Yu Zao is a system player assigned to a beginner-level task world based on a campus romance novel. His role is that of a vain, materialistic villain whose objective is to torment the story's protagonist, Chu Xi, and drive him closer to the male lead, Jiang Cai. Yu Zao possesses a deceptive, delicate appearance with cat-like features and a mole under his right eye, which he uses to manipulate those around him. Chu Xi, raised by foster parents after being abandoned as a child, works multiple part-time jobs to support his ill father. Despite being blackmailed by Yu Zao with fabricated photographic evidence of an assault, Chu Xi endures the bullying with silent compliance, viewing Yu Zao merely as a plaything to be controlled.
The story opens at a high-end bar where Yu Zao is celebrating Jiang Cai's eighteenth birthday. He openly flirts with other wealthy heirs to secure free drinks and status, displaying his superficial nature. When he attempts to force Chu Xi to drink alcohol as part of the original plot, the physical struggle results in Yu Zao falling onto Chu Xi's lap. This intimate pose attracts the attention of the crowd and Jiang Cai. Contrary to the expected narrative where Jiang Cai would intervene to save Chu Xi, Jiang Cai instead reprimands Chu Xi for bullying the weaker Yu Zao. This deviation confuses Yu Zao, whose Viciousness index only rises by a minimal amount, indicating that his performance as a villain is failing to align with the story's original trajectory.
Seeking to increase his Viciousness points and complete his task efficiently, Yu Zao is approached by Yuan Jin, a member of Jiang Cai's social circle, who tasks him with infiltrating a private VIP room to identify its occupants. Inside, Yu Zao encounters Quan Lushen, the primary antagonist of the novel and heir to a top conglomerate, along with another major villain, Chi Xingge. Quan Lushen, suspicious and authoritative, discovers the hidden camera in Yu Zao's clothing. Instead of punishing him, Quan Lushen offers Yu Zao a contract: he must seduce Chu Xi, make him fall in love, and then ruthlessly abandon him to break Chu Xi's spirit. Quan Lushen reveals that Chu Xi is his half-brother, and he seeks revenge against him for family disputes. The offer includes a payment of one million yuan, with an additional million if Chu Xi commits suicide.
Yu Zao, driven by greed and the need for high task scores, accepts the deal. His Viciousness index jumps significantly upon signing. Shortly after, Chi Xingge approaches Yu Zao, offering double the money to pit the brothers against each other. Yu Zao agrees to both schemes, planning to collect funds from both villains while deceiving them. He returns to Chu Xi, who continues to serve him dutifully. The dynamic shifts when Yu Zao begins to act spoiled and demanding, not out of malice, but as part of his new contract. Chu Xi, initially resistant, finds himself increasingly drawn to Yu Zao's fragile appearance and vulnerable moments. Jiang Cai, observing Yu Zao's interactions with Chu Xi, becomes inexplicably jealous and possessive, further complicating the romantic entanglements. Yu Zao navigates this dangerous web of lies, manipulating both the protagonist and the antagonists while trying to maintain his cover and secure his financial reward.
