Chapter Summaries

• Wang Yan tours the Palace of Extended Blessings, listens to a report, and orders Li Shishi to be brought to him.
• Wang Yan and Li Shishi spend time together, and he decides to make her his consort.
• Wang Yan begins investigating and confiscating the properties of Zhao Ji's close associates and the former imperial clan.
• The Capital Region Circuit, Northwestern Capital Circuit, Huainan East Circuit, Hebei East Circuit, and Hexi Circuit declare allegiance to Wang Yan.
• Wang Yan's family arrives in Bianjing, and he comforts Zhao Yupan.
• Wang Yan's reforms begin, focusing on three main areas: Confucianism, land nationalization, and commercial taxes.
• The south rebels, and Liao and Jin show signs of forming an alliance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Yan tours the Palace of Extended Blessings and orders Li Shishi to be brought to him.
• Wang Yan and Li Shishi spend time together, and he decides to make her his consort.
• Wang Yan begins investigating and confiscating the properties of Zhao Ji's close associates and the former imperial clan.
• The northern regions declare allegiance to Wang Yan, while the south rebels.
• Wang Yan's family arrives in Bianjing, and he comforts Zhao Yupan.
• Wang Yan's reforms begin, focusing on three main areas: Confucianism, land nationalization, and commercial taxes.
• Liao and Jin show signs of forming an alliance.

Character Developments

• Wang Yan:
  • Tours the Palace of Extended Blessings and decides to make Li Shishi his consort.
  • Begins investigating and confiscating the properties of Zhao Ji's close associates and the former imperial clan.
  • Initiates reforms focusing on Confucianism, land nationalization, and commercial taxes.
  • Is not concerned about a Liao-Jin alliance.
• Li Shishi:
  • Is brought to the Palace of Extended Blessings and becomes Wang Yan's consort.
• Zhao Yupan:
  • Arrives in Bianjing and is comforted by Wang Yan.

Significant Themes

• Wang Yan's consolidation of power and initiation of reforms.
• The rebellion of the southern regions and the potential threat of a Liao-Jin alliance.
• The impact of Wang Yan's reforms on Confucianism, land ownership, and commercial taxes.

Character Interactions

• Wang Yan and Li Shishi:
  • Spend time together and decide to become consorts.
• Wang Yan and Zhao Yupan:
  • Wang Yan comforts Zhao Yupan upon her arrival in Bianjing.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

+ Wang Yan consolidates power by purging the Kong Family, reforming the official system, and reorganizing the military.
+ He establishes new institutions such as the Jinyi Guard, the Council of Affairs, and the Grand Secretariat.
+ He orders the construction of the Altar of Soil and Grain and the Imperial Ancestral Temple in Luoyang, preparing for his enthronement ceremony.
+ He plans to open the imperial city of Bianjing and Longevity Mountain to visitors, with eunuchs serving as tour guides.

Character Developments

+ Wang Yan demonstrates his ruthlessness and efficiency in consolidating power, showing no mercy to those who oppose him.
+ He exhibits his long-term vision and willingness to use force to implement his reforms.
+ Zhao Yupan adapts to her new life and is more open about her feelings towards Wang Yan.
+ Li Shishi, Jinlian, and Yupan get along well and spend their days together in the inner palace.

Significant Themes

+ The struggle for power and the use of force to maintain control.
+ The tension between tradition and reform, and the difficulty of implementing change.
+ The isolation of the emperor and the importance of using people effectively.
+ The contrast between the grandeur of the imperial palace and the simple pleasures of family life.

Character Interactions

+ Wang Yan interacts with his wives and children in a relaxed and affectionate manner.
+ He discusses the enthronement ceremony with Zong Ze, the Minister of Works.
+ He shows no mercy to those who oppose him, demonstrating his ruthlessness and determination.
+ He plans to use eunuchs as tour guides in the imperial city of Bianjing, showing his willingness to adapt and make use of existing resources.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Yan completes renovations in Luoyang, transforming it into a grand imperial capital.
• He ascends the throne, founding the Wang Dynasty, and holds a grand enthronement ceremony.
• He establishes a new flag and military banners, symbolizing the new dynasty's power and unity.
• Wang Yan returns to the rear palace for a private banquet with his wives and children.

Character Developments

• Wang Yan: Becomes the emperor of the Wang Dynasty, further solidifying his power and influence. He demonstrates his closeness to the people during the enthronement ceremony but maintains a distant and authoritative demeanor with his officials.
• Wu Song: Appointed as the Commander of the Imperial Guard and Duke of Qinghe County, he leads the Imperial Guard in the enthronement ceremony, showcasing their discipline and might.
• Zhao Ji: Retired and living comfortably, he still harbors hopes for his grandson to become emperor.
• Hu Cheng and Hu Sanniang: With Hu Cheng now an imperial relative, Hu Sanniang's ambitions grow, and she begins to have thoughts about her son's future.
• Jinlian: Her ambitions also increase, fueled by stories about the imperial household's corruption and her desire to secure her son's future.

Significant Themes

• Power and authority: Wang Yan's ascension to the throne solidifies his power and influence, and he uses the enthronement ceremony to demonstrate his might and unity to both his people and officials.
• Ambition and competition: The competition among Wang Yan's sons for the throne and the growing ambitions of his wives and their families highlight the cutthroat nature of imperial politics.
• The relationship between the ruler and the people: Wang Yan's actions, such as walking among the people during the enthronement ceremony and dining with them afterward, emphasize his desire to appear close to and connected with his subjects.

Character Interactions

• Wang Yan interacts with his officials during the enthronement ceremony, maintaining a distant and authoritative demeanor.
• He also interacts with the common people, appearing approachable and connected to them.
• Wang Yan dines with his wives and children in the rear palace, discussing his new status as emperor and addressing the ambitions of his wives and their families.
• His sons argue and compete with one another over food, demonstrating their sibling rivalry and desire to prove themselves.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Emperor Wang Yan governs without micromanaging, focusing on setting the nation's direction and replacing old systems with new ones.
• He establishes a new education system, encouraging innovation and specialization.
• He implements policies to increase population, including setting the age for having children at seventeen.
• He sends out fleets to explore overseas, with two returning after eight years, bringing back high-yield crops like sweet potatoes and potatoes.

Character Developments

• Wang Yan continues to demonstrate his visionary leadership, prioritizing the well-being of his people and the nation's progress.
• Wang Fusheng, the old steward, remains loyal and dedicated to his service, showing excitement at the news of the returning fleets.

Significant Themes

• Innovation and progress: Wang Yan's policies encourage innovation in all aspects of society, from education to agriculture.
• Population growth and management: Wang Yan implements policies to increase the population and ensure the well-being of his people.
• Overseas exploration: Wang Yan sends out fleets to explore the world, seeking new resources and knowledge.

Character Interactions

• Wang Yan and Wang Fusheng: The emperor and his old steward share a warm, trusting relationship, with Wang Fusheng eagerly bringing the news of the returning fleets to Wang Yan.
• Wang Yan and the common people: Wang Yan frequently interacts with common people, showing empathy and understanding for their lives and concerns.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The fleet returns from the Americas without plague, bringing exotic women, mixed-race children, and new crops like sweet potatoes, potatoes, corn, chili peppers, tomatoes, beans, and sunflowers.
• Wang Yan promotes the cultivation of these new crops, aiming to reduce hunger and improve people's lives.
• The Huaxia Empire conquers the Liao Kingdom, recovers the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun, and expands its territory to include grasslands and pasturelands.
• The empire relocates two million people to the north and two million people from the north to the Central Plains to promote ethnic integration and prevent rebellion.
• The Huaxia Empire continues its southward expansion, pacifying the region and planning for large-scale development.
• The population increases significantly due to improved living conditions and education.
• Wang Yan grooms an heir from the fourth generation as he approaches the end of his life.

Character Developments

• Wang Yan continues to rule the Huaxia Empire, promoting progress and improving people's lives.
• He becomes a living immortal figure, respected and revered by the people.
• Wang Yan's children and wives pass away one by one, leaving him increasingly lonely.
• Wang Yan begins grooming an heir, focusing on the fourth generation.

Significant Themes

• Progress and development: Wang Yan's continuous efforts to improve people's lives through agriculture, education, and technology.
• Ethnic integration: The empire's policy of relocating people to promote understanding and cooperation between different ethnic groups.
• The price of power: Wang Yan's loneliness and isolation as he outlives his loved ones and approaches the end of his life.

Character Interactions

• Wang Yan interacts with his children and wives as they age and pass away.
• He begins grooming an heir from the fourth generation, interacting with his great-grandchildren.
• Wang Yan's relationship with the people of the Huaxia Empire remains strong, with him serving as a mascot and symbol of their progress and achievements.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Yan, after waking up from a 107-year sleep in the Song Dynasty, finds himself in his modern-day body, which is strong and youthful.
• He reviews his gains from the trip, including five free attribute points, advancements in medicine, and a boundless storage hard drive from the Living Dad.
• He spends the morning running with his dog, A-Gou, and chatting with neighbors.
• He helps Wei Lan edit videos and discusses their plans to buy a home.
• They decide to look at apartments this weekend and consider inviting their parents to see the new place once they've chosen one.

Character Developments

• Wang Yan: He is calm and collected, adjusting quickly to his modern-day life. He is financially stable and not overly concerned about money, preferring to live comfortably. He is also considerate of Wei Lan's feelings and wants her to be happy with their home purchase.
• Wei Lan: She is financially independent, making money through her livestream and online sales. She is more cautious about money than Wang Yan and is nervous about buying a home. She is also considerate of their parents' feelings and wants them to be involved in the decision.

Significant Themes

• Money and wealth: The ease with which Wang Yan makes money is a significant theme. He is not overly concerned about money, preferring to live comfortably and make decisions that will make him and Wei Lan happy.
• Relationships: The relationship between Wang Yan and Wei Lan is a significant theme. They are supportive of each other's endeavors and considerate of each other's feelings.

Character Interactions

• Wang Yan and Wei Lan: They have a supportive and considerate relationship. They discuss their plans for the future, including buying a home and inviting their parents to see it once they've chosen one. They also help each other with their respective endeavors, with Wang Yan helping Wei Lan edit videos and Wei Lan discussing her financial independence with Wang Yan.
• Wang Yan and his neighbors: He greets them in the morning and chats with them while walking A-Gou. He is friendly and amiable with them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei Lan starts working at Wang Yan's company, helping with product management for Zhang Xu's translation software and Ma Zichen's food app.
• Wang Yan tests Zhang Xu's translation software and makes minor improvements.
• Wei Lan and Wang Yan decide to buy an apartment, choosing a 120 sqm unit for 9 million yuan.
• Wang Yan decides to enter the movie So Young after receiving a message from his living father.

Character Developments

• Wei Lan becomes more involved in Wang Yan's business and gains confidence in her decisions, such as buying the apartment.
• Wang Yan remains calm and decisive, making important decisions without hesitation.

Significant Themes

• The theme of trust and commitment is reinforced when Wang Yan writes Wei Lan's name on the apartment contract without a second thought.
• The theme of wealth and material possessions is explored through the discussion of apartment prices and the decision to buy.

Character Interactions

• Wang Yan and Wei Lan grow closer as they spend more time together at work and make major life decisions together.
• Wang Yan continues to mentor and support his employees, helping them with their projects and making improvements as needed.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Yan arrives at Southeast University for enrollment.
• He meets his roommates: Sun Mingbo, Zhou Jianjun, and Wang Kang.
• Wang Yan offers to treat Wang Kang's acne using traditional Chinese medicine.
• They go to the city to buy medicine and supplies together.
• Wang Yan shows off his knowledge of traditional medicine and his physique.

Character Developments

• Wang Yan: Confident, knowledgeable in traditional medicine, physically strong, and charismatic.
• Sun Mingbo: Ambitious, considerate of his roommates, and eager to participate in school activities.
• Zhou Jianjun: Physically strong, humble, and eager to explore the campus.
• Wang Kang: Insecure about his appearance, proud, and willing to take risks for a chance to improve.

Significant Themes

• Youthful excitement and camaraderie among freshmen.
• The importance of first impressions and establishing oneself in a new environment.
• The value of traditional medicine and knowledge.

Character Interactions

• Wang Yan interacts with his roommates, showing kindness and confidence.
• Sun Mingbo takes the initiative to befriend and care for his roommates.
• Wang Kang is initially hesitant but eventually trusts Wang Yan's medical expertise.
• Zhou Jianjun is eager to explore the campus and make new friends.
• Zhang Kai and Xu Kaiyang, Wang Yan's neighbors, admire his physique and show friendly curiosity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Yan meets Zhang Kai and Xu Kaiyang, who introduce him to their dorm and invite him to wash up with them.
• Wang Yan learns about Chen Xiaozheng's situation and observes Xu Kaiyang's behavior towards him.
• Wang Yan shares a dorm with Sun Mingbo, Zhou Jianguo, and Wang Kang, and they discuss their future aspirations.
• Wang Yan runs into Zhu Xiaobei at a bun shop and learns about her background.

Character Developments

• Wang Yan: Shows modesty and adaptability in social situations, maintains a calm and collected demeanor, and demonstrates his physical prowess through running and martial arts practice.
• Zhang Kai: Reveals his cheeky and carefree nature, as well as his academic struggles due to repeating a year.
• Xu Kaiyang: Shows off his wealth and confidence, but also displays a lack of malice and a willingness to help others, albeit within his own limits.
• Chen Xiaozheng: Remains withdrawn and quiet, avoiding interactions with others.
• Zhu Xiaobei: Shows determination and resilience, supporting her sister while pursuing her education.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between ambition and reality, as seen in the characters' aspirations and the challenges they face.
• The importance of family and supporting one another, as demonstrated by the Zhu sisters' relationship.
• The impact of social status and wealth on individuals' behavior and opportunities, as seen through Xu Kaiyang's actions.

Character Interactions

• Wang Yan interacts with Zhang Kai and Xu Kaiyang, forming a friendly connection with them.
• Wang Yan learns about Chen Xiaozheng's situation from Zhang Kai and Xu Kaiyang, showing empathy but not interfering.
• Wang Yan shares a dorm with Sun Mingbo, Zhou Jianguo, and Wang Kang, engaging in conversations about their future plans.
• Wang Yan meets Zhu Xiaobei and learns about her background, showing understanding and support without pity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Yan returns to campus after military training and visits the library.
• He encounters Ruan Wan and Li Weijuan, strikes up a conversation with Li Weijuan, and learns about their backgrounds.
• Wang Yan meets Chen Xiaozheng and Zeng Yu, and reflects on their future relationship dynamics.

Character Developments

• Wang Yan: Shows interest in Ruan Wan but maintains a respectful distance, indicating he understands she has a boyfriend. He also demonstrates his ability to make friends and network, as seen in his conversation with Li Weijuan.
• Ruan Wan: Stands up for herself when Li Weijuan teases her about her boyfriend. She shows maturity and self-assurance in her relationship.
• Li Weijuan: Expresses her attraction to Wang Yan but is aware of her own goals and values. She is open about her desire to find a wealthy partner.

Significant Themes

• The theme of admiration and attraction, as seen in Wang Yan's appreciation of Ruan Wan's beauty without pursuing her romantically.
• The exploration of friendship and networking, as Wang Yan connects with Li Weijuan and reflects on his interactions with other characters.

Character Interactions

• Wang Yan and Li Weijuan: Share a friendly and open conversation, with Li Weijuan expressing her admiration for Wang Yan's charm and Wang Yan showing interest in her background.
• Ruan Wan and Li Weijuan: Tease each other about their romantic situations, with Ruan Wan playfully pointing out Li Weijuan's attraction to Wang Yan.
• Wang Yan and Ruan Wan: Share a brief, polite exchange, with Wang Yan expressing his admiration for Ruan Wan's beauty without making any advances.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Yan starts working part-time on Pearl River Road, selling computers and earning money.
• He partners with a shop owner, offering suggestions to improve business and guarantee after-sales service.
• Wang Yan mobilizes Wang Kang, Zhou Jianguo, Sun Mingbo, and other students to hand out flyers and promote his business.

Character Developments

• Wang Yan demonstrates his business acumen and willingness to help others, such as Zhu Xiaobei and his roommates.
• Chen Xiaozheng is introduced as an oddball who keeps to himself, despite having a high-achieving mother.

Significant Themes

• The importance of hard work and earning one's own money, as demonstrated by Wang Yan's part-time job.
• The contrast between the rich and powerful, who often take advantage of others, and ordinary good people, who help each other out.

Character Interactions

• Wang Yan interacts with the shop owner on Pearl River Road, offering him business advice.
• He also interacts with his roommates, helping them find part-time work and providing them with extra food.
• Wang Yan and Chen Xiaozheng have a brief, awkward interaction in the dormitory washroom.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Yan promotes computers on the athletic field, using a loudspeaker, banners, and a singing performance to attract a crowd.
• He sings "No Place to Hide" and "The Internationale," engaging the audience and generating interest in his sales pitch.
• Wang Yan and his team pack up and prepare to move to Nanjing University for another promotional event.

Character Developments

• Wang Yan demonstrates his charisma, public speaking skills, and business acumen by organizing a successful promotional event.
• Zhang Kai and Xu Kaiyang struggle to recruit members for their Go Club, highlighting their lack of charisma and business sense compared to Wang Yan.
• Zheng Wei and Ruan Wan attend the event, with Zheng Wei showing interest in Zhang Kai and Xu Kaiyang, while Ruan Wan watches Wang Yan's performance from a distance.

Significant Themes

• Charisma and Leadership: Wang Yan's ability to attract and engage a crowd showcases his charisma and leadership potential, which contrasts with the struggles of Zhang Kai and Xu Kaiyang.
• Business Acumen: Wang Yan's successful promotion event demonstrates his understanding of marketing and sales strategies, further emphasizing his business savvy.
• Romantic Interests: The interactions between Zheng Wei and Xu Kaiyang, as well as Ruan Wan and Zhang Kai, highlight the romantic dynamics among the characters.

Character Interactions

• Wang Yan interacts with potential customers, answering their questions and generating interest in his computer sales pitch.
• Zhang Kai and Xu Kaiyang struggle to recruit members for their Go Club, with Zhang Kai showing interest in Ruan Wan.
• Zheng Wei and Ruan Wan attend the event together, with Zheng Wei showing interest in Zhang Kai and Xu Kaiyang, while Ruan Wan watches Wang Yan's performance from a distance.

• Zheng Wei, Ruan Wan, Li Weijuan, and Zhu Xiaobei discuss Wang Yan, with Zheng Wei expressing her dislike for him after he refused to tell her how much he made from selling computers.
• Wang Yan sells computers to his classmates, earning enough to buy himself a computer and making a tidy profit.
• Xu Kaiyang and Zhang Kai invite Wang Yan to wash up with them, and Xu Kaiyang expresses his interest in buying a computer from Wang Yan.
• Wang Yan agrees to sell Xu Kaiyang a computer, seeing an opportunity to make more money.

Key Plot Points and Events

1. Zheng Wei's dislike for Wang Yan grows after he refuses to tell her how much he made from selling computers.
2. Wang Yan sells computers to his classmates, earning a significant profit.
3. Xu Kaiyang expresses interest in buying a computer from Wang Yan.

Character Developments

1. Zheng Wei: Expresses her dislike for Wang Yan and is upset when he refuses to tell her how much he made.
2. Wang Yan: Shows his business acumen by selling computers to his classmates and making a profit. He is also polite but firm in refusing to tell Zheng Wei how much he made.

Significant Themes

1. Money and wealth: Wang Yan's ability to make money from selling computers is a significant aspect of his character and is a source of admiration from his classmates.
2. Appearances and first impressions: Zheng Wei's dislike for Wang Yan is based on her initial impression of him and his refusal to tell her how much he made.

Character Interactions

1. Zheng Wei and Wang Yan: Zheng Wei is upset when Wang Yan refuses to tell her how much he made, leading to a deterioration in their relationship.
2. Wang Yan and Xu Kaiyang: Xu Kaiyang expresses interest in buying a computer from Wang Yan, leading to a potential business opportunity for Wang Yan.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Yan sells a computer to Shi Jie, his former underling's ex-wife, despite his policy of only selling to students.
• Wang Yan decides to quit selling computers and invest in stocks instead.
• Chen Xiaozheng brings back materials to build a model, likely to meet Zheng Wei soon.
• Wang Yan asks Zhu Xiaobei to help him get a copy of her civil engineering class schedule.

Character Developments

• Wang Yan: Sticks to his principles but makes an exception for Shi Jie. Decides to quit selling computers and invest in stocks. Shows interest in helping Chen Xiaozheng.
• Shi Jie: Revealed to be controlling and insecure. Buys a computer from Wang Yan.
• Chen Xiaozheng: Focused on his studies, unaware of Zheng Wei. Brings back materials for a model.
• Zheng Wei: Still holds a grudge against Wang Yan. Likely to meet Chen Xiaozheng soon.
• Zhu Xiaobei: Offers to help Wang Yan get into her civil engineering classes. Considers growing her hair long.

Significant Themes

• The asymmetry of information in the computer market.
• The importance of principles and exceptions.
• The impact of Wang Yan's presence on the lives of those around him.
• The theme of youth and ambition, as seen in Wang Yan's dream to build his own designs and Zhu Xiaobei's support for him.

Character Interactions

• Wang Yan interacts with Shi Jie, treating her as an acquaintance despite her past connection to his underling.
• Wang Yan chats with Zhu Xiaobei, asking for her help and discussing his dream to build his own designs.
• Wang Yan and Zhang Kai discuss Wang Yan's decision to quit selling computers and invest in stocks.
• Wang Yan and Zheng Wei have a brief encounter, with Zheng Wei smiling at him from the doorway.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Wei visits Dorm 310 to borrow movies from Zhang Kai.
• She accidentally damages Chen Xiaozheng's architectural model, leading to an argument.
• Wang Yan intervenes and scolds Zheng Wei for her behavior.
• Zheng Wei vows revenge on Wang Yan and Chen Xiaozheng.

Character Developments

• Zheng Wei: Shows her impulsive and aggressive nature, struggles with maturity.
• Chen Xiaozheng: Remains withdrawn and unapologetic, values his work over social interactions.
• Wang Yan: Demonstrates his leadership and assertiveness, stands up for what he believes in.
• Zhang Kai: Acts as a mediator and tries to maintain peace between his friends.

Significant Themes

• Manners and Public Decency: Wang Yan scolds Zheng Wei for her lack of manners and consideration for others.
• Consequences of Actions: Zheng Wei's impulsive behavior leads to an argument and potential retaliation.
• Maturity and Responsibility: Zheng Wei's immaturity is contrasted with Wang Yan's leadership and responsibility.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Wei and Chen Xiaozheng: Their argument highlights their contrasting personalities and values.
• Zheng Wei and Wang Yan: Their conflict underscores their differing views on behavior and responsibility.
• Zhang Kai, Wang Yan, and Chen Xiaozheng: Their friendship is tested by Zheng Wei's actions, but they ultimately maintain their bond.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Yan obtains a second degree in Civil Engineering.
• He meets Shi Jie again and invites her to taste the barbecue seasoning at the bun shop.
• Wang Yan decides to help the Zhu sisters open a barbecue restaurant, Life on a Skewer.
• Wang Yan attends his first Civil Engineering class and introduces himself to the students.

Character Developments

• Wang Yan demonstrates his generosity and business acumen by helping the Zhu sisters open a restaurant.
• Shi Jie sees Wang Yan's various talents and is drawn to him.
• Zheng Wei is upset about Wang Yan and Chen Xiaozheng being in her class.

Significant Themes

• Fate and chance encounters (Wang Yan running into Shi Jie again).
• Wang Yan's generosity and willingness to help others (assisting the Zhu sisters).
• The theme of revenge and grudges (Zheng Wei's feelings toward Wang Yan and Chen Xiaozheng).

Character Interactions

• Wang Yan and Shi Jie grow closer as they spend time together.
• Wang Yan and the Zhu sisters form a business partnership.
• Zheng Wei and her friends discuss their plans for revenge against Wang Yan and Chen Xiaozheng.
• Wang Yan introduces himself to his new Civil Engineering classmates, causing a stir among them, particularly Zheng Wei.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Wei apologizes to Wang Yan and Chen Xiaozheng for her previous actions.
• Wang Yan finds out that Zheng Wei had inquired about his past.
• Wang Yan and Zheng Wei have a brief conversation where she apologizes, and he accepts it.

Character Developments

• Zheng Wei shows remorse for her actions and takes responsibility, apologizing to both Wang Yan and Chen Xiaozheng.
• Wang Yan remains indifferent and nonchalant, accepting her apology without much reaction.
• Chen Xiaozheng acts as a messenger between Zheng Wei and Wang Yan, showing a willingness to mend bridges.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility and accountability: Zheng Wei takes responsibility for her actions and apologizes to those she has wronged.
• Indifference and detachment: Wang Yan shows little reaction to Zheng Wei's apology, indicating his lack of interest in the conflict.
• Redemption and forgiveness: Zheng Wei seeks to make amends, while Wang Yan is open to accepting her apology, suggesting a potential path to redemption.

Character Interactions

• Wang Yan and Zheng Wei have a brief, civil conversation where she apologizes, and he accepts it without much fanfare.
• Chen Xiaozheng acts as a messenger between them, showing a willingness to help mend their relationship.
• Zhang Kai, Wang Yan's friend, supports Zheng Wei and encourages Wang Yan to talk things out with her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Yan apologizes to Zheng Wei, but she remains cold towards him.
• Wang Yan starts taking courses in two departments, keeping him busier.
• Shi Jie waits for Wang Yan at his family housing building, and they spend the day together.
• Wang Yan opens his barbecue restaurant, "Life on a Skewer," with Zhu Xiaobei and her sister.
• Shi Jie reveals she didn't contact Wang Yan because she thought he was upset about their last meeting.

Character Developments

• Wang Yan: He remains patient and persistent in his pursuit of Shi Jie, showing his determination and self-control. He also demonstrates his intelligence and ambition by excelling in his studies and opening a successful business.
• Shi Jie: She shows her interest in Wang Yan by visiting the barbecue restaurant twice and eventually revealing her reasons for not contacting him. She also supports Wang Yan and the Zhu sisters by promising to bring colleagues to the restaurant.
• Zheng Wei: She remains cold towards Wang Yan, but she still hangs around him and mooches meals from him and his friends.

Significant Themes

• Patience: Wang Yan's patience in his pursuit of Shi Jie is a significant theme in this chapter. He waits for two months without contacting her, but he eventually wins her over.
• Ambition: Wang Yan's ambition is shown through his academic achievements and his successful business venture. He is determined to make a name for himself and achieve his goals.
• Relationships: The chapter explores the complexities of relationships, particularly the dynamic between Wang Yan and Shi Jie. It also shows the tension between Wang Yan and Zheng Wei.

Character Interactions

• Wang Yan and Shi Jie: Their relationship continues to develop, with Wang Yan showing his interest in Shi Jie and Shi Jie eventually revealing her feelings for him. They spend the day together, and Wang Yan teases her, but she remains shy and coy.
• Wang Yan and Zheng Wei: Zheng Wei remains cold towards Wang Yan, but she still hangs around him and his friends. Wang Yan ignores her, but he still treats her to meals occasionally.
• Wang Yan and Zhu Xiaobei: They work together to open the barbecue restaurant, and they have a good working relationship. Zhu Xiaobei is nervous about the restaurant's success, but Wang Yan reassures her and gives her advice on how to attract customers.
• Shi Jie and the Zhu sisters: Shi Jie supports the Zhu sisters by promising to bring colleagues to the restaurant. She also comforts Big Sis Zhu, who is nervous about the restaurant's success.

The barbecue restaurant's opening day is a success, with a long line of customers waiting outside. Wang Yan, Zhu Xiaobei, and Shi Jie celebrate the occasion by eating and drinking together. Wang Yan reveals that he bought an apartment near the school, and he takes Shi Jie to see it. On the rooftop, they share their first kiss. Meanwhile, Zhu Xiaobei shares the news about Wang Yan with her roommates, sparking a discussion about his relationship with Shi Jie.

Key Plot Points

• The barbecue restaurant's opening day is a success.
• Wang Yan reveals he bought an apartment near the school.
• Wang Yan and Shi Jie share their first kiss on the rooftop.
• Zhu Xiaobei shares news about Wang Yan with her roommates, leading to speculation about his relationship with Shi Jie.

Character Developments

• Wang Yan: Shows his romantic side by kissing Shi Jie, but still keeps his emotions mostly hidden.
• Shi Jie: Falls for Wang Yan after their kiss on the rooftop.
• Zhu Xiaobei: Starts a business with her sister and becomes more confident in her decisions.
• Ruan Wan, Li Weijuan, and Zheng Wei: Continue to be interested in Wang Yan's life and speculate about his relationship with Shi Jie.

Significant Themes

• The power of hard work and determination (Zhu Xiaobei and her sister's successful business).
• The impact of loss and tragedy on individuals (Wang Yan's parents' death and his emotional state).
• The dynamics of relationships and attraction (Wang Yan and Shi Jie's kiss, and the roommates' discussion about Wang Yan's love life).

Character Interactions

• Wang Yan and Shi Jie: Share a romantic moment on the rooftop, leading to their first kiss.
• Zhu Xiaobei and her roommates: Discuss Wang Yan's life and speculate about his relationship with Shi Jie.
• Wang Yan and Zhu Xiaobei: Discuss business and personal matters, with Wang Yan offering advice and support to Zhu Xiaobei.

• Wang Yan spends the New Year's holiday alone, reflecting on his past.
• Shi Jie visits Wang Yan on New Year's Eve, and they confess their feelings for each other.
• Wang Yan starts an herbal tea business in Guangdong and Guangxi, leaving Shi Jie in Nanjing.
• Upon his return, Wang Yan visits the barbecue restaurant and talks to Zhu Xiaobei about his future plans.
• Wang Yan receives thanks from Sister Zhu for his help in turning around the barbecue restaurant's fortunes.