A Marriage with an Expiry (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 8
The next day.
So Ri, who only returned home after dawn broke, sat down on the edge of her bed for a moment.
Her lie about having indigestion had been neatly exposed.
Although not entirely certain, she’d even received a blood transfusion under Hyun Woo’s watchful eye—he’d clearly noticed something.
Hyun Woo had fully leveraged his authority as a professor at Imperial Hospital against her.
‘Threatening me so cheaply, saying you’d cut me off like that.’
But Hyun Woo hadn’t just issued threats the previous night.
He’d warmed up some porridge, forced a spoon into So Ri’s hand, and delivered words even scarier than a threat:
‘With that stamina and health condition—you think you can be a doctor? A specialist? No way, not you.’
He’d whispered those heart-piercing words so quietly, yet they’d instantly chilled the warm porridge she’d been eating.
Perhaps he’d only said it out of hurt feelings.
She understood it was his own way of telling her to manage herself more strictly—but still, it stung, and left her heartsick.
Maybe… she really wouldn’t be able to do it after all…
So Ri collapsed onto her bed as though crumbling inward.
Though sleep wouldn’t come, she decided to calm her turbulent thoughts for a bit before heading to work.
Her delicate eyelids slowly drifted shut.
Neurosurgery Department Office, Imperial Hospital.
So Ri checked the time outside the office door and took a deep breath.
Since it was her first day, she’d chosen to arrive early instead of lingering in bed.
Having arrived a full hour ahead of schedule, So Ri gripped the doorknob with slightly nervous hands and turned it.
Why did this feel even more nerve-wracking than her first day as an intern?
Half excitement for a fresh start, half anxiety about an unfamiliar environment.
Heart thumping, she stepped inside—only to be met immediately by a loud voice.
“So Ri!”
“Oh! You scared me.”
A very familiar face beamed widely at her.
It was Maeng Gi Tae, her university classmate.
“You’re here early?”
“I rushed as fast as I could, yet I’m only in second place.”
“Are you seriously keeping score? Guess valedictorians really are different. Come over here and sit.”
Gi Tae was as kind-hearted and cheerful now as he’d always been.
“Want anything to drink? Should I get you coffee?”
“Huh? No, I’m fine.”
Having completed his internship right here at Imperial Hospital, Gi Tae appeared far more relaxed, which helped ease So Ri’s nerves considerably.
So Ri slowly looked around the neurosurgery department office.
“This place is really big and nice.”
“Right? Spacious and great, isn’t it?”
Compared to Seohan Hospital, Imperial Hospital’s neurosurgery office was much roomier and brightly lit.
The computers seemed top-of-the-line, and the large conference table with its chairs looked high-end.
“How’ve you been lately?”
“I’ve been the same as always. What about you, Gi Tae?”
“Same here. I thought I was the only one who’d applied to the neurosurgery residency—so I was genuinely relieved to find out you’d passed alongside me.”
“Thank you. I’m glad you’re happy to see me.”
She wasn’t sure yet how long she’d actually last as a resident, but So Ri exchanged pleasantries with Gi Tae as if it were nothing.
Drawing on his experience, Gi Tae gave her various explanations.
“They say it’s so tough here that people gradually drop out until only one’s left per year. Right now, there’s one resident per seniority level. With us joining, that makes five total.”
“I see…”
“Based on my internship here, I’ll give you one key tip: just watch out for one person.”
“One person?”
Gi Tae gestured for her to come closer. So Ri leaned in, bringing her ear near him.
“Our chief.”
Did it really need to be said so secretly? So Ri wondered—but still kept listening intently.
“The chief?”
“Back in the day, among his peers, the chief apparently had the nickname ‘Moto.’”
Moto? So Ri tilted her head in confusion, prompting Gi Tae to lower his voice further.
“Short for ‘mosquito.’”
A mosquito?
“But apparently, he still doesn’t know what it’s short for.”
“…”
“You’ll understand what I mean once you’ve experienced him yourself. I can’t say any more than that.”
Not wanting to form a negative impression before even meeting the man, So Ri didn’t press further.
“Oh—and there’s one more person…”
“Another one?”
Before she’d even officially started, she already felt strangely drained.
“I don’t know if you’ve heard rumors, but…”
Gi Tae paused unnecessarily.
Who? Could it be…?
“Professor Seo Hyun Woo?”
“Figures you’d already know. Guess I don’t need to explain separately, then.”
“No, no! Please explain.”
It was him—she wanted to hear anything about him.
“Well… not much to say, really. Professor Seo has uncanny intuition, so don’t try pulling any silly tricks.”
How could she have dared lie to someone with such sharp instincts yesterday?
Anxiety made So Ri’s heart race.
“Then again, who am I to give advice like this? To you, the valedictorian, no less.”
Gi Tae muttered under his breath.
But So Ri didn’t hear a word.
She’d already been caught in a ridiculous lie yesterday and hadn’t slept properly all night worrying about it.
She had no intention of scheming—she just hoped they wouldn’t kick her out…
Before she realized it, a long, weary sigh escaped her.
“So Ri, are you already dozing off?”
“It’s not that.”
Unaware of her situation, Gi Tae teased her with a mischievous grin.
Just then, the office door burst open.
In walked a man in surgical scrubs with a somewhat stern expression.
His dark complexion and black horn-rimmed glasses contrasted with his tousled hair, as if he’d just rolled out of bed.
As Gi Tae stood up from his chair, So Ri quickly followed suit.
“Good morning.”
But when Gi Tae greeted him, So Ri was a beat too late.
Standing beside Gi Tae, she merely gave a quick bow instead of a proper verbal greeting, swallowing hard.
“Are you the new resident?”
Gi Tae nudged So Ri’s side.
Startled, So Ri fumbled again, another beat too slow.
“Yes. Good morning. I’m Yoo So Ri, and I…”
“Anyone entering here should greet loudly first. You’re the juniors, after all.”
Her sentence was neatly cut off mid-sentence.
Feeling vaguely scolded, So Ri shrank slightly—but didn’t show it outwardly.
“And you first-years.”
“Yes.”
Given that lives were at stake, hospitals were inherently strict about hierarchy.
Since the senior hadn’t invited them to sit, they remained standing, listening carefully.
“If there are any troublemakers—like drunk patients—pass it immediately to the resident above you. Don’t get caught off guard and end up dragged to the police station together.”
With both arms crossed over his chest and one leg propped up, the man launched straight into a lecture.
“But do I really have to introduce myself, too?”
“Huh?”
So Ri’s bewilderment grew with every second facing this character she’d never encountered before in her life.
Truly, life was unpredictable—and adulting was no walk in the park.
“Ah, Chief, this friend just started here today.”
So Ri finally grasped the situation.
The senior who’d been scolding her all this time was none other than Kang Se Hoon, the chief Gi Tae had warned her about.
Though Gi Tae had clearly tried covering for her, Se Hoon’s expression remained deeply displeased, as if he’d bitten into something foul.
“Hey, Maeng Gi Tae. Who doesn’t know that? It’s exactly why kids these days are no good—lacking basic manners. Back in my day, we memorized every senior’s and professor’s name and face before our very first day.”
She’d hoped he wasn’t a latte snob… If he had lactose intolerance, he seemed like the type who’d be tough to get along with.
But since their specialties were now decided, they were practically family.
No matter how strange his nickname was, she’d have to adapt to him.
“Let me warn you now—there’ll be no leniency just because it’s your first day. Keep your head straight.”
Kang Se Hoon stood the two of them in front of him and lectured them at length.
“Don’t act out, don’t make mistakes, and absolutely no causing trouble. Understood?”
“Yes.”
She’d assumed her intern experience would make her fearless—but she was wrong.
The moment she met Kang Se Hoon, a whole new kind of dread began to grow inside her.
“After work tonight, there’ll be a short welcome dinner. Both the department head and professors will attend—so don’t even think about making excuses to skip, especially you two.”
Se Hoon, who’d been glaring at So Ri and Gi Tae, cracked his neck with a series of pops while pounding his stiff shoulders.
“Chief, your shoulders must be really tight from being on call. Should I give them a quick rub?”
Gi Tae cheerfully approached Se Hoon.
“Gi Tae, I’ve always liked how capable your hands are.”
Only then did Se Hoon pull out a chair and sit down.
As Gi Tae began massaging his shoulders, he gave So Ri—standing awkwardly nearby—a subtle signal: a chin jerk and eye movement toward the door, telling her to leave the office.
While out of Se Hoon’s line of sight, So Ri hesitated briefly.
“So Ri, was it?”
“Yes, Chief.”
“You don’t drink coffee?”
“Oh, I…”
Did he actually want coffee right now?
“Should I get some?”
“Hmm. Since you’re getting one anyway, bring me one too.”
“Oh, sure.”
“There’s a café on the left side of the lobby—it’s really good. Go check it out while you’re at it.”
His voice was unexpectedly gentle, unlike his earlier scolding tone.
“What kind of coffee do you like, Chief?”
“My absolute favorite is a hot caramel macchiato.”
“Got it. Gi Tae, what about you?”
“Oh, you’re buying for me too? Thanks, but maybe next time.”
“Alright, then.”
So Ri checked her card in her pocket and stepped out of the office.
An unexpected coffee run.
On his way back to the office after finishing his routine tasks, third-year resident Eun Seok spotted a doctor walking alone in the distance.
It was a face rarely seen at this hospital—strikingly beautiful.
Having eagerly awaited the new resident’s first day alongside Jong Woo, Eun Seok immediately stepped in front of So Ri.
“Yoo So Ri?”
Slightly startled, So Ri took a step back.
The man blocking her path looked vaguely familiar.
Was he a senior in neurosurgery?
Having just endured a lengthy scolding from Se Hoon, So Ri respectfully greeted him before even figuring out who he was.
“Good morning. I’m Yoo So Ri, first-year neurosurgery resident, starting my first day today.”
Eun Seok, receiving her crisp and clear greeting, smiled warmly, revealing perfectly aligned teeth.
His gentle demeanor was enough to put anyone at ease—but not So Ri.
This newbie sure has good manners.
“Aw, our newbie’s way too tense! Relax, will you? No need to be so stiff.”
His response was utterly different from Se Hoon’s, leaving So Ri’s wide, clear eyes fixed on Eun Seok.
She still hadn’t figured out how to read the room.
“By the way, morning rounds should start soon—where are you headed, newbie?”
“I’m going to the café on the first floor.”
“Oh? Getting coffee, huh? Let’s go together. I was just craving a cup myself.”
Eun Seok suddenly pivoted 180 degrees and started walking ahead.
So Ri followed him, smiling unintentionally several times along the way.
All thanks to Eun Seok.
Hong Eun Seok, a third-year neurosurgery resident, was an exceptionally cheerful person.
“This is disappointing! Wow, I never thought you wouldn’t remember me. How could you forget this face?”
Eun Seok’s slightly shameless teasing effectively loosened So Ri’s nerves.
Having such an easygoing, approachable senior felt incredibly fortunate.
While exchanging completely trivial, non-work-related chatter, they arrived at the café Se Hoon had specifically recommended.
The moment they stepped inside—
A large figure named In Young filled So Ri’s entire field of vision right in front of the counter.
Backlit by light streaming through the windows, his face wasn’t visible—but So Ri recognized him instantly from just his silhouette.
It was Seo Hyun Woo, who’d officially become her professor as of today.
“Good morning, Professor!”
Despite earlier telling her not to be overly formal, Eun Seok bowed to Hyun Woo more respectfully than anyone else.
So Ri followed suit, bowing deeply after him.
Hyun Woo turned at their loud greeting—his gaze briefly skimming Eun Seok’s shoulder, which hovered a hair’s breadth from So Ri.
When So Ri raised her head, Hyun Woo’s expression was icy cold.
Was he always this expressionless at the hospital…?
Or was he still angry about yesterday?
So Ri’s heart pounded—her fate uncertain on this very first day, potentially on the verge of being thrown out at any moment.
Male lead Asks for a Divorce Every Day
It’s not often you come across a plot like this in the female-dominant genre — make sure to check it out!
This is a novel I’m planning to reread as well.
The male lead is strong, skilled in martial arts, and not the usual fragile type you often see in matriarchal novels.
Meanwhile, the female lead is a scientist—rational and logical. Even when she falls for the male lead, she doesn’t let her emotions cloud her decisions.
If you push through the first few chapters, you’ll gradually find the story really intriguing.
It has a mix of mystery, detective elements, and romance.
The author’s writing style is like crafting a puzzle—except they deliberately leave out a few pieces, making it hard to predict what happens next, yet keeping you hooked.
In the end, everything will come together and be explained.
One-sentence summary: Wife, stop playing with beakers and look at me!
In a laboratory accident, research scientist Zhu Wansheng accidentally travels to a matriarchal world. The original owner of the body is an eighteen-year-old only daughter of a wealthy rouge merchant, already married with a handsome young man.
Zhu Wansheng grins: Nice! She always said she was heaven’s favorite granddaughter. After a life of toil in her previous life, she can enjoy blessings in this one.
However, her joy lasts no more than three seconds as bad news arrives: the original owner’s family is about to go bankrupt, and her husband wants a divorce.
Even worse, she’s stuck with a research system full of restrictions.
Zhu Wansheng: ? Is this the destiny of a research dog?
——
Faced with this mess, Zhu Wansheng pours herself a bowl of wine to drown her sorrows. In her drunken haze, her husband arrives.
His figure is imposing, holding a long sword, with a dignified air that captivates Zhu Wansheng.
Gu Yingqing, however, looks at the alcohol-reeking Zhu Wansheng with undisguised disgust and coldly asks, “Divorce or not?” The intoxicated Zhu Wansheng mumbles vaguely, “I think… it’s not… it’s not… impossible!”
——
The next day, after sobering up, Zhu Wansheng is full of energy, rolling up her sleeves ready to make a big move. As for yesterday? She has no memory of it.
Zhu Wansheng is ambitious; a research dog fears nothing!
Upgrading rouge, extracting fragrances, producing perfumes, researching lipsticks… all shall bow to the power of modern technology!
The original owner’s dying rouge shop is revitalized. Her mother is pleased and with a wave of her hand, passes on the family business to her. As she takes control and her experimental results gain popularity, it’s the pinnacle of her life…
——
But there are always those who can’t stand to see her doing well. Jealousy, scheming, assassination attempts – they want nothing less than her life.
The person who has always kept his distance from her suddenly holds her tightly in his arms, eyes full of concern.
She is unharmed, but he falls into a pool of blood…
Zhu Wansheng feels guilty, “I can grant you one wish.”
Gu Yingqing tentatively circles his arms around her, carefully resting his head in the crook of her neck, pleading softly, “I regret it. Can we not divorce?”
Zhu Wansheng: ? When did I agree to a divorce?
[Small Theater]
The newly developed rouge is beautifully packaged, and Zhu Wansheng is eager to try it.
Gu Yingqing suddenly appears: “My lady, may I apply it for you?”
Cool fingertips lightly brush her lips. His Adam’s apple bobs as he leans in for a light bite.
Zhu Wansheng: ?
Gu Yingqing: It smells so good, I wanted to taste it…
On a warm spring day, Zhu Wansheng tries a new perfume: “Spring Night.” Gu Yingqing corners her against a wall.
Warm breath lingers on her neck.
“My lady, from now on, may I test the fragrances for you?”
[Humorous female scientist vs scheming live-in son-in-law male lead]
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MANGA DISCUSSION
1 Comment
Chapter Comments (17)
This se hoon guy is pmo .
Omg she kissed him ommgggg!!
They are too shy to each other. I hope she will be a little relaxed ☺️
Inline Comments (1)
She couldn't recall a single word she'd just said.
Oh I will tell you..you said some pretty harsh things🥲
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Bannedbaddie
Oh i know he is jealous af(^-^)