Ch. 161Li Jun: Chen Guiliang and I Are Buddies

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Bian Jinsong, Bian Guanyue's father, had a diverse entrepreneurial history, including selling mosquito nets, electronic products, and real estate, as well as investing in the stock market.
  • He met Chen Guiliang, Bian Guanyue's boyfriend, who had become a multimillionaire at the age of 19 by founding a tech company, making Bian Jinsong feel he couldn't keep up with the times.
  • Li Jun, Chen Guiliang's high school classmate, learns about Chen's success and starts bragging about their friendship.

Character Developments

  • Bian Jinsong: Realizes he can't keep up with the times after learning about Chen Guiliang's success. He becomes worried about his daughter's relationship with Chen.
  • Chen Guiliang: Becomes a multimillionaire at 19, inspiring those around him, including his high school classmates.
  • Li Jun: Feels compelled to brag about his friendship with Chen Guiliang after learning about Chen's success.

Significant Themes

  • Wealth and success
  • Keeping up with the times
  • Friendship and bragging rights

Character Interactions

  • Bian Jinsong and Chen Guiliang: Bian Jinsong calls Chen Guiliang, feeling a mix of admiration and concern for his daughter's relationship with him.
  • Li Jun and his classmates: Li Jun brags about his friendship with Chen Guiliang to his classmates after learning about Chen's success.

Ch. 162Arrangements Need to Be Made Back Home Too (Bonus Chapter for Alliance Leader Daoist Kevin)

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Guiliang's business success leads to a call from Feng Tao, who learns about Chen Guiliang's billion-dollar investment.
  • Feng Tao and his wife discuss borrowing money from Chen Guiliang to buy the computer shop's shares, but Feng Tao refuses.
  • Feng Tao delivers a phone to Chen Xinghua, who learns about Chen Guiliang's wealth and instructions for managing his newfound status.
  • Chen Xinghua and Yao Lan receive news of their son's wealth calmly and continue their daily work.

Character Developments

  • Feng Tao: Becomes more confident in his business, buys back shares in the computer shop, and is proud of his achievements. He remains humble and responsible, refusing to borrow money from Chen Guiliang despite his wife's suggestion.
  • Chen Xinghua and Yao Lan: React calmly to their son's sudden wealth, prioritizing their daily work and following Chen Guiliang's instructions to manage his new status.
  • Chen Guiliang: Demonstrates maturity and foresight by providing clear instructions to his father on how to handle his new wealth and status, showing he's prepared for the challenges that come with success.

Significant Themes

  • Humility and Responsibility: Feng Tao refuses to borrow money from Chen Guiliang, prioritizing his own efforts and achievements over easy gains.
  • Family and Support: Despite their son's sudden wealth, Chen Xinghua and Yao Lan remain focused on their daily work and support each other.
  • Preparation and Foresight: Chen Guiliang's clear instructions to his father show he's prepared for the challenges that come with success.

Character Interactions

  • Feng Tao and Chen Guiliang: The cousins maintain a close relationship, with Feng Tao supporting Chen Guiliang's business and delivering a phone to Chen Xinghua.
  • Chen Xinghua and Yao Lan: The couple works together in the fields and supports each other, reacting calmly to their son's sudden wealth.
  • Chen Xinghua and Chen Guiliang: Father and son discuss Chen Guiliang's new status and wealth, with Chen Guiliang providing clear instructions on how to manage it.

Ch. 163How Many People Changed Because of You

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The chapter takes place after the 2005 College Entrance Exam, with students back in school preparing for the Final Exam.
  • Master Chinese Language and Literature teacher Li Runze shares that Chen Guiliang's company, ByteDance, has received $5 million in Venture Capital Funds, valuing it at $30 million post-investment, making Chen Guiliang worth $160 million.
  • Politics teacher Gao Zhan and students discuss Chen Guiliang's views on literature and politics.
  • Qin Shanshan's parents are addicted to the game Happy Farm, which is part of Xiaonei Network, one of Chen Guiliang's companies.
  • Maternal Uncle meets a potential wife through a Matchmaker.
  • Tao Xue, still infatuated with Chen Guiliang, texts him and decides to pursue him even more.

Character Developments

  • Li Runze continues to brag about Chen Guiliang's success to his students.
  • Gao Zhan's students challenge his knowledge and views on literature and politics.
  • Qin Shanshan's parents become addicted to Happy Farm, highlighting the game's popularity and Chen Guiliang's influence.
  • Maternal Uncle finds hope in life after meeting a potential wife.
  • Tao Xue's determination to pursue Chen Guiliang grows stronger.

Significant Themes

  • The impact of wealth and success on others (Li Runze, Qin Shanshan's parents, Maternal Uncle).
  • The influence of technology and the internet on society (Happy Farm, Xiaonei Network).
  • Unrequited love and determination (Tao Xue).

Character Interactions

  • Li Runze interacts with his students, sharing Chen Guiliang's success story.
  • Gao Zhan engages with his students, discussing politics and literature, but is challenged by one of his students.
  • Qin Shanshan interacts with her parents, discussing their addiction to Happy Farm and Chen Guiliang's influence.
  • Maternal Uncle interacts with a potential wife, finding hope in life.
  • Tao Xue texts Chen Guiliang, expressing her determination to pursue him, and interacts with her roommates about her feelings.

Ch. 164President Chen's Ride Gets an Upgrade

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Guiliang moves ByteDance to the 14th floor due to superstition about the number 14.
  • The company begins renovations and recruitment on the same day.
  • Chen Guiliang hires Wei Xiaokang for HR, and Shi Qian as the sole legal specialist.
  • The company attracts many high-quality talents due to Chen Guiliang's reputation.
  • Chen Guiliang treats his classmates to a meal after exams, and his bicycle gets an additional lock.

Character Developments

  • Chen Guiliang: Shows maturity in decision-making and leadership, valuing opportunities for growth over immediate financial gain. He also demonstrates a desire for a more relaxed lifestyle after the company expands.
  • Wei Xiaokang: A recent graduate with strong HR knowledge and confidence, he impresses Chen Guiliang with his insights about Datang Telecom and ByteDance.
  • Shi Qian: A skilled lawyer from King & Wood Mallesons, he seeks an opportunity at ByteDance and offers a one-year contract with a lower salary.

Significant Themes

  • Superstition vs. Rationality: Chen Guiliang's decision to move to the 14th floor highlights the influence of superstition on decision-making.
  • Opportunity and Growth: Both Chen Guiliang and the applicants value opportunities for growth and development over immediate financial rewards.
  • Leadership and Decision-Making: Chen Guiliang demonstrates his leadership skills in hiring and decision-making, while also showing a desire for a more balanced lifestyle.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Guiliang and Wei Xiaokang: Chen Guiliang is impressed by Wei Xiaokang's insights and hires him for HR.
  • Chen Guiliang and Shi Qian: Chen Guiliang is surprised by Shi Qian's one-year contract proposal but is impressed by his confidence and skills.
  • Chen Guiliang and Classmates: Chen Guiliang treats his classmates to a meal, showing his generosity and desire to maintain relationships with his peers.
  • Chen Guiliang and Zhao Beibei: Zhao Beibei's bike lock incident leads to an additional lock on Chen Guiliang's bicycle, highlighting the humorous interactions between them.

Ch. 165Super Girl Phenomenon (Bonus Chapter for Alliance Leader Ruxuan)

Key Plot Points and Events

  • ByteDance expands, hiring new employees and programmers for card and board games.
  • Chen Guiliang spends his free time at the company, providing guidance and allowing young employees to learn.
  • Super Girl TV show becomes a national phenomenon, with students at Peking University enthusiastically participating and discussing it on the Xiaonei Network and BBS.
  • Chen Guiliang invests in Tao Chenggang's game company in Hangzhou and plans to attend a writer's forum in Mo Du.

Character Developments

  • Chen Guiliang: He enjoys his college life, watching Super Girl with students, and becomes more relaxed and sociable. He also shows interest in the Super Girl craze's impact on the Xiaonei Network.
  • Students: They engage in various activities related to Super Girl, such as analyzing voting strategies, buying phone cards, and even mimicking Li Yuchun's style. They also discuss and debate the show's impact on society and culture.

Significant Themes

  • The impact of popular culture (Super Girl) on society and individuals.
  • The interaction between traditional education (Peking University) and popular culture.
  • The commercialization of fandom and entertainment capitalism.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Guiliang interacts with students while watching Super Girl, providing commentary and engaging in discussions about the show.
  • Students discuss and debate the show, its impact, and related topics on the Xiaonei Network, BBS, and in person.
  • Chen Guiliang keeps in touch with Xie Yang about the Xiaonei Network's activities related to Super Girl.
  • Chen Guiliang plans to meet up with Bian Guanyue after his business trips to Hangzhou and Mo Du.

Ch. 166Take Tencent's Path and Leave Tengzi No Way Forward

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Guiliang visits Pixel Software, seeking cooperation for Blade and Sword Online and hiring two of their employees to help develop Game Science's game engine.
  • Chen Guiliang agrees to sell Blade and Sword: Demon Seal on the Youke Mutual Play Platform and offer a 50% discount on banner ads for Blade and Sword Online.
  • Chen Guiliang plans to create a side-scrolling online game similar to Dungeon & Fighter, aiming to enter the market before the Korean version.

Character Developments

  • Chen Guiliang demonstrates his business acumen and strategic thinking, aiming to disrupt the market and secure a competitive advantage.
  • Liu Kun, the boss of Pixel Software, shows dedication to his team's independence and passion for game development, but is also open to beneficial collaborations.

Significant Themes

  • The importance of strategic partnerships and collaborations in business.
  • The challenges and opportunities in the gaming industry, particularly in online gaming and game engine development.
  • The potential for disruption and competition in the market.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Guiliang and Liu Kun engage in a business negotiation, with Chen Guiliang successfully securing a deal that benefits both parties.
  • Chen Guiliang and Xu Fengyin have a brief, awkward conversation about manga, with Xu Fengyin defending her taste and Chen Guiliang showing understanding and acceptance.
  • Xu Fengyin helps Chen Guiliang find a suitable candidate for a new position, demonstrating her willingness to assist and her connections within her network.

Ch. 167Free Advertising and Free Games

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Guiliang holds a meeting before leaving the Capital City.
  • He introduces the idea of creating a free classifieds website to increase Xiaonei Network's user activity and profitability.
  • He decides to invest in a gaming company in Hangzhou, which is developing a game based on his high school game idea.

Character Developments

  • Chen Guiliang demonstrates his strategic thinking and leadership by proposing the free classifieds website and investing in the gaming company.
  • Tao Chenggang shows his dedication and confidence in his game development project.

Significant Themes

  • Innovation and adaptation (localizing the Craigslist model, improving the game's economic system).
  • Risk-taking and calculated decisions (investing in a game not yet developed, opening up game resources to regular players).
  • The impact of competition (Twelve Sky, Zhengtu, and the free-to-play market).

Character Interactions

  • Chen Guiliang interacts with his team, listening to their progress and making decisions based on their input.
  • He meets with Tao Chenggang and his team in Hangzhou, discussing the game's development and providing guidance.
  • The team members express doubts about Chen Guiliang's proposals, leading to discussions and eventual agreement on the plans.

Ch. 1680164: Taking a Look at Tudou (Bonus Chapter for Alliance Leader Better Go Eat)

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Guiliang stays at Tao Chenggang's company for five days, helping to refine the game's design and business model.
  • ByteDance invests 1.5 million yuan in Hundred Refinements Technology, acquiring a 25% stake.
  • Tao Chenggang consistently updates his game development progress on 17173, gaining netizen support and anticipation.
  • Chen Guiliang meets Wang Wei from Tudou, expressing interest in investing.

Character Developments

  • Chen Guiliang demonstrates his business acumen and dedication to helping startups succeed.
  • Tao Chenggang shows resilience and determination in pursuing his game development dream, gaining netizen support.
  • Wang Wei exhibits a laid-back attitude despite his company's financial struggles, impressing Chen Guiliang.

Significant Themes

  • Perseverance and determination in pursuing dreams (Tao Chenggang, Wang Wei).
  • The importance of community engagement and support (Tao Chenggang's 17173 updates, netizen interaction).
  • Strategic investment and collaboration (Chen Guiliang's approach with ByteDance and Tudou).

Character Interactions

  • Chen Guiliang and Tao Chenggang collaborate on game development and business strategy.
  • Tao Chenggang interacts with netizens on 17173, fostering support and anticipation for his game.
  • Chen Guiliang meets Wang Wei, expressing interest in investing in Tudou and discussing potential collaboration.

Ch. 169The Tudou Clause

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Guiliang and Wang Wei discuss Tudou's core selling point, with Chen arguing for movies, TV shows, and variety programs over UGC.
  • Chen suggests a test to compare views between UGC and licensed content.
  • Chen offers investment, traffic support, and a Super Girl-like event collaboration.
  • Chen presents an unusual clause (Tudou Clause) in the investment agreement, requiring Wang Wei to sign a prenuptial agreement to prevent future divorce-related asset freezes.
  • Chen also adds a clause allowing ByteDance to withdraw its investment if Tudou's equity becomes too diluted.

Character Developments

  • Wang Wei: Realizes the importance of licensed content for user retention and agrees to Chen's investment and conditions.
  • Chen Guiliang: Demonstrates his business acumen, vision, and unique approach to risk mitigation with the Tudou Clause.

Significant Themes

  • The importance of licensed content vs. UGC in video platforms.
  • Risk management and unique investment strategies.
  • The potential impact of personal life events on business (divorce and asset freeze).

Character Interactions

  • Chen Guiliang and Wang Wei: Chen provides guidance and investment, while Wang Wei listens, learns, and agrees to Chen's terms.
  • Wang Wei and his partners: They discuss and agree with Chen's strategies after he presents them.
  • Shi Qian and Chen Guiliang: Shi Qian drafts the agreement with the unusual clauses at Chen's request.

Ch. 170Fighting for Maximum Autonomy

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Guiliang signs a contract for investing in a gaming company without informing IDG's representative, Director Hu, leading to a tense call.
  • Chen Guiliang meets with IDG's founding partner, Xiong Xiaoge, and investment partner, Zhang Suyang, in Mo Du, replacing Director Hu with Zhang Suyang.
  • Chen Guiliang invests in Bailian Technology, a gaming company, and expresses confidence in Tudou, a video-sharing website.

Character Developments

  • Chen Guiliang demonstrates his business acumen, boldness, and foresight, impressing Xiong Xiaoge and Zhang Suyang.
  • Chen Guiliang shows dissatisfaction with IDG's interference by wearing casual attire to a formal dinner and declining molecular gastronomy dishes.
  • Zhang Suyang is portrayed as a senior, experienced investor who can keep Chen Guiliang in check but also allows him some autonomy.

Significant Themes

  • Autonomy vs. Interference: Chen Guiliang seeks maximum autonomy for his investments, clashing with IDG's representatives who want more control.
  • Investment and Foresight: Chen Guiliang's ability to identify promising investment opportunities is highlighted, showcasing his business acumen.
  • Youth and Arrogance: Chen Guiliang's youth and sudden success lead to arrogance and a tendency not to listen to advice, as noted by Zhang Suyang.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Guiliang's interactions with IDG representatives reflect his desire for autonomy and his dissatisfaction with their interference.
  • Chen Guiliang's meeting with Xiong Xiaoge and Zhang Suyang results in a replacement of Director Hu, allowing for better collaboration.
  • Chen Guiliang's dinner with IDG representatives serves as a platform for him to express his views and investment plans.

Ch. 171Writer's Forum

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The "1st Literary Generational Communication Forum" is organized by Sprout and the Hu Shang Writers Association.
  • Chen Guiliang attends only the opening ceremony in Mo Du, while the rest of the event takes place at Qiandao Lake.
  • Guo Xiaosi, despite being invited, does not attend due to his tarnished reputation and insecurity.
  • The opening ceremony features speeches from writers of different generations, with mixed reactions from the audience.

Character Developments

  • Chen Guiliang: He is now a wealthy businessman due to the success of Xiaonei Network and Sanguosha Online. He attends the forum but is more interested in his phone than the speeches.
  • Guo Xiaosi: Despite being invited, he does not attend due to his poor reputation and insecurity, reflecting his immaturity and lack of confidence.
  • Older Writers: Some older writers struggle to connect with the younger generation, using outdated humor and patronizing tones.
  • Younger Writers: They find the forum boring and struggle to engage with the older writers' speeches. Some, like Xiao Fan and Jiang Feng, chat amongst themselves, while others, like Cai Jun and Zhou Jianing, engage in other activities.

Significant Themes

  • Generational Gap: The forum highlights the gap between older and younger writers, with the older generation struggling to connect with the younger generation.
  • Honesty vs. Pretension: Chen Guiliang's honest admission about his motivations for writing stands out among the more pretentious speeches from other writers.
  • Confidence and Insecurity: Guo Xiaosi's absence highlights his lack of confidence and insecurity, contrasting with Chen Guiliang's comfort in his own skin.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Guiliang and Cai Jun: They greet each other warmly, with Cai Jun expressing his appreciation for Chen Guiliang's novel.
  • Older and Younger Writers: There's a lack of meaningful interaction between the two groups, with the older generation struggling to engage the younger generation.
  • Chen Guiliang and the Audience: His honest speech about his motivations for writing receives laughter and appreciation from the audience.

Ch. 172Chen the Hero Bids Farewell to the Literary World

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Writers discuss their status in literary circles and the market.
  • Chen Guiliang shares his views on bottom-layer writing and its mainstream trend.
  • He reveals his lack of literary aspirations and his focus on material success.
  • Chen Guiliang is interviewed by "Shanghai Youth Daily," hinting at his retirement from writing events.

Character Developments

  • Chen Guiliang: Shows his pragmatic and materialistic nature, decides to retire from writing events.
  • Jiang Feng: Receives praise for his literary skills but is advised to simplify his style.
  • Nado, Cai Jun, and others: Discuss their struggle to enter literary circles and their focus on the market.

Significant Themes

  • The relationship between literary circles and the market.
  • The mainstream trend of bottom-layer writing and its potential issues.
  • The materialistic vs. literary aspirations debate.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Guiliang interacts with various writers, sharing his views and engaging in friendly banter.
  • Writers discuss and critique each other's works and styles.
  • Chen Guiliang's interview with Zhang Xinping from "Shanghai Youth Daily."

Ch. 173Dad Gets Fashionable

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Guiliang travels to Jinling to find Qu Guohao, an old business partner from his previous life.
  • Qu Guohao is currently unemployed and preparing for postgraduate exams, having been laid off from Etang.
  • Chen Guiliang offers Qu Guohao a job at Game Science, tasked with organizing the first Sanguosha university league.
  • Chen Guiliang returns to his hometown, meets his newly married Maternal Uncle, and interacts with villagers.

Character Developments

  • Chen Guiliang: He shows his business acumen by recruiting Qu Guohao and understanding the potential of the online gaming industry. He also demonstrates his kindness and generosity towards his family and villagers.
  • Qu Guohao: Despite his current situation, Qu Guohao maintains his professionalism and willingness to take on challenges. He accepts Chen Guiliang's offer and is eager to prove himself.
  • Chen Xinghua: Chen Guiliang's father shows a sense of pride and fulfillment in his new appearance and motorcycle, indicating his personal growth and newfound confidence.

Significant Themes

  • Redemption and Second Chances: Both Chen Guiliang and Qu Guohao are given second chances in their lives, with Chen Guiliang using his knowledge from his previous life to improve his current situation and Qu Guohao being offered a new opportunity after his layoff.
  • Family and Responsibility: Chen Guiliang's visit to his hometown highlights his responsibility towards his family, as he helps his Maternal Uncle and offers assistance to the villagers.
  • Business and Ambition: The contrast between Chen Guiliang's successful business and Qu Guohao's struggles at Etang emphasizes the importance of understanding local markets and employee needs in business success.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Guiliang and Qu Guohao: Their reunion is filled with mutual respect and understanding, as Chen Guiliang offers Qu Guohao a job based on their past working relationship and Qu Guohao accepts the offer despite his current circumstances.
  • Chen Guiliang and Chen Xinghua: Their interaction shows a shift in their dynamic, with Chen Guiliang now being the provider and Chen Xinghua embracing his newfound freedom and confidence.
  • Chen Guiliang and the Villagers: Chen Guiliang's interactions with the villagers demonstrate his kindness and generosity, as he offers help and advice to those in need.

Ch. 174Different Fates of Old Classmates (Bonus Chapter for Alliance Leader Qingdenggufu Yizhanlaojiu Yizhiyan)

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Guiliang returns to his village after a long time, bringing a hard hat for his father, who rides a motorcycle without a license.
  • Chen Guiliang learns that Yang Shuo, his old classmate, is waiting for a job assignment after leaving the military and offers to help.
  • Chen Guiliang and his father cross various terrains on the motorcycle, with Chen Xinghua showing off his skills.
  • Chen Guiliang meets his family and learns about recent events in the village.
  • Chen Guiliang borrows his father's motorcycle and visits Yang Shuo, then goes to their old elementary school, recalling childhood memories.
  • Chen Guiliang offers Yang Shuo a job at his company.

Character Developments

  • Chen Guiliang: Shows concern for his family's safety and well-being, offers help to Yang Shuo, and displays a sense of responsibility and maturity.
  • Chen Xinghua: Proud of his motorcycle riding skills, eager to get a driver's license, and shows off his newfound legitimacy.
  • Yang Shuo: Struggles with finding a job after leaving the military, feels guilty for not helping Chen Guiliang during a past incident, and is eager to prove himself.

Significant Themes

  • The passage of time and change in one's hometown.
  • The importance of loyalty and standing up for one another, as seen in Chen Guiliang and Yang Shuo's past friendship.
  • The struggle to find employment and make a living.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Guiliang and Chen Xinghua: Father and son bond over motorcycle riding and family matters.
  • Chen Guiliang and Yang Shuo: Old classmates reunite, recalling childhood memories, and Chen Guiliang offers Yang Shuo a job.
  • Chen Guiliang and his family: Chen Guiliang reconnects with his family, learning about recent events and feeling content being at home.

Ch. 175ByteDance Makes Another Big Move

Key Plot Points and Events

  • ByteDance launches Kaixin Network, a sister website to Xiaonei Network, with unique features like anonymous registration, celebrity authentication, one-sided "following," and basic microblogging functionality.
  • Kaixin Network gains over 120,000 users within a day of launch, attracting users from Xiaonei Network, Tieba, and forums.
  • ByteDance collaborates with Chinese Entertainment Shanghai, bringing celebrities like Hu Ge and Li Yuchun (Chris Lee) to Kaixin Network.

Character Developments

  • Chen Guiliang, the president of ByteDance, expands the company to over a hundred people and launches Kaixin Network as an alternative to Xiaonei Network's development path.
  • Su Ping, a recent graduate, starts using both Xiaonei Network and Kaixin Network, enjoying the latter's celebrity presence and one-sided following feature.
  • Yang Shuqi, a ByteDance employee, successfully convinces Chinese Entertainment Shanghai to join Kaixin Network, demonstrating his negotiation skills.

Significant Themes

  • The rise of web 2.0 and social networking in China, with investment firms pouring money into the sector.
  • The shift in internet social logic from "authenticity + small circle interaction" to "public sharing + stranger following."
  • The potential of celebrity presence and mobile updates in driving user engagement and growth.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Guiliang interacts with his secretary and Cheng Cun, a famous writer, discussing Kaixin Network's features and user engagement.
  • Su Ping interacts with her old classmates on Xiaonei Network, discussing Kaixin Network's features and celebrity presence.
  • Yang Shuqi interacts with Cai Yinong, the president of Chinese Entertainment Shanghai, convincing her to join Kaixin Network and promoting its benefits.

Ch. 176Making Aunt Xue Cry

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Guiliang returns to his hometown to obtain a driver's license quickly and efficiently by paying a large sum of money.
  • He meets Tao Xue, who is still in high school, and they spend the day together.
  • Chen Guiliang confesses that he is dating Bian Guanyue, which upsets Tao Xue.

Character Developments

  • Chen Guiliang: He has become wealthy and influential, but he still values his relationships with his high school teachers. He is honest with Tao Xue about his relationship with Bian Guanyue.
  • Tao Xue: She is still in love with Chen Guiliang but is hurt by his confession. She finally expresses her feelings to him at the end of the chapter.

Significant Themes

  • Honesty and communication in relationships.
  • The impact of wealth and success on personal relationships.
  • The pain of unrequited love.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Guiliang and Tao Xue: Their interaction is marked by tension and unspoken feelings. Chen Guiliang is honest about his relationship with Bian Guanyue, while Tao Xue struggles to hide her hurt and disappointment. Their final interaction at the school gate is emotional and poignant.
  • Chen Guiliang and his high school teachers: He visits them to express his gratitude for their support, showing that he values his roots and the people who helped him along the way.

Ch. 177The First-Generation Weibo Was About to Launch

Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Guiliang returns to his alma mater and meets Tao Xue, who is crying. They watch the sunset together, and he accompanies her back to the dorm.
  • Chen Guiliang takes and passes his Driver's License tests, bribes the invigilators, and gets his license.
  • Chen Guiliang visits Bian Guanyue's maternal grandparents with her. They have a family dinner, and Guan Zhiwei, Bian Guanyue's uncle, discusses politics and economics with Chen Guiliang.
  • Kaixin Network finalizes an agreement with Mobile to launch a Mini Blog package, the precursor to Weibo.

Character Developments

  • Tao Xue: She's still infatuated with Chen Guiliang, cries when she sees him, and sends him a message later.
  • Chen Guiliang: He remains calm and composed, showing respect and politeness to Bian Guanyue's family. He also demonstrates his business acumen by discussing national strategies with Guan Zhiwei.
  • Guan Zhiwei: He is impressed by Chen Guiliang's knowledge and conversation skills, considering him a good match for his niece.

Significant Themes

  • The power of connections and bribery in the Driver's License tests highlights the corruption in the system.
  • The discussion between Chen Guiliang and Guan Zhiwei about national development strategies and international affairs showcases their intelligence and business acumen.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Guiliang and Tao Xue: They share a moment watching the sunset, but Tao Xue's feelings for him remain unspoken.
  • Chen Guiliang and Guan Zhiwei: They have an engaging conversation about politics and economics, with Guan Zhiwei being impressed by Chen Guiliang's knowledge.
  • Chen Guiliang and Bian Guanyue: They visit her maternal grandparents together, and she introduces him to her family.

Ch. 178Humanity's Baffling Behavior

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Guiliang struggles with his feelings for Tao Xue and Bian Guanyue, engaging in a confusing chat with both of them simultaneously.
  • Chen Guiliang attends the China International Digital Interactive Entertainment Exhibition (ChinaJoy) with his team to promote Sanguosha.
  • At a summit forum, Chen Guiliang encounters a Korean representative from OurGame, Park Hyun-joo, who offends his Chinese peers with his speech.

Character Developments

  • Chen Guiliang: Struggles with his feelings for Tao Xue and Bian Guanyue, showing emotional turmoil and indecision. He also demonstrates assertiveness and confidence in handling business matters.
  • Park Hyun-joo: Reveals his arrogant and disrespectful attitude towards Chinese people and their gaming industry, showing a lack of self-awareness and understanding of cultural differences.

Significant Themes

  • Love triangle and emotional confusion: Chen Guiliang's struggle with his feelings for two women highlights the complexities and confusions that can arise in romantic relationships.
  • Cultural differences and misunderstandings: Park Hyun-joo's offensive speech towards Chinese people and their gaming industry underscores the potential for misunderstandings and conflicts due to cultural differences.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Guiliang and Tao Xue: Their confusing chat illustrates the tension and uncertainty in their relationship, with Chen Guiliang's indecision causing discomfort for both parties.
  • Chen Guiliang and Park Hyun-joo: Their interaction at the summit forum highlights the cultural differences and misunderstandings between them, leading to a tense and uncomfortable exchange.

Ch. 179Refusing to Admit Defeat

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Guiliang criticizes a Korean game developer, Park Hyun-joo, for his disrespectful remarks about Chinese people and their understanding of the internet.
  • Park Hyun-joo becomes angry and argues with Chen Guiliang, eventually storming out of the event.
  • Chen Guiliang publicly declares that his companies will not make money from Korean games.

Character Developments

  • Chen Guiliang: Stands up for Chinese people and their capabilities, shows passion and integrity in his business principles.
  • Park Hyun-joo: Exhibits arrogance, disrespect, and a lack of professionalism, ultimately damaging his reputation.
  • Wang Zijie, Zhang Chun, Liu Kun, and Yang Jin: Support Chen Guiliang's stance against Park Hyun-joo, showing unity among Chinese game developers.

Significant Themes

  • National pride and respect: Chen Guiliang defends Chinese people's intelligence and capabilities against Park Hyun-joo's insults.
  • Integrity in business: Chen Guiliang's declaration to not make money from Korean games highlights his commitment to his principles.
  • Unity among Chinese developers: The support from other developers for Chen Guiliang's stance against Park Hyun-joo demonstrates solidarity within the industry.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Guiliang vs. Park Hyun-joo: Their argument highlights cultural differences, disrespect, and the importance of mutual respect in business.
  • Chen Guiliang and his peers: They support each other's stances, showing unity and solidarity among Chinese game developers.
  • Chen Guiliang and the reporters: Chen Guiliang's openness and willingness to discuss his views and company's performance with reporters help build his reputation.

Ch. 180Korean Company to Distribute Sanguosha (Bonus Chapter for Alliance Leader Oak Pineapple)

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Guiliang and Ren Yuxin, both from Chuan Shu, discuss a potential collaboration at a gaming summit.
  • OurGame's Korean representative, Park Hyun-joo, insults Chinese people at a forum, causing outrage.
  • Bao Yueqiao, CEO of OurGame, demands Park's removal after the incident.
  • Chen Guiliang, in an interview, expresses his disbelief at Park's actions and states Youke's commitment to Sanguosha.
  • Korean game company representatives ridicule NHN and its practices.
  • Shin Yu-bin, a representative from Frentic Software in Korea, shows interest in distributing Sanguosha in Korea.

Character Developments

  • Chen Guiliang: Shows determination to collaborate with Ren Yuxin and expresses his commitment to Sanguosha.
  • Bao Yueqiao: Becomes frustrated with the Korean representatives' behavior and considers resigning as OurGame's CEO.
  • Park Hyun-joo: Causes an international incident with his inappropriate remarks, leading to potential recall to Korea.
  • Shin Yu-bin: Becomes interested in distributing Sanguosha in Korea after playing the game.

Significant Themes

  • Cultural Insensitivity: Park Hyun-joo's remarks highlight the cultural insensitivity and lack of understanding between the Korean and Chinese gaming industries.
  • Monopolistic Practices: NHN's practices, such as taking an 80% cut from listed games and forcing game shutdowns without refunds, are criticized by other Korean companies.
  • Collaboration and Competition: Despite the cultural issues, there's still interest in collaboration between Chinese and Korean gaming companies, as seen with Shin Yu-bin's interest in Sanguosha.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Guiliang and Ren Yuxin: They discuss a potential collaboration, showing a friendly and business-oriented relationship.
  • Bao Yueqiao and Wu Guoliang: Bao expresses his frustration with the Korean representatives to Wu, who tries to mediate the situation.
  • Korean Game Company Representatives: They ridicule NHN and its practices, showing a sense of camaraderie among competitors.
  • Shin Yu-bin and Youke's Staff: Shin shows interest in distributing Sanguosha, interacting with Youke's staff to learn about the game.
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