Military Marriage in the '70s: The Cute and Charming Little Fool

Song Jinxi is a nineteen-year-old woman with the mental capacity of a child, born into a poor family that views her as a burden. Her parents and older sister, Song Jinzhen, treat her with neglect and cruelty, forcing her to perform heavy labor while wearing thin, inadequate clothing. When Jinzhen’s husband, Li Tiejun, becomes a deputy platoon leader, Jinzhen’s status rises, but she resents Jinxi’s presence because the girl’s natural beauty threatens Jinzhen’s own standing in the military compound. Jinxi is sent to stay with Jinzhen temporarily, where she endures abuse from her nephew and indifference from her relatives. Despite her condition, Jinxi is gentle and simple, finding joy in small things like candy and warmth. Her life changes when she encounters Lu Pei, a high-ranking military officer and division commander’s aide, who initially interacts with her out of curiosity but soon becomes concerned for her welfare after discovering her dire living conditions.

Lu Pei, known for his cold and aloof demeanor, finds himself unable to ignore Jinxi’s plight. He provides her with warm clothing, food, and protection after she is nearly assaulted by a soldier named Bai Shaoyang, who exploits her naivety. Recognizing that the Song family will never care for her properly, Lu Pei decides to adopt her as his goddaughter, securing her household registration and bringing her to live with him in his military residence. The Song family, greedy for the benefits Lu Pei can provide, agrees to the arrangement after he pays off a bride price they had already accepted from another family. Under Lu Pei’s care, Jinxi flourishes, gaining weight, learning basic social cues, and developing a deep attachment to him, whom she calls “Brother.” Lu Pei, in turn, develops a protective, paternal affection for her, going to great lengths to ensure her comfort and safety.

However, the arrival of Xu Xinyi introduces a significant complication. Xu Xinyi is a woman who has been reborn thirty years into the past, retaining memories of her previous tragic life. In her former timeline, she was deceived by a man named Chen Fei, sold into prostitution, and died in despair. She had also observed Lu Pei from afar in her later years, noting his powerful status and close relationship with Jinxi. Determined to change her fate, Xu Xinyi resolves to use Jinxi as a means to get close to Lu Pei, hoping to marry into his influential family and secure a prosperous future. She approaches Jinxi with roasted sweet potatoes, exploiting the girl’s love for food and poor memory to gain her trust.

Lu Pei and his friend Si Jie quickly become suspicious of Xu Xinyi’s motives. They observe her interactions with Chen Fei, who is revealed to be a gambler and con artist, and recognize the danger she poses to Jinxi’s innocence. Lu Pei confronts Xu Xinyi, exposing her lies and driving her away, but Xu Xinyi remains determined to find another way into Lu Pei’s circle. Meanwhile, the political landscape is shifting, with rumors of policy changes regarding private business and education, adding an undercurrent of uncertainty to the characters’ lives. Jinxi remains oblivious to the adult schemes surrounding her, continuing to rely on Lu Pei for guidance and care, while Lu Pei struggles to balance his protective instincts with the complexities of the changing world around them.

The story follows the evolving dynamic between Lu Pei and Jinxi as he navigates her upbringing, ensuring she is protected from those who would exploit her vulnerability. Xu Xinyi’s rebirth adds a layer of tension, as she schemes to alter her destiny while inadvertently threatening the fragile peace Lu Pei has established for Jinxi. The narrative explores themes of family, protection, and the impact of historical changes on individual lives, with Jinxi’s simple happiness serving as the emotional core around which the conflicts revolve.