Following the Troops to the Island: the Beautiful Stepmother Is Loved by the Commander

Nan Yue, a modern university teacher, suddenly finds herself transmigrated into the body of an eighteen-year-old girl in 1980s China. She has become the evil supporting character in a period novel, married to Lu An, a handsome and capable military officer. The original Nan Yue was spoiled, arrogant, and deeply in love with her first love, Cheng Jun, while treating Lu An with cruelty and disdain. She had forced Lu An to stand in the scorching sun for a day after throwing a tantrum about him taking in his two orphaned niece and nephew. Upon waking, Nan Yue realizes her new reality and decides to change her fate. Seeing Lu An’s noble appearance and stable status, she chooses to abandon her previous resentment and embrace her role as a devoted wife, hoping for a peaceful and comfortable life.

Nan Yue immediately reverses her attitude, stopping the divorce proceedings and warmly welcoming her husband. She confronts her fake-cousin, Nan Jin, who has been living in their home and secretly attempting to seduce Lu An. Nan Yue exposes Nan Jin’s deceitful nature, throwing chicken soup on her when the girl tries to manipulate the situation. Lu An, who had long desired a divorce but felt bound by duty to the Nan family, is stunned by Nan Yue’s sudden transformation. Her genuine kindness and boldness begin to melt his guarded heart, leading to a gradual deepening of their marital bond. Meanwhile, the two children, Lu Si and Lu Ming, arrive from the countryside. They are malnourished, abused, and traumatized by their relatives, Li Youfu and Li Chunxiang. Nan Yue fiercely protects them, driving away the abusive relatives and providing the children with proper care, education, and love.

As Nan Yue integrates into her new family, she also addresses the corruption within her own natal family. She discovers that her aunt, Luo Qiaoyun, has been having an affair with the factory director, Cui Yongfu, and that her cousin Nan Jin is not her uncle’s biological daughter. Using evidence she gathered, Nan Yue exposes the affair and the illegitimacy of Nan Jin’s birth. This leads to her uncle divorcing his wife and casting Nan Jin out of the family. Nan Jin’s engagement to Su Hang is broken off when the Su family learns of her true parentage, leaving her destitute and humiliated. Nan Yue also confronts her first love, Cheng Jun, who attempts to exploit her for money. She publicly humiliates him, asserting her loyalty to Lu An and cutting ties with her past.

The story follows Nan Yue’s efforts to build a harmonious household while navigating the social dynamics of the military compound. She buys a television and refrigerator, improving the family’s quality of life, and supports Lu An’s military career. Lu An, touched by her devotion, becomes increasingly affectionate and protective. The children begin to thrive under Nan Yue’s guidance; Lu Si becomes a bright and cheerful girl, while Lu Ming, who was diagnosed with autism, starts to show signs of improvement and communication. Nan Yue’s relationship with her parents also improves, as she bridges the gap left by the original character’s rebellious behavior. Her mother, Ji Xuewei, provides financial support and emotional backing, while her father, Commander Nan Antai, comes to respect his daughter’s maturity and wisdom. The narrative highlights Nan Yue’s transition from a spoiled, misguided girl to a capable and loving matriarch, securing a happy future for herself and her family.

Throughout the story, Nan Yue balances her modern knowledge with the constraints of the 1980s setting. She uses her understanding of future events to avoid pitfalls and seize opportunities, such as investing in assets and exposing corrupt officials. Her interactions with neighbors and relatives are marked by her newfound confidence and sharpness, contrasting with the original Nan Yue’s ignorance and vanity. The plot emphasizes the healing power of family and the importance of genuine emotional connections. As Lu An returns from a military mission, the family’s bond strengthens further. Nan Yue’s journey is one of redemption and self-discovery, as she learns to appreciate the love and stability she has found with Lu An and the children. The story concludes with the family enjoying a peaceful and prosperous life, free from the schemes of their enemies and the regrets of the past.