"Let's start small and grow step by step, Host!" the system began, its tone bright and optimistic. "First, you could write a few short articles—maybe about daily life or observations—and submit them to the local newspapers. We can see how people respond! If that goes well, you can write more, maybe even do some translation work since you know so many languages. Then, with a bit of money saved up, we could look into developing simple medicines—nothing too complex at first. And after that... oh! We can explore the stock market! I've been analyzing the trends here, and there's definitely money to be made. Can you imagine? We could earn so much! I'm getting excited just thinking about it!"
The system painted a vivid picture of success, each idea tumbling out faster than the last. But Ji Yu, though intrigued, couldn't help feeling a little cautious. She trusted the system, but she also knew this world better—its rules, its expectations, especially for someone like her.
She frowned slightly, though no one was around to see. "But System," she replied thoughtfully, "wouldn't doing all that make me seem... really different from who I'm supposed to be? What if people get suspicious?"
She couldn't help but think about her background. She came from a family that valued learning—but only for sons. Her father and uncles were scholars, but the women in the family were kept away from books. It was a common belief that "a woman's virtue lies in her lack of talent." Girls weren't encouraged to study; they were taught to be obedient, to manage a household, and to be good future wives. Even among rich families, education for girls was only meant to make them more appealing to potential husbands—not to empower them. So how could she, a woman from the countryside who had never been allowed to touch a book, suddenly start writing articles or translating foreign languages?
The system, however, was quick to ease her worries. It spoke patiently, like a reassuring coach. "Host, this world isn't as strict as you think. People here don't really fear someone acting 'out of character.' In fact, most people care more about results than the past. If you succeed, they'll admire you—not question you."
It continued, growing more passionate. "Besides, imagine this: if a woman from a simple background like yours becomes successful, you wouldn't just be helping yourself. You'd become a symbol of hope for other women! Right now, women in this world are heavily oppressed. They're stuck under a system controlled mostly by men. If you step up and show everyone what women are truly capable of, you could change everything. Other women would look up to you. They'd support you, follow your example, and little by little, things could start to change. You could become a legendary figure!"
The system made sure to emphasize one more point. "And you know what? The fact that you used to be an uneducated country woman will actually make your story more inspiring. People will think you taught yourself everything against all odds. They'll see you as a genius who overcame hardship, and that will make them respect you even more."
Ji Yu listened carefully, her mind turning over the system's words. It was a big idea—a little scary, but also thrilling. She had never thought of herself as a leader or a symbol before. But the system's vision was persuasive. Still, she was practical by nature. Big dreams needed solid plans, and right now, she had very little money and even fewer options.
After a short silence, she responded, "Hmm… you make some good points. But maybe we should wait until after the divorce to start any of this." Her voice was calm and steady. "I have a feeling Lin Mingxuan will be willing to give me a decent amount of money to agree to the divorce. That money could be our starting capital—the initial funds we need to launch a business or invest later on. It's safer this way, and we won't draw too much attention too soon."
The system paused, as if surprised it had overlooked such a simple and clever idea. Then it burst back with renewed energy. "Yes, Host!! I almost forgot about that!! You are so smart, hehe.." It sounded genuinely impressed and happy. "That's a perfect plan. We can use that money to get started properly, without rushing."
..
..
In the quiet afternoon, Ji Yu had just finished a simple shower. The hotel water was lukewarm and the showerhead a little rusty, but it was good enough to wash off the dust and heat from the morning. She ordered a few simple dishes—steamed rice, fried vegetables, and a bowl of soup—and ate slowly, savoring every bite without rushing.
After finishing her lunch, she lay down on the bed, spread the newspaper she had picked up earlier, and started reading. The paper smelled faintly of ink, its pages rough and thin. She scanned through the headlines one by one, but nothing caught her attention. Most of the news was filled with gossip about minor officials, prices of grain, or some small incidents in the city. For her, it was all meaningless chatter, ripples on the surface of a pond that had nothing to do with her life.
She felt her eyelids grow heavy as she flipped the pages. Reading these unimportant reports made her a little tired, and she thought she might take a short nap to regain energy.
Just then, a knock sounded on the door.
Ji Yu froze for a moment, her lips curving into a faint smile. It was the kind of smile that carried no warmth but plenty of meaning, as if she already knew what this visit was about. The knock came again, firmer this time. She rose calmly from the bed, picked up a large shawl, and draped it over her shoulders. Without hurry, she walked to the door and pulled it open.
Standing outside were the two guards she had seen earlier at the Li Mansion gate. Their rigid postures revealed their nervousness. Between them stood a tall man in a well-fitted black suit. He wore gold-rimmed glasses that gave him a studious, almost bookish air, but his neat posture and steady gaze spoke of discipline and authority. He looked more like a businessman than a soldier, but Ji Yu could sense he was no ordinary person.
The guards bowed slightly and reported in unison, "Master Xu, this is her."
Ji Yu's eyes locked onto the man's without hesitation, her expression calm and unshaken. "Did Li Mingxuan send you to find me?"
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Thanks for reading.
Stay tuned for more.