Boss, Our Promise was Different (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 8
Phew.
Startled, Jae In barely managed to hold back from spitting out her hot coffee. Her palate stung from the burn.
“What nonsense! You just meant to agree with Director Park earlier, right? Stop chattering and get back to work.”
“But that’s not what I—”
“Enough, enough. Even if the team leader really did say that… ugh!”
Honestly, she wasn’t happy at all.
Seeing Jae In shiver, Yeon Ji blinked her round eyes and asked,
“Why? The team leader might be a bit peculiar, but he’s incredibly handsome and charming, isn’t he?”
“Yeon Ji, you’re still too young—you have no eye for men yet. A truly great man is one who makes your heart feel at ease.”
At Jae In’s firm words, Yeon Ji obediently nodded.
“That’s true. No matter how handsome he is, how could anyone live with a man who makes you feel like you’re walking on thin ice?”
Huh.
Jae In’s breath caught in her throat as Do Hyuk’s sharp gaze flashed in her mind.
Exactly. I’ll tell you after I’ve actually survived this.
Because she’d brought up something unnecessary, worry surged over Jae In like waves.
Forget it—just focus on work.
If she stayed busy, she’d have fewer stray thoughts.
“Should we head back up now? Deputy Manager Kang will definitely complain again that we’re the only two missing.”
“But you know, I think I understand why Deputy Manager Kang acts that way toward you, Assistant Manager Seo.”
Yeon Ji said this as she stood up.
“It’s because she’s jealous.”
“Jealous?”
“Yes. This morning, the team leader said he had something important and called you in for a long time, right? The whole time, Deputy Manager Kang kept glaring at the team leader’s office—I swear lasers shot out of her eyes.”
“There’s really nothing to be jealous of. What’s so enviable about getting scolded all the time?”
Yeon Ji tilted her head in confusion.
“That’s kind of strange.”
“What is?”
“Well… it seems like the team leader treats only you, Assistant Manager Seo, especially casually. That’s probably why Deputy Manager Kang feels even more envious.”
So, Deputy Manager Kang’s annoying behavior might actually be because of the team leader?
Jae In was speechless, flabbergasted.
“Casual? If he gets any more ‘casual,’ he’ll end up killing someone.”
“Well, that’s just how it looks to me.”
Yeon Ji shrugged and gave a bright, cheerful smile.
“Wait a second!”
Jae In dashed toward the elevator, about to close, and cried out desperately.
It was five minutes before clock-out time, and she’d been sneaking out to enjoy her last moment of freedom while Do Hyuk was in a meeting.
Her office was on the 20th floor of a 25-story building—if she missed this elevator, she’d have to wait a long time.
And if she unluckily ran into Do Hyuk in that time, she’d surely be trapped into working overtime.
Fortunately, her desperation seemed to work—the elevator doors slowly reopened.
“Thank you!”
Jae In hurried inside, catching her breath, and looked up gratefully at the kind soul who’d held the door.
But—
“Aaahh!”
She screamed as if she’d seen a ghost and quickly covered her own mouth.
Do Hyuk stood there, staring down at her with an impassive expression.
Of course. Nothing this smooth ever happens without a catch.
‘Wait! The elevator doors haven’t fully closed yet.’
Then there’s still hope. Run for it!
Jae In urgently pressed the open button and said,
“Oh! I completely forgot—I left my phone back upstairs.”
The narrowing gap widened again.
But before Jae In could even lift her foot, the doors began closing once more.
She spotted Do Hyuk’s finger firmly pressing the close button.
“Um, Team Leader, I just need to go get my phone…”
Jae In frantically mashed the open button with trembling fingers.
A cold voice hit her from behind.
“Is what you’re holding in your hand edible?”
Jae In looked down at her hand and gasped, dropping what she’d claimed to have forgotten.
Her phone.
Do Hyuk gazed down at her with pity.
Idiot!
Why did she have to pick the phone as her excuse?
She could’ve said documents, her wallet—even a pen would’ve worked.
As Jae In writhed in shame and self-loathing, the elevator doors shut firmly.
“Ha ha. Look at me, losing my mind.”
Jae In bent down to pick up her phone and offered an awkward smile.
Do Hyuk rolled up his sleeve, glanced at his watch, and murmured quietly,
“There are still five minutes left…”
“Oh, I’m sorry! I’m not feeling well…”
“Are you sick?”
Do Hyuk furrowed his brow and stepped closer, studying her face intently.
‘What, is he checking if I’m faking it?’
Guilt-ridden, Jae In replied in a tiny, faltering voice,
“I… I think I’ll be fine if I just rest a bit.”
“That’s good. Still…”
Just then—
*Ding!* The elevator doors opened wide on the 12th floor.
A figure stepped in, illuminating the space behind them with a bright light.
For Jae In, he was a true angel—Na Min Woo.
“Senior Min Woo!”
“Oh? You two leaving early today?”
Min Woo nodded politely toward Do Hyuk and stood beside Jae In.
“Jae In, heading straight home? I’ll drive you.”
“Really? Thank you, Senior!”
There really is no law saying someone must die.
Min Woo asked gently, smiling warmly,
“Aren’t you swamped these days with that new product development?”
“It’s been manageable—I’m getting used to it now.”
“Seo Jae In, you’ve really grown up.”
“Well, I’ve already been working for four years. I’ve gained quite a bit of experience.”
Ha ha. Min Woo chuckled softly.
“Jae In, I’m starving—how about we grab dinner? There’s a new restaurant just ahead.”
“Sure! Actually, I’m so hungry I might collapse.”
That was the truth.
Today had brought too many overwhelming events for just one day, draining her energy completely.
And the biggest energy drain, of course, stood right behind her.
Behind her.
Cha Do Hyuk.
Ah!
Only now did Jae In realize the intense gaze burning into her back.
She turned her head slowly, heart pounding—and jumped in shock.
Two blazing eyes glared at her as if ready to devour her whole.
“Team Leader Cha, would you like to join us?”
Unaware of Jae In’s terror, Min Woo asked cheerfully.
“No, thank you.”
Do Hyuk replied quietly.
Phew, thank goodness.
Jae In let out a sigh of relief.
“What a shame. Then let’s go together next time.”
“……”
“Oh, we’re at the first floor. Come on, Jae In.”
As the doors opened, Min Woo stepped out first.
“Team Leader, see you tomorrow.”
Even if scared, she had to say goodbye properly.
Jae In bowed respectfully to Do Hyuk and started to leave.
But the moment her foot touched the lobby floor—
Her body spun around, yanked by strong force, and she was sucked right back into the elevator.
Caught off guard, she lost her balance and crashed into something solid.
‘What in the…?’
Jae In frantically turned to look for Min Woo.
Through the narrowing gap, she met Min Woo’s startled eyes.
“I’m sorry, Team Leader. Assistant Manager Seo and I have urgent work left to finish.”
Before she could react, the doors slammed shut after Do Hyuk’s formal apology.
The next moment, a chilly voice dropped directly onto Jae In’s stunned head.
“Seo Jae In, you seem unaware—but a contract becomes effective the moment you sign it.”
“T-Team Leader?”
Jae In looked up at Do Hyuk.
His calm, deep gaze felt like a dark, fathomless blue sea.
A crisp ocean scent tickled her nose.
Why did the elevator smell like the sea?
Then it hit her—her body was pressed flush against Do Hyuk’s firm chest.
“Oh!”
Startled, Jae In shoved his chest and pulled away.
But her wrist, still tightly gripped by him, throbbed with pain.
“Ow! Team Leader, please let go of my wrist.”
Only then did his grip loosen.
Her wrist burned red—and so did her face.
*Ding.*
As the elevator doors swung open at the underground parking lot, Do Hyuk strode out.
Then, turning toward Jae In, who stood rooted like a post, he said,
“Aren’t you getting off?”
“Ah, I am!”
Jae In hurried out quickly.
She obeyed Do Hyuk but still couldn’t make sense of the whole situation.
“Team Leader, why are you doing this to me?”
“Seo Jae In, didn’t we clearly agree you couldn’t date anyone during the contract period?”
“What? Senior Min Woo is just—”
“Don’t you know Team Leader Na Min Woo is Executive Managing Director Choi’s man? Director Choi is my uncle’s most loyal aide. One careless word, and it’s over.”
“Oh… I didn’t think that far ahead.”
It was common knowledge that Executive Managing Director Choi Young Do favored Min Woo, manager of Product Planning Team 2.
‘So that’s why he got angry.’
Jae In finally understood Do Hyuk’s actions—just a little.
Trying to understand Cha Do Hyuk completely might drive her insane.
It wasn’t good for her mental health.
Better to give up cleanly on what couldn’t be figured out.
As Jae In tried hard to calm her mind, Do Hyuk threw another stone.
“No private meetings with me until the contract ends!”
“But suddenly doing this puts me in a bind…”
Instantly, Do Hyuk’s eyebrow twitched.
Above his face, the word “scholarship” flashed like a neon sign.
“…Fine.”
Jae In reluctantly agreed.
Just think about the scholarship. The scholarship.
She’d gladly given the hard-earned study-abroad funds she’d saved for her parents—without a single regret.
Even without this contract, she’d have made the same choice willingly.
Whether it was luck or misfortune, she still had a chance to fulfill her dream.
Though it unsettled her that it now rested entirely in Do Hyuk’s hands.
Do Hyuk spoke to Jae In, who stood hesitating,
“Let’s go.”
“Where to?”
Without a word, Do Hyuk walked toward a black sedan parked nearby.
‘So strict supervision has already begun. Maybe I should run away right now?’
As if reading her mind, Do Hyuk opened the passenger door with a look that clearly said, “Not a chance.”
Jae In took a deep breath and slowly walked forward.
It was the moment her long, grueling contractual relationship officially began.
Sky Lounge of a five-star downtown hotel.
The door to a private room at the city’s top-rated authentic Italian restaurant swung open.
Beyond the glass windows, the dazzling city nightscape spread out, while elegant European-style decor and soft lighting heightened the romantic atmosphere.
The problem was—
The two people just seated at the table were anything but romantic.
“We’ll bring your order as soon as it’s ready. Please relax.”
The manager bowed politely and closed the door.
Only then did Jae In finally ask the question she’d been holding back.
“Team Leader, why exactly did you bring me here?”
“Because I’m hungry.”
Do Hyuk answered indifferently, as if it were obvious.
Ha.
Jae In laughed in disbelief.
So the reason he’d dragged her here like a kidnapping after work was simply because he was hungry?
“I mean, why didn’t you even ask what I wanted before bringing me?”
“Didn’t you say you were so hungry you might collapse?”
That was what she’d told Min Woo in the elevator.
Jae In’s eyes widened.
‘Wait, he remembered that? So he came here for me?’
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]
[Touch the gear icon in the bottom right corner of the screen to move to the next chapter if you want.]
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