From Fierce to Cherished: Raising a Baby in the 1980s

Qiao Shuling, a graduate student at Peking University, finds herself transmigrating into the body of a villainess in a novel titled Rebirth of the Fortunate Girl in the ’80s. In the original story, the villainess, also named Qiao Shuling, is depicted as a scheming woman who drugged her husband, Regimental Commander Xie Chengxiao, to secure marriage and later abuses their twin sons before being divorced and dying miserably. The novel’s heroine, Qiao Yanshu, is reborn to steal this fate for herself. Upon waking in the 1980s military compound, Qiao Shuling discovers she has inherited the villainess’s stunning beauty, two young children, and a husband who is ready to divorce her. However, instead of fleeing, she decides to keep her family and improve her life, aided by a special ability granted by the Time-Space Bureau: a personal storage space with a spiritual spring and daily supplies.

Her first major conflict arises when she encounters Zhang Mancang, the arrogant son of the Deputy Colonel, who is bullying her five-year-old twin sons, Xie Chuanchuan and Xie Shengsheng. In the original narrative, the children were neglected and abused, but the new Qiao Shuling fiercely protects them, physically confronting Zhang Mancang and intimidating his mother, He Chunlan, with an axe. This act shocks the military compound, where Qiao Shuling was previously known as a weak, subservient woman who allowed others to exploit her. She establishes a new reputation by refusing to tolerate disrespect, charging neighbors for using her private toilet, and shutting down the schemes of Wei Guofang, a woman known for taking advantage of others.

As Qiao Shuling adjusts to her new life, she focuses on rebuilding her relationship with her children, who are initially terrified of her due to the original owner’s abuse. She cooks elaborate meals using ingredients from her space, winning their hearts and earning the gratitude of their neighbor, Lu Hong, who had previously cared for the twins out of pity. Simultaneously, she begins a business venture, selling braised pig offal and other delicacies in the city. Her food, enhanced by spiritual spring water, becomes an instant hit, allowing her to earn significant income that far exceeds the average monthly salary of the era. She uses this money to buy clothes, bicycles, and supplies, further improving her family’s quality of life.

The story takes a turn when Qiao Shuling encounters Su Jianhua, a university student and the original villainess’s secret lover. Su Jianhua attempts to manipulate her for money, but Qiao Shuling sees through his deceit and publicly slaps him when he tries to harass her, driving him away in shame. This incident further cements her transformation in the eyes of the compound residents, who begin to view her with a mix of fear and respect. Meanwhile, Xie Chengxiao returns from a mission and is confused by the drastic change in his wife’s behavior. He finds her caring for their children and managing the household with competence and warmth, which challenges his previous perception of her as a cold and vicious woman.

Qiao Shuling continues to navigate the social dynamics of the military compound, facing gossip and jealousy from other wives while steadily building her business and family life. She balances her role as a mother, a businesswoman, and a wife, all while keeping her supernatural space a secret. The narrative follows her efforts to secure a better future for her children and herself, determined to avoid the tragic fate outlined in the novel. As she gains confidence and financial independence, the dynamics with Xie Chengxiao begin to shift, moving from estrangement toward a potential reconciliation, though he remains wary of her sudden change. The story sets the stage for her ongoing struggle to maintain her new life against the backdrop of 1980s Chinese society, where traditional expectations clash with her modern mindset and extraordinary advantages.