The New Gate (LN) - Vol 8 Chapter 4.4: Chapter 4 Part 4

Felix's life on Earth had become a series of dead-end jobs, ruined relationships, and rotating apartments smaller than most postage stamps. By all accounts, even his own, he was a coward. Too afraid to move forward, to take risks. Yet when given the chance to choose between risking his life or walking away from a deadly encounter, he didn't hesitate.Moments before his untimely demise, Felix was snatched from earth and thrust into a magical world known only as ‘The Continent’. Empowered by the ‘System,' he learns that he can strengthen himself through combat and dedication. To survive he'll have to push himself beyond his limits, or else fall to the monsters all around him.Levels, stats, and magic. Death is the start of a terrible fate, but if he lives…who knows what he will become.

Xue Xi is forced to fall in love at first sight with this dangerous man on their first meeting. With death being the only other option, she makes the first move:

Looking at the desperate survivor surrounded by zombies under the high wall, Tang Ye opened his hands and shouted: Welcome to paradise (Welcome to heaven)

- Description from novelbuddy

Lu Zhiguang is not a cannon fodder himself, but his mission is to save the miserable cannon fodder.