The Stand-in Cannon Fodder Quits

Jian Yang, a supporting actor who died on his way to accept an award, transmigrates into a novel he had read before his death. He finds himself in the body of a character with the same name, who is born with liver damage and distinctive golden eyes. The Jian family treats him as a cursed omen and has used him as a political tool, sending him to the bed of powerful men to secure business deals. In the original story, this Jian Yang was manipulated by Guan Jingyu, the nephew of the novel's ultimate villain, Guan Ciyan. Jian Yang attempted to steal business secrets for Guan Jingyu but failed, leading to his imprisonment and eventual death after he killed Guan Ciyan in a fit of despair. Now reborn, Jian Yang is determined to avoid this tragic fate and survive with his life and dignity intact.

The story begins at a high-society banquet where Jian Yang is supposed to seduce Guan Ciyan. Instead of following the original plot, he publicly declares his admiration for Guan Ciyan while rejecting Guan Jingyu's advances. This unexpected behavior confuses Guan Ciyan, who had anticipated Jian Yang's subservience. Jian Yang's performance is so convincing that Guan Ciyan decides to take him to a hotel, not for romance, but to confront him about the leaked news of their encounter. During the night, Jian Yang gets drunk and accidentally reveals that there is no gift, leading to a tense confrontation where he bites Guan Ciyan in self-defense. Despite the chaos, Jian Yang manages to survive the night without losing his virginity, having assumed that Guan Ciyan would be unable to perform due to alcohol, a misconception that later causes him embarrassment.

The next morning, Jian Yang returns to his family home, only to face further exploitation. His parents and twin brother, Jian Buqing, the novel's protagonist, berate him for failing to secure a business deal with Guan Ciyan. They view him as a failure and a burden, contrasting him with Jian Buqing, who is celebrated for his artistic talents. Jian Yang, fed up with the abuse, overturns the dining table and leaves, deciding to rely on himself. He wanders the city and eventually finds work as a background actor on a film set, hoping to earn enough money to buy medicine for his eyes and fever.

On set, Jian Yang encounters the director, Wei Wei, who recognizes him and offers him a meal. During their conversation, Jian Yang learns that Guan Ciyan has significant influence in the entertainment industry. Despite his desire to avoid Guan Ciyan, fate intervenes when Guan Ciyan appears on set, having purchased the rare eye drops Jian Yang needed. Guan Ciyan offers Jian Yang a choice: continue working as an extra for a meager wage or accompany him for the day in exchange for double pay and free medical treatment at the Guan family hospital. Recognizing the opportunity to address his health issues and escape his current predicament, Jian Yang accepts.

Guan Ciyan takes Jian Yang to the Guan family estate, where they encounter Old Master Guan, the matriarchal figure and Guan Ciyan's father. Old Master Guan is furious about the leaked news and punishes Guan Ciyan with a whip. Jian Yang, realizing that Guan Ciyan is the source of his good luck, steps in to protect him, claiming to be Guan Ciyan's loyal follower. His boldness impresses Old Master Guan, who allows the matter to drop. However, Guan Jingyu arrives and attempts to frame Jian Yang for the leak, but Jian Yang exposes his scheme by pointing out the inconsistencies in his story. The confrontation reveals the deep-seated rivalry within the Guan family and Jian Yang's growing role as an unexpected ally to Guan Ciyan.

As Jian Yang navigates this new world, he finds himself increasingly entangled with Guan Ciyan. Despite his initial fear and desire to escape, Jian Yang's sharp wit and acting skills earn him a measure of respect from Guan Ciyan. The story follows Jian Yang's efforts to survive in a hostile environment while uncovering the secrets of the Guan family and the novel's plot. His journey is marked by tense encounters with Guan Ciyan, manipulative schemes from Guan Jingyu, and the harsh realities of his family's exploitation. Through it all, Jian Yang remains determined to carve out his own path, using his knowledge of the story to avoid the pitfalls that led to his original character's demise.