Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The private server "Legend of the Abyss" attracts over 3100 players, causing server lag and leading to a cut-off of download links.
• Netizens initially curse the game, but Chen Guiliang guides public opinion by posting self-deprecating comments, shifting the focus to teasing and mocking.
• The incident gains widespread attention, with memes like "I'm really awesome," "pay attention to formation," "so silly and naive," and "Little Tyrant Server" spreading across forums and even into reality.
• A news article about the incident is published on 17173, further increasing its reach.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang demonstrates his leadership and quick thinking, successfully managing public opinion and creating memes.
• Tao Chenggang shows concern for the legality of their actions, awaiting Shanda's response.
• Feng Tao, Yang Yuhui, and Xie Yang contribute to managing the server and interacting with netizens.

Significant Themes

• The power of netizens and their influence on public opinion.
• The legality and ethics of private servers.
• The spread of internet culture and memes.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang works closely with Tao Chenggang, Feng Tao, Yang Yuhui, and Xie Yang to manage the server and interact with netizens.
• Tao Xue, Tao Chenggang's daughter, is impressed by Chen Guiliang's actions.
• Netizens interact with each other, creating and spreading memes.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The webmaster, Can Ying, and partners discuss the success of 'Legend of the Abyss' and consider copying its Abyss Map gameplay.
• Experts on the 7GG Forum are in internal conflict due to financial disputes and consider imitating 'Legend of the Abyss'.
• Chen Guiliang and Tao Chenggang give an interview to 'Popular Software', discussing their experiences, the private server's success, and their plans for the future.

Character Developments

• Can Ying and partners are confident in their private server platforms and consider expanding by copying successful features from 'Legend of the Abyss'.
• Experts on the 7GG Forum are divided due to financial disagreements and the potential of 'Legend of the Abyss'.
• Chen Guiliang and Tao Chenggang demonstrate their public relations skills during the interview, expressing their views on the game industry and their future plans.

Significant Themes

• The impact of 'Legend of the Abyss' on the private server scene and the game industry.
• The financial disputes and internal conflicts within private server platforms and game forums.
• The potential of domestic game development and the challenges it faces.

Character Interactions

• Can Ying and partners discuss the success of 'Legend of the Abyss' and consider copying its features.
• Experts on the 7GG Forum interact, expressing their opinions on 'Legend of the Abyss' and their internal conflicts.
• Chen Guiliang and Tao Chenggang interact during the interview, expressing their views on the game industry and their future plans.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Boss Shi, a wealthy businessman, plays "Legend" obsessively, hiring a power-leveling team to advance his character.
• The power-leveling team's leader, Xie Ming, manages the team and occasionally plays with Boss Shi.
• "Legend of the Abyss," a private server, launches, drawing many players away from the official server due to its updates and excitement.
• Boss Shi and his team join "Legend of the Abyss," enjoying the new content and farming for better equipment.
• Despite initial failures, Boss Shi decides to continue playing and investing in the private server.

Character Developments

• Boss Shi: Starts as an obsessed, wealthy player, later decides to invest in game development after growing tired of the official server's lack of updates.
• Xie Ming: Initially a power-leveler, he becomes the team leader and later manages the power-leveling team. He shows curiosity and interest in "Legend of the Abyss" and its potential.

Significant Themes

• The impact of game updates and new content on player engagement and satisfaction.
• The influence of wealth on gaming experiences and decisions (e.g., Boss Shi's ability to invest in better equipment and private servers).
• The potential for gaming to evolve into a business opportunity, as seen through Boss Shi's consideration of entering the game development industry.

Character Interactions

• Boss Shi and Xie Ming: Their relationship evolves from employer-employee to something more akin to partners, as Xie Ming provides guidance and advice, and Boss Shi considers him for a management role in his future game development company.
• Boss Shi and his power-leveling team: They interact as a group, playing together and following Boss Shi's lead in both "Legend" and "Legend of the Abyss."

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tao Chenggang receives a QQ message from Boss Shi, the former CEO of Giant, offering to invest in their game and help with marketing.
• They discuss potential cooperation, with Boss Shi proposing a comprehensive marketing strategy similar to his Brain Gold campaign.
• The private server's first day of operation brings in 33,875 yuan in top-ups, with significant contributions from a few big spenders, including Boss Shi.
• The team decides to treat these big spenders well, assigning them lackeys and dedicated customer service.

Character Developments

• Tao Chenggang: Struggles with the decision to cooperate with Boss Shi, considering the potential loss of control over his career.
• Chen Guiliang: Provides guidance to Tao Chenggang, suggesting they keep Boss Shi on the hook for future use.
• Boss Shi: Revealed to be a wealthy and influential figure, willing to invest heavily in their game and help with marketing.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between maintaining control and seeking investment for their game.
• The influence of wealth and power in the gaming industry.
• The importance of treating big spenders well to maintain their interest and support.

Character Interactions

• Tao Chenggang and Chen Guiliang: Tao Chenggang seeks Chen Guiliang's advice on whether to cooperate with Boss Shi.
• Tao Chenggang and Boss Shi: They discuss potential cooperation and the specifics of their game concept.
• The team: They decide together how to treat big spenders and handle the influx of money from the first day of operation.

Key Plot Points & Events

• District One starts lagging again due to increased player influx.
• New players from other private servers join "Legend of the Abyss."
• Tao Chenggang and Chen Guiliang decide to let Luo Xiaoping sell the Dungeon Manager.
• They announce a Shabak Siege for the next day to encourage grinding.
• Big spenders engage in an arms race, leading to increased top-ups.
• District Seven is opened at noon on Sunday.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang and Tao Chenggang prove their business acumen by making quick money and expanding the game's reach.
• Xie Yang decides to quit gaming and focus on studying after realizing he doesn't understand business matters.

Significant Themes

• The impact of big spenders on the game's economy and player behavior.
• The importance of quick decision-making and adaptation in business.
• The influence of wealth on relationships and partnerships.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang, Tao Chenggang, and Xie Yang work together to manage the game's operations and customer service.
• Chen Guiliang and Tao Xue engage in playful banter, showcasing their close relationship.
• Chen Guiliang and Xie Yang discuss their future plans and the challenges of working together in business.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A TV is installed in the classroom, and students watch a cartoon together before evening self-study.
• The homeroom teacher, Liu Shuying, announces a monthly exam and sets rules for watching TV.
• Chen Guiliang calls Tao Chenggang to discuss the in-game situation, where Boss Shi is being targeted.
• Chen Guiliang asks Wu Meng for help with math problems and chats with Bian Guanyue about small potatoes.
• Qin Shanshan asks Chen Guiliang if he's pursuing Bian Guanyue.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang shows interest in learning and asks for help with problems, indicating his dedication to studying.
• Wu Meng helps Chen Guiliang with math, demonstrating her kindness and willingness to help.
• Bian Guanyue expresses her goal to get into a mid-ranked second-tier university, showing her determination and ambition.
• Qin Shanshan shows curiosity about Chen Guiliang and Bian Guanyue's relationship, hinting at her interest in romance.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between academic pursuits and leisure activities, represented by the students' desire to watch TV and their upcoming monthly exam.
• The impact of identity exposure in online gaming, as seen with Boss Shi's situation.
• The importance of friendship and mutual support, evident in Chen Guiliang's interactions with Wu Meng and Bian Guanyue.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang interacts with Wu Meng, seeking help with math problems, and with Bian Guanyue, discussing small potatoes and her academic goals.
• Qin Shanshan engages with Chen Guiliang, asking about his relationship with Bian Guanyue and offering to help.
• The class as a whole interacts with the homeroom teacher, Liu Shuying, regarding the TV and the upcoming exam.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shanda's legal affairs director, Zhang Yingfeng, wants to use hackers to take down "Legend of the Abyss," a private server causing negative public opinion.
• The technical department, led by Little Chen (Boss Chen's brother), refuses to use hackers due to their heavy workload and ethical concerns.
• Zhang Yingfeng tries to persuade Little Chen but is unsuccessful. He then approaches Boss Chen, who also refuses to use hackers.
• Boss Chen decides to focus on cracking down on private server platforms instead of targeting "Legend of the Abyss."

Character Developments

• Zhang Yingfeng: He is persistent in his mission to deal with "Legend of the Abyss" but faces resistance from both Little Chen and Boss Chen.
• Little Chen (Director Chen): He stands firm against using hackers, demonstrating his ethical stance and commitment to his principles.
• Boss Chen: He shows concern for public opinion but ultimately decides not to target "Legend of the Abyss," prioritizing the crackdown on private server platforms instead.

Significant Themes

• Ethical Dilemmas: The use of hackers raises ethical concerns, which Little Chen and Boss Chen both acknowledge.
• Prioritization of Resources: Boss Chen prioritizes the crackdown on private server platforms over targeting "Legend of the Abyss," highlighting the importance of resource allocation.
• Public Opinion Impact: The negative public opinion caused by "Legend of the Abyss" is a significant factor in Shanda's decision-making process.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Yingfeng and Little Chen: Their interaction highlights the tension between the legal department and the technical department, with Little Chen refusing to use hackers despite Zhang Yingfeng's persistence.
• Boss Chen and Zhang Yingfeng: Their interaction reveals Boss Chen's decision-making process and his commitment to ethical considerations and resource prioritization.
• Chen Guiliang and Tao Chenggang: Their interaction shows their shared paranoia and concern about Shanda's potential response to their private server.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The private server "Legend of the Abyss" faces competition from other servers offering Abyss Dungeon gameplay.
• Chen Guiliang receives a dividend of over 44,000 yuan from the private server's profits in half a month.
• Two more private servers focusing on dungeon gameplay are launched, increasing competition.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang shows confidence in his academic abilities but struggles with some exam questions.
• Tao Chenggang demonstrates his business acumen by handling the server merge and contacting internet cafes for cooperation.
• Feng Tao, Chen Guiliang's uncle, regrets his small initial investment in the private server.

Significant Themes

• Competition and survival in the business world.
• The importance of hard work and perseverance in academics (seen through Chen Guiliang's and Bian Guanyue's efforts).

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang interacts with his friends in Dorm 302, discussing their exam performances and making plans for lunch.
• Chen Guiliang talks to his uncle Feng Tao about the private server's profits.
• Chen Guiliang and Bian Guanyue exchange words of encouragement before their exam.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Saddam Hussein's capture is reported on TV, sparking discussions among students about Iraq's weapons of mass destruction.
• Guo Xiaosi is suspected of plagiarism in the New Concept Writing Competition.
• Chen Guiliang receives a call informing him that his manuscript has reached the semifinals of the competition.
• Shanda announces a special crackdown on private servers and plug-ins, leading to some servers shutting down.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang is now more confident and open with his classmates, treating them to stir-fry and sharing his newfound wealth subtly.
• Guo Xiaosi's plagiarism scandal causes Tao Xue to lose respect for him.
• Bian Guanyue starts to warm up to her classmates, buying small potatoes for Chen Guiliang, Zheng Feng, and Wu Meng.
• Chen Guiliang shows concern for his appearance before meeting Bian Guanyue, indicating his growing interest in her.

Significant Themes

• Plagiarism and its consequences: Guo Xiaosi's suspected plagiarism highlights the theme of consequences for unethical actions.
• Growing relationships: Chen Guiliang's interactions with his classmates and Bian Guanyue show the development of his social skills and relationships.
• Power and authority: The special crackdown on private servers by five ministries and commissions demonstrates the power of authorities and the potential consequences of defying them.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang interacts with his classmates, treating them to meals and discussing current events.
• Chen Guiliang and Tao Xue discuss Guo Xiaosi's plagiarism scandal, with Tao Xue expressing her disappointment.
• Chen Guiliang and Bian Guanyue plan to meet to fix her computer, showing a growing friendship.
• Chen Guiliang receives a call from Hu Weishi, the editor who notified him about the competition semifinals, discussing Guo Xiaosi's plagiarism and her role in the competition.

Plot Points & Events

• The New Concept Composition Contest submissions are overwhelming, with over 400,000 preliminary entries, averaging 7 submissions per person. Chen Guiliang submitted only 4.
• The review process involves rough screening by editors, reducing the number to 10,000, followed by detailed review by senior staff, selecting 400 participants for the semi-finals.
• Schools can recommend students for the contest, ensuring they pass rough screening and have a high chance of winning an honorable mention or prize.

Character Developments

• Zhao Yan, the chief editor's son and a senior editor at Sprout, is impressed by Chen Guiliang's submissions and suspects they might be ghostwritten.
• Li Qigang, the general manager of the New Concept Competition, is worried about the competition's future due to major universities lowering their cooperation standards.

Significant Themes

• The contest's main theme is "new," but submissions often mimic existing styles (Han Han or Guo Xiaosi).
• The competition faces challenges due to college entrance examination reforms and universities tightening their admission policies.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Yan and Hu Weishi discuss and review Chen Guiliang's submissions, with Zhao Yan finding them impressive despite his suspicions about ghostwriting.
• Li Qigang, Zhao Changtian, and Hu Weishi discuss strategies to maintain the competition's relevance, deciding to promote a new talent and invite past winners for a dialogue event.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Feng Tao, Chen Guiliang's uncle, repairs an Apple laptop at his store while explaining the process to his apprentice and employee.
• Chen Guiliang, Feng Tao's nephew, is mistaken for a wealthy game developer by a neighboring store owner, leading to humorous interactions.
• Chen Guiliang and Bian Guanyue have lunch together at the store, with Chen Guiliang sharing some of his food with her.
• Chen Guiliang receives a call from Tao Chenggang, discussing the status of their private server business and plans for the future.
• Tao Xue, Tao Chenggang's sister, calls Chen Guiliang to inform him that she's also heading back to school and will meet him at the bus station.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang: Shows his ability to handle business matters with Tao Chenggang, displays a friendly and generous nature by sharing his food with Bian Guanyue, and demonstrates his wit and humor in his interactions with the neighboring store owner.
• Bian Guanyue: Shows curiosity about Chen Guiliang's business and expresses slight displeasure at Tao Xue's impending arrival, hinting at her growing interest in Chen Guiliang.
• Feng Tao: Displayed as a hardworking and honest businessman, he charges a fair price for his services and treats Chen Guiliang and Bian Guanyue to lunch.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and Business Partnership: The relationship between Chen Guiliang and Tao Chenggang, highlighting their trust and mutual respect in their business venture.
• Humor and Exaggeration: The interactions between Chen Guiliang and the neighboring store owner illustrate the use of humor and exaggeration to entertain and create a lighthearted atmosphere.
• Growing Feelings: Bian Guanyue's displeasure at Tao Xue's arrival hints at her developing feelings for Chen Guiliang.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang and the Neighboring Store Owner: Their humorous exchange showcases Chen Guiliang's wit and the store owner's playful nature.
• Chen Guiliang and Bian Guanyue: They share a friendly and comfortable dynamic, with Chen Guiliang showing generosity by sharing his food with her.
• Chen Guiliang and Tao Xue (via phone): Their conversation reveals their close relationship and Tao Xue's eagerness to meet Chen Guiliang.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Guiliang and Bian Guanyue meet at a bus station, and he buys her a drink.
• Tao Xue, Chen Guiliang's classmate's younger sister, appears and plays a prank on Bian Guanyue.
• They take a bus together, and Tao Xue shares stories about corruption in the bus company.
• Bian Guanyue gets off the bus first, and Chen Guiliang and Tao Xue continue to school.
• Bian Guanyue draws a caricature of Chen Guiliang on a pebble and sends a text to Tao Xue about Chen Guiliang.
• Chen Guiliang and Tao Xue weigh themselves at a pharmacy, and Tao Xue texts Bian Guanyue about Chen Guiliang.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang: He shows kindness by buying Bian Guanyue a drink and helps Tao Xue. He's also playful and mischievous, calling Tao Xue a "fat pig."
• Bian Guanyue: She's initially reserved but opens up after talking with Tao Xue. She has a playful side, drawing a caricature of Chen Guiliang.
• Tao Xue: She's mischievous, playing a prank on Bian Guanyue, and shares stories about corruption. She's also gossipy, texting Bian Guanyue about Chen Guiliang.

Significant Themes

• Friendship: The interactions between Chen Guiliang, Bian Guanyue, and Tao Xue show the formation of a new friendship.
• Corruption: Tao Xue's stories about the bus company highlight the theme of corruption in society.
• Playfulness: The characters engage in playful banter and actions, showing their youthful and carefree nature.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang and Bian Guanyue: They have a friendly and playful interaction, with Chen Guiliang showing kindness and Bian Guanyue showing appreciation.
• Chen Guiliang and Tao Xue: They have a sibling-like relationship, with Chen Guiliang teasing Tao Xue and her retaliating.
• Bian Guanyue and Tao Xue: They form a quick friendship, bonding over their shared experiences and stories. They also exclude Chen Guiliang from their conversation, showing a sense of camaraderie.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Christmas Eve is discussed among the girls in dorm room 205, with Xiong Xiaoying suggesting giving apples to bring peace and safety, a tradition from the West.
• Tao Xue considers giving an apple to Chen Guiliang but ends up eating it herself.
• Xiong Xiaoying decides to knit a scarf for Wang Haochuan instead of giving him an apple.
• Chen Guiliang receives an invitation letter for the re-examination of the New Concept Competition.

Character Developments

• Xiong Xiaoying shows her feelings for Wang Haochuan but is hesitant to act on them.
• Tao Xue struggles with expressing her feelings and supporting her friends.
• Chen Guiliang remains calm and collected upon receiving the New Concept Competition invitation.
• Gao Zhan, the politics teacher, shows concern for Chen Guiliang's financial situation for the competition.

Significant Themes

• The spread of urban legends and traditions through word of mouth.
• The courage to express one's feelings and take action.
• The importance of supporting and encouraging friends.

Character Interactions

• Xiong Xiaoying and Tao Xue discuss their feelings and plans for Christmas Eve.
• Tao Xue and Xiong Xiaoying consider giving gifts to their crushes but ultimately don't.
• Chen Guiliang interacts with his classmates upon receiving the New Concept Competition invitation.
• Gao Zhan shows concern for Chen Guiliang's financial situation and offers help.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Guiliang receives his rematch invitation letter for the New Concept Essay Competition.
• Chen Guiliang buys Christmas gifts for Bian Guanyue and Tao Xue.
• The class New Year's Eve party features performances by students, including Chen Guiliang's unique rendition of "Thank You For Your Love" and Bian Guanyue's moving performance of "When I Was Little."

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang shows thoughtfulness and consideration by giving gifts to Bian Guanyue and Tao Xue, and his performance at the party reveals his humble and good-natured personality.
• Bian Guanyue demonstrates her vocal talent and confidence during her performance, showing personal growth and increased involvement in class activities.
• Zheng Feng decides to stop walking Bian Guanyue home, hinting at his growing feelings for her.
• Tao Xue's excitement over Chen Guiliang's competition invitation indicates her admiration and support for him.

Significant Themes

• Change and Growth: Characters are changing and growing, as seen in Bian Guanyue's increased participation in class activities and Zheng Feng's realization of his feelings for her.
• Friendship and Support: The classmates' support for Chen Guiliang's competition and their participation in the New Year's Eve party highlight the theme of camaraderie and mutual support.
• Personal Expression: The performances at the party allow students to express themselves and connect with their peers on a deeper level.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang and Bian Guanyue's interactions show a growing friendship, with Chen Guiliang giving her a Christmas gift and asking for her help with competition details.
• Zheng Feng's decision to stop walking Bian Guanyue home reveals his growing feelings for her and his insecurity about Chen Guiliang's presence.
• The classmates' interactions during the party showcase their support for one another, with students cheering for each other's performances and participating in the event together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter begins with the end of the first semester of senior year, marked by a sudden snowfall that excites the students.
• Chen Guiliang and Bian Guanyue meet after the semester ends to buy a cat together.
• They visit West Lake, where they play ring toss, buy two kittens, and have lunch at a noodle shop.
• Chen Guiliang walks Bian Guanyue home, and they part ways with their respective kittens.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang: He shows a playful and caring side when he buys the kittens and plays ring toss with Bian Guanyue. He also displays his knowledge of local history and culture.
• Bian Guanyue: She initially appears reserved but lets go and enjoys herself playing ring toss. She also shows affection towards the kitten she chooses.

Significant Themes

• Childhood and Nostalgia: The visit to West Lake stirs memories of Bian Guanyue's childhood, highlighting the theme of nostalgia.
• Friendship and Companionship: The day spent together strengthens the bond between Chen Guiliang and Bian Guanyue, showing the theme of friendship.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang and Bian Guanyue: Their interaction is playful and comfortable, showing a growing friendship. They share a moment of reluctance to part ways at the end of the day.
• Bian Guanyue and her Grandparents: Their interaction is warm and affectionate, showing a close-knit family. They welcome the new kitten into their home together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Guiliang returns to his village after buying meat and other supplies.
• He visits his maternal grandparents and meets Huang Shasha, a girl he played with as a child, in an arranged meeting by the elderly women.
• Chen Guiliang cooks for his grandmother and tells her about his upcoming competition in Magic City.
• He buys a train ticket and a suitcase, then learns about the crackdown on private servers in Hubei Province.
• Chen Guiliang stays at his uncle's house and calls his friends before leaving for Hibiscus City.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang: Shows filial piety towards his grandmother, buys her meat and cooks for her. He also demonstrates responsibility by preparing for his competition in Magic City.
• Huang Shasha: Though embarrassed by the arranged meeting, she shows no romantic interest in Chen Guiliang.
• Lin Chunhong (Aunt): Shows kindness and thoughtfulness by boiling eggs for Chen Guiliang before his journey.

Significant Themes

• Filial piety: Chen Guiliang's actions towards his grandmother reflect the importance of this Confucian virtue.
• Tradition vs. Modernity: The arranged meeting between Chen Guiliang and Huang Shasha contrasts with the modern dating culture.
• Responsibility: Chen Guiliang takes responsibility for his actions and prepares for his competition.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang and his Maternal Grandmother: They share a warm and affectionate relationship, with Chen Guiliang showing care and filial piety towards her.
• Chen Guiliang and Huang Shasha: Though they have history, there's no romantic tension between them. They're both embarrassed by the arranged meeting.
• Chen Guiliang and Lin Chunhong: Aunt Lin shows kindness and thoughtfulness towards Chen Guiliang, reflecting their close relationship.

Plot Points and Events

• Chen Guiliang travels by train from Hibiscus City to Magic City for the New Concept Competition.
• He shares a soft-sleeper compartment with a middle-aged man, who he later learns is a writer.
• On the train, Chen Guiliang meets other contestants, including Milan and Luo Jin, and they decide to explore Magic City together.
• Upon arrival, they take the subway and check into the Green Pine City Hotel, where they register for the competition and encounter famous writers like Yu Hua.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang displays confidence and assertiveness when he asks Yu Hua for an autograph, showing he's not starstruck despite meeting famous writers.
• Milan shows excitement and curiosity about the Magic Capital and the competition.
• Luo Jin reveals his plans to apply to schools in the capital.

Significant Themes

• The allure of the city (Magic Capital) vs. the countryside (Sichuan-Shu).
• The excitement and nervousness of young contestants entering a prestigious competition.
• The gap between rural and urban experiences, as seen through the contestants' reactions to the subway and the city.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang interacts with the middle-aged writer, Milan, Luo Jin, and other contestants, showing camaraderie and mutual support.
• Chen Guiliang's boldness in asking Yu Hua for an autograph surprises and amuses the other contestants.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The final exams for the New Concept Competition are held at Shanghai Medical University.
• Chen Guiliang chooses the second prompt, writing an ancient-style poem about a Dark Bird's journey, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge and national revival.
• Two proctors, Pan Yihan and Gan Shijia, are impressed by Chen Guiliang's essay and stand beside him, drawing attention from other contestants.
• The judges, including Yu Hua, read and comment on preliminary-round essays. Yu Hua comments on Chen Guiliang's essay despite his misgivings about its authenticity.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang demonstrates his writing prowess and ability to think deeply and creatively.
• Yu Hua shows his professionalism and willingness to comment on essays despite his doubts.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement.
• The struggle between tradition and modernity in writing and education.
• The challenges and politics surrounding university admissions.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang interacts with proctors Pan Yihan and Gan Shijia, who are impressed by his essay.
• Yu Hua interacts with other judges, discussing the competition and university admissions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The author reflects on their decision to write urban fiction, expressing frustration with censorship and reports from readers.
• The protagonist, Chen the Hero, is reported for underage smoking and stabbing in the story.
• The author decides to modify the story to remove the smoking scene and make Chen a non-smoker moving forward.

Character Developments

• Chen the Hero's character is adjusted to reflect a more wholesome image, no longer smoking.
• The author's resolve to continue writing despite challenges is reinforced.

Significant Themes

• Censorship and its impact on creative expression.
• The tension between maintaining artistic integrity and accommodating audience expectations.
• The responsibility of authors in shaping young characters' behaviors and influences.

Character Interactions

• The author interacts with readers through their reports, leading to a change in the protagonist's character.
• The author's internal struggle with reader feedback and censorship is depicted.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A remarkable essay, "Voyage of Ying Sea," written by Chen Guiliang, captivates everyone present.
• Wang Meng, a renowned professor, reads and praises the essay, highlighting its profound philosophical principles and the author's ambition.
• Professors from prestigious universities, including Peking University, Tsinghua University, and Fudan University, are impressed and eager to recruit Chen Guiliang.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang: His literary prowess is recognized and appreciated by esteemed professors, raising his profile among universities.
• Wang Meng: He acknowledges Chen Guiliang's talent and is eager to promote his work.
• Cao Wenxuan, Ge Fei, and other professors: They are impressed by Chen Guiliang's essay and strive to secure his admission to their respective universities.

Significant Themes

• Talent recognition and appreciation: The professors' reactions highlight the value placed on exceptional literary talent.
• Ambition and determination: Chen Guiliang's essay reflects his ambition to contribute to his nation's rejuvenation, a theme that resonates with the professors.
• Competition and rivalry: The professors' eagerness to recruit Chen Guiliang underscores the intense competition among universities for talented students.

Character Interactions

• Wang Meng and Chen Guiliang: Although not physically present, Wang Meng's enthusiastic praise and promotion of Chen Guiliang's essay indicate a positive interaction.
• Cao Wenxuan, Ge Fei, and other professors: They discuss and strategize to secure Chen Guiliang's admission to their universities, demonstrating their competitive spirit and eagerness to nurture his talent.