The system wants me to win over the villain. “If you succeed, your merit will be immeasurable!”

Hold on a second. First: I’m a guy, and so is he.

Second: I’m a fox spirit, and he’s a demon hunter.

Isn’t this setup a bit too absurd?

System: “Oh come on, don’t be so old-fashioned! A male fox spirit and a male demon hunter? They’re a perfect match!”

---

1

Guys, seriously, you shouldn’t stay up late reading silly novels.

One second, I was grinning like an idiot, and the next second, I was transmigrated into the book. And now I’m stuck with a dumb system.

“Say that again, who do you want me to win over?”

The system replied in a shy tone: “Song Jiu’an! The main villain of this story. Winning him over would be your ultimate merit.”

I grabbed my tail, which was swaying behind me, thinking I must have misheard:

“Wait a minute, forget about ultimate merit for now. This feels like too much to handle.”

Who is Song Jiu’an? A demon hunter! He would rather kill than let any demon escape!

Damn it, I’m a fox spirit. If he doesn’t kill me the moment he sees me, it’s practically a miracle! And now you want me to win him over?

The system, with its fluffy, cloud-like hand, patted my shoulder:

“Young man, all roads are made by people walking them. How will you know it won’t work if you don’t try?”

It reached out a finger and ruffled my face:

“Look at you, such a delicate beauty.”

I swatted its cloud hand away.

“I’m a guy!!”

Seriously, I just transmigrated, and you already want me to… go for a guy?

The system clicked its tongue:

“You don’t really have any other options. You’ve just taken human form and you’re penniless.”

“Forget about surviving; it’s hard enough for you to take a proper step. If you don’t win him over, you’ll starve to death.”

It cupped its cheeks, a little excited:

“Besides! A male fox spirit and a male demon hunter—so forbidden, so perfect!”

You match with your dad!

---

2

So what if I’ve just taken human form? So what if I’m penniless?

I’m a good young man of the new era! Rely on a man? No way.

I tried to take a step, but my coordination was off, and I face-planted into the ground.

After half a day of practice, I finally managed to walk properly. I went down the mountain, hoping to do some farm work in exchange for food.

But as soon as I opened my mouth, an old lady chased me away with a broom.

“Shameless thing! Get lost!”

The system, perched on my shoulder, chuckled mischievously:

“See? I told you—you can’t survive on your own.”

I touched my flat stomach. It was the first time in my life someone had called me shameless, and I was a bit confused.

The system pinched my face:

“Don’t get discouraged. Sure, you may be useless, but at least you’re good-looking.”

“Soon, Song Jiu’an will pass through here. When the time comes, make your move and capture him! Got it?”

When the time comes? How long is that?

Before I could ask, a clear, smooth male voice sounded from behind me:

“Auntie, have there been any demons around here?”

Damn, what do you mean “soon”? That was barely three seconds!

The old lady’s gaze immediately shifted toward me, and I quickly transformed into my original fox form, darting into the bushes.

Her tone towards Song Jiu’an was far kinder than it had been toward me.

“There was one just now, but I’ve already driven it off.”

“Young master, are you tired after coming down the mountain? Would you like to come inside for some tea?”

Such unfair treatment! So, a fox’s life doesn’t matter, huh?

Before I could finish feeling indignant, a force hit my backside.

The system’s cheerful voice rang out:

“Off you go~”

I rolled right in front of Song Jiu’an. The sound of his sword being drawn was terrifyingly sharp.

Shivering, I braced myself, thinking I was about to die.

I knew it! I said I would die!

Damn system! If there’s a next life, I swear I won’t forgive you!

Then, the cool, smooth voice spoke again, this time with a hint of confusion: “A fox?”

---

3

The cold blade pressed against my neck, and I let out a small, submissive yelp in his direction.

The system smugly said: “Relax, you’ve just transformed. There’s only a hint of demon energy on you.”

“As long as you don’t turn back into a human, he won’t notice.”

Damn it! Why didn’t you say that earlier? You scared me to death!

Song Jiu’an sheathed his sword and reached out to rub my ear.

It tickled, and I instinctively flinched.

His low chuckle was soft, warm, and wrapped around me like a gentle breeze:

“Still a young one, huh? What are you doing here?”

He picked me up, said goodbye to the old lady, and left.

His embrace… was surprisingly warm.

I nestled into it and started discussing with the system what to do next.

System: “Act cute and adorable. The most important thing is to stay by his side.”

I raised my head to sneak a peek at Song Jiu’an’s profile.

Wow, look at those sharp, handsome features. He’s ridiculously good-looking.

Getting together with him… doesn’t seem too bad?

Wait, what the heck am I thinking!

“Damn system, did you mess with my brain?”

The system didn’t reply.

Song Jiu’an’s steps were steady, and judging by the direction, he was heading back up the mountain.

I tugged on his sleeve, whining in a high-pitched voice to get his attention.

He patted my head: “I’ll take you back home.”

No, no, if he sends me back, I’ll definitely starve to death.

In this fox form, even though I’ve taken human shape, I still look like a cub. I can’t even catch a rabbit!

For the sake of survival, I had to put aside some of my “manly pride.”

I pawed at his chest, stretching my neck to lick the side of his neck.

Song Jiu’an paused mid-step.

Then, he grabbed both of my front paws and held me at arm’s length, looking me in the eyes.

“No licking me.”

I whined softly in response.

Song Jiu’an resumed walking, still holding me.

As we neared the base of the mountain, I tugged hard on his robe.

I meant to tell him I didn’t want to go back up the mountain, but my claws tore several threads from his clothes.

He held me up again, this time inspecting the damage to his robe with a complicated expression.

“You don’t want to go up the mountain?”

I nodded.

“You want to stay with me?”

I nodded again.

“Hmm, quite intelligent for a fox.”

Not sure if that was a compliment or an insult coming from a demon hunter.

I blinked at him innocently.

Song Jiu’an looked at me for a moment longer before tucking me into the basket on his side.

“You can stay with me, but there are rules. No eating meat.”

What? You want a fox to be a vegetarian?

Where’s the justice in that!

---

4

Today marks the third day I’ve been by Song Jiu’an’s side.