Jiang Yiming is reborn from ten years in the future, returning to November 23, 2024, three days before the civil service written exam. He confirms that he has been reborn when his bodily scars disappear and the date on his phone checks out. Memories of ten years in the official world flood back in full: the written exam answers, the interviewers' preferences, the power structure in Qingxi Town, and everyone's secrets. He writes eleven pages of crucial information in a black notebook, from disputed aptitude-test questions to Zhou Jianguo's chain of backroom dealings. He draws two stars next to Qin Siyuan's name, and writes on the last line, "This time, I won't make the same mistake." He finds Zhao Mingyuan listed as "Brother Mingyuan" in Lin Wanqing's phone contacts, along with a note hinting at a crossed-out "down payment on a house." On the way to the dumpling dinner at the Lin home, he receives a WeChat message from Lin Wanqing: Zhao Mingyuan is already on his way.
