When Mu Fu regained consciousness, she found a handsome young man speaking to her. As the original owner’s memories hadn’t yet flooded in, she had no idea who he was.
Instead of interrupting, Mu Fu calmly closed her eyes, focusing on absorbing the world’s memories. She was currently a participant in ‘Military Encounter,’ a matchmaking reality show produced by Jiang City Satellite TV. The program aimed to highlight the charm of single male soldiers in Jiang City’s military district, encouraging more single women to consider dating these brave men.
The production team had carefully selected seven outstanding, unmarried officers from the base, all at or above the deputy battalion commander level and over the age of 25. This rank carried the benefit of on-base housing for a spouse, a key factor in their selection.
To match them, the show invited five equally outstanding and single women, willing to live on base after marriage. Over two weeks, they would live together, interacting through various activities. Couples who matched by the end would leave hand in hand, receiving a dating grant of 10,000 yuan. Those who didn’t find a connection could leave alone.
‘Military Encounter’ was pre-recorded, and would air after strict military review to ensure no sensitive content was revealed. The twelve participants were housed in a courtyard used by the military for visiting families. Tucked into the base’s most remote corner, the house backed onto a forest-covered hill. It was a single-story building with a simple layout but ample space—sixteen rooms in total.
Each participant had their own room. One of the remaining four rooms had been converted into a kitchen. Contestants could cook for themselves or eat at the military cafeteria, as they preferred. The other three extra rooms were merged into a spacious living room connected to the kitchen. The courtyard itself was beautifully decorated with flowers and pink balloons, creating a romantic and cozy atmosphere.
The men’s and women’s rooms were arranged side by side—seven rooms for the male guests from left to right, followed by five rooms for the female guests, then the shared kitchen and living room.
Mu Fu’s original self had joined the show at her aunt’s recommendation. Her aunt had long hoped to match her with Wen Shu, a subordinate of her husband. Wen Shu, now a battalion commander at just 27, had joined the army after dropping out of school. He later entered military school, trained rigorously, and worked his way up to his current position. Not only was he capable and diligent, but he was also handsome and well-regarded—young, promising, and dependable.
Mu Fu’s uncle, Wei Zhengyi, happened to be the commander of Jiang City’s stationed troops. Wen Shu had served under him since enlisting, and given his talent and flawless execution of missions, Commander Wei valued him highly and maintained a close relationship with him.
Over the years, Wei Zhengyi had noticed Wen Shu never received any female visitors, prompting him to consider playing matchmaker. His niece, at 22, was only a few years younger than Wen Shu and quite attractive. Some perceived her as a bit spoiled, but he didn’t see that as a significant flaw.
When Wei Zhengyi casually broached the subject with Wen Shu, the young man flatly rejected the idea, stating he wasn’t ready for that kind of relationship. Respecting his stance, Wei Zhengyi didn’t push the matter. He wasn’t about to say, “Just meet my niece, she’s perfect for you.” That would only embarrass her—no one appreciates a forced setup.
The truth was, Wen Shu’s parents had also been concerned about his love life for years. Aware of his high regard from his superior, they approached Wei Zhengyi, hoping he could help find a suitable match. Every woman they’d introduced had been turned down.
Wen Shu was their only child. They were from a rural area, and most boys his age in their village were already married with children. But not Wen Shu. Despite their limited education, they’d heard rumors about men being attracted to other men. With Wen Shu’s repeated rejection of blind dates, they couldn’t help but worry about his orientation. What if he doesn’t want kids? Who’ll take care of him when we’re gone? they wondered.
Wen Shu’s mother had suffered complications during childbirth and couldn’t have any more children. Seeing Wen Shu become so capable and successful brought them pride. One son like him was worth more than a houseful of ordinary ones.
There were even girls in their village whose parents wanted them to marry Wen Shu. But every time they called to inform him of a potential match, he’d immediately shut it down, telling them not to worry.
Now in their fifties, his parents were beginning to feel their age. They weren’t asking for much—just to see their son happily married with a child or two. They understood the complexities of in-law relationships and had already decided they wouldn’t live with the couple. Just seeing their grandchildren occasionally would be enough.
Their greatest wish was simply for their son to find a good woman and give them a grandson or granddaughter.
So, when Wei Zhengyi learned that an old friend was producing a matchmaking reality show focused on military men—and that production was already underway—he asked his wife to gauge their niece’s interest. Once she agreed, he went ahead and signed up both Mu Fu and Wen Shu.
Whether a spark would ignite between them was left to fate.
As for Wen Shu, he couldn’t refuse even if he wanted to. Once his parents heard about the show through Wei Zhengyi, they insisted. They even told him, “If you don’t go, we won’t consider you our son.” With that kind of pressure, Wen Shu had no choice.
And that’s how Mu Fu and Wen Shu ended up on the reality show, ‘Military Encounter.’
In her previous life, on the very first day she moved into the army quarters, Mu Fu met Wen Shu—the man her uncle wanted to set her up with. He wasn’t the fair-skinned, boyish type popular at the time, but his strong, masculine looks and military aura instantly made a great impression on her.
That night, she even tried to start a conversation with him. But Wen Shu showed no interest in talking. His cold shoulder left her feeling awkward and embarrassed in front of everyone.
Even so, she persisted in trying to get close to Wen Shu. But his attitude never softened—it only worsened. Later on, he directly chose to be with another female guest, just to avoid being pestered by the original owner.
She had always been a proud and confident young woman—sweet-looking, naturally elegant—and never lacked for admirers. Outside the show, she was accustomed to being pursued, not ignored.
Her reasons for joining the show were twofold: partly her uncle’s suggestion, and partly her long-held admiration for soldiers. She’d always dreamed of finding someone like her uncle—heroic and upright.
So, after being repeatedly rejected by the one man she liked, she found it hard to bear.
Since childhood, her life had been remarkably smooth, free from any significant setbacks. Her aunt and uncle, childless themselves, had loved her like their own daughter, showering her with affection. She was a little pampered, yes, but not spoiled. She had dated a few “campus prince” types—guys who were out of reach for most girls, but not for her.
She never imagined hitting such a wall with someone like Wen Shu. Especially when she saw him turn away from her and smile at another girl. That moment shattered her.
During the time she was chasing Wenshu, the other guests in the military courtyard noticed. Especially the male guests—even those who initially liked her were turned off by her behavior. So, when she finally decided to look elsewhere, it was too late. The men she liked were already taken, and the available ones… she couldn’t force herself.
Eventually, she requested to leave the show before it ended. Technically, the contestants had signed contracts prohibiting early exits. But the show’s director was her uncle’s close friend and knew her well. Seeing her misery, he made an exception.
And so, she left the show, carrying the image of a heartbroken, defeated girl.
After her departure, Wen Shu ended things with the girl he’d used as a shield. He even explained the entire situation. The girl’s name was Wei Qiqiao, and during her time on the show, she hadn’t received much attention. Perhaps it was her plain looks or quiet personality, but the men hadn’t shown much interest.
So, when Wen Shu asked her out, she was thrilled—almost incredulous. After all, he was one of the most outstanding contestants. And despite being aggressively pursued by someone like her—the so-called goddess—he had remained unmoved. Now, suddenly, he wanted to date her? Of course she said yes.
Even though Wei Qiqiao suspected she was being used to avoid someone else, she didn’t refuse. At least she could claim she’d dated the man even the “goddess” couldn’t win over. In a twisted way, it gave her a sense of pride—like she could say, “Look, even the girl everyone worshipped couldn’t have what I had, even if it was just for a little while.”
After Wen Shu came clean, Wei Qiqiao didn’t hold it against him. In fact, she continued to choose him during the later episodes of the show. However, having explained everything, Wen Shu stopped choosing any female guests altogether.
The truth was, he had a reason—one he dared not voice—for rejecting both his parents’ matchmaking attempts and the original owner’s pursuit.
Since his youth, Wen Shu had known he was different. While other boys discussed girls and sex, he felt nothing. During puberty, when everyone else experienced wet dreams, he didn’t have a single one… not until he was seventeen, already in high school.
He tried everything, but nothing worked—nothing ever made him “stand up.” Worse, he realized he wasn’t interested in girls. But he wasn’t interested in guys either.
He never told his parents. Their expectations were sky-high, and he couldn’t bear to disappoint them.
Then, in his final year of high school, he enlisted in the military.
Later, he underwent medical tests. The doctor confirmed his sperm was perfectly normal and healthy, with a good survival rate. But except for a faint reaction in the mornings, he couldn’t achieve an erection. The issue wasn’t physical, the doctor said—it was psychological.
But Wen Shu didn’t feel he had any psychological trauma. So, the doctor could only conclude it was something he was simply born with. There was no treatment. The only relief was knowing he could still have biological children, through IVF.
Still… how was he supposed to explain this to a partner?
“Sorry, but we won’t have a sex life—can you live with that?”
Maybe someone deeply in love with him could accept it initially. But over time?
So, upon realizing the truth about his condition, he gave up on relationships entirely. He didn’t want to drag anyone down, nor did he want to live without dignity. He never even told his parents—he let them believe he simply wasn’t interested in dating, so they could retain some hope.
The original owner had no idea about any of this. All she knew was that the man she adored had rejected her… and chosen someone who, in her eyes, wasn’t even her equal.
To her, that meant he despised her.
That single rejection destroyed her. She never married.
Her parents and her aunt and uncle were consumed by guilt—especially her uncle, Wei Zhengyi, who had encouraged her to join the show. He had always treated her like a daughter. He never forgave himself.
And as for Wen Shu, he never married either. He dedicated his entire life to serving his country… until one day, during a mission, he died in the line of duty.
Their story—hers and his—is one that evokes deep sorrow.
The original owner’s final wish was… to be with Wen Shu.
Axolotl Translations 
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