CompletedJing Xian regains her memories after being pushed by her younger sister, hitting her head on a table corner. She remembers her tragic past life—her biological mother married her off to the mentally impaired younger brother of Director Zhou. In that nightmare of a marriage, she was treated as a punching bag, starved by her in-laws, and died miserably. Reincarnated into the post-apocalyptic world, she struggled to survive for years, only to perish again amidst a zombie horde.
This time, Jing Xian awakens on the very day her mother sends her to the same doomed marriage. Determined to escape, she refuses to let her family trample her for their gain.
Meanwhile, Shang Nancheng, a decorated war hero, returns home to find his wife has cheated on him. Divorced and raising two sons, he struggles with a mother-in-law who neglects his children. Searching for a new wife who can provide a better life for his kids, he crosses paths with Jing Xian.
For Jing Xian, marriage is her only way to escape her oppressive family. She approaches a friendly factory worker for help and is introduced to Shang Nancheng. Despite his being a divorced father of two and significantly older than her, his upright character and reliability make him the perfect choice to get her out of her predicament.
The entire military district is skeptical of their marriage, gossiping that Shang's new wife is merely a pretty face. But soon, the tantalizing aroma of her cooking silences their doubts. Jing Xian proves her worth not only as a wife but also as a homemaker, impressing everyone with her exceptional skills—even her cucumbers taste better than anyone else's!
Reading Notes:
Male lead is not a virgin; female lead is.
Slow-burn romance with a steady pace.
If you dislike this theme, feel free to skip it. Constructive feedback is appreciated.
Prequel Note: Six-year-old Wen Ying dreams of her brother's sacrifices to find her after she goes missing. When she reincarnates, she returns to her brother’s side to prevent the tragedies of their past.
Themes:
Rebirth and Redemption: Overcoming past hardships to find happiness.
Found Family: Building a home through love and persistence.
Slice of Life in the '70s: A heartwarming look at relationships and survival.