Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sun Wei and Li Xian, childhood friends from Shancheng, reunite in Bincheng after Sun Wei returns from studying abroad.
• Sun Wei is in Bincheng to meet a girl he met online, not because of Li Xian.
• Sun Wei and his girlfriend, Yan Hanbing, have a minor argument, leading Sun Wei to stay with Li Xian for the night.
• Li Xian, Sun Wei, and Wang Meng have dinner at a seafood barbecue restaurant, with Li Xian's friend Sui Jiji joining them.

Character Developments

• Sun Wei: Revealed to be impulsive and easy-going, often arguing with his girlfriend over trivial matters. He's more concerned with his immediate feelings than long-term consequences.
• Li Xian: Shows concern for Sun Wei's well-being, trying to offer advice and support. He's more level-headed and responsible, understanding the risks of Sun Wei's behavior.
• Wang Meng: Clueless about relationships, he provides comic relief with his naive questions.
• Yan Hanbing: Though not present, she's portrayed as serious and concerned about Sun Wei's well-being.

Significant Themes

• Friendship: The bond between Sun Wei and Li Xian is central, with Li Xian acting as a supportive and concerned friend.
• Relationships: The chapter explores the dynamics of Sun Wei and Yan Hanbing's relationship, highlighting their communication issues and different personalities.
• Impulsivity vs. Responsibility: Sun Wei's impulsive nature is contrasted with Li Xian's responsible behavior, illustrating the potential consequences of acting on immediate feelings versus considering long-term effects.

Character Interactions

• Sun Wei and Li Xian: Their friendly banter and shared history are evident, with Li Xian acting as a concerned older brother figure to Sun Wei.
• Sun Wei and Wang Meng: They bond over their shared lack of understanding about Yan Hanbing's perspective on washing underwear.
• Li Xian and Yan Hanbing: They have a brief, polite conversation, with Li Xian reassuring her about Sun Wei's whereabouts and safety.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Xian meets his friends Sui Jiji, Sun Wei, and Wang Meng at a seafood barbecue restaurant.
• They discuss Li Xian's plan to open a new business, considering entertainment venues, internet cafes, and barbecue cities.
• Li Xian shows them a viral video featuring him, which gives them the idea to open a barbecue city based on the popularity of the video.
• They decide to find a location for the business and finalize it within a few days.

Character Developments

• Li Xian shows leadership and decisiveness in planning his new business.
• Sui Jiji, Sun Wei, and Wang Meng demonstrate loyalty and willingness to help Li Xian with his plans.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and camaraderie among Li Xian and his friends.
• The importance of timing and popularity in business success, as seen in Li Xian's plan to capitalize on the viral video.

Character Interactions

• Li Xian interacts with his friends, seeking their input and support for his business plans.
• The friends tease and joke with each other, showing a close and comfortable dynamic.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Xian and his friends have a lavish dinner, spending over 1,370 yuan, with most of it going towards drinks.
• They decide to go to a bathhouse, choosing 'Shui Man Ting' near the Digital Plaza.
• At the bathhouse, Li Xian's friends comment on his improved appearance, leading to some banter.
• Li Xian's phone rings, and he sees it's Sun Wei's wife calling.

Character Developments

• Li Xian: Shows his wealth and generosity, treating his friends to an expensive dinner and bathhouse visit. He's also more confident and at ease with his new lifestyle.
• Wang Meng: Starts working for Li Xian, showing loyalty and eagerness to please.
• Sui Jiji and Sun Wei: Display their friendship and camaraderie with Li Xian, engaging in playful banter and planning to enjoy the bathhouse's most expensive services.

Significant Themes

• Wealth and indulgence: Li Xian's newfound wealth allows him to indulge in expensive experiences with his friends.
• Friendship and brotherhood: The bond between Li Xian and his friends is strengthened through shared experiences and mutual respect.
• Appearance and self-improvement: Li Xian's improved appearance is noticed and commented on by his friends, highlighting his focus on self-improvement.

Character Interactions

• Li Xian and Wang Meng: Wang Meng shows his eagerness to work for Li Xian, while Li Xian values Wang Meng's loyalty.
• Li Xian, Sui Jiji, and Sun Wei: The three friends engage in playful banter, showing their close bond and shared sense of humor.
• Li Xian and Sun Wei: Li Xian teases Sun Wei about his wife calling, showing their friendly dynamic.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Xian and his friends visit a spa, but Li Xian finds the women there not to his liking.
• Li Xian and Sun Wei go to the lounge on the second floor, where they discuss Sun Wei's relationship issues and Li Xian's potential interest in Sun Wei's supervisor, Guo Yajing.
• A foot massage technician approaches Li Xian.

Character Developments

• Li Xian: He remains indifferent to the women at the spa, showing his high standards. He expresses a potential interest in Guo Yajing, not for romantic reasons initially, but for business purposes. He also shows concern for Sun Wei's relationship issues.
• Sun Wei: He feels miserable about his relationship with Yan Hanbing. He's torn between his feelings and his family's expectations. He tries to set Li Xian up with his supervisor, Guo Yajing.
• Guo Yajing (mentioned): She's described as beautiful, capable, and highly educated. Li Xian is interested in her potential as a business partner.

Significant Themes

• Appearance vs. Substance: Li Xian values substance over mere appearance, as seen in his disinterest in the spa technicians and his potential interest in Guo Yajing.
• Relationships and Marriage: The chapter explores the complexities of relationships and the pressure to get married, through Sun Wei's situation.
• Business and Ambition: Li Xian's primary focus is on his business, and he sees potential in Guo Yajing as a business partner.

Character Interactions

• Li Xian and Sun Wei: They discuss their personal lives, with Li Xian offering advice to Sun Wei and Sun Wei trying to set Li Xian up with his supervisor.
• Li Xian and the Foot Massage Technician: Their interaction is brief and ends with a misunderstanding due to the technician's mistake.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gong Liang, a struggling Bilibili uploader, receives a call offering an advertising collaboration for his meme video, which has gone viral.
• He excitedly accepts and adds the ad link to his video.
• Later, he finds his account permanently banned due to alleged illegal messages and obscene content.

Character Developments

• Gong Liang transitions from despair about his lack of success to elation upon receiving the collaboration offer, only to plummet back into despair with his account ban.
• Li Xian, a mysterious figure, is revealed to be behind the account ban, though his motives are not fully explained.

Significant Themes

• The struggle of small content creators to monetize their work.
• The ease with which one can manipulate and exploit the system, as demonstrated by Li Xian's actions.

Character Interactions

• Gong Liang interacts with the mysterious merchant, who offers him the collaboration deal and later reveals himself as Li Xian.
• Li Xian interacts with Du Ziteng, who helps him with the account ban, and they discuss the matter casually.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Xian decides to debut strategically, not constrained by his "Kusotori Bro" or "Kidney Bro" labels.
• He removes the trending Kusotori video, expecting more to follow, and plans to utilize the trend for business.
• Li Xian establishes a persona of an Invisible Void God-Tier Tycoon, aiming to be unrestrained and outspoken.
• He sends money to Du Ziteng for helping him and instructs him to keep an eye on Hamster.
• Li Xian ignores a university classmate reunion and contacts Zhang Cheng to prepare for trending searches.

Character Developments

• Li Xian: Becomes more confident in his wealth and status, plans to establish a persona, and starts spending money strategically.
• Du Ziteng: Shows loyalty and enthusiasm in helping Li Xian, accepts money without question.
• Hamster: Not developed in this chapter, but previously shown as naive and desperate for money.
• Peng Mengke: Shows interest in Li Xian's attendance at a university reunion.
• Zhang Cheng: Ready to assist Li Xian in manipulating trending searches.

Significant Themes

• The importance of establishing a persona for debuting and maintaining popularity.
• The power of money and status in society.
• The manipulation of trends and public opinion.

Character Interactions

• Li Xian and Du Ziteng: Li Xian sends money to Du Ziteng and instructs him to monitor Hamster.
• Li Xian and Peng Mengke: Li Xian declines attending a university reunion, Peng Mengke tries to persuade him.
• Li Xian and Zhang Cheng: Li Xian contacts Zhang Cheng to prepare for trending searches.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Xian aims to gain fame through online media platforms, focusing on Weibo's trending searches.
• Zhang Cheng, an online troll, is hired by Li Xian to manipulate Weibo trends.
• Zhang Cheng arranges for trolls, soft articles, and Weibo trending list purchases to boost Li Xian's popularity.
• Li Xian's first attempt at trending on Weibo fails due to low engagement, but his team quickly rectifies it.

Character Developments

• Li Xian: Shows ambition and determination to gain fame and influence, demonstrating his strategic thinking and resourcefulness.
• Zhang Cheng: Proves himself capable and reliable, growing from an unknown online troll to a key figure in Li Xian's plans.

Significant Themes

• Fame and influence in the digital age: The chapter explores the importance of online presence and trending topics in today's society.
• The power of money: Li Xian's wealth allows him to manipulate online trends, highlighting the influence of money in the digital world.
• Ambition and determination: Both Li Xian and Zhang Cheng exhibit strong ambition and resolve in pursuing their goals.

Character Interactions

• Li Xian and Zhang Cheng: Their interaction shows a mentor-mentee relationship, with Li Xian guiding Zhang Cheng and entrusting him with important tasks.
• Zhang Cheng and other online influencers (trolls, Big Vs): Zhang Cheng's interactions with these individuals showcase his negotiation skills and assertiveness in managing the team.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Feng, a musician, is recording with his band in Kyoto. They're preparing for an upcoming concert in Bincheng.
• Wang Feng's assistant, Xiao Gao, informs him that their trending topic has been pushed down by an unknown user, 'Brother Xian,' who is promoting a 'Bincheng Big Eater' video on Bilibili.
• Wang Feng decides to let the matter rest and focus on the upcoming concert.

Character Developments

• Wang Feng: Frustrated and helpless due to his repeated failure to trend. He decides to let it go and focus on his concert preparations.
• Xiao Gao: Wang Feng's dedicated assistant who tries his best to manage Wang Feng's online presence but is outmatched by the mysterious force pushing them down.

Significant Themes

• Unpredictability of Success: Wang Feng's repeated failures to trend highlight the unpredictable nature of success in the entertainment industry.
• Perseverance: Despite the setbacks, Wang Feng chooses to focus on his work rather than dwell on the failures.

Character Interactions

• Wang Feng and Xiao Gao: Wang Feng comforts Xiao Gao, taking the blame off him and reassuring him that they'll handle the situation later.
• Wang Feng and his band: Wang Feng decides to treat his band to a meal and drinks, suggesting a close bond and a desire to boost their morale after the setback.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Xian's true identity as a rich kid from Bincheng is revealed.
• He attempts to redirect public attention by revealing his identity, but netizens focus on his eating habits and jokes.
• Li Xian's Weibo post to prove his identity goes viral, with netizens leaving humorous and irrelevant comments.
• Li Xian completes a System quest, "Prove Identity," and receives rewards, including a new skill card, "I Am Megaphone."

Character Developments

• Li Xian is frustrated and confused by netizens' reactions to his true identity.
• He receives a new skill card, "I Am Megaphone," which he finds powerful.

Significant Themes

• The power of internet culture and netizens' influence.
• Identity and its impact on public perception.
• The unpredictability of public attention and interest.

Character Interactions

• Li Xian interacts with netizens by replying to their comments on his Weibo post.
• He communicates with Zhang Cheng about the unexpected reactions to his Weibo post.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Xian receives a new skill, [I Am Megaphone], which amplifies his voice.
• He also receives a box of gold business cards as a System reward.
• Li Xian draws four cards from the System, obtaining a Beginner Lazy Fitness Card, a Skill Upgrade Card, a Yordle Special Extended Golf Club +1, and 2 Strong Digestive Pills.
• Despite not intending to, Li Xian activates the Beginner Lazy Fitness Card, which increases his fitness effects fivefold for 30 days.

Character Developments

• Li Xian's interactions with the netizens lead him to activate his new skill, [I Am Megaphone], demonstrating his impulsive and confrontational nature.
• He shows off his new gold business cards, indicating his desire for status and luxury.
• Li Xian's disdain for the Beginner Lazy Fitness Card reveals his pride in his physical appearance and his resistance to change.

Significant Themes

• The theme of impulsivity is evident in Li Xian's actions, from his immediate use of [I Am Megaphone] to his unintentional activation of the fitness card.
• The desire for status and luxury is highlighted through Li Xian's reaction to the gold business cards.
• The theme of resistance to change is shown in Li Xian's disapproval of the fitness card, indicating his unwillingness to alter his current lifestyle.

Character Interactions

• Li Xian's interactions with the netizens are hostile, demonstrating his lack of restraint and tendency to argue.
• Li Xian's interactions with the System are antagonistic, with him frequently cursing and looking down on the System's rewards.
• There are no interactions with other characters in this chapter.

Key Plot Points & Events

• A new book, "I Really Never Wanted to Win Without Trying," is released.
• It's an urban wish-fulfillment novel featuring a wealthy protagonist, the author's specialty.

Character Developments

• The author expresses humility and confidence in their writing abilities, setting expectations for the new book.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and success: The author aims to write a compelling story about a wealthy character, exploring themes of ambition and success.
• Humility: The author asks for support while expressing confidence in their work, showcasing a balance between humility and self-assurance.

Character Interactions

• The author directly addresses the readers, encouraging them to support and invest in the new book, fostering a sense of community and interaction.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Xian (Brother Xian) teases Wang Sipeng (Principal Wang) about his failed pursuit of a girl, calling him a simp.
• Li Xian decides to help Wang Sipeng win back his pride by interfering with his love life.
• Wang Sipeng tries to stop Li Xian but fails, leading to Li Xian adding the girl on WeChat.

Character Developments

• Li Xian: Shows his playful and mischievous side, enjoying teasing Wang Sipeng. He also demonstrates his protective nature towards his little brother.
• Wang Sipeng: Struggles with his pride and embarrassment over his failed pursuit. He tries to maintain his dignity but ultimately fails to stop Li Xian.

Significant Themes

• Brotherhood: Li Xian's actions are driven by his desire to help his little brother, showing the importance of their bond.
• Pride and Embarrassment: Wang Sipeng's struggle with his pride and embarrassment over his failed pursuit is a central theme.
• Teasing and Banter: The interaction between Li Xian and Wang Sipeng is filled with playful teasing and banter.

Character Interactions

• Li Xian and Wang Sipeng: Their interaction is filled with playful teasing, with Li Xian taking advantage of Wang Sipeng's embarrassment to interfere in his love life. Despite Wang Sipeng's attempts to stop him, Li Xian's quick wit and footwork leave Wang Sipeng no choice but to comply.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The pandemic has resurged, and the author emphasizes the importance of safety measures.
• The author has been managing daily life, running errands for friends, and earning pocket money.
• There has been heavy rain, flooding, and the ongoing pandemic, prompting the author to advise staying home unless necessary.
• The author is watching the Olympics while staying indoors.

Character Developments

• The author demonstrates resilience and adaptability in coping with daily life during the pandemic.
• The author shows concern for others' safety and well-being.

Significant Themes

• Safety and caution during the pandemic.
• Resilience and adaptability in challenging times.
• The importance of staying informed and prepared.

Character Interactions

• The author interacts with friends by running errands for them, suggesting a supportive and helpful relationship.
• The author engages with the broader community by advising safety measures and expressing concern for others.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The author reassures readers that they are still active and haven't abandoned the story.
• The author has been preoccupied with earning extra money and working on a new book.
• The author plans to release the new book in September and aims to finish the current one within two months.

Character Developments

• The author shows responsibility and dedication by apologizing for the delay and promising to wrap up the story soon.
• The author demonstrates financial struggles, indicating a need to prioritize income over writing.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance: The author persists in their writing despite personal challenges and delays.
• Responsibility: The author feels accountable to their readers and apologizes for the interruption in updates.
• Financial struggles: The author's need to earn extra money highlights the challenges of being a professional writer.

Character Interactions

• The author interacts with their readers, expressing gratitude for their support and reassuring them about the story's progress.

In this chapter, Li Xian engages in a playful and flirtatious exchange with Yan Ling via video call, with Li Xian teasing Yan Ling about her appearance and Yan Ling retaliating with her own taunts. Meanwhile, Wang Sipeng is shown to be smitten with a girl, sending her numerous messages and even planning to visit her in Paris. Li Xian discovers Wang Sipeng's infatuation and expresses his disapproval, leading to a brief argument between the two friends. The chapter ends with Li Xian expressing his disdain for Wang Sipeng's behavior and Wang Sipeng trying to hide his messages from Li Xian.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Xian and Yan Ling's video call exchange
• Wang Sipeng's infatuation with a girl and his constant messaging
• Li Xian discovering Wang Sipeng's messages and expressing disapproval
• Brief argument between Li Xian and Wang Sipeng

Character Developments

• Li Xian: Shows his playful and teasing side with Yan Ling, but also expresses disapproval of Wang Sipeng's behavior.
• Yan Ling: Retaliates against Li Xian's teasing with her own taunts, showing her fiery temper.
• Wang Sipeng: Displayed as smitten with a girl, sending numerous messages and planning to visit her, showing a softer side to his character.

Significant Themes

• Flirtation and playful banter between Li Xian and Yan Ling
• Infatuation and pursuit of love, shown through Wang Sipeng's behavior

Character Interactions

• Li Xian and Yan Ling: Engage in a playful and flirtatious exchange via video call.
• Li Xian and Wang Sipeng: Li Xian expresses disapproval of Wang Sipeng's behavior, leading to a brief argument between the two friends.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The author announces their return after a month-long hiatus.
• They apologize for the delay and express gratitude to their supporters.

Character Developments

• The author themselves is the main character in this chapter, and they reflect on their personal health and writing habits.

Significant Themes

• Health and well-being: The author discusses their struggles with weight gain, sleep deprivation, and potential health issues.
• Responsibility and commitment: They express their determination to finish their story despite challenges and apologize for any inconvenience caused by the hiatus.

Character Interactions

• The author interacts with their readers through their writing, expressing remorse and appreciation for their continued support.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Xian and his group arrive in Milan, Italy.
• They stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Milano.
• Li Xian receives a system reward of 60 high-rise apartments in the "Vertical Forest" residential district in downtown Milan.
• Yan Ling calls Li Xian, revealing she's in London and plans to fly to Milan to meet him.

Character Developments

• Li Xian shows his wealth and generosity by tipping hotel staff generously.
• Yan Ling displays her eagerness to meet Li Xian, showing affection and initiative.

Significant Themes

• Wealth and extravagance: Li Xian's display of wealth through generous tipping and his disregard for the value of money.
• Affection and desire: Yan Ling's eagerness to meet Li Xian, hinting at her growing feelings for him.

Character Interactions

• Li Xian interacts briefly with his group, showing little interest in their presence.
• Li Xian and Yan Ling have a playful conversation over the phone, with Yan Ling expressing her desire to meet him in Milan.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Xian visits Manchester United, signs a performance-based contract with coach Van Gaal, and transfers money to the club.
• He returns to London, has a night with two maids, and then uses the system's [Scratch Cards] and [Spending Critical Hit Cards].
• The next day, Li Xian and Wang Sipeng fly to Milan. Upon arrival, Li Xian uses a Limited Location Exchange Voucher and obtains a Milan "Vertical Forest" apartment.

Character Developments

• Li Xian: Shows his wealth and power by signing a contract with Manchester United and transferring money to the club. He also uses the system's cards, demonstrating his spending power and lack of restraint. He remains confident and decisive in his actions.
• Wang Sipeng: Feels jealous and envious of Li Xian's wealth and lifestyle. He is curious about Li Xian's business in Milan but is ultimately left in the dark.

Significant Themes

• Wealth and Power: Li Xian's immense wealth and power are emphasized throughout the chapter, as he signs a contract with Manchester United, transfers money to the club, and uses the system's cards without hesitation.
• Desire and Indulgence: Li Xian indulges in his desires, spending money recklessly and engaging in sexual activities with multiple partners.
• Curiosity and Jealousy: Wang Sipeng feels curious and jealous of Li Xian's lifestyle and wealth, highlighting the contrast between their situations.

Character Interactions

• Li Xian and Wang Sipeng: Their interaction is characterized by Wang Sipeng's curiosity and jealousy, and Li Xian's indifference and secrecy. Li Xian keeps Wang Sipeng at arm's length, refusing to share details about his business in Milan.
• Li Xian and the maids: Li Xian engages in sexual activities with two maids, demonstrating his desire and indulgence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Xian abruptly leaves the press conference after using the [Amplifier] skill.
• Woodward takes over, announcing Manchester United's determination to sign Cristiano Ronaldo and revealing Li Xian's investment plans.
• Li Xian arrives at Carrington Training Ground, asks players to sign jerseys and footballs for him, and interacts with Lu Han and Huang Zitao via a group chat.

Character Developments

• Li Xian: Shows his willfulness and determination, leaves the press conference abruptly, and interacts with Lu Han and Huang Zitao about their future plans.
• Woodward: Transforms into Li Xian's bootlicker, shamelessly praises Li Xian to reporters, and reveals Li Xian's investment plans.
• Manchester United players: Show enthusiasm and eagerness to please Li Xian by signing jerseys and footballs for him.

Significant Themes

• Money and power: Li Xian's wealth and influence are emphasized, and Woodward's behavior highlights the importance of money in Western society.
• Determination and willfulness: Li Xian's determination to sign Cristiano Ronaldo and his willfulness in leaving the press conference are key aspects of his character.
• Mutual benefit: Li Xian's interactions with Lu Han and Huang Zitao show his willingness to help them in exchange for their work and loyalty.

Character Interactions

• Li Xian and Woodward: Li Xian gives Woodward instructions and Woodward follows them, showing Li Xian's dominance and Woodward's subservience.
• Li Xian and Manchester United players: Li Xian asks the players to sign jerseys and footballs for him, showing his interest in their fanbase and their eagerness to please him.
• Li Xian, Lu Han, and Huang Zitao: Li Xian interacts with Lu Han and Huang Zitao via a group chat, discussing their future plans and showing his willingness to help them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Xian plays the Mysterious Big Wheel Game, winning several Special Mysterious Small Gift Packs.
• He opens four small packs, receiving various prizes including Luck, attribute points, Scratch Cards, and condoms.
• He opens a Special Mysterious Large Gift Pack, receiving attribute points, Scratch Cards, a billiard ball set, and Yordle-made items.
• Li Xian holds a press conference at Old Trafford, announcing his takeover of Manchester United and expressing his ambition to win trophies and bring Cristiano Ronaldo back.

Character Developments

• Li Xian's Luck and various attributes increase after opening gift packs.
• Li Xian demonstrates confidence and determination in his takeover of Manchester United.

Significant Themes

• Luck and fortune, as seen in Li Xian's successful wheel game and gift pack openings.
• Ambition and determination, shown in Li Xian's plans for Manchester United.

Character Interactions

• Li Xian interacts with Wang Sipeng, teasing him and going out together.
• Li Xian faces the media at the press conference, answering questions and expressing his vision for Manchester United.