as long as you accomplish your mission. You're not tied to the original Ji Yu's meekness or weakness. You can be bold, smart, and strong. Divorce him, stay married, make a deal, or even work behind the scenes. Whatever you choose, as long as Li Mingxuan and the female lead don't end up together in the end."
A small, almost invisible smile touched Ji Yu's lips. That simple truth changed everything. She was not trapped. The system's words offered a lifeline out of despair, and she grabbed it tightly. Her plan would start now.
Leaning back against the hard wooden headrest of the small, shabby bed in her cheap inn room, Ji Yu let out a slow breath. The emotional weight of the story had been heavy, but her mind was already shifting, forming the outline of a strategy. She wouldn't rush blindly into confrontation. She needed to observe, to calculate, to move step by step.
"I should get a little rest before tomorrow," she said to herself, her voice firm, filled with purpose. The fear and uncertainty of the original Ji Yu would fade, replaced by her own growing determination. Her eyes closed not in defeat, but in preparation.
The night passed quietly, the sounds of the city outside her thin walls distant and muffled. She slept deeply, the exhaustion of the long journey pulling her into a deep slumber. When dawn broke, soft rays of light slowly began to color the sky.
Ji Yu woke up as the first light of morning stretched across the horizon. Her body, tired from the journey, finally felt recharged. She washed her face with the small basin of cold water provided by the inn, the water sharp against her skin, forcing her fully awake. She moved with purpose now, her motions deliberate and careful.
Her clothes were simple—a worn blouse, dark trousers, and sturdy shoes that had seen better days. She folded them neatly, smoothing out the wrinkles as best as she could. Every small action was measured, as if she were training herself for the tasks ahead.
She checked out of the inn, giving the tired-looking man at the front desk a polite nod. Her fingers felt in her pocket, and she found only three crumpled dollars left. She sighed softly, a quiet sound of frustration. This was far from enough in a city like this. She had no job, no connections, and not even a place to stay for the long term.
But a firm resolve settled in her heart. No matter what happened today, she would find a way to survive. She would not live a life of poverty, begging or scrounging for scraps. She refused to return to being the weak Ji Yu the world wanted to see. Today was the first step toward her own power.
Stepping outside, she was immediately swallowed by the chaos of the capital city. The sounds were overwhelming—cars honking, bicycles weaving through the crowds, merchants shouting their prices, and people walking with a hurried urgency. The world seemed enormous, confusing, and loud.
For a moment, a pang of fear rose in Ji Yu's chest. She felt small, lost in the immense crowd. But she straightened her shoulders, lifting her chin slightly. There was no time for hesitation. She pushed the doubt away and focused on the one task she had ahead.
She needed to find the Li family mansion. There was no address, no formal way to locate it, but she had the one tool she knew best—asking people. Ji Yu approached a friendly-looking woman selling steamed buns from a small cart.
"Excuse me, elder sister," Ji Yu began politely, her voice soft but clear, "could you please tell me the way to the Li family mansion? The very wealthy Li family?"
The woman studied Ji Yu up and down, noticing her simple clothes and small frame, but her eyes did not seem unkind. "The Lis?" the woman repeated, almost surprised. "Oh, everyone knows the Lis. They're famous in this city. Keep walking straight down this road," she pointed with a worn but steady hand, "until you see the big bank building. Turn left after that. The houses get bigger and fancier. When the streets get quieter and the walls taller, you'll know you're close."
Ji Yu nodded gratefully, offering a small smile. "Thank you," she said sincerely, then turned to follow the direction.
As she walked, her eyes took in the transformation of the city. The crowded markets slowly gave way to wide, clean streets lined with tall trees, their leaves bright under the morning sun. The air smelled fresher here, less tainted by the noise and dust of commerce. The buildings grew grander with every step—houses hidden behind tall walls, their gates elaborate and imposing.
And then, there it was—the Li mansion.
It wasn't just a house; it was a palace of power and wealth. The walls stretched higher than most buildings she'd seen, covered in white paint that gleamed in the daylight. The large black iron gate was polished and intricate, designed not just for protection but to show off immense wealth.
Ji Yu's expression remained calm, even indifferent, as if she had seen such sights before. She approached the gate with measured steps, not a trace of awe or fear in her posture. She wasn't here to admire wealth—she was here to confront it.
Before she could reach out, a guard emerged from a small booth next to the gate. His uniform was crisp, his bayonet rifle held clearly visible, not directly threatening, but suggesting an unwelcome presence.
"Stop right there!" the guard's voice was loud, demanding, and held a trace of suspicion. "Who are you? State your business!"
His eyes scanned her from head to toe, lingering on her simple blouse, worn trousers, and scuffed shoes. She was obviously out of place.
Ji Yu's gaze didn't falter. Her voice was low but firm as she responded, "I am Ji Yu, the lawful wife of Li Mingxuan. I have come to meet him."
The guard's brow furrowed, as if he had never heard such words before. He opened his mouth, about to say something, but Ji Yu stood there, steady and unyielding, her presence commanding in its simplicity. She was no longer the frightened village girl. She was something else—a force ready to change her destiny.
Thanks for reading.
Stay tuned for more.