Delicate Beauty in the 1970s Flirting with a Commander to Join the Military

Shen Nanqing, a celebrated professional dancer in her previous life, dies under anesthesia and transmigrates into the body of a girl with the same name in the summer of 1970. She awakens in a military unit infirmary with a head injury sustained during a rehearsal fall. The original host was a pampered dancer in a literary and art troupe, raised by a factory director father and an accountant mother, with three doting brothers. Her life was defined by a childhood sweetheart, Li Haoxuan, and a seemingly close friend, Xu Ruyan, who came from a poor family. In the original timeline, Xu Ruyan betrayed Shen Nanqing by seducing Li Haoxuan and orchestrating the fall that killed the host. Shen Nanqing accepts her new reality and resolves to live without the naivety that doomed the original girl.

Upon returning to the dormitory, Shen Nanqing confronts Xu Ruyan, who is feigning innocence and guilt over the accident. Instead of engaging in the emotional drama Xu Ruyan expects, Shen Nanqing coldly demands repayment of 150 yuan in debts and gifts Xu Ruyan had siphoned from her over the years. She exposes Xu Ruyan’s manipulative history, revealing that the friend had initially tried to infiltrate the circle of Li Zhen, a girl from a powerful military family, before settling for Shen Nanqing as a stepping stone. Shen Nanqing also reveals that the sand in Xu Ruyan’s shoes was a planted prop, not an accident. This direct confrontation shocks the dormitory residents, including Li Zhen, who begins to see Xu Ruyan’s true nature. Shen Nanqing also dismisses Li Haoxuan, rejecting his attempts to mediate and insulting his appearance and character, effectively ending their childhood connection.

Shen Nanqing’s attitude shift draws the attention of Song Huaiwen, a regiment commander and the younger brother of her troupe leader, Song Huaizhi. Song Huaiwen, a battle-hardened officer recovering from injuries, observes Shen Nanqing’s talent and integrity. Meanwhile, a major cultural performance selection is announced, offering a path to the prestigious General Political Department. Xu Ruyan, desperate to regain her status, signs up and attempts to manipulate Song Huaiwen by feigning injury and subservience, but he remains unmoved. Shen Nanqing, uninterested in the spotlight for herself, decides to mentor Li Zhen and Su Xiangqin, a quiet girl from a rural background who is often overlooked. She helps them prepare unique dance pieces that reflect deep historical and emotional narratives, contrasting with Xu Ruyan’s technically proficient but emotionally shallow style.

During the retest, Su Xiangqin and Li Zhen perform their choreographed pieces, which stun the judges with their artistic depth and originality. Xu Ruyan, meanwhile, performs poorly, her movements lacking rhythm and emotion, leading to public humiliation by Deputy Director Zhong of the General Political Department. Li Zhen, Su Xiangqin, and another dancer are selected for advanced training, while Xu Ruyan is rejected. Shen Nanqing’s refusal to participate in the selection, despite her superior talent, further confuses those around her. Deputy Director Zhong personally invites Shen Nanqing to join the General Political Department, recognizing her as a rare choreographer and composer. However, Shen Nanqing declines, citing her loyalty to her current troupe and her desire to avoid the political complexities of the higher echelons.

As the story progresses, Shen Nanqing’s relationship with Song Huaiwen deepens. He becomes protective of her, especially after Xu Ruyan attempts to frame him for an inappropriate encounter by staging a fall. Song Huaiwen’s swift evasion and subsequent explanation to Shen Nanqing reveal his growing affection and respect for her. Shen Nanqing, however, remains cautious, aware of the social risks in their era. She also navigates tensions with the Li family, particularly Li Haoxuan’s mother, who tries to pressure her into supporting her husband’s career advancement. Shen Nanqing firmly rejects these advances, asserting her independence. The narrative sets the stage for Shen Nanqing to build a new life on her own terms, leveraging her talents while avoiding the pitfalls that destroyed the original host, all while navigating the evolving dynamics with Song Huaiwen and the changing fortunes of her former friends.