Chapter Summaries

In this chapter, Chen Zhao and Little Bamboo Shoot loot supplies in P City, then camp in a house overlooking a road with death crates. They wait for enemies to loot the crates, planning to ambush them. As the Blue Zone shrinks, they leave early and encounter a Jeep with enemies. Chen Zhao, riding behind Little Bamboo Shoot on a motorcycle, uses an M24 sniper rifle to take out the enemies in the Jeep, first blowing out a tire to slow them down, then headshotting both occupants. They then find a shack to camp in. Little Bamboo Shoot expresses admiration for Chen Zhao's skills and asks him to teach her, but he attributes his marksmanship to natural talent. She then asks about the inheritance of intelligence in children.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao and Little Bamboo Shoot, a duo in a livestreamed game, are in the final stages of a match, aiming for a 'chicken dinner' (first place victory).
• Chen Zhao's bold and strategic plays, including using smoke grenades and precise sniping, help them secure the win.
• They become the top streamers on the platform, earning a significant amount of money and fans.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao demonstrates exceptional gaming skills, strategic thinking, and confidence under pressure.
• Little Bamboo Shoot shows excitement and support for Chen Zhao's gameplay, and they work well as a team.

Significant Themes

• Competition and victory: Chen Zhao's desire to prove his strength and secure the 'chicken dinner' title drives the plot.
• Teamwork: Chen Zhao and Little Bamboo Shoot's collaboration is crucial to their success.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Little Bamboo Shoot communicate and strategize throughout the game, showing mutual respect and trust.
• The viewers in their livestreams react enthusiastically to their gameplay, with some even unfollowing Little Bamboo Shoot due to misunderstandings about her comments, but they later return.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao's daily earnings skyrocket to 86,541.57 yuan, shocking him and revealing potential annual earnings of over 31 million yuan.
• He is added to a group chat called "Book King" with other category winners.
• The group discusses the date for the awards ceremony, with most members available, except for Suspense King who has embalming duties.
• Chen Zhao reveals he's a high school senior, causing disbelief among the other authors.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Realizes the potential of his earnings, experiences shock and disbelief, and struggles to convince other authors he's a high school senior.
• Suspense King: Reveals his job as an embalmer, adding a dark and mysterious element to the group.

Significant Themes

• Wealth and success: Chen Zhao's sudden financial success challenges his worldview and opens up new possibilities.
• Identity and perception: Chen Zhao's struggle to be taken seriously as a high school senior highlights the importance of perception and identity in society.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao interacts with various Book Kings, revealing their unique backgrounds and personalities.
• The group dynamic is established, with everyone eager to discuss and learn from each other.
• Chen Zhao's revelation about being a high school senior causes a shift in the group's perception of him and his work.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Book Kings' chat group goes silent after Chen Zhao joins.
• Chen Zhao discovers the ages of the other Book Kings and feels awkward being the youngest.
• The Book Kings express concern about Chen Zhao writing in other genres.
• The Book Kings discuss their earnings after being featured, with Fantasy King earning the most.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao, the Urban King, feels out of place among the older Book Kings.
• The Book Kings express fear of Chen Zhao's potential in other genres.

Significant Themes

• Age and experience vs. youth and potential.
• Competition and fear of the unknown among the Book Kings.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao interacts with the Book Kings, feeling humbled by their praise and concerned by their fear of his potential.
• The Book Kings discuss their earnings, expressing envy and jealousy towards Fantasy King and Chen Zhao.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao's novel is discovered by his seatmate, Xu Lanlan, during a morning reading session.
• After the teacher leaves, students swarm Chen Zhao to ask for his autograph, as they've learned he's the author of a popular novel.
• The Chinese teacher brings a stack of notebooks for Chen Zhao to sign, as the teachers want his autograph as well.
• Word spreads, and students from other classes start coming to ask for Chen Zhao's autograph during breaks.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao becomes more confident in his writing, though he remains humble.
• He starts to understand the impact and value of his work on others.

Significant Themes

• Recognition and validation of one's talents.
• The power of words and storytelling.
• Fame and its consequences.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Xu Lanlan: They become closer as Xu Lanlan supports Chen Zhao's writing.
• Chen Zhao and his classmates: They gain a newfound respect for Chen Zhao and seek his autograph.
• Chen Zhao and the Chinese teacher: She shows admiration for Chen Zhao's writing and asks for his autograph on behalf of the other teachers.
• Chen Zhao and students from other classes: They start to approach Chen Zhao for autographs, indicating his growing fame.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao spends the entire day signing autographs for fans, exhausting himself.
• He struggles to maintain his signature's legibility due to fatigue.
• Chen Zhao is asked for autographs even while using the bathroom and eating dinner.
• He plays a game of PUBG with Little Bamboo Shoot and dies immediately upon landing, a first for him.
• Little Bamboo Shoot continues playing alone under Chen Zhao's guidance and makes it to the Final Circle with six players remaining.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao's physical exhaustion leads to a decline in his gaming performance.
• Little Bamboo Shoot loses her fighting spirit without Chen Zhao by her side but follows his instructions diligently.

Significant Themes

• The impact of fame and fan attention on an individual's daily life and mental state.
• The importance of guidance and support in improving one's skills and confidence.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Little Bamboo Shoot's teamwork in PUBG, with Chen Zhao providing strategic guidance after his death.
• Chen Zhao's interactions with his fans, showing his initial reluctance and later acceptance of his celebrity status.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Little Bamboo Shoot fails to win a solo victory in the game, ranking third.
• Chen Zhao discovers he earned over 100,000 yuan in a single day from his novel.
• Chen Zhao's editor, Axe, starts the process for publishing his novel in physical form.
• Chen Zhao invites Deng Zixin to help review his publishing contract.

Character Developments

• Little Bamboo Shoot shows improvement but still struggles in the game.
• Chen Zhao expresses confidence in his earnings and book's potential.
• Deng Zixin displays her professionalism in reviewing contracts and offers advice.

Significant Themes

• The theme of perseverance is shown through Little Bamboo Shoot's gaming struggles.
• The theme of success and its consequences is evident in Chen Zhao's sudden wealth and book deal.
• The theme of professionalism is highlighted through Deng Zixin's expertise in contract review.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao comforts Little Bamboo Shoot after her gaming loss.
• Chen Zhao and Axe discuss the publishing process for his novel.
• Chen Zhao seeks Deng Zixin's help in reviewing his contract, showing trust in her expertise.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao agrees to help Deng Zixin record gifts at Deng Tiejun's birthday banquet.
• Chen Zhao finds his desk cubby filled with love letters, mostly cleared by Che Jie.
• The Hundred Schools Joint Examination results are to be released.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao realizes he needs a team to manage his life as his career progresses.
• Che Jie demonstrates her determination and cunning in pursuing Chen Zhao.
• Chen Zhao's studies become challenging due to his advanced understanding, leading him to online advanced courses.

Significant Themes

• The pressure and responsibilities that come with success and fame.
• The pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement.
• The complexities of romantic relationships and pursuit.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Deng Zixin discuss the birthday banquet arrangements.
• Chen Zhao interacts with Che Jie, who helps him clear his desk cubby of love letters.
• Chen Zhao and Xu Lanlan discuss Chen Zhao's relationship with Che Jie, leading to a minor argument.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Hundred Schools Joint Examination results are out, causing a tense atmosphere at school.
• Chen Zhao, anxious to know his results, asks his desk mate Xu Lanlan, who is nonchalantly playing a game.
• Chen Zhao, frustrated, starts reading his English-Chinese dictionary. Zhao Xiaobai then tells him the results might be out soon, and they go to the principal's office to find out.
• The principal reveals the results, and Chen Zhao is shocked to see he scored 743 points, ranking second out of eighty thousand participants.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Initially anxious, he becomes humble about his performance despite feeling confident. After seeing his results, he feels bewildered and curious about the first-place scorer.
• Xu Lanlan: She remains calm and disinterested in the exam results, focusing on her game.
• Zhao Xiaobai: She shows initiative and determination in finding out the results early.
• The Principal: He is happy with Chen Zhao's performance and hopes he can break the school's record.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and Humility: Chen Zhao is ambitious about his score but humble when discussing it. His humility is tested when he sees his high score.
• Competition and Comparison: The exam results spark competition among students, with each wanting to outdo the others. Chen Zhao compares his score to the first-place scorer.
• Anticipation and Disappointment: The students' anticipation for the results is high, but for some, the reality may lead to disappointment.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Xu Lanlan: Their interaction highlights Xu Lanlan's disinterest in the exam results, contrasting with Chen Zhao's anxiety.
• Chen Zhao and Zhao Xiaobai: They work together to find out the results early, showing their shared ambition.
• Chen Zhao and the Principal: Their interaction reveals the principal's high expectations for Chen Zhao and his satisfaction with Chen Zhao's performance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao realizes he hasn't secured first place despite mastering all curriculum knowledge.
• He decides to focus on areas where he lost points: Chinese extracurricular classical Chinese, chemistry, physics, and essay questions.
• He purchases ancient books for Chinese extracurricular classical Chinese practice and plans to write essays for improvement.
• Chen Zhao discovers he earned over 160,000 yuan in a day from his novel on Tomato Novel Network.
• He logs into Med Kit to post a leave notice and informs Little Bamboo Shoot he won't be playing Winner Winner Chicken Dinner for a while.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao's ambition grows as he aims to secure first place to increase his chances of being admitted to Lop Nur University.
• He demonstrates determination and strategic planning in improving his weak areas.
• Little Bamboo Shoot shows dependence on Chen Zhao for playing Winner Winner Chicken Dinner, leading to her losing interest when he goes offline.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and determination in achieving academic success.
• The impact of online earnings on one's life and priorities.
• Dependence and loss of interest in activities without a driving force.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao interacts with his classmates, who now admire and respect him for his academic achievements.
• He communicates with Little Bamboo Shoot about his temporary leave from playing Winner Winner Chicken Dinner, leading to her disappointment and offline protest.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Deng Zixin arrives early to prepare for the birthday banquet, picking up Chen Zhao in her new green Aston Martin DB11.
• They arrive at Qilin Garden, a luxurious Chinese dining complex, where the banquet is held.
• Guests start arriving, and Deng Zixin greets them, providing Chen Zhao with the gift details to record.
• A spoiled young man, nicknamed "Kid Brother," arrives uninvited, causing Deng Zixin discomfort.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao shows confidence in his academic abilities, challenging Deng Zixin to a bet regarding the provincial top score.
• Deng Zixin reveals her family's values, stating they don't invite guests based on wealth but on personal connections and likability.
• The Kid Brother's immature behavior and disregard for social norms are emphasized.

Significant Themes

• Wealth and social status: The guests' gifts range from expensive (like the Kang Family's golden dragons) to modest (like Jian Boli's flat peaches), reflecting their social standing and relationship with the Deng family.
• Family values and loyalty: The Deng family values their connections with people from their past, regardless of their current wealth or status, as seen in their invitation of Jian Boli.
• Social norms and expectations: The Kid Brother's behavior highlights the expectations of polite and respectful conduct in social situations.

Character Interactions

• Deng Zixin and Chen Zhao: They engage in friendly banter, with Deng Zixin teasing Chen Zhao about his academic ambitions and Chen Zhao challenging her to a bet.
• Deng Zixin and the Kid Brother: Their interaction is tense and uncomfortable, with Deng Zixin clearly disliking the Kid Brother's presence and behavior.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ma Longbai, a nouveau riche's son, tries to hit on Deng Zixin, who rejects him.
• Deng Zixin asks Chen Zhao to pose as her boyfriend to deter her suitors.
• Chen Zhao greets guests as Deng Zixin's boyfriend, causing suitors to back off.
• Deng Zixin kisses Chen Zhao to make a suitor, the muscular man, leave.

Character Developments

• Deng Zixin: Shows her strong personality and determination to keep suitors at bay.
• Chen Zhao: Initially reluctant, he plays along with Deng Zixin's plan and enjoys the attention.
• Ma Longbai: Acts recklessly due to his sudden wealth, but is harmless.
• The muscular man: Deeply infatuated with Deng Zixin, but leaves after seeing her kiss Chen Zhao.

Significant Themes

• Wealth and its impact on relationships and behavior (Ma Longbai, Deng Zixin's suitors).
• The power dynamics in relationships (Deng Zixin's dominance, Chen Zhao's compliance).
• The consequences of deception (Deng Zixin's plan backfires, making the muscular man cry).

Character Interactions

• Deng Zixin and Chen Zhao: They work together to deter suitors, with Deng Zixin taking the lead and Chen Zhao reluctantly playing along.
• Deng Zixin and her suitors: She rejects their advances and uses Chen Zhao to make them leave.
• Chen Zhao and the guests: He greets them politely, following Deng Zixin's instructions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao spends the morning recording gifts for Deng Zixin's birthday banquet, ranging from cheap to expensive.
• Deng Zixin introduces Chen Zhao as her boyfriend to her suitors, causing them to react with shock, grief, and indignation.
• Guests wait for Deng Tiejun's calligraphy before being seated for the banquet, leading to a delay in Chen Zhao's lunch.
• Chen Zhao notices three of Deng Zixin's suitors glaring at him: the Childish Brother, the Professor, and the Trendy Guy.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Becomes increasingly annoyed by Deng Zixin's suitors and the drama surrounding him.
• Deng Zixin: Remains calm and indifferent to her suitors' reactions, focusing on her phone.
• The Childish Brother, the Professor, and the Trendy Guy: Grow increasingly hostile towards Chen Zhao.

Significant Themes

• Wealth disparity and materialism, as seen in the varied gift values.
• The importance of appearance and status in society, as perceived by Deng Zixin's suitors.
• The absurdity of romantic rivalries and the lengths people go to for love.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Deng Zixin: Deng Zixin uses Chen Zhao as a shield against her suitors, while Chen Zhao feels helpless and annoyed.
• Chen Zhao and Deng Zixin's suitors: The suitors confront Chen Zhao, leading to tension and hostility.
• The suitors among themselves: They compare notes and support each other in their pursuit of Deng Zixin.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao is invited by Deng Tiejun to sit next to him at the birthday banquet, causing astonishment among the guests, including Deng Tiejun's suitors.
• A lavish banquet is served, with Chen Zhao eating enthusiastically.
• The host announces a poetry and prose composition activity, with Master Kang as the calligrapher. The best works will be rewarded and hung in the restaurant.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Shows his humble and unpretentious nature by focusing on eating rather than participating in the poetry competition.
• Deng Tiejun: Shows reverence towards Chen Zhao, hinting at his respect for Chen Zhao's medical skills.
• The Professor: Seeks to impress Deng Zixin and the guests by participating in the poetry competition.

Significant Themes

• Respect and reverence (Deng Tiejun towards Chen Zhao)
• Humility and contentment (Chen Zhao's focus on eating rather than competing)
• Competition and impressing others (The Professor's motivation)

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Deng Tiejun: Deng Tiejun invites Chen Zhao to sit next to him, showing his favor and respect.
• The Professor and Deng Zixin: The Professor tries to impress Deng Zixin by participating in the poetry competition.
• The Professor, Trendy Guy, and Childish Brother: They are all surprised and somewhat jealous of Chen Zhao's status at the banquet.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Professor Wang challenges Chen Zhao to a poetry competition, aiming to outshine him in front of Deng Zixin.
• Professor Wang, Childish Brother, and Trendy Guy each recite poems, with Trendy Guy's receiving the most praise.
• Chen Zhao remains unimpressed and uninterested in responding to the challenge.
• Deng Zixin grows annoyed with Childish Brother and Trendy Guy's pestering and bets that Chen Zhao's poetry is far superior.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao demonstrates confidence and nonchalance, showing no interest in competing with the others despite their challenges.
• Professor Wang reveals his competitive nature and desire to impress Deng Zixin.
• Childish Brother and Trendy Guy display their infatuation with Deng Zixin, trying to impress her with their poems.
• Deng Zixin shows frustration with her suitors and faith in Chen Zhao's talent.

Significant Themes

• Talent and skill: Chen Zhao's genuine talent is contrasted with the mediocre efforts of his rivals.
• Competition and rivalry: The men vie for Deng Zixin's attention and approval through their poetry performances.
• True worth: Chen Zhao's nonchalance and lack of interest in competing highlight the superficiality of his rivals' attempts to impress Deng Zixin.

Character Interactions

• Professor Wang challenges Chen Zhao through his poem, attempting to showcase his superiority.
• Childish Brother and Trendy Guy try to impress Deng Zixin with their poems, leading to a heated exchange between them and Deng Zixin.
• Deng Zixin grows frustrated with Childish Brother and Trendy Guy's pestering and bets that Chen Zhao's poetry is far superior, showing her faith in his talent.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao is pressured by Deng Zixin to recite a poem at her father's birthday banquet.
• He decides to recite an ancient masterpiece, "Yuzhang," to impress the audience.
• Chen Zhao's recitation captivates the entire room, leaving everyone stunned by his literary prowess.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao demonstrates his extraordinary literary talent and confidence.
• Deng Zixin shows her faith in Chen Zhao's abilities.
• Elder Mu and other scholars recognize Chen Zhao's genius.

Significant Themes

• Literary talent and genius
• Recognition and appreciation of talent
• The power of words and language

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Deng Zixin: Chen Zhao proves Deng Zixin's faith in him by reciting a masterpiece.
• Chen Zhao and the audience: Chen Zhao captivates the entire room with his recitation, earning their respect and admiration.
• Elder Mu and other scholars: They recognize Chen Zhao's talent and are moved by his recitation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao, initially quiet, stuns everyone by reciting the "Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng" at Deng Tiejun's birthday banquet.
• The poem causes a sensation, with many bidding for the calligraphy, reaching nearly a million yuan.
• Deng Zixin's suitors (Professor, Trendy Guy, Childish Brother) are humiliated and retreat.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Proves his literary prowess, gains admiration and respect from the guests.
• Deng Zixin: Realizes Chen Zhao's talent exceeds her expectations.
• Professor, Trendy Guy, Childish Brother: Humiliated, retreat from the competition for Deng Zixin's affections.

Significant Themes

• Talent and Recognition: Chen Zhao's hidden talent is finally recognized and appreciated.
• Competition and Humiliation: The suitors' challenge backfires, leading to their humiliation.
• Materialism vs. Art: The bidding war for the calligraphy highlights the commercial value of art.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Deng Zixin: Their relationship remains ambiguous, but Deng Zixin gains a newfound respect for Chen Zhao's talent.
• Chen Zhao and the Old Men: They are awestruck by Chen Zhao's talent and try to arrange marriages with their granddaughters.
• The Suitors (Professor, Trendy Guy, Childish Brother) and Chen Zhao: They challenge Chen Zhao and are subsequently humiliated.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao attends Deng Tiejun's birthday banquet at Qilin Garden.
• The owner of Qilin Garden, Qin Lu, offers 10 million yuan for Chen Zhao's Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng, along with lifetime free meals at the restaurant.
• Chen Zhao agrees to let Qin Lu keep the version written by Master Kang and writes another copy for Deng Tiejun.
• Chen Zhao returns home and spends the evening reading ancient books he bought earlier, finishing the Records of the Grand Historian and starting the Twenty-Four Histories.
• Little Bamboo Shoot scolds Chen Zhao for skipping streams.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao demonstrates his intelligence and quick thinking by negotiating with Qin Lu and deciding to write another copy of the Preface for Deng Tiejun.
• Chen Zhao shows dedication to his studies, reading over 1,100 pages in one hour and continuing into the night.
• Little Bamboo Shoot displays concern for Chen Zhao's streaming responsibilities and the expectations of his viewers.

Significant Themes

• The value of art and literature, as seen in Qin Lu's offer for Chen Zhao's Preface.
• The importance of responsibility, as emphasized by Little Bamboo Shoot regarding Chen Zhao's streaming commitments.
• The dedication and hard work required for academic success, as shown by Chen Zhao's intense reading session.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao interacts with Qin Lu, negotiating the sale of his Preface and agreeing to write another copy for Deng Tiejun.
• Chen Zhao and Deng Tiejun both express appreciation for each other's actions, with Chen Zhao considering Deng Tiejun's feelings in the negotiation and Deng Tiejun being happy with the arrangement.
• Chen Zhao and Little Bamboo Shoot have a tense interaction, with Little Bamboo Shoot scolding Chen Zhao for skipping streams and Chen Zhao feeling guilty but too tired to argue.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao, a young novelist, waits at a cafe to meet his editor, Axe, to sign a contract.
• Axe arrives earlier than expected and sits at the next table, striking up a conversation with Chen Zhao without revealing her identity.
• Chen Zhao is shocked to discover that Axe is a beautiful woman, not the burly man he expected.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Initially focused on his writing, he becomes curious and then surprised by Axe's true identity.
• Axe: Reveals herself to be a young, wealthy, and intelligent woman with a unique approach to her work as a male-oriented editor.

Significant Themes

• Appearances can be deceiving: Axe's true identity challenges Chen Zhao's initial expectations.
• Professionalism and adaptability: Axe's use of a masculine screen name to attract male authors shows her understanding of the market and adaptability in her work.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Axe: Initially strangers, they engage in a friendly conversation before Axe reveals her true identity, leading to surprise and a newfound respect for each other.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Zhao reads a fifty-page contract in under two minutes and recites it forward and backward without errors, impressing Axe.
• Axe offers Chen Zhao a membership card for the High Range I.Q. Tests (HRIQ) association, encouraging him to get his IQ tested.
• Axe shares her experience with mental health issues due to high intelligence, showing Chen Zhao her wrist-cutting scars.

Character Developments

• Chen Zhao: Reveals his exceptional reading and recall abilities, hinting at his high IQ. Shows concern for his mental health after learning about potential side effects of high intelligence.
• Axe: Reveals her high IQ (148) and membership in the HRIQ association. Shares her past mental health struggles, demonstrating her openness and willingness to help Chen Zhao.

Significant Themes

• The double-edged sword of high intelligence: While it brings exceptional abilities, it also increases the risk of mental health issues.
• The importance of peer support and integration for individuals with high intelligence.
• The potential opportunities and benefits that come with high intelligence, such as job opportunities and social connections.

Character Interactions

• Chen Zhao and Axe: Their interaction highlights Chen Zhao's exceptional abilities and Axe's genuine interest in helping him. Axe shares personal experiences to warn Chen Zhao about the potential dangers of high intelligence, fostering a sense of camaraderie.