The Beautiful Supporting Character's Island Life Raising Kids [1970s]

Ye Zhi, a modern woman who transmigrated into a 1970s-era novel, finds herself inhabiting the body of a tragic supporting character. The original Ye Zhi was a beautiful factory worker who wasted her life pining for Gao Wenbo, a widowed engineer with three children. Despite her devotion and sacrifice, Gao Wenbo eventually discarded her for his first love, leaving her to die in misery. Upon waking in this new reality, Ye Zhi resolves to avoid this fate. She discovers she has a childhood engagement arranged by her late grandfather to a military officer, but the original host had rejected it in favor of Gao Wenbo. Ye Zhi accepts the engagement, seeing it as her only path to security and happiness in an era where being beautiful without wealth is a liability.

At the textile factory anniversary celebration, Ye Zhi avoids the dance performance that would have injured her foot and caused a scene, instead choosing to sing solo. Her performance wins first prize, earning her money and ration tickets, while simultaneously avoiding the plot point that would have led to her dismissal. When the factory director attempts to introduce her to Gao Wenbo, she politely declines, claiming she already has a partner. Her parents, initially worried, are relieved when she confirms her agreement to marry Regiment Commander Lu Wei. Meanwhile, Lu Wei, a handsome and disciplined officer stationed on Qiongzhou Island, is pressured by his grandfather to honor the long-forgotten engagement. He initially views the arrangement as feudal and plans to refuse it, but his grandfather’s insistence forces him to travel to Xitang Town for a meeting.

The first meeting between Ye Zhi and Lu Wei is awkward but polite. Lu Wei is struck by Ye Zhi’s beauty and gentle demeanor, feeling an unfamiliar sense of nervousness and attraction. Although he leaves early due to a sudden assignment, he promises to return in two days. Back in town, Ye Zhi faces hostility from her third aunt, Li Ermei, and cousin, Ye Hongying, who had intercepted the original rejection telegram and hoped to claim the military officer for themselves. Ye Hongying, also a transmigrator from a past life, believes Lu Wei is cold and uninterested, and she plans to let Ye Zhi suffer rejection before stepping in. However, Lu Wei returns on time for their second meeting, surprising Ye Zhi and the gossiping townsfolk.

During their second encounter, Lu Wei formally asks Ye Zhi if she is willing to be his revolutionary partner, expressing his desire to get to know her better. Ye Zhi agrees, and the two begin to build a relationship based on mutual respect and understanding. Lu Wei is captivated by Ye Zhi’s kindness and intelligence, while Ye Zhi appreciates his reliability and handsome appearance. They navigate the social dynamics of the small town, dealing with jealous relatives and nosy coworkers. Ye Zhi’s family supports her decision, recognizing that a military marriage offers a stable future compared to the uncertainty of staying in Xitang. As their bond deepens, Lu Wei’s initial reluctance toward arranged marriage transforms into genuine affection, setting the stage for a union that defies the tragic fate of the original novel.

The story highlights Ye Zhi’s strategic choices to alter her destiny, from avoiding dangerous plot traps to embracing a practical yet promising marriage. Lu Wei’s character evolves from a rigid soldier bound by duty to a man willing to pursue his own happiness. Their courtship unfolds against the backdrop of 1970s China, where social norms and economic hardships shape their interactions. Ye Zhi’s past life experiences as a self-media influencer help her navigate the era with confidence, while Lu Wei’s military background provides the stability she seeks. Together, they face external pressures from rivals and internal doubts, ultimately choosing to build a life together. The narrative follows their growing closeness as they prepare for marriage, leaving behind the toxic attachments of the original story and forging a new path defined by mutual support and respect.