Gu Fang, a forensic pathology doctoral student from the modern era, finds herself in a bizarre life swap with Gu Fangbai, a young woman living in Suzhou during June 1968. After falling asleep in deep sorrow over her grandmother's passing, Gu Fang wakes up in the body of Gu Fangbai, a 24-year-old editor at the Su City Newspaper Office. The original Gu Fangbai has traveled forward in time, taking Gu Fang's place in the 21st century. Gu Fangbai, now inhabiting the past, discovers that her new identity comes with significant responsibilities and a tragic history. She is an orphan raised by her uncle, Gu Weiguo, and aunt, Xu Huailan, after both her parents, a soldier and a police officer, died as martyrs. The family is well-respected in their community, but Gu Fangbai is acutely aware of the political dangers of the Cultural Revolution era.
Her immediate goal is to protect her grandmother, Chu Xiangxue, who in the original timeline suffered greatly due to her family's capitalist background. Gu Fangbai learns that Chu Xiangxue is currently engaged to Fang Zhifan, a man she later discovers is a hypocrite who only married into the family for its hidden wealth. Determined to alter this fate, Gu Fangbai visits Chu Xiangxue, who is now 23 years old and living in relative isolation due to her family's political status. During their meeting, Gu Fangbai subtly hints at her preference for a military partner, leading Chu Xiangxue to propose her elder brother, Chu Yu, a battalion commander in the army.
Chu Yu, a serious and capable military officer, is initially skeptical of Chu Xiangxue's matchmaking efforts, suspecting her of being under duress or deceived. He is also facing professional stagnation due to his family's class background, which has prevented his promotion despite his merits. Meanwhile, a rival officer, Zhao Youliang, undermines Chu Yu's chances by intercepting a potential match arranged by their commander. Despite his reservations, Chu Yu agrees to consider meeting Gu Fangbai, though he remains guarded about her intentions.
Gu Fangbai navigates the social and political complexities of 1968 Suzhou, dealing with daily hardships such as flooding in her residential compound and the pervasive surveillance of the era. She maintains her cover as the gentle, scholarly Gu Fangbai while internally employing her modern knowledge and forensic mindset to analyze those around her. Her relationship with Chu Xiangxue deepens as they bond over shared meals and conversations, with Gu Fangbai providing emotional support to her grandmother, who is struggling with the hostility from neighbors and the uncertainty of her brother's military career.
The narrative explores the tension between Gu Fangbai's modern sensibilities and the rigid social norms of the 1960s. She must carefully balance her desire to help her grandmother with the need to avoid drawing unwanted attention. As she prepares to meet Chu Yu, she anticipates the challenges of winning over a man who values integrity and is wary of political maneuvering. The story sets the stage for a romance built on mutual respect and shared purpose, as both Gu Fangbai and Chu Yu navigate the treacherous waters of their time while seeking to protect their families and secure a future together.
