Winter in a Small Town

Tao Xiaoxi, a twenty-eight-year-old animation designer, returns to her small county hometown after six years in the capital, facing the social pressure of being an unmarried woman. Her mother, Meng Qing, a head nurse, and her father, Tao Wenyong, a teacher, have strict expectations for her suitors, preferring educated professionals like doctors or teachers. Tao Xiaoxi, known for her gentle and indecisive nature, has previously been hurt by a manipulative ex-boyfriend named Gu Zichu, which has left her with a psychological barrier toward relationships. Despite her reservations about arranged marriages, she agrees to a series of blind dates orchestrated by her mother. Among the candidates is Chen Fang, a man introduced by Old Zhou, a close family friend and former teacher. Chen Fang is physically attractive and successful in the construction industry, but he lacks a college degree and comes from a humble background, having been raised by his grandmother after his parents passed away. Meng Qing is initially dissatisfied with him due to his educational background and unstable job, but Tao Xiaoxi persuades her by highlighting his financial stability and kind character.

The relationship progresses rapidly, moving from blind dates to engagement and wedding within three months. Tao Xiaoxi and Chen Fang share a history as high school classmates, though they rarely interacted due to their different academic standings. Chen Fang was part of a group known as the "Four Great Kings," a title that carried rumors about his prowess, which Tao Xiaoxi only learns about later. Their wedding day is exhausting for Tao Xiaoxi, who deals with traditional customs and family dynamics, including a confrontation with Wu Sining, the woman who betrayed her with Gu Zichu. Chen Fang protects her from excessive drinking and public teasing, demonstrating his care and strategic social skills. After the wedding, the couple spends their first night together, where Tao Xiaoxi discovers that Chen Fang is inexperienced despite his confident exterior. The encounter is awkward and painful for Tao Xiaoxi, leading to a moment of silence and embarrassment for Chen Fang, who feels his masculinity questioned.

The morning after the wedding, Tao Xiaoxi wakes up to find Chen Fang has taken care of her needs, preparing ginger tea and chicken soup. She discovers he has been searching online for solutions to male sexual health issues, believing his performance the night before was inadequate. Misunderstanding his actions, Tao Xiaoxi also searches for remedies, leaving a note about "cow whips" which Chen Fang interprets as her doubt in his abilities. The tension between them is broken when Tao Xiaoxi accidentally spills hot water on him, leading to a moment of physical closeness that reignites their intimacy. Their relationship deepens as they navigate the early stages of marriage, with Chen Fang proving to be a supportive and attentive husband. He handles family gatherings with ease, winning over Tao Xiaoxi's siblings and mother through his respect and humor.

As the story continues, Tao Xiaoxi and Chen Fang settle into their new life together. Chen Fang shares his financial assets with Tao Xiaoxi, including bank cards and property deeds, signaling his commitment to building a future with her. Tao Xiaoxi, initially hesitant to accept his wealth, gradually opens up to the idea of being part of a "we." The couple faces minor challenges, such as Tao Xiaoxi's period disrupting their plans, but they handle these moments with humor and affection. Chen Fang's protective nature is evident when he defends Tao Xiaoxi from her overbearing brothers-in-law during a family dinner, asserting his role as her husband while maintaining harmony within the family. The narrative explores the transition from a marriage of convenience to a genuine partnership, highlighting the growth of both characters as they learn to trust and rely on each other.

The story concludes with the couple strengthening their bond through shared experiences and mutual support. Chen Fang's initial insecurity about his performance is resolved as he and Tao Xiaoxi communicate openly, leading to a deeper emotional and physical connection. Tao Xiaoxi's mother, Meng Qing, begins to accept Chen Fang, recognizing his sincerity and dedication to her daughter. The narrative emphasizes the importance of communication and understanding in a marriage, particularly when two people with different backgrounds and personalities come together. Through their journey, Tao Xiaoxi and Chen Fang transform from strangers into a loving couple, navigating the complexities of family dynamics, societal expectations, and personal growth.