Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Mauritian military personnel are tasked with blockading the waters surrounding the light spot, but they are actually a special task force from the Black Light Foundation.
• The task force discovers that the light spot is an Einstein-Rosen bridge (wormhole) leading to another world, which appears desolate and identical to Earth in many aspects.
• After ten hours of exploration, it's revealed that the other side is located in Oregon, North American Zone, but in another world.
• The task force members cross over to the other side and set up base camps, each taking responsibility for exploring one direction.

Character Developments

• Li Qiang, a warrant officer from the Central Continent Region, is introduced. He maintains excellent performance and is dispatched as one of the warrant officers for this mission.
• Captain Allen from the North American Zone initially reacts emotionally when he learns the other side is in his zone but in another world.
• Professor Will, a bald researcher, provides explanations and guidance to the officers.

Significant Themes

• Exploration and discovery of the unknown.
• Trust and cooperation among different continent regions.
• The impact of supernatural events on individuals' psyches.

Character Interactions

• The officers from the four major continent regions discuss and decide on their exploration strategy.
• Li Qiang and other officers cross over to the other side and set up base camps.
• An officer from the North Sea Continent leads a group exploring northward and encounters communication issues with their vanguard, hinting at potential trouble.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The officer leads his squad to a deep pit, where they encounter giant, blood-red tentacles.
• The squad loses two members to the tentacles; one is thrown into the pit, and the other is injured.
• The squad retreats and sets up camp. The officer experiences sudden, intense hunger and administers a glucose injection.
• The other three squads join them, and they collectively observe the pit using drones, discovering it's filled with tentacles.
• The squads decide to return to the entrance and remove their protective suits for disinfection and rest.

Character Developments

• The officer (East Wu Squad) is injured and experiences unusual hunger. He resists isolation treatment, showing determination and resilience.
• Li Qiang (Zheng He Squad) expresses concern for the officer's health but doesn't push the issue.

Significant Themes

• Survival and adaptation in an alien world.
• The tension between scientific curiosity and human safety.
• The importance of teamwork and communication in facing the unknown.

Character Interactions

• The officer and the scout (East Wu Squad) face the tentacles together, showing a level of camaraderie.
• The captains of the four squads discuss their strategy and share information, demonstrating unity and cooperation.
• The officer and Li Qiang have a brief exchange about the officer's injury and resistance to isolation treatment, highlighting their differing priorities.

Summary of Chapter 500 - The Spread

Key Plot Points and Events

• Captain Boris of the North Sea Continent task force is infected with an unknown anomaly after a day of activities.
• He discovers his condition after waking up, with bloodstains on his bed and flesh tumors on his body.
• He requests quarantine, leading to the sealing off of all living quarters and an alarm throughout the base.
• Boris is shown cutting himself with a mirror shard, and Professor Will communicates with him, confirming the infection likely originated from a wound on Boris's arm.

Character Developments

• Boris: Initially appears strong and hungry after a day of work, but later shows fear and desperation upon discovering his infection. He becomes violent and disoriented.
• Professor Will: Shows concern for Boris's well-being and takes charge of the situation, ordering quarantine and treatment.

Significant Themes

• Infection and Contamination: The unknown anomaly's rapid spread and contagious nature are emphasized.
• Fear and Desperation: Boris's reaction to his infection highlights the fear and desperation that can arise from such situations.

Character Interactions

• Boris and Professor Will: Will communicates with Boris, trying to gather information while ensuring Boris remains calm. Boris pleads for help, showing his desperation and fear.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Captain Boris is found to have a cauliflower-like tumor with a tentacle, an unknown and unexplainable condition.
• The task force is sealed off in the other world, with no reinforcements sent.
• Task force soldiers in Area A discover that some of their comrades have also been infected.
• A soldier, Richard, attempts to leave the sealed area, only to find his infected comrades and is subsequently killed by XTN robots.
• All 80 task force soldiers in the other world are wiped out.

Character Developments

• Captain Boris: Infected by an unknown disease, he becomes the first victim and is later killed by XTN robots.
• Richard: A task force soldier who becomes increasingly desperate and reckless due to fear and panic, ultimately leading to his demise.
• Professor Will: Maintains a calm demeanor while facing the crisis, showing professionalism and responsibility.

Significant Themes

• Abandonment and Isolation: The task force feels abandoned by the higher-ups, leading to panic and desperation.
• Unknown and Uncontrollable Threat: The mysterious disease challenges the understanding and control of the task force and the Foundation.
• Fear and Panic: The soldiers' primal instinct for survival is amplified, leading to irrational decisions and actions.

Character Interactions

• Professor Will interacts with Dr. Edward, discussing the situation and the lack of response from the higher-ups.
• The task force soldiers in Area A interact with each other, expressing their fears, suspicions, and desperation.
• Richard's final interaction with the XTN robots leads to his death.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A Mark-1 drone explores an alien world, mapping its terrain.
• The Earth Federation blockades the sea area where the Rosen Bridge opened, preventing other forces from entering.
• Researchers discover an alien world covered in a flesh-and-blood jungle, with no signs of human life.
• A contagious disease is discovered, transforming humans into flesh-and-blood monsters. The first infected is Boris, who brought the disease back to the task force's living area.
• The contagious disease has three stages: early (hunger), middle (extreme excitement and mutation), and late (complete transformation into a flesh-and-blood monster).
• The disease is airborne and has no incubation period, making it highly contagious.
• Experiments are conducted on various plants, animals, and death row inmates to study the disease's effects and potential cures.

Character Developments

• Professor Will, the overall person in charge of the operation, shows concern for the safety of humanity and the task force members.
• Professor Eugene, a researcher, demonstrates expertise in analyzing the contagious disease and its effects on humans.

Significant Themes

• Contagion and Isolation: The contagious disease threatens the safety of the task force members and potentially all of humanity, leading to isolation and quarantine measures.
• Humanity's Response to the Unknown: Researchers strive to understand and combat the alien contagion, showcasing humanity's resilience and determination in the face of the unknown.
• Ethical Dilemmas: The use of death row inmates for human experimentation raises ethical questions about the value of human life and the extent to which society should go to protect itself.

Character Interactions

• Professor Will and Professor Eugene collaborate to study the contagious disease, sharing their findings and theories.
• The mutated humans (monsters) exhibit social behavior, communicating and interacting with each other, but attack humans and androids on sight.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Researchers discover unusual behaviors in infected monsters (Aberrants) after six days.
• Aberrants exhibit cannibalistic behavior, consuming each other and even transforming into plant-like forms to feed their kind.
• The Foundation plans to dispatch robots and use napalm to clear Aberrants and reinforce the outpost.
• Linguists decipher Aberrants' language, revealing their distorted perception of humans as monsters.
• The Foundation adds a new meme entry: [Meme Effect: Flower of Flesh], detailing its infectious properties, symptoms, forms, and weaknesses.

Character Developments

• Professor Will: Shows concern and surprise at the Aberrants' behavior, orders the clearing operation, and acknowledges the threat of Aberrant invasions.
• Eugene: Casually analyzes Aberrants' behavior, suggests praying for the disease not to reach their world, and supports the clearing operation.

Significant Themes

• The threat and danger of memetic effects, requiring careful study and response.
• The need for international cooperation and preparedness against memetic threats.
• The distorted perception of reality and identity in infected individuals.

Character Interactions

• Will and Eugene discuss Aberrants' behavior, clearing operations, and the threat of meme contagion.
• Linguists decipher Aberrants' language, revealing their perception of humans and other organic life forms.
• Chen Chen and Little X discuss the Foundation's actions, the meme's danger, and the importance of international cooperation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Black Light Technology announces the 'Ares Project', aiming to send humans to Mars within two years and establish a permanent colony within five years.
• The project is named after the Greek god of war, Ares, and the corresponding planet, Mars.
• The project's spacecraft, 'Ares', is introduced, with details about its size, weight, engines, and capacity.
• The project's launch video is released, causing a global uproar and surging traffic on Black Light Technology's website.

Character Developments

• Chen Chen, the CEO of Black Light Technology, is not satisfied with Earth and aims to colonize Mars, demonstrating his ambition and vision.
• The public, scientists, and media react to the Ares Project, showing excitement, astonishment, and skepticism.

Significant Themes

• Human Ambition and Exploration: The desire to explore the unknown and expand humanity's reach is a driving force behind the Ares Project.
• Technological Advancement: The project highlights Black Light Technology's cutting-edge innovations, particularly the 'inertial confinement fusion engine.'
• Global Impact: The announcement of the Ares Project has a significant global impact, sparking widespread discussion and debate.

Character Interactions

• The public, scientists, and media interact with Black Light Technology through its official website and forums, expressing their opinions and reactions to the Ares Project.
• Black Light Technology interacts with the public by releasing the project's launch video and providing details about the Ares spacecraft.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Black Light Technology announces the Ares project to colonize Mars, sparking global interest.
• A registration activity is launched to select the first batch of Martian colonists, with over ten million applications in a single day.
• The Ares manned spacecraft departs for Mars on August 1, 2028, carrying a team of scientists and supplies.
• After a week-long journey, the Ares approaches Mars and prepares for landing at the South Pole region, Ultimi Scopuli.

Character Developments

• Wang Wei, a struggling man with a past connection to the founder of Black Light Technology, decides to apply for the Mars colonization project.
• The captain of the Ares, also a Black Light Technology researcher, leads the team with confidence and humor.

Significant Themes

• Human exploration and ambition, with a focus on reaching for the stars and sea.
• The potential for a better life and opportunities on Mars, contrasting with Earth's struggles.
• The impact of technology on society and individual lives.

Character Interactions

• Wang Wei's interaction with his wife, Chen Zi, highlights the financial struggles and marital tension in his life.
• The scientists on the Ares display camaraderie and support for each other as they approach Mars.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A manned spacecraft, Ares, lands on Mars' South Pole.
• The crew, consisting of representatives from four global zones, emerges from stasis pods.
• Captain Zhou Xiong leads the crew to observe Mars' ice-covered landscape through the ship's window.
• Four landers and drones are deployed to explore the surroundings and gather data.
• The crew selects representatives to manually explore Mars' surface.

Character Developments

• Captain Zhou Xiong: Shows leadership and responsibility, prioritizing the crew's safety.
• Hannibal Caesar: A biology expert and the first person to step onto Mars, carrying a can of "Tardigrade Moss" for research.

Significant Themes

• Exploration and Discovery: The crew's excitement and curiosity about exploring Mars.
• Adaptation and Survival: The focus on the hardy "Tardigrade Moss" and its potential to thrive in Mars' harsh environment.
• International Cooperation: The crew represents four global zones, emphasizing unity and collaboration in space exploration.

Character Interactions

• The crew members interact enthusiastically, discussing their plans and expressing their excitement about exploring Mars.
• Captain Zhou Xiong communicates with the crew, ensuring their safety and making decisions regarding their exploration.
• Hannibal Caesar, as a biology expert, is eager to study Mars' environment and test the "Tardigrade Moss."

Key Plot Points and Events

• Scientists discover an underground lake on Mars using a drilling rig.
• Hannibal, a scientist, finds microorganisms in the lake water, including worm-like organisms and algal organisms.
• Hannibal also discovers a large, transparent bubble containing a red, pulsing object, which he identifies as an egg of a fish-like creature.
• The team decides to collect biological samples and data to send back to Earth.

Character Developments

• Hannibal, the main character, demonstrates his dedication and expertise in his field, making a significant discovery that could change human understanding of life in the universe.
• Zhou Xiong, the captain of the Ares, shows leadership and understanding of the importance of the discovery, encouraging the team to increase their workload to study the organisms.

Significant Themes

• The search for extraterrestrial life and the implications of such a discovery on human understanding of the universe.
• The harsh conditions of Mars and the challenges they pose to the evolution of complex life.
• The importance of scientific research and discovery in advancing human knowledge.

Character Interactions

• Hannibal shares his findings with the team, sparking excitement and discussion among the scientists.
• Zhou Xiong interacts with Hannibal and the team, expressing his support for their work and outlining the next steps for their research.
• The scientists discuss the limitations of the Martian environment for the evolution of complex life, reflecting their expertise and understanding of their field.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Chen learns about the life discovered on Mars, which shares similarities with Earth's deep-sea life.
• Chen Chen considers the inefficiency of current Mars exploration methods and seeks a faster alternative.
• He decides to explore the transmission device from the movie DOOM as a potential solution.
• Chen Chen charges the USB drive and attempts to acknowledge the DOOM movie's transmission device.

Character Developments

• Chen Chen demonstrates his strategic thinking and willingness to take risks in exploring new technologies.
• Little X shows understanding and support for Chen Chen's decisions, providing relevant information and suggestions.

Significant Themes

• The exploration of Mars and its potential life forms.
• The pursuit of efficient and innovative technology for space travel.
• The ethical implications of genetic enhancement and the potential consequences of meddling with unknown biological factors.

Character Interactions

• Chen Chen and Little X discuss the possibilities of Mars' life origins and the challenges of interplanetary travel.
• Chen Chen interacts with the USB drive, attempting to acknowledge the DOOM transmission device.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Chen Chen opens a portal to the DOOM universe using the USB drive.
• He sends Black Knights through the portal to secure a secret base.
• The Black Knights encounter living humans, not monsters, in the base.
• Chen Chen enters the base and finds it intact and operational.

Character Developments

• Chen Chen demonstrates strategic thinking and adaptability in dealing with the unexpected situation.
• Little X shows analytical skills and provides valuable insights.

Significant Themes

• The unexpected and unpredictable nature of dimensional travel.
• The potential for human civilization to survive and thrive in different realities.

Character Interactions

• Chen Chen and Little X work together to analyze the situation and make decisions.
• Chen Chen's Black Knights follow his orders to secure the base and defend the portal.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Chen arrives at the Ark Experimental Base, accompanied by X-112, a clone of Little X.
• X-112 takes control of the base by hacking into its main system, killing Dr. Karlsh, the director, in the process.
• Chen Chen decides to explore the world of 2145 and leaves the base.
• X-112 informs Chen Chen that the base doesn't have the core technology for the 'Ark' transmission device and that there are two more 'Arks' in this dimension.
• Chen Chen orders X-112 to demand the handover of the other 'Arks' from the human regime, threatening a cataclysmic military strike if they refuse.
• A dozen special forces units, Black Knights, are en route to Chen Chen's location.

Character Developments

• Chen Chen: Shows his strategic and decisive nature, willing to explore the world and make demands of the human regime.
• X-112: Proves her competence by successfully hacking into the Ark's main system and providing Chen Chen with valuable information.

Significant Themes

• Technological advancement and its consequences.
• The struggle for power and control.
• The willingness to make sacrifices for personal gain.

Character Interactions

• Chen Chen and X-112: They work together seamlessly, with X-112 providing information and Chen Chen making strategic decisions.
• Chen Chen and Dr. Karlsh: Their interaction is brief but intense, ending with Dr. Karlsh's death at the hands of X-112.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Chen, wearing the PK Armor, faces off against a dozen helicopters from the RRTS Special Operations Squadron.
• Chen Chen demonstrates his armor's capabilities by deflecting missiles and using high-power microwave and laser weapons to disable and destroy the helicopters.
• Chen Chen reveals to the surviving captain that he is from the "Martian civilization" and demands the return of their technology, the Ark.
• Chen Chen threatens humanity with a cataclysm-level weapon if they refuse to hand over the remaining Ark equipment.
• The human representative attempts to negotiate, questioning Chen Chen's ability to fight the entire human civilization. Chen Chen crushes the communicator, leaving the captain alive but unharmed.

Character Developments

• Chen Chen: Demonstrates his armor's capabilities and reveals his true origin, showing a calm and collected demeanor even when facing an entire squadron of special forces helicopters.
• The Captain: Survives the encounter and witnesses the destruction of his squadron. He is left alive and appears to be the only survivor, potentially setting up a future encounter or conflict.

Significant Themes

• The reveal of Chen Chen's true origin as a Martian civilization member raises questions about the nature of humanity's place in the universe and the potential consequences of their actions.
• The theme of negotiation and communication is explored, with Chen Chen attempting to reason with the humans and the humans trying to understand and reason with Chen Chen.

Character Interactions

• Chen Chen and The Captain: Chen Chen demonstrates his power and demands the return of the Ark, while the Captain is left in awe and fear, witnessing the destruction of his squadron. Chen Chen leaves the Captain alive, suggesting a potential future interaction.
• Chen Chen and The Human Representative: The representative attempts to negotiate with Chen Chen, questioning his ability to fight the entire human civilization. Chen Chen crushes the communicator, ending the conversation abruptly.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A group of Martians, claiming to be the original human civilization, attack the Ark experiment base in Nevada and occupy it.
• The Martians emerge from a spacetime rift on the Ark teleportation platform, possessing superior weapon technology.
• Chen Chen, in PK Armor, arrives in New York City, breaching the military base's air defense network and causing panic.
• Chen Chen destroys the Brooklyn Bridge and several military aircraft before landing in Times Square, causing widespread panic.

Character Developments

• The Federation officials are shocked and uncertain about how to deal with the Martian threat.
• Chen Chen demonstrates his power and disregard for human infrastructure and life.

Significant Themes

• The threat of advanced technology and its potential misuse.
• The vulnerability of human civilization in the face of superior technology.
• The consequences of reckless and destructive behavior.

Character Interactions

• The Federation officials discuss strategies to deal with the Martian threat, with Minister Orison and Minister Valo playing significant roles.
• Chen Chen's arrival in New York City causes panic among the military and civilians, with no effective resistance shown.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A powerful tremor, likened to an ancient beast awakening, strikes New York City.
• Times Square and its iconic buildings (Nasdaq, Times Building, AT&T) are destroyed, with minimal casualties due to Chen Chen's deliberate timing.
• Chen Chen flies to Wall Street, destroying several bank headquarters and the New York Stock Exchange.
• He then heads to the Statue of Liberty, where he removes his PK Armor, revealing his human appearance.
• Chen Chen delivers a speech, warning humans about their treatment of nature and their strength, before inviting a government representative to discuss the Ark's handover.

Character Developments

• Chen Chen demonstrates his immense power and control, displaying his ability to destroy human civilization at will but choosing not to.
• He reveals his Martian origins and his disappointment in humanity's treatment of the planet.
• The humans in New York City and the White House conference room experience fear, disbelief, and a mix of other emotions, with some beginning to reflect on their actions.

Significant Themes

• The fragility of human civilization and the potential for self-destruction.
• The power dynamic between advanced civilizations and humans.
• The importance of respecting and protecting nature.

Character Interactions

• Chen Chen interacts with the humans through his speech, addressing them directly and warning them about their actions.
• A government representative approaches Chen Chen via helicopter to negotiate, showing willingness to discuss the Ark's handover.
• The humans in New York City and the White House conference room react to Chen Chen's actions and words, experiencing a range of emotions and beginning to question their actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Chen, after destroying parts of New York City, stands before City Hall, demanding the handover of the other two Arks.
• Mayor Yaheborne of New York City meets Chen Chen, trying to stall for time by suggesting they "report to superiors."
• Chen Chen, displeased with the stalling, uses his powers to suffocate Mayor Yaheborne, then demands the Arks within thirty days.
• After Chen Chen leaves, the North American Zone officials discuss their next steps, deciding to contact the European Region for the Ark and continue negotiating with Chen Chen.

Character Developments

• Chen Chen demonstrates his power and impatience, showing he will not tolerate stalling or deceit.
• Mayor Yaheborne shows fear and desperation, trying to maintain composure but ultimately caving to Chen Chen's demands.
• North American Zone officials, including Ashburn and the President, discuss their options, acknowledging Chen Chen's power and the need for action.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: Chen Chen's overwhelming power forces the humans to comply with his demands.
• Negotiation and diplomacy: Despite Chen Chen's demands, the humans attempt to maintain diplomatic channels and stall for time.
• Fear and desperation: The humans grapple with fear and desperation in the face of Chen Chen's power and threats.

Character Interactions

• Chen Chen and Mayor Yaheborne: Chen Chen uses his power to intimidate and control Mayor Yaheborne, who tries to maintain composure but ultimately complies with Chen Chen's demands.
• North American Zone officials: The officials discuss their options, acknowledging Chen Chen's power and deciding to contact the European Region and continue negotiating with Chen Chen.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Chen retrieves the first Ark from the DOOM dimension.
• The Ark is spherical with grooves and a blue luminescence, but its core remains a mystery.
• Chen Chen plans to manufacture components for the Ark and establish a secret base on Mars.
• The North American Zone retrieves the last Ark core and delivers it to Chen Chen's people.
• A solid door is discovered beneath the Ark's location on Mars, which resists all attempts to open it.

Character Developments

• Chen Chen demonstrates strategic thinking and patience in his plans for Mars.
• Little X grows into a graceful young lady and provides historical context about the Ark.
• The North American Zone officials show relief upon delivering the last Ark core but remain vigilant.

Significant Themes

• The unknown technology and power of the prehistoric Martian civilization.
• The struggle for control and secrecy of the discovered door and its potential contents.
• The North American Zone's desperation to maintain their advantage in the face of an unknown threat.

Character Interactions

• Chen Chen interacts with Little X, discussing the Ark and their plans for Mars.
• North American Zone officials discuss the door's discovery and its potential contents, expressing their eagerness to keep it a secret.
• The Minister of Defense expresses caution about the door's secrecy, contrasting with the others' excitement.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Chen decides to close the passage to the Destroyer World to preserve energy and avoid complications with bringing researchers over.
• He plans to reopen it in the future and continues to study the rules of the USB drive.
• The Spire Experimental Base successfully conducts Ark transmission experiments with a 100% success rate and transmission speed near the speed of light.
• Chen Chen plans to establish secret bases on the Moon and Mars for helium-3 mining and future contingencies.
• The Four Continents Zone discovers a group of survivors in the Rosen Bridge world, leading to the Lilith Conference.

Character Developments

• Chen Chen demonstrates strategic thinking and long-term planning, considering future possibilities and energy conservation.
• The Four Continents Zone Supervisors show internal conflict and differing opinions, but ultimately agree to unite and explore the new world together.

Significant Themes

• The exploration of new worlds and the discovery of similarities and differences with their own.
• The importance of energy conservation and long-term planning in resource management.
• The potential for conflict and cooperation among different factions, as seen in the Lilith Conference.

Character Interactions

• Chen Chen interacts with the Four Continents Zone Supervisors in the Lilith Conference, mediating their disputes and encouraging unity.
• The Supervisors argue over the responsibility for the Resident Evil world's discovery, but ultimately agree to work together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A Scottish survivor, Danny Braylin, is interrogated about his past and the T-Virus.
• Chen Chen reviews the interrogation footage and decides the T-Virus poses no immediate threat.
• The Four Continents Zone plans to develop the Resident Evil plane's resources.
• Chen Chen contemplates Black Light Technology's future strategies in biomedical, aerospace, and internet development.
• Zulama, the President of Namibia, visits Chen Chen to request investment in nuclear power plants (fusion reactors) to improve Namibia's power system.

Character Developments

• Danny Braylin: A survivor from the Resident Evil outbreak, he has lived for over thirty years in the post-apocalyptic world. He has survived by killing other men and taking their wives to ensure his own survival.
• Chen Chen: Chen Chen continues to focus on the long-term development of Black Light Technology, with a particular interest in ensuring humanity's longevity and the diversification of human civilization.
• Zulama: After being elected as the President of Namibia with Black Light Technology's support, Zulama becomes more confident and is now willing to request investments for Namibia's development from Chen Chen.

Significant Themes

• Longevity and the diversification of human civilization: Chen Chen's primary goal is to ensure his own longevity and that of his family, which he believes is tied to the progress and diversification of human civilization.
• The impact of technology on society: Chen Chen acknowledges that technological advancements, such as the development of androids, will lead to the obsolescence of old industries and social changes.
• The relationship between Black Light Technology and Namibia: The relationship between Chen Chen and Zulama is one of mutual benefit, with Chen Chen supporting Namibia's development for the betterment of Black Light Technology, while Zulama requests investments to improve Namibia's infrastructure.

Character Interactions

• Danny Braylin and the researcher: The interrogation between Braylin and the researcher reveals Braylin's survival strategies and the origin of the T-Virus.
• Chen Chen and Zulama: Chen Chen and Zulama have a cordial yet formal relationship. Zulama visits Chen Chen to request investments in Namibia's power system, while Chen Chen listens and considers the request.