Losing to My Substitute (Katerina and Joshu)
Substitute 51

Chapter

22

"Wait, what? What do you mean they already fell out? Wasn't this woman pregnant with Ivan's child? Ivan really is something else!"

"But do you think he's actually dead? She did look like she was crying for real."

Rachel's tone dripped with sarcasm as she spoke.

Linda snorted lightly and shook her head.

"Just a dog-eat-dog show. If Ivan were really dead, Attorney John would've contacted me."

"It's funny, though-a mistress fighting with her sugar daddy, then going live to spread rumors about his death. Why hasn't Ivan issued a lawyer's letter yet? Isn't this defamation?" Rachel laughed heartily, but Linda gave her a strange look.

"Rachel, maybe cut back on the snacks. I think... they might actually be bad for your brain."

Rachel stared at her, dumbfounded, as if still processing.

Then Linda added, "Why would he send a lawyer's letter? To admit he's her top supporter? That he

cheated on his wife with a livestreamer?"

"Hiss..."

Rachel took a sharp breath, clutching her chest as if to calm herself.

"You're right. Starting tomorrow, I'll eat better."

Two Years Later

Linda's female-oriented game Novelist's Love Choice launched in Denmark, bolstered by a strong

pre-release marketing campaign that had already drawn a large audience during its testing phase.

"This game, Novelist's Love Choice, is based on my personal experiences. If you're merely the heroine of someone else's story, no matter how much the plot seems to favor you, your fate is still in someone else's hands."

"Even a leading man who's been by your side for years can betray you. So, I hope every girl can be her own novelist and write the story she truly wants."

1316 C

Losing to My Substitute

51.5%

"My wish is for every player to have the life they desire and a love that will never betray them."

The game's release was accompanied by this simple message from its producer, Ms. Taylor, posted on the official game blog. She didn't make any personal appearances, but that didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the players. The game grossed three million on its first day of release.

That Evening

Linda had just finished cooking and was setting the table when Rachel suddenly leapt off the sofa.

"Ahhh! I got it! I pulled it! Golden Card! Linda, I love you!"

Linda jumped slightly at her outburst, then lowered her eyes and smiled faintly.

"Well? Is it the merman you wanted?"

Rachel nodded frantically, her tablet now covered in lipstick marks.

"Alright, let's eat first," Linda said calmly.

Since Rachel always insisted on staying in Linda's room, Linda had applied for a small private cottage with a garden at the nursing home, where they now lived together.