Su Yunqi, the eighteen-year-old Village Beauty of Datang Village, faces harassment from a wealthy local hooligan named Zheng Ye while job hunting. Her father, lacking power to protect her, arranges a desperate marriage to Lu Zhao, the twenty-three-year-old Village Tyrant from neighboring Ertang Village, believing his fearsome reputation will deter the bully. Lu Zhao, known for idling and bullying others, secretly harbors feelings for Su Yunqi, having protected her from local troublemakers throughout their childhood despite their bickering relationship as classmates.
The wedding proceeds rapidly within half a month. On their wedding night, Lu Zhao initially appears menacing, pinching Su Yunqi's chin and making threatening remarks about crushing her spirit. However, when Su Yunqi begins crying, his demeanor softens. He gently wipes her tears and reveals a surprising tenderness, explaining his muscular physique with pride. Their intimate encounter is awkward due to inexperience, causing Su Yunqi pain and tears, but Lu Zhao remains considerate, spending the night comforting her rather than continuing.
The following morning, neither can rise from bed soreness. Lu Zhao attempts to cook but fails entirely, burning rice and producing inedible dishes. When Su Yunqi, starving and distressed, mentions returning home, Lu Zhao impulsively tells her to go back. Taking his words literally, she packs her belongings and hides behind the door crying, fearing abandonment. Lu Zhao finds her, realizes his mistake, and carries her to his parents' house where his mother, Chen Cuilan, initially believes he has abused her and chases him with a broom. Su Yunqi plays along with the misunderstanding, gaining Chen Cuilan's sympathy and a proper meal of noodles with meat sauce.
As the couple visits Lu Zhao's seven older brothers, tensions arise with the seventh brother and his jealous wife, who criticize Su Yunqi's beauty and accuse her of disrupting family harmony. Lu Zhao violently defends his wife, beating both siblings and warning them never to speak ill of her again. During a trip to town to buy return gifts for Su Yunqi's parents, Lu Zhao carries her on his back when her feet hurt, echoing a childhood memory when he similarly carried the young Su Yunqi home after a mountain trip.
In town, they encounter Zheng Ye and his gang, who attempt to harass Su Yunqi publicly. Lu Zhao single-handedly defeats all eleven thugs, breaking Zheng Ye's teeth and forcing him to kowtow and apologize. Zheng Ye reveals he had no idea Su Yunqi was already married to Lu Zhao. After the confrontation, Lu Zhao frightens Su Yunqi with ghost stories to make her cling to him, revealing his protective nature beneath his rough exterior. He had secretly followed and protected Su Yunqi throughout high school despite not attending classes himself, a fact he only hints at.
The story establishes the dynamic between the fierce, muscular Lu Zhao and the delicate, spoiled Su Yunqi. Despite his violent reputation and harsh tongue, Lu Zhao consistently demonstrates deep care and protection toward his wife. Su Yunqi gradually warms to him, recognizing his genuine kindness beneath the rough exterior. The narrative sets up their ongoing life together as they navigate family dynamics, community perceptions, and the lingering threat of external bullies, with Lu Zhao's primary motivation being the protection and provision for his young wife.
