Chen Fan is a young man who has died and reincarnated back to the summer of 2010, retaining all memories of his previous life. In his past life, he was a broke university dropout who suffered from the death of his parents, the subsequent decline of his family, and betrayal by those he trusted. He died with regrets, having lost his family home to his greedy relatives and failing to achieve anything of note. Upon waking in his high school body, he immediately recognizes the pivotal moments that defined his tragic past and resolves to change his fate. The story begins at Baixing Supermarket, where Chen Fan encounters Li Miaoyi, the campus belle who was also a successful web novelist in his previous life. In his past life, Chen Fan had been publicly humiliated when he suspected Li Miaoyi of theft, only to be framed by her friend Huang Kexin and ignored by Li Miaoyi herself. This time, Chen Fan uses his foreknowledge to turn the tables. He catches Li Miaoyi stealing cheap items, but instead of exposing her publicly, he forces her into a secret agreement. He records her confession and coerces her into becoming his girlfriend to keep the incident private. This marks the beginning of a relationship built on manipulation and leverage rather than mutual affection.
Chen Fan’s primary goal is financial independence and securing his family’s future. He learns that his grandmother is suffering from early-stage breast cancer, a disease that killed her in his previous life before he could save her. To pay for her medical treatment and secure a future in the city of Modou, he devises a plan to sell his parents’ apartment in Wolong County before a major demolition project doubles its value. He also needs capital to invest in emerging opportunities, specifically Bitcoin, which he knows will become incredibly valuable. To raise the necessary funds, he exploits his knowledge of a rigged raffle at the local appliance store, winning the grand prize and additional cash while his former friend Zheng Xingtao, who was supposed to win, is left empty-handed. Chen Fan also secures a loan from his childhood friend Zhang Wanrou by mortgaging her family’s home, promising to help her start a business in Modou.
With initial capital secured, Chen Fan turns his attention to the web novel industry, a lucrative field in his previous life. He plans to write a popular male-oriented novel using his knowledge of future trends and tropes. Simultaneously, he intends to mentor Li Miaoyi, guiding her to become a successful female-oriented novelist so he can profit from her work through a contract that gives him sixty percent of her earnings. He ensures her compliance by maintaining the recording of her confession and taking intimate couple photos as further leverage. Chen Fan applies to Donghai University, a prestigious school he failed to enter in his past life, defying the advice of his teachers and friends. He also begins buying Bitcoin, setting the stage for his rise from a poor student to a wealthy entrepreneur. The narrative follows his calculated maneuvers to control those around him, using blackmail and psychological pressure to build a network of subordinates and partners who will aid his ascent to power and wealth.
