The harsh sunlight filtered through the trees, and the crisp, cold voice of the young woman jolted Xu Zhidong from his half-asleep state.

"You've been well-behaved these past three years, not stepping out of line. I, Song Wanting, am a woman of my word," she said, her tone as sharp as the sunlight. "No matter the outcome of your exam, the job opportunity our Song family promised you will be yours. Once you've established yourself in Hongjing, this charade of a marriage can come to an end."

Xu Zhidong rubbed his throbbing temples, his vision clearing to reveal a face of breathtaking beauty. Her skin was as smooth as porcelain, her features delicately painted, but there was an icy resolve in her eyes that sent a chill down his spine. Her crimson lips parted, delivering words that froze his heart.

He stared at her, his mind a blank slate.

"Hey, what are you spacing out for?" Song Wanting frowned, her impatience evident. "Talking to you is like talking to thin air."

With that, she turned on her heel and walked away, the sharp click of her high heels echoing on the ground. Her figure was graceful, yet it felt as distant as the horizon.

Xu Zhidong stood rooted to the spot, beads of sweat dripping from his forehead onto the dusty ground. Despite the sweltering summer heat, an inexplicable coldness seeped into his heart.

He looked around, bewildered, trying to make sense of the confusing scene before him. The street was lined with old-fashioned shops, each one exuding a strong sense of nostalgia. From the barber shop to the supply and marketing cooperative, every storefront seemed to tell a story of a bygone era.

This short, old street was like a faded photograph, quietly narrating tales of a special time in history.

The towering wall outside the school gate loomed with an unusual heaviness, its base swarmed with young people dressed in dull blue attire. Some clutched yellowed textbooks, while others nibbled on stale buns, occasionally sipping water from military canteens. Their faces were etched with a mix of tension and anticipation.

Amidst the crowd, several middle-aged individuals stood out, their faded shirts a testament to many washes. They gripped pencils tightly, diligently jotting down notes in their notebooks. The group pressed against the iron gate, their eyes fixed on the bold red characters above: "1978 Danxia High School National College Entrance Examination Site."

The sudden surge of heat made Xu Zhidong's head spin. A flood of unfamiliar yet familiar memories crashed into his mind like a tidal wave. Staggering, he leaned against the corner of the wall, trying to make sense of his thoughts: wasn't he just covering the Lancet International Medical Symposium?

Could this be... time travel?

When he finally untangled the chaotic memories in his mind, he couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh. Fate truly had a twisted sense of humor. He had somehow traveled back in time and ended up in the body of someone with the same name. Although both were in the medical field, his predecessor was just a humble barefoot doctor, a far cry from his status as a medical expert in modern society.

The Xu family had a long history of practicing medicine. Though their fortunes had declined, they were still a respected and influential family in the surrounding area. But at this moment, Xu Zhidong was overwhelmed by the impact of his predecessor's memories.

The strikingly beautiful woman he had just seen was none other than the once-sensational Song Wanting. This young woman from Hongjing had arrived in Xu Village, Danxia County, five years ago to support rural development, and her presence had instantly captivated the entire village.

Her breathtaking beauty had captivated the hearts of countless young men, yet her icy demeanor kept most suitors at bay. Among them, Xu Zhidong stood out, unwavering in his devotion even as others gave up. Just when he was on the verge of losing hope, Song Wanting surprised him by proposing marriage herself.

However, the joy was short-lived. She laid down an astonishing condition: they could marry, but their union would remain unconsummated. Blinded by love, Xu Zhidong agreed without hesitation.

Now, in the second year of the reinstated college entrance exams, Song Wanting's father had regained his official position. The timing seemed to hint at something more. The truth finally surfaced: Song Wanting's marriage to Xu Zhidong was nothing more than a strategic move. Overwhelmed by persistent suitors, she had chosen Xu Zhidong as a temporary refuge, leveraging his family's local reputation.

With her father's reinstatement, she made her intentions clear: she was destined to return to Hongjing. To ease her conscience, the Song family offered Xu Zhidong a job in Hongjing and a solution to his household registration issues. In their eyes, these compensations would allow him to start anew in his romantic life.

Faced with the imminent loss of the woman he had longed for, Xu Zhidong was desperate. Refusing to accept his fate, he resolved to take a bold stand.

He was determined to get into Hongjing University on his own merit, only then could he earn the respect of the Song family. After all, there was a world of difference between achievements earned through one's own efforts and those gained by relying on the favors of others. At this thought, Xu Zhidong couldn't help but sneer in disdain. Wasn't this just typical of a sycophant? Foolishly pouring out one's heart, only to end up with nothing.

As he was lost in his thoughts, the morning tranquility was shattered by the ringing of the school bell at Danxia High School. Students swarmed towards the school gate like a tide. "Hey, young man! What are you daydreaming about? It's time to head into the exam hall!" The shout from a street vendor snapped Xu Zhidong back to reality.

Gently massaging his throbbing temples, Xu Zhidong quickly scanned the crowd, his eyes soon locking onto the graceful figure that was drawing everyone's attention. Since fate had made him the master of this body, it was time to face reality and handle everything properly. He strode forward with determination, standing shoulder to shoulder with the noble young lady. The envious glances from all around only made the pair seem more perfectly matched.

"I agree to what you proposed," Xu Zhidong said calmly, and without waiting for a response, he walked straight into the school building, not even sparing her a glance.

Song Wanting stood rooted to the spot, watching the figure that had once been so obedient to her disappear around the corner of the staircase. His unusual behavior today stirred a sense of unease in her heart. She had never seen Xu Zhidong speak to her with such indifference, not even willing to look at her more than necessary. This feeling of being ignored was like a heavy blow to her, who had always been proud.