Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Great-Grandmother's body is kept for two days due to Chinese New Year approaching.
• A Daoist is invited to perform an opening ritual, recounting Great-Grandmother's life and contributions to her descendants.
• Chen Guiliang donates computers and sets up a poverty-stricken student aid fund.
• The family plays cards and sings opera, with Bian Guanyue's performance receiving praise.
• The next day, Great-Grandmother is buried, and the family has an early New Year's Eve dinner.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang: Shows generosity by donating to the town and helping his cousins, and shares stories from his mischievous childhood.
• Chen Xinghua (Chen Guiliang's father): Struggles with grief, recalling his childhood with Great-Grandmother.
• Bian Guanyue: Makes her public opera debut, impressing the family and neighbors with her performance.
• Grandmother: Recalls Great-Grandmother's love for opera and sings "The Beggar Picks Up Gold."

Significant Themes

• Grief and remembrance: The family comes together to mourn and celebrate Great-Grandmother's life.
• Nostalgia: The elders reminisce about the past, including Great-Grandmother's love for opera and the lack of opera troupes in the city.
• Generosity and family: Chen Guiliang's donations and help to his cousins highlight the importance of family and giving back to the community.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang and Bian Guanyue: Share stories from their pasts, with Chen Guiliang encouraging Bian Guanyue to sing at the mourning hall.
• Chen Guiliang and his cousins: He offers them loans for various purposes, emphasizing that it should be a loan, not a gift.
• Chen Xinghua and Chen Guiliang: They have a heart-to-heart conversation about their grief and Chen Xinghua's past.
• The family and neighbors: They gather to listen to and praise Bian Guanyue's opera performance, creating a lively and nostalgic atmosphere.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Meizu launches the M8 smartphone, creating massive queues and buzz due to its innovative full-touchscreen design.
• The phone sells out in one day due to overwhelming demand and limited chip supply.
• Lei Bus, a venture capitalist and smartphone enthusiast, visits Meizu and Chen Guiliang's company to learn about the new phones.
• Chen Guiliang teases that his Primordial Chaos phone will have a unique design without a Home Button.

Character Developments

• Huang Zhang (Meizu's Boss): Shows dedication to user feedback and innovative design, but faces production challenges due to chip shortages.
• Lei Bus: Demonstrates enthusiasm for new smartphones, visits Meizu and Chen Guiliang to learn about their products, and considers entering the phone market.
• Chen Guiliang: Teases his upcoming Primordial Chaos phone, hints at a unique design, and engages with Lei Bus about phone production.

Significant Themes

• Innovation and adaptation in the smartphone market.
• The impact of supply chain constraints on production.
• The role of enthusiasts and early adopters in driving new technology.

Character Interactions

• Huang Zhang and Meizu Fans: Huang Zhang's dedication to user feedback and innovative design resonates with fans, leading to massive demand for the Meizu M8.
• Lei Bus and Huang Zhang: Lei Bus visits Meizu to learn about the M8 and seeks advice from Huang Zhang, foreshadowing his future entry into the phone market.
• Lei Bus and Chen Guiliang: Lei Bus visits Chen Guiliang to discuss the Primordial Chaos phone, and Chen Guiliang hints at a unique design and teases Lei Bus about entering the phone market.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Guiliang shows Lei Bus around ByteDance and Youke.
• ByteDance's Weibo department is thriving, with increasing profitability.
• Youke's 'My Own Swordsman' game is in development, with meticulous attention to historical detail, causing excitement among ancient enthusiasts.
• Youke's new game, 'Minecraft,' is launched but not yet promoted.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang is portrayed as a visionary and meticulous leader, focusing on user experience and sincerity in game development.
• Lei Bus is impressed by the energy and potential of ByteDance and Youke, reminiscent of Kingsoft's past.

Significant Themes

• The importance of user experience and sincerity in game development.
• The potential of new, unpromoted games like 'Minecraft.'

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang and Lei Bus discuss the state of ByteDance and Youke, with Lei Bus expressing admiration for Chen Guiliang's approach.
• Chen Guiliang introduces Lei Bus to various game projects, including 'My Own Swordsman' and 'Minecraft.'
• The 'My Own Swordsman' project team interacts with ancient enthusiasts on the game's official website.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Guiliang refuses to let Lei Bus visit the Primordial Chaos mobile phone R&D center due to its critical phase.
• Chen Guiliang visits Youke and discusses the popularity and potential issues of Fantasy Westward Journey with the rotating specialists.
• Chen Guiliang finishes his graduation thesis and shares it on his personal account, sparking widespread discussion.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang demonstrates his leadership and strategic thinking by establishing the "Competitor Analysis Specialist" position and personally reading the analysis reports.
• Chen Guiliang shows his determination to maintain his public image for Hongmeng Mobile's upcoming promotion.
• The marketing and R&D specialists show their differing values and perspectives on business ethics.

Significant Themes

• The importance of playing games for employees of game companies.
• The ethical implications of business strategies (e.g., Duoyi Company's tactics with Fantasy Westward Journey).
• The role of public opinion and values in societal issues (e.g., the auction of the Rat and Rabbit heads).

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang interacts with Lei Bus, showing politeness but firmness in refusing his request.
• Chen Guiliang discusses game operations and ethics with the rotating specialists, encouraging debate and critical thinking.
• Chen Guiliang and Bian Guanyue discuss their upcoming graduate school re-examinations and watch TV together, showing a comfortable and casual relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Future Era enters the top 5 in Europe, ranking 4th in the first-quarter online game revenue rankings.
• Shanda's market share in online games exceeds 20%, with impressive payment channel revenue.
• Youke's overseas revenue increases significantly, with Future Era's success and Plants vs. Zombies' and Ding Guo's Seven Nights' sales.
• Koreans agree to price reduction and reopen negotiations for DNF agency, set to launch in Europe.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang, Youke's CEO, successfully promotes Future Era in Europe and gains recognition from higher-ups.
• Leon, a middle school student in Germany, becomes hooked to Future Era after playing it with his classmate Felix.

Significant Themes

• The global online gaming market's dynamics and competition, with a focus on China and Europe.
• The impact of game companies' strategies (e.g., pricing, monetization models, and anti-cheat measures) on game success and player experience.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang interacts with Director Kou, seeking his help for Future Era's recognition and preparing for ministry leaders' inspection.
• Leon and Felix, middle school classmates in Germany, play Future Era together, with Leon becoming an enthusiastic player.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Aion, a game distributed by Shanda, faces severe game cheat issues, including automatic leveling scripts and flying cheats, shortly after its launch in China.
• Shanda's inability to handle the situation quickly and effectively leads to a public backlash, with other game companies and industry executives criticizing Shanda on online forums.
• Baidu, under Li Yanhong's leadership, begins to poach talent from Youke, including He Zhichuan, the Operations Director, with generous offers.

Character Developments

• Chen Tianqiao: The CEO of Shanda Games, he is furious about the game cheat issues but struggles to find a solution due to the South Korean developer's delay in sending help.
• Tan Qunzhao: The Chairman of Shanda Games, he feels immense pressure due to the game's problems and faces criticism from Chen Tianqiao.
• Chen Guiliang: The President of Youke, he analyzes Shanda's game cheat issues and decides to improve Youke's game monitoring system. He also discovers that Baidu is poaching talent from Youke.
• He Zhichuan: The Operations Director of Youke, he decides to resign and accept an offer from Baidu Games, becoming their Operations Director and Vice President.

Significant Themes

• The struggle of game companies to combat game cheats and maintain player experience.
• The competition for talent in the game industry and the impact of poaching on companies.
• The public criticism and scrutiny of game companies, particularly when they face significant issues.

Character Interactions

• Chen Tianqiao and Tan Qunzhao: Chen Tianqiao expresses his anger and frustration at Tan Qunzhao for the game cheat issues, but ultimately decides not to berate him.
• Chen Guiliang and He Zhichuan: Chen Guiliang discovers that He Zhichuan is resigning to join Baidu Games and accepts his decision, wishing him well.
• Game company executives: They publicly criticize Shanda and Aion on online forums, taking the opportunity to subtly mock Shanda's handling of the game cheat issues.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Baidu aggressively poaches employees from Sohu Changyou and Kongzhong Network, including high-level executives.
• Charles Zhang publicly criticizes Baidu's poaching tactics in a blog post.
• Baidu announces publishing Warhammer Online, angering Kongzhong Network who had previously secured the rights.
• Chen Guiliang, Charles Zhang, and Wang Erlei meet to discuss Baidu's aggressive tactics and decide to retaliate.

Character Developments

• Charles Zhang: Becomes more arrogant and extreme in his stance against Baidu, suffering from intermittent depression.
• Chen Guiliang: Decides to poach a high-level executive from Baidu to retaliate against their aggressive poaching tactics.
• Wang Erlei: Expresses his frustration with Baidu's breach of contract and poaching, but is unsure of his next move.

Significant Themes

• Competition and aggression in the online game industry.
• The impact of poaching on companies and employees.
• Revenge and retaliation in business.

Character Interactions

• Charles Zhang, Chen Guiliang, and Wang Erlei meet to discuss Baidu's aggressive poaching tactics and decide to retaliate.
• Charles Zhang invites female celebrities to a bar, showing his extravagant lifestyle.
• Director Zhou meets with the group but leaves early due to work commitments.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Baidu's stock price surges, leading Li Yanhong to accept invitations to public events.
• Mango TV invites Li Yanhong, Chen Guiliang, Academician Yuan Longping, and Yu Minhong to a gala.
• Chen Guiliang invites Yu Jun, Baidu's Vice President of Product, to a meal.
• Yu Jun resigns from Baidu due to health reasons and agrees to be a product consultant at ByteDance.

Character Developments

• Li Yanhong becomes more open to public appearances due to Baidu's success.
• Yu Jun decides to resign from Baidu due to burnout and agrees to work as a consultant at ByteDance.
• Chen Guiliang shows interest in poaching Baidu's talent, specifically Yu Jun.

Significant Themes

• The pressure and burnout of high-level management positions, as seen through Yu Jun's resignation.
• The contrast between Li Yanhong's and Charles Zhang's management styles.
• The allure of freedom and flexibility in work, as offered by Chen Guiliang to Yu Jun.

Character Interactions

• Li Yanhong and Chen Guiliang's rivalry is hinted at through their public appearances and Charles Zhang's calls to Chen Guiliang.
• Yu Jun and Chen Guiliang's interaction leads to Yu Jun's resignation from Baidu and agreement to work at ByteDance as a consultant.
• Charles Zhang feels left out when he learns that Mango TV invited Li Yanhong and Chen Guiliang but not him.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Guiliang attends a Mango TV event, experiencing the frenzy of fans for celebrities.
• He meets JJ Lin, who performs at the event annually for Sanguosha.
• Chen Guiliang, Yu Minhong, Guo Xiaosi, Li Yanhong, and others are invited as special guests to give coming-of-age gifts to youth.
• Huang Ge, a young man with a terminal illness, is also present.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang remains humble and approachable despite his success, treating everyone equally.
• JJ Lin is professional and friendly, maintaining a good relationship with Chen Guiliang.
• Yu Minhong shows his competitive nature when trying to borrow Chen Guiliang's Polaroid camera.
• Li Yanhong displays politeness and professionalism, despite his past conflict with Chen Guiliang.

Significant Themes

• The transient nature of fame and popularity.
• The value of humility and approachability in success.
• The importance of giving back to society, as seen in the special guests' coming-of-age gifts.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang and JJ Lin's friendly banter highlights their familiarity.
• Chen Guiliang's interaction with Huang Ge shows his genuine care and respect for the young man.
• Chen Guiliang and Li Yanhong's polite exchange demonstrates their ability to maintain professionalism despite past conflicts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mango TV hosts a special event with 2,009 high school students from key schools.
• Each student brings a gift, but the recipients are randomly drawn.
• Chen Guiliang, Guo Xiaosi, Li Yanhong, Yu Minhong, and Andy Lau are among the guests.
• Chen Guiliang plays games backstage with Huang Ge and Yuan Lao, persuading Yuan Lao to give online lectures on Xiaonei Network.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang: Shows his playful and casual side, interacting with students and playing games. He also demonstrates his persuasive skills in convincing Yuan Lao to give online lectures.
• Li Yanhong: Exhibits his charisma and popularity among the students, contrasting with Chen Guiliang's more casual demeanor. He also expresses his interest in making phones and competing with Tencent.
• Yuan Lao: Shows curiosity in playing games and agrees to give online lectures after Chen Guiliang's persuasion.

Significant Themes

• Youth and Success: The event celebrates the students' coming-of-age and the successful entrepreneurs' journeys.
• Intergenerational Interaction: The event brings together high school students, successful entrepreneurs, and celebrities, highlighting the interactions and differences among them.
• Education and Technology: The mention of online lectures and phone manufacturing underscores the role of education and technology in society.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang and Huang Ge: They bond over playing games, with Chen Guiliang encouraging Huang Ge's competitive spirit.
• Chen Guiliang and Yuan Lao: They discuss online lectures, and Chen Guiliang successfully persuades Yuan Lao to participate.
• Li Yanhong and the Students: Li Yanhong's interaction with the students highlights his popularity and charisma, contrasting with Chen Guiliang's more casual approach.
• Chen Guiliang and the Students: Chen Guiliang's interaction with the students is more playful and familiar, with jokes and casual gestures, such as giving a middle finger to a fan.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Guiliang appears on Mango TV's show, bringing the Hongmeng Mobile prototype as a gift for 10 lucky high school students.
• He shares his entrepreneurial journey, advice for youth, and promotes the Hongmeng Mobile.
• The Hongmeng Mobile, with its innovative three-button design and full-touchscreen, sparks anticipation among the audience.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang: Shows his charisma and confidence, sharing his entrepreneurial story and advice for youth. He promotes the Hongmeng Mobile, demonstrating its features and expressing his support for Chinese youth in tech.
• Yang Yi: Struggles with social niceties and showing favoritism, but eventually contributes to the conversation.
• He Jiong, Xie Na: Engage with Chen Guiliang and the audience, facilitating the conversation and promoting the Hongmeng Mobile.

Significant Themes

• Youth and Innovation: Chen Guiliang emphasizes the importance of youth in driving innovation and progress in tech.
• Entrepreneurship: He shares his experiences and advice for young entrepreneurs.
• National Pride: Chen Guiliang highlights the significance of the Hongmeng Mobile as a domestic high-tech product.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang and He Jiong, Xie Na: They engage in a lively conversation, with He Jiong and Xie Na asking questions and promoting the Hongmeng Mobile.
• Chen Guiliang and the Audience: He interacts with the high school students, answering their questions, and giving away Hongmeng Mobiles to 10 lucky winners.
• Yang Yi and Chen Guiliang: She struggles to contribute to the conversation but eventually adds her thoughts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Guiliang's promotion on Mango TV is successful, increasing Hongmeng smartphones' popularity.
• Chen Guiliang returns to the Capital City, submits his graduation thesis, and prepares for his defense.
• He plans to create his own mobile system and invest in Gaode, a mapping software company.
• Gaode is preparing for its IPO and isn't accepting investments, but a Series A shareholder is selling old shares.
• Green Dam software is introduced, causing a stock market dip, including ByteDance's, which Chen Guiliang uses to buy back shares.
• Chen Guiliang returns to Peking University for his thesis defense, greeted by students.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang shows determination in pursuing his own mobile system and investing in Gaode. He also demonstrates his business acumen by buying back ByteDance shares during the stock market dip.
• Lu Zhihui, after being laid off from Goldman Sachs, joins ByteDance as Vice President of Investment and handles the stock buyback operation.
• The doorman at Peking University's Science and Technology Park is replaced, showing the passage of time and change in the university's staff.

Significant Themes

• The global financial crisis and its impact on businesses and investments.
• The potential of the mobile and mapping software industries.
• The importance of timing in investments and business decisions.
• The passage of time and change in one's life and career, as seen through Chen Guiliang's return to Peking University.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang interacts with various characters, including Lu Zhihui, the new doorman at Peking University, and his fellow students during his thesis defense.
• Charles Zhang, CEO of Sohu, engages in a friendly exchange with Chen Guiliang about the Green Dam situation and ByteDance's stock buyback.
• Chen Guiliang's former publishing house colleague, now working for Peking University Press, has a brief conversation with him about their changed circumstances.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Guiliang successfully defends his thesis, titled "The Fertility Paradox of Modernity," against rigorous questioning from the defense committee.
• The defense committee, consisting of four professors, asks a total of eight questions, exceeding the usual number due to their interest in Chen Guiliang's thesis.
• Chen Guiliang's defense is compared to an IPO roadshow due to its intensity and his impressive performance.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang demonstrates his academic prowess and deep understanding of philosophy, proving that he has been genuinely studying despite his busy schedule managing his company.
• The philosophy professors show their dedication and high standards by asking challenging questions to gauge Chen Guiliang's true academic level.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between instrumental rationality and human-centric value rationality in modern society.
• The tension between individual freedom and societal expectations, as seen in the fertility rates of modern societies.
• The academic rigor and high standards of the Philosophy Department at Peking University.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang interacts with the defense committee, impressing them with his thoughtful and well-prepared responses to their challenging questions.
• The philosophy students present show interest and respect for Chen Guiliang's performance, acknowledging his academic abilities.
• Dean Zhu and Chen Guiliang discuss his graduation, with Dean Zhu encouraging Chen Guiliang to prepare a speech for the graduation ceremony.

Key Plot Points and Events

• ByteDance's Weibo gains popularity, with many copycats emerging.
• Chen Guiliang sues over 30 companies using 'Weibo' in their product names.
• ByteDance adds @ and forwarding functions to its mobile Weibo, improving user experience.
• Sina Weibo struggles to catch up and decides to differentiate its strategy.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang demonstrates business acumen and foresight in predicting and capitalizing on trends (Weibo, SNS).
• Xie Yang shows adaptability and strategic thinking in handling the Weibo trademark issue and promoting ByteDance's Weibo.
• Peng Shaobing, head of Sina Weibo, faces challenges in competing with ByteDance and seeks innovative solutions.

Significant Themes

• The rapid evolution and competition in the tech industry, particularly in social media platforms.
• The importance of foresight, innovation, and adaptability in business success.
• The impact of media and public opinion on brand perception and market dominance.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang interacts with Charles Zhang and Wang Erlei, maintaining relationships despite legal disputes.
• Chen Guiliang and Xie Yang collaborate to promote ByteDance's Weibo and protect its trademark.
• Peng Shaobing and his team discuss strategies to compete with ByteDance's Weibo, considering different user segments.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sina, led by Charles Zhang, launches Sina Weibo to challenge ByteDance Weibo.
• Sina invests heavily in promotion, using its vast media resources and funds to advertise Sina Weibo across various platforms, both online and offline.
• ByteDance Weibo responds by improving user experience, launching a viral promotion campaign, and inviting celebrities to join Weibo.
• Chen Guiliang, ByteDance's CEO, leverages his connections to invite celebrities, writers, and entrepreneurs to join Weibo.

Character Developments

• Charles Zhang: Becomes Sina's largest shareholder and CEO, demonstrating strong leadership and determination in pushing for Sina Weibo's success.
• Chen Guiliang: Shows strategic thinking and resourcefulness in responding to Sina's challenge, using his connections and influence to invite prominent figures to join Weibo.

Significant Themes

• Competition and Rivalry: The intense competition between Sina and ByteDance for market dominance in the Weibo sphere.
• Influence and Connections: The importance of personal networks and influence in attracting celebrities and prominent figures to join Weibo.
• Resource Allocation: The strategic use of resources, such as media outlets and promotional funds, to gain a competitive edge.

Character Interactions

• Charles Zhang and Peng Shaobing: Zhang expresses his confidence in Sina's victory over ByteDance Weibo, while Peng is cautious but determined.
• Chen Guiliang and various celebrities/writers/entrepreneurs: Chen uses his connections to invite prominent figures to join Weibo, demonstrating his influence and networking skills.
• Chen Guiliang and Xie Yang: The two work together to strategize and respond to Sina's challenge, showcasing their partnership and shared determination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• ByteDance's Weibo gains traction, rivaling Sina's Weibo, and Tencent retreats from the competition.
• Chen Guiliang, ByteDance's CEO, meets with Jack Ma and Liu Qiangdong, CEOs of Alibaba (Taobao) and JD.com respectively, proposing influencer marketing and e-commerce integration with Weibo.
• Chen Guiliang offers to invest in JD.com's Series B extension, seeking a reasonable valuation.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang: Shows assertiveness and strategic thinking in negotiations with Jack Ma and Liu Qiangdong, aiming to secure exclusive cooperation and investment opportunities.
• Jack Ma: Initially cautious about Weibo's potential, becomes interested in Chen Guiliang's influencer marketing proposal.
• Liu Qiangdong: Desperate for new promotional channels and investment to keep JD.com afloat, agrees to Chen Guiliang's proposal and considers his investment offer.

Significant Themes

• Competition and strategic alliances in the tech industry.
• The rise of influencer marketing and social commerce.
• The challenges and opportunities presented by the economic crisis.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang and Jack Ma: Chen Guiliang persuades Jack Ma to consider Weibo's potential for e-commerce, leading to a cooperation agreement.
• Chen Guiliang and Liu Qiangdong: Chen Guiliang presents a similar proposal to Liu Qiangdong, who agrees due to JD.com's dire situation. Chen Guiliang also offers to invest in JD.com.
• Jack Ma and Liu Qiangdong: Both CEOs face challenges in their businesses and consider Chen Guiliang's proposal to integrate Weibo with their e-commerce platforms.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Guiliang personally handles cooperation talks with e-commerce platforms, securing deals with Ali, JD.com, and Dangdang for ByteDance Weibo.
• He plans to invest in JD.com through a newly established investment company, Xiyi Investment, with Lu Zhihui as the General Manager.
• Liu Qiangdong (JD.com's founder) seeks investment from Xu Xin (Capital Today) and Liang Baitao (venture capitalist) to sustain JD.com's growth.
• Sina Weibo faces competition from ByteDance Weibo and Sohu Weibo, with Chen Guiliang employing various strategies to promote ByteDance Weibo.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang demonstrates his business acumen and determination by securing deals with e-commerce platforms and establishing Xiyi Investment to manage ByteDance's investments.
• Liu Qiangdong shows his desperation for funds to keep JD.com afloat, seeking investment from various sources.
• Cao Guowei and Peng Shaobing, Sina's executives, grapple with the intensifying competition in the Weibo market.

Significant Themes

• Competition and survival in the tech industry, with companies fighting for market share and investment.
• The importance of strategic investments and partnerships in business growth.
• The power of promotions and marketing in shaping public perception and driving user adoption.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang works with Lu Zhihui to establish Xiyi Investment and negotiate deals with e-commerce platforms.
• Liu Qiangdong consults with Xu Xin and Liang Baitao to secure investment for JD.com.
• Cao Guowei and Peng Shaobing discuss strategies to counter the growing competition in the Weibo market.
• Chen Guiliang collaborates with Wang Wei to promote ByteDance Weibo through various channels, including the TV show 'iPartment'.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Guiliang wears a custom Fei Yu Fu, a traditional Chinese outfit costing over 300,000 yuan, for his graduation ceremony, aiming to promote his game, "My Own Swordsman."
• He meets other graduates in ancient attire and takes photos with them.
• At Peking University, he encounters ByteDance employees promoting their Weibo platform and sees students registering for multiple Weibo platforms to collect gifts.
• He takes group and individual photos with Bian Guanyue and Tao Xue before the graduation ceremony.
• Chen Guiliang meets principals from key high schools who recognize him and express surprise at his ancient attire.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang: He has become more materialistic and focused on commercial purposes, even in his personal life, always thinking about business opportunities. His social anxiety seems to have improved as he doesn't feel awkward in his flashy attire.
• Bian Guanyue: She is more open and comfortable around Chen Guiliang, even calling him "Senior" and taking photos with him and Tao Xue.
• Tao Xue: She is playful and mischievous, calling Bian Guanyue "Sister" and teasing her about Chen Guiliang's popularity with other girls.
• Xie Yang: He feels envious of Chen Guiliang's attire and popularity with women, and expresses frustration with his own romantic history and lack of time for relationships.

Significant Themes

• Materialism and commercialization: Chen Guiliang's focus on using his graduation ceremony to promote his game highlights the growing influence of materialism and commercialization in society.
• Tradition and modernity: The use of ancient attire in a modern context, such as for a graduation ceremony, reflects the tension between tradition and modernity in contemporary Chinese society.
• Popularity and social status: Chen Guiliang's popularity with other graduates and the attention he receives from the principals highlight the importance of social status and popularity in Chinese culture.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang and Bian Guanyue: Their relationship has become more comfortable and friendly, with Bian Guanyue no longer feeling as awkward around him.
• Chen Guiliang and Tao Xue: They have a playful, teasing dynamic, with Tao Xue calling him "Senior" and teasing him about his popularity with other girls.
• Chen Guiliang and Xie Yang: Xie Yang feels envious of Chen Guiliang's attire and popularity, and expresses frustration with his own romantic history and lack of time for relationships.
• Chen Guiliang and the principals: The principals are surprised and impressed by Chen Guiliang's ancient attire and recognize him as a star student from Peking University.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ten Billion Chen (Chen Guiliang) receives multiple Outstanding Graduate awards.
• He engages in humorous banter with fellow graduates and alumni.
• Chen Guiliang delivers a memorable graduation speech, reflecting on his college days and encouraging graduates to maintain their ideals.

Character Developments

• Ten Billion Chen (Chen Guiliang): Exhibits confidence, humor, and emotional intelligence during the graduation ceremony. His speech reveals his maturity, introspection, and ability to connect with a large audience.
• Other Graduates: Show enthusiasm, nostalgia, and camaraderie as they interact with Chen Guiliang and reminisce about their college days.

Significant Themes

• Youth and Nostalgia: Graduates reflect on their college experiences and the passage of time.
• Ideals and Reality: Chen Guiliang discusses the tension between personal ideals and societal expectations.
• Connection and Belonging: The graduation ceremony fosters a sense of community and shared experience among the graduates.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang and Chen Guiju: They share a light-hearted exchange, with Chen Guiju complimenting Chen Guiliang's attire.
• Chen Guiliang and Selected Cadre Candidate: They engage in playful banter, with Chen Guiliang inviting the candidate to work for his company.
• Chen Guiliang and the Audience: Chen Guiliang's speech creates a strong emotional connection with the graduates, encouraging them to remember their ideals as they enter the workforce.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Charles Zhang wakes up late, checks Sohu Video, and discovers the popularity of UGC (User-Generated Content) videos, particularly a video of Chen Guiliang's graduation speech.
• He decides to investigate UGC videos and considers developing them on Sohu Video.
• Jack Ma decides to cooperate exclusively with ByteDance Weibo for one year, along with other e-commerce platforms.
• Chen Guiliang delivers lawyer's letters to Charles Zhang and Wang Erlei, ordering them to stop using the name 'Weibo'.
• Chen Guiliang reveals that he has secured exclusive commercial cooperation deals with various e-commerce platforms for ByteDance Weibo.

Character Developments

• Charles Zhang: Realizes the potential of UGC videos and decides to explore this area. Acknowledges the threat of Chen Guiliang's strategies.
• Chen Guiliang: Secures exclusive cooperation deals with e-commerce platforms, demonstrating his business acumen and strategic thinking. He also shows a competitive side by delivering lawyer's letters personally.

Significant Themes

• The power of UGC (User-Generated Content) and its potential to disrupt traditional content models.
• The importance of strategic partnerships and exclusivity in business.
• The competitive nature of the tech industry and the determination to win at any cost.

Character Interactions

• Charles Zhang interacts with Wang Erlei and Director Zhou, discussing their Weibo strategies and the threat posed by Chen Guiliang.
• Chen Guiliang interacts with Charles Zhang and Wang Erlei, delivering lawyer's letters and revealing his exclusive cooperation deals, causing them to realize the extent of his influence.