Blurb (provisional):
Xu Yinyin opened her eyes and found that she had transmigrated into an unfinished novel, becoming the young stepmother of the villainous male supporting character.
Her original husband's dead, leaving her with three stepsons and two stepdaughters. The original owner raised the children with great hardship and continued to support the villain in his studies. The villainous son did well for himself, passing the imperial exams and rising through the ranks until, at a young age, he earned her an honorific title. But in the end, the whole family was executed and their property confiscated because the villain took part in a prince's rebellion case.
"..."
What an intense plot. It was enough to make Xu Yinyin's heart seize up.
She looked at the house, empty of everything after the funeral, then at the cold-faced young scholar villain sitting at the table, head bowed over his porridge, and the assorted children all around him. Trying to make the best of things, she thought, at least she still had decades left to live.
She'd figure out a way forward as she went!
Xu Yinyin secretly resolved to rework the children's fundamental values. She didn't expect them to achieve great things in the future. She only hoped they wouldn't drag their family and relatives into trouble. She didn't want to spend decades working herself ragged to support the household, only to reach old age without enjoying a moment's peace and end up dead with the whole family destroyed because of her children and grandchildren.
Having made up her mind, Xu Yinyin picked up a wooden basin with one broken corner and, heedless of the freezing weather, knocked on the door of Auntie Zhang next door. First, she would borrow some rice from her neighbor.
What's pride worth? If she wanted a peaceful life, she had to start by raising the kids and escaping poverty!
Reader's guide:
1. A fictional, slice-of-life story. The male lead's important plot points come much later. No nitpickers or ranking-board spoilers, and reposting on foreign sites is not allowed.
2. Definitely starting in 2026. If you like it, add it to your favorites so you don't lose track of it.
3. No malicious attacks from fellow writers, and no unsolicited writing advice. Let's respect each other. Thank you.
Theme: Good days are built one step at a time.
