Chapter 1: A man and a disabled woman are stupidly matched

The summer of 1975 was exceptionally sultry, and the faint moonlight sparsely spilled over the scorching earth. Li Mumian suddenly opened her eyes, clear and alert. Looking around, she found herself lying on a wooden plank bed, covered with a coarse cotton quilt. The room was dim and damp, with a few worn-out bamboo baskets piled in the corner.

“Where am I? Wasn’t I at my own art exhibition?” Li Mumian’s heart leapt, and she immediately realized that she had somehow been transported into the world of a 1970s novel she had read the night before. She frowned slightly, recalling the plot. The original character’s sister, Li Jiao Jiao, had learned that the military officer Lu Tingbo was impotent and had a child, so she made her own sister marry in her place. After the original character married him, she was often tormented by the male lead’s son in private, gradually going insane day by day, until she was pushed into the river to drown by Li Jiao Jiao before her biological parents could arrive. Li Jiao Jiao then took over her identity, becoming the daughter of a wealthy merchant, living a life of comfort and ease.

At that moment, faint whispers came from outside.

“Jiao Jiao, what are you thinking about?” Zhang Guizhi entered the room carrying a basin of watermelon, her voice gentle.

The girl turned her head, forcing a smile. “Nothing, Mom. I was just thinking about tomorrow’s wedding.”

Zhang Guizhi placed the watermelon on the table, walked over to Li Jiao Jiao, and gently stroked her long hair. “My dear daughter, you’re finally getting married. Mom is really happy for you.”

Li Jiao Jiao lowered her head, a trace of barely perceptible disgust flashing in her eyes. She suppressed her discomfort and clung to her mother, pretending to be coy. “Mom, I’m a little nervous.”

Zhang Guizhi patted her back. “Silly girl, what’s there to be nervous about? You’re marrying Comrade Lu from our unit. You’ll be a high-class lady! You’ll have everything you want.”

Li Jiao Jiao bit her lip, hesitating before voicing her thoughts. “Mom, I heard today… I heard that Comrade Lu… might be… unable to perform.”

Zhang Guizhi’s hand paused, surprise flickering in her eyes. “Really? Where did you hear that?”

“On my way to the supply store today, I overheard some aunties gossiping. They said Comrade Lu was injured on a mission years ago… and that he has a five-year-old child. Who knows if it’s the result of casual affairs in the past.”

Zhang Guizhi frowned, thinking for a moment before speaking again. “This isn’t a trivial matter. If it’s true, wouldn’t you be marrying into a life of celibacy?”

A gleam of cunning flashed in Li Jiao Jiao’s eyes. She pretended to be aggrieved, sobbing, “Mom, I don’t want to marry him. I’m still so young. Why should I spend my life with a man who can’t satisfy me?”

Zhang Guizhi sighed and comforted her softly. “Silly girl, don’t cry. This might not even be true. Even if it is, marrying him isn’t a loss. He’s a leader in the military. You won’t lack food, clothes, or money. You’ll have everything you want.”

Li Jiao Jiao shook her head, choking on her words. “But Mom, I don’t just want money. I want a complete family, I want children… If he really can’t perform, wouldn’t my life be ruined?”

Zhang Guizhi fell silent, patting her back while her mind raced. Suddenly, her gaze fell on the crooked painting on the wall. A sly smile lit up her face. “Jiao Jiao, don’t worry. Mom has an idea.”

Li Jiao Jiao looked up, a flicker of hope in her eyes. “What idea?”

“Tomorrow, you hide in your room and don’t come out. Let that silly girl Mumian marry in your place.”

Li Jiao Jiao’s eyes widened, feigning shock. “Mom! What are you saying? How can Mumian take my place?”

Zhang Guizhi sneered. “Why not? That silly girl only paints nonsense all day. Marrying Comrade Lu is her luck, and she should be grateful.”

Li Jiao Jiao hesitated, whispering, “But… isn’t this wrong?”

Zhang Guizhi patted her shoulder. “Jiao Jiao, it’s just the right match: a man who can’t perform and a girl who doesn’t understand. Mumian will enjoy a comfortable life, and I’ll find you an even better husband later.”

Li Jiao Jiao lowered her head, a triumphant smile flickering in her eyes. She pretended to be reluctant. “But… Mumian doesn’t look like me. Won’t Lu notice?”

Zhang Guizhi snorted. “Don’t worry. Early tomorrow, I’ll put a red veil on her head. Besides, Lu hasn’t seen you before. Who would know who the bride really is?”

Li Jiao Jiao looked up, hope shining in her eyes. “So… we’re really going to do this?”

Zhang Guizhi nodded. “It’s settled. Go back to your room and rest. Mom will talk to Mumian.”

Li Jiao Jiao obediently nodded and left the room. Once out of Zhang Guizhi’s sight, a smug smile curved her lips.

Meanwhile, Li Mumian, having overheard the scheming, sat on the ground and drew something with calculated focus. Her fire stick traced shapes on the earth, forming a complete landscape unlike her usual chaotic sketches. Though she still appeared somewhat dull on the outside, her eyes were exceptionally clear.

With a creak, the door opened. Zhang Guizhi stepped in, wearing a fake, loving smile.

“Mumian, what are you drawing?” she asked gently as she approached her.

Li Mumian looked up, a hint of caution in her eyes, but feigned foolishness, grinning. “Mom, Mumian is drawing a big rooster. Cock-a-doodle-doo~”

Zhang Guizhi, looking a bit disdainful, patted Li Mumian’s head. “Mumian, you’re such a good girl. Mom has some good news for you.”

Tilting her head with an innocent expression, Li Mumian asked, “What good news?”

Zhang Guizhi smiled. “Mumian, your sister is getting married tomorrow. Do you know what ‘getting married’ means?”

Li Mumian shook her head, pretending to look puzzled.

Zhang Guizhi continued, “Getting married is like playing a game. Your sister is supposed to play the game with a very important person. But… she suddenly got sick and can’t go. Mom wants you to go in her place.”

She winked and asked innocently, “Mumian go instead of sister? Okay, okay~ Mumian loves playing games the most!”

Zhang Guizhi’s eyes sparkled with a smile. “Tomorrow morning, Mom will put a big red veil on your head and dress you up beautifully. Then you’ll ride in a big car to a lovely house. Once you’re there, no matter what anyone says, just nod and don’t speak.”

“Okay, okay! Mumian gets to ride a big car! Woohoo~ Off we go!”

Zhang Guizhi breathed a sigh of relief and patted Li Mumian’s shoulder. “It’s settled then. Go to bed early. Tomorrow morning, Mom will wake you up to play the game.”

After Zhang Guizhi left, Li Mumian’s eyes immediately became clear. With a soft sigh, she muttered to herself, “Finally, it’s here. Looks like it’s time to start my performance.”

She quickly began drawing something on the floor. Soon, a lifelike portrait appeared. Though it had only a few simple lines and no facial features, the proportions clearly depicted a handsome man.

“Mr. Lu, I hope you won’t disappoint me,” Li Mumian said, pointing at the portrait with her fire stick, a gleam of determination in her eyes.