After fleeing to Paris, Jean-Christophe finds himself in great financial difficulty and takes up music teaching in wealthy families. As for his career as a composer, his naiveté brings him quite a few setbacks and attracts much bitter criticism, but his music is nonetheless increasingly praised. He also finds himself a true friend, whose friendship remains a strong pillar of support as our hero goes through one trial of life after another. - Summary by Cao Yuqing