Li Zhendong

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Li Zhendong (李振东)
Species/Race	Human
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Earth Era project; astronaut cohort departing the Solar System 1 47
Occupation/Role	Astronaut; mechanics and informatics enthusiast 1 46
Status	Preparing to depart Earth on the Earth Era’s 3,000-year voyage 47 50
First Appearance	Chapter 1

Background / History

Li Zhendong is Zhang Yuan’s longtime friend and a fellow astronaut selected for the Earth Era mission. Like Zhang, he is preparing to leave the Solar System, though he spends much of his final vacation pursuing romance, gaming, and leisure rather than studying. 1 13 17

He is the son of Li Cheng, a former colleague of Zhang Yuan’s father and a contributor to the Earth Era’s construction. Li Zhendong grew up in a comparatively warm family environment with both parents and a younger sister. 13 14

During Zhang Yuan’s stay with the Li family, Li Zhendong becomes increasingly frustrated by Zhang’s sudden academic progress. His competitiveness ultimately pushes him to resume studying complex mathematics despite his dislike of sustained effort. 15 16 17

As departure nears, his usual flippancy gives way to visible anxiety. While traveling with his family, he tries to persuade his parents to have another child, knowing that his mother is devastated by his impending departure. 33

Appearance

Li Zhendong is a tall young man with wheat-colored skin. He tolerates heat poorly and is described as becoming drenched in sweat even without climbing the mountain Zhang Yuan visits in Chapter 1. 1

• Tall build. 1
• Wheat-colored skin. 1
• Poor heat tolerance. 1

Personality

Li Zhendong is loud, teasing, and habitually boastful, particularly about his supposed romantic experience. He frequently needles Zhang Yuan over his dating history, invents elaborate “flirting strategies,” and reacts dramatically when Zhang exposes his exaggerations. 1 13 47

Behind his showmanship, he is competitive and easily unsettled by Zhang Yuan’s diligence and intellect. He dislikes the strain of studying, yet repeatedly returns to his books when Zhang’s work ethic makes him feel guilty or inferior. 15 16 17

He remains a loyal and considerate friend. He invites Zhang Yuan to dinner when Zhang isolates himself in study, understands when Zhang does not wish to discuss his last night with Han Ziyue, and shares the uncertainty of their departure rather than facing it alone. 12 47 50

Abilities & Skills

Academic Aptitude

Li Zhendong was a high-achieving student in university and is regarded by Zhang Yuan as naturally gifted, capable of scoring above 90 even while being less disciplined than Zhang. 13 14

• Studies advanced mathematics, including complex semisimple Lie algebra. 17
• Can engage with discussions on astronomy, alien civilizations, and the Earth Era project. 16 17
• Struggles to maintain focus on difficult mathematics when under pressure or comparing himself to Zhang Yuan. 16

Mechanics and Informatics

Li Zhendong identifies mechanics and informatics as his areas of competence when introducing himself to Han Ziyue. 46

• Has space-related experience he uses while attempting to impress potential dates. 13
• Shows interest in online games and emerging gaming culture, including LoL 8. 46

Relationships

• Zhang Yuan — Longtime friend and fellow Earth Era astronaut. Their friendship is built on constant teasing, academic rivalry, and mutual support before departure. 1 12 15 47 50
• Li Cheng — Father; a space-city engineer and former colleague of Zhang Yuan’s father. Li Zhendong jokes about his father’s tendency to explain elementary questions with advanced mathematics. 13 14
• Li Zhendong’s mother — Mother. Her grief over his departure deeply affects him; he attempts to convince his parents to have another child before he leaves. 33
• Li Zhendong’s younger sister — Younger sister who admires Zhang Yuan’s mathematical ability, provoking Li Zhendong’s jealousy and protectiveness. 15 16
• Han Ziyue — Zhang Yuan’s acquaintance whom Li Zhendong meets shortly before departure. He attempts an overly rehearsed introduction to make a favorable impression on her. 46 47

Story Role / Major Arcs

Final Vacation

Li Zhendong accompanies Zhang Yuan during the latter’s final month on Earth, initially serving as a comic counterpoint to Zhang’s seriousness. He mocks Zhang’s psychological-counseling memo while discovering that his own memo carries the same instruction to find a girl he likes. 1

Visit to the Li Family

He invites Zhang Yuan to his home in Donghai City after noticing that Zhang has withdrawn into obsessive study. The visit reveals Li Zhendong’s family life, his father’s connection to Zhang Yuan’s father, and Li Zhendong’s insecurity about being surpassed academically. 12 13 14 15

Departure Preparations

Li Zhendong resumes studying after Zhang Yuan ends his vacation early for Xisha Aerospace City. Later, he reconnects with Zhang, meets Han Ziyue, and joins their group for a final day at the water park, dinner, and karaoke. 17 46 47

Farewell to Earth

At the farewell gathering, Li Zhendong sings a solemn song about anonymous contribution to humanity’s cause, briefly revealing a more sensitive side beneath his womanizing persona. He meets Zhang for breakfast on departure morning before Zhang proceeds to the space-elevator registration area. 48 50

Notable Quotes

“I've already been in n relationships, okay?” 1

“You really are a dog... a big spender!” 17

“I am very friendly and honest. I excel at mechanics and informatics, I love surfing the web, and I play online games.” 46

Trivia

• Li Zhendong’s personal memo gives him the same task it gives Zhang Yuan: “Find a girl you like and become a real man.” 1
• He was deceived by a girl whose appearance did not match her profile picture, which he later refers to as being “catfished.” 33
• His attempts to flirt include “playing innocent,” “playing hard to get,” and “playing dumb.” 13 47