Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Forty-five minutes into the exam, seven candidates have already handed in blank papers and left.
• Only Chen Zhao, Zhao Xiaobai, and a top student from the National University of Defense Technology remain.
• Chen Zhao starts answering questions, while the other two struggle.
• Chen Zhao gains momentum and reaches the 50th question by the hour mark.
• Outside, the seven candidates wait in a designated area, unable to leave due to confidentiality reasons.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao finds his rhythm and starts answering questions rapidly.
• Zhao Xiaobai feels frustrated and dejected, considering leaving but staying due to Chen Zhao.
• The National University of Defense Technology student becomes increasingly determined but still cannot solve the questions.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance: Chen Zhao's determination and progress despite the exam's difficulty.
• Frustration and Resilience: Zhao Xiaobai's struggle and the National University of Defense Technology student's growing determination.
• Confidentiality and Control: The proctors' restriction on candidates leaving the waiting area.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao vs. Exam: Chen Zhao's internal struggle and progress against the challenging exam.
• Zhao Xiaobai vs. Chen Zhao: Zhao Xiaobai's frustration and decision to stay due to Chen Zhao's persistence.
• National University of Defense Technology Student vs. Exam: The student's growing determination but inability to solve the questions.
• Candidates vs. Proctors: The candidates' impatience and complaints versus the proctors' enforcement of confidentiality rules.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao, Zhao Xiaobai, and a student from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences struggle with an extremely difficult exam, with Chen Zhao barely finishing.
• Results are announced before papers are collected, causing confusion and suspicion among students.
• Shen Meiyu reveals that the exam was designed to be unsolvable, testing patience and perseverance rather than knowledge.
• Mr. Wang explains that the exam aimed to see who could persist until the end, not who scored the highest.
• Chen Zhao questions the results, asserting he could have scored points.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Initially anxious and struggling with the exam, he shows resilience by finishing and questioning the results, displaying determination and self-belief.
• Zhao Xiaobai: She refrains from cheating due to the presence of proctors, showing self-control and obedience.
• University of Chinese Academy of Sciences student: He resorts to random answers, indicating desperation and lack of understanding.
• Top students: They initially question the results, then accept their defeat after understanding the exam's purpose, showing maturity and sportsmanship.

Significant Themes

• Patience and Perseverance: The exam tests candidates' ability to endure and persist in the face of extreme difficulty.
• Self-Belief: Chen Zhao's assertion that he could have scored points reflects his confidence in his abilities.
• Resilience: Characters demonstrate their ability to bounce back and continue despite challenges.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Zhao Xiaobai: They are both students taking the exam, with Zhao Xiaobai showing concern for Chen Zhao's well-being earlier in the chapter.
• Chen Zhao and the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences student: They are competitors, with the latter's desperate approach contrasting with Chen Zhao's determination.
• Students and Proctors/Examiners: Students question the results, while proctors and examiners explain the exam's purpose, fostering a learning environment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao completes the second-round exam, astonishing everyone with his near-perfect score.
• Mr. Wang, the exam proctor, is shocked by Chen Zhao's answers and praises him as the most gifted codebreaker he's ever seen.
• Chen Zhao is invited to return the next morning for the next round, while the other students leave.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Proves his exceptional talent in codebreaking, leaving his peers in awe.
• Mr. Wang: Recognizes Chen Zhao's prodigious talent and acknowledges that Chen Zhao may surpass him.

Significant Themes

• Talent and Genius: Chen Zhao's exceptional abilities highlight the theme of natural talent and its impact on one's success.
• Recognition and Acceptance: Mr. Wang's recognition of Chen Zhao's talent shows the importance of acknowledgment in fostering growth and confidence.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Mr. Wang: Their interaction reveals Mr. Wang's high regard for Chen Zhao's talent and his willingness to mentor the younger generation.
• Chen Zhao and Zhao Xiaobai: Their interaction shows Chen Zhao's consideration for his friends, as he offers to treat her to dinner after the exam.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao discovers Zhao Xiaobai's enormous appetite.
• Little Bamboo Shoot joins them for lunch, causing misunderstandings about their relationship.
• Photos of the three eating together are posted on the school forum, sparking rumors about Chen Zhao dating both girls.
• Chen Zhao tries to clear his name on the forum but faces more ridicule from students.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Starts to realize the consequences of his actions and tries to clear his name.
• Zhao Xiaobai: Shows no signs of romantic interest in Chen Zhao; remains friendly but distant.
• Little Bamboo Shoot: Plays a prank on Chen Zhao, causing the misunderstandings.

Significant Themes

• Misunderstandings and their consequences.
• The power of rumors and social media in shaping public opinion.
• The struggle between personal life and public image.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao, Zhao Xiaobai, and Little Bamboo Shoot have a friendly lunch together, leading to misunderstandings.
• Chen Zhao interacts with students on the school forum, trying to clear his name but facing more ridicule.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Students delete their provocative posts and beg Chen Zhao not to increase their homework.
• Chen Zhao watches their replies, amused, and decides not to bring up the homework increase proposal.
• He sends goodnight and good morning messages to Deng Zixin, as per their agreement.
• Chen Zhao tries Spanish churros for breakfast and rates them on the cafeteria's review page.
• Students approach Chen Zhao, worried about increased homework, and he assures them he won't bring it up at the next meeting.
• Chen Zhao, Zhao Xiaobai, and Liu Degang collect deciphered Demon Cipher documents from Mr. Wang.
• Mr. Wang asks about their plans for researching Demon Cipher and ensures confidentiality.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao shows amusement and patience in dealing with the students' panic over homework.
• He demonstrates his commitment to keeping promises by sending messages to Deng Zixin daily.
• Chen Zhao maintains his composure and professionalism when dealing with the students' concerns about homework.
• Zhao Xiaobai and Liu Degang show eagerness and excitement about their new roles as codebreakers.

Significant Themes

• Communication and information exchange (students' posts, Chen Zhao's messages, cafeteria reviews, Mr. Wang's instructions).
• Responsibility and keeping promises (Chen Zhao's commitment to Deng Zixin, Mr. Wang's emphasis on confidentiality).
• Trust and assurance (Chen Zhao's reassurance to the students, Mr. Wang's trust in Chen Zhao).

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao interacts with students, showing amusement and understanding towards their concerns.
• Chen Zhao and Deng Zixin maintain daily communication through messages.
• Chen Zhao, Zhao Xiaobai, and Liu Degang interact with Mr. Wang, showing eagerness and respect.
• Zhao Xiaobai and Liu Degang interact with each other, expressing excitement about their new roles.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao returns home and begins deciphering the Demon Cipher documents, discovering they total seventy-two thousand pages.
• He spends over ten hours organizing the documents, leading to a sudden and intense hunger.
• Chen Zhao finds his home empty of food, prompting him to order a family bucket of fried chicken for delivery at 3 AM.
• He interacts with the restaurant and delivery rider via the food delivery app, promising a six-hundred-yuan tip for prompt delivery.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao demonstrates his dedication and focus in tackling the complex Demon Cipher documents, but also his human vulnerability when faced with intense hunger.
• The delivery rider shows initial reluctance to work in the middle of the night but becomes enthusiastic upon learning about the generous tip.

Significant Themes

• The struggle against overwhelming tasks (deciphering seventy-two thousand pages).
• The importance of self-care and addressing basic needs (hunger).
• The influence of financial incentives on work ethic (the delivery rider's change in attitude).

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao interacts with the restaurant and delivery rider through the food delivery app, highlighting his desperation for food and the delivery rider's initial reluctance and subsequent eagerness due to the promised tip.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao orders fried chicken late at night, establishing a pattern of ordering at odd hours.
• He works tirelessly, often forgetting basic needs like eating and sleeping, to decipher the Demon Cipher.
• Chen Zhao decides to top up his intelligence to speed up the deciphering process.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao becomes increasingly absorbed in his work, neglecting his physical needs.
• He demonstrates determination and resourcefulness in his pursuit of deciphering the code.

Significant Themes

• The importance of self-care and balance in work and life.
• The power of determination and perseverance in achieving goals.
• The potential consequences of relying too heavily on external assistance (like the system) rather than personal effort.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao interacts with the delivery shop owner and rider, who become familiar with his late-night ordering habits.
• He communicates with the system, attempting to seek help and eventually deciding to top up his intelligence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao discovers the System's pricing for intelligence top-ups, which increases exponentially (10x) for every 100 points.
• He decides to top up to Intelligence 400 for five days, costing him 1,000,000 Worship Points.
• Chen Zhao experiences the world differently with his increased intelligence and throws himself into researching the Demon Cipher.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao becomes more determined to make the most of his high-IQ time.
• He adapts to his increased intelligence and feels more exhilarated and focused.

Significant Themes

• The cost of knowledge and power (in this case, intelligence).
• The value of time and efficiency.
• The impact of intelligence on perception and understanding.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao interacts with the System, attempting to negotiate for a discount but ultimately unsuccessful.
• He doesn't interact with any other characters in this chapter, focusing solely on his research.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao fails to crack the Demon Cipher despite topping up 400 Intelligence for five days.
• He becomes frustrated and regrets spending admiration points.
• After a month, Chen Zhao discovers a faint clue and reports his progress to Mr. Wang.
• Mr. Wang is shocked to learn that Chen Zhao has organized all seventy-two thousand pages of material and memorized their contents.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Shows determination and dedication in cracking the code, but becomes frustrated with his lack of progress. He eventually discovers a clue and reports his findings to Mr. Wang.
• Mr. Wang: Initially skeptical of Chen Zhao's claims, he becomes shocked and disbelieving upon learning the extent of Chen Zhao's progress.

Significant Themes

• The difficulty of cracking the Demon Cipher and the frustration it causes.
• The importance of perseverance and dedication in achieving goals.
• The theme of speed and efficiency, with Chen Zhao's reading speed being described as "terrifying."

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao interacts with Mr. Wang, reporting his progress and shocking him with his achievements.
• Chen Zhao also interacts with Zhao Xiaobai and Liu Degang, who are amazed by his speed and progress.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao claims to have organized 72,000 pages of material in a month, which Mr. Wang finds hard to believe.
• Chen Zhao returns to work, and Liu Degang and Zhao Xiaobai question him about his progress.
• Chen Zhao spends eight hours in intense thought, making progress in deciphering Demon Cipher.

Character Developments

• Mr. Wang: Skeptical but willing to let Chen Zhao prove himself.
• Chen Zhao: Shows incredible focus and dedication to his work, pushing himself to the limit.
• Liu Degang and Zhao Xiaobai: Struggle to understand Chen Zhao's work speed and intelligence.

Significant Themes

• Genius and exceptional ability (Chen Zhao's rapid progress).
• Skepticism and disbelief (Mr. Wang's reaction, Liu Degang and Zhao Xiaobai's initial disbelief).
• Perseverance and dedication (Chen Zhao's eight-hour thinking session).

Character Interactions

• Mr. Wang and Chen Zhao: Mr. Wang questions Chen Zhao about his claim, but ultimately lets him continue working.
• Liu Degang, Zhao Xiaobai, and Chen Zhao: Liu Degang and Zhao Xiaobai question Chen Zhao about his progress, expressing their bewilderment and admiration.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao's work on the Demon Cipher project is grueling and affects his health.
• Deng Zixin starts filming her first movie, working hard and being well-treated by the crew due to her generosity.
• Chen Zhao feels reassured about Deng Zixin's prospects in the industry and gains motivation from her success.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: He becomes more dedicated to his work, neglecting his personal health. He also gains confidence in Deng Zixin's acting abilities.
• Deng Zixin: She proves herself to be a hardworking and generous person, winning the favor of the crew. Her acting potential is recognized by Chen Zhao.

Significant Themes

• Work-Life Balance: Chen Zhao struggles to maintain a healthy lifestyle due to his demanding work schedule.
• Power of Money: Deng Zixin uses her wealth to gain favor and support from those around her.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Deng Zixin: They maintain regular communication, supporting each other in their respective endeavors. Chen Zhao is impressed by Deng Zixin's progress in acting.
• Deng Zixin and the Movie Crew: Deng Zixin's generosity and kindness win her the favor of the entire crew, who treat her exceptionally well.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao, emaciated and exhausted, meets with Mr. Wang after a month of intense work on Demon Cipher.
• Mr. Wang introduces Yin Shisan, a brilliant but eccentric man, as a "pillar of talent."
• Yin Shisan, despite his beggar-like appearance, is revealed to be a genius with four doctorates, admitted to Tsinghua University at 13, and currently working on deciphering Demon Cipher.
• Yin Shisan challenges Chen Zhao to discuss their progress on Demon Cipher.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Shows signs of severe overwork, but maintains his dedication and progress on Demon Cipher.
• Mr. Wang: Recognizes and respects Chen Zhao's efforts but is concerned about his health.
• Yin Shisan: Reveals his extraordinary intellect and confidence, despite his unkempt appearance.

Significant Themes

• Genius vs. Appearance: Yin Shisan's brilliance contrasts with his unkept exterior, challenging societal perceptions of intelligence and success.
• Dedication vs. Health: Chen Zhao's relentless work on Demon Cipher raises concerns about his well-being.
• Mentorship and Collaboration: Mr. Wang introduces Yin Shisan to Chen Zhao, fostering a potential intellectual partnership.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Mr. Wang: Mr. Wang scolds Chen Zhao for overworking and expresses concern for his health.
• Chen Zhao and Yin Shisan: They meet for the first time, with Yin Shisan challenging Chen Zhao to discuss their work on Demon Cipher.
• Zhao Xiaobai and Liu Degang vs. Yin Shisan: They are initially intimidated and confused by Yin Shisan's appearance and behavior.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yin Shisan, a brilliant cryptographer, scolds Zhao Xiaobai for her lack of understanding about the urgency and importance of their work on the military cipher.
• Chen Zhao defends Zhao Xiaobai and reprimands Yin Shisan for his rude behavior.
• Yin Shisan apologizes abruptly and takes Chen Zhao aside to discuss the Demon Cipher.
• Yin Shisan reveals he's already solved a third of the cipher and shares his progress with Chen Zhao.
• Yin Shisan asks Chen Zhao to keep an eye out for a peculiar symbol in the cipher, which he believes is crucial but hasn't deciphered yet.

Character Developments

• Yin Shisan: Reveals his exceptional intelligence and speed in deciphering the cipher. Shows a quick temper but also a capacity for apology. His emotions and attitude shift rapidly, reflecting his quick mind.
• Chen Zhao: Demonstrates exceptional talent in deciphering the cipher, matching Yin Shisan's progress. Shows determination and competitiveness, vowing to submit his results before Yin Shisan.
• Zhao Xiaobai: Initially appears naive and slow to understand the importance of their work. Gets upset when scolded by Yin Shisan but later shows concern for Chen Zhao's well-being.

Significant Themes

• Competition and Collaboration: The race to decipher the cipher highlights the characters' competitive nature, but also the importance of collaboration and not putting all their eggs in one basket.
• Urgency and Importance: The military nature of the cipher emphasizes the urgency and importance of their work, driving the characters to push themselves harder.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Yin Shisan: Their interaction reveals their shared brilliance and competitive nature. Chen Zhao stands up for Zhao Xiaobai, while Yin Shisan apologizes abruptly and seeks Chen Zhao's help in deciphering a peculiar symbol.
• Zhao Xiaobai and Chen Zhao: Zhao Xiaobai shows concern for Chen Zhao's well-being, while Chen Zhao defends her against Yin Shisan's scolding.
• Zhao Xiaobai and Liu Degang: They discuss their frustration with the work and Yin Shisan's impending success, expressing their desire to quit.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao uses all his worship points to temporarily boost his intelligence to 568 for a week.
• He begins deciphering the Demon Cipher with renewed vigor, working tirelessly for days.
• On the sixth day, he realizes the crucial importance of a tree-snake symbol he doesn't understand.
• On the seventh day, Jennifer unexpectedly calls from Lop Nur Airport, asking Chen Zhao to pick her up.

Character Development

• Chen Zhao demonstrates increased determination and work ethic, pushing himself to the limit to decipher the Demon Cipher.
• He shows responsibility as a teacher by holding an online class despite his busy schedule.
• Jennifer displays persistence and boldness in pursuing Chen Zhao, traveling all the way from Britain to see him.

Significant Themes

• The power of intelligence and determination in overcoming challenges.
• The consequences of delayed communication and decisions (Chen Zhao's hesitation in picking up Jennifer).

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao's intense focus on the Demon Cipher leads to a lack of communication with others, including Jennifer.
• Jennifer's direct and assertive approach contrasts with Chen Zhao's hesitation and indecision.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao panics when he learns Jennifer is coming, as his apartment is filled with classified documents.
• He hurriedly hides the documents, miscounting them in his haste.
• Jennifer arrives in revealing attire, causing a stir at the complex entrance.
• Chen Zhao brings Jennifer to his apartment, claiming his girlfriend lives across the hall.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Shows anxiety and carelessness in hiding the documents, indicating his secretive nature and lack of preparation for unexpected visitors. He also displays a mix of embarrassment and defensiveness when introducing his girlfriend's apartment.
• Jennifer: Exhibits spontaneity and disregard for local customs in her attire and arrival, showing a lack of cultural sensitivity. She also displays a teasing and flirtatious attitude towards Chen Zhao.

Significant Themes

• Secrecy and the consequences of hiding information (Chen Zhao's hidden documents, his girlfriend's apartment).
• Cultural differences and misunderstandings (Jennifer's attire, her lack of notice before arrival).
• Embarrassment and defensiveness in the face of unexpected situations (Chen Zhao's reactions).

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and the security guard: The guard offers kindness and understanding, while Chen Zhao feels embarrassed and misunderstood.
• Chen Zhao and Jennifer: They interact with a mix of tension, defensiveness, and flirtation, highlighting their cultural and personal differences.

Key Plot Points

• Jennifer visits Chen Zhao's home, curious about his belongings.
• Chen Zhao discovers a page of the Demon Cipher material left out, which Jennifer finds and picks up.
• Chen Zhao panics but manages to calm down and convinces Jennifer it's just homework.
• Jennifer recognizes a crucial Demon Cipher symbol, the Ouroboros Tree.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Struggles with keeping the Demon Cipher secret, faces a moral dilemma between his girlfriend and the cipher.
• Jennifer: Shows curiosity and intelligence, recognizes the Ouroboros Tree symbol.

Significant Themes

• The Ouroboros symbol and its interpretations: endless cycles, self-consumption.
• Betrayal and moral dilemmas.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Jennifer: They interact playfully, with Jennifer flirting with Chen Zhao, and him trying to keep his secret while engaging with her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao's heightened intelligence period ends, returning him to his ordinary state.
• He delivers his deciphered Demon Cipher solution to Mr. Wang at Lop Nur University.
• Yin Shisan is already present, also with his solution.
• Both solutions are initially similar but diverge significantly in the middle.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao experiences the loss of his enhanced intelligence, feeling disoriented and slow-witted.
• Yin Shisan is shown to be equally surprised and impressed by Chen Zhao's quick work on the Demon Cipher.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of heightened intelligence and its loss.
• The value of time and effort invested in solving complex problems.
• The uncertainty and potential invalidity of one's work despite extensive effort.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Yin Shisan exchange their solutions and realize they differ significantly.
• Both characters experience a moment of doubt and unease about the validity of their respective answers.
• Shen Meiyu facilitates the meeting but remains mostly in the background.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Year of the Rat is ending, and the Year of the Ox is about to begin.
• Meat-Eating Panda (Panda) launches a new book, causing a societal stir.
• Panda's book receives widespread acclaim and is nominated for prestigious literary awards.
• Panda hosts a New Year's Eve livestream with actors Chen Zhao and Deng Zixin.
• During the livestream, Panda teases Chen Zhao into doing push-ups, and Deng Zixin pulls Panda's fur in retaliation.
• Panda, Chen Zhao, and Deng Zixin offer New Year's wishes to the readers.

Character Developments

• Panda remains humble despite the praise, vowing to work harder for readers.
• Chen Zhao, as the protagonist, shows dedication and resilience in his work.
• Deng Zixin demonstrates quick wit and retaliation when teased.

Significant Themes

• The power of storytelling and its impact on society.
• The importance of humility and hard work in success.
• The joy and camaraderie among creators and performers.

Character Interactions

• Panda teases Chen Zhao, leading to a humorous push-up challenge.
• Deng Zixin retaliates against Panda's teasing by pulling his fur.
• Panda, Chen Zhao, and Deng Zixin exchange New Year's wishes, showcasing their bond and goodwill towards readers.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mr. Wang, a senior figure, oversees the handover of deciphered codebooks by Chen Zhao and Yin Shisan.
• A heavily armed helicopter is revealed, and the codebooks are taken away for decryption.
• Chen Zhao and Yin Shisan await results, planning to take a break and return to their usual lives.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: He's eager to see his girlfriend, Deng Zixin, after completing his work. He's also concerned about maintaining his high intelligence.
• Yin Shisan: He plans to return to his beggar lifestyle, showing no concern for the outcome of the decryption.

Significant Themes

• The importance of intelligence and its impact on one's life and work (Chen Zhao's concern about maintaining his high intelligence).
• The contrast between the high-stakes world of espionage and the mundane lives of the characters (Mr. Wang's farewell to Chen Zhao and Yin Shisan).

Character Interactions

• Mr. Wang, Chen Zhao, and Yin Shisan interact professionally, with Mr. Wang overseeing the handover and wishing them success in their future work.
• Chen Zhao and Little Bamboo Shoot interact over a potential livestream, highlighting Chen Zhao's struggle to maintain his high intelligence and his desire to earn admiration points.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao leaves the game and searches for ways to earn admiration points.
• He discovers a popular online thread about paranormal events and decides to contribute to it.
• Chen Zhao creates a new account, "cz's Endless Ghost Tales," to share his stories.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao demonstrates resourcefulness and strategic thinking in his quest for admiration points.
• He shows a calm and calculated approach, considering various factors before deciding on his plan.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of admiration and recognition is a central theme, driving Chen Zhao's actions.
• The supernatural and ghost stories are introduced as a potential means to gain admiration.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao interacts with the online community by creating an account and preparing to contribute to the paranormal event thread.
• There's no direct interaction with other characters in this chapter, as it focuses on Chen Zhao's solo decision-making process.