Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter is narrated by a young man, Xu Yun, who is writing his thoughts about the state of biology in the 21st century.
• He reflects on how biology became a popular major in the early 2000s but has since become a joke among its graduates due to intense competition and low recognition.
• Xu Yun argues that biology is still poised to become the dominant field of the century due to technological advancements and its influence on other industries like big data and AI.

Character Developments

• Xu Yun: He is a passionate and introspective biology student preparing for his doctoral defense. He grapples with the realities of the competitive and underappreciated field of biology while maintaining his optimism about its future.

Significant Themes

• The promise and challenges of the biological sciences in the 21st century.
• The intense competition and low recognition of the field.
• The influence of biology on other industries and technologies.

Character Interactions

• Xu Yun interacts with a couple leaving the library, which briefly distracts him from his writing. He also considers visiting his "paper wife," Tifa or Alice, but ultimately decides against it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Yun, a 24-year-old prodigy with two Ph.D. degrees, discovers he has been reborn to his 15-year-old self.
• He lives alone off-campus, hiding a secret related to his rebirth.
• After completing his second Ph.D., Xu Yun gains access to a mysterious space with a rotating ring that offers three doors, each requiring 100 Knowledge Points to open.
• Xu Yun chooses the left door and experiences a disorienting journey, ending up face-first on top of another person.

Character Developments

• Xu Yun: A mature and disciplined academic prodigy, despite his young age. He is secretive about his past and has a mysterious connection to a space that rewards him for gaining knowledge.
• Isaac Newton: A historical figure who appears unconscious in the present, though his role in the story is yet to be revealed.

Significant Themes

• Reincarnation and the use of future knowledge to change past events.
• The pursuit of knowledge and its potential rewards.
• The duality of prodigies' academic prowess and their social ineptitude.

Character Interactions

• Xu Yun interacts with his past self and with Isaac Newton, though Newton is currently unconscious.
• Xu Yun's relationship with his peers and mentors at USTC is hinted at but not detailed in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter discusses the disputed story of Isaac Newton and the falling apple that inspired his Law of Universal Gravitation.
• Xu Yun, the protagonist, finds himself in Newton's body after being hit by an apple while Newton was under the apple tree.
• Newton has returned to his family farm in Woolsthorpe due to the plague in London and has a strained relationship with his mother and siblings.

Character Developments

• Isaac Newton: Initially frustrated with his mathematical problem, Newton is knocked unconscious by an apple and wakes up to find Xu Yun.
• Xu Yun: After being hit by the apple, Xu Yun finds himself in Newton's body, experiencing Newton's life and thoughts.

Significant Themes

• The chapter explores the nature of truth and how historical events can be disputed and interpreted differently.
• It also touches on the theme of family relationships and the complexities of family dynamics, as seen through Newton's strained relationship with his mother and siblings.

Character Interactions

• Newton and Xu Yun: After Newton wakes up, he immediately attacks Xu Yun with a book, mistaking him for an intruder.
• Newton and his family: The chapter hints at the tense relationship between Newton and his family, particularly his mother Hannah and half-siblings.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Yun wakes up in an unfamiliar wooden house after an unknown period of unconsciousness.
• He discovers he's in a small village with ripe Bramley apples, indicating it's late October.
• He receives a mission from an unknown entity, tasking him to befriend the young Isaac Newton within two months.
• Xu Yun deduces that the current year is 1665, eight months after the Great Plague of London, based on Newton's absence from Cambridge.

Character Developments

• Xu Yun: Shows adaptability and analytical skills, quickly understanding his situation and deducing the current time and location.
• Isaac Newton: Not yet the renowned physicist; still a young, proud, and withdrawn academic.

Significant Themes

• Time Travel and Paradox: Xu Yun's presence in the past and his potential impact on history.
• Friendship and Connection: The mission's requirement to befriend Newton.

Character Interactions

• Xu Yun and Newton: Although they haven't interacted yet, Xu Yun is preparing to meet Newton and complete his mission.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter focuses on Sir Isaac Newton's life and achievements, particularly his prolific period between 1665 and 1667 during the Great Plague of London.
• Xu Yun, a modern man, finds himself in Newton's time and aims to meet the young Newton to introduce calculus.
• Xu Yun estimates Newton's current progress in mathematics and plans to approach him accordingly.

Character Developments

• Sir Isaac Newton: Despite his controversial life, Newton's academic achievements in his early years laid the foundation for classical physics. In his later years, he turned to politics and economics, serving as the Factory Director of the Royal Mint.
• Xu Yun: Xu Yun, a modern man, is transported back in time and must adapt to the 17th century. He demonstrates knowledge of history and mathematics, aiming to interact with Newton.

Significant Themes

• Time Travel and Adaptation: Xu Yun's unexpected journey back in time forces him to adapt to the 17th century, understand the language, and navigate the historical context.
• Genius and Controversy: The chapter explores Newton's extraordinary intellect and the controversies surrounding his life and achievements.
• History and Mathematics: The narrative intertwines historical events with mathematical concepts, highlighting Newton's role in shaping classical physics.

Character Interactions

• Xu Yun and Newton: Although they haven't met yet, Xu Yun's plan to approach Newton is the primary interaction in this chapter. Xu Yun aims to introduce calculus to Newton, while Newton, unaware of Xu Yun's intentions, has already encountered him and taken his shoes as a fine for trespassing.
• Xu Yun and the House Owner: Implicitly, the house owner who carried Xu Yun to bed and removed his shoes is likely Newton, as he is the only other person present in the house.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The story is set in 1665, during the Little Ice Age, in Woolsthorpe, Britain.
• Xu Yun, a time-traveler, arrives barefoot and is taken in by Isaac Newton, who claims his shoes as a "fine" for trespassing.
• Newton brings Xu Yun home and questions him about his identity.

Character Developments

• Isaac Newton: Initially portrayed as selfish and questionable, Newton's actions are later understood as a result of his upbringing and the societal norms of his time. He is curious about Xu Yun's background.
• Xu Yun: Xu Yun remains calm despite losing his shoes and is cautious about revealing his true identity, instead giving the name "Li Feiyu."

Significant Themes

• The impact of the Little Ice Age on society and the environment.
• The chaotic societal norms and ideas of late 17th-century Britain, exemplified by the Burl Ordinance.
• The importance of caution and discretion in a parallel world.

Character Interactions

• Xu Yun and Newton's interaction is initially tense due to Newton's unusual behavior, but they begin to communicate calmly.
• Newton's curiosity about Xu Yun's background hints at a potential change in their relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Yun, a man from the East (Huaxia), arrives at Isaac Newton's estate, speaking in standard Chinese.
• Xu Yun claims to be from the Wind Spirit Moon Shadow Sect, sent to Europe by his ancestors who were involved in trade, particularly cotton.
• Xu Yun's family was separated during an evacuation due to the plague, leading him to take refuge in Newton's orchard.
• Newton believes Xu Yun's story due to his family's wealth, the current plague situation, and Xu Yun's unfamiliarity with the evacuation route.

Character Developments

• Xu Yun: Shows adaptability and resourcefulness in handling his situation, using his family's wealth as a bargaining tool to stay at Newton's estate.
• Isaac Newton: Demonstrates curiosity about Xu Yun's origins and a practical, calculating nature when considering Xu Yun's request to stay.

Significant Themes

• The Silk Road and historical exchanges between East and West.
• The impact of the plague on society and trade routes.
• The importance of family wealth and status in society.

Character Interactions

• Xu Yun and Newton: Xu Yun uses his family's wealth to negotiate with Newton, who is initially curious but pragmatic in his response.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Isaac Newton, despite his academic prowess, was also a stock market speculator.
• In 1720, he invested in the South Sea Company, but the market crashed due to the Bubble Act, leading to significant losses for Newton.
• In the present, young Newton (Little Ox) offers Xu Yun temporary shelter and food, but at a high cost.

Character Developments

• Newton's greed and obsession with money are highlighted, despite his intellectual brilliance.
• Xu Yun, despite his situation, maintains a calm and calculating demeanor.

Significant Themes

• The unpredictability and madness of the stock market.
• The harsh realities of survival during times of crisis.

Character Interactions

• Newton and Xu Yun negotiate the terms of Xu Yun's stay, with Newton being pragmatic and business-like.
• Xu Yun accepts Newton's offer, acknowledging the harsh reality of his situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Yun agrees to make a wooden plate for Young Newton.
• Xu Yun reveals his cooking and academic skills to Newton, but Newton remains unimpressed.
• Newton assigns Xu Yun to tend to the orchard trees and cook for him.

Character Developments

• Xu Yun: Demonstrates confidence in his cooking and academic skills, but is disappointed by Newton's lack of reaction. He understands Newton's arrogance and accepts his role as a lodger.
• Young Newton: Shows no surprise or interest in Xu Yun's skills, highlighting his extreme confidence and arrogance. He treats Xu Yun as an ordinary person.

Significant Themes

• Newton's arrogance and extreme confidence in his own abilities.
• The cultural and technological differences between 17th-century Britain and Xu Yun's homeland.
• Xu Yun's acceptance of his role and the challenges he faces in completing his mission.

Character Interactions

• Xu Yun and Young Newton: Their interaction highlights Newton's lack of interest in Xu Yun's skills and Xu Yun's understanding of Newton's character. They establish a dynamic where Xu Yun is neither a servant nor a guest, but a lodger with some responsibilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Yun, now awake, is shown around the estate by Little Ox (Sir Isaac Newton).
• Newton gives Xu Yun a pair of old Brogues to wear within the estate, warning him not to wear them outside due to poor sanitation in Britain.
• Xu Yun is shown the layout of the house and the surrounding estate, including fruit trees, a nearby village road, a well, and a windmill.
• Newton shows Xu Yun his study, warning him not to touch any of his papers without permission.
• Xu Yun notices sketches on Newton's desk depicting a figure falling from a tree, with a question mark beside it.

Character Developments

• Xu Yun demonstrates understanding and cooperation with Newton's rules and instructions.
• Newton shows concern for Xu Yun's well-being, providing him with appropriate footwear and explaining the estate's layout.
• Newton displays protectiveness over his work, emphasizing that Xu Yun should not touch his papers without permission.

Significant Themes

• Sanitation and hygiene in 17th-century Britain.
• The importance of Newton's work and intellectual property.
• The curiosity and inquisitive nature of both characters, as evidenced by Xu Yun's interest in the sketches and Newton's questioning of the falling figure.

Character Interactions

• Newton acts as a guide and mentor to Xu Yun, explaining the estate's layout and his rules.
• Xu Yun shows deference to Newton's authority and knowledge, following his instructions and asking no questions.
• The interaction is cordial and respectful, with both characters displaying understanding and cooperation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Yun discovers a sketch of Newton pondering Universal Gravitation, but Newton hasn't fully derived the law yet.
• Xu Yun learns about the difference between gravity and Universal Gravitation, and the key concepts needed to derive the latter.
• Newton shares a metal stand with his birthdate (December 25, 1642) engraved on it, which coincidentally falls on Christmas.
• Xu Yun reveals that in his homeland, people born on this date are considered lucky and may be worshipped like Jesus in the future.

Character Developments

• Xu Yun: Shows knowledge of physics and history, uses flattery to gain Newton's trust.
• Newton: Initially skeptical, becomes excited and convinced when Xu Yun reveals his 'lucky' status.

Significant Themes

• Luck and destiny: Xu Yun's words about 'lucky people' resonate with Newton's chuuni beliefs.
• Trust and friendship: Xu Yun aims to befriend Newton for his mission.

Character Interactions

• Xu Yun and Newton: Xu Yun flatters Newton, leading to a bond between them. Newton shares personal information with Xu Yun, showing trust.
• Xu Yun and the reader: Xu Yun explains complex physics concepts in a simplified way, engaging the reader.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Little Ox (Isaac Newton) has two birthdays: January 4 and December 25. The first is according to the Gregorian calendar, the second according to the Julian calendar.
• Britain, where Newton was born, was still using the Julian calendar at the time, hence his birthdate was recorded as December 25, 1642.
• Newton's beliefs differ from modern Christian doctrine, and he keeps this to himself. However, Xu Yun's description of "This Child" resonates with Newton, changing his perception of Xu Yun.

Character Developments

• Little Ox (Newton) becomes more open and friendly towards Xu Yun after their conversation about "This Child".
• Xu Yun feels anxious about potential gossip from local villagers due to his Eastern appearance.

Significant Themes

• The impact of different calendar systems on historical events and personal identities.
• The tension between personal beliefs and societal norms, as seen through Newton's secretive nature.

Character Interactions

• Newton takes Xu Yun on a tour around the village, sharing local insights and inviting him to his uncle's house for meals.
• Xu Yun and Newton bond over their shared interest in theology, with Newton opening up more to Xu Yun.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Yun and Little Ox (Newton) cut firewood for Newton's uncle, William Askew.
• They carry the firewood to William's house, where they meet him.
• Xu Yun feels nostalgic for the peaceful countryside.

Character Developments

• Xu Yun: Feels discomfort in ill-fitting shoes, reflecting future challenges.
• Little Ox (Newton): Shows respect and affection towards his uncle, William Askew.

Significant Themes

• The clash of worldviews between the 17th and 21st centuries.
• The importance of family and relationships, as seen in Newton's bond with his uncle.

Character Interactions

• Xu Yun and Little Ox: Work together to cut and carry firewood, with Newton treating Xu Yun as an equal.
• Little Ox (Newton) and William Askew: Their warm relationship is evident, with Newton addressing him affectionately as "Uncle William."

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Yun (Li Feiyu) arrives at Woolsthorpe, introducing himself as Little Ox's (Isaac Newton's) friend from the Netherlands.
• William Askew, Little Ox's uncle, welcomes Xu Yun warmly.
• Lisa Askew, William's daughter and Little Ox's cousin, is introduced.

Character Developments

• Xu Yun: Maintains his guise as Li Feiyu, showing adaptability and quick thinking.
• Little Ox (Isaac Newton): Not present in the scene, but his past and potential romantic history with Lisa is hinted at.
• William Askew: Shows hospitality and warmth towards Xu Yun.
• Lisa Askew: First appearance, portrayed as lively and energetic.

Significant Themes

• Identity and disguise, as Xu Yun continues to masquerade as Li Feiyu.
• The power of first impressions and initial interactions.
• The influence of rumors and legends on historical figures, such as Little Ox's romantic history.

Character Interactions

• Xu Yun and William Askew: They meet for the first time, with William showing warmth and hospitality towards Xu Yun.
• Xu Yun and Lisa Askew: They meet briefly, with Xu Yun showing interest in her due to her connection to Little Ox's past.
• Xu Yun and Little Ox (off-page): Their friendship is referenced, with Little Ox's past romantic history hinted at.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Yun and Little Ox meet William Askew, who leads them into his seventeenth-century British house.
• William's house is described in detail, revealing its Dutch influence and signs of aging despite its initial bourgeois appearance.
• Xu Yun learns about William's unlucky life story, marked by failed businesses and a refusal to engage in the slave trade due to his religious beliefs.
• Upon entering the house, Xu Yun encounters a young girl who hits him on the head with a lump of cow dung.

Character Developments

• William Askew: Despite his unlucky streak in business, William is portrayed as an honest merchant with strong religious beliefs, refusing to engage in the slave trade.
• Xu Yun: Xu Yun demonstrates adaptability and tolerance to the unpleasant environment in William's house. He also shows kindness towards the young girl.
• Little Ox: Little Ox's character is not significantly developed in this chapter, but his presence is noted.

Significant Themes

• Unluckiness vs. Integrity: William's life story highlights the theme of unluckiness versus integrity, as he struggles in business but maintains his moral principles.
• Cultural Differences: The chapter touches on cultural differences in shoe-wearing habits between Europe and Asia.
• Poverty vs. Appearances: William's house presents a contrast between its initial bourgeois appearance and its true, rundown condition, reflecting the theme of poverty versus appearances.

Character Interactions

• Xu Yun and William Askew: They meet and interact briefly, with William leading Xu Yun and Little Ox into his house.
• Xu Yun and the Young Girl: Xu Yun smiles at the young girl, but she playfully hits him on the head with cow dung. This interaction is brief but shows the girl's playful nature and Xu Yun's kindness towards children.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Yun is hit by cow dung thrown by Lilani Askew, William's youngest daughter, upon meeting her.
• William apologizes profusely, fearing Xu Yun's reaction, as he believes Xu Yun is a noble's son.
• Lilani alerts her family, and they gather. Mrs. William helps clean Xu Yun up.
• William offers Lilani's punishment to Xu Yun according to Comis Law, allowing up to 20 lashes.
• Xu Yun strikes Lilani's arm three times with a bamboo stick, then strikes his own arm three times as self-punishment.

Character Developments

• Xu Yun shows understanding and compassion towards Lilani, choosing not to overpunish her and striking himself as well.
• Lilani, despite her mischief, shows confusion and remorse upon seeing Xu Yun's self-punishment.
• William, concerned about his family's reputation and Xu Yun's status, apologizes excessively.

Significant Themes

• The impact of modern values on Xu Yun's actions, showing compassion and understanding towards a child.
• The harshness of 17th-century English laws, such as Comis Law, which permit corporal punishment for children.

Character Interactions

• Xu Yun and Lilani's interaction shows a shift from initial annoyance to understanding and compassion.
• William's interaction with Xu Yun is marked by excessive apologizing, showing his concern for his family's reputation and Xu Yun's status.
• Lilani's interaction with her family shows no fear of her father but remorse after seeing Xu Yun's self-punishment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Yun, a modern man in 17th-century England, struggles with the harsh punishment of a child (Lilani) for a minor offense.
• He decides to punish Lilani and himself, three lashes each, to show his stance on justice and mercy.
• William Escoe, Lilani's father, thanks Xu Yun and invites him to lunch with his family.

Character Developments

• Xu Yun: Shows empathy and understanding, challenging the harsh norms of 17th-century English justice.
• Lilani: Shows initial confusion but eventually thanks Xu Yun for his leniency.
• William Escoe: Shows curiosity and respect towards Xu Yun's actions and intellect.

Significant Themes

• The clash of modern and historical perspectives on justice and punishment.
• The harsh realities of 17th-century English society and its impact on children.

Character Interactions

• Xu Yun and Lilani: Xu Yun's punishment of both Lilani and himself shows his understanding and empathy towards the child.
• Xu Yun and William Escoe: They find common ground in their conversation, despite the four-hundred-year gap in their worldviews.
• William Escoe and his daughters: William introduces his daughters to Xu Yun, showing his pride in his family despite their hardships.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Yun has his first meal in 17th-century England with the William family.
• The meal consists of bread, vegetable medley, and stewed eel, with the fish soup being particularly unpalatable due to improper preparation.
• William leads a prayer of thanks before the meal.

Character Developments

• Xu Yun demonstrates respect for the era's culture and customs by participating in the prayer.
• Mrs. William shows her culinary skills and care for her family by preparing a special meat dish for the guest.
• William exhibits his role as the family's provider and storyteller.

Significant Themes

• The importance of family and togetherness, emphasized by the shared meal and William's storytelling.
• The challenges of communication and understanding across different cultures and time periods, hinted at by Xu Yun's struggle with the fish soup.

Character Interactions

• Xu Yun interacts politely with the William family, showing respect and gratitude for their hospitality.
• Andrea, one of the Ailula Sisters, shows kindness and consideration by pulling out a chair for Xu Yun.
• William and Mrs. William work together to prepare and serve the meal, demonstrating their partnership and teamwork.
• Little Ox and Lisa engage in a lively conversation, showing their camaraderie and shared interests.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Yun's first meal in the 17th century is a primitive, fish-based soup and coarse bread.
• William Aescul asks Xu Yun about his plans to stay in Woolsthorpe.
• Xu Yun reveals he plans to stay for about one to two months due to the plague and blocked passage to the Netherlands.
• Mrs. William worries about their food supply with Xu Yun's extended stay.

Character Developments

• Xu Yun: Adapts to the primitive meal, shows understanding of historical medical knowledge, and maintains his plan to stay in Woolsthorpe.
• William Aescul: Shows concern about the plague and its potential consequences.
• Mrs. William: Worries about their food supply with Xu Yun's extended stay, indicating financial struggles.

Significant Themes

• Historical context: The chapter discusses the origin of forks in Europe and the differences in dining habits between England and China.
• Financial struggles: Mrs. William's worry about their food supply highlights the family's financial difficulties.
• The plague: The ongoing plague is a significant concern for the characters, reflecting the historical impact of the disease.

Character Interactions

• Xu Yun and William Aescul: They engage in conversation at the table, with William asking about Xu Yun's plans and Xu Yun sharing his concerns about the plague.
• Mrs. William's internal monologue: She worries about their food supply with Xu Yun's extended stay, showing her concern for the family's well-being.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mrs. William is worried about their dwindling food supplies due to the prolonged Black Death epidemic.
• Xu Yun decides to help the William family financially to improve his relationship with Little Ox.
• Xu Yun and Little Ox spend the afternoon cutting reeds for bedding and have a simple dinner of bread at home.

Character Developments

• Xu Yun shows empathy and willingness to help the William family.
• Little Ox displays responsibility and concern for his uncle's family, actively helping with chores.

Significant Themes

• The impact of the Black Death on the William family's finances.
• The importance of mutual aid and responsibility, as shown by Little Ox's help to his uncle's family.

Character Interactions

• Xu Yun and Little Ox work together to cut reeds and have a simple dinner at home.
• Little Ox shows consideration for Xu Yun's well-being by preparing bedding and a simple meal.