The sound of heels clicking against marble echoed through the lobby like a warning bell
Lin Zhaoxi stood frozen by the elevator doors, script still clutched in her hand, as the woman walked in—tall, graceful, with perfect posture and flawless makeup. She wore a tailored cream-colored suit that hugged her figure and a calm expression that masked sharp calculation.
It was her.
Tan Yurou—the original female lead.
System voice pinged instantly:
[Alert: Core Character has re-entered the main story timeline. Please maintain composure. Favorability shift risk: HIGH.]
Lin Zhaoxi's fingers tightened around the script.
She hadn't expected Yurou to arrive this soon. According to the original plot, Tang Yurou wouldn't return from her overseas shooting until several chapters later.
But clearly, the plot was accelerating on its own.
And Yurou… was even more dazzling than Lin Zhaoxi remembered.
Shen Muyan stepped out of the meeting room just as the receptionist greeted, "President Shen, Miss Tang is here to see you."
His eyes flicked over, and for a brief second—only a second—his usual cold exterior cracked.
Tang Yurou smiled, soft and practiced. "Muyan, long time no see."
His lips curved slightly, controlled. "You're early."
"I thought you'd say that," she replied, tilting her head. "But I couldn't wait. I missed home… and you."
Lin Zhaoxi stood to the side, invisible but burning.
[Warning: System Stability Dropping. Rival presence confirmed.]
[Mission Status: Unstable. Male Lead's favorability is volatile. Suggest immediate engagement.]
But how? How was she supposed to compete with someone who had once been the center of Shen Muyan's entire world?
Someone who hadn't died.
Someone who hadn't been erased.
Tang Yurou glanced at her then, smiling politely, as if sizing her up—and discarding her in the same breath.
"You must be the new actress under Muyan's wing," she said, voice sweet with just a touch of condescension. "You're quite… unique."
Lin Zhaoxi forced a smile. "Thank you. I've heard a lot about you."
"All good things, I hope," Yurou replied smoothly, looping her arm through Shen Muyan's as if it were still hers.
He didn't pull away.
That single detail shattered something inside Lin Zhaoxi.
She stood there, smiling, acting, pretending—
While the system voice rang louder than ever in her head:
[Host, your position is being threatened. The male lead's emotional anchor is shifting. Immediate course correction required.]
[Option 1: Confront the female lead. Risk: HIGH.]
[Option 2: Remove yourself temporarily from the scene. Risk: MEDIUM.]
She couldn't breathe
For the first time since entering this world, Lin Zhaoxi felt something worse than fear.
She felt… replaced.