Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Guo Feng, Chen Guiliang, and Dong Qianqiu discuss the feasibility of implementing dynamic feeds, deciding to focus on achievable features like SMS notifications, blogging, and friend recommendations.
• Chen Guiliang treats the team to a late-night barbecue and drinks, expressing his appreciation for their help.
• Chen Guiliang and Bian Guanyue spend time together, and Chen Guiliang buys condoms, hinting at his intentions for the night.

Character Developments

• Guo Feng: Shows his admiration for his senior sister and his dedication to their project.
• Dong Qianqiu: Becomes more talkative after drinking, revealing his internship application at Microsoft Research Asia.
• Chen Guiliang: Demonstrates his leadership and care for his team, showing consideration for Bian Guanyue's feelings.
• Bian Guanyue: Struggles with her feelings and the pace of her relationship with Chen Guiliang, seeking advice from her cousin.

Significant Themes

• The challenges and limitations of early internet technology.
• The importance of teamwork and camaraderie in startup environments.
• The complexities of young love and relationships.

Character Interactions

• Guo Feng and Dong Qianqiu share a friendly rivalry, with Guo Feng expressing his admiration for his senior sister and Dong Qianqiu revealing his internship application.
• Chen Guiliang and Guo Feng's dynamic as friends and colleagues is strengthened as they work together on the project.
• Chen Guiliang and Bian Guanyue's relationship deepens, with Chen Guiliang showing consideration for her feelings and Bian Guanyue struggling with the pace of their relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Guiliang and Bian Guanyue spend the night together in a hotel, leading to their first kiss and confession of love.
• They engage in a playful Sichuan opera performance, with Bian Guanyue singing original lyrics to express her feelings and concerns about their relationship.
• The next morning, they wake up together, and Bian Guanyue shares personal stories from her childhood.
• Chen Guiliang and Bian Guanyue meet up with Guo Feng and Dong Qianqiu, where they have lunch together, and Bian Guanyue displays her diligent and caring nature.
• Chen Guiliang buys the latest issue of "Those Things of the Ming Dynasty" for Bian Guanyue.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang: He becomes more open and affectionate with Bian Guanyue, expressing his love for her and showing patience in their relationship.
• Bian Guanyue: She opens up about her past and shares personal stories with Chen Guiliang, demonstrating her trust in him. She also shows her caring and responsible side when they meet with their friends.

Significant Themes

• Communication and Expression: Bian Guanyue uses Sichuan opera to express her feelings and concerns about their relationship, highlighting the importance of open communication in a romantic relationship.
• Patience and Understanding: Both characters show patience and understanding in their relationship, with Chen Guiliang respecting Bian Guanyue's pace and Bian Guanyue accepting Chen Guiliang's affectionate nature.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang and Bian Guanyue: Their relationship deepens as they spend the night together, leading to a heartfelt conversation and increased intimacy. They also engage in playful banter and shared activities, such as the Sichuan opera performance and meeting up with friends.
• Chen Guiliang, Bian Guanyue, Guo Feng, and Dong Qianqiu: The group dynamic is strengthened as they have lunch together, with Bian Guanyue displaying her caring nature and the friends enjoying each other's company.

Plot Points and Events

• Guo Xiaosi's new book deal is snatched by 21st Century Publishing House, causing distress to Shi Xiang, Guo's former editor at Spring Breeze Literature Publishing House.
• Guo Xiaosi refuses Li Xunhuan's proposal to bind his new book with Zhuang Yu's novel for simultaneous publication.
• Chen Guiliang's serialized novel, "Those Things of the Ming Dynasty," gains popularity, attracting multiple publishing houses.
• Shi Xiang visits Chen Guiliang to discuss publishing his novel, offering a 10% royalty rate.

Character Developments

• Shi Xiang: Struggles with the loss of Guo Xiaosi's book deal and tries to secure Chen Guiliang's novel for his publishing house.
• Chen Guiliang: Gains confidence and leverage in negotiations with publishing houses due to his novel's popularity.
• Guo Xiaosi: Refuses Li Xunhuan's proposal, demonstrating his principles and independence.

Significant Themes

• The cutthroat competition in the publishing industry.
• The importance of royalties and operational capabilities in book publishing.
• The impact of internet popularity on book deals and negotiations.

Character Interactions

• Shi Xiang and Chen Guiliang: Shi Xiang tries to convince Chen Guiliang to publish with Spring Breeze Literature, while Chen Guiliang considers multiple offers.
• Guo Xiaosi and Li Xunhuan: Guo Xiaosi refuses Li Xunhuan's proposal, showing his determination to maintain his artistic integrity.
• Chen Guiliang and various publishing houses: Chen Guiliang receives multiple offers, demonstrating his growing influence and popularity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Xunhuan, Ning Caishen, and Xing Yusen are the "Three Horsemen" of Under the Banyan Tree, with Annie Baby making them the "Four Great Writers."
• Li Xunhuan, the most unique, was headhunted by Zhu William to become the editor-in-chief of Under the Banyan Tree and later started his own book publishing business.
• Li Xunhuan offers Chen Guiliang an unprecedented 15% royalty plus tiered revenue sharing for his book, "Those Things of the Ming Dynasty," disrupting the traditional publishing market.
• Li Xunhuan plans to serialize the book on Sprout, Under the Banyan Tree, and Tianya Forum before publishing the first three volumes.
• Chen Guiliang attends Professor Yuan's class on ancient Chinese literature, where he is recognized and praised by Professor Yuan.

Character Developments

• Li Xunhuan is portrayed as a risk-taker, willing to disrupt the traditional publishing market with his unconventional approach.
• Chen Guiliang shows ambition and determination, starting two companies in his first year of university and pursuing a deal with Li Xunhuan.
• Professor Yuan is depicted as a dedicated and wise educator, willing to teach undergraduate students and mentor talented individuals like Chen Guiliang.

Significant Themes

• Disruption and Innovation: Li Xunhuan's approach to publishing challenges the traditional norms, symbolizing the disruption and innovation that can come from new generations.
• Mentorship and Recognition: Professor Yuan's recognition of Chen Guiliang highlights the importance of mentorship and recognition in nurturing talent.
• Ambition and Determination: Both Li Xunhuan and Chen Guiliang exhibit ambition and determination in pursuing their goals, showcasing the drive of the younger generation.

Character Interactions

• Li Xunhuan and Chen Guiliang: Li Xunhuan's aggressive offer to Chen Guiliang and their subsequent meeting showcase a dynamic between an experienced publisher and an ambitious young writer.
• Chen Guiliang and Professor Yuan: Professor Yuan's recognition of Chen Guiliang in class highlights a potential mentorship relationship between an esteemed educator and a talented student.
• Li Xunhuan and Shi Xiang: The tense interaction between Li Xunhuan and Shi Xiang demonstrates the clash between traditional and innovative publishing methods.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Guiliang's bicycle is stolen after class.
• Chen Guiliang registers on the Peking University BBS and interacts with other students.
• Chen Guiliang signs a publishing contract with Li Xunhuan for his novel, "Those Things of the Ming Dynasty."
• Chen Guiliang's two companies, Game Science and ByteDance, are officially registered.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang: He becomes more open to interacting with his peers, shares his contact information, and actively participates in online discussions. He also shows determination in pursuing his business ideas.
• Guo Feng: He expresses excitement about the company names and shows eagerness to share the news with his senior sister.

Significant Themes

• The power of networking and communication among students with shared interests.
• The potential and risks of venturing into new business areas, as seen through Li Xunhuan's approach to publishing deals.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang interacts with his classmates, exchanging contact information and discussing ancient literature.
• Chen Guiliang seeks help from Senior Brother Min to find a law student to review his contract.
• Chen Guiliang has a business meal with Xu Lei, Min Wenyu, and Guo Feng to celebrate the registration of his companies.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Guiliang hires part-time programmers and assistants, and hires staff for cleaning and meal delivery.
• He contacts printing factories to produce Sanguosha cards, settling on Wenbo Lio for their quality and price.
• The cards are printed and delivered to Peking University Science Park.
• Chen Guiliang gifts sets of Sanguosha to various student clubs and societies to promote the game.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang demonstrates strong execution and business acumen, securing deals and managing logistics.
• Wang Kai, the incubation project manager, shows interest in Chen Guiliang's projects and their potential for growth.
• Jiang Junlai and Ao Yanchen become more involved in Chen Guiliang's business, with Ao Yanchen agreeing to help promote Sanguosha.

Significant Themes

• The challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship in the early stages.
• The importance of networking and promotion in business success.
• The potential for profit and growth in the gaming industry.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang interacts with Wang Kai, discussing project progress and receiving approval.
• He collaborates with Jiang Junlai and Ao Yanchen, involving them in his business and offering them incentives for their help.
• Chen Guiliang also interacts with various printing factory managers and student club representatives to secure deals and promote his game.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Guiliang promotes his card game, Sanguosha, to various student clubs and his classmates.
• He gifts Sanguosha to the Badminton Association, Mountain Eagle Society, and his Yuanpei Class.
• Chen Guiliang shares his entrepreneurial journey with his classmates.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang: He demonstrates his entrepreneurial spirit, determination, and strategic thinking in promoting his card game. He also shows humility and self-deprecation when discussing his investments.
• Senior Brother (Badminton Association): Initially skeptical, he becomes more receptive to Chen Guiliang's gift and potential future sponsorship.
• Classmates and Counselors: They gain a new perspective on Chen Guiliang's achievements and the risks he's taken.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and determination: Chen Guiliang's relentless pursuit of his entrepreneurial goals.
• Risk-taking: Chen Guiliang's willingness to invest a significant amount of money into his companies.
• Networking and connections: Chen Guiliang's efforts to promote his game within the university community.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang interacts with various student club members, offering them Sanguosha and promoting his game.
• He shares his entrepreneurial journey with his classmates and counselors, fostering a new level of respect and understanding.
• Chen Guiliang's interactions with the senior brother from the Badminton Association showcase his persuasive skills and ability to build rapport.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Guiliang shares his entrepreneurial journey with his classmates, revealing he started a card game business inspired by Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
• He discusses the Peking University Science Park and its incubator project, which supported his business.
• Chen Guiliang's classmates are impressed by his plans to expand the business, including organizing college card game competitions.
• Chen Guiliang teaches his classmates how to play Sanguosha, and they find it addictive and potentially popular.
• Chen Guiliang meets with Professor Yuan, giving him a paper discussing errors in the annotations of the Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng. Professor Yuan praises Chen Guiliang's work and promises to forward it to the writing group for the new curriculum standard high school Chinese textbook.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang: He gains confidence in his entrepreneurial abilities and becomes more well-known and respected among his classmates. He also shows initiative in seeking guidance from Professor Yuan.
• Professor Yuan: He is impressed by Chen Guiliang's work and offers to help him by forwarding his paper to the textbook writing group.

Significant Themes

• Entrepreneurship: Chen Guiliang's story highlights the potential for success through entrepreneurship, even as a student.
• Mentorship: The interaction between Chen Guiliang and Professor Yuan emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from mentors.
• Popularity and Fame: The classmates' reactions to Chen Guiliang's business plans and Professor Yuan's praise highlight the desire for popularity and recognition.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang interacts with his classmates, sharing his entrepreneurial journey and teaching them how to play Sanguosha.
• Chen Guiliang meets with Professor Yuan, presenting him with a paper and seeking his guidance.
• Professor Yuan interacts with Chen Guiliang, praising his work and offering to help him by forwarding his paper.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Guiliang skips class and returns to his dorm, where he finds students playing Sanguosha in the corridor.
• He takes photos of them and posts them on the university BBS to promote Sanguosha.
• The Peking University Press Reader Service Department sells out their initial stock of Sanguosha and requests a restock.
• Chen Guiliang hires someone to handle restock deliveries.
• Xiaonei Network is ready for internal testing, with Guo Feng inviting around 30 people and Chen Guiliang inviting the rest.
• Chen Guiliang invites people to participate in the internal test via email and other messaging platforms.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang demonstrates his networking skills and determination in promoting Sanguosha and inviting people for the Xiaonei Network test.
• Guo Feng shows responsibility and dedication to Xiaonei Network's development.
• Min Wenyu and Jiang Junlai express interest in participating in the Xiaonei Network internal test.

Significant Themes

• Networking and Connections: Chen Guiliang's extensive network of contacts proves invaluable in promoting Sanguosha and inviting participants for the Xiaonei Network test.
• Determination and Perseverance: Despite the challenges and setbacks, Chen Guiliang remains committed to his goals, demonstrating resilience and a strong work ethic.
• Business Growth and Development: The successful sale of Sanguosha at the Peking University Press Reader Service Department signals the beginning of Sanguosha's commercial success, setting the stage for the Xiaonei Network's internal test.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang interacts with the students playing Sanguosha in the dorm corridor, taking their photos and promoting the game on the BBS.
• He communicates with Guo Feng about the Xiaonei Network's internal test, inviting him to participate and discussing the details of the test.
• Chen Guiliang reaches out to his extensive network of contacts, inviting them to participate in the Xiaonei Network internal test via email and other messaging platforms.
• He also interacts with Min Wenyu and Jiang Junlai, inviting them to participate in the test and allowing Min Wenyu to use his computer.
• Chen Guiliang contacts Wang Kai, the incubation project manager, inviting him to observe the Xiaonei Network internal test.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Guiliang meets Wang Kai, the teacher in charge of the incubation project, and Lai Dandan, a school reporter, at his office.
• They observe the internal testing of Xiaonei Network, with Lai Dandan taking photos and interviewing Chen Guiliang.
• Chen Guiliang demonstrates various features of Xiaonei Network, impressing Lai Dandan with his innovative ideas.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang: Shows his entrepreneurial spirit, passion, and unique perspective on combining rationality and romance in his ventures. He also displays his charm and charisma, impressing Lai Dandan.
• Lai Dandan: Becomes more interested in Chen Guiliang's story and his companies, seeing potential in him and his ideas. She also shows enthusiasm and dedication in her reporting.

Significant Themes

• Entrepreneurship: Chen Guiliang embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship, driven by passion, innovation, and a desire to make a difference.
• Romance vs. Rationality: Chen Guiliang's approach to his companies reflects his belief in balancing passion and reason, a theme that resonates with Lai Dandan.
• Poetry and Entrepreneurship: Chen Guiliang compares starting a company to writing a poem, emphasizing the poetic and romantic aspects of entrepreneurship.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang and Wang Kai: They have a friendly and respectful interaction, with Wang Kai acknowledging Chen Guiliang's potential and Chen Guiliang showing deference to Wang Kai's experience.
• Chen Guiliang and Lai Dandan: They have a productive and engaging interaction, with Lai Dandan becoming increasingly impressed by Chen Guiliang's ideas and story, and Chen Guiliang enjoying the opportunity to share his vision.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Guiliang plans the internal testing phase of the Xiaonei Network, lasting two months, with specific goals and tasks for each month.
• He discusses the team structure and future hiring needs with Wang Kai, the park manager.
• Chen Guiliang learns about loan options from Wang Kai, including the park's incubation fund with favorable terms.
• He attends a class on "Introduction to Logic" and interacts with students who recognize him.
• Chen Guiliang records voice-overs for Sanguosha with amateur voice actors and treats them to barbecue afterward.
• He reflects on his busy lifestyle under a pagoda tree near his dormitory.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang demonstrates his leadership and organizational skills in planning the Xiaonei Network's internal testing phase and considering future hiring needs.
• He shows his determination and resilience in managing his busy schedule, taking classes, running companies, and writing articles.
• Chen Guiliang also displays his humility and gratitude in treating the voice actors to barbecue as a token of appreciation.

Significant Themes

• The chapter highlights the challenges and demands of entrepreneurship, as Chen Guiliang struggles to balance his academic and professional responsibilities.
• It also touches on the importance of networking and building relationships, as Chen Guiliang interacts with Wang Kai, students, and voice actors.
• The theme of isolation and reflection is present as Chen Guiliang observes the lively campus scene from under the pagoda tree.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang interacts with Wang Kai, seeking his advice on loans and the park's incubation fund.
• He engages with students in his "Introduction to Logic" class, who recognize him and inquire about his businesses.
• Chen Guiliang works with amateur voice actors to record voice-overs for Sanguosha, treating them to barbecue afterward.
• He reflects on his busy lifestyle while observing the lively campus scene, feeling somewhat isolated from his peers.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Guiliang, skipping class again, invites Senior Sister Ao to join his company.
• Ao Yanchen agrees to join but is given a heavy workload, including managing both Sanguosha and Xiaonei Network, and handling office procurement and decoration.
• Chen Guiliang forgets to discuss salary with Ao Yanchen.
• Peng Haoran, a senior in the Finance department, publicly declares his love for Bian Guanyue by arranging candles and preparing to sing.
• Chen Guiliang arrives at Capital University of Economics and Business and tries to sell Sanguosha cards to Peng Haoran's band, but is rejected.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang: Shows persistence in persuading Ao Yanchen to join his company and in promoting Sanguosha, but also displays forgetfulness in important matters like discussing salary.
• Ao Yanchen: Agrees to join Chen Guiliang's company but is aware of the heavy workload and lack of clear job description, and is unhappy about the salary issue.
• Peng Haoran: Demonstrates his romantic pursuit of Bian Guanyue in a grand, public manner, but is later offended by Chen Guiliang's sales attempt.
• Bian Guanyue: Stands firm in her relationship with Chen Guiliang, despite Peng Haoran's pursuit.

Significant Themes

• Persistence and determination in business and relationships.
• The importance of clear communication and job descriptions in business.
• The contrast between public displays of affection and personal feelings.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang and Ao Yanchen: Chen Guiliang successfully persuades Ao Yanchen to join his company, but their interaction highlights the lack of clear job descriptions and the salary issue.
• Chen Guiliang and Peng Haoran: Chen Guiliang's attempt to sell Sanguosha cards to Peng Haoran's band leads to a tense interaction, with Peng Haoran ordering Chen Guiliang to leave.
• Bian Guanyue and her roommates: Bian Guanyue's roommates discuss Peng Haoran's pursuit, with Lin Ruonan expressing contempt for him and warning Bian Guanyue about his character.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Peng Haoran's band's candlelight confession is disrupted by the Dorm Auntie due to fire safety regulations.
• Chen Guiliang, a Peking University student, arrives and provokes Peng Haoran, leading to a chaotic scene.
• Peng Haoran's band breaks up due to Chen Guiliang's interference.
• Peng Haoran and Chen Guiliang are taken to the Student Affairs Office, where they are reprimanded but not severely punished due to Chen Guiliang's quick thinking.

Character Developments

• Peng Haoran: Shows impulsiveness and a tendency to lose his temper, leading to poor decisions. His band breaks up due to his actions.
• Chen Guiliang: Demonstrates quick thinking, provocation skills, and the ability to manipulate situations to his advantage. He successfully breaks up Peng Haoran's band and avoids severe punishment.
• Bian Guanyue: Shows concern for Peng Haoran but doesn't intervene in the conflict.
• Peng Haoran's Band Members: They prioritize their own interests and leave Peng Haoran when faced with conflict.

Significant Themes

• Provocation and Manipulation: Chen Guiliang uses provocation to manipulate Peng Haoran and the situation to his advantage.
• Loyalty and Betrayal: Peng Haoran's band members prioritize their own interests over loyalty to the band when faced with conflict.
• Consequences of Impulsiveness: Peng Haoran's impulsive actions lead to the breakup of his band and a trip to the Student Affairs Office.

Character Interactions

• Peng Haoran vs. Chen Guiliang: Their interaction is filled with provocation, manipulation, and conflict, leading to the breakup of Peng Haoran's band.
• Peng Haoran vs. His Band Members: The band members prioritize their own interests over loyalty to the band, leading to its breakup.
• Peng Haoran and Bian Guanyue: Bian Guanyue shows concern for Peng Haoran but doesn't intervene in the conflict, suggesting a lack of strong emotional connection.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Guiliang and Peng Haoran's altercation is investigated by a teacher.
• Chen Guiliang uses his knowledge of school regulations to advocate for disciplinary action against Peng Haoran.
• Peng Haoran is made to write a letter of guarantee and apologize to Bian Guanyue.
• Chen Guiliang decides to send a banner to the student affairs office to publicly acknowledge the teacher's handling of the case.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang: Shows his stubbornness and resourcefulness in handling the incident. He demonstrates his intelligence and assertiveness in dealing with Peng Haoran and the teacher. He also shows care and consideration for Bian Guanyue's feelings.
• Peng Haoran: Initially arrogant and unrepentant, he eventually apologizes and shows fear of the consequences, indicating a change in attitude.
• Bian Guanyue: Shows resilience in dealing with Peng Haoran's harassment. She also shows understanding and support for Chen Guiliang's actions.
• Teacher Zhang: Demonstrates fairness and impartiality in handling the case. He also shows awareness of the seriousness of the situation and the need to protect students.

Significant Themes

• Justice and Fairness: The teacher's handling of the case shows a commitment to justice and fairness, even in the face of pressure from Peng Haoran's potential reaction.
• Responsibility and Accountability: Chen Guiliang's insistence on following official procedures and Peng Haoran's letter of guarantee highlight the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions.
• Power Dynamics: The incident shows the power dynamics between students and the school administration, as well as between different students.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang and Peng Haoran: Their interaction shows a clash of personalities and values, with Chen Guiliang's assertiveness and resourcefulness contrasting with Peng Haoran's arrogance and lack of responsibility.
• Chen Guiliang and Bian Guanyue: Their interaction shows a caring and supportive relationship, with Chen Guiliang acting to protect Bian Guanyue and Bian Guanyue understanding and supporting Chen Guiliang's actions.
• Chen Guiliang and Teacher Zhang: Their interaction shows a mutual respect and understanding, with Chen Guiliang acknowledging the teacher's role in handling the case and the teacher appreciating Chen Guiliang's resourcefulness.
• Peng Haoran and Teacher Zhang: Their interaction shows the teacher's authority and the student's fear of consequences, with Peng Haoran eventually apologizing and writing a letter of guarantee.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Guiliang creates banners for Xiaonei Network promotion and delivers them to the student affairs office and dormitory aunties.
• Xiaonei Network opens the friend invitation function, reaching over 8,000 users in a week.
• Chen Guiliang initiates the Campus Belle Selection event to boost user engagement.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang shows dedication to promoting Xiaonei Network, even going to great lengths to create banners and engage with users.
• Ao Yanchen proves her worth as the general manager, handling office decoration and accepting the new office space.
• Guo Feng and Dong Qianqiu work together to develop the voting and election system for the Campus Belle Selection.

Significant Themes

• The importance of user engagement and retention in the success of Xiaonei Network.
• The challenges of charging and billing systems in the early internet market in China.
• The competitive nature of the internet market and the need to grab users and time.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang interacts with his classmates and other students to gather information for the Campus Belle Selection.
• Chen Guiliang, Guo Feng, and Dong Qianqiu collaborate to develop and improve Xiaonei Network.
• Ao Yanchen and Chen Guiliang discuss and agree on her salary.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Guiliang signs a loan agreement for his startups at the old innovation center.
• A leader from Peking University Science Park Incubator Company, Teacher Li, visits and meets Chen Guiliang.
• Chen Guiliang secures two types of loans: a standard debt loan and a convertible bond loan.
• Chen Guiliang tours the new Science Park building, meeting other startup teams, and learning about their businesses.
• He meets students from various departments starting companies in education, publishing, biotechnology, and more.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang: Shows determination and ambition in starting two companies as a freshman. He demonstrates networking skills by connecting with other entrepreneurs and gathering their contact information.
• Teacher Li: Portrayed as supportive and encouraging towards young entrepreneurs.
• Other Entrepreneurs: Varying levels of ambition, understanding, and resilience are shown among the students and teachers starting businesses.

Significant Themes

• Entrepreneurship: The chapter highlights the passion and challenges of young entrepreneurs, with a focus on the diverse range of businesses they're starting.
• Support and Mentorship: The role of Peking University Science Park in supporting and incubating these startups is emphasized.
• Realism vs. Idealism: Many entrepreneurs seem to underestimate the challenges they'll face, while some, like Chen Guiliang, are more aware of the difficulties ahead.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang interacts with various entrepreneurs, showing interest in their businesses and exchanging contact information.
• Teacher Li meets Chen Guiliang, expressing support and wishing him success.
• Entrepreneurs from different companies discuss their businesses, challenges, and future plans with each other.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Peking University hosts a campus beauty vote using a new website, Xiaonei.com.
• Liu Xuan, an Olympic champion and actress, leads the vote with no suspense.
• Students are more interested in voting for department beauties than the campus belle.
• The event attracts new users to Xiaonei.com and boosts its popularity.

Character Developments

• Li Shishi, a journalism student, is surprised to be second in her department's vote.
• Chen Guiliang, the creator of Xiaonei.com, enjoys the attention his website receives.
• Min Wenyu and Jiang Junlai, Chen Guiliang's roommates, argue over the campus belle's looks.

Significant Themes

• The impact of new technology and social media on society and culture.
• The objectification of women in beauty pageants and the male gaze.
• The dynamics of popularity and fame in a university setting.

Character Interactions

• Li Shishi and her roommate discuss the campus beauty vote.
• Chen Guiliang and his friends discuss the success of the campus beauty vote.
• Min Wenyu and Jiang Junlai argue over who is more beautiful, Liu Xuan or Li Shishi.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Campus beauty contests sweep through universities in Beijing, with Tsinghua University leading the trend.
• Xiaonei Network experiences a surge in registered users, leading to hardware upgrades and a leased server from Peking University.
• A reporter from China Youth Daily interviews Chen Guiliang about the campus beauty contest and online real-name systems.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang: Shows his business acumen by capitalizing on the campus beauty trend and handling the media interview tactfully.
• Liu Xuan: Becomes a campus belle candidate, attracting media attention, and remains humble and unaffected by her newfound popularity.

Significant Themes

• Youth subculture and self-expression: The campus beauty contest serves as a platform for students to express themselves and engage in online discussions about youth culture.
• Online real-name systems: The debate surrounding real-name registration on the internet is introduced, with Chen Guiliang advocating for stricter regulation and accountability.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang and Reporter Lei: Chen Guiliang navigates the interview, avoiding direct answers about real-name systems while promoting Xiaonei Network and the campus beauty contest.
• Reporter Lei and University Students/Teachers: The reporter interviews various individuals about their opinions on the campus beauty contest and real-name systems, gathering diverse perspectives.
• Liu Xuan and her Classmates/Professors: Liu Xuan's popularity increases due to her campus belle candidacy, leading to more interaction with her peers and professors.

Plot Points and Events

• ByteDance and Game Science officially move into their new offices in the Science Park Building.
• Chen Guiliang receives a call from Li Xunhuan about media attention and plans for Those Things of the Ming Dynasty.
• Chen Guiliang hires Ding Qiang, the first full-time employee through social recruitment.

Character Developments

• Chen Guiliang: Shows maturity and responsibility in handling business matters, including hiring and financial decisions.
• Bian Guanyue: Demonstrates her wealth and willingness to support Chen Guiliang financially.
• Ding Qiang: Shows determination and eagerness to secure a job, displaying a willingness to learn and adapt.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and determination: Chen Guiliang's drive to succeed in his businesses and Bian Guanyue's support for him.
• Opportunity and adaptability: Ding Qiang's eagerness to secure a job and learn, despite his previous company's bankruptcy.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang and Bian Guanyue: Their relationship deepens as Bian Guanyue offers financial support, and Chen Guiliang accepts it reluctantly.
• Chen Guiliang and Ding Qiang: Chen Guiliang hires Ding Qiang after a brief interview and offers him a place to live, showing consideration for his employee's well-being.
• Dong Qianqiu and Chen Guiliang: Dong Qianqiu decides to leave his internship at Microsoft due to dissatisfaction with the tasks assigned to him and returns to work for Chen Guiliang.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dong Qianqiu returns to Microsoft Research Asia after being sent back due to an intern's scheming.
• Chen Guiliang and friends celebrate moving into a new office with a hot pot dinner.
• Li Xunhuan promotes "Those Things of the Ming Dynasty" through various writers' blogs, causing a stir online.
• The novel gains significant attention and discussion on platforms like Tianya Forum and Peking University BBS, with mixed reviews.

Character Developments

• Dong Qianqiu learns about office politics and the cutthroat competition among interns.
• Chen Guiliang continues to skip classes and focuses on Xiaonei Network and the novel's promotion.
• Li Xunhuan demonstrates his extensive connections and marketing skills.

Significant Themes

• Office politics and competition in the workplace (Dong Qianqiu's experience).
• The power of connections and marketing in the literary world (Li Xunhuan's promotion of the novel).
• The impact of online platforms and social media on book promotion and reception.

Character Interactions

• Chen Guiliang comforts Dong Qianqiu and offers him a future position in their company.
• Li Xunhuan collaborates with various writers to promote "Those Things of the Ming Dynasty."
• Netizens on Tianya Forum and Peking University BBS engage in heated discussions about the novel.