Chapter One

“Human nature at birth is inherently good.”

In the kindergarten classroom, a row of innocent faces swayed gently, each child carrying their little school bag.

They grew rapidly, shooting up in height, their features maturing. Each wore a polite smile, yet beneath the neon lights and glittering nights, their expressions diverged starkly.

“Human nature is inherently evil; goodness is but a pretense.”

In the moral courtroom, the judge faced a sea of books and pronounced, word by word:

“Human nature is the most fascinating book—one lifetime is not enough to read it all.”

—What kind of person are you?

Ding.

At exactly eight o’clock in the evening.

[I'm really fed up with this lousy show. It’s been three seasons already—can’t they come up with any new ideas? Why not change the opening theme?]

[Hurry up! I want to kill Sun, the old dog! Why won’t they make an official announcement? I want to see which unlucky heroes are coming this year!]

[Why no official announcement? Just check the buzz; other shows rely on celebrities to boost ratings, but our “Being Human” show is the other way around—the buzz lifts the stars!]

[I heard no one in the industry dares to come anymore. Our “Being Human” show’s ratings surpass all other hit variety and drama shows combined every year, yet no one dares to take the challenge.]

[I suggest the authorities classify our “Being Human” production as a mandatory program. Every celebrity must participate, and those who refuse are obviously hiding something or have bad character—they should be kicked out of the entertainment industry.]

[No way, are you crazy? This lousy show assigns unfair personas to people each season. Where is the human nature test?]

“You Are What You Are,” a variety show exploring the theme of human nature, burst onto the scene two years ago and quickly became a sensation.

Affectionately dubbed “Being Human” by the audience.

As the opening states.

The production team’s original intention was to settle the age-old debate: at birth, are humans fundamentally good or evil?

No one can find the answer from the mouths of newborn infants.

But what if a group of people were assigned fixed “personas” at the start—some good, some evil, hearts vastly different?

Then, when faced with survival crises and temptations of human nature, how would they behave?

So, the “Being Human” team harnesses advanced technology to construct a virtual world, artificially implanting fabricated backstories or fixed personality traits into the minds of participating guests.

In the virtual world, the guests forget their past lives, retaining only a persona either similar to or opposite of their true selves.

The show begins.

In the first season, the top-tier movie star praised for his superb acting and excellent character was implanted with a persona of sincerity and honesty.

Yet, on the show, he behaved arrogantly, spoke crudely, abused animals, demeaned women, and even took politically incorrect stances.

After his true nature was exposed, the show ended and his career was ruined.

In stark contrast, a fading superstar tainted by scandal, embroiled in plagiarism accusations and implanted with a negative persona of “bullying the weak and fearing the strong,” did the opposite.

When faced with survival threats, he selflessly sacrificed himself.

He chose to wield his sword against stronger foes and protect the weaker ones.

Such a contrast sparked uproar among the public.

The internet enthusiastically dug into his past, clearing his name, and now his popularity rivaled top-tier celebrities.

The celebrities who “restarted” their lives on “You Are What You Are” almost all underwent dramatic life changes.

The tough guy famed for military films turned out to be cowardly and selfish, directing all his efforts against his teammates.

The aloof, ethereal actress betrayed others for money and schemed treacherously.

The idol known for steadfast singlehood indulged freely, engaging with both men and women.

Highly educated stars stumbled in intelligence tests.

Of course, some lucky ones soared to fame through their new personas.

The arrogant and domineering heiress was actually a kind-hearted fool who apologized even after accidentally stepping on an ant.

An unknown stunt double, brave and righteous, carried the whole show with his martial prowess, caught the eye of an international director, and leapt into Hollywood.

In short, the situation was complex.

Fate was determined by the heavens; life and death hinged on a few months of “restarting” one’s being.

[So, I’m really curious—who’s going to “restart” this season?]

[Did the director see our thousands of fan recommendations?!]

[Are the rumored names true?]

After a brief one-minute opening and two minutes of ads,

Director Sun Xinping stared intently at the exploding barrage of comments: “Xiao Li, do we have the online viewing numbers yet?”

Amid the noisy bustle, staff gathered intelligence, locked in data, checked cameras, and coordinated departments for the imminent live broadcast with lively urgency.

Finally, excited screams rang out.

“The initial live viewership has hit 50 million—and it’s still rising!”

“Oh my god, that high?” A nearby staffer gasped.

The recent finale of a popular talent show only amassed about 40 million live viewers.

Sun Xinping clenched his fists even tighter than before, a pleased smile spreading across his face: “Keep watching. After all the guests appear, the buzz should spike again!”

“If it doubles, we’ll throw a celebration banquet tonight!”

Xiao Li nodded excitedly but then hesitated.

“Director, are the personas really set? Won’t we get flak?”

“What about Shen Jinfeng…”

Sun Xinping didn’t even look at him: “We gave him the best chance, the most screen time, the best persona. If he doesn’t perform well, whose fault is it?”

“Think about it: if Shen Jinfeng pulls off this persona, there’s no way he won’t become popular.”

Xiao Li fell silent, but in his heart he doubted: How could anyone hold up under such a twisted persona? Achieve anything?

Better let someone else handle it.

“Enough, go check the data.” Sun Xinping tapped Xiao Li’s head with the microphone.

“The tech team is fully focused, ensuring there are no slip-ups in scene construction and everything is justified!”

“Marketing team, get ready. In half an hour, the show will trend.”

“Editing team, watch the footage closely. Make sure no highlight is missed!”

Three, two, one!

Begin!

In the workspace, the gigantic high-definition screen covering nearly the entire wall finally finished the ads.

After a black screen, the scene came to life.

Blue skies, white clouds, scorching sun, desolate emptiness.

The air itself seemed to shimmer with heat waves.

On a beach lay several people, scattered haphazardly.

Not far off, a huge wave crashed, tearing the already broken ship apart.

Fragments of the ship bobbed with the waves, like a sweeping, majestic painting.

The scenery was breathtaking, but for those lying on the ground, it meant the loss of any hope of escape from the deserted island.

Though the virtual world had no cameraman, for the viewers watching live it was indistinguishable from a movie.

The camera slowly focused on a man’s face.

[Here we go! Let me see who the first brave soul is!]

[I’ve been sharpening my knife, can’t wait!]

[Hold on, folks. According to the show’s usual style, the first guest usually gets the “good person” persona.]

Indeed, in the first two seasons, the first guest always bore a good persona.

At least, it was better than those deliberately assigned morally dubious “bad” personas.

A clear shot centered on the young man as he slowly opened his eyelids; tears rolled from the corners of his eyes down to his temple, making his gaze almost crystal clear.

But it was only for a fleeting moment. When his eyes cleared and he regained consciousness,

He looked somewhat docile in his unconscious state, as if a layer of cold mountain snow had settled over him.

His features were flawless, lying quietly with a faint aura of laziness.

Several seconds later, he slowly sat up, surveying his surroundings with interest, but made no move.

The barrage of comments was briefly muted for a few seconds.

[Oh my god, my husband just waking up is too charming!]

[Sorry, who is this guy? Is there such a handsome man in the entertainment industry? What has he acted in?]

[Umm, dude, just a few cents per comment? Shen Jinfeng is on the trending list every day, don’t you know?]

[Shen Jinfeng still has fans?]

[Wait, that’s Shen Jinfeng? He looks nothing like it!]

[To be fair, Shen Jinfeng does have a good face. Otherwise, he wouldn’t still be in the entertainment industry.]

[No way, the show gave Shen Jinfeng a good persona?]

[Everyone knows that bad publicity is still publicity. Most celebrities have minor scandals, but Shen Jinfeng has a mountain of solid black marks and still survives in the industry thanks to his family’s wealth.

But this world is unfair. Putting him first and giving him a good persona means what? No need to spell it out.

But good personas depend on who they’re given to. I bet Shen Jinfeng will ruin this one, proving human nature is evil at its core. If I lose this bet, I’ll eat dirt standing on my head.]

[Haha, this made me laugh. Without full picture, no comment. I don’t judge Shen Jinfeng personally. But I know gamblers always lose in the end (smile).]

[Yeah, let’s not jump to conclusions. The past few seasons have had people with black marks proven innocent.]

[Innocent? Who forced him to say acting is just a job, and it’s normal to be lazy? Who took 2 million and then skipped work or recited numbers on set?]

[To be frank, at least those who made a comeback in previous seasons had talents. What does Shen Jinfeng have? Laziness, diva tantrums, assaulting crew, betrayal, poor acting, bad character?]

Sun Xinping watched the chaotic comments with a satisfied smile.

He wasn’t afraid of noisy viewers; he feared only indifference.

Sure enough, a recent scandal-plagued pretty face was assigned a “good” persona—how could that not stir up both outrage and anticipation?

Let them criticize.

The angrier the crowd, the worse Shen Jinfeng acts under the good persona, the bigger the public uproar—perfectly proving the show’s theme.

If by some miracle Shen Jinfeng manages the persona well, the resulting traffic would be even greater.

Though that possibility was one in a million.

Because the persona assigned to Shen Jinfeng was incredibly, unbelievably “good.”

Thinking of this, the corner of Sun Xinping’s mouth curved with pride.

“Marketing team, get ready to release Shen Jinfeng’s persona now.”

The marketing lead quickly responded, “Got it! As soon as Shen Jinfeng moves, I’ll release it.”

“Wait, why isn’t he moving?”

“Is he not hungry?”

In the virtual world, guests’ initial physical state was supposed to be weak, hungry, and utterly exhausted.

Unlike other variety shows with scripts or real-time intervention,

“You Are What You Are” was committed to absolute authenticity.

Implanting personas and setting guests’ initial physical states were the greatest manipulations the production team could make.

According to the setup, Shen Jinfeng’s current state was equivalent to being starved for three days.

Yet beside him lay a jug of water, two slices of bread, and three compressed biscuits.

Xiao Li frowned at the screen: “Six people and only this little food.”

“If the others wake up and find Shen Jinfeng has eaten the last rations, there will definitely be conflict.”

Sun Xinping nodded approvingly, “No conflict, no viewing interest.”

“But why isn’t he moving? Not rushing to eat, just staring blankly?”

Viewers watching the live stream were puzzled.

Two minutes had passed since Shen Jinfeng opened his eyes, yet he still hadn’t moved.

[I can’t believe I watched him motionless for two whole minutes (and I didn’t get impatient).]

[What is he doing? Is he dumb?]

[Most people would be scared in such a survival situation; it’s normal to need a moment to adjust.]

[I’m amazed. Shen Jinfeng still hasn’t moved. Can someone show me the others!]

[Why haven’t the other “bodies” beside him woken up yet?]

Unaware that his every action was under national live broadcast, Shen Jinfeng slowly surveyed his surroundings, bidding farewell to his old companions in his mind.

[Ding! Congratulations, host #1587 Shen Jinfeng has successfully completed 999 mini-world missions!]

[Ding! Loading retirement world per host’s wishes!]

[Ding! Load successful!]

Shen Jinfeng couldn’t recall exactly when he was selected by System 888 to join the fast-travel mission bureau, but since then he had diligently completed mission after mission.

Until just now, when he had just exited the 999th mini-world.

The system told him he was free.

And now, as agreed, it was placing him into the retirement world.

“888, what kind of identity did you pick for me?” he asked lightly in his mind.

[Host, headquarters is urgently calling me. My next host is near death. I have to bind with him immediately!] 888’s tone was somewhat anxious.

Shen Jinfeng: “…Fine, transfer the memories to me.”

888, feeling apologetic, quickly transmitted the just-received world and identity information.

[Sniff, host, you’re my favorite host! I’ll miss you!]

It recited its farewell lines rapidly, expressing reluctance: [Host, farewell for now. If I have the chance, I will come back to see you!]

[Rest assured, host! Your identity in this world meets all your requirements! Young, wealthy, handsome, with no parents or attachments.]

888 skimmed the information quickly but suddenly paused: [There are other surprises waiting for you to discover yourself!]

[I can’t wait, I have to go now!]

[Don’t forget me!]

Shen Jinfeng looked at 888, who had accompanied him through 999 worlds and was still as spirited as ever, and smiled wryly.

888, having completed so many missions and becoming a major system, still acted like a rookie.

It treated the binding host mission like a frenetic performance.

What Shen Jinfeng didn’t know was that 888 had only browsed half the information.

The memory transfer progress bar stalled halfway due to 888’s hurried departure.