"Yes," the system said eagerly, as if sensing her wavering. "Imagine it! If a woman from such a simple background becomes successful, you won't just be helping yourself—you'll become a symbol of hope. Right now, women are trapped in narrow roles. They're told they're weak, that they should stay at home, that their only future is marriage. But if you step forward and prove what women can do, you'll open their eyes. Other women will look up to you. They'll follow your example. Little by little, things will change."
Its tone grew almost dramatic, like it was narrating a grand speech. "You could become a legendary figure! Someone remembered for centuries! The kind of person who sparks revolutions!"
Ji Yu remained still for a while, gazing at the faint lantern glow spilling through the window frame. She could picture it for a moment—the idea of women whispering her name, calling her brave, admiring her. It was a big thought, too big, and it brushed against her calm nature like a sudden gust of wind against a still pond.
The system didn't stop there. "And think about it! Your background as a country woman will only make your story more inspiring. People will say you taught yourself against all odds. They'll call you a genius who overcame hardship. That kind of story spreads fast. It makes people respect you even more."
Ji Yu lowered the coin back onto the table and let it clink softly against the wood. She folded her hands neatly in her lap. "Hmm."
That was all she said at first.
The system waited, growing a little restless at her silence. Finally, she spoke again, her voice steady. "It's a nice dream, System. But big dreams need a foundation. Right now, I don't have one. I have a few coins. No contacts. No allies. Nothing." She paused, her eyes half-closing as she thought. "I can't jump too quickly. I need to move carefully. Slowly."
The system groaned dramatically. "Host, you're being too cautious again! You could take over the entire economy in five years if you wanted!"
"Maybe," Ji Yu said simply. "But I don't need to rush. Besides…" she let her words trail off, as if testing them before saying the rest, "maybe we should wait until after the divorce to start anything."
The system perked up instantly. "Oh?"
She nodded slightly. "I have a feeling Li Mingxuan will be willing to give me money for the divorce. Probably a decent amount. That money could be our starting capital. The first step. It's safer this way. If I suddenly make money before that, people might wonder how. But if I wait and then use the divorce settlement, it will look natural. No one will question where it came from."
For a moment, the system was utterly silent, as if stunned it had overlooked something so obvious. Then its voice burst out with renewed energy. "Yes!! That's brilliant, Host! I can't believe I didn't think of that. You're so smart, hehe… I'm impressed!"
Ji Yu tilted her head slightly, amused at its flattery. "You forgot something so simple."
"Hey, hey!" the system protested, mock offended. "I was busy thinking about grand plans—stocks, companies, newspapers, medicine, revolutions! I can't be bothered with the small stuff!"
Her lips curved faintly again, almost a smile. "That's why I'm here."
"Yes, yes," the system said, sounding almost sheepish but quickly regaining its cheerful tone. "So here's the plan: you'll wait for the divorce money. Once you get it, we'll use it carefully. We'll start with something small and easy, just enough to grow slowly without attracting suspicion. Once people are used to you having a little success, we can scale up. Step by step, until—bam!—you're unstoppable."
Ji Yu leaned her head against the wall, eyes drifting shut for a moment. The wooden wall was cold against her hair, the faint hum of the street below strangely comforting. "Step by step," she echoed softly.
The system sounded pleased. "Exactly. And don't worry, Host. I'll keep track of the details. You just focus on surviving for now. Eat, sleep, stay calm. I'll handle the rest."
She opened her eyes again, staring at the faint cracks in the ceiling. Her voice was calm but firm as she answered, "We'll do this my way. Slow. Careful. No unnecessary risks."
The system gave a long sigh, like a child reluctantly agreeing to wait for candy. "Fine… but when the time comes, no more holding back. Promise me, Host."
"Promise," Ji Yu said simply.
Her eyes drifted back to the coins on the table. Small, almost laughably so compared to what she once commanded in another life. But they were enough for now. Enough to live another day, enough to plan, enough to wait.
The street noise outside had started to fade, the hawkers closing down, footsteps growing fewer. Ji Yu lay down on the bed, the thin mattress creaking under her weight. She folded her hands over her stomach and closed her eyes.
Her mind, however, was awake. Calm, steady, calculating. She would survive. She would wait. And when the moment came, she would rise.
The system's last whisper before she drifted toward sleep was soft, almost tender. "You're going to change everything, Host. I just know it."
The afternoon was unusually quiet. The hotel wasn't grand—just a small inn tucked along a side street—but the walls kept out most of the noise from the bustling city. After returning from her morning walk, Ji Yu had taken a slow shower.
The water had been only lukewarm, and the showerhead was a little rusty, but it was enough. The droplets washed away the dust clinging to her skin, the sticky heat that had been pressing on her shoulders since morning. She stood under the weak spray a little longer than necessary, closing her eyes and letting her thoughts wander.
"Host," the system spoke up, its voice light and casual, "this place may not look like much, but at least you won't catch a fever from bathing here. The water seems clean enough."
Ji Yu gave a quiet hum, running her fingers through her damp hair. "For now, it's good enough. I've slept in trenches and washed in rivers before. Compared to that, this is luxury."
The system chuckled. "Luxury, huh? I guess that's one way to see it. Still, we need to aim higher. One day, you'll be in a house with marble bathtubs and servants carrying hot water in silver pots. Just wait."
"Dream slower," Ji Yu replied softly, turning off the faucet. "First things first."
.
.
.
To be continued.