Married for Three Years Without Consummation, Divorcing Immediately After Rebirth

Mu Xiaocao awakens in 1981, three years into her marriage to Liu Guoqiang, having been reborn after dying in regret and resentment. In her previous life, she spent over twenty years serving Liu Guoqiang's family while he neglected her, giving half his salary to Hu Lili, a widow and his childhood classmate whom he loved but never married. Mu Xiaocao died alone in a hospital while Liu Guoqiang celebrated Hu Lili's birthday, never having consummated their marriage. Now reborn, she resolves to divorce him and live for herself.

Upon waking, Mu Xiaocao finds Liu Guoqiang attempting to force himself on her while Hu Lili watches. Instead of submitting as she did in her past life, she slaps both of them and demands a divorce. Liu Guoqiang, accustomed to her obedience, is shocked by her defiance. He expects her to apologize to Hu Lili and serve her, but Mu Xiaocao refuses, publicly declaring her intention to divorce him. The military compound gossip turns against Hu Lili and Liu Guoqiang as neighbors witness his favoritism.

Commissar Wang attempts to mediate, but Mu Xiaocao firmly states she will not waste her youth on a man who treats her as a free servant and breeding tool. Liu Guoqiang, enraged by her public humiliation, agrees to the divorce, believing she will regret it. Mu Xiaocao learns that Hu Lili covets Liu Guoqiang's financial support but looks down on his poor rural family. Hu Lili plans to maintain the arrangement where Mu Xiaocao serves the family while she receives half the salary.

During the divorce proceedings, Mu Xiaocao discovers her suitcase was rummaged through by Hu Lili, who had keys to the house. Mu Xiaocao publicly accuses Hu Lili of theft, causing further scandal. Liu Guoqiang tries to suppress the issue to protect his promotion prospects, but Mu Xiaocao insists on the divorce and demands compensation for three years of unpaid labor.

Meanwhile, Mu Xiaocao befriends Qin Su, niece of Regiment Commander Qin, who reveals her uncle has taken an interest in her. Qin Su helps Mu Xiaocao with math problems, discovering she is intelligent and capable, contrary to the illiterate country woman stereotype. Mu Xiaocao realizes her mind has sharpened since her rebirth, and she begins to see possibilities beyond the village life that trapped her previously.

The story follows Mu Xiaocao's determination to sever ties with Liu Guoqiang, expose Hu Lili's true nature, and build an independent life. She refuses to be a victim, confronting her abusers publicly and claiming the compensation she deserves. The narrative explores themes of female autonomy, the consequences of self-sacrifice, and the possibility of redemption through second chances.