"Shu Shu, you must seize the opportunity to climb higher!"
"Put some thought into it, and find a way to marry the oldest son of the Gu family who's serving as an officer..."
On the green-skinned train, Yan Shu leaned against the window, listening to the earnest advice from the woman outside. Her expression was a bit dazed.
She who was confused all morning finally came to terms with the reality at this moment: she had time-traveled.
From the 21st century, she had jumped into a period novel written by her roommate, becoming a character with the same name and surname meant to be canon fodder.
The middle-aged woman standing on the train tracks, earnestly giving her advice, was her original body's mother.
Her biological father passed away in battle, her stepfather didn't behave like a human being, and her foolish stepbrother also looked at her with predatory eyes.
She, the original body's mother, was in constant fear. Fortunately, her late husband's superior officer was looking to adopt an orphan girl from the same village. Seizing this opportunity, she entrusted her daughter to the officer as well.
Now, she was on her way to the capital.
"Shu Shu? Are you listening?"
The woman's coarse hemp clothing rustled in the wind when she noticed her daughter's withdrawn expression; she couldn't hold back her anxiety.
She tightly clutched her daughter's hand, looked around to make sure no one familiar was around, then continued, "Major Xue and the others should be coming soon. I don't have much time to lecture you. You must remember what I told you!"
"I've heard that the two brothers of Gu family are both excellent, especially the oldest Gu. He's an air force officer with a promising future. If you could marry him, you'd have hope for the rest of your life."
"If you can't marry him, consider the younger Gu! If not, there are still plenty of good men in the air force courtyard."
"With your looks, you'll surely charm many! Marry someone with good terms, then let your in-laws arrange a good job for you. You will never have to come back and face your stepfather again."
"When you get to the Gu family, you have to be more cautious and try to please the members of the Gu family. The Gu's originally only planned to adopt Jiang Yue. Jiang Yue is an orphan, with no future, and her life is even more difficult than yours."
"You have to be more cautious around her, don't let her steal your thunder, understand?"
Yan Shu was about to nod subconsciously, but she felt a sharp gaze on her.
She looked up and saw a bustling crowd, everyone cramming onto a train, carrying big and small bags.
Not far away stood a military jeep, yet Yan Shu saw no one unusual.
She was puzzled, could the cutting look she felt just now be her imagination?
Yan Shu withdrew her gaze and nodded, "Mother, I understand."
At this time, Captain Xue also brought over another girl.
Xue Yu is the bodyguard of General Gu, who came to the countryside to pick up people. In order to avoid her current husband and step-son, Yan Shu's natural mother sent her daughter to the city by train.
The other girl, Jiang Yue, was personally picked up by Xue Yu.
Xue Yu had previously communicated with the natural mother, and now they were warmly greeting each other.
Yan Shu's gaze, however, fell on the girl next to them.
The girl was wearing a coarse hemp cloth full of patches, with her hair tied into a twisted braid. Her face was pretty, and she looked obedient.
Feeling her gaze, the girl greeted with a smile, "Yan Shu."
Yan Shu slightly lowered her gaze, "Jiang Yue?"
The girl nodded and smiled.
A sense of frustration was brewing up in Yan Shu's heart, so much so that she wanted to utter a bunch of obscenities.
She had entered the realm of a novel titled "70s Courtyard Comparison Group."
The female lead character in the story was Jiang Yue, who currently stood in front of her and was a contrast to the original, insignificant character.
In the novel, both the female lead Jiang Yue and the unimportant character "Yan Shu" were descendants of martyrs, both adopted by the Gu family. After entering the grand courtyard, Jiang Yue was diligent and ambitious, dealing with everything adeptly. She was adored and cherished by the Gu family, living a blissful and fulfilled life.
On the other hand, the unimportant character "Yan Shu" was portrayed as lazy and dim-witted, selfish and cunning. Depending on her exceptional looks, she attempted to seduce the brothers of the Gu family.
After being rejected by the eldest brother of the Gu family and failing to scheme against the second brother, she was exposed for her constant attempts to climb the social ladder within the courtyard, which led to her reputation being completely ruined.
In the end, she was forced to marry an abusive man, leading a miserable life.
The main female character 'Jiang Yue' and the writer of the novel had the same name, and because the supreme supporting female character bore the same name as herself, Yan Shu, it really ticked her off.
It was clear to her that the author had deliberately dumbed down the character of the ambitious supporting female. She had the golden opportunity to cling to the Gu family but instead, constantly invited trouble and irritated people, ultimately being driven out of the home.
And now, she had actually been transmigrated into this novel, becoming the annoying supporting female character herself.
How could Yan Shu not be vexed?
Her anger left her chest tight and her bright face flushed, making her look even more strikingly beautiful.
"Shu Shu? What's wrong with you?"
Jiang Yue's voice awakened her.
Yan Shu collected herself, shaking her head, "I’m sorry, I slipped and fell a couple of days ago and got a concussion, so I have a headache."
She provided a casual explanation, then turned to the side. Her mother had finished talking with Commander Xue.
"Shu Shu, mom is leaving. You take care of yourself. Remember what mom said." Yan's mother reminded her again.
Yan Shu managed a smile, "Ok mom, be careful on your way home."
The journey from the city to the capital required a full day and night by train.
Xue Yu could only purchase three hard seat tickets, and the seats were separate.
Yan Shu's spot was at the end of the train, while Xue Yu and Jiang Yue's seats were at the front.
After giving Yan Shu some instructions, Xue Yu led Jiang Yue towards the carriage at the front.
Yan Shu sat on her seat, the aisle next to her full of people standing, piled with luggage, the sound of live chickens filling the air, making it very noisy.
The men on the carriage had center-parted hair, or sported coifed hair, while women wore braids or ear-level short hair, demonstrating the characteristic style of the era.
Yan Shu took her eyes back, but many people were still looking at her.
She was incredibly beautiful, and stood out from the crowd.
Her bright appearance, delicate small face, clear and bright almond eyes, cute and exquisite nose, full and moist lips…
Whether she was smiling or not, she had a unique charm.
Innocent yet desiring, demure yet seductive.
She can easily stand toe-to-toe with the most popular stars.
Many passersby steal glances at her. Yan Shu is already accustomed to such attention in this modern era, showing absolutely no unease, her demeanor relaxed and natural.
Finally, the departure time arrives, and the train is about to set off.
Just before the train door closes, two military personnel in Type 65 Air Force uniforms swiftly board the train.
Yan Shu looks up at them, momentarily taken aback.
