Transmigrating to 1983

The story is genuinely captivating, brimming with well-developed characters whose authentic personalities draw you in. Their navigation of both love and business, with a stronger focus on love, weaves a beautiful and compelling narrative. I found myself wishing the story were longer, just to savor it a bit more. It's difficult to express just how beautiful the story is and how vividly the characters' personalities are portrayed. Truly an absolute gem that leaves a lasting impression!

Oh, I remember this novel. I really like the main character because he kept his word. He offered himself in place of his sister and was genuinely willing to be friendly with the main love interest. They both trust and treat each other well. The main character's background also adds a great setting; he isn’t all-knowing but is believably competent.

Hello everyone, I'm the translator for this novel. This is my very first project as a translator, so please, please, don't judge the novel solely based on my skills! I'll strive to improve and do justice to this novel. I'm truly grateful to the person who gave this novel a five-star review before me. Thank you, Olooki, for finding this novel interesting enough to seek out and read the original based on just a few translated chapters. Now, I want to share a few thoughts on why I chose this novel as my first translation project. I won't spoil any plot details, but I want to discuss the main characters, as they are the primary reason I was drawn to this book. Please note that these are my honest opinions, and I will mark them as spoilers since I will touch on some significant events in the book.

**Spoiler**

Let's start with Shu Ran, the main character (MC). He is a transmigrator from modern times, a college student who wakes up in rural China during the 1980s. While I have no firsthand knowledge of life conditions back then, we'll take the author's descriptions as accurate. Shu Ran is a highly educated young man, likely enrolled in a business or marketing/design program, given his proficiency in promoting and running businesses. Though not explicitly stated, I believe he comes from a well-off family, as he can afford an expensive hobby like calligraphy and isn't overly concerned with money. He is also true to himself, confident, and comfortable with his sexuality. Suddenly, he finds himself living in poverty, surrounded by an uneducated and somewhat ungrateful family, facing a bleak future. Despite this, he is highly adaptable, never complains, and takes care of those who are good to him. He learns to farm, wears old clothes, and becomes responsible for his sisters' well-being, all while constantly seeking ways to improve their living standards and escape the countryside. An opportunity is presented by the male lead (ML), and Shu Ran doesn't hesitate to seize it. Marrying the ML is his chance to lift himself and his sister out of poverty, and he accepts the arrangement, understanding the price he must pay. He is cunning and knows how to communicate effectively to achieve his goals. As someone commented on the original novel, Shu Ran is well-suited for a career in politics. If transmigrated to ancient times, he might have become a prime minister to an emperor. Regarding his relationship with the ML, Shu Ran has some misconceptions about him, viewing him as a villain and agreeing to the marriage primarily to save his sister. He acknowledges the benefits but believes his sister deserves better than being used by their family for financial gain. He has a few misunderstandings about the ML, but we can't blame him. After all, the ML is a controversial historical figure, and the idea of marrying him is akin to becoming one of Henry VIII's wives—no one would be thrilled about it. So, from the start, the MC approaches the marriage with the mindset of dealing with the villain, repaying the money his family received, and enduring the relationship for a year. He also finds the ML attractive, so he doesn't see it as a significant loss. He is confident in his ability to live well with another man and help him earn money.

On the other hand, the ML, Xu Shen, is a man no one truly understands, living in the gray area between good and bad. His reputation stems from external factors beyond his control. Abandoned by his family, he grew up alone, under the pitying and judgmental gaze of villagers. In a society where family is paramount, everyone assumes his parents' abandonment reflects poorly on his character. Apart from a few close friends he treats as brothers, no one makes an effort to understand him. Gossip and jealousy fuel his reputation, leading people to assume he engages in illegal activities rather than recognizing his hard work and success. Another crucial aspect of his character is his confusion about his sexual orientation, living in a repressive era. As a modern man, the MC is more open and relaxed about marrying another man, especially someone he finds attractive. The ML, however, never expected to marry according to his sexual orientation. He longs for a family and sees marrying the MC's sister as his best chance at happiness, though he doesn't expect fulfillment from the marriage. He is eager to treat her and her family well, hoping she will agree to join him. Then, the MC arrives, an attractive young man who doesn't reject him and offers to take his sister's place as his wife. It's no surprise that the ML is immediately smitten, as being with the MC feels "right." It's quite endearing how he transforms into an obedient and loving fool when they are alone.

Another aspect I appreciate is their immediate chemistry and intimacy. The MC never rejects the ML, not even in front of his close friends. He isn't shy and seems to have more sexual experience than the ML, or at least more knowledge. There is no questioning of feelings, no push and pull, no lack of consent, and definitely no annoying "sempai yamete!" scenarios. Their relationship grows naturally, steadily, and quite quickly. Some readers might think they progress too fast and be disappointed that they sleep together before technically falling in love. However, I believe this is realistic given their circumstances and how adult relationships often work. They are married, living together, and sleeping in the same bed. They find each other attractive and want to make the relationship work, even if the MC initially views it as temporary. There is no reason to avoid intimacy, and I think it's a good way to develop feelings in a marriage of convenience.

In the end, I want to thank everyone who decides to read this novel. It's a delightful slice-of-life story about earning money, achieving success, and falling in love, set in an immersive and well-written world. The story is short but engaging, with no angst and plenty of sweet moments. Additionally, the business aspects are unique and refreshing. This isn't a typical "let's open a hot-pot restaurant" novel; the MC uses his knowledge to come up with business ideas that are adapted to their society, things he knows will be profitable in the future, but nothing overpowered that would make him the savior of the era. Everything is rational and logical, so I encourage you to give this novel a try. Thank you once again!

I love their circle of friends; the way they support each other is amazing. They have a bond that ensures no one gets left behind, and together, they all achieve great success.

It started off really well at the beginning, but then it became flat and boring as the chapters progressed.

I love ML so much. How can someone be this lovable? He is truly the perfect standard. And I appreciate how the author gave the side characters more depth and personality.

However, some scenes feel a bit unnecessary. I understand that, as a slice of life novel, it focuses more on everyday life and often delves into mundane details to build character and setting. But it feels like these scenes drag on without adding much value. Without the unnecessary scenes and plots, I think this novel would only have 30-35 chapters.

I usually enjoy reading slice of life novels, but the slow pacing in this one was really killing my interest. I was literally struggling to finish it. Personal preferences also play a big role—what feels mundane to me might resonate deeply with you. It’s just that this novel doesn’t really align with my taste.

This is my first review ever. I started with the first three chapters here and then read the entire novel on a Chinese website using Google Translate. I hope the novel’s translation will be completed because the story truly deserves it.

I recommend this novel for its heartfelt feeling and immersive quality. I appreciated the well-developed characters, the business development, the 1983 atmosphere, and the realistic moments, without the text being overly burdened by them. The lively plot kept me hooked, and the author’s logical approach ensures a solid and enjoyable story.

**Spoiler**
Although the main characters initially get married by coincidence, their feelings develop harmoniously, with no doubts or deviations. The male lead is very caring and loving, while the main character is creative and talented in running a business.

This is so good! Like Olooki before me (thanks for the review that led me to reading this gem!), I started with the first few translated chapters, then read the rest of the novel using Google Translate.

No misunderstandings, no unnecessary drama, no contrived accidents to drive the plot. The characters are excellent communicators and have a deep understanding of each other. Even when their feelings aren't mutual, they are aware of this and give their consent. They also respect each other's pasts, waiting patiently for the other to share when they're ready, without pushing.

A significant part of the novel focuses on their love while navigating the challenges of doing business in a growing economy. It also delves into the social issues of the time, such as the need to hide their relationship, which was considered illegal under the broad term "hooliganism," a law that wasn't repealed until 1997.

**Spoiler**
It was truly touching when the law was finally removed, and the first thing they thought of doing was walking outside, holding hands openly for the first time after being married for 14 years.
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Another aspect I appreciated about the novel is that while the main character is powerful and talented, his skills and knowledge are well-explained by his background and interests. He doesn't simply copy works from the future but creates his own original content, leveraging his foresight to produce something fresh and innovative.

A charming, light-hearted, and easy-going tale about two people building a fortune while falling in love and enjoying life with their friends. This story can be seen as a younger, more spirited counterpart to the novel *Investment Life*. The economic journey is portrayed in an engaging manner, largely thanks to the captivating side characters who form the main couple's tight-knit group of friends. As everyone grows up, changes, and starts families, the entire progression is depicted in a gentle, slice-of-life style, free from any significant drama or angst.