Daily Life of a Post-80s Young Couple Raising a Child

Jiang Hua awakens in a hospital bed, her consciousness returning from a haze to find her husband, Xu Chenghuai, pressing down on her. Despite her illness and exhaustion, their intimate encounter leaves her mentally drained. When she opens her eyes, she finds herself not in a hospital, but in the bedroom of her old family home, surrounded by pink bedsheets with dark red peony patterns. The sunlight filtering through the window reveals a familiar yet distant setting. Jiang Hua realizes with shock that she has traveled back in time to her youth. She checks her reflection in a red-framed mirror and sees her young, fair-skinned face, confirming that she has returned to the past. Her heart races as she processes the reality of her situation.

She rushes out of the bedroom and encounters Xu Chenghuai, who is carrying a large sea bowl from the kitchen. Following him are their three-year-old twin children, Yunkai and Yunshu. Jiang Hua is overwhelmed with emotion, her eyes reddening as she looks at her children. In her previous life, she had been overly cautious and strict, driven by feelings of inferiority due to her rural background compared to Xu Chenghuai's prestigious position as a researcher. This behavior had caused her children to resent her, leading to a distant and strained relationship. Determined to change, Jiang Hua resolves to live for herself and her children's happiness rather than seeking Xu Chenghuai's approval.

During breakfast, Jiang Hua observes the dynamics between her family. Xu Chenghuai is attentive to the children, preparing golden fried eggs and porridge, yet remains emotionally distant from Jiang Hua. She reflects on their marriage, noting that while he fulfilled his duties as a husband and father, she had been too focused on gaining his affection to notice the neglect of her children. Jiang Hua decides to prioritize her own well-being and that of her children, rejecting the self-sacrificing role she previously played. She interacts warmly with Yunkai and Yunshu, offering them food and attention, which contrasts sharply with her past behavior.

Later, Jiang Hua goes shopping with Auntie Chen, a kind neighbor who had helped her in her previous life. Jiang Hua recalls that Auntie Chen and her husband, Director Chen, would later die by suicide due to a scandal involving espionage. Xu Chenghuai was implicated because Director Chen was his mentor, which derailed his career. Jiang Hua resolves to prevent this tragedy by subtly warning Xu Chenghuai about the importance of keeping secrets and being wary of those with ulterior motives. She also notices changes in her own behavior, such as buying snacks for her children and deciding not to deliver meals to Xu Chenghuai at work, which surprises those around her.

As Jiang Hua continues to adjust to her new life, she begins to explore her own interests and talents. She remembers her past skills in design and decides to open a clothing shop, renting a storefront and selling her job at the machinery factory to fund the venture. This decision shocks her family and neighbors, who view it as reckless. Her parents confront her, expressing disappointment and anger, but Jiang Hua stands firm in her choice, refusing to be a financial burden for her siblings as she was in her previous life. She also strengthens her relationship with her children, teaching them and spending quality time with them, which brings them closer.

Xu Chenghuai notices the significant changes in Jiang Hua's behavior. He is confused and unsettled by her newfound independence and emotional distance. Despite his initial frustration, he begins to pay more attention to her, sensing that something fundamental has shifted in their relationship. Jiang Hua remains focused on her goals, balancing her business aspirations with her role as a mother. She navigates the social dynamics of her community, forming a friendship with Song Jin, who appreciates Jiang Hua's transformation. The story follows Jiang Hua as she rebuilds her life, mends relationships with her children, and works to prevent the tragedies that befell her in her past life, all while maintaining her newfound autonomy and self-respect.