80s: The Clumsy and Silly Wife of the Broken-Blade Officer

Li Mumian, a talented contemporary artist, awakens in the body of a mentally disabled girl in 1975, finding herself in a novel she had previously read. The original plot dictates that her sister, Li Jiaojiao, marries the military officer Lu Tingbai only to flee after discovering he is impotent and has a young son, leaving the original Li Mumian to suffer abuse and eventual death. In this new reality, Li Jiaojiao and her mother, Zhang Guizhi, conspire to force Li Mumian to take her sister's place in the marriage, believing her disability makes her an easy victim who cannot expose their deception. Li Mumian, retaining her modern intellect and artistic skills, accepts the arrangement, recognizing it as an opportunity to survive and eventually reclaim her life.

The wedding proceeds with Li Mumian wearing a veil, allowing her to maintain her disguise. Upon arriving at Lu Tingbai’s home, she removes her garish makeup, revealing her true beauty, which shocks Lu Tingbai. He initially believes she is his intended bride, Li Jiaojiao, and confronts her with suspicion. When he realizes she is not his intended, he storms off to confront the Li family, exposing their fraud. However, with the marriage already legally and socially established, Lu Tingbai is forced to accept the situation. He returns home, conflicted but resigned, deciding that Li Mumian, despite her apparent foolishness, is now his wife and must be protected.

Li Mumian adopts the persona of a simple, childlike woman to avoid suspicion, though she secretly observes and plans. Her primary challenge is integrating with Lu Tingbai’s five-year-old son, Lu Yunchi, who is hostile and distrustful of her. Through persistent kindness and clever storytelling, she gradually softens his heart. A pivotal moment occurs when Yunchi traps her in a kitchen and locks the door, leading to a fire that nearly gets her accused of arson. Yunchi defends her, revealing his growing attachment, and the misunderstanding is resolved when the fire is revealed to be accidental.

As days pass, Li Mumian’s relationship with Lu Tingbai deepens. He is intrigued by her innocence and vulnerability, which contrasts with his harsh life. She uses her artistic talents to create paintings, which she subtly uses to communicate and bond with him. Lu Tingbai, initially distant due to his physical condition and sense of duty, begins to care for her genuinely. He provides her with painting supplies and ensures her well-being, showing a protective side that surprises her. Meanwhile, Li Jiaojiao attempts to re-enter their lives, causing tension, but Li Mumian handles the situation with quiet dignity, further endearing herself to Yunchi, who begins to call her "Mom."

The story follows Li Mumian’s navigation of 1970s social dynamics, her secret artistic pursuits, and her evolving relationships with the two men in her life. Lu Tingbai’s initial anger transforms into affection and respect, while Yunchi’s hostility turns into familial love. Li Mumian’s ultimate goal is to secure her place in this family, uncover the truth about her transmigration, and use her talents to build a future, all while maintaining her facade of simplicity to protect herself from those who wish her harm.