Extra Chapter - Ji Lu Unparalleled - Another Path

Gao Feng's voice was hushed, as if this small envelope carried immense weight.

"An invitation from Jingzhou."

"This invitation was delivered through channels I couldn't refuse."

"All I know is that they expended considerable effort to locate you."

"They believe you're the most suitable candidate."

Ji Wushuang took the envelope.

She opened it.

Inside was a black card bearing a single line of text:

"Mr. Lu Chenyuan cordially invites Ms. Ji Wushuang to meet in Jingzhou."

Below were a time and an address.

No phone number. No contact person.

Just that simple line.

Lu Chenyuan.

The name was unfamiliar.

"What kind of mission is this?" she asked.

"I don't know."

Gao Feng shook his head.

"This isn't a mission."

"It's a choice."

He looked into Ji Wushuang's eyes.

"Wushuang, you've already given enough for this country, for the military."

"The blood you've shed, the wounds you've endured—they're enough to earn you the most distinguished medal."

"Now, you have the chance to choose a different path."

"To see the world beyond."

"There will be danger. There will be challenges."

"But there are also sights you'll never witness within the barracks."

"Go."

Gao Feng's voice carried a trace of reluctance.

But more than that, it held encouragement and expectation.

"Go... and live for yourself, just once."

Ji Wushuang held the black card.

It was light.

Yet it felt heavier than any gear she'd ever carried.

On one end was the military camp—the place where she'd devoted her youth.

Her comrades. Her honors. Her past.

On the other end was a completely unknown world, full of variables.

She stood at the crossroads of her life.

This time, she felt no hesitation.

Her heart was calm.

She remembered Wang Meng's desolate face.

She remembered the golden ginkgo leaf in Chen Lei's letter.

She remembered the absurdity of her last mission.

She made her choice.

Saluting Gao Feng with flawless military precision, she bid her final farewell to the past.

"Reporting, Colonel!"

Her voice was clear and firm.

"I accept this invitation."

......

Two days later.

Jingzhou.

The high-speed train arrived at Jingzhou West Station.

Ji Wushuang stepped off.

Dressed in simple black athletic wear, she carried only light luggage.

As she exited the station, the city sprawled before her—towering buildings, endless streams of traffic.

A world apart from the military base she knew.

She glanced up at the sky. It didn't seem as blue as the skies over the barracks.

Then, she sensed a gaze upon her.

Turning, she saw a well-dressed man in gold-rimmed glasses approaching.

"Ms. Ji Wushuang?"

The man stopped before her, his tone polite and composed.

Ji Wushuang studied him.

Unfazed by her scrutiny, he maintained a professional smile.

"Ms. Ji, I'm Lin Yuan, Mr. Lu Chenyuan's assistant."

He explained,

"Mr. Lu sent me to escort you."

Ji Wushuang nodded.

Lin Yuan gestured toward the parking lot.

A sleek black sedan glided silently to meet them.

Once inside, the car merged into the city's flow, weaving through its vibrant streets.

Ji Wushuang watched the scenery flash by—billboards, shopping centers, hurried pedestrians.

Her gaze remained detached, like an observer.

None of this belonged to her world.

At least, not yet.

The car arrived at an antique-style courtyard but didn't pause.

Security personnel, recognizing the vehicle and Lin Yuan, promptly opened the gates.

This place was called "Tingxue Lou"—one of Jingzhou's most exclusive private clubs, inaccessible to mere wealth.

Inside lay an elegant southern-style garden.

Rock formations, flowing water, winding paths.

When the car stopped, Lin Yuan opened her door.

"Ms. Ji, this way."

Ji Wushuang followed.

Her eyes swept the surroundings.

Every corner of the courtyard was immaculate.

The air carried a faint sandalwood fragrance.

Here, silence reigned, isolating them from the city's clamor.

Lin Yuan halted before a tea room labeled "Guanyun."

He opened the door.

"Mr. Lu, Ms. Ji has arrived."

Ji Wushuang entered.

The tea room was spacious yet minimally furnished—just a tea table and a few wooden chairs.

A man was brewing tea.

Dressed in a tailored gray suit, his movements harmonized strangely well with the ritual.

Ji Wushuang's pupils contracted almost imperceptibly.

She'd met many so-called important figures—generals, regional leaders.

They exuded authority and presence.

But this man was different.

Young—perhaps mid-twenties.

Exceptionally handsome.

Yet his eyes were deep as an ocean.

Calm, yet containing immeasurable power.

He lacked a general's battlefield ferocity.

Instead, he radiated absolute confidence and control.

"Ms. Ji, please sit."

Lu Chenyuan's voice was even, betraying no emotion.

He gestured to the chair opposite.

Ji Wushuang sat.

Her posture remained military-perfect—back straight, hands on knees.

Lu Chenyuan poured her tea himself.

The aroma was rich.

"Did Colonel Gao explain?"

He asked.

"He gave me an invitation."

Ji Wushuang replied succinctly.

"Good."

Lu Chenyuan nodded.

"I'd like to hire you as my sister Lu Qianqian's personal security consultant."

"For one year."

"Possibly longer."

Cutting straight to the point, he slid a file toward her.

"Her profile."

Ji Wushuang picked it up.

The first page showed Lu Qianqian's photo.

A beautiful girl.

Large eyes, fair skin.

A sweet, innocent smile.

Like a princess from a fairy tale.

One word flashed through Ji Wushuang's mind:

Porcelain doll.

Delicate. Lovely. Fragile.

She skimmed the details.

Lu Qianqian, eighteen.

Incoming freshman at Jingzhou University.

Raised in elite privilege.

Sheltered by her family.

Her record was spotless—almost blank.

The only notable detail: volunteering at a community kitchen for the past month.

Ji Wushuang's brow furrowed slightly.

Protecting a pampered young heiress?

This sounded more like high-end babysitting than a task requiring someone like her.

She didn't quite understand.