Preface The Secret to SuccessThe Evolution of Train TicketsThe Train TimetableA Nostalgic Connection To HomeThe World’s Most Difficult System ArchitectureThe Disparity Between Ideals and RealityA Smooth Network as the Highest PriorityGoing Global and Braving New WatersWho Stole My Ticket?A Clash Without CommotionThe High FenceA Glimmer of Hope from the Waiting ListMa Junpei and His StudentsShan Xinghua and Her StoriesPreface The Secret to Success Chapter 1 The Imprint of TimeThe Evolution of Train TicketsThe Train TimetableA Nostalgic Connection To Home Chapter 2 The Awesome Innovation of the 12306 SystemThe World’s Most Difficult System ArchitectureThe Disparity Between Ideals and RealityA Smooth Network as the Highest PriorityGoing Global and Braving New Waters Chapter 3 The Threat of Ticket-Grabbing AppsWho Stole My Ticket?A Clash Without CommotionThe High FenceA Glimmer of Hope from the Waiting List Chapter 4 The Wisdom and Energy of Great MindsMa Junpei and His StudentsShan Xinghua and Her StoriesThe Birds Flying High in the SkyThousands of Flowers that Make the Spring Chapter 5 Data that Begins to ThinkBig Data and the Passenger Ticketing SystemThe Art of BalancingThe Charm of User ProfilingThe Promising Future of Big Data Chapter 6 The Intelligent and Happy TravelThe Snazzy Station-Entry via Facial RecognitionThe Era of Paperless Passenger TicketsThe Monthly PassTraveling with DelicaciesMeeting the Expectations of Special Groups Chapter 7 True Feelings in Beautiful VoicesOne Call, Many SolutionsEasing Passengers’ WorriesThe Value of Big DataThe Grievances and Worries of Customer Service Staff Epilogue The Model of the Times Afterword How Did the Journey Begin?