Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao safely arrives in Silia after a harrowing helicopter ride with Katyusha.
• He encounters baggage porters at the airfield, who help him carry his luggage in exchange for payment.
• Chen Zhao learns that a high-speed train to the Disaster Agency departs in two hours.
• He receives a message informing him of Sara's death, prompting him to bow in her memory.
• At the high-speed rail station, Chen Zhao buys an expensive ticket for the 'Ice Sea' train, departing at 7 PM.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao demonstrates resilience and adaptability in the face of Sara's death, remaining focused on his mission.
• Katyusha shows kindness and friendship towards Chen Zhao, wishing him luck.
• The baggage porters exhibit honesty and eagerness to work, taking pride in their job.

Significant Themes

• The theme of loss and perseverance is highlighted through Chen Zhao's reaction to Sara's death.
• The exploitation of United Nations employees is shown through the exorbitant train fare.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Katyusha form a brief friendship during their flight, with Katyusha wishing him luck upon parting.
• Chen Zhao interacts with the baggage porters, appreciating their work ethic and paying them generously.
• Chen Zhao communicates with Deng Zixin via messages, receiving important information about the high-speed train.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao arrives at a large restaurant in the town center, orders food, and starts working on his laptop.
• A group of men in black suits and shoes, presumably bodyguards, storm in and forcefully clear out the restaurant's customers.
• Chen Zhao refuses to leave when asked by the bodyguards, leading to a tense standoff.
• The boss of the bodyguards arrives, and Chen Zhao leaves just as they meet eyes at the entrance.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao demonstrates his stubbornness and willingness to stand up for himself, even in the face of potential danger.
• The bodyguards show their ruthlessness and deference to power, changing their attitude towards Chen Zhao based on his appearance.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The bodyguards' behavior highlights the power imbalance between them and the ordinary townsfolk, as well as their deference to Chen Zhao due to his perceived status.
• Resistance: Chen Zhao's initial refusal to leave can be seen as a form of resistance against the bodyguards' overbearing actions.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao interacts with the bodyguards, initially refusing to cooperate and later leaving when the situation becomes tense.
• Chen Zhao briefly encounters the mysterious boss at the entrance, leading to a moment of mutual recognition.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao encounters Grigory, an old classmate, in a restaurant in the Disaster Agency.
• Grigory is revealed to be the son of a wealthy aristocratic family and has a large entourage of bodyguards.
• Chen Zhao and Grigory decide to travel together to the Disaster Agency.

Character Developments

• Grigory: Revealed to be from an extremely wealthy family with vast business interests. He is loyal and generous, echoing his great-grandfather's traits.
• Chen Zhao: Shows curiosity about Grigory's family and their wealth.

Significant Themes

• Wealth and power: Grigory's family represents immense wealth and influence, contrasting with Chen Zhao's humble background.
• Loyalty and generosity: Grigory's great-grandfather and, by extension, Grigory, are portrayed as loyal and generous, helping others without expecting anything in return.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Grigory: The two old classmates reunite and catch up, leading to Grigory sharing his family history and business background with Chen Zhao.
• Laborers and Grigory: The laborers carrying Chen Zhao's suitcases recognize Grigory and are awestruck by his wealth and status, leading them to assume that Chen Zhao is also an important figure.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Grigory reveals his great-grandfather's origin story: he started the family fortune by setting fires in insured factories and splitting insurance payouts.
• Grigory and Chen Zhao have a meal together and walk to the train station, with Grigory's bodyguards clearing the path.
• Grigory's cargo is revealed to be 26,000 genetically modified Bulgarian red roses, packed in long-distance shipping containers.
• Chen Zhao discovers Grigory is sending the roses to a woman at the Disaster Agency for her birthday, despite her being engaged to someone else.

Character Developments

• Grigory: Shows his wealth and influence, as well as his eccentric and romantic side by sending thousands of roses to a woman he's not even dating.
• Chen Zhao: Expresses shock and awe at Grigory's actions, demonstrating his naivety about the wealthy elite's lifestyle.

Significant Themes

• Wealth and Power: Grigory's wealth and influence are evident in his ability to transport thousands of roses and clear paths at will.
• Romantic Gestures: Grigory's grand gesture with the roses challenges traditional notions of romance and relationships.

Character Interactions

• Grigory and Chen Zhao: Grigory shares his family's origin story with Chen Zhao, and they have a casual, friendly interaction throughout the chapter.
• Grigory and the Latina Woman: Their relationship is unclear, but Grigory's grand gesture with the roses suggests a deep connection or admiration.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao joins Grigory in his private, luxurious train compartment.
• The train departs, and a sudden announcement reveals severe blizzard conditions, delaying their arrival.
• Chen Zhao observes the intense, tiny snowflakes outside, indicating extreme cold.
• He expresses unease about the train's safety, noticing seat belts on the sofa.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao demonstrates his analytical skills by recognizing the severity of the blizzard from the snowflake size.
• He shows intuition and caution, buckling his seat belt and advising Grigory to do the same.
• Grigory shows trust in Chen Zhao, following his advice to buckle up.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Intuition: Chen Zhao's intuition and Grigory's trust in him are highlighted.
• Perception vs. Reality: The luxurious train compartment contrasts with the harsh, dangerous blizzard outside.
• Preparedness: Chen Zhao's action of buckling his seat belt underscores the importance of being prepared for potential danger.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Grigory exchange information and share their concerns about the blizzard.
• Chen Zhao's caution influences Grigory, who trusts his judgment and follows his advice.
• Their interaction shows a growing bond and mutual respect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Deng Zixin, at home, carves and eats roast duck while reading news on her phone.
• A news alert about a train derailment and explosion in northern Russia appears on her screen, causing her extreme fear and distress.
• Chen Zhao, on the derailed and burning train, survives the accident but is devastated by the high number of casualties.
• He blames himself for the incident, believing it was meant to obstruct his journey to predict the next natural disaster.

Character Developments

• Deng Zixin: Initially shown as carefree and reckless (e.g., hacking at the roast duck), she displays extreme fear and distress upon seeing the news alert, indicating a deep concern for someone involved in the incident.
• Chen Zhao: Experiences survivor's guilt and blames himself for the train accident, believing it's a result of his attempts to predict natural disasters. His emotional state deteriorates, leading to a breakdown.

Significant Themes

• Guilt and Self-Blame: Chen Zhao feels overwhelming guilt for the train accident, believing he is responsible for the deaths of over two hundred people.
• Unseen Forces: The idea that there are forces preventing Chen Zhao from successfully predicting natural disasters, leading to various accidents and obstructions.
• Fear and Distress: Both Deng Zixin and Chen Zhao experience intense fear and distress, though for different reasons.

Character Interactions

• Deng Zixin and Chen Zhao: Though not physically present together, their reactions to the news alert create a connection between them, suggesting a strong bond or shared concern.
• Chen Zhao and Grigory: Grigory tries to comfort and reason with Chen Zhao after the accident, showing concern for his well-being and understanding, despite his own injuries.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao, a disaster predictor, survives a train crash and predicts another disaster in either Chile or Hokkaido in seven days.
• Grigory, a fellow survivor, convinces Chen Zhao to walk 100 kilometers to the Disaster Agency to warn them, rather than waiting for rescue.
• They gather supplies from the wreckage and set out on their journey.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao, initially distraught over the crash, finds renewed purpose and determination to fulfill his mission.
• Grigory reveals himself as brave, resourceful, and determined, taking charge and encouraging Chen Zhao.

Significant Themes

• Resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
• The importance of one's purpose and the impact of one's actions on others.
• The struggle between personal emotion and duty.

Character Interactions

• Grigory provides support and motivation to Chen Zhao, helping him overcome his initial despair.
• Chen Zhao and Grigory form a temporary alliance, each finding strength in the other's resolve.
• They bond over shared hardship and a common goal, symbolized by their shared drink of vodka.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao and Grigory struggle through a blizzard at -30°C, walking towards the Disaster Agency.
• They lose sight of the burning trains and the railway's end.
• Chen Zhao warns Grigory against sleeping due to the risk of freezing to death.
• They encounter a pack of wolves while walking through a forest.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Demonstrates resilience and calmness in harsh conditions. He shows leadership by encouraging Grigory and making decisions.
• Grigory: Shows fear and dependence on Chen Zhao. He is less experienced and more vulnerable in the extreme environment.

Significant Themes

• Survival: The characters face life-threatening conditions and must use their wits and strength to endure.
• Fear and Courage: Both characters experience fear but must push through it to survive. Chen Zhao shows courage by facing the wolf threat calmly.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Grigory: They rely on each other for support and encouragement. Chen Zhao takes on a protective role, while Grigory looks to Chen Zhao for guidance.
• Deng Zixin and Chen Zhao: Deng Zixin is worried about Chen Zhao's safety and tries to contact him and find help, showing her care for him. Chen Zhao, however, is focused on survival and hasn't responded to her attempts.

Brief Reference

• Extreme cold and blizzard force Chen Zhao and Grigory to walk towards the Disaster Agency.
• They encounter wolves in the forest, adding to their survival challenges.
• Deng Zixin is worried about Chen Zhao's safety and tries to find help.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The rescue helicopters have arrived at the train derailment site in northern Russia.
• No survivors have been found yet, according to the latest news report.
• Chen Zhao and Grigory are being stalked by wolves in the uninhabited wilderness, with no sign of rescue.

Character Developments

• Deng Zixin is frantic with worry about Chen Zhao's fate, questioning her past decisions.
• Chen Zhao is terrified but determined to survive, strategizing with Grigory on how to deal with the wolves.
• Grigory is frightened but pragmatic, offering suggestions and supporting Chen Zhao's decisions.

Significant Themes

• Fear and survival in the face of extreme danger and uncertainty.
• Regret and the consequences of past decisions.
• The power dynamics between humans and wild animals in an uninhabited wilderness.

Character Interactions

• Deng Zixin is alone, waiting for news and reflecting on her past actions.
• Chen Zhao and Grigory are together, relying on each other for support and survival strategies as they face the wolf threat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao and Grigory encounter a pack of starving wolves while traveling through a forest.
• They throw a chunk of meat to distract the wolves, but it draws out more than a dozen wolves, leading to a violent fight among the wolves.
• The two men run for their lives, but the wolves follow them. They reach an open snowfield, and the wolves continue to pursue them.
• Grigory reveals a gun and shoots the closest wolf, scaring the others away temporarily.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao shows fear and gratitude towards Grigory's presence, highlighting his vulnerability and dependence on Grigory's experience and strength.
• Grigory demonstrates his resourcefulness and courage by using the gun to scare off the wolves and maintaining a calm demeanor despite the danger.

Significant Themes

• Survival and the will to live, as Chen Zhao and Grigory face life-threatening circumstances and must rely on their wits and courage to survive.
• The power of fear and its impact on decision-making, as seen in the wolves' desperate fight over the meat and the men's fear of the pursuing wolves.
• The theme of being cursed or haunted, as Chen Zhao believes that an unseen force is deliberately placing obstacles in his path.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Grigory work together to outrun the wolves, with Grigory taking the lead and making decisions based on his experience.
• The men's relationship is not extensively explored in this chapter, but their shared ordeal fosters a sense of camaraderie and mutual dependence.
• The wolves' interactions with each other are characterized by brutal competition and violence, highlighting their desperation and the harsh conditions they face.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A train accident occurs, with no survivors, including Chen Zhao, who was on the train.
• Chen Zhao and Grigory survive a wolf attack, sustaining severe injuries, and continue their journey on foot along the railway tracks towards the Disaster Agency.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Becomes more determined and resilient, focusing on survival despite his injuries and the harsh conditions.
• Grigory: Reveals his past with a girl he likes, showing his persistence and willingness to pursue her despite her engagement. His injuries and blood loss make him weaker and more vulnerable.

Significant Themes

• Survival: The struggle to stay alive in harsh, unforgiving conditions.
• Determination: Chen Zhao's resolve to keep moving and reach the Disaster Agency, while Grigory's determination is shown through his pursuit of the girl he likes.
• Fate and Coincidence: The unlikely survival of Chen Zhao and Grigory, and the revelation of Grigory's past with the girl.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Grigory support each other physically and emotionally as they journey together, with Chen Zhao helping the injured Grigory walk and keeping him awake by engaging in conversation.
• Grigory shares his past with Chen Zhao, revealing his feelings for the girl and the circumstances surrounding her engagement.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Grigory reveals that Yana chose to work at the Disaster Agency to delay her arranged marriage to a Japanese man.
• Grigory confesses his feelings for Yana and his plan to win her over.
• Chen Zhao and Grigory resort to eating raw wolf meat due to their food supply being devoured by wolves.
• Chen Zhao learns about the history of the Deep Well Project and the true purpose behind the Disaster Agency's location.

Character Developments

• Grigory: Reveals his romantic feelings for Yana and his determination to win her over, displaying his persistence and courage.
• Chen Zhao: Shows curiosity and intelligence in questioning Grigory about the Disaster Agency's location and history.

Significant Themes

• Love and sacrifice: Grigory's love for Yana leads him to make great sacrifices, while Yana's love for her family leads her to make difficult choices.
• The unknown: The mysterious halt of the Deep Well Project and the unexplored depths of the Earth symbolize the unknown and the fear of the unfamiliar.
• Perseverance: Both Grigory and Chen Zhao display perseverance in the face of harsh conditions, eating raw wolf meat to survive.

Character Interactions

• Grigory and Chen Zhao: The two men bond over their shared experiences and goals, with Grigory confiding in Chen Zhao about his feelings for Yana. They also support each other in their difficult journey, sharing food and encouraging each other's determination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A train derailment occurs with no survivors, shocking the world.
• Deng Zixin is devastated by Chen Zhao's presumed death.
• Chen Zhao and Grigory struggle to survive in the wilderness, nearing death.
• They spot a building in the distance, giving them hope of rescue.

Character Developments

• Deng Zixin is heartbroken and numb with grief.
• Chen Zhao and Grigory become determined to survive after spotting the building.

Significant Themes

• Grief and loss (Deng Zixin's despair)
• Perseverance and hope (Chen Zhao and Grigory's struggle and determination)
• The human connection (Chen Zhao's refusal to abandon Grigory)

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Grigory support each other in their desperate journey.
• Deng Zixin is isolated in her grief, with no one to comfort her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao and Grigory are rescued after walking over 90 kilometers through a snowfield.
• Their survival story gains worldwide attention and media coverage.
• Chen Zhao meets the Disaster Agency director, who recognizes Sara's pendant and agrees to hire Chen Zhao.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Shows determination and eagerness to join the Disaster Agency after recovering from his injuries.
• Grigory: Reveals his tendency to exaggerate and brag about their survival journey in interviews.

Significant Themes

• Survival and perseverance: Chen Zhao and Grigory's journey highlights their resilience and will to live.
• Media and public perception: Grigory's interviews show how the public perceives and interprets their survival story.
• Trust and recognition: The director's acceptance of Chen Zhao based on Sara's pendant emphasizes the importance of trust and recognition in the Disaster Agency.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Grigory: Their dynamics are shown through Grigory's interviews, contrasting his embellished version of events with Chen Zhao's reality.
• Chen Zhao and the Disaster Agency director: Their meeting demonstrates the director's respect for Sara and his willingness to trust Chen Zhao based on Sara's recommendation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao wakes up in the hospital and immediately demands to work on predicting the upcoming disaster.
• He is surrounded by reporters and gives a brief interview, revealing that a disaster will occur in five days.
• The Disaster Agency director takes Chen Zhao to his office to discuss further.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Shows determination and urgency in predicting the disaster, demonstrating his responsibility and maturity beyond his age.
• Director: Initially cautious and concerned for Chen Zhao's health, he becomes grave and serious upon learning about the impending disaster.
• Secretary-General: Initially surprised and annoyed by Chen Zhao's demand, he later shows disapproval of the young man's lack of qualifications.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility: Chen Zhao's sense of responsibility for predicting the disaster and saving lives is a driving force in the story.
• Urgency: The impending disaster creates a sense of urgency, pushing characters to act quickly and make tough decisions.
• Youth vs. Experience: The contrast between Chen Zhao's youth and the experienced adults around him is highlighted, with Chen Zhao's maturity and determination challenging the adults' expectations.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and the Director: The director initially tries to convince Chen Zhao to rest, but Chen Zhao's urgency and determination lead the director to take him seriously.
• Chen Zhao and the Secretary-General: The secretary-general is initially annoyed by Chen Zhao's demand for access to the Disaster Agency's databases, highlighting the generational gap and differing levels of experience.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao, a young man claiming to be a disciple of the renowned scientist Teacher Sara, visits the Disaster Agency to request access to their databases to predict a natural disaster five days in advance.
• The director grants him access, while the secretary-general is skeptical.
• Chen Zhao's interview video goes viral, sparking massive online discussions and skepticism about his claim.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Shows determination and calmness in the face of disbelief, carrying Teacher Sara's final wish.
• Director: Trusts Chen Zhao and grants him access to the Disaster Agency's databases.
• Secretary-General: Initially skeptical, his opinion changes upon seeing Teacher Sara's pendant.

Significant Themes

• Belief and trust in the face of skepticism.
• The unpredictability and destructive power of natural disasters.
• The power of determination and calmness in the face of adversity.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao interacts with the director and secretary-general, convincing the director to grant him access while facing the secretary-general's skepticism.
• Deng Zixin, Chen Zhao's girlfriend, defends him online against skeptical netizens, ultimately getting muted for her efforts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao obtains a new phone and SIM card after his was destroyed in an accident.
• He calls his parents to assure them he's safe.
• His mother is initially shocked and upset, then scolds him for worrying her.
• His father takes the phone and has a serious conversation with Chen Zhao.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Realizes his parents have been hiding their worry and pride in his academic achievements. Starts to understand his father's past better.
• Father: Reveals his past business dealings and his role in helping President Dong's startup. Shows open-mindedness and understanding towards Chen Zhao's decisions.

Significant Themes

• Communication and understanding between parents and children.
• The impact of secrets and hidden pasts on relationships.
• The pride and worry parents feel for their children's achievements.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and his mother: Their conversation highlights her worry and relief, followed by scolding due to pent-up anxiety.
• Chen Zhao and his father: Their conversation reveals his father's past, his pride in Chen Zhao's achievements, and his open-minded approach to Chen Zhao's life decisions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao's father reveals he had a different life plan than his grandfather's, who wanted him to work at the tractor factory.
• Father secretly went into business, starting a chicken farm that failed due to avian flu.
• Father was beaten by his grandfather for disobeying him and failing in business.
• Father's grandfather paid off his debts and forced him to study and work at the factory.
• Father discovered a business opportunity at the tractor factory: a universal joint part that was excessively expensive due to foreign imports.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao learns about his father's past, including his entrepreneurial spirit and the harsh treatment he received from his grandfather.
• Father's character is revealed as determined, resourceful, and knowledgeable about business and economics, despite his humble farming life.

Significant Themes

• The tension between tradition (grandfather's expectations) and personal ambition (father's entrepreneurial dreams).
• The struggle between obeying authority (grandfather) and following one's own path.
• The potential for wealth and opportunity in business, despite initial failures.

Character Interactions

• Father and Chen Zhao: The conversation between them reveals their close relationship and the father's willingness to share his past.
• Father and Grandfather: Their conflict highlights the generational gap in expectations and values, with the grandfather prioritizing tradition and the father pursuing personal ambition.
• Father and Factory Director: Their interaction at the tractor factory shows the father's curiosity and initiative in seeking out business opportunities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao's father reveals he once became the richest man in the village by reverse-engineering a metal component, leading to a successful business.
• Chen Zhao learns his father regrets not letting him choose his own life path and encourages him to pursue his interests.
• Chen Zhao calls Deng Zixin to reassure her he's safe; she informs him that he's gained worldwide attention due to his prediction of an upcoming natural disaster.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao's father shows remorse for not supporting his son's choices and encourages him to follow his dreams.
• Chen Zhao demonstrates determination and responsibility in predicting the natural disaster and ensuring its victims' safety.

Significant Themes

• The importance of supporting one's children's dreams and choices.
• The consequences of one's actions and words, as Chen Zhao's prediction gains global attention.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and his father have a heart-to-heart conversation, leading to a deeper understanding and appreciation between them.
• Chen Zhao and Deng Zixin reconnect, expressing their affection and support for each other.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao successfully predicts an earthquake and tsunami in southern Hokkaido for Friday using the Disaster Agency's database.
• He rushes to inform the director, but the director is skeptical due to lack of supporting data and process.
• The director explains the logistical and social challenges of issuing a warning without concrete evidence.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Becomes confident in his predictive abilities but struggles with the responsibility and consequences of his prediction.
• The Director: Shows concern for the potential chaos and economic losses that could result from an unfounded warning, highlighting his practical and cautious nature.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility: Chen Zhao grapples with the weight of his prediction and the potential consequences if it's wrong.
• Evidence and Trust: The director emphasizes the need for concrete data and process to build trust and convince others of Chen Zhao's prediction.
• Chaos and Consequences: The chapter explores the potential social, economic, and safety implications of a mass evacuation due to an uncertain disaster warning.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and the Director: Their interaction highlights the tension between Chen Zhao's enthusiasm and the director's caution, as well as the need for evidence and understanding of potential consequences in disaster prediction and warning.