Da Shi stumbled upon another lifeless scientist, adorned with the enigmatic golden headgear. Meanwhile, within the confines of Jack's abode, Auggie's gaze fell upon the headgear that had claimed Vera's life. Her anger boiled over as she confronted Jin and Jack, berating them for their indulgence in this perilous VR game. Despite Jin's concession to desist, the duo found themselves increasingly entranced by their virtual quest.
Together, they once again ventured into the realm of VR, encountering the young girl who had persistently begged them to safeguard her existence. This time, their emperor demanded explanations from Jin and Jack regarding the behavior of the suns. Jin's astronomical observations and theories revealed startling insights; her recorded data hinted that their planet might be a part of a complex three-body star system. This revelation unleashed a cascade of potential challenges and consequences, including the potential for chaotic orbital dynamics if their world was subjected to the gravitational pull of multiple suns.
Jin's journey was fraught with conspiracy, fire, and looming doom as she navigated a world in upheaval. She uncovered the truth about the three-star system and collaborated with fellow scientists, harnessing the intricate structure of the abacus to devise a solution. The skies darkened as the suns aligned in an eclipse, ushering in extreme temperatures and a shift in gravity. The narrative unfolded with suspense and unexpected twists, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.
Da Shi, cognizant of the game's gravity, briefed his senior officer, Thomas Wade, on the intricacies of the VR headgear. He explained its fundamental structure and the vast amount of biometric data it collected. Thomas saw it as a powerful tool for recruiting brilliant minds, but for what purpose remained a mystery. Meanwhile, Denys Porlock threatened Auggie with visa revocation if she abandoned her nanotech research. However, the countdown resumed as soon as she resumed her work, adding to the mounting tension.
Within the VR game's narrative, Jin and Jack delved deeper into the enigmatic three-body problem, encountering Sophon, Tatiana, and the Follower. They were drawn into a complex puzzle that held the fate of civilizations in its grasp. Facing the daunting reality that fleeing might be their only option, the extraterrestrials sought Jin and Jack's assistance. Tatiana revealed that these beings and their problems were real, calling themselves the San-ti, or Three Body People, who were approaching Earth with their interstellar fleet. Jack, however, refused to be a part of their mission.
Returning home, Jack found his phone devoid of any network connection. As he wandered through his house in search of a signal, Tatiana materialized before him, choking the life out of him. Alarmingly, Da Shi, who had been keeping tabs on Jack's movements, failed to witness the horrific scene even through the glass.
The tale also introduces Mike Evans, a powerful tycoon in the oil industry, who crossed paths with Ye Wanjie in China and embarked on an uncharted journey. Evans hired an employee to monitor VR game activities, engaging in profound discussions with extraterrestrials. These aliens offered a unique perspective on the human experience, emphasizing the significance of fear in averting extinction. The narrative blends technology, human nature, and the unknown cosmos into a gripping tale that leaves the reader yearning for more.
