The Jade-Skinned Beauty Travels Back to the 1980s, and the Abstinent Tough Man Falls for Her

Xu Xiaoyue, a modern high-achieving woman, transmigrates into the body of a tragic supporting character in a period novel written by her former best friend. In the original story, the character was forced into a marriage with an abusive butcher before being lured into a childhood betrothal with Yan Shuli, a man in the military compound. Her attempts to secure her position through manipulation led to her ruin, imprisonment, and death. Upon waking in the rural setting of the novel, Xu Xiaoyue learns that her mother-in-law has already arranged for her to marry the butcher to fund a wedding for another family member. Determined to avoid the original plot, she refuses the match and accepts a telegram regarding the Yan family betrothal, not to marry, but to formally break it off.

During her journey to the capital, Xu Xiaoyue encounters human traffickers posing as friendly travelers on the train. Recognizing their scheme, she alerts the train attendant, but is initially dismissed. As the criminals attempt to drug and abduct her, she is rescued by Yan Ye, the cold and disciplined Regimental Commander of the 181st Regiment. Yan Ye swiftly subdues the traffickers, displaying his martial prowess and authority. In the chaos, Xu Xiaoyue, weakened by the drug, clings to him instinctively. Yan Ye, though stern and reserved, protects her and ensures she is safe, leaving a lasting impression on both of them. He warns her about the dangers of trusting strangers, establishing a dynamic of protector and protected.

Upon arriving at the Yan family compound, Xu Xiaoyue finds that Yan Shuli is absent, having been distracted by Zheng Jiaojiao, the novel’s female lead. Xu Xiaoyue confronts the Yan family matriarch, Liu Ye, and formally returns the jade pendant that served as the engagement token. She declares her intention to cancel the marriage, citing her humble rural background and lack of worthiness for Yan Shuli. Her dignified and sincere approach disarms the Yan family, who had expected a greedy country girl. Moved by her plight and her refusal to cling to their status, Liu Ye offers her temporary shelter and a place to stay. Xu Xiaoyue accepts, securing her immediate safety while planning her next steps.

Life in the compound proves difficult. Zheng Jiaojiao, aware of her role as the original protagonist, views Xu Xiaoyue as a threat and begins to scheme against her. She manipulates Yan Shuli and isolates Xu Xiaoyue, leading to an incident where Xu Xiaoyue is lured into an alley and attacked by Wang Hao, a local thug with designs on her. Yan Ye coincidentally appears and brutally defeats the attacker, saving Xu Xiaoyue once again. This second rescue deepens the connection between them, though Yan Ye remains outwardly cold and disciplined. He tends to her injuries with unexpected gentleness, hinting at a growing, unacknowledged attraction.

Seeking independence, Xu Xiaoyue uses her modern knowledge of fashion design to modify clothing at a state-run supermarket. Her talent catches the eye of the manager, who offers her a temporary position. This success allows her to support herself without relying on the Yan family. Meanwhile, Zheng Jiaojiao’s schemes continue to escalate, as she attempts to sabotage Xu Xiaoyue’s reputation and relationships. The story follows Xu Xiaoyue’s navigation of these social pitfalls, her growing bond with Yan Ye, and her determination to carve out a new destiny that diverges sharply from the tragic path of the original novel.