The car, leaving the center of Seoul, traveled on the ring expressway, passing through several tollgates.
It had been a while since Gaeul left Seoul, and she quietly sat in the passenger seat, enjoying the passing scenery. Eventually, she glanced at Yeonwoo sitting in the driver’s seat.
“Going all the way to Namyangju just to eat dessert?”
It was a pleasant outing after a long time. The feeling of the city gradually disappearing from the landscape was particularly soothing. However, it was a bit unexpected to suggest going so far just to have dessert, especially coming from Yeonwoo, who didn’t usually project that image. Unless it was Jua… but Yeonwoo wasn’t usually like that.
Unable to resist, Gaeul let out a small laugh. Yeonwoo, who was driving, caught a glimpse of Gaeul and asked casually.
“Why, Gaeul?”
“Well, it’s just that…”
After hesitating for a moment, Gaeul expressed her honest thoughts.
“It’s the first time I’m going all the way to Namyangju to eat dessert, and it’s a bit surprising that it was Yeonwoo who suggested it.”
“Oh, really?”
At Gaeul’s response, Yeonwoo cleared his throat around his neck. Then, as usual, he began to lead the conversation.
“I heard about it from someone I know. They said the dessert is delicious, and the scenery is beautiful.”
“Oh, really?”
“You can see the Bukhan River, and there are many flowers and trees that you might like, Gaeul.”
“Huh? How do you know if I like flowers and trees?”
“Your paintings are mostly about flowers and trees… or am I wrong?”
Sharp.
“That’s right.”
Gaeul nodded.
Although she never mentioned such things, he must have deduced it through her paintings.
Most of what Yeonwoo said was correct. Some were drawn well and drawn frequently because she liked them.
“…It’s comfortable.”
The breeze sneaking in through the slightly open window was like a breath of fresh air, dispelling the stuffiness in her heart. The overheated heart gradually found a rhythm, resonating comfortably.
What are the chances of encountering such a nice person by chance…?
It was an acquaintance made because of Chairman Shin. However, having met him so openly and without reservation, Gaeul felt he was someone she’d like to form a connection with, even as a friend.
No matter how you thought about it, he seemed to be a popular person among those around him. He was considerate, bright, and had a keen sense, even quickly grasping the other person’s preferences.
But why did he ask me to have a meal? There must be many friends willing to eat with him.
Gaeul pondered this strange thought. It was when Gaeul was harboring such curious thoughts that Yeonwoo’s question brought her back to reality.
“Gaeul, did you have an art exhibition recently?”
“Oh, yes…”
“I wanted to see it, but it was already over. I didn’t know because I was busy, but Grandfather mentioned it, so I found out recently.”
Gaeul’s expression, which had been elated while enjoying the wind, froze for a moment.
I’ll go see Gaeul’s exhibition if you have one.
It was undoubtedly what Yeonwoo had said.
Flustered, Gaeul lifted herself from the backrest, flashed a charming smile, and began with an apology.
“I’m sorry. It’s my first exhibition, and I had a lot on my mind. I was so preoccupied… I’ll make sure to let you know for the next exhibition.”
The days were filled with disputes with the representative, leaving no room to call anyone. The day itself passed without Gaeul being able to properly enjoy it.
‘I had a disagreement with the representative and wasn’t feeling well, so I just went home.’
His thoughts infiltrated through the gaps again. As Gaeul was trying to block out the thoughts that seeped in, Yeonwoo continued speaking.
“That’s good if you say so. Even if you forget to tell me next time, I’ll make sure to visit first.”
Fortunately, Yeonwoo didn’t seem to be greatly upset, and he displayed a cheerful, smiling expression as usual. Gaeul, reassured by Yeonwoo’s reaction, comfortably leaned back again.
“Shall I play some music? We still have a bit of a way to go before we arrive.”
The journey to Namyangju took quite some time, but it didn’t feel awkward. Yeonwoo was someone who could make an uncomfortable situation comfortable, and Gaeul, who had gradually become at ease, could now freely bring up even trivial topics he hadn’t asked about.
The gently flowing music created a feeling of embarking on a journey, making time pass unnoticed. Gaeul, feeling relaxed and joyful, soon wore a bright smile.
“Wow… it’s really beautiful.”
It was a cafe that took a whopping 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach. Gaeul’s face lit up as soon as she got out of the car.
The chairman’s garden was incredibly beautiful, worth the money spent. Even Gaeul, who wasn’t easily impressed by ordinary scenery, found it to be a magnificent garden.
‘I argued with the chairman and felt unwell, so I just went home.’
Once again, his thoughts seeped through the cracks. Gaeul, trying to block out the infiltrating thoughts, raised her head, and Yeonwoo continued his words.
“I’m glad. Did you enjoy it that much?”
When male lead is the homewrecker
“I know she doesn’t love him.”
I’ve read the novel below twice already. Girls, I’m highly recommending it to you!
The female lead? Not a good person.
The second male lead? Not a good person.
The male lead? Willingly plays the third party, breaking up the female and second male lead’s relationship despite all the warnings from his friends—so yeah, he’s definitely not a good person either.
Basically, nobody in this novel is simple-minded or without scheming.
The female lead starts off as the male lead’s secretary, but don’t worry—later on, she takes over the company while the male lead steps back to support her. He won’t steal her spotlight, overshadow her, or dull her shine.
I love novels where men are out here snatching wigs, tearing each other down, and going to war just to win the female lead’s affection. And this is exactly that kind of novel. Most of Hai Dai Ran’s works have this dynamic. You’ll see the male characters’ emotions being pushed to the absolute extreme.
There’s even a scene where the second male lead exposes the male lead online for being a homewrecker. The brotherhood immediately gangs up on him, dragging him through the mud. I find it compelling —it completely flips reality on its head, where usually, women are the ones fighting over a man and getting torn apart by the sisterhood.
For me, female leads in the novels I read should only struggle in their careers, not in love. But if the brainless romantics in the story are all men? I have zero complaints.
I’ve pretty much read all of Hai Dai Ran’s novels and even translated all of them—her works are just my thing. I’ll slowly upload everything here. One day, when my website is official, I hope I can invite her to join as one of the star authors.
Here’s the story synopsis:
One-line summary: She is his lifelong obsession, to the point where he was willing to be a third wheel, scorned by society, just to wedge his way into her relationship with her fiancé.
Cold-hearted and indifferent female lead + Scheming and subservient CEO male lead
Intro 1:
“I know she doesn’t love him.”
With blood trickling from his clenched fist, Rong Xiu gazed at the woman before him, his eyes clouded with anguish. Hidden in the wardrobe, he had witnessed Fan Xia – the woman he desperately loved – in an intimate embrace with her fiancé. Yet his heart still yearned for her, defying all reason.
Fan Xia, the elegant and composed assistant, carried something mysterious in her eyes whenever she looked at her fiancé, Wen Lan Sheng. Strange occurrences began to surface – secret meetings with the young Gu Jin Yi, an unexplained withdrawal of 5,000 yuan… Then suddenly, her fiancé’s sister, Wen Jing, violently attacked her.
In this matriarchal society, Rong Xiu had risen to become the chairman of a powerful healthcare conglomerate, breaking through gender prejudices. But for the first time, he willingly stepped into the shadows as the other man, disregarding his friends’ warnings to become her secret lover.
Because he had discovered the truth – Fan Xia wasn’t the pure angel everyone believed her to be. And perhaps, he was the only one capable of helping her execute her mysterious plan…
Intro 2:
Rong Xiu’s biggest regret in life was missing out on Fan Xia.
He secretly loved Fan Xia for 7 years.
Watched her go public with her boyfriend.
Watched her kiss her boyfriend at their wedding.
Until that man blissfully nestled in Fan Xia’s arms, obtaining everything he could only dream of.
The crazy jealousy stripped away his hidden secret love, layer by layer, burning like wildfire.
Fan Xia, how can I have you!
【Reading and Trigger Warning Guide】
1. Female dominant, male submissive, male pregnancy
2. Male lead schemes his way to the top, male competition
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Please help me, I want to bring you the best possible things.
If you find any chapter or novel with poor translation and editing quality, let me know by commenting directly under that novel or chapter. I will retranslate it as soon as possible.
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