Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao completes his manuscripts for the Anonymous Writers Competition and awaits results.
• The principal, Shen Meiyu, informs Chen Zhao about an opportunity to visit the University of Cambridge for a friendship exchange.
• Chen Zhao learns that the invitation might be a trap due to his victory in the Lingeyin International Youth Mathematics Competition, which humiliated Cambridge's challenge teams.
• Despite the potential risks, Chen Zhao decides to go to Cambridge, and he invites Deng Zixin to accompany him.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao demonstrates courage and determination in accepting the Cambridge invitation, showing his willingness to defend his honor and Lop Nur University's reputation.
• Deng Zixin shows enthusiasm and decisiveness in agreeing to accompany Chen Zhao on the trip.

Significant Themes

• Honor and Reputation: Chen Zhao is driven by a sense of honor and the need to protect Lop Nur University's reputation in accepting the Cambridge invitation.
• Risk and Courage: The potential danger in the Cambridge trip highlights Chen Zhao's courage in facing challenges head-on.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Shen Meiyu: The principal shares important information with Chen Zhao and respects his decision to go to Cambridge.
• Chen Zhao and Deng Zixin: Chen Zhao invites Deng Zixin to accompany him on the trip, and Deng Zixin eagerly agrees, showing their close friendship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The submission deadline for the Anonymous Writers Competition passes.
• The competition receives a massive number of entries: 1,416 novels, 21,655 novellas, and 712,342 short stories.
• Judging begins, with hundreds of authorities reviewing submissions anonymously.
• The judging process involves multiple rounds of filtering, with readers' scores determining the final winners.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao, initially worried about the competition's intensity, gains confidence knowing he submitted works by literary masters.
• He becomes concerned about his short story's chances due to the overwhelming number of submissions.

Significant Themes

• Competition and its intensity.
• The value and recognition of literary works.
• The role of readers in evaluating literary quality.

Character Interactions

• Not applicable, as this chapter focuses on events and Chen Zhao's internal thoughts.
  Chen Zhao's initial worry about the competition's intensity and his later concern about his short story's chances highlight the theme of competition. The vast number of submissions, particularly in the short story category, emphasizes the competition's scale and the challenge of standing out. The judging process, involving both experts and readers, underscores the importance of recognition and evaluation in the literary world.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Judges begin reviewing short story submissions.
• Lin Shaozhong, Judge Number Sixteen, encounters a remarkable submission titled "Forging Swords."
• Other judges also discover and praise "Forging Swords" during their reviews.
• The competition's official website releases the top 100 short stories, novellas, and novels for reader judging.

Character Developments

• Lin Shaozhong: Initially frustrated by the poor quality of submissions, he becomes excited and enthusiastic upon discovering "Forging Swords."
• Chen Zhao: Relieved that his submissions ("Forging Swords," "Spring Tide," and "One Hundred Years of Solitude") have made it to the top 100 in their respective categories.

Significant Themes

• The struggle of finding quality submissions amidst a vast number of poor ones.
• The excitement and anticipation surrounding the discovery of exceptional work.

Character Interactions

• Judges discuss and praise "Forging Swords" among themselves, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared enthusiasm.
• Chen Zhao, though not physically present, experiences relief and satisfaction as his works progress in the competition.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao receives an email informing him that his submission to the Anonymous Writers Competition has entered the Excellent Award category and that the award ceremony will be held on Saturday.
• He receives a cowhide notebook souvenir, an admission letter, and a seat ticket for the ceremony at a grand theater.
• Chen Zhao asks Deng Zixin to help him choose an outfit for the ceremony, as he doesn't have any decent clothes. She takes his measurements and arranges for a suit to be made.
• On the day of the ceremony, Chen Zhao arrives early and finds his seat. His neighbors are an unfriendly, reading man and a beauty who seems more interested in her phone than conversation.
• As the ceremony begins, the beauty suggests they pretend to know each other to attract camera attention.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Shows eagerness to attend the award ceremony and is willing to seek help from Deng Zixin for his outfit. He is observant and understands the dynamics of public events.
• Deng Zixin: Demonstrates her fashion sense and willingness to help Chen Zhao. She is efficient and takes her tasks seriously.
• The Artist (Chen Zhao's left neighbor): Shows no interest in conversation and keeps to himself, focusing on his book.
• The Beauty (Chen Zhao's right neighbor): Initially seems uninterested in conversation but later engages with Chen Zhao to attract camera attention, suggesting she is experienced in public events.

Significant Themes

• Appearances and reality: The beauty's sudden change in demeanor when cameras start rolling highlights the discrepancy between public personas and private selves.
• The power of first impressions: Chen Zhao's initial impression of the beauty is influenced by her cold demeanor, but this changes when she engages with him.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Deng Zixin: Their interaction shows a friendly, comfortable dynamic, with Deng Zixin taking the lead in helping Chen Zhao with his outfit.
• Chen Zhao and his neighbors: The beauty and the artist both initially give off 'stay away' vibes, but the beauty later engages with Chen Zhao, while the artist remains aloof.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao claims to have submitted three works (a short story, a novella, and a novel) to the Anonymous Writers Competition, all of which were selected as outstanding works.
• The beautiful woman and an uncle beside Chen Zhao express skepticism about his claims and suggest that the competition is rigged in favor of famous writers.
• Chen Zhao's works are not selected for the opening recital program, which dampens his hopes for winning an award.
• The awards ceremony begins, and Chen Zhao learns that the winner of the short story category is an "exceptionally talented young person," raising his hopes again.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Starts off confident about his submissions but becomes disheartened when he realizes the competition might be rigged. His hopes are reignited when he hears about the short story winner.
• The Beautiful Woman: Initially skeptical of Chen Zhao's claims, she maintains a pleasant demeanor despite her disbelief.
• The Uncle: A scholarly man who shares his insights about the rigged nature of literary competitions, further dampening Chen Zhao's spirits.

Significant Themes

• The theme of nepotism and favoritism in literary competitions and the literary world at large.
• The struggle between established, famous writers and newcomers or lesser-known authors.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao interacts with the beautiful woman and the uncle, both of whom express skepticism about his claims and share their insights about the competition's rigged nature.
• Chen Zhao's hopes are briefly raised when he hears about the short story winner, leading to a moment of internal conflict and renewed optimism.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Anonymous Writers Competition awards ceremony is held.
• Liu Yi's "Sword Rain" is announced as the winner of the short story category, causing disappointment among other contestants.
• Chen Zhao is disheartened, believing the competition was rigged.
• Liu Yi accepts the award but leaves the stage abruptly after learning something, causing a commotion.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Becomes disillusioned and disheartened after believing the competition was fixed.
• Liu Yi: Initially overjoyed at winning, but her expression turns ugly upon learning a secret, leading her to leave the stage.

Significant Themes

• Fairness and impartiality in competition.
• The impact of backroom dealings on morale and trust.
• The importance of integrity and honesty in one's work.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Deng Zixin: Deng Zixin sends a supportive message to Chen Zhao, showing empathy and understanding.
• Liu Yi and the host: The host informs Liu Yi of a secret, causing her to leave the stage abruptly.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The awards ceremony for the Anonymous Writers Competition is underway.
• The envelope for the short story category winner was switched, leading to an incorrect announcement.
• Chen Zhao, the true winner, is revealed and receives his award.
• Chen Zhao gives an acceptance speech, expressing humility and gratitude.
• Writers gather around Chen Zhao to befriend him after his win.
• The awards for novellas are about to be announced.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao gains confidence in his writing abilities and is recognized by other writers.
• The beauty beside Chen Zhao changes her attitude towards him after he wins.

Significant Themes

• Recognition and validation of one's work.
• Humility and gratitude in success.
• The importance of merit in competition.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao interacts with the beauty beside him, who now seeks his favor after his win.
• Writers approach Chen Zhao to befriend him and add him on WeChat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao wins both the Short Story and Novella awards, causing a stir.
• He uses the same acceptance speech for both awards, reading it again without any changes.
• The award ceremony proceeds to the final stage: the Long Novel category.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao gains confidence and recognition after winning two awards.
• The middle-aged man next to Chen Zhao is embarrassed and silenced by Chen Zhao's victories.

Significant Themes

• The theme of luck and skill in writing competitions is explored.
• Chen Zhao's lack of preparation and perfunctory attitude towards his acceptance speech highlights the importance of respect and effort in recognition.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao interacts with the audience and the host, causing amusement and surprise with his identical acceptance speeches.
• The middle-aged man's interaction with Chen Zhao shifts from condescension to embarrassment and silence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao wins the Novel Award for the third time at the Anonymous Writers Competition, causing an uproar among the other writers.
• Chen Zhao delivers a powerful acceptance speech in the form of a poem, "To Li Yong," which silences the critics and earns him a standing ovation.
• The next day, Chen Zhao finds a poster of himself for the writing competition at his school, and he becomes the center of attention among his peers.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao demonstrates his confidence and pride in his abilities, standing up to the criticism of his peers and delivering a powerful retort through his poem.
• Deng Zixin shows admiration for Chen Zhao's achievements, indicating that she has come to recognize his talent.

Significant Themes

• Talent and Ageism: Chen Zhao's youth and success challenge the notion that age and experience are necessary for literary prowess, sparking jealousy and disbelief among his older peers.
• Confidence and Pride: Chen Zhao's confidence in his abilities allows him to stand up to criticism and assert his dominance in the literary world.
• Recognition and Acceptance: Chen Zhao's poem serves as a turning point, earning him respect and recognition from his peers, who had previously mocked and doubted him.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao interacts with the audience at the award ceremony, responding to their doubts and criticism with his poem.
• Chen Zhao interacts with Deng Zixin, who expresses her admiration for his accomplishments.
• Chen Zhao interacts with his peers at school, who now treat him with increased attention and respect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao receives multiple offers from publishing houses for his winning novels.
• He strategically handles negotiations, keeping publishers interested and competing against each other.
• Chen Zhao sells the rights to his three novels to Jingbai Publishing House for 6.1 million.
• The books are to be published as "One Hundred Years of Solitude" and "Spring Tide · Forging Swords" with a print run of 800,000 copies each.
• Chen Zhao agrees to hold book signings to promote the books and boost sales.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao demonstrates business acumen and strategic thinking in handling negotiations with publishers.
• He shows confidence in his work and is not quick to accept the first offer, instead playing publishers against each other to secure the best deal.
• Chen Zhao is also revealed to be a bit superstitious and nervous about his first book signing event.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and Strategic Thinking: Chen Zhao's ambition is evident in his desire to maximize his earnings from the book deals. He also demonstrates strategic thinking in his negotiations with publishers.
• Popularity and Recognition: The book signings serve as a means for Chen Zhao to gain popularity and recognition as an author, further boosting his career.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Publishers: Chen Zhao interacts with various publishers, negotiating deals and securing the best offer for his novels.
• Chen Zhao and Deng Zixin: Chen Zhao seeks comfort and advice from Deng Zixin regarding his insomnia and nervousness about the book signing event. Deng Zixin provides reassurance and a sleep remedy (counting sheep).

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao arrives early for his book signing event at the luxurious "Jumping Office Building."
• He engages in a brief chat with Deng Zixin about the building's cost.
• Chen Zhao begins the signing event early, much to the delight of his eager readers.
• He signs books and grants wishes to his readers, many of whom are students hoping for academic success or personal desires.
• A reader leaves a gift envelope containing a razor blade, implying a threat for updates.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao shows kindness and patience towards his readers, even granting personal wishes in their books.
• He is initially excited by the large turnout but later feels overwhelmed and threatened by the razor blade incident.

Significant Themes

• Fame and its Consequences: Chen Zhao experiences the positive side of fame with his readers' enthusiasm but also faces a potential threat.
• Reader Expectations: Chen Zhao's readers have high expectations, ranging from academic success to personal desires, putting pressure on him.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao interacts positively with his readers, showing kindness and patience.
• Security guards are tactful and respectful towards Chen Zhao.
• The reader who leaves the razor blade envelope remains anonymous, creating a sense of unease.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao's book signing event attracts an overwhelming number of readers, with the line stretching from the sixth floor to the second basement level.
• Media outlets report on the event's popularity, dubbing Chen Zhao a "New Generation of Bestselling Writer."
• Chen Zhao struggles to keep up with the signing demands, using up two bottles of ink and experiencing hand numbness.
• Readers gift Chen Zhao razor blades, knives, and other sharp objects, causing him distress and fear for his safety.
• Security guards intervene, using metal detectors and collecting the sharp objects, which fill half a box by the end of the event.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Initially worried about the event being deserted, he becomes overwhelmed and exhausted by the event's popularity. He experiences fear and distress due to the dangerous gifts from readers.
• Organizers: Flustered by the unexpected turnout, they struggle to manage the event.

Significant Themes

• Popularity and its consequences: Chen Zhao's sudden fame brings unexpected challenges and dangers.
• Fan expectations and demands: Readers' intense desire for updates and interaction with Chen Zhao manifests in unusual and alarming ways.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao interacts with a vast number of readers, each presenting a potential threat with their sharp gifts.
• Security guards intervene to ensure Chen Zhao's safety, demonstrating a protective role.
• Media outlets report on the event, highlighting Chen Zhao's popularity and the unusual circumstances.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A group chat named "Teach Chen Zhao a Lesson" is created by Pete, a Cambridge mathematics competition team member.
• The group rapidly expands, with over a dozen members joining.
• Pete, a 19-year-old Cambridge student, is revealed to have an exceptional IQ of 165 and an impressive academic record, but his pride is shattered after losing a mathematics competition to Chen Zhao.

Character Developments

• Pete: Initially portrayed as an arrogant and proud genius, Pete's confidence is shaken after his defeat. He becomes determined to teach Chen Zhao a lesson when he learns about the upcoming exchange program.

Significant Themes

• Genius and pride: Pete's exceptional intelligence is juxtaposed with his overconfidence, leading to his downfall and subsequent desire for revenge.
• Competition and rivalry: The mathematics competition serves as a catalyst for Pete's animosity towards Chen Zhao, highlighting the intense rivalry between the two.

Character Interactions

• Pete and his mathematics competition team members: They join forces to plan how to make things difficult for Chen Zhao during the upcoming exchange program.
• Pete and Chen Zhao (implied): Their rivalry is established, with Pete determined to teach Chen Zhao a lesson when they meet in person.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A group chat, "Teach Chen Zhao a Lesson," is formed with 300 members to plan pranks against Chen Zhao during his exchange visit to Cambridge.
• The group discovers that only five of them—including Pete, Fitzgerald, Bob, Jennifer, and Palahniuk—will have close contact with Chen Zhao due to their roles as escorts.
• Bob suggests using a powerful laxative to embarrass Chen Zhao during the welcome banquet.

Character Developments

• Pete: Eager to impress Jennifer and confront Chen Zhao.
• Fitzgerald: Analytical and cautious, he warns about the difficulty of approaching Chen Zhao.
• Bob: Resourceful and willing to use unconventional methods, he suggests using a laxative.
• Chen Zhao: Unaware of the pranks planned against him, he receives a mission from the system to remain vigilant during his visit.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and payback for past humiliations.
• The challenges of navigating cultural differences and expectations.
• The use of unconventional methods to achieve goals.

Character Interactions

• Pete and Fitzgerald discuss the challenges of approaching Chen Zhao.
• Bob suggests using a laxative to embarrass Chen Zhao, with Palahniuk adding the idea of stealing toilet paper.
• Chen Zhao and Deng Zixin travel together, with Chen Zhao marveling at the foreign sights and Deng Zixin being irritated by his behavior.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bob and his team plan to steal all the toilet paper in the restaurant to disrupt Chen Zhao's dinner.
• Chen Zhao attends a dinner with Cambridge University staff but leaves early to explore the city.
• On the street, Chen Zhao witnesses a thief stealing a woman's wallet and intervenes, returning the wallet to her.
• Chen Zhao introduces himself as "Lei Feng" to the woman.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Shows bravery and quick thinking in helping the woman, demonstrating his protective nature and impulsive behavior.
• Jennifer: Experiences a theft but is rescued by Chen Zhao, showing her gratitude and desire to thank him.

Significant Themes

• Bravery and Heroism: Chen Zhao's actions demonstrate his courage and willingness to help others, embodying the spirit of a hero.
• Honesty and Integrity: Chen Zhao's refusal to accept the woman's thanks and his use of a pseudonym ("Lei Feng") highlight his humility and honesty.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and the Woman: Their brief interaction shows Chen Zhao's protective nature and the woman's gratitude.
• Bob, Pete, Fitzgerald, Palahniuk, and Jennifer: The group chat reveals their teamwork, camaraderie, and concern for Jennifer's safety.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jennifer arrives late to the dinner and meets Chen Zhao, who helped her earlier.
• She discovers Chen Zhao is the target of her friends' prank and struggles with her conscience.
• Pete, one of her friends, tries to drug Chen Zhao's drink, but Chen Zhao switches glasses, tricking Pete into drinking the drugged wine instead.

Character Developments

• Jennifer: Struggles with her conscience, decides not to carry out the prank against Chen Zhao after he helped her.
• Chen Zhao: Shows quick thinking and cunning, switches glasses to outsmart Pete's prank.

Significant Themes

• Revenge vs. Kindness: Jennifer's struggle between seeking revenge for her team's loss and repaying Chen Zhao's kindness.
• Trust and Deception: Chen Zhao's immediate suspicion of Pete's intentions and his successful deception.

Character Interactions

• Jennifer and Chen Zhao: They meet again unexpectedly, and Jennifer feels conflicted about her planned prank against him.
• Chen Zhao and Pete: Chen Zhao outsmarts Pete's drugging attempt by switching glasses, leading to an intense stare-down between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Pete accidentally drinks the drugged wine meant for Chen Zhao.
• Pete experiences severe diarrhea and abdominal pain.
• Pete rushes to the restroom, where he has an explosive bowel movement.
• Pete's friends try to comfort him but inadvertently offend him.
• Chen Zhao and Jennifer discuss Pete's prank and Jennifer's role in it.

Character Developments

• Pete: Realizes the severity of the drug and suffers the consequences, showing vulnerability and desperation.
• Chen Zhao: Demonstrates keen intuition and understanding of the situation, remaining calm and collected.
• Jennifer: Shows kindness and honesty, confessing her role in the prank and apologizing to Chen Zhao.

Significant Themes

• Consequences of one's actions: Pete's prank backfires, leading to his humiliation and suffering.
• Appearance vs. reality: Jennifer uses her attractiveness to her advantage, acknowledging the double standard that pretty people often face less criticism.

Character Interactions

• Pete and his friends: Their dynamic shifts from camaraderie to tension as Pete suffers alone in the restroom while his friends try to comfort him.
• Chen Zhao and Jennifer: They have a candid conversation about the prank, with Chen Zhao showing understanding and Jennifer expressing remorse and gratitude.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Pete's drugging plan against Chen Zhao fails, leading to his removal from the group chat.
• Pete kicks Jennifer out of the group for not supporting his plan.
• Palahniuk suggests a poetry duel between him and Chen Zhao during a talent exchange event, with Palahniuk composing a Chinese poem and Chen Zhao an English one.
• The talent exchange begins with various musical performances, and Palahniuk secures a spot for the poetry duel.

Character Developments

• Pete: Becomes more aggressive and vengeful after his plan fails, kicking Jennifer out of the group.
• Chen Zhao: Shows confidence and calmness when challenged to an English poetry duel, hinting at hidden skills.
• Palahniuk: Initially confident in his plan, starts to have doubts when Chen Zhao accepts the challenge calmly.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and retaliation (Pete's motivation).
• Confidence and overconfidence (Palahniuk's initial assurance vs. Chen Zhao's calm demeanor).
• Cultural exchange and understanding (the talent exchange event).

Character Interactions

• Pete and Jennifer: Pete kicks Jennifer out of the group, showing his anger and frustration.
• Pete, Fitzgerald, Bob, Palahniuk, and Chen Zhao: They discuss and plan the poetry duel, with Palahniuk challenging Chen Zhao.
• Palahniuk and Chen Zhao: They engage in a poetry duel, with Palahniuk composing a Chinese poem and Chen Zhao an English one.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Palahniuk, a foreigner, impresses with a Chinese poem, "Reverse Seasons," which is praised for its structure and use of British place names.
• Chen Zhao reciprocates by reciting an English poem, later revealed to be Shakespeare's Sonnet 73, which astonishes everyone present.
• A University of Cambridge professor offers Chen Zhao an honorary lecturer position in English poetry, catching everyone off guard.

Character Developments

• Palahniuk: Initially smug about his Chinese poem, he's left speechless and green-faced after hearing Chen Zhao's English poem.
• Chen Zhao: Shows off his language skills and cultural knowledge, impressing the Cambridge community and earning a job offer.

Significant Themes

• Language and cultural exchange: The chapter highlights the appreciation and exchange of different languages and cultures, with both Chinese and English poetry being admired.
• Talent recognition: Chen Zhao's linguistic prowess is recognized and rewarded, emphasizing the value of talent and skill.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao vs. Palahniuk: The two engage in a poetic duel, with Chen Zhao emerging victorious, leaving Palahniuk stunned and speechless.
• Chen Zhao and the Cambridge professor: The professor is so impressed by Chen Zhao's poem that he offers him a job on the spot, demonstrating the power of art and language to bridge cultural gaps.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Palahniuk leaves the group chat after admitting Chen Zhao's superiority.
• The exchange group tours the University of Cambridge campus, with Chen Zhao finding the real campus different from his childhood memories.
• Chen Zhao discovers "Newton Bridge," a wooden bridge spanning the River Cam with an unusual structure and no nails or screws originally used for support.
• The bridge's origins and design remain unsolved mysteries, with no one able to replicate its construction without nails.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao demonstrates humility and curiosity, appreciating the beauty of the university and the mystery of the bridge.
• Palahniuk's departure from the group chat shows his frustration and acceptance of Chen Zhao's abilities.

Significant Themes

• The power of curiosity and humility in driving exploration and understanding.
• The enduring allure of unsolved mysteries and the human desire to uncover secrets.

Character Interactions

• Pete, Fitzgerald, and Bob discuss strategies to challenge Chen Zhao, but no opportunities arise during the campus tour.
• Chen Zhao interacts with the bridge, appreciating its uniqueness and mystery, while Jennifer is admired for her beauty.