The system strikes back

Chapter 17: The System Strikes Back

The set remained shut down for the day.

After the spotlight crash, production paused for inspection, but Lin Zhaoxi knew the truth—it wasn't a coincidence. It was the System flexing its control, reminding her who really pulled the strings behind this world.

System Override: Emergency Narrative Correction in progress.

Injecting Plot Device: Rival Male Lead. Code Name: Lu Shixian.

Her blood ran cold.

Lu Shixian.

That name had only appeared once—in a failed draft of the original novel, the character who existed solely to stir chaos and push the female lead back into the arms of her rightful partner.

Except this time, the system wasn't pushing her towards love.

It was pushing her away from Shen Muyan.

When she arrived at the studio the next day, the change was immediate.

A sleek black car pulled up. Out stepped a man with effortless charm, designer sunglasses, and the kind of arrogance that made every assistant scramble.

Lu Shixian.

"Lin Zhaoxi?" he asked, removing his shades and flashing a perfect smile. "We meet again… or should I say, for the first time?"

Her stomach turned.

System Notice: Rival Male Lead assigned. Initiate romantic tension. Trigger jealousy in Primary Male Lead.

"Excuse me?" she said, her tone cool.

But Shixian just leaned closer, dropping his voice. "Let's make this easy. I'm not real either, sweetheart. But I don't mind playing."

Her eyes widened. So he knew.

He was a system creation—and he knew.

Shen Muyan arrived late, but the moment he saw Lu Shixian standing beside her, leaning in too close, he froze.

"Who's that?" he asked the assistant beside him.

"Oh, the new investor's nephew. Joining the cast as a surprise guest star—romantic rival to your character."

His jaw tightened.

And then Shixian turned and extended a hand toward him, grinning like a devil.

"Shen Muyan, right? I've heard a lot about you. But don't worry. I don't intend to replace you."

Pause.

"Just… compete."

Later that day, Shen Muyan cornered Zhaoxi during lunch break.

"Is he bothering you?"

She stared at him for a moment too long.

Was he asking as her co-star? Or as the man who used to say he cared?

"He's just an actor," she said lightly. "Just playing his part."

"Is that all you're doing too?" he asked. "Playing your part?"

Her mask faltered. Just for a second.

But it was enough.

"Zhaoxi," he said quietly, "What are you hiding from me?"

Before she could answer, the System buzzed violently.

Warning: Emotional intimacy detected. Trigger Event approaching. Interrupt required.

And then—

A slap of heels against concrete.

Lin Yaoyao.

She walked up with a folded script in hand, expression soft but eyes like daggers.

"Zhaoxi, can we talk? Alone?"

In the stairwell, Yaoyao's voice was low.

"You're not just playing a role," she said. "You're rewriting one."

Zhaoxi stiffened. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"You think no one notices, but I do. Your scenes used to follow the script. Now they change. Lines bend around you. He bends around you."

"You're imagining things."

Yaoyao stepped closer. "You're not the villainess anymore. But you're not the heroine either. So what are you?

Zhaoxi's breath caught.

Even she didn't know the answer anymore.

That night, she sat in her apartment, staring at the glowing countdown in her vision.

System Stability: 39%

Override active.

New conflict tree uploaded. You must choose:

✅ Option A: Accept Lu Shixian's pursuit and exit the main love line

❌ Option B: Continue emotional attachment to Shen Muyan and face total narrative collapse

She stared at the screen.

Behind her… her phone buzzed.

Shen Muyan: "Can we talk? I need to know the truth."

Her finger hovered over the screen.

And for the first time, she realized—this wasn't just a game.

She was no longer willing to play by the system's rules.