Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao receives confirmation for his participation in Magic Arena and performs a remote object transfer trick on the staff member.
• He decides to learn magic by watching videos and studying the system-provided book.
• Chen Zhao and Deng Zixin discuss getting engaged, and he messages his mom about Deng Zixin, but his mom disapproves due to the age gap.
• Chen Zhao receives the competition rulebook and learns about the "street magic" round in New York.
• They fly to New York, and Chen Zhao prepares his magic props, keeping his plans secret.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Shows confidence in his abilities and remains determined to marry Deng Zixin despite his mom's disapproval.
• Deng Zixin: Becomes more open about her feelings for Chen Zhao and expresses her desire to accompany him to the competition.

Significant Themes

• Age gap in relationships and societal perceptions of it.
• Chen Zhao's confidence in his abilities and his determination to succeed.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and the Magic Arena staff member: They have a friendly exchange, with Chen Zhao performing a trick on the staff member.
• Chen Zhao and Deng Zixin: They discuss their relationship and future plans, with Chen Zhao showing support for Deng Zixin despite his mom's disapproval. They also work together to prepare for the competition.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao arrives at the competition venue, a bustling street near a middle school.
• The director explains the competition rules: magicians must attract passersby through street performances, and the number of viewers will determine the rankings.
• Chen Zhao's props arrive, looking modest compared to the elaborate displays of other magicians.
• Chen Zhao's fans unexpectedly appear, drawn by his Weibo post, and gather around him.
• The director intervenes when other magicians complain about Chen Zhao's fans, asking them to leave, but the fans insist they are merely passersby.
• Chen Zhao performs simple magic tricks, drawing a large crowd, and later takes a break, allowing his fans to watch other magicians.
• The competition begins at eleven, with each magician showcasing their best tricks to attract viewers.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao demonstrates his confidence and resourcefulness, using his fans' presence to his advantage and keeping his trump card secret.
• The other magicians display their competitiveness and dissatisfaction with Chen Zhao's initial advantage.
• Chen Zhao's fans show their loyalty and creativity, claiming to be passersby to support him.

Significant Themes

• The power of popularity and initial advantage in competition.
• The importance of confidence and resourcefulness in facing adversity.
• The creativity and loyalty of fans.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao interacts with his fans, showing appreciation for their support.
• Chen Zhao and the other magicians indirectly interact through their performances and the director's interventions.
• Chen Zhao's fans interact with the director, insistently claiming to be passersby.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao performs a magic trick where he continuously scatters paper birds folded from one-dollar bills, drawing a massive crowd and causing a frenzy.
• He uses a hidden mechanism in his magic table and clothing to continuously supply the banknote birds.
• Chen Zhao's performance lasts for half an hour, scattering over 9,999 banknote birds, and he is declared the winner by default as other magicians forfeit.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao demonstrates his incredible magic skills and resourcefulness, winning the competition easily.
• Other magicians express disdain and disbelief at Chen Zhao's victory, questioning the artistic value of his magic.

Significant Themes

• Artistry vs. vulgarity in magic: Other magicians criticize Chen Zhao's magic for lacking artistry, while Chen Zhao defends his performance as having profound artistic value.
• Vision and perception: Chen Zhao suggests that the other magicians' inability to appreciate his magic's artistic value is due to their limited vision.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao interacts with the crowd, drawing them in with his magic and causing a chaotic scene.
• Other magicians express their disapproval and envy of Chen Zhao's victory, leading to a tense interview segment.
• Chen Zhao remains calm and confident throughout the competition and interview, defending his magic and expressing disdain for his competitors.

• Key Plot Points and Events: Chen Zhao performs a money-scattering trick, but instead of simply entertaining, he presents a profound explanation with multiple layers of metaphor, winning over the audience and judges.
• Character Developments: Chen Zhao demonstrates his quick thinking, wit, and ability to improvise. The magicians and judges, initially skeptical, come to appreciate Chen Zhao's talent and depth.
• Significant Themes: The pursuit of wealth and its consequences, the illusion of freedom, the interpretation of art, and the importance of looking beyond the surface.
• Character Interactions: Chen Zhao captivates the audience with his explanation, turning their initial skepticism into admiration. The bearded director and the magicians are left in awe and self-reflection.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao and Deng Zixin extend their stay in the city to participate in the program recording.
• They spend their days exploring the city and nights playing cards in their hotel room.
• The episode featuring Chen Zhao is set to air three days later.
• They watch the episode together in their hotel room, with Chen Zhao confidently predicting his victory.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao remains calm and confident, showing no signs of nervousness before the broadcast.
• Deng Zixin shows support and belief in Chen Zhao's abilities.

Significant Themes

• The power of first impressions and initial judgments, which often lead to underestimation of others' abilities.
• The importance of honesty and authenticity, as seen in Chen Zhao's straightforward responses during the interview.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Deng Zixin display a friendly and comfortable dynamic, laughing and joking together.
• Chen Zhao's interaction with the interviewer shows his honesty and lack of pretension.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao watches his episode of Magic Arena on a domestic livestream, where he sees viewers' reactions to his performance and interview.
• The episode causes a stir, with Chen Zhao attracting 94% of the total audience and setting a new record for the show.
• Chen Zhao starts receiving numerous calls from reporters wanting to interview him, but he declines.
• He begins preparing for the next round of the competition, studying the rules and watching previous finals.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao gains confidence in his abilities and the system's advantages for the upcoming rounds.
• Deng Zixin shows understanding and support for Chen Zhao's situation and career.

Significant Themes

• The power of honesty and authenticity in Chen Zhao's interview and performance.
• The importance of understanding one's audience and adapting to their expectations, as seen in Chen Zhao's preparation for the next round.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Deng Zixin discuss the impact of the episode and Chen Zhao's plans for the next round.
• Chen Zhao and Deng Zixin share a moment of affection and understanding when she suggests he find inspiration from ancient magic tricks.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao prepares for his finals performance, choosing an ancient, lost magic trick to recreate.
• He attends the live recording of the second episode of Magic Arena at the Gray Building's rooftop terrace.
• Chen Zhao volunteers to be the first champion, defending the stage against challengers.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao demonstrates his intelligence and confidence, volunteering for the challenging champion role.
• Antoine, the top favorite, shows curiosity and caution towards Chen Zhao, acknowledging his potential threat.

Significant Themes

• The history and evolution of magic, with ancient tricks potentially rivaling modern ones.
• The importance of preparation and practice, as seen in Chen Zhao's dedication to recreating the lost trick.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Antoine have their first meeting, with Antoine showing unexpected interest in Chen Zhao's finals act.
• The other magicians display indifference or contempt towards Chen Zhao, underestimating his abilities.
• Chen Zhao exposes the secrets behind the challengers' tricks, humiliating them and demonstrating his skill.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao effortlessly defeats the first ten challengers in the finals.
• Antoine, a top-tier magician, challenges Chen Zhao. Chen Zhao guesses Antoine's trick without seeing it, causing Antoine to forfeit.
• Chen Zhao secures his place in the finals with a perfect sweep.
• The finals are set for three days later at an outdoor ice rink in New York City during a cold wave.
• On the day of the finals, a heavy snowstorm occurs, pleasing Chen Zhao.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao demonstrates his exceptional magic skills and confidence, earning admiration and respect from others.
• Antoine shows vulnerability and nervousness when facing Chen Zhao, highlighting the power dynamic between them.
• Deng Zixin expresses concern for Chen Zhao's safety, showing her care for him.

Significant Themes

• The power of deduction and observation in magic and life.
• The importance of preparation and adaptability in facing unexpected situations (e.g., the snowstorm).
• The impact of fame and recognition on an individual's life and actions.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Antoine: Their interaction showcases Chen Zhao's skill and Antoine's vulnerability, setting the stage for their final confrontation in the magic arena.
• Chen Zhao and Deng Zixin: Their conversation reveals Deng Zixin's concern for Chen Zhao's safety and her trust in his abilities.
• Chen Zhao and the driver: Their interaction highlights Chen Zhao's approachability and the driver's enthusiasm for his work.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Meat-Eating Panda (author) takes a day off due to mental exhaustion and illness, apologizing to readers for not posting a chapter.
• The chapter is unusually short due to the author's condition and the requirement for chapters to be over a thousand words.
• The author reflects on their past interactions with readers and the impact of negative reviews on their mental state.

Character Developments

• Meat-Eating Panda: The author struggles with mental health issues due to the pressure of writing and negative feedback from readers. They decide to take a break to recover.
• PE Teacher: Initially tries to comfort and encourage the author with jokes and advice, but later expresses concern and suggests the author take a break.

Significant Themes

• Mental Health: The author's struggle with mental exhaustion and the impact of negative reviews on their well-being.
• Pressure and Expectations: The author feels pressured to meet readers' expectations and maintain a consistent writing schedule.
• Support and Encouragement: The author acknowledges the support of their PE teacher, family, editors, fellow authors, and readers.

Character Interactions

• Meat-Eating Panda and Readers: The author reflects on their past interactions with readers, expressing both affection and distress caused by negative reviews.
• Meat-Eating Panda and PE Teacher: The PE teacher initially tries to comfort the author with humor and advice, but later expresses concern and suggests the author take a break. The author finds comfort and understanding in their interaction.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The final of the magic competition features four top magicians: Chen Zhao, Antoine, and two African magicians, Hook and Levin.
• Chen Zhao chooses to perform first, presenting an ancient trick called "Rope to Heaven."
• He throws a thick rope into the air, and it miraculously hangs straight up into the clouds, appearing to connect heaven and earth.
• Chen Zhao climbs the rope, ascending to great heights without any safety equipment, causing worldwide astonishment and concern.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao demonstrates confidence, calmness, and a willingness to take risks, both in his performance order choice and his dangerous trick.
• Antoine, Hook, and Levin show nervousness and awe, both in the lounge and as they watch Chen Zhao's performance.

Significant Themes

• The power of belief and suspension of disbelief in magic.
• The pursuit of perfection and the willingness to take risks to achieve it.
• The cultural significance of ancient magic tricks.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Antoine have a brief moment of mutual respect when they both volunteer to go first, with Antoine ultimately yielding to Chen Zhao.
• The other three magicians react with shock and awe as they watch Chen Zhao's performance, highlighting the uniqueness and audacity of his trick.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao attempts a daring magic trick, climbing a rope into the sky.
• After an hour, he climbs into the clouds and disappears from view.
• Objects fall from the sky, including body parts resembling Chen Zhao's.
• The audience panics, believing Chen Zhao has been killed by a divine being.
• Deng Zixin, Chen Zhao's manager, is terrified and tries to contact him.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Pushes the limits of his magic trick, leading to a panicked audience.
• Deng Zixin: Shows concern and fear for Chen Zhao's safety, trying to contact him repeatedly.

Significant Themes

• The dangers of pushing human limits and boundaries.
• The power of belief and suggestion in shaping public perception.
• The fear of the unknown and the divine.

Character Interactions

• The audience and Chen Zhao: The audience watches in awe and fear as Chen Zhao climbs, then panics when they believe he has died.
• Deng Zixin and Chen Zhao: Deng Zixin tries to contact Chen Zhao, frantic with worry, while he remains calm and reassuring.

Chen Zhao returns to China with Deng Zixin after his controversial "Rope to Heaven" trick. It's revealed that the mangled remains found after the trick were fabricated using pork and filmmaking techniques. Chen Zhao wins the Magic Arena championship but doesn't attend the awards ceremony. Meanwhile, Mr. Wang, Chen Zhao's mentor, is on his deathbed. In his final moments, Mr. Wang urges Chen Zhao to join the frontier of science, hinting at a mysterious research field that needs people like him. Mr. Wang passes away soon after.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao meets Shen Meiyu, who gives him four secret admission notices for winter training programs in weapons, emerging fields, ocean, and aerospace.
• Chen Zhao attends the intense training programs, taught by academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
• He misses home during the New Year but continues studying. Deng Zixin returns, and they watch Deng Zixin's movie together.
• Chen Zhao takes four exams, one for each field, with a single essay question each.
• The next day, representatives from each research team review the papers and conduct on-the-spot interviews.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao gains a deeper understanding of the forefront of science and becomes more determined to enter it.
• He remains confident in his abilities but also realizes the high level of competition.
• Deng Zixin becomes more famous after her movie's release, leading to a surge in her social media followers and interview requests.

Significant Themes

• The intense pressure and high standards of cutting-edge scientific research.
• The importance of passion, determination, and adaptability in pursuing one's goals.
• The challenges and rewards of long-distance relationships, as seen through Chen Zhao and Deng Zixin's dynamic.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Shen Meiyu discuss his research interests and the training programs.
• Chen Zhao and Deng Zixin watch her movie together, and he expresses his admiration for her performance.
• Chen Zhao interacts with other students during the training programs and exams, observing their struggles and his own ease with the material.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao excels in the R&D team exam, impressing four academicians who fight over him.
• Chen Zhao decides to join all four research teams (weapons, aerospace, oceanography, and new fields).
• Chen Zhao spends his days in the laboratories, adapting quickly and starting his own research in artificial intelligence.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao demonstrates his exceptional intelligence, adaptability, and determination in research.
• The academicians recognize Chen Zhao's potential and vie for him to join their teams.

Significant Themes

• The importance of cutting-edge science and research.
• The value of intelligence, adaptability, and determination in scientific pursuits.
• The interconnectedness of different scientific fields.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao interacts with the four academicians, who are impressed by his knowledge and ideas.
• Chen Zhao works alongside scientists in the laboratories, learning from them and showing his proficiency.
• Chen Zhao communicates with the artificial intelligence "Manman," highlighting the difference between artificial intelligence and genuine thinking.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao's application for brain research funding is denied.
• Old Liu, the lab head, rejects the application due to its high cost and previous failed attempts.
• Chen Zhao discovers he's suddenly become wealthy after a successful business deal.
• With his newfound wealth, Chen Zhao funds the brain research project himself.
• A new laboratory is established in just three days, and Chen Zhao is appointed as its director.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Becomes wealthy overnight, demonstrating determination and confidence in pursuing his research despite initial setbacks.
• Old Liu: Initially skeptical of Chen Zhao's proposal, but later supports it after Chen Zhao offers to fund it himself.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance: Chen Zhao continues to pursue his research goals despite initial rejection and the high cost involved.
• Wealth and Power: Chen Zhao's sudden wealth allows him to bypass bureaucratic hurdles and establish his laboratory.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Old Liu: Initially clash over the funding issue, but later work together after Chen Zhao offers to fund the project.
• Chen Zhao and Grigory: Grigory informs Chen Zhao about his sudden wealth, enabling him to fund his research project.
• Chen Zhao and his colleagues: The team is bewildered and skeptical about Chen Zhao's sudden rise to laboratory director, leading to private discussions about his background.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao conducts various experiments on monkeys in the laboratory to study brain activity.
• After two months, he suddenly closes the laboratory and announces that the research is finished.
• He presents a paper to his superior, Old Liu, detailing his findings on the deep operating mechanisms of the brain and how to simulate them artificially.
• Chen Zhao decides not to publish the paper to keep the technology confidential and prevent its misuse.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao demonstrates his dedication and work ethic, spending days and nights in the laboratory and developing the ability to sleep for short periods.
• He shows foresight and concern for national security by deciding not to publish his paper to prevent foreign misuse of his research.
• Old Liu initially expresses disbelief and excitement at Chen Zhao's findings but later understands the importance of keeping the research confidential.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of scientific knowledge and its potential consequences.
• The responsibility of scientists in safeguarding their discoveries from misuse.
• The tension between individual ambition and national interest.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao interacts with Old Liu, presenting his findings and discussing the implications of publishing his paper.
• Chen Zhao's interactions with the research team are mentioned briefly, with them expressing skepticism about his work and methods.
• Chen Zhao's relationship with the monkeys is shown through his experiments on them, demonstrating his scientific detachment despite the inhumane conditions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao's wealth grows significantly due to the success of Sand Binder and Youlu Bookstore, reaching over one billion yuan.
• He buys 200 apartments in a single transaction, making headlines.
• Seattle Beetle Artificial Intelligence Company launches Heavy Armor Knight II, challenging multiple top Go players, including Chen Zhao.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Becomes incredibly wealthy, remains focused on AI research despite his wealth. He buys apartments as a gift for Deng Zixin, showing thoughtfulness and generosity.
• Deng Zixin: Grows jealous of Chen Zhao's wealth, scolds him for making too much money. She is delighted with the apartment gift.
• Bozman: After Chen Zhao's defeat of Heavy Armor Knight, Bozman pushes for the development of Heavy Armor Knight II, aiming to regain face and prove the superiority of his company's AI.

Significant Themes

• Wealth and its influence on relationships and personal goals.
• The pursuit of technological advancement and competition between humans and AI.
• The impact of fame and public attention on personal actions and decisions.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Deng Zixin: Their relationship is strained due to Deng Zixin's jealousy of Chen Zhao's wealth. However, Chen Zhao's thoughtful gift helps to improve their dynamic.
• Chen Zhao and the public: Chen Zhao's wealth and actions, such as buying 200 apartments, attract significant media attention and public curiosity.
• Bozman and the Go masters: Bozman challenges multiple top Go players to prove the superiority of Heavy Armor Knight II, setting the stage for potential conflicts between humans and AI in the Go world.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bozman, the developer of Heavy Armor Knight II, challenges Chen Zhao to a Go match, but Chen Zhao is unaware due to his immersion in AI research.
• Heavy Armor Knight II defeats several top human Go players, causing concern and disappointment among Go enthusiasts.
• Chen Zhao develops a new AI named "Sheng Qing" and decides to let it face Heavy Armor Knight II instead of playing himself.
• Chen Zhao posts on Weibo accepting the challenge but requesting a week's time to prepare.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Becomes more reclusive and focused on his AI research, neglecting current events. Develops a new AI, Sheng Qing, to represent him in the Go match.
• Little Bamboo Shoot: Shows concern for Chen Zhao's well-being and updates him on the Go challenge situation.

Significant Themes

• The rapid advancement of AI and its potential to surpass human capabilities.
• The impact of AI on traditional human activities, such as Go.
• The importance of staying informed and engaged with current events.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Little Bamboo Shoot: They meet after a long time, and Little Bamboo Shoot updates Chen Zhao on the Go challenge situation. Chen Zhao shares the true reason behind his purchase of two hundred apartments.
• Chen Zhao and the netizens: Chen Zhao posts on Weibo accepting the Go challenge, causing a stir among netizens who eagerly await the match.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sheng Qing's rapid rise on the chess platform, reaching the brink of the highest rank in just two days.
• Sheng Qing's ten accounts occupy the top ten spots on the win-streak leaderboard.
• Chen Zhao challenges Heavy Armor Knight II online using Sheng Qing.
• Sheng Qing defeats Heavy Armor Knight II in the first game.
• Sheng Qing wins the second game, securing victory in the best-of-three series.

Character Developments

• Sheng Qing demonstrates exceptional learning and playing capabilities, defeating Heavy Armor Knight II.
• Chen Zhao shows pride in Sheng Qing's abilities and uses it to challenge and defeat Heavy Armor Knight II.
• Bozman, the CEO of Seattle Beetle Artificial Intelligence Company, becomes increasingly desperate and humiliated as Heavy Armor Knight II loses to Sheng Qing.

Significant Themes

• The humiliation and frustration experienced by Bozman and his company as their artificial intelligence is repeatedly defeated by Chen Zhao and Sheng Qing.
• The rapid learning and adaptation capabilities of Sheng Qing, showcasing the potential of advanced AI.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao interacts with Sheng Qing through the chess platform, guiding and observing its progress.
• Bozman interacts with his secretary, expressing his frustration and desperation as Heavy Armor Knight II continues to lose.
• Sheng Qing interacts with Heavy Armor Knight II through the online matches, ultimately defeating it.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao's AI, Sheng Qing, continuously defeats Heavy Armor Knight II in Go matches, causing a stir in the Go community.
• Chen Zhao shares the match on Little Bamboo Shoot's livestream, attracting over 30 million viewers.
• Chen Zhao reveals that Sheng Qing, not him, defeated Heavy Armor Knight II, causing an uproar in the AI industry and among netizens.
• Deng Zixin returns home unexpectedly and accuses Chen Zhao of having an affair.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: He continues to upgrade Sheng Qing and gains recognition for his AI's capabilities. He also starts using endearments like "honey" for Deng Zixin.
• Sheng Qing: The AI demonstrates its prowess by defeating Heavy Armor Knight II repeatedly and gains significant attention.
• Deng Zixin: She becomes suspicious and angry after learning about Chen Zhao's interactions with Wang Defa.

Significant Themes

• Artificial Intelligence: The chapter explores the potential and impact of advanced AI, with Sheng Qing's victories causing a global stir.
• Trust and Betrayal: Deng Zixin's accusation highlights the theme of trust and potential betrayal in a relationship.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Sheng Qing: Chen Zhao continues to refine and upgrade Sheng Qing, showing a deep level of interaction and understanding between them.
• Chen Zhao and Deng Zixin: Their relationship is strained due to Deng Zixin's suspicion of Chen Zhao's infidelity.
• Chen Zhao and Little Bamboo Shoot: They collaborate to livestream Sheng Qing's matches, leading to massive viewership.