Pu Jiaojiao, a successful lifestyle influencer in her previous life, transmigrates into the body of a wicked stepmother in a sweet-romance novel. She awakens in the modest home of Constable Jing, who has left on an urgent official assignment, leaving behind two children: Jing Hongyi, a cautious and hardened seven-year-old boy, and Jing Xiaohua, a timid three-year-old girl. Pu Jiaojiao realizes she has become the stepmother of the story's future villain, Jing Hongyi, who is destined to grow up twisted and cruel due to years of abuse and neglect. Terrified of her tragic fate in the original plot, where the villain skins her alive, she resolves to change the trajectory of his life by treating the children with genuine care and kindness.
Upon waking, Pu Jiaojiao immediately begins to mend the fractured relationship with her stepchildren. She notices the filth and neglect they have endured and takes it upon herself to clean their home and bathe Xiaohua, an act that surprises the little girl who has never experienced such tenderness. Her background as a content creator proves useful, as she applies her knowledge of cooking and household management to improve their quality of life. She prepares delicious meals, including wontons, braised pig intestines, and sweet and sour ribs, which captivate Jing Hongyi’s guarded heart. Despite his initial suspicion that her kindness is a trick or a prelude to further abuse, Hongyi finds himself unable to resist the warmth and nourishment she provides.
The narrative follows Pu Jiaojiao’s efforts to integrate into her new family while maintaining ties with her own loving parents, the Pus. She visits her father, Pu Donglai, and her fiery but caring mother, Qiao Sanniang, rekindling familial bonds and securing support. Her cooking skills impress her mother, and she learns to navigate the social dynamics of her natal family while managing the household in her marital home. Meanwhile, Jing Hongyi begins to trust her, evidenced by his sharing of food with his classmate Lin Chengjie and his gradual acceptance of Pu Jiaojiao’s care. The bond between Pu Jiaojiao and Xiaohua deepens rapidly, with the little girl affectionately calling her "Mama" and showing clear signs of emotional healing.
A key turning point occurs during a family outing to Niutou Mountain. Pu Jiaojiao, Hongyi, and Xiaohua enjoy a picnic prepared by Pu Jiaojiao, showcasing her ability to create joy and stability. However, the outing is marred when Xiaohua is accidentally knocked down and injured by a passing noble’s entourage. The incident highlights the vulnerabilities they face in a society where commoners are easily overlooked by the elite. Pu Jiaojiao tends to Xiaohua’s wound with care, reinforcing her role as a protective mother figure. The event also underscores the contrast between their humble life and the privileged world of the nobles, hinting at future conflicts involving the powerful figures in the novel’s plot.
As the story progresses, Pu Jiaojiao continues to transform the household, introducing modern techniques such as pickling vegetables and making soap. She ensures Hongyi has nutritious meals for school, which earns him admiration from his peers and improves his health and energy levels. The once-harsh stepmother is now seen as a capable and loving caregiver, altering the perceptions of their neighbors and family. Hongyi’s attitude shifts from wariness to gratitude, and he begins to rely on Pu Jiaojiao for emotional support and guidance. The narrative sets the stage for Hongyi’s redemption from his villainous destiny, driven by the love and stability Pu Jiaojiao provides, while she works to survive and thrive in this new world without falling victim to the original plot’s tragic end.
