70s exchange marriage cold and tough guy chases his wife every night

Su Wan, a modern food blogger, transmigrates into the body of Li Zhaodi, a vicious female supporting character in a melodramatic romance novel set in 1979 China. In the original story, Li Zhaodi was switched at birth with the chief of staff’s daughter, Su Mingzhu. After returning to her biological family, she recklessly threatened to commit suicide unless given the engagement to Regimental Commander He Chengguang, ultimately leading to her abandonment and tragic death. Su Wan, aware of the plot, decides to reject the engagement and carve out her own path during the early reform era. Her first act of defiance occurs on a train where she encounters He Chengguang. When he collapses from heatstroke, she performs life-saving first aid, earning his gratitude despite initial misunderstandings from his adjutant. She learns that He Chengguang is the novel’s tragic white moonlight, destined to die early, and resolves to avoid entanglement with him.

Upon arriving at the Su family compound, Su Wan is greeted by her biological parents, Su Zhenhua and Ning Li, and her sister, Su Mingzhu. Unlike the original character, Su Wan remains calm and composed, refusing to play the role of the ungrateful rural girl. She immediately establishes her competence by preparing an elaborate breakfast, showcasing her culinary skills and winning over her parents. This display threatens Li Ma, the family’s nanny and Su Mingzhu’s biological mother, who had abused Su Wan in her childhood. Li Ma attempts to sabotage Su Wan by planting stolen money in her belongings to frame her as a thief. However, Su Wan anticipates the trap. When Li Ma accuses her, Su Wan allows a search of her own room, which yields no evidence. She then demands a search of Li Ma’s quarters, where the stolen money is discovered hidden in the quilt. The evidence exposes Li Ma’s scheme, forcing the Su family to confront the nanny’s malice.

Simultaneously, He Chengguang visits the Su family to formally break off his engagement with Li Zhaodi. He is shocked to discover that Su Wan is the woman he met on the train. His mother, An Xingfu, is grateful to Su Wan for saving her son’s life and views her favorably. Su Mingzhu, who had secretly admired He Chengguang, is relieved that the engagement is dissolved. However, the plot’s momentum shifts when He Chengguang’s younger brother, He Jingyang, steps in. Claiming to be a sacrifice for Su Mingzhu’s happiness, He Jingyang proposes an engagement with Su Wan, despite his internal disdain for her. Su Wan, recognizing the trap of the original storyline, agrees to the engagement to prevent further conflict and maintain her independence within the family structure. She understands that refusing would only make her appear difficult, whereas accepting allows her to navigate the dangerous dynamics between the two families.

The engagement creates tension within the He family, particularly with He Chengguang, who is visibly distressed by his brother’s decision. He Chengguang’s protective instincts toward Su Wan grow as he witnesses the hostility she faces from Li Ma and the manipulative behavior of Su Mingzhu. Su Wan continues to assert her agency, using her modern knowledge and emotional intelligence to counter the schemes of her adversaries. She exposes Li Ma’s abuse and theft, gaining the sympathy and trust of her biological parents. The story follows Su Wan’s strategic maneuvering as she builds a new identity, separate from the tragic fate of the original character. She leverages her culinary talents and practical skills to establish herself as a valuable member of the household, while carefully managing her relationships with the He brothers. The narrative explores the shifting dynamics of family loyalty and social status in 1970s China, as Su Wan transforms from a despised outsider into a central figure whose choices begin to alter the predetermined course of events.