Lin Wanying is reborn on the day her husband, Xu Youcheng, files for divorce to reunite with his first love, Li Qiuzhen. In her previous life, she believed their separation stemmed from personality clashes, but this time she learns the truth: Xu Youcheng abandoned her solely to return to Beijing and marry the woman he truly desired. Furious and unwilling to accept defeat, Lin Wanying decides to retaliate by finding her own partner. She targets Gu Liansheng, the man married to Li Qiuzhen, planning to marry him in a bid to disrupt their plans and prove her own worth. Despite the absurdity of the situation, she packs her belongings, takes her younger brother Lin Hainan, and travels from their rural village to Beijing, determined to execute her scheme.
During the journey, Lin Wanying displays a fierce and capable nature, inherited from her martial arts-trained father. She encounters bandits and police officers, intervening to help subdue the criminals with a single punch. Her brother advises her to appear more gentle to attract a husband, but she remains unapologetic about her direct and aggressive personality. Upon arriving in Beijing, they reach the large shared courtyard where Gu Liansheng lives. Lin Wanying hesitates at the gate, feeling shame about her impulsive plan, but her brother urges her forward, reminding her that they have invested all their savings in this trip. Meanwhile, Gu Liansheng has just finalized his own divorce from Li Qiuzhen, who left him the moment his family was politically rehabilitated after five years of hardship.
The courtyard residents are outraged by Li Qiuzhen’s behavior, having watched Gu Liansheng risk his life catching criminals only to be discarded. His godmother, Zhao Xiuzhu, notices Lin Wanying lingering outside and, assuming she is a prospective bride introduced by relatives, enthusiastically welcomes her. Lin Hainan clarifies that Lin Wanying is a divorced woman seeking to marry Gu Liansheng. Zhao Xiuzhu is delighted by the match, noting that Lin Wanying is even more beautiful than Li Qiuzhen and that the union would benefit everyone. She drags Gu Liansheng back to the courtyard, where he is initially confused and skeptical. He had not arranged any new marriage and intends to politely send the stranger away.
When Lin Wanying and Gu Liansheng finally meet face-to-face, both are stunned. They recognize each other as the spouses of their respective ex-partners’ first loves. Lin Wanying is filled with regret, realizing her impulsive revenge plot has led her to the wrong target. Gu Liansheng, however, finds her valiant and spirited appearance appealing, though he is cautious about repeating his past mistakes. The courtyard residents, eager to see a quick resolution, urge them to marry immediately. Lin Wanying, refusing to back down, asks if he agrees to the marriage. Gu Liansheng initially hesitates, citing the lack of familiarity and the rashness of the situation. When Lin Wanying prepares to leave, claiming it was a mistake, Gu Liansheng impulsively agrees to marry her. The chapter concludes with the couple, both recently divorced, deciding to wed the same day, setting the stage for a complicated new relationship.
The narrative establishes a backdrop of 1979 Beijing, where social norms are shifting but traditional expectations still hold weight. Lin Wanying’s character is defined by her resilience and refusal to be a victim, while Gu Liansheng represents a man weary of superficial relationships. Their union, born out of anger and coincidence rather than love, creates a unique dynamic. The story explores themes of second chances, the complexities of remarriage, and the interplay between personal agency and fate. As they navigate this sudden partnership, both characters must confront their past traumas and learn to trust each other. The presence of their ex-partners, Xu Youcheng and Li Qiuzhen, looms over the narrative, promising future conflicts as the truth of their motivations may eventually surface.
Lin Hainan’s role as the pragmatic younger brother provides comic relief and grounds Lin Wanying’s impulsive actions. His commentary highlights the societal pressures on women to be gentle and submissive, which Lin Wanying rejects. The support system of the courtyard residents, particularly the godmothers, serves as a chorus that drives the plot forward, encouraging the marriage and validating Lin Wanying’s presence. This communal setting emphasizes the importance of social reputation and collective opinion in determining individual lives. The story moves from a personal act of revenge to a broader exploration of how two broken individuals can build a new life together, challenging the assumptions of those around them and redefining their own identities outside of their failed marriages.
