Chapter 1: Searching for Mu Nanhe at the Military Camp

Amidst the ruins of the post-apocalyptic world, Yang Qingyan relied on her wood-type abilities and exceptional medical skills—both in traditional Chinese and Western medicine—to struggle for survival for many years. But who could have imagined that a sudden explosion would send her soul across time and space, possessing the body of a pitiful girl from the 1970s—Yang Qingyan.

The original Yang Qingyan had been drugged maliciously, leading to a one-night entanglement with Mu Nanhe. The day after their rushed wedding, they received their marriage certificate, and Mu Nanhe was urgently called back to the military, disappearing for an entire year. During that year, her in-laws’ mistreatment only worsened, so much so that they wouldn’t even spare her a single hot meal, forcing her to the brink of starvation. As for her maiden family, they treated her like a stranger, ignoring her plight completely.

When Yang Qingyan transmigrated into this body, she was overwhelmed by an unbearable hunger, her body weak and frail. Fortunately, she had her wood-type ability. She quietly hid inside the room, activating her power and feeling that familiar life energy slowly repair the severe damage to her body. Before long, her deathly pale complexion began to regain some color, and strength gradually returned to her limbs.

“The original owner really lived a miserable life… But now that I’ve taken over this body, I, Yang Qingyan, will never let anyone trample over me again!”

She clenched her fists tightly, determination flashing in her eyes. Thinking of the husband she had never met, Mu Nanhe, Yang Qingyan quickly made a decision—“In this situation, my only way out is to find him at the military camp.”

At the entrance of the military base, Yang Qingyan took a deep breath, straightened her back, and walked in. Just as she stepped through the gate, a young soldier approached her. Before long, he led her to an office where the political commissar, He Zhengping, was waiting.

“I’m looking for Mu Nanhe. I’m his wife.”

Though her voice was soft due to weakness, it carried an undeniable firmness.

Hearing this, He Zhengping couldn’t help but size up the girl standing before him. She was as thin as a bean sprout—who would have thought that a tough soldier like Mu Nanhe would have such a fragile-looking wife?

“You’re really his wife?” He Zhengping asked, his expression full of doubt.

Yang Qingyan remained composed. She reached into the tattered pocket of her worn-out clothes, fumbled around for a moment, and pulled out a slightly damaged marriage certificate, handing it to He Zhengping.

“Yes. Without a doubt.”

He Zhengping examined the marriage certificate carefully. After confirming it was real, his expression softened slightly. “He just returned from a mission and is currently reporting in at the base. I’ll take you to him.”

Yang Qingyan nodded slightly.

Before she knew it, they had arrived outside a door, waiting quietly.

Not long after, a set of steady, powerful footsteps approached from a distance. Moments later, a tall and imposing figure appeared at the doorway—it was Mu Nanhe. He walked out with firm steps, his every movement exuding an innate sense of authority and confidence.

His gaze swept casually around the area. But the moment his eyes landed on the frail girl standing nearby, his entire body froze.

She stood there quietly, her figure as slender as a willow branch swaying in the wind, as if she could break at any moment. Her small, delicate face, due to prolonged malnutrition, had a sallow tint, yet it could not hide the exquisite contours of her features. Her pointed chin was slightly raised, carrying an almost imperceptible stubbornness. And those eyes—clear as autumn waters—held a quiet determination, as if no matter how many hardships she faced, she would never easily bow down.

Her clothes, however, were riddled with countless patches, worn thin by time and hardship. In contrast to the clean and orderly military base, she stood out starkly, looking completely out of place.

Yet, despite everything, Mu Nanhe recognized her at a glance—this was the woman he had once received a marriage certificate with, though not by his own choice.

However, the girl standing before him now was nothing like the one in his memory. A year ago, on their wedding night, though she had been slender, she had still carried the youthful vibrance of a young girl. Who could have expected that, after just a year, she would have wasted away to this extent, practically reduced to skin and bones…

Mu Nanhe stared at Yang Qingyan in shock, momentarily forgetting how to speak.

Seeing Mu Nanhe remain silent, He Zhengping broke the awkward silence. “Your wife is here to see you. Take her to settle down first.”

Mu Nanhe instinctively nodded and was just about to reach out to take Yang Qingyan’s hand to lead her to his single dormitory when He Zhengping raised a hand to stop him.

“Now that your wife is here, your single dorm isn’t suitable anymore. Move into’s house in the family quarters. He was discharged due to an injury, and the place is fully furnished. You can move in right away, and it’ll be more convenient to take care of your wife.”

Mu Nanhe nodded again.

He Zhengping then turned to the orderly, Xiao Li. “Xiao Li, go clean up Captain Liu’s house quickly.”

“Yes, sir!” Xiao Li responded and ran off to complete the task.

After that, He Zhengping led them to the reception room. It was only then that Yang Qingyan took a good look at her so-called husband.

Mu Nanhe stood tall and straight, like a pine tree, his bearing a result of years of military training. Perhaps he had just returned from 68-8a mission, as his uniform was slightly tattered, the edges fluttering lightly in the wind, whispering stories of past dangers. His face showed traces of exhaustion, faint bloodshot veins visible in his eyes, yet it did nothing to diminish his striking looks. His high, well-defined nose added depth to his features, while his eyes, dark and deep like an unfathomable pool, seemed to pierce straight into one’s heart. A single glance from him carried an air of sharpness and composure.

There was no denying it—his handsome face and tall, well-proportioned figure fit perfectly into her aesthetic preferences.

However, as memories of the past surfaced, an uncontrollable wave of irritation surged within her.

A whole year.

This man hadn’t stayed by the original host’s side for even a moment.

During that long, torturous time, the original host had suffered relentless mistreatment from her in-laws, living a life of misery worse than death.

And yet, as her husband, he had turned a blind eye, as if her existence was entirely unrelated to him.

In the end, she had been cruelly starved to death, her life ending in utter tragedy.

Thinking about it, Yang Qingyan’s anger and resentment only deepened. No matter how charming the man before her appeared, the pain the original host endured lingered, making it impossible for her to feel any warmth toward him.

The atmosphere in the room grew tense.

After a long silence, He Zhengping was the first to speak, looking at Yang Qingyan with a mix of concern and curiosity. “Why are you looking for Mu Nanhe at this time?”

Yang Qingyan lowered her gaze slightly, her long eyelashes casting a faint shadow over her eyes. Her voice carried a trace of grievance and unwillingness.

“I suffered endless mistreatment at my in-laws’ place. Every day, before dawn, I had to wake up and work. All 3the dirty and tiring chores fell on me, yet when it came time to eat, I was given the least. I was often so hungry I felt dizzy, barely able to walk. I couldn’t take it anymore, so I came looking for him, hoping to escape that life.”

Mu Nanhe’s heart sank upon hearing this. His brows knitted tightly together.

Before he left on his mission, he had asked a comrade to send 50 yuan to his family, specifically instructing them to give 30 yuan to Yang Qingyan for her living expenses.

Yet, seeing her now—thin to the bone—it was clear she hadn’t received any of it. Otherwise, how could she have been left starving?

A wave of guilt and anger crashed over him.

He hadn’t married her willingly, but since he had, he was responsible for her. And now, fury burned in his chest at his family’s treatment of her.

He Zhengping turned to Mu Nanhe, his expression tinged with reproach. “Didn’t you leave any instructions with your family before your mission?”

Mu Nanhe pressed his lips together, a hint of frustration flickering across his face. His voice was low as he replied, “I did, but…”

He trailed off, unable to finish.

Seeing Mu Nanhe’s troubled expression, He Zhengping didn’t press further. With a slight sigh, he said, “Xiao Li should be done cleaning by now. Take your wife to the family quarters.”

With that, he stood up and led Mu Nanhe and Yang Qingyan toward the housing area.

Along the way, He Zhengping reminded Mu Nanhe to spend more time with his wife in the coming days and help her recover. For now, he didn’t need to worry about military affairs.

Mu Nanhe nodded in agreement, his heart filled with gratitude for He Zhengping’s consideration.

Yang Qingyan walked beside them, quietly observing her surroundings.

The military family quarters of the 1970s had neatly arranged houses, shaded by lush trees. Occasionally, children could be seen playing and laughing in the open spaces—a stark contrast to the bleak desolation of the apocalypse.

For the first time, she felt a glimmer of hope for the days ahead.

As they reached the house, just as they were about to open the door, a panicked cry came from next door.

“Someone help! Save my child!”

It was from Captain Luo Huihong’s house.

They turned to see the Luo family rushing out, clutching a small boy in their arms.

The child’s face was deathly pale, his eyes tightly shut, his body lifeless.

A crowd quickly gathered, all wearing expressions of worry, yet none knowing what to do.