Ch. 401Chapter 397

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Emergence of "socialite" bloggers on Weibo, flaunting wealth in novel ways.
  • Traditional methods of wealth display are no longer impactful; new approaches captivate netizens.
  • Various types of "socialites" (e.g., "sporty girls," "labor beauties," "program girls," "Buddhist beauties") gain attention.
  • Trend of "socialite cultivation" surges, with bloggers sharing their interpretations and lifestyles.
  • Rich second-generation individuals join in, flaunting wealth on Weibo.
  • Li Wu observes the trend and decides to initiate the next phase of the plan.

Character Developments

  • Li Wu: Observes the trend, admires the boss's strategy, and decides to proceed with the next step.
  • Socialite Bloggers: Gain followers, attract praise and criticism, and share their interpretations of being a socialite.
  • Rich Second-Generation Individuals: Join the trend of flaunting wealth on Weibo.

Significant Themes

  • Wealth display and social status.
  • The impact of social media on public perception and trends.
  • The three-way dynamic in public opinion.

Character Interactions

  • Netizens interact with socialite bloggers and rich second-generation individuals, expressing curiosity, mockery, admiration, and criticism.
  • Li Wu consults with the head of operations about the next step in their plan.

Ch. 402Fighting to Be a Socialite

Key Plot Points and Events

  • An anonymous blogger, "I'm Really Not a Paparazzo," exposes the fake lifestyle of socialites on Weibo, using photos and chat screenshots as evidence.
  • The blogger gains massive popularity, reaching over a million followers in a few hours, and starts a trending topic "#Fighting to Be a Socialite#".
  • The expose leads to a chaotic battle between socialites, their fans, and genuine second-generation heirs, with media widely reporting the incident.
  • Tencent launches QQ Zone 7.0 in response to Century Weibo's success, incorporating Weibo-like features into their platform.

Character Developments

  • "I'm Really Not a Paparazzo" transforms from an ordinary blogger to an internet celebrity and opinion leader, sparking controversy and debate.
  • Socialites and second-generation heirs are forced to defend their reputations and prove their authenticity.
  • Tang Daosheng, QQ Zone's product manager, strategizes to differentiate QQ Zone from Century Weibo and plans to incorporate Weibo-like features into their platform.

Significant Themes

  • The power of social media and its influence on public opinion and societal norms.
  • The blurred line between reality and appearance, and the struggle for authenticity in online personas.
  • The competitive nature of the tech industry and the importance of innovation and adaptation.

Character Interactions

  • "I'm Really Not a Paparazzo" interacts with their growing fanbase, the "Paparazzi Squad," who support and amplify their exposes.
  • Socialites and their fans, the "kidney fighters," defend their idols and clash with the Paparazzi Squad.
  • Genuine second-generation heirs are dragged into the conflict, forced to prove their innocence.
  • Tang Daosheng works with his team to develop QQ Zone 7.0, incorporating Weibo-like features to compete with Century Weibo.

Ch. 403The First Socialite vs. the Vanguard of Socialite Busting

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Tencent announces QQ Zone 7.0 integration with Weibo, sparking concern among other portal sites.
  • Companies internally debate developing Weibo due to its risky nature and lack of foreign precedent.
  • Century Weibo gains traction, prompting Chen Hao to initiate the final phase of his plan.
  • A socialite, Jade Falling Nine Heavens, emerges on Weibo, flaunting wealth and extravagance, attracting massive attention.
  • Netizens urge I'm Really Not a Paparazzo, a "socialite-busting" blogger, to verify Jade's authenticity, leading to a trending topic.

Character Developments

  • Chen Hao: Satisfied with Century Weibo's impact but seeks to solidify its position, initiating the final phase of his plan.
  • Jade Falling Nine Heavens: Emerges as the foremost socialite, flaunting wealth and sparking controversy with her extravagant lifestyle.
  • I'm Really Not a Paparazzo: Gains attention as the "socialite-busting vanguard," pressured to verify Jade's authenticity.

Significant Themes

  • The impact of social media and public opinion.
  • The extravagant lifestyle of the wealthy elite and public reaction to it.
  • The tension between the old guard and new trends in the tech industry.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Hao and Li Wu collaborate on the final phase of their plan.
  • Jade Falling Nine Heavens interacts with netizens through her Weibo posts, fostering a mix of admiration and criticism.
  • Netizens engage with I'm Really Not a Paparazzo, urging him to verify Jade's authenticity.

Ch. 404404. Chapter 400: Entertainment to Death, Hype Is Innocent!

Key Plot Points and Events

  • "I'm Really Not a Paparazzo" fails to expose Jade Falling Nine Heavens, disappointing fans who then unfollow en masse.
  • Jade Falling Nine Heavens' popularity surges, reaching 3 million fans.
  • She posts provocative content, dividing people into social classes and looking down on the masses.
  • "The Upper Class Isn't Low" appears, exposing Jade Falling Nine Heavens' nouveau riche status and correcting her misconceptions about high society.
  • Jade Falling Nine Heavens ignores the criticism, and her popularity fades over time.

Character Developments

  • "I'm Really Not a Paparazzo" loses credibility and followers.
  • Jade Falling Nine Heavens becomes an internet sensation, then faces backlash for her arrogant posts.
  • "The Upper Class Isn't Low" gains popularity for challenging Jade Falling Nine Heavens' views.

Significant Themes

  • The power of hype and internet fame.
  • The dangers of arrogance and misinformation.
  • The class divide and misunderstandings about wealth and high society.

Character Interactions

  • "I'm Really Not a Paparazzo" and Jade Falling Nine Heavens' initial conflict leads to her rise in popularity.
  • Jade Falling Nine Heavens' fans defend her against critics.
  • "The Upper Class Isn't Low" challenges Jade Falling Nine Heavens and gains support from netizens.

Ch. 405Financing Isn't Child's Play

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Century Weibo surpasses 30 million monthly active users and 1 million daily posts.
  • Weibo launches the Blogger Enterprise Incentive Platform, marking the start of its commercialization.
  • Overseas Twitter faces plagiarism accusations from Chinese netizens.
  • Chen Hao focuses on Weibo's content moderation to avoid regulatory issues.
  • Wang Xing struggles with Xiaonei's funding, with failed negotiations with Sequoia Capital and a US investment institution.
  • Qianxiang Interactive, led by Chen Yizhou, expresses interest in acquiring Xiaonei for 10 million yuan.

Character Developments

  • Chen Hao: Focuses on Weibo's growth and content moderation.
  • Wang Xing: Persists in Xiaonei's development and fundraising efforts despite challenges.

Significant Themes

  • Rapid growth and commercialization of social media platforms.
  • Content moderation and regulatory challenges.
  • The struggle and persistence in startup funding.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Hao cautions Li Wu about content moderation.
  • Wang Xing and his team negotiate with Sequoia Capital and a US investment institution for Xiaonei's funding.
  • Chen Yizhou contacts Wang Xing to express interest in acquiring Xiaonei.

Ch. 406Brothers, You Don't Want Xiaonei.com to Disappear, Do You?

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Qixiang offers to acquire Xiaonei.com for 10 million, but Wang Xing refuses.
  • Xiaonei.com faces financial difficulties, with servers lagging and new registrations restricted.
  • Chen Hao from Century Horizon offers to acquire Xiaonei.com for 10 million, expressing interest in its potential.
  • Wang Xing, Wang Huiwen, and Lai Binqiang meet with Chen Hao to discuss the acquisition, presenting their business plan for Xiaonei.com.
  • After negotiations, they agree to Chen Hao's acquisition plan, but Wang Xing and his team decide not to join Century Horizon after the acquisition.

Character Developments

  • Wang Xing: Starts as determined to keep Xiaonei.com independent but becomes more open to acquisition as the company faces financial difficulties. He remains committed to protecting Xiaonei.com's future and is willing to swallow his pride to keep it alive.
  • Wang Huiwen: Stands firm in his ideals, believing in Xiaonei.com's potential and refusing to sell. He is willing to take risks to keep the company independent.
  • Lai Binqiang: Initially reluctant to let go of Xiaonei.com, he becomes more pragmatic as the company's financial situation worsens. He is more open to the idea of selling but wants to ensure they get a good deal.

Significant Themes

  • Perseverance and determination in the face of adversity (Wang Xing's struggle to keep Xiaonei.com alive).
  • The tension between ideals and pragmatism (Wang Huiwen and Lai Binqiang's differing views on selling Xiaonei.com).
  • The value of a company and its potential (Chen Hao's interest in acquiring Xiaonei.com despite its financial difficulties).

Character Interactions

  • Wang Xing, Wang Huiwen, and Lai Binqiang work together to present their business plan to Chen Hao, demonstrating their unity and shared vision for Xiaonei.com.
  • Wang Xing and Chen Hao engage in a discussion about the future of Xiaonei.com, with Chen Hao showing respect for Wang Xing's ideas and offering valuable input.
  • Despite their differences in opinion, Wang Xing, Wang Huiwen, and Lai Binqiang ultimately agree on the best course of action for Xiaonei.com, showcasing their ability to work together and compromise when necessary.

Ch. 407The Hell with Him—Someone's Lurking in the Grass for a Gank

Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Hao's casual outing with Xiaonei.com employees draws public attention and speculation about his wealth and lifestyle.
  • Chen Yizhou, aiming to acquire Xiaonei.com, initially offers Wang Xing 10 million yuan, then increases it to 20 million after learning about Century Weibo's interest.
  • Chen Hao counteroffers with 10 million yuan and valuable promotional resources, leading Xiaonei.com to accept Century Weibo's investment.
  • Xiaonei.com pays off debts and moves to a new office, boosting morale and sparking ideas for a new project.

Character Developments

  • Chen Hao: Shows his business acumen by offering resources alongside money to secure Xiaonei.com's acquisition.
  • Wang Xing: Demonstrates loyalty and determination by rejecting Chen Yizhou's offers and accepting Chen Hao's counteroffer.
  • Chen Yizhou: Exhibits frustration and impatience when his plans are thwarted.

Significant Themes

  • The contrast between Chen Hao's simple lifestyle and his wealth.
  • The importance of resources and promotion in the 0 to 1 stage of a startup.
  • The value of loyalty and determination in business decisions.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Hao and Wang Xing: Their interaction leads to Xiaonei.com's acquisition by Century Weibo.
  • Chen Yizhou and Wang Xing: Their interaction highlights Chen Yizhou's frustration and Wang Xing's loyalty and determination.

Ch. 408408. Chapter 404: The Three-Year Term Has Arrived

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Wang Xing and his partners discuss creating a new website, Fanfou, focusing on refined content and simple functionality.
  • Chen Hao, now in his early 30s with a psychological age of over 40, develops a fondness for outdoor activities and begins to plan for future travels.
  • Chen Hao orders items from various online shopping platforms (JD.com, Taobao, EachNet, Paipai, Dangdang) to assess their strengths and weaknesses.
  • Liu Qiangdong delivers Chen Hao's JD.com order and shares information about Taobao's upcoming fee-based policy for merchants.

Character Developments

  • Wang Xing: After two years of repeated failures, he finally has some capital and is eager to start a new venture, naming it Fanfou.
  • Chen Hao: He has matured and developed a liking for outdoor activities, planning to work intensely and then travel more. He also shows interest in observing and understanding the market dynamics of online shopping platforms.

Significant Themes

  • Entrepreneurial spirit and perseverance (Wang Xing's determination to start a new business despite past failures)
  • The changing nature of success and fulfillment (Chen Hao's shift in interests from urban luxury to outdoor activities)
  • The evolution of e-commerce platforms (Taobao's move towards commercialization and charging fees for merchants)

Character Interactions

  • Wang Xing and his partners: They collaborate and brainstorm ideas for their new website, Fanfou.
  • Chen Hao and Liu Qiangdong: They interact over Chen Hao's JD.com order, and Liu Qiangdong shares information about Taobao's upcoming fee-based policy.

Ch. 409The Mystique of Boss Chen

Key Plot Points and Events

  • JD.com leads in the B2C market due to its focus on product quality and speed, while Taobao dominates C2C.
  • Chen Hao recognizes JD.com's charging model as similar to Baidu's paid search ranking system.
  • Chen Hao instructs Liu Qiangdong to target Taobao's small and medium-sized merchants.
  • Tencent's Little Ma, learning from QQ's charging history, decides to observe Taobao's move.

Character Developments

  • Chen Hao demonstrates strategic thinking and confidence in JD.com's future.
  • Liu Qiangdong grows more confident in his role and learns from Chen Hao's perspective.
  • Little Ma reflects on QQ's charging history and considers its implications for Taobao.

Significant Themes

  • The importance of product quality and speed in e-commerce.
  • The potential risks and benefits of charging models in online platforms.
  • The impact of historical experiences on decision-making.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Hao and Liu Qiangdong discuss JD.com's strategy against Taobao.
  • Liu Qiangdong seeks Li Fang's assistance for the upcoming event.
  • Little Ma considers Taobao's move in light of QQ's past charging experiences.

Ch. 410Stir the Waters First

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Tencent's initial attempt to charge for QQ registration fails, leading to a significant decline in revenue and users.
  • Tencent learns that monetizing traffic requires guiding users to profitable areas like games or advertising.
  • Taobao launches "Treasure Inviter," a paid service for sellers to improve their products' visibility, causing uproar among sellers.
  • Qian Jin, a Taobao seller, discovers his sales plummet after paying for "Treasure Inviter" and voices his concerns on the Taobao community forum.
  • The forum becomes a hub for complaints and discussions about Taobao's new service, with some users considering alternative e-commerce platforms like Paipai.com and JD.com.

Character Developments

  • Tencent's leadership learns from their mistake of charging for QQ registration and understands the importance of guiding users to profitable areas.
  • Qian Jin, a Taobao seller, becomes disillusioned with Taobao's new service and decides to voice his concerns publicly.

Significant Themes

  • The struggle between free and paid services in the e-commerce industry.
  • The impact of monetization strategies on user behavior and satisfaction.
  • The role of community forums in voicing user concerns and driving change.

Character Interactions

  • Tencent's leadership discusses their past mistakes and prepares to challenge Taobao's new service.
  • Qian Jin interacts with other Taobao sellers on the community forum, expressing his frustration with "Treasure Inviter."
  • Taobao's administrators monitor the community forum and respond to user complaints, while also subtly advertising their platform.

Ch. 411Gun in Hand, Follow Me

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Jack Ma, Alibaba's founder, is obsessed with English and Wuxia novels, reflected in Alibaba's naming conventions (e.g., offices, institutes, and employee aliases).
  • Alibaba's "Zhao Cai Jin Bao" initiative faces backlash from users, with negative information and protests on forums.
  • Sun Tongyu, Taobao's president, reports to Jack Ma about the situation and discusses damage control strategies.
  • Taobao's community forum is heavily moderated, deleting critical posts, which angers users.
  • Qian Jin, a disgruntled seller, rallies other sellers to protest on Century Weibo, a more open platform.

Character Developments

  • Jack Ma: Struggles with the backlash of "Zhao Cai Jin Bao," shows exhaustion but determination.
  • Sun Tongyu: Displays concern for the situation but also some resentment towards Jack Ma's decision-making.
  • Qian Jin: Evolves from a single protester to a rallying figure, organizing a collective protest on Weibo.

Significant Themes

  • Corporate culture and its impact on employees (Alibaba's alias culture).
  • The tension between corporate interests and consumer rights.
  • The power dynamics between users and corporations, and the limitations of user protests.

Character Interactions

  • Jack Ma and Sun Tongyu: Discuss the situation, with Jack Ma expressing his expectations for Sun Tongyu to handle it.
  • Qian Jin and his employees: Collaborate to protest on Taobao's forum, then shift to Weibo after realizing the futility of their efforts on the forum.

Ch. 412Besieging Guangming Peak

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The Treasure Inviter Resistors Alliance plans a market boycott, dubbed 'Stranded,' to protest Taobao's 'Treasure Inviter' service.
  • The boycott is to commence at 0:00 on June 1st, with participants removing all products from their stores.
  • The boycott gains momentum on social media platforms like Weibo, with a blogger named Wang Xianbiao leading the charge.
  • Other e-commerce platforms like Paipai.com, JD.com, and Dangdang capitalize on the situation by offering incentives to Taobao merchants.
  • Taobao responds by adjusting 'Treasure Inviter' rules and holding a press conference to defend their actions.

Character Developments

  • Wang Xianbiao emerges as a leader in the boycott, gaining significant influence and followers on Weibo.
  • Qian Jin, a minor leader in the Treasure Inviter Resistors Alliance, demonstrates organizational skills by coordinating YY groups.
  • Liu Qiangdong, the CEO of JD.com, shows strategic acumen by offering incentives to Taobao merchants.

Significant Themes

  • Unity and collective action among small businesses against perceived exploitation by large corporations.
  • The power of social media in mobilizing public opinion and influencing businesses.
  • The tension between free market principles and the need for regulation to protect small businesses.

Character Interactions

  • The Treasure Inviter Resistors Alliance members collaborate to plan and execute the market boycott.
  • Wang Xianbiao interacts with other Taobao merchants on Weibo, rallying support for the boycott.
  • Taobao's spokesperson, Tao Ran, interacts with the media to defend Taobao's actions and address merchant concerns.
  • Liu Qiangdong and other e-commerce platform CEOs interact indirectly by offering incentives to Taobao merchants, attempting to capitalize on the situation.

Ch. 413Merchant Strike and Century Public Vote

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Taobao shuts down troublesome sellers, sparking a merchant strike.
  • Taobao's reputation plummets, and the strike begins on June 1st, with thousands of shops delisting products.
  • Taobao implements a "Public Vote" on 'Treasure Inviter' from June 2nd to June 10th, with users voting to decide its fate.
  • During the vote, suspicions arise about the authenticity of the results, with Luo Yonghao alleging Taobao's manipulation.
  • JD.com, a competitor, sees an opportunity and encourages merchants to switch platforms.

Character Developments

  • Tao Ran, Taobao's spokesperson, maintains a firm stance on 'Treasure Inviter' but acknowledges merchants' concerns.
  • Old Ma, Alibaba's CEO, returns from Hong Kong to address the crisis, announcing the 'Public Vote' to appease merchants.
  • Luo Yonghao, an internet celebrity, exposes potential manipulation in the 'Public Vote,' stirring public opinion.

Significant Themes

  • Power dynamics between merchants and platforms.
  • The impact of public opinion and social media on businesses.
  • Manipulation and transparency in online voting systems.

Character Interactions

  • Tao Ran and Old Ma work together to manage the crisis, with Tao Ran handling public relations and Old Ma making strategic decisions.
  • Merchants unite to protest against 'Treasure Inviter,' with Wang Xianbiao leading the cancellation faction.
  • Luo Yonghao interacts with the public via Weibo, exposing potential manipulation in the 'Public Vote.'
  • Liu Qiangdong, JD.com's founder, observes the situation and encourages merchants to switch to his platform.

Ch. 414You May Profit; I Never Lose

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Century Weibo launches a poll to save 'Treasure Inviter', mirroring Taobao's poll.
  • Taobao panics as the polls show opposite results, trying to discredit Century Weibo's poll.
  • Media outlets sensationalize the event, sparking conspiracy theories and netizen gossip.
  • On June 10th, Century Weibo's poll results show 72% in favor of canceling 'Treasure Inviter'.
  • On the final day, Taobao's poll results narrowly favor canceling 'Treasure Inviter' (52%).
  • Taobao officially shuts down 'Treasure Inviter' and refunds service fees.
  • Merchants celebrate their victory, opening stores on multiple platforms.
  • E-commerce platforms benefit from the increased competition and user base.

Character Developments

  • Wang Xianbiao and Qian Jin gain prestige for organizing the consumer rights campaign.
  • Taobao's executives, like Tao Ran, face public backlash and must acknowledge the majority's decision.
  • Chen Hao reflects on the gains and losses, planning his next moves in the e-commerce landscape.

Significant Themes

  • Consumer rights and power dynamics between consumers and corporations.
  • The impact of social media and public opinion on businesses.
  • The cutthroat competition among e-commerce platforms and the benefits it brings to consumers.

Character Interactions

  • Wang Xianbiao and Qian Jin work together to rally merchants against Taobao's 'Treasure Inviter' service.
  • Taobao's executives and Century Weibo's team engage in a public battle through polls and media outlets.
  • Chen Hao discusses the event's outcomes with Liu Qiangdong (JD.com's founder) and reflects on his own strategies.

Ch. 415Century Wind from the East

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Taobao's "Treasure Inviter" event causes a stir online and is analyzed on a television economic channel.
  • An expert criticizes Taobao's strategy, highlighting issues with their industry model change and bid ranking system.
  • JD.com's financial situation and future plans are discussed, with Chen Hao deciding to postpone shopping festivals and seeking investment from venture capital firms.
  • Chen Hao oversees the launch of Century Interactive Entertainment's games overseas, securing markets in Asia-Pacific, Europe, and preparing for North America.

Character Developments

  • Chen Hao demonstrates strategic thinking and decisiveness in managing JD.com and Century Interactive Entertainment's overseas expansion.
  • The expert on the television program shows analytical skills and critical thinking in evaluating Taobao's strategy.

Significant Themes

  • The challenges and opportunities of e-commerce platforms, particularly the 'free-to-play' model.
  • The complexities and importance of international business dealings.
  • The global online game market and competition.

Character Interactions

  • The expert and Liu Qiangdong's group have a private conversation about JD.com's future.
  • Chen Hao works with Zhou Xiao and the event planning team to plan marketing strategies for North America.

Ch. 416Open Beta at Its Peak, Everything in the Green

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Century Security performers, skilled fighters "poached" by Chen Hao, put on a martial arts and Three Kingdoms-themed performance in New York's Times Square.
  • The performance merges real-world action with in-game CG clips, creating a spectacle that captivates the audience and goes viral on social media.
  • The event marks the beginning of Century Interactive Entertainment's global expansion, with open beta launches for four major games in North America on July 10th.
  • The games' servers fill to capacity, sparking a response from major North American game manufacturers, including discount promotions and smear campaigns against Century Interactive Entertainment.

Character Developments

  • Chen Hao, the CEO of Century Interactive Entertainment, is portrayed as cunning and shameless, using aggressive marketing tactics to promote his company's games.

Significant Themes

  • Cultural exchange and global expansion: The performance in Times Square and the launch of open beta in North America highlight Century Interactive Entertainment's efforts to bring Chinese games to the global market.
  • Competition and response: The reaction from major North American game manufacturers, including discount promotions and smear campaigns, underscores the competitive nature of the gaming industry.

Character Interactions

  • The interaction between the performers and the audience at the Times Square event highlights the power of spectacle and cultural exchange in captivating an international audience.
  • The response from North American game manufacturers to Century Interactive Entertainment's aggressive marketing tactics demonstrates the competitive dynamics between companies in the gaming industry.

Ch. 417Since You Like It, I'll Increase the Dosage

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Hao focuses on supervision and morale after the game's open beta.
  • Chen Hao attempts to sell three games (Grab Parking Spaces, Century Farm, Century Friends) to Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.
  • He discovers the companies are poorer than expected, so he decides to invest in them instead.
  • Chen Hao invests in Facebook ($30M) and Twitter ($20M), excluding YouTube.
  • He oversees the development of the online game business, Xu Pengkun's investments, and drafts a proposal for an event called "YY Good Voice".
  • Chen Hao looks into Riot Games but refines his search criteria.
  • The North American game business begins official commercial operations, generating over $100M in monthly revenue.

Character Developments

  • Chen Hao demonstrates adaptability and resourcefulness in changing his strategy from selling games to investing in foreign companies.
  • He shows a willingness to take risks and learn from his mistakes.
  • Chen Hao's wealth and generosity impress the foreign companies, elevating his status in their eyes.

Significant Themes

  • Adaptability and resilience in the face of changing circumstances.
  • The importance of understanding and catering to different markets' preferences.
  • The power dynamics between domestic and foreign companies in the tech industry.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Hao interacts with the founders of Twitter (Evan), Facebook (Zuckerberg), and YouTube, using a mix of truth and fiction to pitch his games.
  • He later approaches them with an investment offer, leading to a shift in their attitudes towards him.
  • Chen Hao works with Xu Pengkun to oversee the investments in foreign companies.

Ch. 418First Meeting with Riot Games

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Hao instructs Chu Xuan to create an international server for Three Kingdoms OL, merging global countries into factions for a "national war" theme.
  • He names the expansion pack "Rise of Kingdoms" and sets a six-month deadline.
  • Chen Hao warns Chu Xuan about server stability, citing Alibaba's cloud server collapse as an example.
  • Wuxia World prepares a new raid instance, and the other two games align with Three Kingdoms OL.
  • Chen Hao meets Riot Games' founders, Marc and Brandon, in their dilapidated office.
  • Riot Games presents their prototype game, which Chen Hao finds visually unappealing and buggy.

Character Developments

  • Chen Hao shows strategic thinking and caution in business decisions, considering server stability and long-term investment.
  • Marc and Brandon display passion and dedication to gaming and game development, despite their humble beginnings.

Significant Themes

  • Ambition and perseverance in the face of adversity (Marc and Brandon's journey).
  • The importance of long-term planning and caution in business (Chen Hao's approach to expansion and investment).
  • The contrast between humble beginnings and future success (Riot Games' office vs. their potential impact on the gaming industry).

Character Interactions

  • Chen Hao and the Riot Games founders meet for the first time, with Chen Hao expressing interest in investing and Marc and Brandon presenting their game prototype.
  • Chen Hao interacts with his team, providing instructions and setting deadlines for Three Kingdoms OL's expansion.

Ch. 419Yang Dao and Ice Frog

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Hao meets with Mark and Brandon, learns about their game, and expresses interest in collaborating.
  • Chen Hao learns about Yang Dao and Ice Frog, key figures in MOBA games, and their roles in Dota's development.
  • Chen Hao finds Yang Dao and arranges a meeting with both him and Ice Frog at a Starbucks.
  • Chen Hao shows them gameplay videos of Honor of Heroes and Alliance of Gods, sparking their interest.
  • Chen Hao offers them the position of Chief Designer for their respective games if they join Century Interactive Entertainment.

Character Developments

  • Chen Hao: Shows curiosity and understanding about the gaming industry, seeks out key figures for collaboration, and demonstrates strategic thinking in game development.
  • Yang Dao: Initially passionate and reformative, later becomes Riot Games' chief designer, creating League of Legends. He is straightforward and unrestrained, eager to work on Honor of Heroes.
  • Ice Frog: Initially hopeful for Blizzard's support, later creates Dota 2 with Valve. He is more composed and interested in Chen Hao's vision for the future of the games.

Significant Themes

  • Game Development and Innovation: The chapter explores the evolution of MOBA games, the challenges faced by game developers, and the importance of innovation.
  • Collaboration and Partnership: The theme of collaboration is prominent, with Chen Hao seeking out potential partners and offering them key roles in his company.
  • Vision and Ambition: The characters' visions for the games' future and their ambition to create something great are central themes.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Hao and Mark/Brandon: Chen Hao casually asks questions to understand their game and expresses interest in collaborating.
  • Yang Dao and Ice Frog: Despite their past disagreements, they reunite and share their differing views on Dota's development. They are both captivated by the gameplay videos of Honor of Heroes and Alliance of Gods.
  • Chen Hao and Yang Dao/Ice Frog: Chen Hao acts as a mediator between Yang Dao and Ice Frog, plays the videos, and offers them the position of Chief Designer for their respective games.

Ch. 420The Reputation of a Person, the Shadow of a Tree

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Chen Hao, the CEO of Century Interactive Entertainment, meets with Yang Dao and Ice Frog, the creators of Dota 2 and LOL, respectively.
  • Chen Hao offers them positions as Chief Game Designers for Century's upcoming games, Honor of Heroes and Alliance of Gods.
  • Yang Dao accepts the offer on the spot, while Ice Frog agrees to consider it.
  • Chen Hao brings Yang Dao and Ice Frog to Tianji Studio, introducing them as the new Chief Game Producers for the respective games.
  • The Tianji Studio team is initially silent and unresponsive to the news, expressing their shock and disbelief.

Character Developments

  • Chen Hao: Demonstrates his resourcefulness and determination in securing top talent for his company.
  • Yang Dao: Shows decisiveness in accepting Chen Hao's offer, indicating his eagerness to start a new project.
  • Ice Frog: Exhibits caution and careful consideration before making decisions, preferring to think things through before acting.
  • The Tianji Studio team: Initially skeptical and unresponsive to the news of the foreign game designers joining their ranks, but later express shock and admiration upon learning their identities.

Significant Themes

  • Talent acquisition and retention: Chen Hao's efforts to secure Yang Dao and Ice Frog highlight the importance of attracting and keeping top talent in the gaming industry.
  • Globalization: The hiring of international game designers emphasizes the global nature of the gaming industry and the need for diverse perspectives.
  • Competition and collaboration: The appointment of two prominent game designers to work alongside the existing team at Tianji Studio raises questions about competition, collaboration, and the dynamics between established and new team members.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Hao interacts with Yang Dao and Ice Frog, successfully recruiting them for his company.
  • The Tianji Studio team interacts with Chen Hao, Yang Dao, and Ice Frog, initially expressing skepticism but later showing admiration and shock upon learning the new designers' identities.
  • Chen Hao interacts with Xu Peiliang, the head of Tianji Studio, briefing him about the new hires and addressing the team's potential concerns.
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