System: "Host. This is Earth in the 1970s—a period long before humanity reached civilization level two. You've probably read about this era in the Interstellar Empire's history books. Thousands of years ago, the Interstellar Empire was nothing more than a class one civilization confined to a small, underdeveloped planet called Earth. It was tucked away in a quiet corner of the universe, inside a galaxy known as the Milky Way.
Despite their humble beginnings, humans from this planet showed incredible creativity and determination. Over time, they made huge leaps in science and technology. In just three thousand years, they evolved from a primitive society into a class three civilization capable of communicating across galaxies.
But that's all in the future. Right now, you're in the 1970s. This decade is very backward, even by Earth's own standards. There are no holograms, no interstellar travel, no neural networks. Computers are large, slow, and clunky. Most people don't have access to advanced medicine. Daily life is much simpler—and much harsher—than what you're used to.
You'll need to adjust to this low-tech environment. No advanced tools, no AI assistance beyond me, and certainly no spaceports. Stay calm, observe carefully, and try to blend in. Your mission depends on it."
Ji Yu listened in silence, the system's voice smooth, measured, and almost cold. It was as if her fate was being laid out in front of her without any possibility of argument. She felt a faint sense of alienation. The voice was so detached, so indifferent, that it made her situation feel worse—like her life was simply a chapter someone else wrote without asking for her opinion.
The system continued: "Now that you know about the world you are in, host, let us review your identity."
A dim projection flickered before her, displaying old photographs in sepia tones, faded edges, and slightly scratched surfaces. She recognized the faces instantly. Her face, younger and filled with hope, and the man—Li Mingxuan.
"This is the story you are about to step into, host," the system explained.
"In the turbulent business world of the 1970s, the Li family was on the rise. In 1975, Chairman Li Wenhua, the powerful founder of Li Group, died suddenly in a car accident. His death sent shockwaves through the corporate world, but more so through the family. His son, Li Mingxuan, at only 22 years old, was left to carry the burden of the company.
"By 1980, Li Mingxuan had not only rebuilt the fractured board but expanded the Li Group into overseas markets. He became the youngest CEO to control one of the largest corporations in the country. He had charisma, ambition, and a sharp mind—but he also had little patience for anything that distracted him from his ambitions."
The system's voice lowered slightly, as if to hint at the darker undertone of the story.
"Your role, host, is Ji Yu, a simple countryside woman. Your family, the Ji family, were scholars but not wealthy by any means. Ji Yu's father and Li Mingxuan's mother were distant cousins. The Li family, before their fortune, were modest shop owners in a small rural village. Both families lived ordinary lives, untouched by the ambitions of the capital.
"In those days, marriages were often arranged without regard for love. With the consent of Li Wenhua and his wife, Ji Yu's father arranged a marriage for Ji Yu and Li Mingxuan. At that time, it was viewed as a strategic alliance—an arrangement to secure both families' futures. Ji Yu was only a teenager, innocent, inexperienced, and entirely unaware of what awaited her.
"When Li Mingxuan came of age, he married Ji Yu in the village. Yet, even on that day, his face was devoid of joy. The moment the ceremony concluded, Li Mingxuan took the dowry money and left for the capital city under the pretense of pursuing higher education. A full scholarship awaited him at a prestigious university, and with his sights set on power and wealth, the rural life of Ji Yu was something he wanted to leave far behind."
Ji Yu listened to the system recounting her story with growing disbelief. Every word sounded like an accusation, like a reminder of the humiliation embedded in her past. She felt like an actor playing the role of a tragic heroine in a story she never chose to be part of.
"The Ji family didn't resist. They were blinded by the hope that this marriage could elevate their social status. No one spoke a word about love or companionship. The only concern was money, stability, and a future that could scrape them out of poverty."
The system continued, its tone taking on a pitiless sharpness.
"Years passed. Li Mingxuan never returned. His absence was a constant wound to Ji Yu. Her father became increasingly anxious as the years dragged on. When he heard of the Li family's sudden fortune and rise—how the Li Group expanded rapidly, how the family now mingled with the highest circles of power—he saw an opportunity. He prepared Ji Yu to travel to the capital city, to demand answers from her legally married husband.
"Carrying only a few dollars and with no knowledge of city life, Ji Yu embarked on a long, grueling journey by train. The path was filled with hardship—sleepless nights, scornful looks from strangers, and the gnawing fear of rejection. Her hope was simple: to find Li Mingxuan and get some form of recognition, perhaps even compassion. But deep down, she knew better."
Her heart sank as the system's voice grew darker, more solemn.
"In 1976, Ji Yu arrived at the Li family mansion. The grand estate was a stark contrast to the mud huts of her village. She was full of anticipation, mixed with fear. The moment she was ushered into the meeting room, her world turned icy cold.
"Li Mingxuan's gaze fell on her—not with warmth, but with pure, calculated disdain. To him, Ji Yu was nothing more than a country bumpkin, a dusty reminder of a past he desperately wanted to bury. His eyes held no respect, no trace of pity. They reflected only irritation and impatience.
"But the worst part? Ji Yu discovered, with unbearable shock, that Li Mingxuan already had a crush on another woman—the true female lead of the story. The one he desired, the one he planned to build his future with. The moment Ji Yu, his lawful wife, stepped into the room, he was ready.
"He didn't need to hesitate. Prepared in advance, he pulled out a divorce paper, already bearing his signature, just waiting for hers. It was as if he had been expecting this day, waiting for the chance to discard her.
"He promised to give her some money—barely enough for basic survival—and a train ticket back to the village. To him, it was a simple business transaction.
.
.
.
To be continued.