Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao is invited to a luxurious dinner by three old men (Deng Tiejun, Ma Qingtian, and Mu Tianque) who are impressed by his literary prowess.
• The dinner features an array of high-end dishes, unlike Chen Zhao's usual instant noodles.
• The old men praise Chen Zhao's essay, "Memorial to Yueyang Tower," extensively.
• Deng Tiejun and Ma Qingtian attempt to set up Chen Zhao with their nieces, but Chen Zhao declines, stating he's too young for marriage.
• Chen Zhao gifts his essay to Deng Tiejun and exchanges WeChat contacts with the three men.
• Chen Zhao gets slightly drunk at the dinner and feels attracted to Deng Zixin's charms on the way home but quickly dismisses the idea as unrealistic.
• The next day, Chen Zhao sleeps through most of his exam, angering other top students.
• Chen Zhao scores 694, ranking first in the school again, much to the surprise and dismay of other top students who had predicted his score would drop.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao is shown to be humble and polite despite his literary talent and the admiration he receives.
• Deng Tiejun, Ma Qingtian, and Mu Tianque are revealed to be wealthy and influential, with connections in the literary world.
• Deng Zixin is portrayed as elegant and sophisticated, with a cool demeanor.
• Other top students are shown to be competitive and resentful of Chen Zhao's apparent lack of effort and high score.

Significant Themes

• The power of literature to bring people together and gain recognition.
• The contrast between wealth and simplicity, as seen in the luxurious dinner and Chen Zhao's usual instant noodles.
• The pressure and competition among top students, and the expectations placed upon them.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao interacts with the three old men, who treat him as an equal and a peer due to his literary talent.
• Deng Tiejun and Ma Qingtian attempt to set up Chen Zhao with their nieces, much to Chen Zhao's embarrassment and Deng Zixin's anger.
• Other top students gossip about Chen Zhao's behavior during the exam and predict his score will drop.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao's academic achievements and mysterious reputation spread throughout his school.
• Students discuss Chen Zhao's potential for top-tier universities, mentioning Lop Nur University.
• Chen Zhao searches for information about Lop Nur University and discovers its extraordinary reputation and high standards.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao becomes more determined to aim for the best university possible, setting his sights on Lop Nur University.
• Chen Zhao learns about the unique admission requirements of Lop Nur University, which challenges his plans.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of excellence and success in education.
• The influence of wealth and connections in gaining admission to prestigious institutions.
• The importance of individual achievements and contributions.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao overhears students discussing his academic prowess and potential for top universities.
• Chen Zhao searches for information about Lop Nur University, learning about its stringent admission requirements.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao ponders his chances of getting into Lop Nur University, considering his high IQ, gaming skills, and literary knowledge.
• He decides to ask the principal for advice and learns about the upcoming national middle school subject competition.
• Chen Zhao decides to participate in the competition, registering for Chinese, math, physics, chemistry, and biology.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao shows determination and confidence in his abilities, deciding to challenge multiple subjects in the competition.
• The principal shows concern for Chen Zhao's decision, warning him about the competition's difficulty.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of excellence and pushing one's limits.
• The importance of making informed decisions and considering all aspects before committing to a course of action.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao interacts with the principal through QQ, seeking advice and registering for the competition.
• Chen Zhao considers the advice of the principal but ultimately makes his own decision.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao approaches Zhao Xiaobai to discuss the middle school subject competitions.
• Chen Zhao reveals he signed up for five subjects, shocking Zhao Xiaobai.
• Zhao Xiaobai lends Chen Zhao specialized workbooks for competition practice.
• Chen Zhao struggles with the difficulty of the competition problems but decides to continue preparing.
• Chen Zhao returns the physics workbook to Zhao Xiaobai, having completed it in a day and a half.
• Chen Zhao starts a live stream and teams up with Little Bamboo Shoot.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Shows determination and resilience in tackling the challenging competition problems. He also demonstrates responsibility by maintaining his streaming schedule despite his heavy study workload.
• Zhao Xiaobai: Initially underestimates Chen Zhao's abilities but is impressed by his progress and dedication.
• Little Bamboo Shoot: Expresses her dependence on Chen Zhao for in-game survival and shows affection towards him in her stream.

Significant Themes

• The difficulty and intensity of middle school competition exams.
• The importance of determination and perseverance in facing challenges.
• The impact of streaming and online presence on fan interactions and relationships.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Zhao Xiaobai: They interact as study partners, with Zhao Xiaobai providing resources and Chen Zhao demonstrating his capabilities.
• Chen Zhao and Little Bamboo Shoot: They team up in-game, with Little Bamboo Shoot expressing her reliance on Chen Zhao and fans reacting to their dynamic in the streams.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Little Bamboo Shoot and Chen Zhao enter a bot lobby on the Snow Map.
• Chen Zhao allows Little Bamboo Shoot to loot an airdrop unnoticed.
• Bob Lee Swagger, aka "Little Lee," joins the same match on the Chinese server.

Character Developments

• Little Bamboo Shoot shows improved looting skills and confidence.
• Chen Zhao demonstrates strategic thinking and adaptability.
• Little Lee is shown as a dedicated and skilled professional player.

Significant Themes

• The impact of bots on gameplay and player experience.
• The contrast between casual and competitive playstyles.
• The dedication and commitment required for professional esports.

Character Interactions

• Little Bamboo Shoot and Chen Zhao work together, with Chen Zhao supporting Little Bamboo Shoot's growth.
• Little Lee plays solo, unaware of the other players in the match.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Little Lee secures an M24 sniper rifle and an air drop crate.
• He encounters an enemy in the Castle, who is lying in ambush.
• Little Lee uses smoke grenades as a distraction, but the enemy remains hidden.
• Chen Zhao and Little Bamboo Shoot engage with the sniper, with Little Bamboo Shoot drawing fire.
• Chen Zhao uses Little Bamboo Shoot to locate the sniper and kills him with an AWM.

Character Developments

• Little Lee demonstrates his patience and skill as a sniper.
• Chen Zhao showcases his strategic thinking and calm under pressure.
• Little Bamboo Shoot shows obedience and understanding of Chen Zhao's tactics.

Significant Themes

• Patience and strategic thinking in combat.
• The use of baiting tactics to draw out enemies.
• The importance of communication and teamwork between players.

Character Interactions

• Little Lee vs. Unknown Sniper: A tense sniper duel, with Little Lee using baiting tactics.
• Chen Zhao and Little Bamboo Shoot: Chen Zhao uses Little Bamboo Shoot to draw fire and locate the enemy, while she complies despite her fans' disapproval.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Little Lee, the world's top PUBG player, dies in a public match due to a Chinese expert's skillful play.
• Little Lee attempts to add Chen Zhao, the Chinese expert, as a friend to learn from him but is repeatedly rejected.
• Chen Zhao, unaware of Little Lee's identity, ignores his messages and goes offline.
• Chen Zhao's livestream gains 200,000 followers, and he earns over 10,000 yuan in tips.
• Chen Zhao focuses on academic competition preparation, finishing all practice papers before the exam.

Character Developments

• Little Lee: Realizes the high skill level of Chinese players and seeks to learn from Chen Zhao. Shows determination to compete against him in the future.
• Chen Zhao: Maintains focus on academic competition preparation, ignoring external distractions like Little Lee's friend requests. Shows dedication and discipline in his studies.

Significant Themes

• The global competition in esports, with Little Lee representing the world's top level and Chen Zhao embodying the rising talent in China.
• The contrast between the gaming world and academic pursuits, with Chen Zhao balancing both responsibilities.

Character Interactions

• Little Lee attempts to interact with Chen Zhao through friend requests and messages, but Chen Zhao initially ignores and later unintentionally snubs him due to his focus on academic preparation.
• Zhao Xiaobai nudges Chen Zhao to study during their car ride to the exam, showing her concern for his academic performance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao, confident and unprepared, arrives at the exam site for a middle school subject competition.
• He enters the exam hall, stands out due to his calm demeanor amidst anxious students.
• The math exam begins, and Chen Zhao quickly starts solving problems while others struggle.
• He continues writing for over thirty minutes, filling up his answer sheet, while others make little progress.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao demonstrates exceptional composure and confidence under pressure.
• He shows remarkable mathematical ability, solving complex problems quickly and accurately.
• Chen Zhao's determination to finish as many questions as possible reveals his competitive nature.

Significant Themes

• Confidence vs. Anxiety: Chen Zhao's calmness contrasts with the anxiety of other students, highlighting the importance of confidence in high-pressure situations.
• Preparation vs. Overconfidence: Chen Zhao's lack of last-minute review contrasts with his exceptional performance, suggesting that thorough preparation can sometimes outweigh last-minute cramming.
• Competition and Ambition: Chen Zhao's desire to finish as many questions as possible showcases his competitive spirit and ambition.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao interacts indirectly with the proctors and other students through his actions. His calm demeanor and continuous writing draw the proctors' attention and awe, while his progress contrasts with the struggles of other students.
• The proctors discuss Chen Zhao's exceptional performance, expressing admiration and disbelief.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao continues writing math problems even after the exam has reached the 1.5-hour mark, shocking the proctors.
• A proctor tries to sneak a peek at Chen Zhao's answer sheet while delivering extra scratch paper but is terrified by the detailed workings.
• Chen Zhao finishes the exam with two major problems left unsolved, feeling dejected as he couldn't complete them within the time limit.
• After the exam, Chen Zhao and Zhao Xiaobai discuss their performance. Zhao Xiaobai is shocked to learn that Chen Zhao only left two problems unfinished.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao demonstrates exceptional focus and stamina, working on problems for over an hour and a half.
• Zhao Xiaobai shows pride in her mathematical abilities but is humbled when she learns about Chen Zhao's performance.

Significant Themes

• The pressure and intensity of competitive exams.
• The difference between quantity and quality of work, as Chen Zhao writes extensively but leaves two problems unsolved.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Zhao Xiaobai discuss their exam performance, with Zhao Xiaobai initially dismissive but later shocked and humbled by Chen Zhao's revelation.

Key Plot Points/Events

• Chen Zhao takes the physics exam, impressing the proctors with his speed and skill.
• He returns home and starts streaming, accepting a squad invite from 'Bobli'.
• Chen Zhao and 'Bobli' (Little Lee) land on the Island Map, with four enemies nearby.
• Chen Zhao knocks out three enemies with punches and kills the fourth with a shotgun, achieving a four-kill landing.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao demonstrates exceptional skill in physics and physical combat.
• Little Lee is shocked by Chen Zhao's close-quarters combat skills and looks forward to showcasing his marksmanship.

Significant Themes

• Chen Zhao's exceptional skills and dominance in various aspects.
• The importance of both close-quarters combat and marksmanship in the game.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Little Lee squad up and land together, with Chen Zhao taking the lead.
• Chen Zhao knocks out and kills four enemies, impressing Little Lee and demonstrating his superior skill.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao and Little Lee find decent loot at the Mountain Top Ruins, but lack good weapons.
• Chen Zhao, using an M16A4, headshots two enemies, wiping out three squads.
• Chen Zhao snipes eleven enemies with a Kar98k, while Little Lee has only one kill.
• Chen Zhao logs off to team with Little Bamboo Shoot, leaving Little Lee frustrated.
• Chen Zhao takes four subjects' exams consecutively, writing non-stop in each.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao's exceptional gaming skills are revealed, with him securing 15 kills to Little Lee's 3.
• Little Lee feels frustrated and challenged by Chen Zhao's skill, considering recruiting him.
• Chen Zhao is dissatisfied with his exam performance, not scoring perfect marks due to time constraints.

Significant Themes

• Skill and Competition: Chen Zhao's superior gaming skills challenge Little Lee's ego and self-perception.
• Perseverance and Dedication: Chen Zhao's relentless exam-taking reflects his determination and work ethic.
• Self-Doubt and Comparison: Students in the exam hall struggle with self-doubt and comparison to Chen Zhao.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Little Lee team up, with Chen Zhao dominating the kills and leaving Little Lee feeling overshadowed.
• Chen Zhao's decision to log off and team with Little Bamboo Shoot leaves Little Lee feeling disregarded.
• Chen Zhao's presence in the exam hall sparks self-doubt and comparison among the other students.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao's follower count surpasses 500,000, leading to an invitation from Fighting Panda Live to sign as an exclusive star streamer.
• Chen Zhao agrees and is assigned an agent, Qin Lu, to discuss the contract details.
• Chen Zhao receives a contract template with blank sections for remuneration details, indicating negotiations are needed.
• Chen Zhao and Qin Lu agree to meet in person at Chen Zhao's school to finalize the contract.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Shows eagerness and anxiety in dealing with his first professional contract, demonstrating his inexperience and youth.
• Qin Lu: Initially surprised and skeptical about Chen Zhao's age and status as a high school student with a significant following.

Significant Themes

• The professionalization of live streaming and the responsibilities that come with it.
• The power dynamics between streaming platforms and streamers, and the importance of understanding contract terms.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Qin Lu: Their interaction is professional yet friendly, with Qin Lu guiding Chen Zhao through the contract process. Chen Zhao's youth and inexperience are evident, while Qin Lu is patient and understanding.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao earns 500,000 followers and is offered a contract by Qin Lu.
• Chen Zhao asks Deng Zixin, his landlady, to help review the contract.
• Deng Zixin, sick with a cold, reads the contract while Chen Zhao waits.
• Chen Zhao tries to take his phone back while Deng Zixin is sleeping, and she slaps him.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Becomes a featured streamer, shows respect and consideration for Deng Zixin's health.
• Deng Zixin: Shows a caring side despite her tough exterior, helps Chen Zhao review the contract even when sick.

Significant Themes

• Trust and friendship: Chen Zhao trusts Deng Zixin enough to ask her to review his contract.
• Respect for others: Chen Zhao shows respect for Deng Zixin's health and space.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Deng Zixin: Their relationship evolves from landlord-tenant to friendly, with Deng Zixin showing concern for Chen Zhao's well-being and Chen Zhao showing respect and consideration for her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao discovers he didn't advance to the provincial level in the academic competition, despite believing he had scored high enough.
• Xu Lanlan reveals she's going to study abroad due to her poor grades and her father's influence.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Realizes his overconfidence and struggles with the reality of not advancing in the competition.
• Xu Lanlan: Shows apathy towards her studies and reveals her plans to study abroad.

Significant Themes

• Overconfidence leading to disappointment.
• The pressure and expectations of the college entrance exam.
• The privilege of the wealthy (Xu Lanlan's situation).

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao tries to motivate Xu Lanlan to study but fails.
• Xu Lanlan teases Chen Zhao about not advancing in the competition.
• Classmates express their expectations for Chen Zhao's success in the competition.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao's classmates notice his unusual behavior during a break, hinting at trouble with his academic competition results.
• The class discovers Chen Zhao didn't qualify for the provincial competition, sparking gossip about his past high grades.
• The principal visits the class, revealing Chen Zhao's direct qualification for the national finals in five subjects and awards him a 10,000 yuan scholarship.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Initially disheartened by his perceived failure, he's later thrilled to learn he's qualified for the national finals. He remains humble and focused on his upcoming challenge.
• Xu Lanlan: Shows concern for Chen Zhao, helping him navigate the situation and supporting him.
• The Classmates: Initially judgmental, they later express admiration and respect for Chen Zhao's achievements.

Significant Themes

• Perception vs. Reality: Chen Zhao's classmates initially assume the worst about his grades, only to find out he's achieved an exceptional result.
• Hard Work and Talent: Chen Zhao's success highlights the importance of both hard work (studying) and natural ability (his exceptional intellect).
• Peer Pressure and Gossip: The class's reaction to Chen Zhao's perceived failure shows the influence of peer pressure and gossip on individuals.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Xu Lanlan: Their interaction shows a supportive friendship, with Xu Lanlan helping Chen Zhao navigate the situation and offering comfort.
• Chen Zhao and the Class: Initially judgmental, the class later shows admiration and respect for Chen Zhao's achievements, with some even expressing envy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao, a top student, uses a study app to solve problems during self-study period, bypassing school rules due to his exceptional status.
• He enables the PK (Player Killing) function, which matches him with another user of the same difficulty level to solve problems simultaneously, with the winner determined by accuracy and speed.
• Chen Zhao consistently wins against his opponents, growing bored due to the lack of challenge.

Character Development

• Chen Zhao: Starts as confident and competitive, but becomes bored and frustrated due to the lack of worthy opponents. His frustration hints at his desire for a greater challenge.

Significant Themes

• Competition and Rivalry: The PK function emphasizes competition, with Chen Zhao seeking a worthy rival to push his limits.
• Prodigy's Isolation: Chen Zhao's exceptional status and skills lead to a lack of peers who can challenge him, highlighting the potential isolation of prodigies.

Character Interactions

• Although Chen Zhao interacts with various opponents through the PK function, these interactions are one-sided and lack meaningful connection due to his overwhelming superiority.
• The chapter also introduces other characters (a top student in a small town, students at a tutoring center, and a teacher) who encounter Chen Zhao's dominance through the PK function, but these interactions are brief and one-sided as well.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Chen Zhao, focused on solving problems, notices a commotion in his class due to a beautiful woman outside.
• The woman is Qin Lu, an agent from Fighting Panda Live, there to meet Chen Zhao.
• Chen Zhao signs a contract with Qin Lu, discussing two options: a base salary of 600k/year with a 60/40 gift revenue split, or 100k/year with a 30/70 split in his favor.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao remains humble and focused on his studies while secretly excelling in streaming.
• Qin Lu is introduced as a professional and attractive agent.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between Chen Zhao's public image as a studious student and his secret life as a successful streamer.
• The allure of fame and wealth, as seen through the reactions of Chen Zhao's classmates to Qin Lu's arrival.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao interacts with Qin Lu, leading to a contract discussion.
• Chen Zhao's classmates react to Qin Lu's presence, causing speculation and jealousy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao signs a streaming contract with Qin Lu, choosing a higher base salary and lower gift revenue percentage, indicating he won't focus on streaming full-time.
• Chen Zhao becomes a top-tier streamer on the Fighting Panda Live platform, with a yellow V-badge and a featured PK slot for increased exposure.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao demonstrates his intelligence and strategic thinking, showing he's not just a typical streamer.
• Qin Lu, Chen Zhao's agent, shows professionalism and understanding of the streaming industry, while also displaying curiosity about Chen Zhao's abilities.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and Career Choices: Chen Zhao chooses streaming as a side job, prioritizing other career paths due to his high intelligence and ambitions beyond streaming.
• Intelligence and Ability: Chen Zhao's exceptional intelligence is highlighted, setting him apart from average streamers.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Qin Lu: They have a professional yet friendly interaction, with Qin Lu guiding Chen Zhao through the contract and showing respect for his choices, while Chen Zhao is open and honest about his plans and abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao learns about the upcoming PK (Player Killing) event on the Fighting Panda Live platform, where several streamers will be recommended simultaneously for three days. The platform will then compare their follower growth and conversion rates to determine the winner.
• Chen Zhao decides to take a three-day leave from school to fully focus on the PK.
• He visits the principal to request the leave and shows him the top-tier streamer contract as proof of his commitment.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao demonstrates his determination and seriousness about his livestreaming career by requesting a leave from school and showing the principal his contract.
• The principal shows understanding and support for Chen Zhao's livestreaming career, despite initially being surprised and shocked.

Significant Themes

• Pursuit of Passion vs. Academic Pressure: Chen Zhao balances his academic responsibilities with his passion for livestreaming, seeking the principal's understanding and support.
• Importance of Opportunities: The PK is portrayed as a crucial opportunity for Chen Zhao's career, emphasizing the significance of seizing opportunities when they arise.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and the Principal: Chen Zhao seeks the principal's approval for a leave, and the principal, initially surprised, shows understanding and support for Chen Zhao's livestreaming career. This interaction highlights the principal's progressive and supportive attitude towards students' diverse pursuits.
• Chen Zhao and Qin Lu: Though not present in this chapter, Qin Lu's guidance and support for Chen Zhao's livestreaming career are implied, as Chen Zhao follows Qin Lu's advice to prepare for the PK.

Key Plot Points

• Chen Zhao watches his competitors' streams: Guo Chang (beautiful and charismatic), Lin Yuhang (skilled former pro), Two Fat (entertaining and witty).
• Chen Zhao decides to take the PK seriously, announcing three days of consecutive streaming.
• Chen Zhao's fans celebrate his signing as a star streamer with a massive influx of gifts.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao shows determination and seriousness in preparing for the PK.
• Little Bamboo Shoot, a popular streamer, offers assistance to Chen Zhao.

Significant Themes

• Competition and preparation for the PK event.
• The impact of Chen Zhao's star streamer status on his fans and income.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao interacts with his fans, expressing gratitude for their support.
• Chen Zhao communicates with Little Bamboo Shoot, seeking help for the upcoming PK.