Cen Miao is a zombie who survived in a post-apocalyptic base under the care of his guardian, Caretaker Dad. When the base is destroyed and his guardian passes away, Cen Miao’s soul transfers into the body of a recently deceased human named Cen Miao. The original owner was an orphan adopted by the wealthy Cen family, later cast out after the family’s matriarch gave birth to her own son. Driven from his home with nothing but a backpack, the new Cen Miao is hungry, disoriented, and struggling to navigate a world where humans are no longer prey but potential providers of food and shelter.
His path crosses with Qin Zelin, a cold, work-obsessed heir to a powerful business empire. Qin Zelin’s grandfather had promised to care for the original Cen Miao before dying, and Qin Zelin agrees to a contractual marriage to fulfill this obligation. He expects a distant, nominal arrangement that will end in divorce after one year. However, Cen Miao, unaware of human customs and social norms, interprets Qin Zelin’s provision of food and shelter as the actions of a new caretaker. He clings to Qin Zelin with the innocent, dog-like devotion of a zombie who has finally found a safe haven.
The core conflict arises from the massive cultural and species gap between the two. Cen Miao does not understand concepts like romantic love, marital duties, or social etiquette. He mimics human behavior by watching online videos, leading to awkward and humorous misunderstandings, such as calling Qin Zelin "husband" and using phrases he does not comprehend. Qin Zelin, initially viewing Cen Miao as a naive child to be managed, finds himself increasingly distracted and protective. He notices Cen Miao’s genuine innocence and lack of malice, which contrasts sharply with the scheming members of the Cen family who had mistreated the original owner.
Key turning points include Cen Miao moving into Qin Zelin’s luxurious villa, where he is pampered with food and comfort, and his decision to take a part-time job as a zombie NPC in an escape room to earn money for snacks. This job choice amuses Qin Zelin, who secretly ensures Cen Miao’s safety while trying to maintain the boundaries of their contract. Meanwhile, the original Cen Miao’s brother, Cen Ning, attempts to harass him at school, but Cen Miao’s blunt, unfiltered responses confuse and frustrate his bully.
As the story progresses, Qin Zelin’s feelings shift from duty to genuine affection. He becomes jealous of Cen Miao’s interactions with others and insists on accompanying him to social events. The Qin family, particularly Qin Zelin’s eccentric grandfather, warmly accepts Cen Miao, further solidifying his place in Qin Zelin’s life. The narrative moves toward a resolution where the contractual marriage transforms into a real relationship, with Qin Zelin realizing he no longer wants a divorce and Cen Miao learning to understand and reciprocate human emotions, all while continuing to prioritize his love for meat and simple comforts.
