Shuo, a great demon transformed into a black cat with a system, enters a world where the exclusive SSR labels of Zhang Qiling and Xie Yuchen represent eternal loneliness and ultimate prosperity. In comparison, Wu Xie's label of "Refined and Elegant Young Man" seems mundane. The system Tuanzi analyzes potential hosts for Shuo's retirement strategy. Zhang Qiling, the current patriarch of a millennium hidden family, suffers from periodic amnesia that clears basic common sense, leading to an endless loop of finding and losing memories. Xie Yuchen, a disciple of Master Eryue Hong of the Nine Gates, possesses extraordinary skills and business talent but is burdened by a tragic hero script, operating in dangerous gray areas with constant assassinations and mental stress. Both are deemed unsuitable. Wu Xie, the third generation of the Nine Gates Wu Family, is protected by his Third Uncle Wu Sansheng, a shrewd Dao Shang figure, and backed by his capable Second Uncle. He has excess curiosity, strong principles, a stable life with ancestral property, and a harmonious family. The system determines Wu Xie is the optimal choice for a safe and nurturing environment.Shuo agrees and approaches Wu Xie, who is writing at his desk in Wushanju. Wu Xie discovers the black cat outside his window and gently offers it a boiled egg. Shuo, originally disdainful of the bland offering, is won over by Wu Xie's genuine warmth and clear eyes. After eating, Shuo claims the softest pillow on Wu Xie's bed, signaling its decision to stay. Wu Xie, delighted, strokes the cat and shares childhood memories, dreaming of having a cat on his balcony. Shuo is pleased with its new companion.Wu Xie's daily life involves morning walks by West Lake and interactions with locals. He is a university graduate passionate about architecture and history, but his Third Uncle Wu Sansheng discourages his plan to work abroad at MVRDV Studio, arguing that Chinese heritage is superior and foreigners are not to be trusted. Wu Sansheng uses emotional manipulation, mentioning Wu Xie's grandfather and the dangers abroad. Initially conflicted, Wu Xie is comforted by Shuo, who rubs against his leg. Wu Sansheng then reveals he came at the request of Wu Xie's parents, who will secure a recommendation for the National Design Institute. Wu Xie agrees to stay and manage Wushanju, taking responsibility for profits and losses. He gifts Wu Sansheng a stationery set, which Wu Sansheng recognizes as his own previous work, indicating a subtle scheme.Wu Sansheng, burdened by a larger plan involving Wu Xie, reflects on their close yet tense relationship. Wu Xie senses something wrong but decides to break the silence. He introduces Shuo to Wu Sansheng, presenting it as a new companion. Wu Sansheng is skeptical of the cat, noticing its human-like gaze and insight. Shuo, sensing Wu Sansheng's low mood, jumps on the table and presses its paws on the ledger, offering comfort. Wu Sansheng, touched by the cat's warmth, strokes it and acknowledges its healing effect. As Wu Xie leaves, Wu Sansheng cryptically advises him to enjoy his life while he can, hinting at future changes.Later, Wu Xie travels to meet his childhood friend Lao Yang, hiding Shuo in his coat. At the train station, they reunite, and Lao Yang is surprised by the cat. The atmosphere shifts as Wu Xie prepares for an adventure with Lao Yang. Shuo, recalling the system's earlier mention of over sixty tangled world lines from the workbench, feels trapped on a pirate ship with no escape. It worries about the chaotic timelines, reminiscent of a classic case with endless additions and temporal paradoxes. Shuo reflects on its mission and the growing bond with Wu Xie, accepting its role in this complex world.
