Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The signing ceremony for the China-Russia oil and gas cooperation plan takes place.
• Wang Ye, Kasyanov, Alexei, and the delegation attend the ceremony.
• Wang Ye, Alexei, and Minister Li sign the formal contract.
• A press conference follows the ceremony.

Character Developments

• Wang Ye gains recognition and respect for his role in securing the massive deal.
• Rosiana, a Russian reporter, becomes interested in Wang Ye as a source for big stories.

Significant Themes

• The theme of international cooperation and mutual benefit is emphasized.
• The importance of the energy sector in both countries' economies is highlighted.
• The power dynamics between high-ranking officials and younger figures like Wang Ye are explored.

Character Interactions

• Wang Ye interacts with Rosiana, who is now more favorable towards him due to his achievements.
• Wang Ye, Kasyanov, and Alexei work together to sign the contract, symbolizing unity and cooperation.
• Reporters from both countries show interest in Wang Ye, indicating his growing influence and fame.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Ye (Mikhail) announces a contract worth three hundred billion USD, shocking everyone present.
• The contract's value surpasses Russia's annual GDP, highlighting its significance.
• After the signing ceremony, Wang Ye becomes the center of attention at the celebration banquet, with the Russian President expressing interest in meeting him again.

Character Developments

• Rosiana, initially prejudiced against Wang Ye, begins to see him in a new light after witnessing his accomplishment.
• Wang Ye demonstrates maturity, respectfulness, and courtesy in handling matters and interacting with others, leaving a positive impression on Wang Xueqing.

Significant Themes

• Wang Ye's extraordinary abilities and achievements at a young age.
• The impact of Wang Ye's true identity and status on those around him.
• The importance of humility and respect in leadership, as shown by Wang Ye's interactions with others.

Character Interactions

• Wang Ye and Rosiana: Their dynamic shifts as Rosiana comes to appreciate Wang Ye's capabilities.
• Wang Ye and Wang Xueqing: Wang Xueqing develops a favorable opinion of Wang Ye after observing his behavior and learning about his accomplishments.
• Wang Ye and the Russian President: They maintain a subtle, understanding relationship, with the President acknowledging Wang Ye's true identity without explicitly stating it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Ye's participation in the military parade is revealed, indicating his significant status.
• Wang Ye expresses concern about his photos from the signing ceremony being published.
• Wang Xueqing assures him that the images will not compromise his identity.
• Wang Ye and Wang Xueqing return to the state guesthouse, and she conveys a message from her superiors to Wang Ye.
• Wang Ye gives Nova and Elena time off to explore Moscow.

Character Developments

• Wang Ye demonstrates his strategic thinking and calm demeanor when discussing his business ventures with Wang Xueqing.
• Wang Xueqing shows professionalism and sincerity in her communication with Wang Ye.
• Nova exhibits sisterly concern for Wang Ye's actions, showing a protective streak.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Respect: Wang Xueqing's superiors show trust in Wang Ye by sending her to communicate with him, and Wang Ye reciprocates by assuring her of his intentions.
• Power Dynamics: The scene highlights the power dynamics between Wang Ye, Wang Xueqing, and her superiors, with Wang Ye holding a significant position.

Character Interactions

• Wang Ye and Wang Xueqing have a private, respectful conversation about their respective positions and future cooperation.
• Nova and Elena discuss their plans to explore Moscow, showing their youthful enthusiasm and camaraderie.
• Wang Ye shows care for his assistants by giving them time off to enjoy Moscow.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Ye, Kasyanov, and Alexei return from their successful overseas trip.
• Kasyanov discusses the oil and gas pipeline construction with Wang Ye and Alexei.
• Alexei mentions the National Pipeline Company's interest in collaborating on the project.
• Wang Ye expresses concerns about the company's involvement but agrees to discuss it further.
• Wang Ye returns to Moscow and receives a call from Khovchenko, inviting him to a Yukos Group board meeting to discuss the recent cooperation.

Character Developments

• Wang Ye demonstrates his political acumen by sharing credit with Kasyanov during interviews, enhancing his relationship with the Russian Prime Minister.
• Wang Ye shows caution and concern about the National Pipeline Company's potential involvement in the pipeline project, indicating his growing business acumen and awareness of potential risks.
• Kasyanov expresses satisfaction with Wang Ye's performance and is eager to push forward with the pipeline construction.
• Alexei acts as a mediator between Wang Ye and Kasyanov, suggesting collaboration with the National Pipeline Company and showing diplomatic skills.

Significant Themes

• The importance of political relationships and alliances in business, as seen in Wang Ye's handling of the interviews and his interactions with Kasyanov.
• The potential risks and benefits of collaboration, as exemplified by Wang Ye's concerns about the National Pipeline Company's involvement in the pipeline project.
• The responsibilities and expectations of leadership, as Wang Ye considers his role in the pipeline project and the Ten Years, One Hundred Billion Project in Crimea.

Character Interactions

• Wang Ye, Kasyanov, and Alexei discuss the pipeline project, showcasing their working relationship and mutual respect.
• Wang Ye and Khovchenko discuss the upcoming board meeting, highlighting their uncle-nephew relationship and Wang Ye's role within the Yukos Group.
• Wang Ye, Nova, and Elena return to Moscow together, suggesting their close relationship and Wang Ye's trust in them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Ye returns to Yukos Group headquarters, greeted enthusiastically by the directors for securing a major oil export contract to China.
• Khovchenko promotes Wang Ye to "executive director," giving him significant operational authority when absent.
• Wang Ye is granted a 3% equity stake in Yukos Group as a reward, vesting over three years.
• Khovchenko asks Wang Ye how he secured the Chinese contract, leading to a revealing conversation.

Character Developments

• Wang Ye demonstrates his strategic thinking and understanding of geopolitics, securing a crucial contract and earning a significant promotion.
• Khovchenko shows his trust in Wang Ye's abilities and willingness to delegate authority, but also reveals his naivety about geopolitical dynamics.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strategic thinking and long-term vision in business and geopolitics.
• The role of trust and relationships in securing major deals.
• The potential for conflict and instability in the global political and economic landscape.

Character Interactions

• Wang Ye and Khovchenko's relationship strengthens as the latter comes to rely more on Wang Ye's judgment and abilities.
• Wang Ye subtly educates Khovchenko about the geopolitical realities of the energy sector, hinting at potential risks and challenges.

Here is a concise summary of the chapter:

1. Key Plot Points

• Wang Ye successfully negotiates a massive oil deal (valued at $300 billion) by reframing the sale not as a commodity but as a strategic resource and national security guarantee, emphasizing the safety of pipeline transport over sea routes.
• Khovchenko, deeply moved, entrusts Yukos Group to Wang Ye, recognizing his extraordinary talent.
• Wang Ye informs Khovchenko that Gazprom and National Pipeline Group may want to join the pipeline project. Khovchenko opposes state-owned involvement, but Wang Ye sees practical benefits (easier approvals).
• Wang Ye meets with Gebliev (a Kremlin representative) for dinner, who praises his achievement and reveals that Putin himself is proud. Wang Ye explains his negotiating logic, which gives Gebliev much to ponder.
• Gebliev suggests the pipeline construction should also drive local economic development.

2. Character Developments

• Wang Ye: Demonstrates sharp strategic thinking, framing oil sales in terms of national security rather than economics. He is pragmatic, willing to share profits to reduce friction, but also cautious not to overrule Khovchenko.
• Khovchenko: Feels inferior to Wang Ye's insight, expresses regret that Wang Ye's true identity prevents him from achieving the highest political heights. Reluctantly accepts the need for state involvement, but remains skeptical of state enterprises.
• Gebliev: Impressed with Wang Ye, conveys Putin's pride, and is deeply thought-provoked by Wang Ye's unconventional perspective on global oil security.

3. Significant Themes

• National security vs. pure market economics: Oil is framed as a "lifeline" and strategic asset, not just a product.
• Geopolitical risk: The chapter highlights the vulnerability of sea transportation and foreign oil dependency.
• State vs. private enterprise: Tension between Khovchenko's distrust of state-owned companies and Wang Ye's pragmatic view of cooperation.
• Loyalty and trust: Khovchenko's deep personal regard for Wang Ye, and the implicit bond between Wang Ye and the Kremlin.

4. Character Interactions

• Wang Ye & Khovchenko: A mentor-protegé dynamic evolves into mutual respect. Khovchenko is emotionally moved, pats Wang Ye on the shoulder, and admits he feels inferior. They disagree briefly over state involvement, but Wang Ye tactfully drops the matter.
• Wang Ye & Gebliev: A warm, familiarity-laced relationship. Gebliev praises Wang Ye, then becomes introspective after hearing his strategic logic, indicating the Kremlin takes his views seriously. The dinner is private, suggesting sensitive matters are discussed.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Ye signs a massive pipeline contract, drawing envy and attention from other factions.
• Gebliev, representing the Kremlin, approaches Wang Ye to discuss cooperation on the pipeline project.
• Wang Ye learns he will stand beside Putin during the upcoming military parade.

Character Developments

• Wang Ye demonstrates political acumen by probing Gebliev about the Kremlin's stance on the pipeline project.
• Gebliev shows favor towards Wang Ye, treating him as a promising young figure.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and corruption in Russian politics.
• The struggle for control and profit in the energy sector.
• The changing of the guard in Russian politics, with younger figures like Wang Ye rising.

Character Interactions

• Wang Ye and Gebliev discuss the pipeline project, with Gebliev hinting at the Kremlin's desire for a share of the profits.
• Wang Ye seeks Gebliev's advice on the upcoming military parade, showing deference to his superior's knowledge.
• Wang Ye and Gebliev discuss the seating arrangements for the parade, with Gebliev explaining the significance of the mausoleum steps.

Brief Reference

• Wang Ye faces pressure from other factions due to his pipeline contract.
• Gebliev approaches Wang Ye on behalf of the Kremlin, seeking cooperation on the pipeline project.
• Wang Ye learns he will stand beside Putin during the military parade and seeks advice from Gebliev on the event's protocol.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Ye returns to work at the Duma after handling Yukos Group affairs.
• Elena briefs him on his packed schedule, including meetings, a military parade, and a trip to the Black Sea Shipyard.
• Wang Ye is summoned by Speaker Gryzlov, who wants to discuss a legislative proposal.

Character Developments

• Wang Ye: Realizes the extent of his influence and responsibility, feeling overwhelmed.
• Gryzlov: Recognizes Wang Ye's growing power and seeks his support for a legislative proposal.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and influence within the Duma.
• Wang Ye's growing responsibility and awareness of his impact on others.

Character Interactions

• Wang Ye and Elena: Wang Ye expresses his frustration with his busy schedule to his assistant.
• Wang Ye and Gryzlov: The Speaker seeks Wang Ye's support for a legislative proposal, acknowledging Wang Ye's growing influence. Wang Ye is surprised and slightly overwhelmed by Gryzlov's recognition of his power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Ye, initially disinterested in politics, becomes a Duma deputy and a member of the Economic Committee, with a close relationship to the Kremlin.
• He becomes the next-generation successor of the third-largest faction in the Duma.
• Abramovich, previously considered the hope of the third faction, resigns and goes into self-imposed exile in Chukotka.
• Wang Ye (as Mikhail) bursts onto the political scene, becoming the youngest high-level politician, securing a massive deal, and becoming the focal figure of the media.

Character Developments

• Wang Ye is reluctantly drawn into politics, feeling helpless and out of control.
• Gryzlov understands Wang Ye's situation and tries to reassure him about his advantageous position.
• Abramovich's resignation causes anxiety among the third faction members, leading to Wang Ye's rise as their new hope.

Significant Themes

• Fate and destiny: Wang Ye feels that his political involvement is beyond his control, a result of fate's arrangement.
• Wealth and power: The factions in the Duma are largely influenced by the wealth of their members, with oligarchs holding significant sway.
• Ambition and responsibility: Wang Ye's ambition brings him into politics, but he also feels the weight of responsibility and the expectations of others.

Character Interactions

• Wang Ye and Gryzlov: They have a mentor-mentee relationship, with Gryzlov providing guidance and understanding to Wang Ye.
• Wang Ye and the third faction: Wang Ye's support is crucial for the faction's legislative proposals, making him a key figure despite his reluctance.
• Wang Ye, Ruan Xiaozhu, and Nalan Yaqi: Wang Ye plans to meet his cousin and "secret girlfriend" for lunch to catch up after being busy with political affairs.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Ye returns from an overseas visit, and Ruan Xiaozhu and Nalan Yaqi wait for him at a French restaurant in Moscow.
• Wang Ye joins them, and they start ordering food, enjoying the view of Red Square through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
• A Russian couple sitting nearby is disturbed by Nalan Yaqi's laughter, and the man mutters something displeasing.

Character Developments

• Wang Ye has become more successful and confident, having started an overseas study agency and expanded his business.
• Nalan Yaqi has become more comfortable with her relationship with Wang Ye, showing less concern for academics and more for their shared life.
• Ruan Xiaozhu remains close to Wang Ye, acting as a confidante and friend.

Significant Themes

• Change and Growth: Wang Ye's transformation from a rustic youth to a successful businessman in just one year.
• Cultural Differences: The contrast between the Chinese characters and the Russian couple highlights potential cultural misunderstandings.
• Power Dynamics: Wang Ye's position as a successful businessman allows him to treat his bodyguards well, reflecting his growing influence.

Character Interactions

• Wang Ye, Ruan Xiaozhu, and Nalan Yaqi: They share a close bond, with open communication and mutual respect. They enjoy each other's company and can discuss Wang Ye's affairs freely.
• Wang Ye and the Russian Man: Their interaction is minimal, but the Russian man's muttered remark angers Wang Ye, hinting at potential conflict.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Ye overhears a man insulting him and his companions racially.
• Wang Ye confronts the man, who becomes aggressive and threatens to call the police.
• Seryozha, Wang Ye's associate, intervenes by pouring beer over the man and hitting him with a beer bottle.
• The man calls the police, and two officers arrive. The man points out Wang Ye and Seryozha as the culprits.

Character Developments

• Wang Ye: Shows calm composure and willingness to stand up against racial insults. He's not afraid of confrontation and has a high tolerance for unreasonable behavior.
• Seryozha: Demonstrates loyalty and quick action in supporting Wang Ye. He's not afraid of physical altercations and is willing to take the lead in such situations.
• The Russian Man (Andrew): Initially arrogant and racist, he becomes aggressive and threatening when confronted. He uses his influence to call the police.

Significant Themes

• Standing Up Against Racism: Wang Ye's immediate response to the racial insults highlights his zero-tolerance policy against such behavior.
• Loyalty and Support: Seryozha's quick action in supporting Wang Ye showcases their strong bond and mutual trust.
• Power Dynamics: The Russian man's initial arrogance and subsequent reliance on police support illustrate the power dynamics at play.

Character Interactions

• Wang Ye and the Russian Man: Their interaction is tense and confrontational, with Wang Ye showing no fear and the man becoming increasingly aggressive.
• Wang Ye and Seryozha: Their silent understanding and immediate action demonstrate their strong bond and shared mindset.
• Wang Ye and Nalan Yaqi/Ruan Xiaozhu: They watch the scene unfold with concern, showing their trust in Wang Ye's ability to handle the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A Russian police captain arrives at the restaurant, suspecting Wang Ye of assault.
• Wang Ye refuses to cooperate, asking the captain to show his ID first.
• The captain reveals his identity, and Wang Ye shows his Duma deputy ID.
• The captain recognizes Wang Ye and becomes flustered.

Character Developments

• Wang Ye remains calm and composed, not revealing his identity until necessary.
• The Russian captain initially acts arrogantly but becomes respectful and fearful upon learning Wang Ye's status.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the abuse of authority.
• The prejudice against Asians and Chinese people in Russia.
• The importance of identity and status in Russian society.

Character Interactions

• Wang Ye and the Russian captain: Wang Ye asserts his authority and dignity, while the captain initially acts arrogantly but later shows deference.
• Wang Ye and Andrew: Wang Ye remains calm and composed, while Andrew acts arrogantly and disrespectfully.
• Wang Ye and his bodyguards: Wang Ye signals his bodyguards not to act rashly, showing his leadership and control over the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mikhail (Wang Ye), a prominent Duma committee member, is mistaken for an ordinary person by a police officer who tries to arrest him.
• Mikhail's security personnel intervene, leading to the officer realizing his mistake and apologizing.
• A businessman, Andrew, is involved in a dispute with Mikhail's security, leading to his arrest for cursing at Mikhail.

Character Developments

• Mikhail (Wang Ye): Maintains composure and uses his influence subtly to resolve the situation.
• The Police Officer: Realizes his mistake, becomes subservient, and tries to shift blame onto Andrew.
• Andrew: Initially confrontational, becomes timid and compliant after realizing Mikhail's status.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and corruption: Those in power are treated differently and with deference.
• The law's selective application: Laws are enforced differently based on one's status and connections.
• The influence of wealth and status: Mikhail's wealth and political status afford him special treatment.

Character Interactions

• Mikhail (Wang Ye) vs. The Police Officer: Wang Ye uses his influence to subtly control the situation, while the officer becomes subservient and tries to shift blame.
• Mikhail (Wang Ye) vs. Andrew: Andrew's initial confrontation turns to timidity and compliance upon realizing Wang Ye's status.
• The Police Officer vs. Andrew: The officer uses Andrew as a scapegoat to appease Wang Ye and avoid blame.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Ye, a Duma deputy, reassures Ruan Xiaozhu and Nalan Yaqi that he has immunity and nothing to worry about after a minor incident.
• Wang Ye mentions he will take delivery of a batch of warships at the Black Sea Shipyard on the 15th, inviting Ruan Xiaozhu and Nalan Yaqi to join him.
• Wang Ye reveals he has ordered a private jet for personal use, which will be delivered soon.

Character Developments

• Wang Ye: Displayed his power and influence as a Duma deputy, showing he has immunity and is untouchable by law. He also demonstrated his humility and awareness of his past achievements, acknowledging that his success was not handed to him but earned through hard work.
• Ruan Xiaozhu: Showed her capability and dedication in managing two companies founded by Wang Ye. She also displayed her practical mindset, questioning the necessity of a private jet.
• Nalan Yaqi: Exhibited her dreamy and romantic nature, looking forward to a Titanic-like experience on the warship. She also showed her eagerness to ride in Wang Ye's private jet.

Significant Themes

• Power and Influence: Wang Ye's position as a Duma deputy granted him immunity and power, reflecting the theme of influence and its consequences.
• Wealth and Luxury: The discussion about Wang Ye's private jet highlights the theme of wealth and the luxuries it can afford.
• Achieving Success: Wang Ye's journey from founding a study-abroad company to his current success underscores the theme of achieving success through hard work and seizing opportunities.

Character Interactions

• Wang Ye, Ruan Xiaozhu, and Nalan Yaqi interact casually, with Wang Ye reassuring the women and sharing his plans. Ruan Xiaozhu and Nalan Yaqi express their eagerness to join him on his trip and experience his private jet. Wang Ye patiently explains the differences between a private jet and a passenger plane to Ruan Xiaozhu.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Ye returns to work after lunch, where he receives a report from a police precinct chief about the handling of the restaurant incident involving Andrew.
• Andrew is detained on charges of "threatening a political figure" and will be prosecuted.
• The precinct chief who appeared at the scene is internally demoted.
• Wang Ye meets Yevgeny, the chief of the Moscow Police Seventh Precinct, and keeps his contact information for future use.

Character Developments

• Wang Ye demonstrates his power and influence by having the police precinct chief report directly to him and by knowing high-ranking officials like Vladimir.
• Yevgeny, the precinct chief, shows ambition and a desire to climb the ranks, hoping to gain Wang Ye's favor.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and influence in Russian politics.
• The importance of connections and patronage in career advancement.
• The struggle to revive Russia's light industry.

Character Interactions

• Wang Ye interacts with Yevgeny, showing him respect and appreciation for his impartial enforcement of the law, while also subtly hinting at potential future opportunities.
• Wang Ye and Gryzlov have a humorous exchange about the possibility of forming a light industry joint group, with Wang Ye expressing his reluctance to take on more responsibilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Economic Committee discusses regulating light industrial product imports, focusing on major markets like Wang Ye's New Sun Market and ACT Market.
• Gryzlov proposes a joint operation by tax authorities and the Ministry of Internal Affairs to shut down ACT Market due to its poor quality and illegal goods.
• Wang Ye suggests giving ACT Market's management a chance to rectify the issues before the operation.

Character Developments

• Wang Ye shows concern for his old acquaintance, Mailov, who runs ACT Market, and tries to help him despite the potential risks.
• Gryzlov reveals his determination to shut down ACT Market, hinting at a larger conflict behind the scenes.

Significant Themes

• Corruption and power struggles within the Russian government.
• The potential consequences of Wang Ye's involvement in the operation and his reluctance to get entangled in the conflict.

Character Interactions

• Wang Ye and Gryzlov have a tense exchange, with Gryzlov trying to persuade Wang Ye to command the operation and Wang Ye refusing due to his busy schedule and intuition about the trouble behind the incident.
• Other committee members express their eagerness to take on the operation, highlighting the potential profits involved in seizing and disposing of ACT Market's goods.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Economic Committee unanimously votes to shut down ACT Market.
• The operation is scheduled for that night to prevent ACT from moving goods.
• Wang Ye decides to buy ACT and Lyublino Markets to monopolize wholesale markets in Russia.

Character Developments

• Wang Ye shows strategic thinking and business acumen by proposing to buy ACT and Lyublino Markets to avoid future issues and maintain a monopoly.
• Gryzlov demonstrates his influence and power by arranging the operation and supporting Wang Ye's proposal.

Significant Themes

• Power and Influence: Gryzlov's ability to arrange the operation and Wang Ye's proposal to buy ACT and Lyublino Markets highlight their power and influence.
• Monopoly and Control: The chapter explores the theme of monopoly and control, with Wang Ye aiming to monopolize wholesale markets in Russia.

Character Interactions

• Wang Ye and Gryzlov discuss the market situation and Wang Ye's proposal to buy ACT and Lyublino Markets, leading to a mutual agreement.
• Merchants outside ACT Market discuss the sudden closure, expressing fear and uncertainty about their own markets.

Key Plot Points and Events

• ACT Market is sealed off by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
• Wang Ye reveals to Boss Kong that New Sun Group will acquire and manage all wholesale distribution markets in Russia dealing in imported products.
• Mailov, from ACT Group, visits Wang Ye to seek help for ACT Market's situation.

Character Developments

• Wang Ye demonstrates his growing power and influence, making decisions that affect major markets and businesses.
• Mailov shows desperation and willingness to make deals to save his business.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and corruption in Russian politics and business.
• The consequences of operating in grey areas of the law.
• The potential benefits and drawbacks of monopolies.

Character Interactions

• Wang Ye and Boss Kong: Wang Ye shares confidential information with Boss Kong, who is shocked by Wang Ye's growing power.
• Wang Ye and Mailov: Wang Ye refuses to help Mailov directly but offers to buy ACT Market from him, leaving Mailov to consider the potential benefits and losses.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mikhail offers to buy ACT Market at a low price, raising Mailov's suspicion.
• Mailov, after considering Mikhail's wealth and recent deals, dismisses the idea of foul play.
• Wang Ye reveals a new law passed by the Duma, requiring markets without import franchise rights to shut down.
• Mailov sells ACT Market to New Sun Group for $100 million.
• New Sun Group monopolizes Moscow's wholesale distribution market after acquiring ACT Market and Lyublino.
• Wang Ye plans to redesign the markets: Old ACT Market for traditional goods, Lyublino for electronics.

Character Developments

• Mailov: Initially suspicious of Mikhail's offer, he eventually accepts the sale of ACT Market to Wang Ye, deciding to focus on real estate and hotels.
• Wang Ye: Shows strategic thinking in acquiring ACT Market and planning its redesign, demonstrating his business acumen.

Significant Themes

• Business Acumen: Wang Ye's ability to recognize opportunities and make strategic decisions.
• Adaptability: Mailov's acceptance of the market's closure and his decision to shift ACT Group's focus to real estate.
• Monopolization: New Sun Group's acquisition of ACT Market and Lyublino leads to a monopoly in Moscow's wholesale distribution market.

Character Interactions

• Mailov and Wang Ye: Their negotiation leads to Mailov selling ACT Market to New Sun Group, with Wang Ye offering a fair price.
• Wang Ye and the merchants: The merchants are anxious about the fate of New Sun Market following ACT Market's closure, highlighting their dependence on Wang Ye's protection.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Guangming, now managing New Sun Market Phases One, Two, and Three, reassures shop owners about the market's safety.
• New Sun Group becomes the only legally operating wholesale market, acquiring ACT Market and Lyublino Market.
• Wang Ye is invited to attend the May 9 military parade as a "core figure" and sits on the central viewing stand.

Character Developments

• Zhang Guangming has become a prominent figure in the Big Market, managing three phases of New Sun Market with strict rules and increased rents.
• Wang Ye is recognized as a significant figure in Russia, invited to sit on the central viewing stand during the military parade.

Significant Themes

• Power and influence: Wang Ye's invitation to the parade highlights his growing status in Russia.
• Business expansion: New Sun Group's acquisition of ACT and Lyublino markets signals its growing dominance in the wholesale market sector.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Guangming reassures shop owners about the market's safety, demonstrating his confidence in Wang Ye's backing.
• Alexei informs Wang Ye about issues with the oil and gas contract, showing their close business relationship.