stance after Chen Guiliang's explanations and the offer of free Sanguosha sets.

Significant Themes

• The impact of online games on society, particularly on children and students.
• The importance of open communication and understanding in resolving conflicts.
• The power of offering a solution or compromise to defuse tense situations.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang interacts with the older women, trying to understand their concerns and address their misconceptions about online games and Sanguosha.
• Li Xunhuan assists Chen Guiliang in managing the chaotic situation, showing his loyalty and support as an employee.
• The older women interact with each other, sharing their thoughts and experiences, ultimately deciding to give Sanguosha a chance by accepting the free sets.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Guiliang's book signing event gains significant media attention.
• He records an episode of "Qiang Qiang San Ren Xing" with Dou Wentao and Yan Danchen.
• Chen Guiliang discusses his book sales, fans, and the term "Free Rider" on the show.
• He also promotes Hainai Network and interacts with Yan Danchen about joining the platform.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang: Shows his mischievous side, discusses his book sales and fans, and promotes his business.
• Dou Wentao: Proves to be an entertaining and unpredictable host, making suggestive remarks and changing topics frequently.
• Yan Danchen: Dresses elegantly for the show, discusses her experience with "Sanguosha," and expresses interest in joining Hainai Network.

Significant Themes

• The impact of fame and media attention.
• The blurred line between celebrity and fan interaction in the digital age.
• The business acumen and entrepreneurship of Chen Guiliang.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang and Dou Wentao: Engage in playful banter, with Dou Wentao making suggestive remarks and Chen Guiliang responding in kind.
• Chen Guiliang and Yan Danchen: Discuss their experiences with "Sanguosha" and Yan Danchen expresses interest in joining Hainai Network, exchanging phone numbers with Chen Guiliang.
• Dou Wentao and Yan Danchen: Share a friendly rapport, with Dou Wentao making lewd remarks about Yan Danchen's appearance.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Guiliang and Yan Danchen meet after recording and have coffee together.
• Xu Fengyin and Ding Beili are at the same cafe with Shen Yifan, who is interested in Xu Fengyin.
• Chen Guiliang offers to help Yan Danchen with acting opportunities.
• Chen Guiliang offers to help Xu Fengyin buy a house.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang: Shows kindness and willingness to help his employees (Xu Fengyin) and celebrities (Yan Danchen) he has connections with.
• Yan Danchen: Shows initiative in befriending Chen Guiliang, hoping for acting opportunities.
• Xu Fengyin: Is pursued by Shen Yifan but seems uninterested. She is also career-oriented and independent.
• Shen Yifan: Pursues Xu Fengyin relentlessly, showing a single-minded focus on her.

Significant Themes

• Career vs. Personal Life: Xu Fengyin prioritizes her career over personal relationships, while Shen Yifan focuses solely on pursuing her.
• Connections and Networking: Chen Guiliang uses his connections to help Yan Danchen and Xu Fengyin, highlighting the importance of networking in their respective fields.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang and Yan Danchen: They chat casually, and Yan Danchen hopes to leverage their connection for acting opportunities.
• Xu Fengyin and Shen Yifan: Xu Fengyin is polite but distant with Shen Yifan, who is persistent in his pursuit of her.
• Xu Fengyin and Ding Beili: They are colleagues and friends, with Ding Beili being more observant and outspoken about their surroundings.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Guiliang drives Xu Fengyin and Ding Beili to their apartment in an old, rundown area of Beijing, which is scheduled for demolition.
• Xu Fengyin declines Chen Guiliang's invitation to visit her apartment, while Ding Beili invites them both for dinner but Chen Guiliang declines.
• Xu Fengyin and Ding Beili have dinner at a noodle shop and return to their respective apartments.
• Xu Fengyin studies Dunhuang frescoes and discusses her career aspirations with her parents, who also try to set her up with her older brother's friend, Shen Yifan.

Character Developments

• Xu Fengyin: She is an outstanding employee at Game Science, studying Dunhuang frescoes for inspiration, and considering pursuing a master's degree at Peking University. She also starts thinking about her personal life and considers finding a boyfriend.
• Ding Beili: She is quiet, unobtrusive, and not very bright. She wants to develop a career as an event host but is content with her current job as a receptionist.
• Chen Guiliang: He is the boss of ByteDance and Game Science, and he shows concern for his employees' well-being by driving Xu Fengyin and Ding Beili home.

Significant Themes

• Career Aspirations: Xu Fengyin's dedication to her work and desire to learn more about Dunhuang frescoes, while Ding Beili's contentment with her current job.
• Personal Life and Relationships: Xu Fengyin's parents' attempts to set her up with Shen Yifan, and Xu Fengyin's own thoughts about finding a boyfriend.
• Social Class and Living Conditions: The stark contrast between the luxurious offices of ByteDance and Game Science and the old, rundown apartments where Xu Fengyin and Ding Beili live.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang and Xu Fengyin: Chen Guiliang shows concern for Xu Fengyin's well-being by driving her home, but Xu Fengyin declines his invitation to visit her apartment.
• Xu Fengyin and Ding Beili: They share a friendly relationship, having dinner together and renting apartments in the same building.
• Xu Fengyin and her parents: They discuss Xu Fengyin's career and personal life, with her parents trying to set her up with Shen Yifan.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiaonei Network's user base exceeds 10 million, with 7 million undergraduate and junior college students, 500,000 graduate students, 2 million high school students, and 1.4 million graduated users.
• Chen Guiliang attends the China Internet Conference and is invited to speak.
• Zhanzuo Network, a competitor, struggles with user growth and considers shutting down.
• Xiaonei Network increases advertising fees due to its large user base.
• Chen Guiliang discusses the possibility of an Initial Public Offering (IPO) with investors.
• Tao Xue, Chen Guiliang's girlfriend, starts her university life.
• Chen Guiliang visits Game Science and Future Studio, and entrusts Feng Ji with the development of "My Own Swordsman" game.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang: Shows confidence in Xiaonei Network's growth and considers an IPO. He also demonstrates trust in Feng Ji by assigning him a significant project.
• Zhang Fan (Zhanzuo Network CEO): Struggles with user growth and considers shutting down his company.
• Tao Xue: Excited about starting university life.

Significant Themes

• Rapid growth and success of Xiaonei Network.
• Struggles of competitors in the face of Xiaonei Network's dominance.
• The potential of an IPO for Xiaonei Network.
• The importance of innovation and trust in business decisions.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang and Yang Lin (Carlyle Investment): Discuss the possibility of an IPO for Xiaonei Network.
• Chen Guiliang and Feng Ji: Chen Guiliang entrusts Feng Ji with the development of "My Own Swordsman" game.
• Chen Guiliang and Tao Xue: Chen Guiliang offers advice to Tao Xue as she starts university.
• Zhang Fan and his investor: Zhang Fan discusses the possibility of shutting down Zhanzuo Network due to poor user growth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Guiliang is unsure how to develop "My Own Swordsman" and assigns the task to Feng Ji.
• Feng Ji struggles to find a suitable approach and shares his ideas with Chen Guiliang.
• Chen Guiliang agrees to support Feng Ji's vision for the game, allocating resources and time.
• Sanguosha's popularity surges, leading to increased revenue and operational costs.
• Chen Guiliang returns to school, finding his roommates unchanged and learning about the Yuanpei College establishment.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang shows confidence in Feng Ji's vision and supports his approach to "My Own Swordsman," demonstrating his trust in creative talent.
• Feng Ji displays dedication and seriousness in his game development plans, showing a deep understanding of the source material and a commitment to authenticity.
• Chen Guiliang's roommates return to school, sharing their summer experiences and updates on the Yuanpei College establishment.

Significant Themes

• The struggle to maintain creative vision and authenticity in game development, especially when facing commercial pressures.
• The tension between short-term gains and long-term investment in quality and cultural depth.
• The importance of supporting and nurturing creative talent in the gaming industry.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang and Feng Ji discuss the development of "My Own Swordsman," with Chen Guiliang showing trust in Feng Ji's vision and providing resources to support it.
• Chen Guiliang interacts with his roommates, learning about their summer experiences and the Yuanpei College establishment.
• Min Wenyu approaches Chen Guiliang to find academically excellent impoverished children for sponsorship, demonstrating Chen Guiliang's ongoing commitment to supporting students in need.

Key Plot Points and Events

• New Oriental is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
• Chen Guiliang contemplates enrolling in New Oriental courses while preparing for his CET-4 exam.
• He sponsors underprivileged children and reflects on the need for sponsorship.
• Chen Guiliang is interviewed by Yang Lan, discussing his background, success, and views on education and entrepreneurship.
• The interview, broadcast on "Yang Lan Interview," gains popularity, particularly the phrase "Shen Du" (self-reflection and self-improvement).
• Successology masters adopt "Shen Du" and Chen Guiliang's story for their training sessions.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang: Struggles with his CET-4 exam preparation, reflects on his past, and discusses his entrepreneurial journey and views on success and education.
• Yang Lan: Conducts an in-depth interview with Chen Guiliang, showcasing her professionalism and approachability.

Significant Themes

• Education and its importance.
• Entrepreneurship and success.
• Self-reflection and self-improvement ("Shen Du").
• The influence of popular culture on societal trends.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang interacts with his classmates, showing his approachability and humility.
• Chen Guiliang and Yang Lan engage in a candid and insightful interview, highlighting their mutual respect and understanding.
• Successology masters adopt Chen Guiliang's story and "Shen Du" phrase, demonstrating their ability to capitalize on trends and popular culture.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Guiliang attends Professor Lin's exclusive course, "Special Topics in Chinese Economy," at Peking University.
• Professor Lin shares his economic reform ideas and China's economic development history.
• Chen Guiliang asks insightful questions about infrastructure investment, real estate regulation, and systemic financial risks.
• Professor Lin invites Chen Guiliang to join the China Center for Economic Research (CCER) as his mentee.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang: Demonstrates a long-term vision and high-level understanding of economic issues, impressing Professor Lin.
• Professor Lin: Shows his dedication to guiding students and sharing his economic reform ideas, despite being in the minority among his peers.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility and Ambition: Professor Lin emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for the world's rise and fall and having ambitious goals to unlock one's potential.
• Economic Reform and Development: The chapter explores China's economic development, the role of real estate, and the potential risks of infrastructure investment and real estate bubbles.
• Mentorship and Education: Professor Lin's invitation to Chen Guiliang highlights the importance of mentorship and education in shaping future leaders.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang and Professor Lin: Their interaction shows a mutual respect and understanding, with Professor Lin recognizing Chen Guiliang's potential and inviting him to join CCER.
• Chen Guiliang and Other Students: Chen Guiliang's questions impress other students, who envy his opportunity but also appreciate his unique perspective on economic issues.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Professor Lin and Chen Guiliang discuss real estate and its impact on society while walking to the underground parking lot.
• Chen Guiliang shares his pessimistic views on the future of real estate, predicting a bubble, increased social pressure, and demographic changes.
• Professor Lin invites Chen Guiliang to be his research assistant for internet-related research, offering a nominal position with minimal tasks.
• Chen Guiliang suggests Professor Lin register on Hainai Network to interact with netizens for inspiration.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang demonstrates his analytical and philosophical thinking, impressing Professor Lin with his unique perspectives on real estate and the internet.
• Professor Lin shows interest in Chen Guiliang's views and invites him to be a research assistant, recognizing his potential to provide inspiration.

Significant Themes

• The impact of real estate development on society, economy, and demographics.
• The potential of the internet and its future development, including the Internet of Everything.
• The exchange of ideas and inspiration between academia and industry.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang and Professor Lin engage in a thought-provoking conversation, with Chen Guiliang offering his insights and Professor Lin seeking his input for future research.
• Chen Guiliang suggests a way for Professor Lin to gain inspiration from netizens by registering on Hainai Network.

Chen Guiliang attended a government symposium on requiring real-name registration for blogs and SNS websites, where he described the limits and risks of Xiaonei Network’s verification system and Hainai Network’s moderation practices. The companies agreed to encourage real-name registration, and the ministry announced that platforms would have to collect complete back-end registration information by the end of the year.

• Chen Guiliang attended the symposium alongside representatives of major blogging platforms and SNS websites as officials introduced the proposal for a blog real-name system.
• A Ministry of Truth representative called for a real-name system, while Fang Xingdong opposed it and Cyworld’s Kim Hee-young supported it.
• Shen Yang and Li Shanyou argued that platforms could not reliably verify users’ identities, and Chen Guiliang described how Xiaonei Network’s class-based appeals had led to an exceptional account ban and restoration.
• Chen Guiliang explained Hainai Network’s real-name verification for celebrities, anonymous posting, and graylist and blacklist systems, while Hou Xiaoqiang emphasized that platforms lacked access to government identity records.
• Chen Guiliang proposed linking online accounts to real-name SIM cards, but Zheng Zhihao noted that many young QQ Zone users did not have phones, and the representatives reached no agreement on mandatory verification.
• The director announced that the ministry would adopt a blog real-name registration policy the following month and require platforms to collect complete registration information by year’s end, while Shi Yuzhu and Luo Taijun’s planned Niubo.com drew attention in the wider campaign.

At the China Internet Conference, Chen Guiliang challenged Li Yanhong’s criticism of web 2.0 and Chinese internet companies with a series of pointed rebuttals. He then began his prepared speech on web 2.0’s future as Li left the forum.

• Major websites made personal details mandatory and warned users they would lose access if they did not complete their registration information by New Year’s Day.
• Chen Guiliang met Zhou Hongwei, Li Xiang, and Yu Chen at the conference, and connected Yu Chen with Youke’s payment-system lead, Dong Qianqiu.
• Li Yanhong criticized web 2.0 and raised doubts about China’s internet industry during the main forum.
• Chen Guiliang took the stage and challenged Li Yanhong’s statistics about internet users, the value of Chinese internet companies, Baidu’s search results, and the importance of online games and mobile services.
• Chen Guiliang turned to his prepared topic, the future of web 2.0, and Li Yanhong stood up and left.

Chen Guiliang’s point-by-point rebuttal of Li Yanhong at the China Internet Conference spread through Kongzhong Network’s Mobile Blog and Tianya Forum. The chapter ended with internet start-up founders rallying around Chen as a leader and officials impressed by his defense of China’s internet industry.

• Kongzhong Network sent a widely received Mobile Blog update and photo showing Li Yanhong leaving after Chen Guiliang challenged him at the conference.
• After arriving at his destination, Guo Zhendong read Sina’s coverage and Tianya Forum threads debating Chen’s rebuttals and Li Yanhong’s remarks.
• A Tianya poster called Chen Guiliang the Web 2.0 industry’s Martial Alliance Leader, and forum users embraced the nickname.
• After the main forum, founders from thirty or forty internet companies surrounded Chen Guiliang, praised his speech, and proposed forming a Web 2.0 club with him as chairman.
• Officials at the conference were impressed by Chen Guiliang’s rebuttal and his defense of China’s internet industry.

Chen Guiliang publicly rebutted Li Yanhong’s criticism of Web 2.0 and Baidu’s search practices, drawing reporters and rising internet entrepreneurs to his side. Charles Zhang joined him afterward and promised Sohu coverage that would help reignite the media war against Baidu.

• Li Yanhong returned after Chen Guiliang’s speech, refused reporters’ questions, and left the forum.
• Chen Guiliang mocked Li Yanhong’s factual errors, criticized Baidu’s ads and stance on Web 2.0, and invited Baidu managers to join ByteDance and Game Science.
• Charles Zhang arrived to meet Chen Guiliang, praised his speech, and joined him and the rising internet entrepreneurs for coffee.
• Charles Zhang promised Sohu would feature Chen Guiliang’s speech and arrange an exclusive interview.
• Sohu used Chen Guiliang’s speech as ammunition, and its media offensive against Baidu reignited less than a month later.

Charles Zhang, Chen Guiliang, and the media turned Li Yanhong’s mistaken speech into a nationwide controversy, while Baidu’s public image suffered. Li Yanhong withdrew from public view and ordered Baidu to quietly adjust search rankings and stop responding to the uproar.

• Charles Zhang mocked an unnamed internet giant’s leader in a Sohu Blog post, and Yu Minhong published a supposed mediation post that also highlighted New Oriental’s recent IPO.
• Chen Guiliang defended himself online, saying Li Yanhong had attacked web 2.0 before his speech, while readers turned his profane phrasing into a popular catchphrase.
• Southern Metropolis Daily, Computer World, New Beijing, and China Computer News published sharply differing commentaries on Li Yanhong, Charles Zhang, and Chen Guiliang.
• The dispute spread to Hong Kong and Singapore, and international coverage introduced Chen Guiliang as a rising Chinese internet figure.
• Li Yanhong retreated from public view as Baidu issued six statements, then instructed staff to lower contentious search rankings, reduce advertisers’ fees, and stop responding publicly.

Li Kaifu visited Chen Guiliang to propose a Google partnership, but Chen questioned Google’s legality, its weak offers, and the technical problems involved. Chen left the proposal unresolved and told Guo Feng to improve ByteDance’s internal search engines.

• Li Kaifu came to ByteDance and proposed embedding Google search boxes in Xiaonei Network and Hainai Network.
• Chen Guiliang challenged Li Kaifu’s claims about Google’s market share and asked whether the partnership would use Google.com or Google.cn.
• Li Kaifu offered access to Google APIs and search expertise, but Chen argued that the deal would benefit Google far more than ByteDance.
• Chen Guiliang consulted Guo Feng, who explained that Google’s APIs could cause serious compatibility and performance problems.
• Chen Guiliang told Guo Feng to improve ByteDance’s internal search engines, while Li Kaifu left displeased with Chen.

Tao Xue reunited with Chen Guiliang at his company after a freshman mixer where her classmates praised her senior. Chen Guiliang rejected Zhou Shaoning’s proposal for Google to invest in ByteDance, then found himself facing an awkward reunion between Tao Xue and Bian Guanyue.

• Tao Xue attended a freshman mixer, told her classmates she knew Chen Guiliang, and listened as they discussed his accomplishments and the Internet Conference.
• Tao Xue played games with her classmates at an internet café, encouraged them to join Xiaonei Network, and visited Chen Guiliang at his company the next morning.
• Chen Guiliang met Zhou Shaoning, who proposed Google invest in ByteDance and collaborate on new products, but Chen Guiliang refused because he distrusted Google China's dual-president structure.
• Tao Xue caught up with Xie Yang while waiting for Chen Guiliang, then greeted Bian Guanyue when she arrived.

Chen Guiliang spent the day with Bian Guanyue and Tao Xue, whose rivalry shifted after Bian Guanyue began treating Tao Xue like a little sister. Tao Xue felt thoroughly outmatched, and the three ended the chapter browsing antiques near a crosstalk venue.

• Bian Guanyue and Tao Xue traded pointed remarks while Chen Guiliang showed Tao Xue around his office building and met Wang Kai and Wang Song.
• Chen Guiliang took Bian Guanyue and Tao Xue to Beihai Park, where Bian Guanyue asked Tao Xue if she knew she was Chen Guiliang's girlfriend.
• Bian Guanyue treated Tao Xue warmly as a younger sister, leaving Tao Xue feeling defeated during their boat ride and lunch.
• Tao Xue suggested listening to Guo Degang, and Chen Guiliang found a nearby teahouse performance scheduled for that afternoon.
• Chen Guiliang, Bian Guanyue, and Tao Xue browsed Tianshang Antique City, where Tao Xue examined the antiques and a stallholder called a bronze cup genuine Western Zhou.

Chen Guiliang found a water-damaged Qing dynasty manuscript with academic value at an antique stall and arranged to donate it to Peking University. At the teahouse, he borrowed cash from Deng Jie to send giant flower baskets to Guo Degang and Yu Qian'er, while his public feud with Baidu brought him growing recognition.

• Tao Xue examined old books at a stall, and Chen Guiliang bought a damaged manuscript titled Records of River Defense Observations along with two other books for eighty yuan.
• Chen Guiliang called Professor Han, who identified the manuscript’s detailed hydraulic engineering records as valuable research material, and he promised to donate it to Peking University.
• At the teahouse, Chen Guiliang tried to pay by card for giant flower baskets for Guo Degang and Yu Qian'er, then borrowed sixteen hundred yuan from Deng Jie.
• Deng Jie explained to Zhang Guoli that Chen Guiliang was the entrepreneur arguing with Baidu’s boss and was worth over a billion yuan.
• Chen Guiliang returned with cash, and staff arranged for two pairs of giant flower baskets to be carried onto the stage.
• An audience member told Guo Degang about Chen Guiliang’s feud with Baidu and urged him to include jokes supporting Chen Guiliang in the performance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter opens with Guo Degang and Yu Qian'er performing crosstalk, with Guo Degang receiving flower baskets meant for Old Guo.
• Guo Degang improvises a skit about searching for the sender's identity on a broken computer at an internet cafe, humorously referencing real-life events involving Chen Guiliang and Baidu.
• After the show, Guo Degang and Yu Qian'er perform an encore, interacting with the audience and Chen Guiliang, leading to a dinner invitation.

Character Developments

• Guo Degang: Shows his comedic prowess and improvisation skills, demonstrating his dedication to his craft despite not yet being wealthy.
• Yu Qian'er: Complements Guo Degang's performance, showcasing his ability to adapt and react to unexpected situations.
• Chen Guiliang: Is recognized and appreciated by Guo Degang and the audience, leading to an invitation for dinner.

Significant Themes

• Humor and improvisation: Guo Degang's ability to turn unexpected situations into comedic gold is a central theme.
• Audience interaction: The performers' engagement with the audience creates a lively atmosphere and enhances the overall experience.
• Recognition and appreciation: Chen Guiliang's recognition by Guo Degang and the audience highlights the importance of being valued for one's contributions.

Character Interactions

• Guo Degang and Yu Qian'er: Their comedic duo dynamic is evident, with seamless interaction and adaptation to each other's jokes.
• Guo Degang and Chen Guiliang: Guo Degang acknowledges Chen Guiliang's presence and sends him a humorous message, showing respect and appreciation.
• Deng Jie, Zhang Guoli, Bian Guanyue, and Tao Xue: They form a friendly group, with Deng Jie acting as a connector and big sister figure, making everyone feel welcome.

Chen Guiliang attended dinner at Jinyang Restaurant with Zhang Guoli, Guo Degang, Yu Qian'er, and others, where he advised Feng Kuzi and Zhang Guoli on promoting films through Hainai Network. After drinking late into the night, Chen Guiliang and his classmates returned to a hotel near Peking University and fell asleep together in one room.

• Zhang Guoli invited Chen Guiliang and the others to share a private-room dinner with Jin Lihong and Feng Kuzi at Jinyang Restaurant.
• Jin Lihong praised Chen Guiliang's book sales and offered to publish his next book, while Feng Kuzi asked him how to promote films online.
• Chen Guiliang advised Feng Kuzi and Zhang Guoli to build relatable online personas and share regular updates and behind-the-scenes photos on Hainai Network.
• Zhang Guoli and Deng Jie decided to register on Hainai Network after hearing how many followers Fan Bingbing had.
• After drinking until past ten, Chen Guiliang took the drunk Bian Guanyue and Tao Xue to a hotel near Peking University, where the three fell asleep fully dressed on one bed.