Wen Nuan wakes up in the body of a fictional character from a family-oriented novel set in 1970s China. She discovers she is not the heroine but the vicious female supporting character who married Gu Qinghan, a dedicated soldier. The original Wen Nuan was lazy, spoiled, and hostile toward her husband, while the heroine, Lin Meizhi, married Gu Qinghan's younger brother and was favored by the family. The original Wen Nuan's neglect led to her daughter's disability and her own tragic death. Now, Wen Nuan must navigate this hostile environment while protecting her daughter from the fate destined for her in the book.
Wen Nuan faces immediate hostility from her mother-in-law, Zhao Wuzhu, and her brother-in-law, Gu Qingsong. They constantly belittle her and demand financial support for her natal family. When her mother attempts to extort money and fabric tickets, Wen Nuan publicly confronts her, turning the neighbors against the exploitative mother and reclaiming her resources. This marks her first step toward asserting independence and breaking free from the manipulative dynamics of her past life.
The core conflict intensifies when Gu Qinghan receives a transfer order to the Northern Military District. Wen Nuan realizes that staying means continuing to be drained by her family and potentially suffering the same tragic fate as the original character. She decides to follow him north, sending a telegram to inform him of her intention. Gu Qinghan, misunderstanding her message as a request for money, sends a significant remittance. Wen Nuan uses this money to prepare for the move, buying supplies and ensuring her daughter is healthy.
When Gu Qinghan returns home on leave, he and Wen Nuan share their first genuine interaction. He witnesses her competence and care for their daughter, contrasting sharply with the lazy wife he remembers. He helps with household chores and cooks a meal, showing a willingness to connect. However, the tension with Zhao Wuzhu remains high, as she views Wen Nuan as a burden and schemes to control Gu Qinghan's finances.
Wen Nuan's past catches up with her when her brother, Wen Wenkang, confronts her at a market, demanding money and threatening her. Gu Qinghan intervenes, physically subduing the brother and asserting his protection over his family. This incident solidifies the bond between Wen Nuan and Gu Qinghan, as he becomes an ally rather than just a distant husband. Wen Nuan begins to see him as a capable and kind man, while he starts to appreciate her strength and resilience.
As the family prepares for the move, Wen Nuan continues to outmaneuver her mother-in-law and brother, securing resources for her daughter's future. She navigates the social dynamics of the military compound, earning the respect of neighbors who were previously hostile. The story follows her journey from a victim of circumstance to a proactive mother and wife, determined to change the trajectory of her life and protect her child from the tragedies foretold in the novel.
