Xu Xiangjuan wakes up in 1985 after a bus accident that killed her in her previous life. She finds herself in the body of a new mother with a two-month-old son, Niuniu, and a three-year-old daughter, Guagua. Her husband, Zhou Chengning, is a Tsinghua University graduate working as a middle school teacher. In her past life, Zhou Chengning died young from illness, leaving Xu Xiangjuan to raise the children alone while facing financial ruin and family estrangement. Determined to change their fate, she resolves to improve their quality of life and ensure her husband survives.
The story begins with Xu Xiangjuan taking charge of household management. She kills a chicken for the first time, a significant event in their frugal life, and cooks it with dried mushrooms. Her daughter Guagua is delighted, having only eaten chicken once before at her grandmother's house. Xu Xiangjuan sends portions to her parents, despite her mother Wu Caifeng's constant criticism of Zhou Chengning as a poor match. Wu Caifeng prefers a wealthier local man, Wang Qiang, but Xu Xiangjuan insisted on marrying Zhou Chengning for his education and character.
Xu Xiangjuan's priorities shift from mere survival to strategic planning. She decides to buy a bicycle for Zhou Chengning to reduce his exhausting daily walks to work. She also plans to have a custom bed made for Niuniu to prevent accidental suffocation during sleep. Her husband is initially confused by her sudden kindness, fearing she might be leaving him, but she reassures him that she is investing in their future together. She gives him a small monthly allowance, a gesture that surprises him but also strengthens their bond.
The narrative explores the family dynamics with Zhou Chengning's bloodsucking parents, who demanded financial support despite his estrangement from them. Xu Xiangjuan firmly rejects their demands, protecting her husband's interests. She also manages her own natal family, guarding gifts sent by her siblings from being taken by her aunt's family. Her sharp tongue and decisive actions earn her the reputation of a shrew, but she uses it to secure her family's well-being.
As autumn approaches, Xu Xiangjuan focuses on preparing for winter. She knits clothes for her children and preserves vegetables. She takes Guagua and Niuniu to visit Zhou Chengning's grandfather, a kind elderly man who lives in poverty compared to his other children. This visit highlights Zhou Chengning's deep affection for his grandfather and his resentment toward his neglectful parents. Xu Xiangjuan supports this decision, recognizing the importance of family loyalty beyond the toxic elements.
The story direction moves toward economic improvement and health preservation. Xu Xiangjuan writes to her brother for a bicycle ticket, aiming to secure the purchase before prices rise. She continues to cook nutritious meals, balancing meat and vegetables, and ensures Zhou Chengning eats well. Her colleagues at school notice the change in his diet and demeanor, expressing surprise at his wife's apparent transformation. Zhou Chengning defends her, attributing the change to her desire for a better future.
Key turning points include the decision to buy the bicycle, the construction of Niuniu's bed, and the visit to the grandfather. These actions signify Xu Xiangjuan's active role in reshaping their destiny. She addresses the root causes of their past suffering: poverty, poor health management, and family exploitation. By taking control of finances and household decisions, she creates a stable environment for her family.
The narrative maintains an objective tone, focusing on daily life details and interpersonal relationships. Xu Xiangjuan's past life memories serve as a guide for her present actions, but she does not rely on supernatural elements. Instead, she uses her knowledge of future events to make practical decisions. The story emphasizes the importance of communication, mutual respect, and proactive planning in building a successful family life. Through her efforts, Xu Xiangjuan aims to break the cycle of hardship that defined her previous existence, ensuring a healthier and more prosperous future for herself, her husband, and her children.
