Chapter Summaries

Ji Yanzhi traveled to the research base to reunite with Ji Ting after two years apart, arriving worried and angry about Ji Ting’s injured hand. Their reunion ended with Ji Ting misunderstanding Ji Yanzhi’s jealous remark as a joke.

• Ji Yanzhi handed remaining work to Yu Lin, packed food and supplies, and left for the air force airport.
• Ji Ting had his hair trimmed while Zhou Zhenguo and Director Chang prepared to escort him to C Corridor.
• Ji Yanzhi arrived by helicopter and immediately asked about Ji Ting’s braced right hand.
• After Zhou Zhenguo and Director Chang left, Ji Yanzhi embraced Ji Ting, and they spoke about how they had changed during their separation.
• Ji Yanzhi teased that Ji Ting might stop loving him as he aged, and Ji Ting laughed, thinking he had told a joke.

Ji Ting explained to Ji Yanzhi why he had agreed to the dangerous fusion experiment and how he injured his shoulder, while Ji Yanzhi confronted him over risking his life. The argument ended with Ji Ting awkwardly calling Ji Yanzhi “B-baby?”

• Ji Ting brought Ji Yanzhi to his underground research facility and led him to his room.
• Ji Ting explained that he had opposed the fusion experiment but agreed after sixty-seven academicians volunteered to share responsibility.
• Ji Yanzhi challenged Ji Ting for taking part in the experiment, and Ji Ting explained that he could not demand others abandon a theory he had once pursued himself.
• Ji Ting revealed that his shoulder was dislocated when the escape capsule’s shock-absorption system malfunctioned during landing.
• Ji Yanzhi compared Ji Ting’s decision to secretly joining a dangerous crash test, making Ji Ting understand how his actions had frightened him.
• Ji Ting tried to appease Ji Yanzhi and awkwardly called him “B-baby?”

Ji Ting and Ji Yanzhi reaffirmed their bond, and Ji Yanzhi promised to share the risks of Ji Ting’s dangerous research. After Ji Ting fell asleep, Ji Yanzhi left the dormitory and appeared at the nuclear physics institute’s canteen, where the academicians wondered who he was.

• Ji Ting called Ji Yanzhi his stable particle, and Ji Yanzhi said he would face any future dangers alongside him.
• Ji Ting promised not to do anything dangerous again, and the two discussed Shili’s second-generation cars and Ji Ting’s offer to have scientists review the project data.
• Ji Yanzhi and Ji Ting prepared for bed, and Ji Ting quickly fell asleep in Ji Yanzhi’s arms.
• Ji Yanzhi quietly left the dormitory with a suitcase, spoke with Qiao Hansong for over an hour, and went to the canteen.
• Academician Feng, Academician Li, and Academician Zheng speculated about Ji Yanzhi’s identity.

Ji Yanzhi joined the nuclear research institute and let a group of academicians believe he might be persuaded to leave Chief Engineer Ji’s team. When Ji Ting arrived, Ji Yanzhi introduced himself as his older brother, and Ji Ting corrected him by saying he was the man Ji Ting planned to marry.

• The academicians realized Ji Yanzhi might be a rare young researcher and began questioning him about his education and research.
• Ji Yanzhi told Academician Li that he had studied abroad and had been transferred because of Chief Engineer Ji, prompting the academics to warn him about Ji Ting’s demanding work habits.
• The academicians tried to recruit Ji Yanzhi to their own groups while he kept steering their conversation back to Ji Ting.
• Ji Ting woke to find water, a note, and clothes Ji Yanzhi had prepared for him, then went to the cafeteria.
• Ji Ting heard Academician Zheng recount how Chief Engineer Ji had dismissed his work, and Ji Yanzhi formally introduced himself as Ji Ting’s older brother.
• Ji Ting said Ji Yanzhi used to be his older brother but was now the man he would marry.

Ji Yanzhi and Ji Ting cleared up the academicians’ misunderstanding about their relationship, then shared a meal that reminded Ji Ting of his aunt’s cooking. After Ji Ting described the base’s nuclear defenses and returned from the testing grounds, the pair settled in for the night, where Ji Ting was left wanting more than one kiss.

• Ji Ting confronted Ji Yanzhi for hiding their relationship, and Ji Yanzhi apologized for worrying that the academicians might judge him.
• Director Chang clarified that Ji Ting and Ji Yanzhi were not related by blood, easing the academicians’ concerns as they returned to work.
• Ji Yanzhi brought Ji Ting fried chicken legs made by Chef Liu, and Ji Ting said they tasted like the ones his aunt had made before finishing all six.
• Ji Ting explained the base’s missile defenses and nuclear counterattack policy, then teased Ji Yanzhi by asking if he wanted to see a nuclear bomb before refusing.
• Ji Ting was called to the testing grounds, while Zhou Zhenguo arranged a tour of the base for Ji Yanzhi.
• After Ji Ting returned that night, Ji Yanzhi dried his hair and kissed him good night, leaving Ji Ting disappointed that he had received only one kiss.

Ji Yanzhi and Ji Ting grew closer while Ji Ting recovered from his injury, and Ji Ting revealed that he had anticipated the experiment’s explosion before presenting the team with data for the next phase. After Qiao Hansong mentioned Ji Ting’s likely Nobel nomination, Ji Ting focused on making Huaguo a leader in controlled nuclear fusion and science.

• Ji Ting persuaded Ji Yanzhi to help with his rehabilitation, and the two spent the night together.
• Ji Ting arrived late to the morning meeting and explained that he had predicted the experiment’s explosion and prepared an Escape Capsule in advance.
• Ji Ting opened more than five thousand sets of plasma turbulence simulation data and assigned the engineering and materials teams their next tasks.
• Ji Yanzhi brought breakfast for Ji Ting, and Qiao Hansong told Ji Ting he was likely to be nominated for the Nobel Prize in Physics.
• Ji Ting said successful controlled nuclear fusion would let Huaguo establish the standards of science and redefine its highest honor.

Ji Ting asked senior academicians to review technical data for Ji Yanzhi’s car, then realized they did not resent his demanding work. Ji Yanzhi recognized that Ji Ting had gone to them for his sake, and the chapter ended with Ji Ting offering him his wrist instead of his neck.

• Ji Yanzhi obtained permission from Zhou Zhenguo to request internal technical data, then gave the compiled files to Ji Ting.
• Ji Ting sorted the data onto eight USB drives and asked Ji Yanzhi to have Uncle Chang review the radar information.
• Ji Ting sought help from Academician Qi and Academician Zhao, offering favors in return for their technical reviews.
• Ji Ting told Ji Yanzhi that he had thought the academicians disliked him, and Ji Yanzhi reassured him that they understood him.
• Ji Yanzhi realized Ji Ting had asked the academicians for help with his data despite worrying they might demand a favor, and teased that Ji Ting would spoil him.
• When Ji Yanzhi nuzzled his neck, Ji Ting warned him about the medical risks and offered his wrist as an alternative.

Ji Yanzhi and Ji Ting shared an affectionate farewell during Ji Yanzhi’s family visit leave, which ended earlier than he expected. On the flight back to Jing City, Ji Yanzhi learned of looming international sanctions against Shili and suggested that its room-temperature superconducting materials could give it leverage.

• Ji Ting playfully bit a watch face onto Ji Yanzhi’s wrist, and Ji Yanzhi kissed him before carrying him toward the bathroom.
• Ji Yanzhi learned that Ji Ting was trapped in the lab by magnetic mirror assembly repairs and left the base without seeing him again.
• Ji Yanzhi boarded a plane to Jing City with Qiao Hansong, Director Chang, and the secretary-general, leaving Ji Ting’s compiled research revisions in his suitcase.
• Qiao Hansong told Ji Yanzhi that the United States and seven EU member states were preparing a new round of sanctions against Shili, including a global ban on Shili chips.
• Ji Yanzhi argued that Shili’s room-temperature superconducting materials could give it leverage and mocked the idea that the EU would seek peace only when Shili gained the upper hand.

Ji Ting found Ji Yanzhi had left him a loving letter before departing, while Ji Yanzhi led Shili Group’s response to the United States’ latest sanctions. The chapter ended with Ji Yanzhi using a press conference to pressure countries to oppose the sanctions or risk losing access to LS-2 materials.

• Ji Ting realized he had missed dinner with Ji Yanzhi, hurried to the dormitory, and found that Ji Yanzhi had left; he read his lover’s letter and promised to show him the mint when it matured.
• After arriving back from his trip, Ji Yanzhi convened Shili Group’s strategy department and submitted a plan for responding to the expected US sanctions.
• Ji Yanzhi chose Yu Lin to speak at a press conference, agreeing to appear himself for ten minutes and answer three questions.
• When the United States imposed its eleventh round of sanctions, Shili announced it would stop exporting LS-2 materials to the United States and its military allies, and required prospective buyers to submit a statement opposing semiconductor bullying.
• At the press conference, Ji Yanzhi challenged the US reporter’s accusation of coercion and told the European Union that cooperation depended on how quickly it lifted its sanctions.
• Ji Yanzhi said countries that did not submit statements within seventy-two hours would have their advance orders converted to auction bids, warning that Huaguo despised fence-sitters.

After Ji Yanzhi handed Wang Mian a data drive, he went to Shen Mu Lan’s home for dinner, where Shen Mu Lan watched the press conference with Sun Ye and reminisced about becoming Ji Yanzhi’s friend. The conversation turned to Shen Mu Lan’s admiration for Xiao Ting, and Sun Ye agreed that Xiao Ting was someone anyone could fall for.

• Ji Yanzhi gave Wang Mian a data drive and told him to examine its contents without asking questions.
• Ji Yanzhi called Shen Mu Lan and arranged to come over for dinner.
• Sun Ye arrived at Shen Mu Lan’s home with ingredients for hot pot and learned Ji Yanzhi was expected.
• Shen Mu Lan replayed Ji Yanzhi’s press conference with Sun Ye and told him how food had turned an awkward first meeting into friendship.
• Shen Mu Lan said he would be willing to date Xiao Ting, and Sun Ye agreed that Xiao Ting was attractive and capable.

Ji Yanzhi teased Shen Mu Lan about his closeness with Sun Ye, then privately urged Sun Ye to pretend to be drunk so Shen Mu Lan would recognize his feelings. Sun Ye remained patient and said he wanted Shen Mu Lan to be sure of his own feelings.

• Ji Yanzhi arrived at Shen Mu Lan's home with wine and joined Shen Mu Lan and Sun Ye for lamb hot pot.
• Ji Yanzhi teased Shen Mu Lan about Sun Ye's frequent visits, while Sun Ye treated Shen Mu Lan attentively during dinner.
• Shen Mu Lan confronted Ji Yanzhi in the kitchen and insisted he stop implying that he and Sun Ye were more than friends.
• Ji Yanzhi hinted that Sun Ye traveled a long way to visit, making Shen Mu Lan visibly uneasy.
• Ji Yanzhi asked Sun Ye whether he still liked Shen Mu Lan, and Sun Ye said his feelings had grown stronger.
• Ji Yanzhi suggested Sun Ye pretend to be drunk to help Shen Mu Lan recognize his feelings sooner.

Ji Yanzhi tried to help Sun Ye pursue Shen Mu Lan by getting them to drink together, then revealed that Sun Ye liked him. Shen Mu Lan collapsed as if drunk, and Ji Yanzhi left Sun Ye to look after him, though Shen Mu Lan could hold his liquor far better than anyone realized.

• Ji Yanzhi teased Sun Ye about pursuing someone and told Shen Mu Lan that Sun Ye had someone he liked.
• Shen Mu Lan and Sun Ye drank champagne and plum wine while Ji Yanzhi watched for Sun Ye to get drunk.
• Ji Yanzhi told Shen Mu Lan that Sun Ye liked him, and Shen Mu Lan swayed and collapsed beside the sofa.
• Sun Ye returned from the restroom, settled Shen Mu Lan safely on the sofa, and agreed to stay and look after him.
• Ji Yanzhi left to cross the street to his State Security Bureau colleagues, while Shen Mu Lan remained with Sun Ye despite being able to drink until dawn without getting drunk.

Ji Yanzhi learned that international opposition to semiconductor sanctions had accelerated and that the United States was seeking to bring Ji Ting back into the spotlight. Later, Shen Mu Lan called from the police station after Sun Ye beat up Meng Yunji.

• Director Feng told Ji Yanzhi that seven European Union countries had left the sanctions coalition, NATO countries had issued statements, and Egypt had lowered tariffs on ships carrying Huaguo's LS-2 material.
• Director Feng said the United States had withdrawn its sanctions order and wanted its vice president to visit Huaguo and present Ji Ting with an award, but Ji Ting refused after asking whether accepting it would benefit the country or Shili.
• Director Feng warned Ji Yanzhi to be careful in private, and Ji Yanzhi asked when Ji Ting would return.
• Ji Yanzhi sent two Antarctic emperor crabs to Shen Mu Lan and shared the rest with his staff.
• Shen Mu Lan called Ji Yanzhi from Shangyuan Road Police Station and said Sun Ye had beaten Meng Yunji, who had called the police.

Ji Yanzhi and Shen Mu Lan feared Sun Ye would face charges after striking Meng Yunji, until State Security Bureau officers intervened and Meng Yunji was arrested. Sun Ye revealed the incident had been a sting operation, then warned Meng Yunji to stay away from Shen Mu Lan.

• Ji Yanzhi met Shen Mu Lan and Lawyer Li at the police station, where they learned Meng Yunji’s bottle contained only mineral water and Sun Ye might be charged with intentional bodily injury.
• Shen Mu Lan wanted to confront Meng Yunji, but Ji Yanzhi stopped him and said the Meng Family would not dare offend him.
• Zhang Jian arrived with two photographers in custody, and State Security Bureau officers escorted them inside the station.
• Sun Ye emerged from the station, followed by Meng Yunji in handcuffs.
• Sun Ye told Meng Yunji that the bureau had conducted a lawful sting operation in a national-security case and threatened to shoot him if he targeted Shen Mu Lan again.

After Shen Mu Lan learned that Sun Ye had liked him for years, Ji Yanzhi and Zhang Jian explained how Sun Ye’s investigation uncovered Meng Yunji’s scheme. Ji Yanzhi urged Shen Mu Lan to stop letting his old relationship trap him, leaving Shen Mu Lan on the verge of answering.

• Ji Yanzhi teased Shen Mu Lan about Sun Ye’s feelings, and Zhang Jian delivered Sun Ye’s message that he would visit the next morning.
• Zhang Jian explained that Sun Ye had traced suspicious visitors from the hot pot restaurant to Meng Yunji’s conspiracy and had waited outside the police station to catch them.
• Shen Mu Lan realized Meng Yunji had drugged his drink while targeting Ji Yanzhi, mistaking Liao Kai for him.
• Ji Yanzhi teased Shen Mu Lan about Sun Ye and then told him to move on from his old relationship with Meng Yunji.
• Ji Yanzhi told Shen Mu Lan to change his restaurant’s name, and Shen Mu Lan began to speak.

Ji Ting found a new research direction after Dr. Xie explained her confinement-field idea and showed him a squishy toy. He hurried with her to the Laboratory to pursue the fractal compression resistance principle.

• Ji Yanzhi asked Zhang Jian for a copy of the police station lobby surveillance footage.
• The research team’s thirty-seventh simulation failed, while Ji Ting remained alone in the sunroom thinking about the confinement field.
• Dr. Xie told Ji Ting her idea for using rapid freezing and quantum tunneling to create the confinement field, and he explained that Academician Cao had proposed a similar approach but current materials could not withstand it.
• Dr. Xie demonstrated how her squishy toy changed shape under pressure, prompting Ji Ting to identify the fractal compression resistance principle.
• Ji Ting ordered Dr. Xie to come with him to the Laboratory, and she hurried after him.

Ji Ting and the academicians spent a day and night testing a new fractal compression-resistance configuration, then activated the Final Constraint Field and produced a powerful blue phenomenon. More than ten days later, Huaguo proceeded with its superconducting-material auction despite U.S. pressure, and Ji Yanzhi hinted to the visiting U.S. vice president that Ji Ting was pursuing technology beyond the current generation.

• Dr. Xie brought a squishy toy to the institute, and Academician Chen recognized its structure as a model of fractal compression resistance.
• Ji Ting ordered the academicians to run the new configuration, and they devoted all their computing power to it through a day and night of work.
• Ji Ting ordered the Final Constraint Field activated, and a deep blue light on the main screen erupted into a contained, blazing blue sun.
• After the United States expected Huaguo to postpone its auction, the Shili Group sold South Korea's ls-2 priority purchasing rights to Saudi Arabia at a record price.
• During the U.S. vice president's visit, he asked Ji Yanzhi how far Ji Ting had advanced, and Ji Yanzhi suggested that Ji Ting was pursuing technology beyond the vice president's expectations.

Vice President Bennett arranged for Professor Bergman to share Ji Ting’s award and deliver a speech that belittled his breakthrough. Ji Yanzhi remained composed at the ceremony, but Bergman’s warning about a genius’s downfall left the insult hanging in the air.

• Bennett summoned Professor Bergman and planned to humiliate Ji Yanzhi at the award ceremony.
• Ji Yanzhi arrived at the ceremony, where Lu Yongkang told him a minor schedule change would delay his appearance.
• Bennett announced that Bergman would share Ji Ting’s award in the name of international science, and Ji Yanzhi applauded without showing anger.
• Bennett presented the medal to Bergman, who also took the opportunity to give an acceptance speech.
• Bergman praised Ji Ting’s discovery before suggesting that a young genius might mistake a lucky shortcut for full understanding and suffer a downfall.

Ji Ting arrived at the awards ceremony and accepted the medal with deliberate indifference after Bergman insulted him and Ji Yanzhi. He then summoned Bergman to the stage and began addressing him, leaving the hall braced for confrontation.

• Bergman delivered a pointed speech about Ji Ting, and Lu Yongkang stopped Ji Yanzhi from rushing to the stage by reminding him of a promised surprise.
• Ji Ting entered the Great Hall, exchanged a brief look with Ji Yanzhi, and walked onto the stage as reporters crowded him with cameras.
• Ji Ting took the medal and put it in his coat pocket, then skipped the planned formalities and accepted a bouquet from the protocol attendant.
• Ji Ting asked Bennett for permission to give his acceptance speech, then invited Professor Theodore Bergman onto the stage.
• Bergman remained frozen in his seat, and Ji Ting said he would respect Bergman's choice not to come up but asked him to listen carefully.

Ji Ting publicly exposed a systematic flaw in Professor Bergman’s theory, linking it to major errors in American superconducting-material screening. Bergman collapsed under the revelation as Ji Ting called his warning an insignificant gift from Huaguo’s scientists.

• Ji Ting challenged Bergman’s claim of scientific breakthroughs, and Bergman defended his career and the influence of his Werner-Bergman correction theory.
• Academicians at Primordial Base watched the exchange and recalled that Ji Ting had reverse-derived Bergman’s theory in seventeen minutes.
• Ji Ting identified the theory’s Gaussian approximation assumption as systematically inaccurate for many strongly correlated systems.
• Ji Ting presented precise discrepancies and said the resulting errors had caused at least seventeen percent of Bergman’s screening projects to misclassify or omit materials.
• Vice President Bennett blamed Bergman for the United States’ failure to lead in room-temperature superconductivity, while Bergman turned ashen and collapsed into his chair.
• Ji Ting said Huaguo’s scientists were giving Bergman an insignificant little gift by pointing out the flaw ahead of time.