Bringing a Fridge Back to the 70s

Wu Jun, a man who spent his previous life as a self-sacrificing second male lead for a destined heroine, dies only to awaken in 1970 at the age of sixteen. He finds himself back in his childhood home in Red Star Brigade, a remote northern village, with his grandfather still alive. In his past life, Wu Jun had devoted everything to Li Xue, his childhood sweetheart, only to be discarded by her family when they secured a more advantageous match. Now reborn, he vows to sever ties with Li Xue and focus on caring for his elderly grandparents and improving his family’s impoverished living conditions. The narrative establishes his background: his parents died in a factory fire when he was eight, leaving him with a monthly subsidy that is set to expire when he turns eighteen. His grandfather, a former military cook, teaches him culinary skills, while Wu Jun begins to utilize his knowledge of the future to navigate the hardships of the era.

A significant turning point occurs when Wu Jun discovers a magical refrigerator from his previous life that appears and disappears at will. The refrigerator contains a vast array of modern ingredients, including beef, pork, chicken, and fruits, which automatically replenish when removed. Recognizing this as a golden opportunity, Wu Jun begins using the refrigerator to improve his family’s diet and to generate income. He secretly sells high-quality meat and produce at the county town’s black market, exchanging them for industrial ration tickets and cash. This illicit trade allows him to purchase cloth and other necessities, subtly improving his family’s status while avoiding the suspicion of villagers who view him with pity due to his broken engagement.

The core conflict intensifies when rumors spread through the village that the Wu family tricked the Li family into the engagement, a lie orchestrated by Li Xue’s mother to cover up their greed. The gossip damages Wu Jun’s reputation, making it difficult for him to find a new match and causing distress to his grandparents. Determined to clear his name, Wu Jun seeks the help of Li Gong, a childhood friend and distant relative of Li Xue who is now working as a chef in the county. Li Gong investigates and uncovers that Li Xue is secretly involved with Hong Mingliang, the son of a high-ranking Revolutionary Committee official, and that her family broke off the engagement for financial gain. Li Gong devises a plan to expose Li Xue’s true nature by arranging a meeting between Wu Jun and Li Xue at the state-run restaurant.

During the confrontation, Wu Jun discovers that he can hear Li Xue’s inner thoughts, revealing her calculating and manipulative nature. Li Xue attempts to manipulate Wu Jun again, asking him to remain silent about the rumors to protect her reputation, while secretly planning to marry Hong Mingliang for wealth and status. Wu Jun, no longer blinded by infatuation, rejects her pleas and demands that she acknowledge the truth. The scene is interrupted by Hong Mingliang, who overhears Li Xue’s derogatory comments about him and her true intentions. The exposure of Li Xue’s hypocrisy serves as a pivotal moment, allowing Wu Jun to publicly clear his name and sever his ties with the Li family completely. The story concludes with Wu Jun looking toward a future where he can build a stable life for his family, supported by his grandfather’s culinary mentorship and his own secret advantage.

As the narrative progresses, Wu Jun continues to balance his dual life as a village youth and a black market trader. He uses the refrigerator’s resources to secure better food for his grandparents and to accumulate wealth through discreet sales. The dynamic between Wu Jun and his grandfather deepens, with the elder man expressing pride in his grandson’s maturity and resilience. Wu Jun also reconnects with Li Gong, who offers guidance and support as he navigates the complex social landscape of the 1970s. The threat of the Li family’s continued slander looms, but Wu Jun remains focused on his goal of self-sufficiency and family well-being. The story highlights the stark contrast between Wu Jun’s past life of servitude and his current life of agency, as he leverages his unique abilities to carve out a secure future in a challenging environment.

The resolution of the immediate conflict with Li Xue does not end all challenges, as Wu Jun must still contend with the economic constraints of the era and the watchful eyes of village gossips. However, his discovery of the refrigerator and his ability to hear Li Xue’s thoughts provide him with tools that set him apart from his peers. He begins to plan for his future beyond the village, considering options such as working in the textile factory or continuing his culinary training. The story ends on a note of cautious optimism, with Wu Jun having reclaimed his dignity and secured a path forward that prioritizes his family’s happiness over societal expectations and past romantic entanglements.