Chapter Summaries

Chen Mo completed the final preparations for Star Ring and spent the night with his pregnant wife, Xiao Yu. The next morning, he arrived at Science Island with Li Chengzhi and Zhao Min, then announced the start of Star Ring’s first fusion experiment.

• Chen Mo confirmed Star Ring was ready, told Xiao Yu the experiment would begin the next morning, and promised to celebrate with her afterward.
• Chen Mo went to Science Island, where Li Chengzhi and Zhao Min were waiting to witness the experiment.
• Zhao Min told Chen Mo the company was running smoothly and was working with the government on plans for Holographic City.
• Li Jian, Ke Jianye, and the other researchers eagerly gathered around Chen Mo in the command center to ask when the experiment would begin.
• Chen Mo addressed the researchers and officially began Star Ring’s first fusion experiment.

Chen Mo and the Star Ring Laboratory team successfully ignited plasma in Star Ring and sustained it for a record 495 seconds, far exceeding expectations. Although the breakthrough brought fusion energy closer, Chen Mo considered the experiment a failure without net energy output and ordered preparations for a second test.

• Chen Mo ordered Star Ring powered on, and the laboratory’s AI reported that its systems and magnetic fields were operating normally.
• After the team injected deuterium-tritium fuel and completed preparations, Chen Mo ordered ignition, and the AI confirmed successful plasma formation at 80.14 million degrees Celsius.
• The plasma discharge exceeded 100 seconds, breaking Super Ring’s record, and researchers including Li Jian and Wan Yuanxi celebrated the breakthrough.
• The plasma sustained high-confinement discharge for 495 seconds before ending, with its temperature approaching 90 million degrees Celsius.
• Chen Mo remained dissatisfied because Star Ring had not achieved net energy output and ordered preparations for a second experiment.

After Star Ring sustained plasma for 495.43 seconds at nearly 90 million degrees Celsius, Chen Mo judged the experiment incomplete and ordered preparations for another test. News of the breakthrough reached Wang Nian, who agreed to bring more Tritium Fuel and join the project team.

• Chen Mo told Wan Yuanxi to prepare another experiment and request 500 grams of Tritium Fuel, saying he would handle the data and equipment adjustments.
• Wan Yuanxi explained to Li Jian and the other researchers that Chen Mo considered the experiment a failure because it had not produced stable, sustained plasma, then ordered them to prepare for the next test.
• Wan Yuanxi told Wang Nian that Star Ring had sustained plasma for 495.43 seconds at nearly 90 million degrees Celsius, and explained that project data could not be shared without Chen Mo's approval.
• Wang Nian questioned Chen Mo's dissatisfaction, then agreed to travel to Star Ring and arrange for the Nuclear Industry Group to deliver the additional Tritium Fuel.

After the Star Ring’s first Nuclear Fusion experiment, Chen Mo judged its 495-second plasma discharge an important proof of concept but not enough for his goal. He had Mo Nv analyze the data and adjust the experimental parameters, then stayed in the laboratory to prepare for a second experiment.

• Chen Mo told Li Chengzhi that the first Star Ring experiment had succeeded by ordinary standards but fallen short of his expectations.
• Li Chengzhi explained that he had come as a special representative to observe the experiment and report to the higher-ups, then agreed to watch the next one.
• Chen Mo told Zhao Min he would focus on processing the Star Ring data and asked her to handle the company; he postponed discussing Bin Hai City’s Holographic City project.
• Chen Mo had Mo Nv simulate the experiment using the actual data, and she found that the Star Ring’s structure needed no improvement but several system parameters required adjustment.
• Chen Mo asked Mo Nv to run another simulation, then continued working in the laboratory to prepare for the second Star Ring experiment.

Wang Nian arrived at the institute in time to watch Chen Mo’s second Star Ring experiment, which surpassed the first experiment’s records but still failed to sustain plasma indefinitely. The third and fourth experiments continued to break records as the team prepared for a fifth, while Science Island’s research and its fusion breakthroughs remained secret.

• Wan Yuanxi registered Wang Nian as a visitor and escorted him into the command center for the second experiment.
• Chen Mo began the second Star Ring experiment after confirming the revised parameters and final checks.
• The second experiment reached 95 million degrees Celsius and sustained plasma discharge for 762 seconds, surpassing the first experiment’s records.
• Three days later, the third experiment reached 99 million degrees Celsius and sustained discharge for 964 seconds.
• The fourth experiment reached 102 million degrees Celsius and sustained discharge for 1,042 seconds, but the plasma still did not operate continuously.
• Chen Mo, Mo Nv, and the researchers continued optimizing the parameters for a fifth experiment as Science Island’s fusion work remained sealed from the outside world.

Chen Mo and the researchers conducted the Star Ring's fifth experiment, achieving stable, sustained fusion burning and confirming that controlled nuclear fusion had succeeded. The command center erupted in celebration, while the outside world remained unaware of the breakthrough on the island.

• Chen Mo started the fifth Star Ring experiment after the earlier tests had refined its parameters.
• The plasma ignited successfully and remained stable as its temperature and sustained discharge time continued to rise.
• After more than half an hour, the plasma began burning spontaneously, with lower fuel consumption indicating tritium self-sustaining had formed.
• The plasma continued operating stably for over an hour, and Chen Mo declared the experiment a complete success.
• Wang Nian, Li Jian, and the other researchers cheered and embraced as Zhao Min congratulated Chen Mo.
• Chen Mo said he wanted to go home, take a hot bath, and sleep, while the outside world remained unaware of the achievement.

After the successful Controlled Nuclear Fusion experiment, Li Chengzhi asked Chen Mo to delay announcing it for two months so the authorities could prepare for its effects. Chen Mo agreed, returned home to spend time with pregnant Xiao Yu, and fell asleep beside her.

• Li Chengzhi told Chen Mo that the authorities wanted him to delay announcing Controlled Nuclear Fusion for two months while they prepared for its domestic and international effects.
• Chen Mo agreed to the delay, and Li Chengzhi passed along the Chief’s offer of support for Chen Mo’s future research.
• Chen Mo returned home, where Wang Lan welcomed him and said she would leave him and Xiao Yu to spend time together.
• Chen Mo reunited with Xiao Yu, told her his experiment was finished, and promised to take her out while he was on leave.
• After showering, Chen Mo relaxed beside Xiao Yu and fell asleep, while she quietly stayed by his side.

After the Star Ring’s plasma remained stable for five days, Chen Mo confirmed the nuclear fusion experiment’s success and returned to Army Ant headquarters. Zhao Min presented plans for Bin Hai City’s Holographic City and proposed founding Fire Ant Company to expand into culture and entertainment with a holographic amusement park.

• Chen Mo returned to Science Island and learned from Wan Yuanxi that the Star Ring’s plasma had remained stable, with the experiment reaching a generating capacity of 760,000 kilowatt-hours.
• Wang Nian told Chen Mo that higher-ups wanted an assessment of a 20-million-kilowatt-hour nuclear fusion power station, and Chen Mo estimated that each Star Ring reactor cost roughly ten billion to build.
• Chen Mo told Wan Yuanxi and the others that the successful experiment made preparation for nuclear fusion power stations their next task.
• Zhao Min showed Chen Mo the planned Holographic City project, including public attractions, nearby buildings, and a floating stage.
• Zhao Min told Chen Mo she had acquired an island and planned to establish Fire Ant Company to develop cultural and entertainment businesses, including a holographic amusement park.

Chen Mo approved Zhao Min’s 15-billion-budget holographic amusement park and discussed delaying the announcement of controlled nuclear fusion. As he prepared to travel abroad for the Nobel Prize ceremony, he worked with Mo Nv on a holographic design for Binhai Square.

• Chen Mo reviewed Zhao Min and Lan Xi’s amusement park proposal and signed off on the project.
• Chen Mo told Zhao Min that the authorities had asked him to wait at least two months before announcing the successful controlled nuclear fusion project.
• Chen Mo decided to travel abroad for the Nobel Prize ceremony, and Zhao Min warned him to be careful.
• Chen Mo asked Mo Nv to design a holographic plan for Binhai Square, including projection pillars, rooftop projectors, and projected flower beds.
• Chen Mo added a seafront tower inspired by Guangzhou Tower, which Mo Nv covered with a holographic image of the Binhai Fisher Girl.

Chen Mo learned that Huaxia had announced a sweeping coal reduction plan to prepare for his planned Controlled Nuclear Fusion announcement. He left for Sweden to attend the Nobel Prize ceremony with four retired guards assigned as his bodyguards.

• Huaxia announced plans to reduce coal production and promote nuclear power, confusing observers and unsettling coal markets.
• Chen Mo understood that the authorities were preparing the public and workers for his Controlled Nuclear Fusion announcement two months later.
• Chen Mo ate breakfast with Xiao Yu and Chen's Mother, then left for the airport to travel to Sweden for the Nobel Prize ceremony.
• Li Chengzhi introduced Chen Mo to Fire Hibiscus, Mount Tai, Luo Yu, and Zhong Lei, who would provide personal and outer security during the trip.
• Chen Mo offered the four guards jobs at his company after they retired, and all four accepted.

In Stockholm, Lirik assigned his team an operation targeting an old man and warned them not to pursue Chen Mo. Meanwhile, Chen Mo prepared to attend the Nobel Prize ceremony, where he joked that his formal tailcoat made him look like a penguin, and the staff arrived to escort him to the venue.

• Five operatives debated whether their target would be Chen Mo until Lirik arrived and distributed files naming an old man as the target.
• When one operative suggested capturing Chen Mo too, Lirik warned that they were not to complicate the organization's plans by going after him.
• Bai Di chose Aisha to go first in the operation.
• Chen Mo dressed in a black tailcoat and white bow tie, joked that he looked like a penguin, and reviewed the ceremony schedule with Lan Xi.
• Staff notified Chen Mo that the ceremony was about to begin and escorted him toward the venue.

Xiao Man livestreamed the Nobel Prize ceremony while Chen Mo attended in Stockholm to receive the Nobel Prize in Physics for his geomagnetic research and seismograph. His award sparked celebration across Huaxia, while Xiao Yu and Chen Mo’s family watched with pride.

• Xiao Man explained that she had founded Man Yu Platform with Chen Mo’s startup funding and watched the ceremony livestream with her viewers.
• At the ceremony in Stockholm, Chen Mo entered with the other laureates and drew attention as the youngest and most conspicuous winner.
• Aipusi introduced Chen Mo’s Geomagnetic Anomaly Detection Theory and the seismograph’s record of accurately predicting earthquakes and saving lives.
• Chen Mo accepted the Nobel Prize in Physics medal from the King of Sweden.
• People across Huaxia celebrated Chen Mo’s achievement as Xiao Yu, Chen Mo’s family, and Zhao Min watched proudly.

At the Nobel banquet, Chen Mo spoke with Princess Sivili, who admired his technology and wedding, before the two entered the Blue Hall together. Chen Mo delivered a speech criticizing the rejection and ridicule of unproven fundamental science, leaving the audience to consider his call for greater tolerance.

• Princess Sivili congratulated Chen Mo and asked about Huaxia, his company, and whether his wedding dress could be custom-made.
• Princess Sivili linked arms with Chen Mo as they descended the stairs, drawing reporters’ attention at the banquet.
• Chen Mo told Princess Sivili that the banquet food had not filled him, making her laugh.
• Chen Mo took the stage and gave his speech in Chinese, describing the ridicule his paper had faced and calling for society to support exploration in fundamental science.

Chen Mo attended a Swedish Academy forum after his Nobel Prize speech sparked worldwide debate, and he tried to recruit Professor Doliviz to Starfish Company. Meanwhile, Doliviz guarded his research files and Lirik’s team prepared a mission at the academy, leaving Chen Mo among the guests as the gathering continued.

• Chen Mo’s Nobel banquet speech renewed online arguments as people recalled experts who had mocked his earthquake-predictability paper.
• Professor Doliviz rejected an offer to buy his research, retrieved a memory card containing his files, and left his room.
• Lirik instructed six associates to carry out a mission without harming anyone besides their target, then entered the Swedish Academy; Aisha arrived shortly afterward.
• Si Li Yang welcomed Chen Mo to the academy forum and introduced him to the gathered guests.
• Chen Mo congratulated Professor Doliviz and offered him a position at Starfish Company, but Doliviz declined for the time being and accepted Chen Mo’s business card.

At a Swedish Academy forum, Chen Mo began outlining his vision for an intelligent future city, while his security chief Wang Hai sensed something familiar in the crowd and placed the team on alert. Chen Mo described how artificial intelligence could coordinate roads, buildings, transport, and homes, leaving his speech in progress.

• Wang Hai monitored the packed forum and coordinated Chen Mo’s bodyguards as the speakers took their places.
• Wang Hai noticed a familiar flicker in the crowd, alerted Mount Tai and A-Lei, and began searching the audience.
• Doliweizi delivered his speech and answered questions before Chen Mo took the stage as the final speaker.
• Chen Mo explained that artificial intelligence would be central to future cities and described smart roads, buildings, and homes that could save residents time.

Chen Mo defended the rapid development of intelligent cities and argued that Artificial Intelligence was a tool whose dangers depended on humanity. He also challenged the idea that Huaxia’s few natural-science Nobel Prizes proved its education or technology was backward, leaving the audience applauding his explanations.

• Chen Mo said Bin Hai City could build an intelligent-city prototype within five years and cited improvements from its Smart Transportation project.
• Chen Mo argued that Artificial Intelligence was unlikely to destroy humanity and that human choices, not tools, caused disasters.
• A Western speaker questioned Huaxia’s low number of natural-science Nobel Prizes, and Chen Mo rejected the claim that this reflected backward education or technology.
• Chen Mo compared Nobel Prizes to a few fruits from a much larger tree of scientific achievement.
• Chen Mo said team-based research, Nobel Prize limits on recipients, and restrictions on publishing advanced technologies helped explain why Huaxia received fewer awards.

Wang Hai recognized Lirik as a likely terrorist at a forum where Chen Mo was speaking, and both men ordered their plans into motion. An explosion plunged the venue into chaos, and Chen Mo’s bodyguards evacuated him while an accomplice followed Doliweizi.

• Wang Hai spotted Lirik watching Doliweizi and alerted Zhong Lei, Fire Hibiscus, and Mount Tai to keep watch.
• Wang Hai recognized Lirik as a man he had seen leaving a terrorist stronghold, and Lirik realized Wang Hai had identified him.
• Lirik ordered his team to execute the second plan, while Wang Hai ordered Mount Tai and Zhong Lei to protect Chen Mo.
• Mount Tai and Zhong Lei rushed onto the stage as the forum lights went out and an explosion sounded outside.
• Wang Hai, Zhu He, Mount Tai, and Zhong Lei surrounded Chen Mo and evacuated him through a predetermined route.
• A scantily dressed woman followed Doliweizi as he fled with the crowd.

After an explosion at the Swedish Academy, Chen Mo returned safely to his hotel while his loved ones checked on him. He learned that Professor Doliviz had disappeared during the chaos, then left Stockholm with his team as the attack was investigated.

• Chen Mo reassured Xiao Yu and Zhao Min by phone that he was safe after the explosion.
• Lirik learned that the cargo had left port and told Bai Di their mission was nearly complete.
• News reports identified the explosion as a terrorist attack and reported that Professor Doliviz had disappeared.
• Wang Hai told Chen Mo he suspected the explosion had created cover for Doliviz’s kidnapping and explained how he recognized Lirik.
• Lan Xi informed Chen Mo that their flight was booked, and Chen Mo and his team left for the airport.

Chen Mo returned home safely after Professor Doliviz disappeared in an attack, then entered the Sci-Tech Library and chose an ecological technology project. He acquired Soil Oxygen Grass technology, a genetically engineered plant that could purify air and improve soil, and began reviewing the foundational technologies needed to develop it.

• Chen Mo returned home, and Xiao Yu hurried to embrace him while Chen's Mother and Aunt Zhen expressed relief.
• Chen Mo guessed that Professor Doliviz had been kidnapped during a planned diversion, and Chen's Mother urged him to stay home and rest.
• Chen Mo comforted Xiao Yu for worrying about him, and she fell asleep in his arms.
• Chen Mo investigated the disappearance but found no leads, even with Mo Nv's help, and then entered the Sci-Tech Library.
• Chen Mo selected the ecology book and acquired Soil Oxygen Grass technology, which could grow in barren or toxic conditions and improve soil and air.
• Chen Mo selected basic genetic engineering technologies needed for the project and left the Sci-Tech Library.

Yang Mingzhe reported that the government had chosen Ant Army Group to build and operate two controlled nuclear fusion power stations, while Chen Mo planned to announce the successful fusion experiment in five days. Elsewhere, Liu Yan Yi introduced her new boyfriend Dong Quan to her roommates, who remained wary as he charmed them.

• Yang Mingzhe told Chen Mo and Zhao Min that the government had selected the BOOT plan and confirmed station projects in Bin Hai City and Ji Province.
• Zhao Min asked Yang Mingzhe to prepare for construction, and Chen Mo said Science Island would announce the successful nuclear fusion experiment in five days.
• Zhao Min teased Chen Mo about researching plants, while he continued developing Soil Oxygen Grass in the biology lab.
• Liu Yan Yi told Zhang Xinxin, Ke Mei, and Li Lihua that her boyfriend Dong Quan was a wealthy London-educated entrepreneur and brought them to dinner with him.
• Dong Quan answered the roommates’ questions smoothly and offered to help them with jobs, leaving them unconvinced but accepting his offer to add them on WeChat.