Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao, a man from a parallel world where many literary classics have vanished, decides to reintroduce Pu Songling's Strange Tales from Liaozhai.
• He begins by writing "Wang Liulang," a story about a fisherman and a drowned ghost who become friends over alcohol.
• Chen Zhao writes and publishes nine more ghost stories from Liaozhai, aiming to attract readers and earn worship points.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao shows his knowledge of classical Chinese literature and his determination to share it with the world.
• He demonstrates resilience and perseverance by writing and publishing ten stories in a short period.

Significant Themes

• The power of storytelling and its ability to preserve cultural heritage.
• The human connection, even between the living and the dead, as seen in the friendship between the fisherman and Wang Liulang.

Character Interactions

• Although not present in this chapter, the potential interaction between Chen Zhao and his readers is implied, as he hopes his stories will attract them and earn him worship points.
• The friendship between the fisherman and Wang Liulang is the central interaction in "Wang Liulang."

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mushroom Head, a student at a cram school, discovers an engaging supernatural story, "Wang Liulang," on a forum.
• She shares the story with her friends and becomes an avid reader of the author, "cz the Endless Ghost-Talker."
• An employee, Old Liu, at a company becomes engrossed in the same ghost stories during a meeting, leading to a confrontation with his boss.

Character Developments

• Mushroom Head: Shows curiosity and enthusiasm for supernatural stories.
• Old Liu: Initially disinterested in ghost stories, becomes addicted after reading "Wang Liulang."
• The Boss: Initially angry at Old Liu's distraction, later becomes intrigued by the ghost story himself.

Significant Themes

• The allure and escapism of engaging stories.
• The power of storytelling to captivate and immerse readers.
• The unexpected common ground between people, such as the boss and Old Liu's shared interest in ghost stories.

Character Interactions

• Mushroom Head shares her discovery with her friends, sparking their interest in the ghost stories.
• Old Liu shares the story with his colleague, leading to a chain reaction of interest among his coworkers.
• The boss confronts Old Liu about his distraction during the meeting, later becoming intrigued by the story himself.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao's ghost stories gain massive traction online, with thousands of likes and shares.
• He wakes up late in the afternoon, orders food, and is surprised by the delivery staff's reaction to his unusual timing.
• Chen Zhao checks his account and finds a significant increase in likes, reposts, and followers.
• He discovers his worship points have increased to nearly 30,000, allowing him to recharge one day of high-intelligence time.
• Chen Zhao decides to visit his girlfriend, Deng Zixin, and books a flight.
• He reads positive comments from readers and decides to post more ghost stories to harvest more admiration points.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao shows excitement and ambition when he sees the success of his ghost stories and the increase in worship points.
• He displays a relaxed and carefree attitude when interacting with the delivery rider.
• Chen Zhao demonstrates a proactive approach to earning more admiration points by deciding to post more stories.

Significant Themes

• The power of storytelling and its ability to attract and engage audiences.
• The impact of online platforms in spreading and popularizing content.
• Ambition and the desire for personal growth (high intelligence).

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao interacts with the delivery restaurant and rider, showing amusement and indifference to their reactions.
• He communicates briefly with Deng Zixin about his visit, displaying a casual and comfortable relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao starts writing ghost stories and gains massive popularity overnight, with over seven hundred thousand likes and five stories in the top ten answers.
• The next morning, he faces backlash from readers for not updating, so he writes ten stories to appease them.
• He receives an automated call for an all-staff meeting and is surprised to find his seat beside the dean of the College of Literature, instead of a vice dean.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao's writing gains significant attention and popularity.
• He is confused and concerned about his unexpected seat arrangement at the meeting.

Significant Themes

• Popularity and Expectations: Chen Zhao's sudden fame brings both admiration and pressure from readers.
• Misplaced Expectations: Chen Zhao's seat at the meeting reflects the high expectations placed on him, which he finds confusing and undeserved.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao interacts with readers through his writing and their comments.
• He speaks with a staff member about the seating arrangement, trying to understand the mistake.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao attends a university meeting, expecting to blend in, but finds himself seated prominently.
• The meeting's purpose is revealed: to dismiss and demote teachers based on their course scores.
• A list of scores is displayed, with Chen Zhao ranking first among new teachers.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Realizes his teaching prowess, feels confident about his job security, and empathizes with dismissed teachers.
• Shen Meiyu: Shows no remorse in dismissing teachers, following the university's strict system.

Significant Themes

• Competition and survival of the fittest among teachers.
• The harsh reality of job insecurity in academia.
• Chen Zhao's growing confidence in his teaching abilities.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao interacts with several vice presidents and department heads, shaking hands and feeling anxious.
• Gan You, the vice president of the College of Liberal Arts, greets Chen Zhao warmly, confirming his correct seat assignment.
• Shen Meiyu announces the dismissals, causing visible distress among the affected teachers.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Meiyu announces year-end bonuses and a winter tree-planting event for faculty and students.
• Chen Zhao is promoted to Vice Dean of the College of Literature, skipping several ranks.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Realizes he's been promoted to Vice Dean, accepts it after considering his recent achievements.
• Other teachers: React with shock, disbelief, and some resentment at Chen Zhao's rapid promotion.

Significant Themes

• Achievement and Recognition: Chen Zhao's hard work and accomplishments are finally recognized and rewarded.
• Age and Experience: The older teachers struggle to accept that a young, inexperienced teacher has surpassed them.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Shen Meiyu: Shen Meiyu announces Chen Zhao's promotion, solidifying his position at the university.
• Chen Zhao and other teachers: The teachers discuss and react to Chen Zhao's sudden promotion, some with envy and disbelief.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao arrives in the city where Deng Zixin lives and is mistaken by the taxi driver as a celebrity chaser.
• He buys a mask to hide his face and sneaks into Deng Zixin's villa complex.
• Chen Zhao hides in a wardrobe when Deng Zixin's friends from the crew arrive, but they discover his hiding place and force him to hide under a sofa in the tea room.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Shows determination to see Deng Zixin despite the challenges of her celebrity status. He demonstrates quick thinking and adaptability in hiding situations.
• Deng Zixin: Shows nervousness and anxiety about keeping her relationship with Chen Zhao a secret. She tries to protect him but also seems to enjoy the attention from her friends.

Significant Themes

• The challenges and secrecy of celebrity relationships.
• The intrusion of fame and paparazzi into private life.
• The tension between public image and personal desires.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Deng Zixin: Their reunion is cut short by the arrival of Deng Zixin's friends, leading to a series of hiding incidents for Chen Zhao. They share a brief, impulsive kiss before he hides.
• Deng Zixin and her friends: They discuss filming schedules, handsome men in the production crew, and financial management. Deng Zixin shows expertise in investing, impressing her friends.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Deng Zixin, an actress, is hiding Chen Zhao, her boyfriend, from crew members visiting her home.
• Chen Zhao offers to help Deng Zixin find a song for the film's ending, written by her favorite songwriter, Barbara Stroch.
• Deng Zixin laughs at Chen Zhao's confidence, as Barbara is highly sought after and selective about who she writes for.
• Chen Zhao, determined to prove himself, searches for information about Barbara online.

Character Developments

• Deng Zixin: Shows her ambitious side, wanting a high-quality song for the film's ending to leave a lasting impression on viewers.
• Chen Zhao: Demonstrates his determination and confidence, vowing to get a song from Barbara Stroch despite knowing little about her.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and determination: Both characters show their drive to succeed in their respective fields.
• Relationship dynamics: The interaction between Deng Zixin and Chen Zhao highlights their playful banter and mutual support.

Character Interactions

• Deng Zixin and Chen Zhao: Their conversation reveals their close relationship, with Deng Zixin teasing Chen Zhao and Chen Zhao trying to impress her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao sneaks out of Deng Zixin's villa at 4 AM to avoid paparazzi.
• He plans to contact Barbara Stroch, a renowned musician, to write a song for Deng Zixin.
• Chen Zhao learns about Barbara's background, her nickname "Piano Demon," and her achievements in music.
• He discovers that Barbara is difficult to work with and cannot be bribed with money or status.
• Chen Zhao decides to make Barbara happy to convince her to write a song.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao demonstrates his determination and resourcefulness in pursuing Barbara's cooperation.
• Deng Zixin shows her resolve and independence by refusing to let Chen Zhao stay the night.

Significant Themes

• The power of connections and networking in achieving goals.
• The importance of understanding and catering to someone's preferences to gain their favor.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Deng Zixin's interaction shows their growing relationship and Deng Zixin's assertiveness.
• Chen Zhao's interactions with various people from his network reveal their willingness to help him, despite not knowing Barbara personally.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao decides to give Barbara new piano pieces to win her favor.
• He visits Tian Miao's piano shop to hire her to transcribe sheet music from his performances.
• Chen Zhao, despite having little formal piano training, demonstrates an innate ability to play and learn the piano quickly.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Shows exceptional musical aptitude and determination to impress Barbara.
• Tian Miao: Initially skeptical of Chen Zhao's abilities, she becomes impressed by his natural talent.

Significant Themes

• Genius and innate talent: Chen Zhao's ability to learn and play the piano quickly despite minimal training.
• Persistence and determination: Chen Zhao's resolve to win Barbara's affection through music.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Tian Miao: Tian Miao is initially skeptical of Chen Zhao but grows impressed as he demonstrates his musical prowess. Their interaction is professional yet cordial, with Chen Zhao hiring Tian Miao to transcribe his performances into sheet music.

• Plot Points & Events: Chen Zhao, a piano novice, astonishes Tian Miao, the piano shop owner, by rapidly improving and playing two complex pieces, Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata and Bądarzewska's Maiden's Prayer, from memory. He then composes a new piece, Dance of the Waterweeds, specifically for Tian Miao, who is moved to tears. Chen Zhao reveals that he knows about Tian Miao's past as a piano prodigy whose career was cut short by an injury to her right pinky.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Shows exceptional piano skills and compositional ability, though he hasn't received formal training. He demonstrates empathy and understanding of Tian Miao's past, inspiring her to reconsider her musical future.
• Tian Miao: Initially dismissive of Chen Zhao, she becomes increasingly impressed by his skills and moved by his words. She decides to take him as her master, marking a turning point in her perspective on her musical future.
• Significant Themes: The power of music to move people, the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity, and the idea that disability need not prevent one from pursuing their passion.
• Character Interactions: Chen Zhao and Tian Miao's interaction is pivotal. Chen Zhao's skill and understanding inspire Tian Miao, while Tian Miao's emotional response to his music and words leads her to ask him to be her master. Their dynamic highlights the potential for mentorship and inspiration between individuals with different musical backgrounds and experiences.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao, an amateur, plays three piano pieces flawlessly, convincing Tian Miao, a music student, that he's a master.
• Tian Miao asks Chen Zhao to accept her as his student, but he hesitates due to his lack of formal training and the system's influence.
• Chen Zhao agrees to be Tian Miao's teacher on the condition that they maintain a friendly relationship and he provides occasional guidance and compositions.
• Chen Zhao leaves to book a flight to Italy to meet Barbara, a renowned music master, for Deng Zixin's song request.
• Deng Zixin's entourage is anxious about her plan to get an ending theme song from Barbara through Chen Zhao.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Realizes the impact of his piano playing and struggles with his newfound 'master' status. Agrees to be Tian Miao's teacher but maintains a casual approach.
• Tian Miao: Becomes determined to learn from Chen Zhao after being moved by his piano playing and guidance.
• Deng Zixin: Remains confident in Chen Zhao's abilities despite her entourage's doubts about getting a song from Barbara.

Significant Themes

• The power of music to inspire and move people.
• The struggle between maintaining a casual attitude and taking on new responsibilities (Chen Zhao as a teacher).
• The importance of belief and confidence in one's abilities and connections (Deng Zixin's trust in Chen Zhao).

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Tian Miao: Teacher-student relationship established, with Chen Zhao maintaining a friendly and casual approach.
• Deng Zixin and her entourage: Deng Zixin remains confident in Chen Zhao's abilities, while her entourage is anxious and doubtful about her plan to get a song from Barbara.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao arrives at Barbara's Castle in Sardinia, Italy.
• He finds a heavily guarded castle with a moat, surrounded by influential people seeking an audience with Barbara.
• Despite their high status, none of the visitors—including a regional president, a pop star, a BBC reporter, and a mayor—are granted access.

Character Developments

• Barbara: Her reclusive and aloof nature is confirmed; she remains unmoved by the pleas of influential visitors.
• Chen Zhao: He witnesses Barbara's fame and power firsthand, understanding the challenge of gaining an audience with her.

Significant Themes

• Fame and Isolation: Barbara's extreme fame has led to her self-imposed isolation, with only those she permits gaining access to her.
• Power Dynamics: The guards' unyielding stance and the visitors' desperation highlight the power imbalance between Barbara and the outside world.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and the Guards: Chen observes the guards' unwavering dedication to their duty, understanding the difficulty of his own mission.
• Barbara and the Visitors: Despite the visitors' high status and entreaties, Barbara remains inaccessible, emphasizing her indifference to external influences.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao, a pianist, pushes through a crowd to present exceptional sheet music to Ms. Barbara, a renowned pianist.
• Barbara's guards photograph the first two pages of Chen Zhao's score and send them to Barbara.
• Barbara, in her castle, is attempting to compose her own piano piece. She receives the first two pages of Chen Zhao's score.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Shows determination and confidence in his musical abilities, willing to set conditions for presenting his score to Barbara.
• Barbara: Struggles with composing her own piano pieces, seeking to leave a lasting legacy in music history. She initially reacts arrogantly to Chen Zhao's offer.

Significant Themes

• Pride and arrogance (Barbara's initial reaction to Chen Zhao's offer)
• Musical genius and the struggle to create (Barbara's difficulty in composing)
• Recognition and validation in the arts (Chen Zhao's conditions for presenting his score)

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and the guards: Chen Zhao interacts with the guards, negotiating the terms of presenting his score to Barbara.
• Barbara and her butler: Barbara discusses Chen Zhao's score with her butler, initially dismissive of its value.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Barbara, a renowned pianist, receives two pages of sheet music from an unknown composer, Chen Zhao.
• Instead of dismissing it as she usually does, Barbara is intrigued and decides to play the piece.
• She becomes excited and delighted while playing, stopping only when the music ends.
• Barbara immediately decides to meet the composer in person, despite her usual reluctance to see visitors.

Character Developments

• Barbara: Initially haughty and dismissive of contemporary composers, she shows unexpected appreciation and excitement upon playing Chen Zhao's composition, demonstrating her passion for music and willingness to recognize talent.
• Chen Zhao: Though not directly shown, his persistence in waiting for Barbara's response indicates his determination and belief in his work.

Significant Themes

• Recognition of talent: Barbara's reaction to Chen Zhao's composition highlights the theme of recognizing and valuing talent, even when it comes from an unexpected source.
• Passion vs. Pride: Barbara's initial haughtiness contrasts with her genuine excitement when playing the piece, showing the conflict between her pride and her passion for music.

Character Interactions

• Barbara and the Old Butler: The butler's familiarity with Barbara's habits and his astonishment at her reaction to the sheet music underscore her unusual behavior.
• Barbara and Chen Zhao: Though they haven't met yet, Barbara's decision to meet Chen Zhao personally shows her respect and eagerness to interact with him based on his composition.
• Chen Zhao and the Crowd: Chen Zhao's interaction with the waiting crowd highlights the contrast between their initial skepticism and Barbara's eventual recognition of his talent.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao arrives at Barbara's Castle, where he's warmly welcomed due to the sheet music he brought.
• A film crew meeting discusses ending themes for their movie, with each lead actor presenting a song.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao gains confidence in his plan to use the sheet music to gain Barbara's favor.
• Barbara is shown to be a piano enthusiast, eager to meet the composer of the sheet music.
• The film crew leads show ambition and resourcefulness in securing high-profile ending themes.

Significant Themes

• The power of music to connect people and open doors.
• Ambition and competition in the entertainment industry.
• The influence of fame and status, as seen in Barbara's lavish lifestyle and the crew's reactions to Deng Zixin's attempt to secure a song from Barbara.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Barbara: Barbara is enthusiastic and welcoming toward Chen Zhao due to the sheet music, while Chen Zhao is taken aback by Barbara's extravagant lifestyle.
• The film crew leads: They compete to secure the best ending theme, showing off their connections and resources. Mo Tao struggles to choose between the excellent songs presented.
• Deng Zixin and the crew: Deng Zixin is laughed at by the crew for attempting to secure a song from Barbara, highlighting the power dynamics and hierarchies within the industry.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao, a composer, visits Barbara Stroch, a renowned pianist, to offer her two of his original piano pieces.
• Barbara, after playing the first two pages, is astonished by the quality of the music and asks to see the complete score.
• Chen Zhao reveals he wants to give her both pieces to perform in her upcoming concert, allowing her to claim them as her own compositions.
• Barbara offers Chen Zhao a blank check as compensation, but he declines, stating he needs her help with something else.

Character Developments

• Barbara Stroch: Recognizes the exceptional quality of Chen Zhao's compositions and is eager to perform them, understanding their potential to increase her fame.
• Chen Zhao: Shows confidence in Barbara's abilities and is willing to give up his chance at fame to help a friend, demonstrating his generosity and selflessness.

Significant Themes

• Artistic Integrity vs. Recognition: Barbara is willing to perform Chen Zhao's pieces as her own, highlighting the tension between artistic integrity and the desire for recognition and fame.
• Generosity and Selflessness: Chen Zhao's decision to give Barbara his compositions to help a friend showcases his generous and selfless nature.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Barbara Stroch: Their interaction is marked by mutual respect and admiration for each other's talents. Chen Zhao flatters Barbara to gain her favor, while Barbara is genuinely impressed by Chen Zhao's compositions.
• Deng Zixin and Mo Tao: Deng Zixin's successful request to Barbara for a song leads to Mo Tao's shock and excitement, highlighting the power dynamics and expectations within the film industry.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Deng Zixin's team learns that Barbara will write an ending theme for Deng Zixin's film.
• Chen Zhao successfully convinces Barbara to compose the theme and offers her two piano pieces, 'Maiden's Prayer' and 'Moonlight Sonata'.
• Chen Zhao asks Barbara for help in mentoring his apprentice, Tian Miao.

Character Developments

• Deng Zixin gains confidence in Chen Zhao's abilities after he secures Barbara's agreement.
• Barbara is excited and satisfied with the quality of the piano pieces Chen Zhao provides.
• Tian Miao stands up to her family, expressing her desire to pursue her dream of being a pianist despite her injury.

Significant Themes

• Pursuit of dreams and passions despite obstacles.
• The power of connections and influence in the industry.
• The transformative effect of mentorship.

Character Interactions

• Mo Tao and Deng Zixin interact, with Mo Tao expressing curiosity about how Deng Zixin convinced Barbara.
• Chen Zhao and Barbara have a productive discussion, with Barbara agreeing to help Tian Miao.
• Tian Miao and her family have a tense conversation, with Tian Miao asserting her desire to pursue her dream.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tian Miao reveals she has taken Chen Zhao as her piano teacher, surprising her family.
• Chen Zhao calls Tian Miao, informing her that Barbara, the renowned "Piano Demon," will visit their city and has agreed to take Tian Miao as her apprentice and offer her a job at her studio.
• Tian Miao's family is astonished by this news and decides to celebrate.

Character Developments

• Tian Miao demonstrates determination and excitement about her musical future.
• Her family shows initial skepticism about Chen Zhao's capabilities as a teacher but later acknowledges his influence and the opportunities he has brought Tian Miao.

Significant Themes

• The importance of choosing the right teacher and mentor.
• The power of connections and networks in opening up opportunities.
• The value of persistence and determination in pursuing one's dreams.

Character Interactions

• Tian Miao's family initially expresses doubt and concern about her decision to take Chen Zhao as her teacher but later supports and celebrates her good fortune.
• Chen Zhao, though not physically present, plays a crucial role in Tian Miao's musical development by connecting her with Barbara.
• Tian Miao expresses gratitude to Chen Zhao for the opportunities he has brought her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao returns to China after concluding business with Barbara.
• He is summoned back to school by Principal Shen Meiyu.
• On the flight back, he is offered a lifetime honorary membership by an Italian airline due to his past exploit.
• Upon arrival, he sees numerous trucks carrying tree-planting equipment, hinting at an upcoming large-scale tree-planting campaign.
• Chen Zhao receives a call from Shen Meiyu, ordering him to meet Mr. Wang that night, likely regarding the Demon Cipher decipherment.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao's wish to meet Deng Zixin is delayed, and he must prioritize his duties at school.
• He demonstrates humility and gratitude when offered the airline membership, showing he's not swayed by immediate benefits.

Significant Themes

• Duty and responsibility: Chen Zhao prioritizes his school duties over personal desires.
• Recognition and rewards: Chen Zhao's past actions earn him unexpected recognition and rewards.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao interacts with the Italian flight attendant, who offers him the airline membership.
• He converses with a taxi driver, learning about the upcoming tree-planting campaign.
• He receives a call from Principal Shen Meiyu, ordering him to meet Mr. Wang.