Ch. 281A girl in each arm

After waking up in a hotel bed between Bian Guanyue and Tao Xue, Chen Guiliang recalled the drunken night and tried to hide how they had ended up cuddling together. The three got ready for breakfast, and Chen Guiliang decided to buy the adaptation rights to Grave Robbers' Chronicles.

  • Chen Guiliang woke early and remembered how Tao Xue and Bian Guanyue had ended up in the same hotel bed after a drunken night with Zhang Guoli, Deng Jie, and Feng Kuzi.
  • Chen Guiliang lay back down between the sleeping women, and Tao Xue and Bian Guanyue both nestled into his arms before he fell asleep.
  • Bian Guanyue woke, saw Tao Xue beside them, and screamed; Tao Xue woke too, while Chen Guiliang suggested they go downstairs for breakfast.
  • Bian Guanyue showered, and Tao Xue told Chen Guiliang about Ji Xiaolan's Study and the supernatural books she had been reading.
  • Tao Xue mentioned Grave Robbers' Chronicles, and Chen Guiliang said he would buy the adaptation rights before Bian Guanyue returned and suggested they eat.

Ch. 2820278 Chen Guiliang bought a home

Chen Guiliang encouraged Bian Guanyue to pursue graduate studies at Tsinghua or Peking University and helped her identify a promising research path. He then bought a Huaqing Jiayuan duplex jointly with Bian Guanyue, purchasing it from Liu Jianguo, who planned to leave Baidu and start a company.

  • Chen Guiliang advised Bian Guanyue that Tsinghua or Peking University might suit her background better than the Central Conservatory, and he identified Professor Dong as a potential advisor at Peking University.
  • Chen Guiliang drove Bian Guanyue to view a home and proposed putting both their names on the deed, offering to lend her half the purchase price.
  • Chen Guiliang asked a real estate agency about top-floor duplexes in Huaqing Jiayuan and learned that Liu Jianguo was selling one.
  • Liu Jianguo told Chen Guiliang that he had resigned from Baidu and planned to start a vertical search company with Zhou Liming.
  • Chen Guiliang and Liu Jianguo signed the sale contract without viewing the duplex or negotiating, and Liu Jianguo agreed he could remain there until he left Baidu.

Ch. 283A major fifty-center joins Hainai Network

Chen Guiliang expanded ByteDance’s mobile services while preparing for new SP regulations and received word that he had been selected for a major youth award. Hainai Network gained a prominent new blogger, setting up a likely clash with Fang Zhouzi.

  • Chen Guiliang learned that Liu Jianguo’s Baidu shares remained difficult to sell and discussed keeping the newly purchased house’s Chinese-style renovation with Bian Guanyue.
  • Huang Xinyuan reported that stricter SP rules, including second purchase confirmation and a 24-hour refund policy, were due to take effect in December.
  • Chen Guiliang approved adding mobile games to Hainai Network’s WAP site, with licensed titles and games developed by Youke.
  • Chen Guiliang donated Records of River Defense Observations to Peking University and learned he had been selected for the Capital City Top Ten Outstanding Youth award.
  • During National Day, Shuimu Zhouping registered on Hainai Network with an article criticizing Fang Zhouzi, and Chen Guiliang welcomed the prospect of their dispute.

Ch. 284The man in charge of the listing

Chen Guiliang prepared ByteDance for a US IPO by appointing Lu Zhihui to lead the listing while reassuring CFO Chang Zhongxiang that he would remain in his role. As the IPO work began, Chen Guiliang also settled into a newly transferred apartment and learned that his hometown was benefiting from new infrastructure and improved services.

  • Chen Guiliang reviewed Shuimu Zhouping’s popular articles on Hainai Network and found their arguments unconvincing.
  • Chen Guiliang told Chang Zhongxiang that Lu Zhihui would lead ByteDance’s listing project, while Chang would remain CFO and fully cooperate.
  • Lu Zhihui joined ByteDance and explained that the company needed an offshore structure, a financial audit, and a lengthy, costly IPO process.
  • Chen Guiliang convened board meetings to prepare for the listing, while Professor Wu and his graduate students volunteered to assist Lu Zhihui.
  • Chen Guiliang and Bian Guanyue took possession of an apartment from Liu Jianguo and admired its traditional decor and rooftop garden.
  • Chen Guiliang learned from Chen Xinghua that their village had a new road project, wireless landline service, lower school fees, and relief from the agricultural tax.

Ch. 285Thoughts on becoming a platinum author

The author looked back on a childhood shaped by scavenged books and a lifelong love of reading, followed by years of struggling through jobs and writing novels. After more than a decade of persistence, he unexpectedly became a platinum author and remained overwhelmed by the honor.

  • The author recalled discovering books as a child, learning the character "之" from Zuo Zhuan and piecing together damaged wuxia novels.
  • In middle and high school, the author read obsessively, neglected his studies, and later drifted through university while writing unsuccessfully.
  • After graduating, the author took on many roles at a small company for 2,500 yuan a month, then resigned after the boss withheld promised pay and commissions.
  • The author tried writing full-time, took a job editing a photography newspaper, and returned to writing after earning a few months' rent.
  • The author continued writing for more than ten years, became increasingly withdrawn, and was surprised when he was promoted to platinum author.

Ch. 286The boss really knew his stuff

Chen Guiliang coordinated ByteDance’s preparations for a U.S. listing while checking on the businesses that would affect its valuation. He also directed Xiaonei Network’s group feature toward broader discussion and named a new knowledge-sharing website Zhihu.

  • Chen Guiliang outlined ByteDance’s VIE restructuring and upcoming financial audits, then told Tao Chenggang and Wang Wei to prepare their companies for review.
  • Tao Chenggang reported that Power Over the World was still growing, while Wang Wei said Tudou was gaining users and preparing another funding round amid Youku’s impending launch.
  • Chen Guiliang learned that Zhu Bajie.com was pursuing a 300,000-yuan contract and had attracted China Central Television coverage.
  • Xie Yang and Cai Yifei discussed making Xiaonei Network’s groups less insular, and Chen Guiliang approved Cai Yifei’s proposal to expand discussion from schools to cities.
  • Chen Guiliang proposed a separate platform for in-depth questions and answers, rejected the suggestion that it merely copy Baidu Knows, and named the site Zhihu.

Ch. 287A String of Good News

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Guiliang, ByteDance's founder, is determined to improve his English for the upcoming IPO roadshow.
  • He learns about Google's acquisition of YouTube for $1.65 billion, which positively impacts Tudou, a video-sharing platform in which ByteDance has invested.
  • The news of YouTube's acquisition triggers a new wave of investment in UGC video sites like Tudou, 56.com, 6.cn, Ku6, and Youku.
  • Zhu Bajie.com, a wit worker website invested by ByteDance, gains significant attention after being featured on CCTV's 'Xinwen Lianbo.'

Character Developments

  • Chen Guiliang demonstrates his dedication and diligence in learning English, showing his commitment to the company's success.
  • Wang Wei, Tudou's founder, shows excitement and optimism about the potential impact of YouTube's acquisition on Tudou's valuation and ByteDance's IPO.
  • Lu Zhihui, ByteDance's IPO responsible person, recognizes Chen Guiliang's foresight and skill in encountering fortunate events.
  • Ao Yanchen, a ByteDance director, expresses surprise at Chen Guiliang's ability to find promising investments, even in his hometown of Mountain City.
  • Xie Yang, another ByteDance director, is humble about his role in recognizing the potential of the wit worker model.

Significant Themes

  • The importance of language skills in business, particularly English for international communication and expansion.
  • The impact of external events (like Google's acquisition of YouTube) on a company's valuation and investment opportunities.
  • The role of foresight and skill in encountering fortunate events and making successful investments.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Guiliang interacts with his English teacher, Wang Wei, and Lu Zhihui to discuss the implications of YouTube's acquisition and ByteDance's IPO.
  • Chen Guiliang shares the news about Zhu Bajie.com with Ao Yanchen and Xie Yang, expressing gratitude towards Xie Yang for his initial insight into the wit worker model.
  • Wang Wei, Lu Zhihui, Ao Yanchen, and Xie Yang all express their admiration for Chen Guiliang's ability to find and capitalize on promising investments.

Ch. 288Bian Guanyue's choice

After the music competition ended, Chen Guiliang spent time with Bian Guanyue and Tao Xue as they gradually tolerated one another’s presence. Bian Guanyue accepted that Tao Xue would remain in Chen Guiliang’s life but chose to avoid spending time with both of them together, while privately weighing whether she could compromise or should let him go.

  • Bian Guanyue, Tao Xue, and Chen Guiliang listened to the competition’s songs, while Chen Guiliang and Huang Xinyuan discussed promoting “Thousand Mountains Farewell Moon” as a ring back tone.
  • Chen Guiliang told Wang Hao to find a way to retain both Xiami Music’s new users and its original users.
  • At Chen Guiliang and Bian Guanyue’s apartment, Bian Guanyue and Tao Xue cooked lunch together, then spent the afternoon with Chen Guiliang in the rooftop garden and playing badminton.
  • Bian Guanyue told Chen Guiliang that Tao Xue could visit the next day, but asked him to take Tao Xue back to university and pick her up afterward.
  • After the call, Bian Guanyue reflected on her aunt and uncle’s unhappy marriage and considered whether she should let Chen Guiliang go or accept the situation.

Ch. 289Brothers Are True Love

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Xie Yang visits Chen Guiliang's newly renovated house for drinks.
  • Chen Guiliang confesses he's been troubled by his relationship with Bian Guanyue and Tao Xue.
  • Xie Yang shares stories about their old teachers, classmates, and his feelings for Zhou Jing.
  • Chen Guiliang decides to treat Bian Guanyue better.
  • Xie Yang calls Xu Haibo to join their drinking session, leading to a humorous exchange.

Character Developments

  • Xie Yang reflects on his personal growth, acknowledging his past arrogance and immaturity. He realizes he's become more confident, diligent, and self-disciplined.
  • Chen Guiliang recognizes he's changed and feels guilty for not considering Bian Guanyue's feelings. He decides to treat her better.

Significant Themes

  • Brotherhood and camaraderie: The bond between Xie Yang and Chen Guiliang is strengthened through shared drinks and memories.
  • Personal growth: Both characters reflect on their past selves and acknowledge their changes.
  • Love and relationships: Chen Guiliang grapples with his feelings for Bian Guanyue and Tao Xue, while Xie Yang comes to terms with his feelings for Zhou Jing.

Character Interactions

  • Xie Yang and Chen Guiliang: They catch up, share stories, and reminisce about their past, solidifying their friendship.
  • Xie Yang and Xu Haibo: Their playful banter highlights their close friendship, with Xie Yang jokingly suggesting he's changed his sexual orientation, leading to a humorous exchange.

Ch. 290Panda Burning Incense—Have You Heard of It?

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Guiliang discovers he's not on the Forbes China Rich List but is on the Hurun list.
  • He learns about Panda Burning Incense, a malicious virus that affected him in his previous life.
  • Chen Guiliang takes precautions against the virus, implementing security measures at his company.
  • He plans to give a vinyl record to Bian Guanyue as a gift.

Character Developments

  • Chen Guiliang shows concern for his company's security and his employees' well-being.
  • He demonstrates thoughtfulness towards Bian Guanyue by planning a special gift for her.
  • Zhou Hongwei is shown to be more laid-back and interested in leisure activities like shooting.

Significant Themes

  • Security and Precaution: Chen Guiliang takes proactive measures to protect his company from the looming threat of Panda Burning Incense.
  • Gratitude and Appreciation: Chen Guiliang shows appreciation for Bian Guanyue by planning a thoughtful gift for her.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Guiliang interacts with Zhou Hongwei, discussing the Forbes list and planning a shooting session.
  • He meets with Tao Xue and her classmate, Li Qian, taking them to lunch.
  • Chen Guiliang consults with Li Jian about a gift for Bian Guanyue.

Ch. 2910286 Outstanding Youth

Chen Guiliang attended the Capital City Top Ten Outstanding Youth awards ceremony, where he met fellow award recipients and accepted his award. After returning to his dorm and reconnecting with his classmates, he received word that Lu Zhihui had completed the Cayman Islands registration and that a financial audit was next.

  • Chen Guiliang met the other award recipients, including chess champion Xu Yuhua and a bus ticket seller, before the ceremony began.
  • Chen Guiliang received the Capital City Top Ten Outstanding Youth award and later joined other recipients for a dinner.
  • Two days later, Chen Guiliang took the CET-4 exam and returned to his dorm, where his classmates welcomed and teased him.
  • Chen Guiliang joined his classmates for a game and joked with them as they roughed up Deng Chen over his smelly feet.
  • Lu Zhihui called Chen Guiliang to report that the Cayman Islands registration had gone through and the financial audit was next.

Ch. 2920287 Plants vs. Zombies was about to go on sale

At the gaming industry conference, Chen Guiliang announced that Game Science would release Plants vs. Zombies on January 1 and begin a closed beta for Future Era before the Spring Festival. Plants vs. Zombies went up for preorder at five yuan, and sales rose over its first three days as players awaited its release.

  • Chen Guiliang attended the tightly scheduled gaming industry conference, where organizers introduced a China Game Ranking System that could serve as a whitelist for the industry.
  • Chen Guiliang joked during his speech and announced Plants vs. Zombies for January 1 and a thousand-account closed beta for Future Era before the Spring Festival.
  • Chen Guiliang agreed to work with Wu Hongbing and Junwang to sell prepaid cards through Junwang's distribution network.
  • Chen Guiliang received the Industry Figure of the Year award, while Tao Chenggang and Shi Yuzhu received Gaming Industry Rising Star awards.
  • After media coverage highlighted his games, Youke Mutual Play users found Plants vs. Zombies available to preorder for five yuan, and presales climbed from over two hundred copies on the first day to more than five hundred on the third.

Ch. 293Can Single-Player Games Make Money Too?

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Guiliang releases Plants vs. Zombies, a single-player game, for 5 yuan each, aiming to break even.
  • The game gains traction among players, with many buying the legitimate version and some downloading the pirated version.
  • Despite piracy, the game's sales break through 300,000 copies, making a small profit.

Character Developments

  • Chen Guiliang: Starts as a determined game developer willing to make a loss on his single-player game to keep the genre alive. Becomes more hopeful as the game's sales increase.
  • Tao Weize: A college student who initially buys the game out of curiosity and later becomes an advocate for supporting legitimate single-player games.

Significant Themes

  • Piracy and its impact on the gaming industry.
  • The struggle for survival of single-player games in the face of online gaming dominance.
  • The importance of supporting domestic game development.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Guiliang interacts with his fans and critics through his personal social media accounts, updating them on the game's progress and expressing his thoughts on piracy.
  • Tao Weize discusses the game with his roommates, convincing some of them to buy the legitimate version.
  • Game developers and industry professionals engage with Chen Guiliang and his game, showing support and encouraging him to continue making single-player games.

Ch. 294Domestic Single-Player Games Saw Hope

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Li Jian meets Chen Guiliang to discuss a vinyl record and music promotion.
  • Plants vs. Zombies sells 400,000 legitimate copies, inspiring hope in the domestic single-player game industry.
  • Zhang Chun decides to restart the Qin Shang 2 project due to public demand.

Character Developments

  • Li Jian: Struggles with asking Chen Guiliang to buy a vinyl record at a high price but wants to fulfill his promise.
  • Chen Guiliang: Helps Li Jian with music promotion and encourages the domestic single-player game industry.
  • Zhang Chun: Weighs the pros and cons of restarting Qin Shang 2, ultimately deciding to proceed.

Significant Themes

  • The struggle between piracy and legitimate sales in the music and gaming industries.
  • The potential of online sales and digital platforms for music and games.
  • The importance of supporting domestic single-player games and the industry.

Character Interactions

  • Li Jian and Chen Guiliang discuss music promotion and vinyl records.
  • Chen Guiliang and Huang Xinyuan discuss the China Digital Music Industry Alliance.
  • Zhang Chun and Liu Tie discuss the restarting of Qin Shang 2.

Ch. 295Taking the Employees Shooting Together

Key Plot Points and Events

  • A computer virus, Panda Burning Incense, infects millions of computers, including those at Jiangmin Antivirus Software Company and ByteDance.
  • Employees from ByteDance and Game Science go on a team-building activity to play real-life CS in the suburbs of Beijing.
  • Chen Guiliang and his roommates try to remove the virus from their infected computer, but it's resistant to their attempts.

Character Developments

  • Tong Zhihong, Chen Guiliang's roommate, is frantic and crestfallen after his computer gets infected.
  • Chen Guiliang shows his knowledge of computer security and games, suggesting he's growing into his role at Game Science.
  • Ding Beili, after struggling with hosting duties at the annual meeting, decides to improve her skills for future opportunities.

Significant Themes

  • Technological Vulnerability: The Panda Burning Incense virus highlights the vulnerability of computers and networks to cyber threats.
  • Teamwork and Camaraderie: The team-building activity fosters a sense of unity and shared experience among the employees.
  • Personal Growth: Ding Beili's decision to improve her skills reflects the theme of personal development and self-improvement.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Guiliang and his roommates work together to try and remove the virus from Tong Zhihong's computer.
  • Chen Guiliang and Ao Yanchen bond over their shared enjoyment of the paintball shooting activity.
  • Ding Beili and Xu Fengyin discuss Ding Beili's struggles with hosting duties and Ding Beili's decision to improve her skills.

Ch. 2960291: A High-Quality Game That Spent One Year and Eight Months on Nothing but the Beginner Village

Plot Points and Events

  • Tong Zhihong, a game enthusiast, returns home and meets his best friend, Chen Yongliang.
  • They decide to play 'Future Era,' a new game developed by Youke, which is currently in closed beta.
  • The game's opening animation and cutscenes are impressive, showcasing the game's rich world-building and compelling narrative.
  • Tong Zhihong plays through the Newbie Village stages, encountering various challenges and bosses.
  • The game's official website releases the opening animation and cutscenes, sparking interest and discussion among netizens.

Character Developments

  • Tong Zhihong: Shows enthusiasm for 'Future Era,' having worked as an intern at Youke and understanding the game's development process. He's a dedicated and patient gamer, willing to play solo and later joins a party.
  • Chen Yongliang: Initially skeptical about 'Future Era,' he becomes impressed by the game's quality and world-building after watching the opening animation. He's eager to play but prefers PvP games like 'Warcraft.'

Significant Themes

  • Patience and dedication in game development (Youke's approach to creating 'Future Era')
  • The impact of a compelling narrative and world-building on a game's appeal
  • The contrast between 'Future Era' and other games, particularly 'DNF,' in terms of quality and development process

Character Interactions

  • Tong Zhihong and Chen Yongliang: They interact as close friends, sharing their excitement and opinions about 'Future Era.' Tong Zhihong serves as the knowledgeable guide, while Chen Yongliang is initially skeptical but later impressed by the game.
  • Closed beta players: They interact in the game's chat and camp, sharing their experiences and impressions of 'Future Era.' Some discuss the game's novel adaptation and its impressive opening animation.
  • Netizens: They discuss 'Future Era' on forums and tieba, praising its opening animation, world-building, and quality. Some compare it to 'DNF,' with a few accusing 'Future Era' of plagiarism, which is refuted by other netizens.

Ch. 297Han Wanted to Smear "Future Era"

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Tencent's senior management meets after the Spring Festival to discuss acting as the agent for "DNF."
  • Pony Ma, Tencent's CEO, is keen on "DNF" and wants to finalize the agency agreement quickly.
  • Ren Yuxin, President of Game Business, reveals that "Future Era" is similar to "DNF" but superior in quality.
  • Tencent decides to self-develop a side-scrolling 3D fighting online game instead of acting as an agent for "DNF."
  • Shanda and other Chinese companies terminate negotiations with Neople, the developer of "DNF."
  • Neople's founder, Seo Min, is enraged and decides to sue the Chinese company developing "Future Era" for plagiarism.

Character Developments

  • Pony Ma is depicted as a decisive leader who values quality and innovation.
  • Ren Yuxin is portrayed as an experienced and insightful leader who assesses game quality accurately.
  • Yao Xiaoguang is introduced as a skilled game developer with high standards for quality and innovation.
  • Chen Tianqiao, Shanda's CEO, is shown as impulsive and overconfident in his decisions.
  • Seo Min, Neople's founder, is depicted as ambitious, aggressive, and willing to use underhanded tactics.

Significant Themes

  • The importance of game quality and innovation in the gaming industry.
  • The risks and challenges of acting as an agent versus self-developing games.
  • The potential consequences of plagiarism and the importance of originality.

Character Interactions

  • Pony Ma and Ren Yuxin work together to make strategic decisions for Tencent's gaming business.
  • Yao Xiaoguang interacts with Pony Ma and Ren Yuxin, expressing his vision for the new game.
  • Chen Tianqiao and his team discuss Shanda's focus on self-development and the termination of "DNF" negotiations.
  • Seo Min interacts with his executive, discussing strategies to deal with the Chinese company developing "Future Era."

Ch. 298Investing in a Mobile Game Company

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Guiliang visits Dingguo Technology, a small game company, in Rong City.
  • Dingguo Technology has developed a mobile 3D game engine and two games ("Yellow Springs Road" and "Seven Nights") but lacks funds.
  • Chen Guiliang offers to invest 2 million yuan for a 60% stake in Dingguo Technology, with the company retaining operational control.

Character Developments

  • Chen Guiliang: Shows curiosity and interest in Dingguo Technology's work, ultimately deciding to invest in the company.
  • Tang Kai: Proves to be dedicated, passionate, and persistent in seeking help for his company, eventually securing an investment from Chen Guiliang.

Significant Themes

  • Perseverance and Passion: Dingguo Technology's founders work tirelessly for a year without salaries, driven by their passion for game development.
  • Risk and Reward: Chen Guiliang and Dingguo Technology both take calculated risks, with Chen Guiliang investing in a small company with uncertain future profits, and Dingguo Technology accepting a significant dilution of their shares.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Guiliang and Tang Kai: Chen Guiliang is impressed by Tang Kai's dedication and offers investment; Tang Kai is excited and grateful for the opportunity.
  • Dingguo Technology Founders: They discuss and agree to Chen Guiliang's investment offer, demonstrating unity and collective decision-making.

Ch. 299Wherever She Went, She Was the Center of Attention

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Bian Guanyue takes Chen Guiliang and Yang Shuo to her grandparents' old house in the city center, which is slated for demolition.
  • They visit the old neighborhood, take photos, and reminisce about the past.
  • They return to Bian Guanyue's parents' villa for a New Year's Eve dinner, where Chen Guiliang is the center of attention due to his business success.
  • Chen Guiliang shares details about his game company and the upcoming listing.
  • After dinner, they leave for Bian Guanyue's maternal grandparents' home, with Chen Guiliang inviting her to his grandmother's house.

Character Developments

  • Bian Guanyue: She feels nostalgic and sad about the demolition of her old neighborhood and the loss of her grandparents. She is also happy and proud to have Chen Guiliang as her boyfriend, as he is well-received by her family.
  • Chen Guiliang: He shows empathy and understanding towards Bian Guanyue's feelings about her old neighborhood. He also demonstrates his business acumen and confidence when discussing his company's prospects with her relatives.
  • Bian Jinsong: He keeps a low profile and doesn't actively participate in the conversation, but he shows interest in Chen Guiliang's game company.
  • Qiao Na: She is supportive of Bian Guanyue and critical of her family's sycophantic behavior towards Chen Guiliang.

Significant Themes

  • Change and Loss: The demolition of Bian Guanyue's old neighborhood represents the inevitable changes and losses that come with time and progress.
  • Success and Wealth: Chen Guiliang's business success and wealth make him the center of attention among Bian Guanyue's relatives, highlighting the importance of material success in society.
  • Family and Belonging: The New Year's Eve dinner brings together Bian Guanyue's family, emphasizing the importance of family bonds and belonging.

Character Interactions

  • Bian Guanyue and Chen Guiliang: They share a deep emotional connection, with Chen Guiliang comforting Bian Guanyue about her old neighborhood and Bian Guanyue feeling proud of Chen Guiliang's success.
  • Chen Guiliang and Bian Guanyue's Relatives: Chen Guiliang's business success makes him the center of attention among her relatives, who ask him questions and show interest in his company.
  • Bian Guanyue and Qiao Na: They share a close bond, with Qiao Na supporting Bian Guanyue and criticizing her family's behavior.

Ch. 300The New House Back Home

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Guiliang returns to his village for the New Year with his girlfriend, Bian Guanyue.
  • They arrive at his newly built, three-story Western-style house, which he had designed himself.
  • The village has seen improvements, such as a newly built cement road and greenery due to reforestation efforts.
  • Chen Guiliang gives New Year's gifts to the children of neighboring families and his cousin, Chen Guirong.
  • The family has a reunion dinner, and Chen Guiliang's father shares local news about a recent gambling bust.

Character Developments

  • Chen Guiliang: He is now wealthy and generous, giving gifts to the villagers and planning to open a restaurant for his cousin. He is also more open with his family about his relationship with Bian Guanyue.
  • Bian Guanyue: She is polite and respectful towards Chen Guiliang's family, showing interest in their lives and traditions. She also shares her love for Sichuan Opera with Grandma.
  • Chen Guirong: He is eager to learn cooking and is excited about Chen Guiliang's offer to help him open a restaurant. He also shows off his strength by carrying Bian Guanyue's suitcase.
  • Chen Guiliang's parents: They are proud of their new house and Chen Guiliang's success. They are also concerned about his relationship with Bian Guanyue and warn him against the dangers of gambling and infidelity.

Significant Themes

  • Family and Tradition: The chapter emphasizes the importance of family reunions and preserving traditions, such as the New Year's dinner and Sichuan Opera.
  • Wealth and Responsibility: Chen Guiliang's wealth brings him respect and influence in the village, but it also comes with responsibilities, such as helping his cousin and contributing to the community.
  • Gambling and its Dangers: The local gambling bust serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of gambling, which can lead to financial ruin and broken families.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Guiliang and Bian Guanyue: They are affectionate and supportive of each other, with Chen Guiliang introducing her to his family and showing her around the village.
  • Chen Guiliang and his family: They have a warm and loving relationship, with his parents and grandmother proud of his achievements and welcoming Bian Guanyue into the family.
  • Chen Guirong and Chen Guiliang: They have a close cousin relationship, with Chen Guirong looking up to Chen Guiliang and eager to learn from him.
  • Chen Guiliang and his neighbors: He is respected and admired by the villagers, who greet him warmly and are grateful for his contributions to the community.
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