“You Removed My Oxygen Tube in My Past Life—Why Are You Crying Now That I've Remarried?”

Zhao Yu, a lead dancer in a military art troupe, dies in a hospital bed after her husband Lu Jing and his new lover Bai Qingshuang disconnect her oxygen. In her final moments, she realizes Lu Jing orchestrated her death to marry Lin Shu, the widow of his deceased squad leader Wang Jianguo. Zhao Yu awakens thirty years in the past, on the day Lu Jing first pressures her to surrender her lead dancer position to Lin Shu. Armed with memories of a miserable future where she served as a servant to Lin Shu and her family for decades, Zhao Yu resolves to change her fate. She publicly slaps Lu Jing and Lin Shu, rejecting their manipulative narrative about repaying a debt of gratitude. Her decisive confrontation shocks those around her, including Captain He Fang and Captain Ji Weiguo, who witness the scene.

Lu Jing attempts to forge a marriage application and a replacement request for the lead dancer role, but Zhao Yu exposes his forgery in front of the captains. She tearfully rejects the marriage, citing Lu Jing’s intention to force her into caring for Lin Shu and his illegitimate child. Captain Ji Weiguo, furious at Lu Jing’s misconduct and improper relationship with a married woman, punishes him with suspension and heavy training. Lin Shu is expelled from the troupe for violating military discipline by holding an unauthorized wedding banquet while pregnant. Despite the public scandal, Zhao Yu remains unbothered, knowing her innocence. She reconnects with Ning Songyun, a fellow troupe member who had previously been hostile due to past misunderstandings. Ning Songyun moves into Zhao Yu’s dorm to escape her strict mother, and the two become close friends.

A significant turning point occurs when Zhao Yu reunites with Ning Songyi, her childhood friend known as "Brother Shitou," who has recently transferred to the military district. Ning Songyi reveals he had been sending her letters for years, which she never received due to her mother’s death and subsequent relocation. Their reunion rekindles a deep bond, and Ning Songyi begins protecting Zhao Yu from Lu Jing’s harassment. Lu Jing, desperate to retain Zhao Yu’s support for his scheme with Lin Shu, confronts her again, but she coldly dismisses him. Meanwhile, Lin Shu, having been abandoned by Lu Jing, attempts to slander Zhao Yu to regain her position in the troupe, but Zhao Yu counters the rumors with confidence, knowing the truth will prevail.

The story expands to include personal subplots involving the supporting cast. Ning Songyun’s older sister, Ning Songxu, is hospitalized due to abuse from her in-laws, who attempted to switch her newborn with their own. This incident highlights the dangers facing women in that era and strengthens the bond between Zhao Yu and the Ning siblings. Ye Heng, Ning Songyi’s friend, prepares to leave for Heilongjiang, creating tension with Ning Songyun, who harbors romantic feelings for him. Zhao Yu observes these dynamics while focusing on her career and personal growth. She maintains her lead dancer position and prepares for upcoming performances, determined to build a life independent of Lu Jing’s influence. The narrative sets the stage for Zhao Yu’s rise in the troupe and her evolving relationship with Ning Songyi, who declares his intention to protect her for life.

As the troupe prepares for a tour in Heilongjiang, Zhao Yu anticipates a fresh start away from the toxic environment of the military district. She reflects on her past life’s suffering and resolves to live fully in the present. The expulsion of Lin Shu and the punishment of Lu Jing remove the primary obstacles to her happiness. Zhao Yu’s friendship with Ning Songyun provides emotional support, while her reconnection with Ning Songyi offers a potential romantic future. The story concludes with Zhao Yu looking forward to her performances and the new opportunities they bring, having successfully altered the course of her destiny and rejected the role of victim.