"Shelley, you must seize the opportunity to climb higher!"
"Put some thought into it, and find a way to marry the oldest son of the Benson Family who's serving as an officer..."
On the green-skinned train, Shelley 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. She became a character with the same name and surname meant to be as a 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 a battle, her stepfather didn't behave like a human being, and her foolish stepbrother also looked at her with predatory eyes.
Her 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.
"Shelley? 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The woman's coarse hemp clothing rustled in the wind when she noticed her daughter's withdrawn expression; she couldn't hold back her anxiety.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 Max 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 the Benson Family are both excellent, especially the oldest son. 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 one! If not, there are still plenty of good men in the Air Force courtyard."
"With your looks, you'll surely charm many! Marry someone on 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 Benson Family, you have to be more cautious and try to please the members of the Benson Family. They originally only planned to adopt Jenny. Jenny 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?"
Shelley 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 Shelley saw no one unusual.
She was puzzled. Could the cutting look she felt just now be her imagination?
Shelley withdrew her gaze and nodded, "Mother, I understand."
At this time, Major Max also brought over another girl.
Max is the bodyguard of General Benson, who came to the countryside to pick up people. To avoid her current husband and stepson, Shelley's natural mother sent her daughter to the city by train.
The other girl, Jenny, was personally picked up by Max.
Max had previously communicated with the natural mother, and now they were warmly greeting each other.
Shelley'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, "Shelley."
Shelley slightly lowered her gaze, "Jenny?"
The girl nodded and smiled.
A sense of frustration was brewing up in Shelley'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 is Jenny, who currently stands in front of her and is a contrast to the original, insignificant character.
In the novel, both the female lead Jenny, and the unimportant character "Shelley" are descendants of martyrs, both adopted by the Benson Family. After entering the grand courtyard, Jenny was diligent and ambitious, dealing with everything adeptly. She was adored and cherished by the Benson Family, living a blissful and fulfilled life.
On the other hand, the unimportant character "Shelley" was portrayed as lazy and dim-witted, selfish and cunning. Depending on her exceptional looks, she attempted to seduce the brothers of the Benson Family.
After being rejected by the eldest brother of the Benson 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 'Jenny' and the writer of the novel had the same name, and because the supreme supporting female character bore the same name as herself, Shelley, 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 Benson 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 Shelley not be vexed?
Her anger left her chest tight and her bright face flushed, making her look even more strikingly beautiful.
"Shelley? What's wrong with you?"
Jenny's voice awakened her.
Shelley 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 Major Max.
"Shelley, I am leaving. You take care of yourself. Remember what I said." Her mother reminded her again.
Shelley 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.
Max could only purchase three hard-seat tickets, and the seats were separate.
Shelley's spot was at the end of the train, while Max and Jenny's seats were at the front.
After giving Shelley some instructions, Max led Jenny towards the carriage at the front.
Shelley 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.
Shelley 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. Shelley 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.
Shelley looks up at them, momentarily taken aback.