Return to the 70s: Bringing a Cute Baby to Be a Sent-Down Youth

Huo Qingqing, a woman who died in regret at the age of fifty, finds herself reborn in the spring of 1976. In her previous life, she had abandoned her husband, Han Jianwu, and their twin children to return to the city with Zhang Guohua, a man she believed loved her. She was deceived by Zhang Guohua and his female friend Gao Yunxia, who conspired to exploit her family connections and resources. After returning to the city, Huo Qingqing discovered that Zhang Guohua and Gao Yunxia were lovers and had a son together. Devastated, she learned that her daughter had been abducted and sold by Gao Yunxia, and her husband had died searching for her. Her son refused to acknowledge her, and she spent her final years in illness and remorse. Upon waking in 1976, on the very day she was supposed to divorce Han Jianwu and leave with Zhang Guohua, Huo Qingqing resolves to change her fate. She refuses to leave, shocking everyone around her, including Zhang Guohua, who had planned to use her family’s influence to secure his future.

Huo Qingqing’s transformation is immediate and drastic. She confronts Zhang Guohua and Gao Yunxia, demanding the repayment of money and ration coupons they had borrowed from her. In her previous life, she had been too naive to keep records, but this time, she produces a detailed account book with forged IOUs bearing their signatures. Han Jianwu, her husband, supports her actions despite his confusion over her sudden change of heart. He had always known their marriage was one of convenience, arranged to protect her from political persecution, and had always treated her with kindness and respect. Huo Qingqing, however, begins to appreciate his devotion and starts to care for their children and household with renewed vigor. She washes their hair, buys them new clothes, and ensures they have a better quality of life, using her own savings and coupons.

The Han family, a large extended household with five brothers, is in turmoil due to Huo Qingqing’s refusal to leave. The family division that follows is unfair, with Han Jianwu and Huo Qingqing being assigned a dilapidated kitchen in the backyard. Despite this, Huo Qingqing remains steadfast, focusing on rebuilding their small home and protecting her children. She confronts Liu Chunyan, the wife of her fifth brother-in-law, who had insulted her and her family. Huo Qingqing stands up for herself and her parents’ honor, forcing Liu Chunyan to reveal that Gao Yunxia had instigated the insults. This confrontation strengthens her resolve to expose Gao Yunxia and Zhang Guohua for their deceit.

As Huo Qingqing settles into her new life, she receives a letter from her parents, who have been politically rehabilitated. Her mother expresses pride in her daughter’s choice to stay with Han Jianwu and the children, promising to visit soon. Huo Qingqing feels a sense of peace and purpose, knowing that she has made the right decision. She continues to collect debts from Zhang Guohua and Gao Yunxia, who are increasingly desperate and isolated. The educated youths in the village begin to see Zhang Guohua for the freeloader he is, and Gao Yunxia’s manipulative nature is exposed. Huo Qingqing’s strength and determination earn her the respect of those around her, including her true friends, Lin An’an and Song Xiaoyue, who had supported her in her previous life.

The story follows Huo Qingqing’s journey from a naive and deceived woman to a strong and resilient mother and wife. She navigates the complexities of rural life, family dynamics, and political turmoil with courage and wisdom. Her relationship with Han Jianwu evolves from one of mutual respect to genuine affection, as they build a life together for their children. Huo Qingqing’s past life regrets are replaced by a hopeful future, where she can protect her family and make amends for her past mistakes. The narrative highlights themes of redemption, family, and the power of second chances, set against the backdrop of 1970s China.