There are quite a few problems with this story. If I have time in the future, I'll probably do a major revision, and it will likely be around 100,000 words.
Li Wu was a struggling graduate student at a prestigious university. He never expected to transmigrate into a book, landing in a supernatural novel he'd read as a nameless cannon-fodder character who shared his name.
In the original story, Li Wu fell in love with the villainous Ghost King Bai Tu at first sight, used underhanded tactics to force Bai Tu into marriage, and was eventually beaten to the point that not even his ashes remained.
Li Wu was unlucky enough to arrive just as the original character was about to consummate his marriage with the Ghost King.
System: Hello, Host. I'm the Villain Redemption System. The villain's fate in the original story is to have his soul scattered, which is far too cruel. In the interest of humanity, you must change the villain's fate and help him survive!
Li Wu: I think one of us has to die today.
System: You can't do that. If either the villain or you, the character in the book, dies, you'll be immediately erased by the System in the real world. You'll be dead for good.
Li Wu: ...
To stay alive, he can only keep his head down, caught between the villain and the protagonist, worn out in body and mind.
Li Wu: The protagonist invited me to join them.
Bai Tu: Go ahead. Once you walk out that door, don't expect to come back.
Li Wu: But they're offering me a higher salary.
Bai Tu: If they're paying in underworld currency, the exchange rate really is better.
Li Wu: ...
Gradually, he realizes that the villainous Ghost King by his side is nothing like the cruel, murderous fiend everyone describes. He's just a gifted young man who's been ostracized.
Li Wu's heart fills with pity. "Poor thing, come here and let your big brother hug you."
Bai Tu: Get lost.
He's got some fire in him. Still, this fluffy little ball of fury is adorable.
But just as Li Wu completes his mission and prepares to leave this world step by step, Bai Tu goes mad and forces him to complete the final part of their wedding: consummating the marriage.
Bai Tu grips his waist to keep him from escaping, his lips brushing against Li Wu's ear. "Ge, don't go."
*
1. A timid fake Taoist who cherishes his life (bottom) x a jealous but easily appeased real Ghost King (top)
2. Good deeds are rewarded, and Li Wu gets a beauty in his arms.
3. The top may be a villain, but he's a good ghost (probably).
4. The setting is all made up.
Theme: Believe that good deeds are rewarded.
