The System That Got Its Torture-the-Protagonist Settings Wrong

[The original premise has been revised, so the category needs to change to Historical Danmei - Western Fantasy. However, since the collection count has passed 100, the category can no longer be changed. I've reopened the original premise as a new prepublication title, and this book will use a different concept that fits the category rules.]

On the brink of death, Jiang Baize is bound to the Villain-Raising System.

According to the System, he is the deranged villain in a male-oriented novel. He competes with the protagonist for cheat abilities and a harem, then is killed by the protagonist, becoming a stepping stone on the protagonist's path to power.

System: [As the villain, you must harshly bully and oppress the protagonist to earn Villainizing Points, heal your injuries, and restore your powers!]

Jiang Baize looks at the boy, barely eight years old, whose entire family has been murdered. The boy is pale, as if he sees Jiang Baize as his only salvation.

Jiang Baize: "This is the protagonist?"

The System confirms: [That's right. Now start tormenting him!]

Jiang Baize pinches the boy's cheek. A notification pops up: [Congratulations, Host! You have successfully injured the protagonist! You have earned 100 Villainizing Points and recovered 10% of your injuries!]

Jiang Baize: ?

The bad news: The protagonist is an ordinary person with no powers.

No matter how shameless Jiang Baize might be, he can't bring himself to hurt a minor.

The good news: According to the System, the protagonist is already a top-tier esper ten years in the future, bearing the title of humanity's savior. The things Jiang Baize does to the protagonist as a child still count as successful torment and earn Villainizing Points.

After thinking it over, Jiang Baize puts on a kindly (menacing) smile and asks the boy, "How about I take you home?"

He helps the protagonist practice his powers, blocking the boy's moves with one hand.

System: [Congratulations, Host! You have defeated the protagonist for the first time! Villainizing Points +120. Reward: a set of spiritual energy techniques!]

He tells the protagonist to go to bed early and takes away his comic book.

System: [Congratulations, Host! You have stolen the protagonist's cultivation technique! Villainizing Points +150. Host's power level +1!]

He casually feeds the protagonist's hamster, and it's judged as stealing the protagonist's spirit beast, Xishu. He cooks for the protagonist, and it's judged as poisoning him. He makes the protagonist sleep alone, and it's judged as leaving him to face nightmares by himself...

Jiang Baize gets his injuries healed as he wished.

But later, the ways the System awards Villainizing Points get increasingly strange.

Jiang Baize glances at a female esper by the road: Villainizing Points +100.

Jiang Baize pets a spirit animal for a while: Villainizing Points +150.

Even when he's talking privately with a friend, the protagonist pushes open the door. The boy grips the hem of Jiang Baize's clothes and lowers his eyes, concealing the dark obsession in them. "Teacher, who is he?"

The System exclaims: [Host, you've made the protagonist feel the urgency of having his lover coveted by someone else! You've perfectly fulfilled your role as a villain and become a shining example for villains everywhere! Villainizing Points +10086!]

A few seconds later, the System cries out in belated shock: [Wait, Host! Why does the protagonist's lover status show your name?]

Jiang Baize, pinned beneath the protagonist: "...?" How would he know?

The male lead was supposed to be a man who'd renounced love. Why isn't he staying straight?

P.S.

1. One-on-one pairing, mutual devotion, both physically and emotionally pure. No splitting the couple or reversing their roles.

2. The recipient is at the peak of combat strength and will gradually regain his powers as the story progresses.

Theme: The world is beautiful. Treasure the present.