Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Du Ke obtains a Spirit Worm that grants him Instantaneous Movement Magic.
• He plans to hunt more powerful Magic Beasts to obtain more Spirit Worms.
• Du Ke finds a Devil Explosion Flower and encounters a Kodo Beast being hunted by Wind Wolves.
• He uses grenades to kill the Kodo Beast and brings its corpse back to South Lake Sea of Flowers.
• Du Ke learns that Xise Xise can only control one Beast Spirit at a time, making his plan to awaken the Kodo Beast's Beast Spirit impossible.

Character Developments

• Du Ke demonstrates his strategic thinking and resourcefulness in hunting the Kodo Beast and using explosives to ensure its death.
• Xise Xise reveals her limitation in controlling Beast Spirits, showing her honesty and consideration for Du Ke's feelings.

Significant Themes

• The value and rarity of Spirit Worms and their magic-casting abilities.
• The challenges and limitations of controlling Magic Beasts and their spirits.
• The importance of strategic planning and adaptability in facing obstacles.

Character Interactions

• Du Ke and Xise Xise: Du Ke shares his plans with Xise Xise, and she honestly communicates her limitations, showing mutual respect and understanding.
• Du Ke and Shawa Shawa: Shawa Shawa comforts Du Ke and offers hope for the future, showing their bond and Du Ke's acceptance of her support.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Du Ke explores around South Lake, finding a vast forest with dangerously tall trees.
• He spends a night at the Sea of Flowers, where Shawa Shawa advances to a new stage.
• Shawa Shawa gains a new magic, Tree Spirit Guard, which transforms trees into mobile, magical entities.
• She summons three Tree Spirit Guards to protect the Sea of Flowers Tribe.
• Du Ke continues his exploration the next day, noticing the Tree Spirit Guards' presence.

Character Developments

• Du Ke: He continues to adapt to his new environment, showing caution in the Great Blue Forest and determination in his exploration.
• Shawa Shawa: She advances, growing in size, gaining new wings, and a more sophisticated appearance. Her intelligence and vocabulary also improve. She becomes the undisputed leader of the Sea of Flowers Tribe.

Significant Themes

• Adaptation: Du Ke adapts to the Fantasy World's environment, and Shawa Shawa adapts to her new form and leadership role.
• Protection and Defense: The Tree Spirit Guard magic emphasizes the importance of defense and protection for the Flower Spirits' community.
• Growth and Advancement: Both Du Ke and Shawa Shawa show signs of growth and advancement in their respective worlds.

Character Interactions

• Du Ke and Shawa Shawa: They continue their friendly interaction, with Du Ke showing interest in Shawa Shawa's advancement and new magic.
• Shawa Shawa and other Flower Spirits: Shawa Shawa's advancement solidifies her leadership, with other Flower Spirits showing deference and celebrating her growth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Du Ke discovers a glowing pool in the South Four Mountains, with unique algae and a Glow Lotus.
• He finds a cave upstream, where he discovers a primitive winemaking process using stalactite platforms and fruits.
• Bald monkey-like creatures, led by a Monkey King, enter the cave, consume sediment from the lowest platforms, and engage in mating behaviors. They then return to add fruits to the platforms, continuing their winemaking process.

Character Developments

• Du Ke demonstrates curiosity and bravery in exploring the cave and observing the monkey creatures.
• The Monkey King exhibits dominance, lewd behavior, and control over the other monkeys.

Significant Themes

• Exploration and Discovery: Du Ke's exploration of the cave and its winemaking process.
• Primitiveness vs. Civilization: The contrast between Du Ke's advanced knowledge and the primitive winemaking method of the monkey creatures.
• Power Dynamics: The Monkey King's dominance over the other monkeys.

Character Interactions

• Du Ke observes the monkey creatures from a hidden position, interacting with them indirectly.
• The Monkey King interacts with the other monkeys, displaying dominance and control.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Du Ke, disguised as a monkey, collects fermented rice-like impurities from a cave.
• A skinny bald monkey catches Du Ke, alerting the monkey troop.
• Du Ke engages in a battle with the monkey troop, using weapons like a Vulcan Cannon and high-explosive grenades.
• The Monkey King transforms into a rock giant and defeats Du Ke's Nano Mech.
• Du Ke teleports back to Earth using his Mind Armor.

Character Developments

• Du Ke demonstrates his resourcefulness and adaptability in the Fantasy World, using his knowledge and technology to interact with the environment and creatures.
• The Monkey King reveals its strength and leadership, transforming into a formidable rock giant.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for survival and dominance in the Fantasy World's ecosystem.
• The consequences of Du Ke's actions and his inability to fully understand the Fantasy World's rules and creatures.

Character Interactions

• Du Ke's interaction with the bald monkeys turns hostile, leading to a battle.
• The Monkey King leads the troop against Du Ke, showcasing its power and command over the troop.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Du Ke turns on his phone after a week and finds numerous missed calls and messages congratulating him on his paper's publication in an SCI journal.
• He receives emails from various researchers and institutions expressing interest in his electron flow theory, including one from the Bincheng Institute of Chemical Physics.
• Du Ke analyzes the readership and engagement statistics of his papers on the Journal of Chemical Physics website.

Character Developments

• Du Ke shows maturity and confidence in his academic pursuits, understanding the significance of his work and the reactions it garners.
• He demonstrates humility, acknowledging his academic background and the potential limitations of his work's impact.
• Du Ke exhibits a competitive spirit, viewing other researchers' interest in his work as a form of "research competition."

Significant Themes

• Academic Recognition: Du Ke seeks recognition from his peers within the industry, valuing their praise over generic congratulations from acquaintances.
• Research Competition: The theme of competition in research is introduced, with Du Ke acknowledging that others may join and advance his work, but he aims to be the trailblazer.
• International vs. Domestic Interest: Du Ke notes the uneven geographical distribution of readers, with most being domestic, raising questions about global interest in his work.

Character Interactions

• Du Ke interacts with Professor Tao Xun, who provides positive feedback on Du Ke's papers and informs him about the industry's response.
• Du Ke corresponds with various researchers and institutions via email, welcoming their interest in collaborating on the electron flow theory.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Du Ke's papers go unnoticed by foreign readers.
• Du Ke organizes video footage from his fantasy world trip, focusing on the Red-headed Bald Monkeys, South Lake Plesiosaur, and the Dragon.
• He discovers he has grown taller and stronger after consuming Spore Powder and eating fantasy world food.

Character Developments

• Du Ke remains undeterred by the lack of recognition for his work, displaying resilience and self-belief.
• He becomes excited and vigilant upon realizing the potential effects of the Spore Powder on his growth.

Significant Themes

• The power of perseverance in the face of initial failure or lack of recognition.
• The potential consequences and control of rapid growth and strength enhancement.

Character Interactions

• Du Ke interacts with his own thoughts and feelings, demonstrating his introspection and self-awareness.
• He doesn't interact with other characters in this chapter, focusing solely on his personal growth and discoveries.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Du Ke discovers his physical fitness has improved significantly after his time in the Fantasy World.
• He publishes his paper but hasn't received a response from Physical Review B.
• He visits his parents and expresses his desire to see military equipment, planning to attend the Chang'an Military Equipment Exhibition.
• Du Ke begins his research on the blue cocoon of the Bomb Caterpillars.
• He plans his fifth paper on proton and electron stripping under normal conditions.
• Du Ke decides to submit his next paper to the Journal of Chemical Physics if Physical Review B doesn't respond.

Character Developments

• Du Ke's physical fitness improves dramatically due to his time in the Fantasy World, surpassing that of an average athlete.
• He becomes more determined to succeed in his research and career, showing impatience with journals that don't respond promptly.
• Du Ke's relationship with his parents is depicted as warm and affectionate.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and Patience: Du Ke's ambition for success in his research field is evident, but he also shows impatience with the slow response from journals.
• Family: The importance of family is highlighted through Du Ke's visits to his parents.
• Military Interest: Du Ke's fascination with military equipment is a recurring theme.

Character Interactions

• Du Ke interacts with Boss Tang from the shooting club, seeking help to access military equipment.
• He speaks with Tao Xun, discussing his new paper and agreeing to attend a birthday dinner for Tao Xun's wife.
• Du Ke's interactions with his parents are brief but show a warm, affectionate relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Du Ke's experiments with bringing back Fantasy World flora and fauna fail due to Earth's lack of necessary Magic Elements.
• Du Ke starts working out and practicing martial arts to improve his physical fitness.
• Du Ke attends a birthday dinner for Tao Xun's wife, where he meets his future graduate student peers.
• Du Ke receives an acceptance letter for his paper "Overview and Practical Application of Electron Flow Theory" from "Physical Review B."

Character Developments

• Du Ke shows disappointment but relief in his failed experiments, indicating his responsible approach to environmental impact.
• Du Ke demonstrates determination and dedication in his physical fitness journey, setting clear goals for himself.
• Du Ke remains humble and polite despite the crew-cut male master's student's hostility, showing maturity and self-control.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for survival of Fantasy World species on Earth highlights the importance of environmental compatibility and balance.
• Du Ke's physical transformation symbolizes his growth and adaptation to new challenges.
• The crew-cut male master's student's hostility towards Du Ke's success reflects academic competition and jealousy.

Character Interactions

• Du Ke interacts with his future graduate student peers, with the female master's students showing interest in him while the male students are initially dismissive.
• Du Ke's interaction with the crew-cut male master's student showcases the latter's jealousy and attempt to belittle Du Ke's achievements.
• Professor Tao Xun's excitement upon seeing Du Ke's acceptance letter highlights his mentorship and support for Du Ke's academic success.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Du Ke's paper is accepted by Physical Review B (P.R.B), a prestigious physics journal.
• P.R.B invites Du Ke to submit another paper, indicating high regard for his work.
• Du Ke attends a banquet where he meets fellow graduate students and professors, who praise his achievements.
• Du Ke's mentor, Tao Xun, encourages him to aim for publication in Physical Review Letters (P.R.L) and a professorship at Xiake University.

Character Developments

• Du Ke gains recognition and respect from his peers and superiors for his academic achievements.
• Tao Xun shows pride and high expectations for Du Ke's future, seeing him as a promising student.
• The crew-cut male master's student feels jealous and resentful of Du Ke's success.

Significant Themes

• Academic excellence and recognition in the physics community.
• The importance of publishing in prestigious journals for career advancement.
• The seniority system and mentorship in academia.

Character Interactions

• Du Ke interacts with fellow graduate students, with Li Juan showing interest in him.
• Tao Xun introduces Du Ke to his colleagues and encourages them to support Du Ke's career.
• Dean Chen Yang expresses his support for Du Ke's research and offers to help with experiments.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Du Ke declines using Xiake University's lab to maintain full control over his electron flow theory and battery development.
• Du Ke visits the Chang'an military equipment exhibition, replicating various retired weapons, including the HQ-7 anti-aircraft missile.
• Du Ke submits his fifth paper, "Methodology for Proton and Electron Stripping Under Normal Conditions," to Chen Yang and Tao Xun for translation and revision.
• Du Ke makes significant progress in his blue cocoon research, discovering a suitable material for electron flow batteries.

Character Developments

• Du Ke demonstrates ambition and determination in protecting his research and maintaining control over its developments.
• Chen Yang shows concern for Du Ke's academic integrity, aiming to prevent him from adopting the common practice of "watering down" papers.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for academic control and recognition.
• The tension between academic integrity and the pressure to publish.
• The potential impact of Du Ke's discoveries on the scientific community and the military-industrial complex.

Character Interactions

• Du Ke and Chen Yang: Du Ke declines Chen Yang's offer to use Xiake University's lab, and Chen Yang reads Du Ke's fifth paper with high expectations and a critical eye.
• Du Ke and Tao Xun: Du Ke offers Tao Xun a co-first author position on his fifth paper, acknowledging Tao Xun's help in translation and revision.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Yang, a professor, is astonished by Du Ke's electron flow theory paper, questioning how Du Ke, without a lab or team, could develop such a theory.
• Tao Xun, another professor, is impressed by the paper's quality and boasts about it to his wife, expecting it to be published in a top journal.
• Du Ke publishes the paper on his Moments and plans to distribute printed copies for review.
• Academician Xue Zhongkun, an editorial board member of Physical Review B, receives the paper and is intrigued by the unknown author, Du Ke.

Character Developments

• Chen Yang: Realizes Du Ke's genius and is baffled by his research method.
• Tao Xun: Recognizes Du Ke's potential and sees him as a stepping stone for his own promotion.
• Du Ke: Gains confidence in his work and decides to share his future publications on Moments.
• Academician Xue Zhongkun: Becomes interested in Du Ke's background and the potential impact of his theory.

Significant Themes

• Genius and its unconventional nature (Du Ke's self-taught research).
• The importance of resources and support in scientific research (Cao Yuan's case vs. Du Ke's).
• Recognition and validation in academia (Tao Xun's boasting, Xue Zhongkun's interest).

Character Interactions

• Chen Yang and Du Ke: Chen Yang is impressed by Du Ke's work but unsure about his methods.
• Tao Xun and Du Ke: Tao Xun sees Du Ke as a promising student who can help his career.
• Tao Xun and Li Yun: Tao Xun shares his excitement about Du Ke's paper with his wife.
• Academician Xue Zhongkun and Du Ke (indirect): Xue Zhongkun is intrigued by Du Ke's background and theory.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xue Zhongkun, an academician, discovers five papers on the electron flow theory, all published this year and seemingly by a single author, Du Ke.
• He finds Du Ke's information through the journal and learns that Du Ke is an undergraduate at Wanhai Provincial University of Technology.
• Xue Zhongkun asks his doctoral student, Zhu Huancong, to contact Du Ke and discuss the papers with him.
• Zhu Huancong reaches out to Du Ke, who is surprised and excited about the attention from such a prominent figure.

Character Developments

• Xue Zhongkun: Shows interest in Du Ke's work and takes steps to connect with the young author, indicating his recognition of Du Ke's potential.
• Du Ke: Gains confidence in his work and the electron flow theory after learning about Xue Zhongkun's interest, expecting greater recognition and fame.
• Zhu Huancong: Acts as a mediator between Xue Zhongkun and Du Ke, showing eagerness to please his mentor while also considering his own academic standing.

Significant Themes

• Recognition and Validation: Du Ke seeks recognition for his work, and Xue Zhongkun's interest validates Du Ke's efforts and potential.
• Academic Competition: Zhu Huancong considers the potential competition Du Ke might pose to his academic prospects, highlighting the competitive nature of academia.

Character Interactions

• Xue Zhongkun and Zhu Huancong: The mentor-mentee relationship is evident as Xue Zhongkun tasks Zhu Huancong with reaching out to Du Ke.
• Du Ke and Zhu Huancong: They communicate briefly, with Du Ke expressing surprise and excitement about the attention from Xue Zhongkun.
• Du Ke and Tao Xun: They exchange messages about the attention Du Ke's paper has received, with Tao Xun expressing congratulations and amazement.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Du Ke is thrilled by Xue Zhongkun's attention but finds Zhu Huancong's conversations irrelevant and unhelpful.
• Du Ke feels undervalued as Xue Zhongkun only sends a doctoral student for communication.
• Du Ke shares his findings with Professor Tao Xun, who reveals the state of China's physics community.

Character Developments

• Du Ke: Struggles with feeling undervalued but remains focused on his work. He's humble about his achievements but determined to prove his theory through manufacturing the electron flow battery.
• Zhu Huancong: Perceived as irrelevant and unhelpful by Du Ke due to his conversational style.
• Tao Xun: Reveals his admiration for Du Ke's work and his frustration with the state of Chinese theoretical physics. He also expresses concern about Du Ke's decision to start a business.

Significant Themes

• The state of Chinese theoretical physics, with many scholars merely following trends and repeating others' work.
• The struggle between academic research and commercial ventures, as seen in Du Ke's and Zhang Chengshou's stories.
• The importance of original work in theoretical physics.

Character Interactions

• Du Ke and Zhu Huancong: Du Ke finds Zhu Huancong's conversations irrelevant and starts ignoring him.
• Du Ke and Tao Xun: They discuss Du Ke's findings, the state of Chinese theoretical physics, and Du Ke's decision to start a business. Tao Xun expresses his admiration for Du Ke's work and his concern for Du Ke's future.
• Du Ke and Zhang Chengshou (indirectly): Du Ke learns about Zhang Chengshou's story from Tao Xun, which serves as a cautionary tale.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter introduces the Hall effect and the quantum Hall effect, which have applications in electrical components like Hall sensors in mobile phones.
• Du Ke, after drinking with Tao Xun, begins studying these effects to deepen his understanding of electron flow theory for his research papers.
• Xue Zhongkun, a professor at Shuimu University, learns about Du Ke's work from his student Zhu Huancong and reads Du Ke's papers, expressing interest in the electron flow theory's potential.

Character Developments

• Du Ke: Shows dedication to his research, acknowledges the need to cite others' work, and reflects on his university days. He plans to assemble a team and laboratory once his theory gains recognition.
• Xue Zhongkun: Expresses interest in Du Ke's electron flow theory, speculates about Du Ke's background, and considers Xiake University fortunate to have him.

Significant Themes

• The struggle and dedication required for academic research.
• The potential of new theories and their application prospects.
• The role of mentors and guidance in academic success.

Character Interactions

• Du Ke and Tao Xun: They drink together, and Du Ke seeks Tao Xun's guidance for his research.
• Xue Zhongkun and Zhu Huancong: Xue Zhongkun asks Zhu Huancong about Du Ke, and Zhu Huancong shares his thoughts on the electron flow theory's application prospects. Xue Zhongkun later helps Zhu Huancong secure funding for his research project.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Du Ke publishes his second paper in Physical Review B (PRB) and celebrates with a meal at Xiake University's cafeteria.
• Du Ke's academic prowess gains attention among Xiake University's physics faculty, leading to invitations for graduate study.
• Du Ke receives a call from his counselor at Anhui University, informing him of a 40,000 yuan reward and other benefits for his PRB publication.
• Du Ke clarifies that the paper's copyright belongs to the New Energy Company and ensures the university won't claim it.

Character Developments

• Du Ke: Shows dedication to his academic pursuits, understanding the importance of continuous learning. He also demonstrates shrewdness in handling academic relationships and protecting his intellectual property.
• Professor Wang: Shows interest in Du Ke's academic progress and tries to recruit him as a graduate student, displaying a competitive nature among professors.

Significant Themes

• The value of continuous learning and the regret of not learning enough when needed.
• The competition and investment in academic talent, both within and between universities.
• The tension between idealism and realism in academic pursuits, with the latter often leading to practical considerations like funding and applications.

Character Interactions

• Du Ke interacts with various professors at Xiake University, showing respect and deference while maintaining his independence in academic choices.
• Du Ke's conversation with his counselor at Anhui University reveals the university's eagerness to capitalize on his academic achievements and the need for Du Ke to protect his intellectual property rights.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Du Ke returns to his alma mater, Anhui University, after a year.
• He reflects on his past, including his first love, Cui Ping, and his missed opportunities for better education.
• Du Ke meets President Yuan, who awards him 55,000 yuan for his published papers in prestigious journals.
• Du Ke learns that he will pursue graduate studies at Xiake University through recommendation.

Character Developments

• Du Ke: Reflects on his past, feels a sense of loss, and decides to take a break from research. He also misses his friends from the Fantasy World.
• President Yuan: Shows recognition and encouragement towards Du Ke's academic achievements.

Significant Themes

• Reflection on the past and missed opportunities.
• The importance of hard work and dedication in life.
• The recognition and rewards for academic achievements.

Character Interactions

• Du Ke interacts with President Yuan, who awards him for his published papers and encourages his academic pursuits.
• Du Ke senses the thoughts of the pregnant woman next door using his Touch of Mind, perceiving the pure consciousness of the unborn child.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Du Ke struggles with writing his seventh paper due to the complexity of the electron flow theory.
• He receives an invitation from Physical Review Letters to submit a paper on the electron flow theory.
• Du Ke registers as a master's student at Xiake University with Li Juan's help.
• Du Ke gains access to the Luzhou National Center for Microscale Matter Research.
• Du Ke completes his seventh paper, "How to Ensure the Successful Initiation of Condensed Matter Under Atomic Bifurcation," during the National Day holiday.

Character Developments

• Du Ke: Struggles with writing papers, realizes the difficulty of academic writing, and completes his seventh paper.
• Li Juan: Shows enthusiasm for helping Du Ke with his research in exchange for a third author position.

Significant Themes

• The challenges and complexities of academic writing and research.
• The importance of collaboration and networking in academia (Du Ke's relationship with Li Juan).
• The pursuit of fame and recognition in the academic world (Du Ke's invitation to Physical Review Letters).

Character Interactions

• Du Ke and Li Juan: Du Ke ropes Li Juan into helping him with his research, and Li Juan agrees enthusiastically.
• Du Ke and Professor Zhou: Du Ke declines Professor Zhou's offer to be his doctoral advisor, showing his commitment to Chen Yang and his current path.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Yang praises Du Ke's paper and predicts it will be published in PRL.
• Chen Yang offers to support Du Ke's research, including applying for national funding and using Xiake University's resources.
• Du Ke meets with Academician Bao, the President of Xiake University, who promises full support for Du Ke's research.
• Tao Xun reveals the political complexities within Xiake University and the need for a significant achievement to solidify its position.
• Du Ke expresses concern about the current academic discussion atmosphere for his electron flow theory.

Character Developments

• Du Ke: Shows ambition and concern for the academic discussion of his theory, but is willing to share glory with Xiake University for mutual benefit.
• Chen Yang: Demonstrates his desire to support Du Ke as his academic successor and invest resources in the electron flow theory.
• Academician Bao: Shows kindness and approachability, promising full support for Du Ke's research.
• Tao Xun: Reveals the political complexities within Xiake University and expresses hope for the electron flow theory's success.

Significant Themes

• Academic recognition and fame vs. profit.
• The importance of significant scientific achievements for a university's status.
• The complexities of political relationships within academia.

Character Interactions

• Chen Yang and Du Ke: Chen Yang offers support and guidance to Du Ke, treating him as his academic successor.
• Du Ke and Academician Bao: Du Ke meets with the university president, who promises full support for his research.
• Du Ke and Tao Xun: Tao Xun shares insights about Xiake University's political situation and expresses hope for Du Ke's theory.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Du Ke's paper on the electron flow theory is accepted by Physical Review Letters (PRL) with minor revisions.
• Xiake University prepares a University-level Key Laboratory for Du Ke, named the "Electron Flow Laboratory," with him as the Director.
• The laboratory is located at the Institute for Advanced Research, and Du Ke starts preparing the space with basic furniture.
• The custom-made sign for the laboratory arrives, and a small celebration is planned with Chen Yang and Tao Xun.

Character Developments

• Du Ke shows maturity and responsibility in handling the revisions for his PRL paper and setting up his laboratory.
• Chen Yang shifts his focus to supporting Du Ke's career, actively helping him and offering guidance.
• Li Juan expresses excitement about being the third author on Du Ke's PRL paper and offers to help set up the laboratory.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for recognition and success in the academic world.
• The importance of mentorship and support in one's career.
• The process of establishing a research laboratory and building a team.

Character Interactions

• Du Ke collaborates with Chen Yang and Tao Xun to revise his PRL paper and set up the Electron Flow Laboratory.
• Du Ke involves Li Juan in helping with the practical tasks of setting up the laboratory.
• Chen Yang supports Du Ke's career and offers guidance, while also seeking to benefit from Du Ke's success.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Du Ke establishes the Electron Flow Laboratory at Xiake University, an unprecedented move for a graduate student.
• Over thirty people attend the celebratory dinner, discussing the laboratory's future and funding.
• Du Ke decides to recruit a deputy director and graduate students to help run the laboratory.
• Du Ke works on his electron flow battery, naming it "Duke Generation One," and plans to release it to the market.

Character Developments

• Du Ke shows humility and lack of concern for the laboratory's funding, focusing more on his research.
• Tao Xun, Du Ke's master's supervisor, declines the offer to be the deputy director, considering the potential awkwardness and his own career progression.

Significant Themes

• The chapter explores the theme of academic achievement and recognition, with Du Ke's potential Nobel Prize aspirations.
• It also touches on the theme of career progression and decision-making, as seen in Tao Xun's refusal of the deputy director position.

Character Interactions

• Du Ke interacts with various professors, researchers, and graduate students at the celebratory dinner, discussing the laboratory's future.
• Du Ke considers Tao Xun for the deputy director position but ultimately respects Tao Xun's decision not to take it.
• Du Ke's internal monologue reveals his excitement and aspirations for the electron flow theory and battery.