Forced to Act out a Strange Script with a Rival - Chapter 133

No one could have predicted that Soul Pursuit, the series hailed as the year’s “dark horse” for its unique premise of a “clumsy detective + psychic assistant,” would conclude its final case with such thunderous force, subverting everything and staging a “god-tier” narrative surge.

It wasn’t a simple wrap-up; it was a meticulously planned, long-premeditated feast.

On the night of the finale, the digital world was hit by a silent tsunami, and social media platforms plunged into a state of feverish madness. Various hashtags climbed to the top of the trending charts at explosive speeds, followed invariably by a deep red “BURST” tag. Countless Moments, forums, and group chats were flooded with posts. Between the lines were shock, confusion, disbelief, and a thrill that came from being thoroughly “deceived” while simultaneously relishing every moment of it.

That night, no one slept.

Under the faint blue glow of their screens, countless eyes began to re-watch the previous episodes of Soul Pursuit with a near-frenzied obsession. Every detail once overlooked, every glance that had seemed ordinary at the time, now radiated a chilling new significance in the light of the ultimate truth.

Foreshadowing was everywhere—it was a masterfully executed narrative payoff.

The Grand Reversal

The final chapter began with a mysterious package containing a piece of evidence from the very first case. This single object completely overturned all the deductions the protagonist had previously made.

How was it possible? She had clearly seen the victim’s soul… the victim had spoken the truth to her directly… how could it be a lie?

The protagonist, Jiang Zi, tried to prove the new evidence was fake, only to find more concrete proof pointing toward other possibilities. When the police returned to her door, Jiang Zi had become the prime suspect.

The “clumsy detective” landlord, played by Si Xiaoxiao, called in a psychiatrist to clear her assistant’s name. It was through the doctor’s mouth that the massive twist was revealed: Jiang Zi had no supernatural powers at all.

There were no souls attached to her. She was actually a “madwoman” suffering from Dissociative Identity Disorder. Her abnormally sensitive brain had unconsciously captured tiny details ignored by others: a faint, unusual scent; nearly invisible pressure marks on a carpet; strange residues under a victim’s fingernails.

She wasn’t a medium; she was a tragic yet fortunate genius walking the edge of insanity. Her “abilities” were merely the cries and self-salvaging mechanisms of a shattered psyche.

As someone who struggled with multiple personalities herself, Li Ting found this role perfectly suited for her. However, the story’s second reversal—the true climax—soon arrived, and it centered on Si Xiaoxiao’s character.

The Mastermind’s Reveal

Just as Jiang Zi became convinced of her own mental illness and placed her absolute trust in her partner, the “detective” delivered a backstab.

The subtle, lingering connections between every case finally made sense. Si Xiaoxiao’s character—the “clumsy, beautiful landlord”—was neither a detective nor a fool. She was a Criminal Architect.

She was a ghost wandering the edges of the underworld, providing “perfect” crime solutions for those with murderous intent but no means or courage. She acted as a broker, connecting people, calculating every variable, and orchestrating every step.

Her motive wasn’t simple money or power; she sought the ultimate “creative” thrill—the god-like pleasure of watching mortals struggle within the fates she had scripted. She had even inserted herself into the game just to “appreciate” her work up close and witness her scripts become reality. Moreover, she wanted to drive her assistant to the brink of madness.

That intoxicating blend of danger and control was her addiction.

In traditional narratives, a villain with such a complex background and a deep bond with the protagonist usually receives some form of “redemption” or “repentance” at the end. Perhaps a tragic childhood or being forced by circumstances—some tears to earn the audience’s pity.

But the writers of Soul Pursuit broke the mold with startling boldness. Si Xiaoxiao’s character showed not a shred of remorse from beginning to end. She remained mysterious, dangerous, and captivating—a brand seared into the hearts of the audience. Furthermore, she had committed a truly perfect crime.

The story ended on an open note. Perhaps as a tribute to Sherlock Holmes, the two leads ultimately fell off a cliff together, their whereabouts unknown.

Rivalry and Reality

Si Xiaoxiao’s acting stunned the audience. Perhaps aided by the script and editing, she delivered a remarkably brilliant performance, bringing that lethal danger to life. Consequently, when both Li Ting and Si Xiaoxiao were nominated for Best Actress at the Golden Lion Awards, the public wasn’t surprised.

However, because the production declared it a “dual female lead” series and both were nominated for the nation’s most prestigious award, many expected the two stars to start a public feud. Given their history of not speaking for years, many refused to believe they had truly reconciled. Now that the cake was ready to be sliced, harmony seemed impossible.

While the internet was rife with conspiracy theories about their secret enmity, they had no idea that the two were indeed “clashing”—though in an entirely different sense.

“Why do we have to hide in the dressing room cabinet to be close? It feels like we’re having an affair,” Si Xiaoxiao complained, sounding a bit dissatisfied.

Li Ting’s kisses fell softly on Si Xiaoxiao’s earlobe, her warm breath ghosting over her sensitive neck, causing Si Xiaoxiao to tremble involuntarily. The narrow interior of the wardrobe was cramped, and the darkness magnified every touch and sound.

Si Xiaoxiao tried to push her away, her hands pressed against Li Ting’s shoulders, but she found herself weak and unable to exert force. Due to their personalities, Li Ting—the older one—usually took the lead, while Si Xiaoxiao was mostly a pampered “pillow princess.”

But Si Xiaoxiao wasn’t entirely willing to concede. Li Ting, understanding the principle of “flying a kite,” would occasionally loosen the string to satisfy Si Xiaoxiao’s desire to be the “top.”

Thus, Li Ting began to actively entice her.

“That’s what makes it more exciting, isn’t it?” Li Ting laughed huskily, her breath brushing against Si Xiaoxiao’s eardrum.

She pressed her full weight against Si Xiaoxiao, her eyes brimming with allure. She proactively straddled Si Xiaoxiao’s lap, guiding her hands to linger at the small of her back with a burning heat.

“Xiaoxiao…”

The unspoken words were filled with desire.

Si Xiaoxiao couldn’t help but tilt her head back, the back of her head thumping softly against the cabinet wall.

Outside the wardrobe, the muffled sounds of staff walking and chatting in the corridor could be heard. The pre-ceremony bustle was separated only by a thin wooden panel, making it feel both worlds away and terrifyingly close.

This tension—the constant threat of being discovered—mixed with Li Ting’s bold advances, sent Si Xiaoxiao’s heart drumming against her ribs. She had to admit, it was undeniably thrilling.

Who would have thought?

Only three months ago, they were glaring at each other across a shared dressing room; now, they could coexist harmoniously even in the cramped confines of a closet.

“Stop… stop messing around…” Si Xiaoxiao tried to reclaim a shred of logic, but her voice only grew softer and more yielding. “We have to go out and accept the award soon… mmm…”

Li Ting’s lips had traveled to her collarbone, giving it a firm, lingering suck that left behind a moist sensation and a faint sting. “What if you went up there wearing this? Weren’t you planning on going public anyway?”

Si Xiaoxiao restlessly pressed her knee forward, her eyes clouded with haze as she began to respond to her lover’s touch. “Li Ting…”

The world outside seemed to fade, leaving only their intertwined breaths and heartbeats.

Suddenly, distinct footsteps approached the dressing room, accompanied by a staff member’s call: “Teacher Li Ting? Teacher Si Xiaoxiao? Please get ready, the awards segment is about to start! Huh? Where did they go?”

The two inside the cabinet froze instantly.

Li Ting pressed her forehead against Si Xiaoxiao’s, panting heavily as she struggled to steady her breath. Si Xiaoxiao’s face was flushed crimson, her eyes shimmering with emotion; she had to lean on Li Ting just to stay upright.

They waited until the footsteps outside gradually faded away.

In the tiny space, the passion simmered down, but the atmosphere remained thick with an inseparable intimacy. However, Si Xiaoxiao wasn’t satisfied. The habitually willful young miss spoke up: “Let’s just not go… anyway… I won’t win the award…”

After all, it was such a prestigious ceremony. How could a “pretty face” like her actually win?

“What if you do?” Li Ting coaxed her gently. “Our Xiaoxiao performed so well.”

“Really?” Si Xiaoxiao lacked confidence, though her tone was incredibly soft.

“I got wet just from one of your looks—isn’t that proof enough?” Li Ting teased with a playful smirk.

Si Xiaoxiao glared at her with a red face, but in the dim light, it held no intimidation—it only made her look more charmingly coquettish. “…Honestly, you!”

Seeing her flushed cheeks and slightly swollen lips, Li Ting curled her lips in satisfaction. She cracked the wardrobe door open slightly and peered out cautiously.

“It’s clear. Come out, quick.”

One after the other, they scrambled somewhat hastily out of the narrow cabinet. Standing in the spacious, brightly lit dressing room, the secrecy and passion of a moment ago felt like a lifetime away. But the lingering heat in their eyes and their slightly labored breathing bore witness to everything that had just happened.

Li Ting reached out her hand to Si Xiaoxiao: “Let’s go. Let’s go accept the award together!”

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