Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Yun returns to the library, gathers materials on insect sodium channels, and returns to his apartment to work.
• He discovers that insects have only one or two voltage-gated sodium channel alpha subunit genes, but alternative splicing and RNA editing lead to functional diversity.
• Xu Yun plans to use a "Little Ox Summoning" experience card for thirty minutes to aid in his research.
• He spends the next half hour deducing the composite structure of insect sodium channels, using various research papers as references.

Character Developments

• Xu Yun demonstrates his ability to work independently and efficiently, tackling complex research problems.
• He shows awareness of his previous strange behavior and the academic atmosphere at USTC.
• Xu Yun's cognitive abilities briefly reach the world's top tier during the thirty minutes of using the "Little Ox Summoning" experience card.

Significant Themes

• The open and clear academic atmosphere at USTC is highlighted, contrasting with potential threats in other schools.
• The complexity and diversity of insect sodium channels are emphasized, providing opportunities for research and discovery.
• The power of focused, intense work is demonstrated through Xu Yun's thirty-minute deduction session.

Character Interactions

• Xu Yun interacts with two physics major girls at the library, but they are not present when he returns.
• Xu Yun does not interact with any other characters in this chapter, focusing solely on his research.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Yun completes the protein binding region and binding formula for the attractant and axon depolarization models in just two days.
• He contacts Qiu Sheng and the lab, who are impressed by his progress.
• Xu Yun visits Tian Liangwei, his advisor, with the completed experimental reports.

Character Developments

• Xu Yun demonstrates his exceptional work ethic and scientific prowess by completing the project ahead of schedule.
• Tian Liangwei shows concern for his student's well-being, teasing him about using research funds, but ultimately takes his work seriously.

Significant Themes

• The chapter highlights the intense work ethic and dedication required in scientific research.
• It also touches on the competitive nature of academia, with Tian Liangwei comparing Xu Yun to other students and researchers.

Character Interactions

• Xu Yun and Qiu Sheng maintain a friendly and collaborative relationship, with Qiu Sheng expressing admiration for Xu Yun's progress.
• Xu Yun and Tian Liangwei have a mentor-mentee relationship, with Tian Liangwei showing a mix of concern, teasing, and respect for his student's work.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Yun's research group successfully develops the fifth-generation Imidacloprid.
• Xu Yun attributes the idea to inspiration during the R&D process.
• Tian Liangwei, impressed by Xu Yun's talent, offers additional funding but Xu Yun declines, asking for extended lab usage instead.

Character Developments

• Xu Yun demonstrates exceptional talent and strategic thinking in his research.
• Tian Liangwei shows support and understanding towards Xu Yun's achievements and future plans.

Significant Themes

• The importance of inspiration and creativity in research.
• The commercial value and academic status of inventions.
• The relationship between universities and inventors regarding patent profits.

Character Interactions

• Xu Yun and Tian Liangwei discuss the research progress, patent plans, and publication options.
• Tian Liangwei expresses admiration for Xu Yun's talent and offers help with funding and patent applications.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Yun expresses his desire to publish in a Q1 journal.
• Tian Liangwei explains the journal categorization (SCI, CAS, Q1-Q4, CNS), comparing them to mountains of varying difficulty.
• They discuss the price of ghostwriting papers, which has increased due to fabrication and plagiarism incidents.
• Tian Liangwei recommends journals for Xu Yun: NUCLEIC ACIDS RES, TRENDS IN BIOCHEMICAL SCIENCES, EMBO JOURNAL, and CURRENT BIOLOGY.
• Xu Yun and Tian Liangwei decide on NUCLEIC ACIDS RES due to its high impact factor and Tian Liangwei's connections.

Character Developments

• Xu Yun demonstrates his ambition and understanding of academic journal hierarchy.
• Tian Liangwei shows his influence and connections in the academic world.

Significant Themes

• Academic competition and the increasing difficulty of publishing papers.
• The influence of politics and bias in academic journals.
• The value of connections and networks in academia.

Character Interactions

• Xu Yun and Tian Liangwei have a mentor-mentee conversation, with Tian Liangwei offering guidance and Xu Yun showing his understanding and initiative.
• Tian Liangwei hints at his influence and connections, encouraging Xu Yun's confidence in submitting to NUCLEIC ACIDS RES.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Yun's team successfully creates an interference protein attractant to induce male cockroaches to mate with each other.
• They proceed to combine this attractant with the fourth-generation Imidacloprid using Xu Yun's binding method to test on MC38 cells.
• The experiment involves using CRISPR/Cas9 technology to edit the cockroach's MC38 cells, targeting the gender recognition fragment.

Character Developments

• Xu Yun: Shows confidence and expertise in his field, leading the team and making crucial decisions.
• Qiu Sheng: Demonstrates skill and focus in his role, supporting Xu Yun in the experiment.
• Tang Yiqiu: Exhibits enthusiasm and anticipation for the experiment's outcome.
• Ren Yongcun: Shows signs of excitement and engagement, stepping out of his usual introverted demeanor.

Significant Themes

• The power of scientific innovation and its potential to disrupt established norms (male cockroaches mating with each other).
• The importance of teamwork and collaboration in scientific research.
• The ethical implications of gene editing and its potential consequences.

Character Interactions

• Xu Yun and Qiu Sheng: Display a friendly and comfortable working relationship, with Xu Yun teasing Qiu Sheng and Qiu Sheng showing mild irritation.
• The research team: Shows collective excitement and anticipation for the experiment's outcome, working together towards a common goal.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The author's first subscription reached 2400, exceeding expectations.
• The author announces plans to add ten more chapters.
• The author details the Monthly Votes system: double votes from January 1st to 7th, and a crowdfunding period from 8 PM to 12 AM each night to generate additional votes.
• The author's work is currently fourth on the New Book Monthly Votes Ranking, with a goal of 60 extra chapters if the position is maintained.

Character Developments

• The author expresses gratitude and surprise at the high subscription count, showing a sense of accomplishment and determination to meet readers' expectations.
• The author demonstrates a strong work ethic, committing to write 8000-9000 words daily.

Significant Themes

• Gratitude and appreciation for readers' support.
• The importance of consistent effort and meeting expectations.
• The significance of reader engagement and support (subscriptions, rewards, Monthly Votes) for a book's success.

Character Interactions

• The author interacts with readers by sharing updates, expressing gratitude, and encouraging engagement (subscriptions, rewards, Monthly Votes).
• The author acknowledges competition from other works (Grenade Master) and encourages readers to cast their votes in advance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The research group successfully develops the fifth-generation Imidacloprid.
• Xu Yun decides to treat the team to a celebration banquet at an upscale restaurant.
• Li Yi asks about publishing the research, and Xu Yun reveals his plan to submit to NUCLEIC ACIDS RES.
• Xu Yun assures Li Yi and the others that they will be third authors on the paper if it gets approved.

Character Developments

• Xu Yun demonstrates his leadership and generosity by treating the team and promising authorship on the paper.
• Li Yi shows ambition and eagerness for success when she learns about the potential third author position.

Significant Themes

• Recognition and reward for scientific achievements.
• The importance of teamwork and sharing credit.
• Xu Yun's integrity and commitment to fair research practices.

Character Interactions

• Xu Yun and Qiu Sheng's camaraderie and mutual respect.
• Li Yi's interaction with Xu Yun highlights her ambition and eagerness to contribute to the research.
• The entire research group's excitement and anticipation for the celebration banquet and the paper's publication.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Yun, a doctoral student and teaching assistant, opens a QQ group for his applied physics class.
• Students discuss part-time jobs and personal projects in the group chat.
• Xu Yun asks about cockroach infestations in the dorms.
• He reveals his biology research group's new cockroach killer and seeks volunteers to test it in their dorms.

Character Developments

• Xu Yun demonstrates his leadership and responsibility as a teaching assistant, seeking to improve students' living conditions.
• Students show enthusiasm and willingness to help, indicating their respect for Xu Yun and their team spirit.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility: Xu Yun takes initiative to address a practical issue affecting his students' daily lives.
• Teamwork: Students eagerly volunteer to participate in the test, showing unity and support for each other.

Character Interactions

• Xu Yun interacts with his students in a friendly and authoritative manner, maintaining a positive relationship with them.
• Students engage in casual conversation, showing camaraderie and mutual support.
• Xu Yun communicates with Qiu Sheng off-screen, indicating their collaborative working relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Yun prepares cockroach-killing bait and hands it over to Chang Licheng, the class monitor.
• Chang Licheng distributes the bait among his classmates, instructing them to apply it near cockroach droppings and in hidden corners.
• The students apply the bait throughout their dormitory floor.

Character Developments

• Xu Yun: Shows expertise in pest control and concern for his students' well-being.
• Chang Licheng: Demonstrates leadership, responsibility, and popularity among his classmates.
• Ye Guohong: Shows loyalty and support to Chang Licheng.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork and collective effort in tackling a shared problem (cockroach infestation).
• Responsibility and leadership among students.
• The power of pheromones in cockroach behavior and control.

Character Interactions

• Xu Yun and Chang Licheng: Xu Yun entrusts Chang Licheng with the task of distributing the bait, showing confidence in him.
• Chang Licheng and Ye Guohong: They work together to apply the bait, showcasing their friendship and teamwork.
• Chang Licheng and other dorm leaders: Chang Licheng coordinates with them to ensure the bait is applied effectively throughout the dormitory.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chang Licheng and Ye Guohong distribute cockroach poison in the dorms.
• Fu Ming, a fellow student and prolific writer, is seen slacking off instead of writing his novel.
• That night, a large number of cockroaches are found marching outside the dorms, causing panic among the students.

Character Developments

• Chang Licheng: Shows concern for his roommates' well-being, takes initiative in distributing the cockroach poison, and is cautious about the poison's effectiveness.
• Fu Ming: Revealed to be a talented but lazy writer, prioritizing group chats over his novel. He's also initially unfazed by the cockroach situation.

Significant Themes

• Laziness vs. Responsibility: Fu Ming's procrastination contrasts with Chang Licheng's proactive approach to dealing with the cockroach problem.
• The Impact of Collective Action: The entire class's enthusiasm in distributing the cockroach poison highlights the power of collective effort.

Character Interactions

• Chang Licheng and Fu Ming: Chang Licheng teases Fu Ming about his slacking, while Fu Ming remains unfazed and continues his online activities.
• Students and the Cockroach Infestation: The students' reactions to the cockroach march outside their dorms range from curiosity to panic.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Leon wakes up the dorm due to a cockroach infestation in the hallway.
• Chang Licheng and Fu Ming confirm the infestation through group chat messages and a video from Chen Xingyu.
• Chang Licheng contacts Xu Yun, who learns that the gel bait was used excessively in the public areas, potentially causing the infestation.

Character Developments

• Leon: Shows fear and distress due to the cockroach infestation.
• Chang Licheng: Initially skeptical, becomes convinced of the infestation after seeing a video and takes action by contacting Xu Yun.
• Fu Ming: Observant and resourceful, uses the "Easter Egg Chapter" feature to share Chen Xingyu's video.
• Xu Yun: Realizes the potential cause of the infestation and expresses concern.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of excessive use of pesticides.
• The power of communication and community (through the group chat).

Character Interactions

• Leon and Chang Licheng: Leon shares his distress, Chang Licheng investigates and takes action.
• Chang Licheng and Xu Yun: Chang Licheng contacts Xu Yun for advice, Xu Yun realizes the potential cause of the infestation.
• Fu Ming and the group chat: Fu Ming shares Chen Xingyu's video, fostering a sense of community and shared experience among the students.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter describes the widespread infestation of cockroaches in USTC's Building 14 due to an overdose of insecticide gel bait applied by students.
• The cockroaches are climbing up the drainage pipes and entering the building through windows and the main entrance, with some flying out of the windows.
• The situation is severe, with students locked in their rooms, and the night patrol team and dormitory managers on the scene but unsure of how to handle it.

Character Developments

• Xu Yun, the protagonist, arrives at the scene and takes responsibility for not explaining the dosage issue to the students.
• Tian Liangwei, the Dean, arrives and listens to Xu Yun's explanation. He decides to let Xu Yun handle the situation.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility: Xu Yun takes responsibility for the incident, showing his accountability and willingness to face the consequences of his actions.
• Information Gap: The incident highlights the importance of clear communication and understanding of information, as the students misinterpreted the dosage instructions.

Character Interactions

• Xu Yun interacts with Aunt Liu, the dormitory manager, who provides him with details about the incident.
• Xu Yun discusses the situation and potential solutions with Tian Liangwei, who decides to let Xu Yun handle the situation and agrees to compensate the students for their distress.
• Xu Yun contacts student leaders to ensure students in the dorms are calm and their doors and windows are closed.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Ming, a web author, updates his novel with an Easter egg chapter containing a video of a cockroach infestation in his dormitory at USTC.
• The video goes viral within his QQ reader group and is forwarded to other platforms, eventually reaching trending searches on a social media site.

Character Developments

• Fu Ming: He remains consistent in his writing style, causing his books to be well-received despite infrequent updates. He shows a sense of humor and engagement with his readers by sharing the video.
• Yuan Yin: A small UP master on Bilibili, she forwards the videos to her group, contributing to their spread.

Significant Themes

• Viral Marketing: The video's spread illustrates how content can go viral through reader engagement and forwarding on various platforms.
• Survivor Bias: The video's success challenges the notion that most viral content goes through a process of survivor bias, as it gains traction organically.

Character Interactions

• Fu Ming and his Readers: They engage in banter and support each other in the QQ group, showing a strong author-reader relationship.
• Yuan Yin and her Group Members: They interact playfully, with members teasing Yuan Yin for her post while also forwarding the videos to other groups.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A student, Fu Ming, posts a video of cockroaches swarming his dormitory on Weibo, causing it to trend.
• USTC's dean, Tian Liangwei, and security personnel investigate the incident.
• Cockroaches begin to die off after a few hours, with most dead by 5:30 AM.

Character Developments

• Fu Ming: Becomes an unwitting internet sensation.
• Tian Liangwei: Demonstrates understanding of internet trends and takes a hands-off approach to public opinion control.
• Director Guan: Leads the security team to investigate the cockroach infestation.

Significant Themes

• The power of social media and internet trends.
• The hidden dangers and consequences of neglecting maintenance and hygiene in large institutions.

Character Interactions

• Tian Liangwei and the head of the publicity department discuss how to handle the trending topic.
• Xu Yun and Tian Liangwei discuss the progress of the cockroach infestation.
• Director Guan leads the security team, including Xu Yun, to investigate the source of the infestation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Yun and the team spent three hours cleaning up the cockroach corpses in Building 14 using a vacuum cleaner.
• The University of Science and Technology of China decides to conduct a campus-wide cockroach extermination operation and livestream it to convert negative attention into positive traffic.

Character Developments

• Xu Yun shows resilience and willingness to take responsibility for the incident.
• Tian Liangwei and Zhang Rui demonstrate their understanding of the situation and the university's strategic thinking.

Significant Themes

• The university's motto of balancing theory and practice, and its application in this situation.
• The importance of turning negative attention into positive opportunities.

Character Interactions

• Xu Yun interacts with Tian Liangwei and Zhang Rui, showing his willingness to accept punishment but also his confusion when the university decides to livestream the extermination operation.
• Tian Liangwei and Zhang Rui discuss the university's decision with Xu Yun, revealing their strategic thinking and support for him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) suddenly doubles in size, causing public speculation and disbelief.
• USTC announces a comprehensive cockroach extermination operation, which sparks skepticism and debate on social media.
• Students from USTC's East Campus, particularly those from Applied Physics Class 2, defend their university against online doubters.

Character Developments

• Chang Licheng: Becomes more assertive and involved in online debates after the cockroach incident. He's contacted by an old acquaintance, Wang Zhaomin, who expresses interest in the new insecticide.
• Wang Zhaomin: A labor broker and middleman, he shows interest in the insecticide, offering to buy some from Chang Licheng.

Significant Themes

• Truth vs. Falsehood: The chapter explores how rumors and misinformation spread online, mixing truth with falsehood and vice versa.
• Skepticism and Belief: The public's reaction to USTC's announcement highlights the tension between skepticism and belief in extraordinary events.
• Trust and Caution: Chang Licheng's interaction with Wang Zhaomin illustrates the need for trust while also being cautious, especially when dealing with unfamiliar or potentially unscrupulous individuals.

Character Interactions

• Chang Licheng and Fu Ming: They discuss the online debates and Chang Licheng's frustration with the haters.
• Chang Licheng and Wang Zhaomin: Wang Zhaomin reaches out to Chang Licheng, expressing interest in the new insecticide. Chang Licheng is cautious and declines to provide any, suggesting he contact the senior student who developed it instead.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Zhaomin's unusual behavior and his contact about gel bait samples raise suspicion.
• Chang Licheng reports this to Xu Yun, who involves Dean Tian Liangwei.
• They consult Director Wang Qingchen from USTC's Cybersecurity Department to trace the other party's IP.
• Wang Qingchen successfully locates the IP to a residential area near Dahongmen in Beijing.
• Further investigation reveals that the internet usage profiles of the residents highly overlap with a company called Morishita Pharmaceutical.

Character Developments

• Chang Licheng shows initiative and concern for his peers by reporting Wang Zhaomin's strange behavior.
• Wang Qingchen, despite his hacker past, emphasizes legality and shows professionalism in his work.

Significant Themes

• The power of technology and expertise in unraveling mysteries (represented by Wang Qingchen's cybersecurity skills).
• The importance of vigilance and reporting suspicious behavior (shown by Chang Licheng).

Character Interactions

• Xu Yun and Tian Liangwei work together to investigate the situation, showing their trust and collaboration.
• Wang Qingchen interacts with Xu Yun and Tian Liangwei, demonstrating his familiarity and respect for their positions despite his past as a hacker.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Yun and Tian Liangwei learn that Morishita Pharmaceutical, a Japanese agricultural chemical giant, is involved in the gel bait incident.
• They discuss Morishita's history of corporate espionage, including incidents involving Xuan paper, cloisonné technique, and other Chinese technologies.
• Tian Liangwei suggests using the Morishita incident as an opportunity to expedite Xu Yun's patent application through the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Character Developments

• Xu Yun shows determination and urgency in completing his patent application.
• Tian Liangwei demonstrates strategic thinking and resourcefulness in turning the crisis into an opportunity.

Significant Themes

• Corporate espionage and intellectual property theft.
• The importance of patents and their role in protecting and commercializing innovations.
• The political and economic significance of biopesticides in the international market.

Character Interactions

• Xu Yun and Tian Liangwei exchange information and strategize, showing a strong teacher-student bond and mutual respect.
• Tian Liangwei provides guidance and support to Xu Yun, helping him navigate the complexities of the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Yun reveals his intention to start a company to Tian Liangwei.
• Tian Liangwei introduces Zheng Zu, the general manager of USTC Investment and the Secretary-General of the USTC New Venture Fund.
• The discussion focuses on equity distribution, with Xu Yun agreeing to contribute through equity investment in technology.

Character Developments

• Xu Yun demonstrates his business acumen and willingness to cooperate with USTC.
• Zheng Zu shows his knowledge of company establishment processes and university fund dynamics.

Significant Themes

• The intersection of academia and industry, with universities increasingly involved in corporate investment and management.
• Equity distribution and the challenges of technical partners in company establishment.

Character Interactions

• Xu Yun and Tian Liangwei share a mentor-mentee bond, with Tian Liangwei acting as a guide and intermediary.
• Xu Yun and Zheng Zu engage in a professional discussion about company establishment, with Zheng Zu providing guidance and Xu Yun expressing his concerns about future technological breakthroughs.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Yun proposes breaking through other technological barriers, surprising Zheng Zu.
• Zheng Zu presents a shareholding plan: USTC leads with 43%, School of Life Sciences with 14%, employee stock options with 20%, and Xu Yun with 23%.
• Xu Yun rejects the proposal, insisting on a minimum of 40% share and a dual-class share structure with majority voting rights.

Character Developments

• Xu Yun demonstrates ambition and determination in protecting his interests and maintaining control.
• Zheng Zu shows professionalism and understanding of market dynamics, acting as a reasonable intermediary.

Significant Themes

• The negotiation process highlights the tension between ambition and reality, with Xu Yun pushing for more control while Zheng Zu presents market-based arguments.
• The discussion of equity distribution reflects the power dynamics and value attribution in startup investments.

Character Interactions

• Xu Yun and Zheng Zu engage in a professional yet tense negotiation, with Zheng Zu trying to manage expectations while Xu Yun asserts his demands.
• The interaction implies a potential alliance between Xu Yun and the School of Physics, suggesting future collaborations or support.