An Instinctive Proposal (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 8
“Assistant Seo, the CEO is calling for you.”
The reality that hit her as soon as she clocked in was hard to accept, no matter how mentally prepared she thought she was.
Yeon Woo set her bag down and took a light, deep breath. She needed to start steeling herself now.
She knocked on the CEO’s office door and stepped inside.
With the morning sun pouring in behind him, Tae Han sat as though presiding over the entire space—today, too, he shone so brilliantly that calling him “handsome” felt inadequate.
His hair was impeccably combed back without a single strand out of place, his shirt taut across broad shoulders, and his fingers holding a fountain pen looked neat and refined—yet his eyes burned with the intensity of a predator.
The aura Tae Han radiated was something Yeon Woo still hadn’t grown accustomed to, even after five years.
“Good morning, CEO.”
Yet Yeon Woo, now practiced at hiding her inner tension, offered a polite greeting.
As always, Tae Han didn’t look up. Even after summoning her, he remained absorbed in his own work for a long while.
“The Future Bio Research Conference—when is it again?”
His reason for calling her finally came after she’d stood waiting for what felt like ages.
“Next Monday.”
“Nothing important on your schedule then?”
She couldn’t answer immediately—the question was too ambiguous—and only then did Tae Han finally lift his head.
It was the same face, yet it felt entirely different from the one she’d seen last night.
If Tae Han under the streetlamp had resembled a scene straight out of a film, then the man now bathed fully in morning sunlight felt like an unreal illusion—
something untouchable, ungraspable, almost otherworldly.
“Are you asking about your own schedule, CEO?”
“I’m asking about Secretary Seo’s schedule.”
“I don’t have anything important planned, but…”
“Come with me.”
Yeon Woo was so startled she momentarily lost her words.
“Let’s go together to the research conference.”
Tae Han calmly slid a paper document toward her, making an offer he’d never extended before.
“How long are you going to stay stuck on desk duty? I’m putting you on this year’s promotion list, so consider it settled. You’ll be getting a team leader business card.”
“CEO…”
Overwhelmed, she could only move her lips at first before finally speaking.
“I’m just waiting for you to approve my resignation.”
“Still saying that? You haven’t convinced me yet.”
Though usually rational to the point of sounding mechanical, Tae Han occasionally acted as stubbornly as an elementary school child.
This side of him was known only to Yeon Woo.
“If you keep this up, I’ll have no choice but to request counseling from HR.”
Tae Han lifted his head again.
Her point was clear: it was unacceptable for the company to ignore an employee’s stated intent to resign. Understanding this perfectly, he quirked the corner of his lips into a faint smirk.
“Secretary Seo, you’ve grown so much.”
“Thanks to you, CEO.”
Her quick, unyielding retort made Tae Han burst out laughing.
Perhaps he was finally willing to listen to her a little.
“Attend the research conference.”
But after spinning the fountain pen once around his finger, Tae Han buried his face back into the documents and repeated the same words.
“I’ll think some more about your resignation.”
“Until when?”
“I don’t know. I need time to consider it.”
“…”
“Just go with me to the research conference.”
Yeon Woo wanted to ask:
Why are you trying so hard to keep me here?
“If you want to teach me the work, it’d be better for someone else to go instead of me.”
“I need Secretary Seo there.”
But Yeon Woo couldn’t bring herself to ask it aloud and quietly steadied her breath instead.
After all, it was just a one-night, two-day trip.
True to Tae Han’s words, Yeon Woo had prepared and supplemented the materials for this conference—and she was still in the middle of that work even now.
So attending for just two days wouldn’t be a problem, especially since the venue was nearby Jeju Island.
Still, she wasn’t sure if flying was safe during early pregnancy, making an immediate reply difficult.
“Would it be alright if I gave you my answer tomorrow?”
“Are you joking?”
Tae Han shot back.
It made no sense—in corporate work, an employee’s consent wasn’t something the company needed to seek.
“Recently, I haven’t been feeling well. I’m planning to go to the hospital tomorrow. If there’s anything serious, it might cause trouble for you, CEO.”
At that, Tae Han’s expression shifted.
He looked up and even set his pen down.
“What’s wrong with you?”
His voice sounded different—so much so that Yeon Woo was inwardly flustered.
“I’ve been feeling unusually tired, so I’m getting my thyroid levels checked.”
“Did you visit the company clinic?”
“No. I’ll just go to a nearby internal medicine clinic—it won’t take long.”
Tae Han fell silent, seemingly lost in thought at her reply, but soon picked up his pen again and spoke.
“Fine.”
He gave a brief gesture—clearly signaling their business was done and she should leave.
But just before she could grasp the doorknob, his voice followed her.
“Report to me once you get the results.”
Startled, Yeon Woo turned around—and Tae Han stared straight into her eyes as if trying to pierce through her.
“Didn’t you hear me?”
Making him repeat himself was one of the things he disliked most.
“…Understood.”
She wondered—could he really be curious about her thyroid test results? But instead of asking, she bowed quietly and slipped out.
Friday morning dawned.
Yeon Woo woke up earlier than usual and busily packed her things.
It was the day she’d head down to Cheonan.
But since she was scheduled to leave for Jeju next Monday, she needed to return to Seoul by Sunday afternoon to prepare.
Unexpectedly, the doctor confirmed there was no issue with her taking a flight—as long as she took care.
She briefly informed Tae Han the thyroid test showed no problems. He simply nodded, his face betraying not a shred of emotion, showing no particular reaction.
Yeon Woo almost felt embarrassed—why had he insisted on a report if he was going to act like this?
“Mom, I’m coming down today.”
After finishing her morning routine and just before leaving the house, she called Sun Ok.
She only meant to let her know—but Sun Ok surprised her with unexpected news.
“He asked for your number last night, so I gave it to him. He said he’ll be in Seoul until today and wants to meet you and come down together.”
“Gyu Bin?”
She hadn’t received any message from him yet.
“Got it. See you tonight then.”
After checking the time, Yeon Woo hung up, picked up her small travel bag, and left the house.
‘So I’ll be seeing Gyu Bin today?’
Ten full years had passed since they’d parted at age seventeen. She couldn’t quite picture what Gyu Bin looked like as an adult.
At work, Yeon Woo placed her suitcase for Cheonan under her desk and began reviewing the documents she’d organized the day before.
Today was a busy day for Tae Han, filled with external meetings—and Seok Chan was also tied up in an important conference—so there was plenty to prepare for him even within the office.
Deep in work for a while, her phone suddenly rang.
It was an unfamiliar private number.
Remembering what Sun Ok had told her, Yeon Woo stepped out of the office to take the call.
“Hello?”
“—Is this Seo Yeon Woo’s phone?”
The voice sounded familiar.
“Yes, speaking… Is that Gyu Bin?”
“—Yeah, it’s me. Long time no see!”
A slightly awkward chuckle came through the phone.
Yeon Woo felt shy too, but couldn’t help smiling warmly.
“Nice to hear your voice, Gyu Bin! How have you been? It’s really been ages. Is this your first time back in Korea since moving abroad?”
“—Yep. I wanted to reach out sooner, but it never quite worked out. How about you? Been well?”
Gyu Bin’s voice carried the same gentle warmth from their childhood.
Yeon Woo happily chatted with her old friend for quite a while.
“—Heard you’re dating Tae Sung now? You really made it big, Seo Yeon Woo. You were always the top student back in school, after all.”
“Mentioning success already? What about you—what do you do these days?”
“—I run a business. Nothing too big.”
She could truly feel how time had passed. Gyu Bin—the mischievous boy full of pranks—was now a company CEO.
Ten long years had brought many changes to both of them.
“That’s impressive. Seriously cool.”
But one thing remained unchanged: their easy familiarity and enduring friendship.
“—When do you get off work? I’ll pick you up. I’m in Seoul for business anyway.”
“Where in Seoul are you right now?”
Coincidentally, the place he mentioned was surprisingly close to her office.
“Then I’ll see you after work. I’ll text you before I leave.”
Yeon Woo ended the call still smiling.
All awkwardness had vanished, leaving only joy at their reunion.
She wished they could talk longer—but it was work hours, after all, so there was nothing to be done. Just as she turned to head back inside—
“Goodness—!”
Yeon Woo jumped in surprise.
Tae Han stood there like a grim reaper.
“Oh—good morning.”
She offered a greeting first.
But his gaze, fixed intently on her, was anything but normal.
His eyes held the fierce, growling intensity of a wild beast.
After staring at her with an unreadable expression, Tae Han finally spoke bluntly.
“Who were you talking to?”
“A friend.”
The call had lasted barely three minutes—and even if it had gone over five, a brief personal call wasn’t something worth reprimanding.
After hearing her answer, Tae Han held her with a piercing stare for a moment, then brushed past her like a gust of wind and entered the office.
Had something upset him?
Yeon Woo, carefully watching his mood, quietly followed behind him like a timid rabbit.
“Good morning, CEO.”
As he entered, the office staff rose immediately to greet him respectfully.
As always, Tae Han strode across the room without glancing at anyone.
But then he suddenly stopped and turned around. Yeon Woo—who’d felt guiltless until then—flinched and looked up instinctively.
His eyes were fixed precisely on her.
“Secretary Seo. Come in.”
And then came icy silence.
Before Yeon Woo could even respond, Tae Han turned away again and disappeared into his office.
“What’s going on? Assistant Seo, did you make a mistake?”
“…I don’t know.”
Could it really be just because of that brief personal call?
Yeon Woo knocked, entered the CEO’s office, and stopped about five steps in front of him.
“You called…?”
“You’ll need to accompany me to Seok Chan today.”
“What?”
Taken aback, Yeon Woo quickly ran through today’s schedule in her head.
“Me?”
“Yes. You, Secretary Seo.”
Too stunned to reply immediately, Yeon Woo just stood there in confusion.
Although she was his supporting secretary, she usually handled internal tasks.
External meetings were typically attended by Sung Won or Section Chief Ko—this was the first time he’d ever instructed her to accompany him on his schedule.
“Both Director Kim and Section Chief Ko are in today.”
“It has to be you.”
That reply left Yeon Woo speechless.
“It’s better to have a woman with me.”
Before she could respond, Tae Han stated flatly, his face expressionless.
“Dinner with Seok Chan starts at 5 p.m., and I won’t be staying late. So keep that in mind and get ready. I’ve already informed Director Kim, so he’ll handle task adjustments.”
His tone felt even more curt than usual.
Seeing Yeon Woo still rooted in place, apparently at a loss for words, Tae Han gave her a quick, impatient nod.
“If you understand, go ahead and leave.”
Yeon Woo couldn’t outright refuse her superior’s instruction, so she gave a brief bow and left the office.
But that didn’t make it any easier to understand. There were plenty of senior female colleagues—why her specifically…?
And Gyu Bin had said he’d come pick her up.
There was nothing she could do. She’d just have to meet Gyu Bin in Cheonan tomorrow instead.
Back at her desk, Yeon Woo texted Gyu Bin explaining the situation, then stared blankly at the closed door of the CEO’s office.
She couldn’t for the life of her figure out what he was thinking.
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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aah, serim really messed up.
claimed to know everything but in reality know nothing.
allergic reaction could be really dangerous.