As the fierce winter night breeze passed through between them, an awkward silence ensued.
Jae In clasped her hands together and pressed them against her flushed cheeks.
The tension subsided late after the dinner, which felt like a thorny cushion, and Do Hyuk began to feel the effects of alcohol.
“Let’s go.”
Do Hyuk said as he got into the car.
Jae In’s head throbbed at the thought of feeling uncomfortable inside the car again.
She wanted to have some time alone to clear her head, even if just for a moment.
“Team leader, I’ll take a walk to get some fresh air and sober up a bit. You go ahead.”
“But isn’t it late?”
“It’s okay. It’s only a 20minute walk, what’s the rush? Besides, it’s a way home, and there are still many people and bright lights. See you at home then.”
Jae In nodded and quickly left after a slight bow.
Behind the company, there was a long walking path along the riverbank.
The soft light from the street lamps and the dazzling lights reflected on the water combined to create a romantic atmosphere.
Perhaps that’s why, even on weekdays, loving couples could be seen here and there.
Hoo, huff.
Taking in a deep breath of the cold air and exhaling, it felt as if her chest was being pierced.
Whenever Jae In felt stressed during her work life, she would always walk here to cool off her head.
By facing the cold wind and walking, her heart would become lighter, and she would regain her strength.
But.
Little did she expect to walk on this personal path with a man, alone.
And not just any man.
It was none other than Cha Do Hyuk, who had caused her the most stress.
Life is indeed funny, flowing along in interesting ways.
“Let’s walk together.”
Just a moment ago, when Jae In entered the walking path, Do Hyuk suddenly appeared.
And he genuinely walked, faithfully putting into practice what he had said.
As a result, the awkwardness fell on Jae In.
“Surely, it’s because of Gyumin’s prank that he’s suspicious….”
When Do Hyuk suggested walking together, Jae In prepared herself to hear a word about it.
But Do Hyuk didn’t say a word.
“Could it be a new form of torture?”
To make it awkward and uncomfortable.
Phew. Even Jae In found it unbelievable and burst into a laughter without reason.
At that moment, her gaze met Do Hyuk, who was stiff as a board.
Since they made eye contact, she decided to clear up any misunderstanding.
“Team leader, just to make it clear, I have absolutely no relationship with Manager Han. So please, please don’t misunderstand! Got it?”
I haven’t violated any contract. Please stop suspecting.
Jae In purposely smiled widely.
In the next moment, a low voice pierced her ears.
“Seo Jae In, don’t get too close to Manager Han.”
“What?”
Do Hyuk stared intensely at Jae In and added quietly.
“I… feel uneasy.”
Taken aback by his unexpected words, Jae In widened her eyes.
“What do you mean? If I have to work closely with Manager Han for the project, I have no choice but to be close.”
“It’s not about that…”
“Are you worried that secrets might leak? Let me assure you once again, I’m not some spy, and I can keep a secret. So you can relax.”
“…”
“Besides, our contract will be over in two months anyway. So I hope we can get along comfortably during this time.”
Do Hyuk’s expression darkened rapidly.
She meant for him to feel at ease, but it seemed to have touched a nerve. Jae In sensed it.
“Seo Jae In, do you have to go to Japan?”
Jae In’s eyes widened at the sudden question.
“Of course! It’s obvious!”
“Even if by any chance I can’t go… It wouldn’t be good, right?”
“What?”
Thump.
It felt like getting a sharp blow to the head.
So, this is a threat telling me to go to Japan no matter what?
They sure know how to subtly threaten.
Jae In took a deep breath and spoke forcefully.
“Team leader, I absolutely have to study abroad. In order to do that, I’ll work together with Director Han to ensure the success of the project and clear my name as a spy. So, team leader, please keep your promise to help me get a scholarship. Do you understand?”
Deep vertical lines were etched between Do Hyuk’s brows as he walked, looking straight ahead.
Jae In anxiously waited for Do Hyuk’s response.
Finally, he casually replied.
“Got it. If that’s what you want, Seo Jae In.”
“Thank you!”
Seems like it’s resolved smoothly, right?
Jae In glanced briefly at Do Hyuk.
Is it because my heart feels lighter?
Finally, she could properly see Do Hyuk’s appearance.
With a wellbuilt physique and a long brown coat, Do Hyuk looked like a model straight out of the runway.
His windblown hair added to his attractive charm, harmonizing with his youthful eyes.
‘I’ve been too scared to notice, but he’s quite handsome.’
For the first time in her twentyseven years of life, Jae In couldn’t gaze freely at a face that suited her taste, and it made her feel regretful.
What if the team leader had been an ordinary person?
With an easygoing personality,
And not an heir to a conglomerate…
It would have been definitely dangerous, right?
He should have had a more fatal appearance.
Whish. Whistle.
Since there was no one to give rice cakes to, a strong gust of wind blew as if telling her to wake up from her dream.
Jae In shook off her daydream and composed herself.
“Snap out of it, Seo Jae In! You’re dealing with Cha Do Hyuk!”
Suddenly, Jae In’s drunkenness wore off completely, and she felt a chill running through her body.
Wearing a halfcoat and a dress, she shivered uncontrollably, huddling up tightly.
“Ah, it’s cold.”
“Hmm, it is.”
Do Hyuk also raised the collar of his coat and bundled up firmly.
Then, suddenly, a couple walking ahead abruptly stopped.
A woman, wearing a short skirt and high boots, wrapped her arms around her cheeks and spoke.
“Oppa, I’m so cold!”
“Really? Just wait a moment.”
Without any hesitation, the man took off his long jacket and draped it over the woman’s shoulders.
He affectionately embraced her shoulders and started walking again.
It was a sight overflowing with love, although Jae In was deeply concerned about the man wearing only a thin Tshirt.
I thought those things only happened in dramas.
As someone who had lived as a steadfast loner for twentyseven years, it was an entirely new experience for Jae In.
“I’m so envious!”
With a sense of inexplicable melancholy, the wind felt even colder to Jae In.
“Ah, it’s so cold! Right, Team Leader?”
Jae In hugged herself and looked up at Do Hyuk.
She was about to say, “Let’s hurry home.”
However, the moment she saw him, Jae In witnessed a breathtaking scene and froze in place.
Do Hyuk had a very serious expression as he unbuttoned his coat.
Male lead fell into her trap — and shattered when she walked away
This is also on my reread list!
This one is a slow burn, but when it burns, it burns hard.
Definitely worth a read, y’all!
The story follows a thousand-year-old seductive spirit who, on a bet, sets out to charm the male lead—a once-promising but unfortunate cultivator.
But just when she succeeds in making him fall for her, she heartlessly leaves, driving him to madness.
Determined to find her at all costs, he captures her, keeping her by his side no matter what, even if she hates him.
I love this kind of trope—I enjoy watching the male lead suffer in agony.
The ending drags a bit with unnecessary filler, but that’s fine.
As long as I enjoy the beginning, I’m good.
Intro
As an enchantress, Su Heng possesses captivating eyes and charming beauty, easily manipulating the joys and sorrows of living beings at her fingertips.
But to enchant a god, making him taste the bitterness of love’s separation, long-lasting resentment, unattainable desires, and inability to let go…
Do you dare?
Su Heng assists a divine lord in his cultivation, aiming to make him experience all the sufferings of love, so that he can attain the Great Dao.
Only after being chased down from the heavens by the divine lord, confined and completely possessed by him, does she realize how successful she has been.
The once gentle and polite youth has transformed into someone she no longer recognizes.
[Touch the gear icon in the bottom right corner of the screen to move to the next chapter if you want.]