Rose spoke without seeing Duke Artem’s stern expression.
“You seem to have a good grasp of what noblewomen prefer, so I think he could also help with brand selection.”
Gwyn had been serving nobles for over 30 years. From Rose’s perspective, Gwyn must have a good understanding of the needs of noblewomen.
The Duke narrowed his eyes and spoke slowly, “Really? In my opinion, since the target audience is noble ladies, it might be better to work with a woman.”
Whether it was the selection or operation of the department store, the Duke wanted to minimize Rose’s involvement with the man.
“It would be great if there were noble ladies or young ladies you know; however, I don’t have anyone who could help.”
Rose awkwardly scratched her cheek. While Gwyn probably knew the brands preferred by noblewomen statistically, it would be even better to hear directly from the actual users.
However, Rose didn’t have any peers or young ladies she was close to. Of course, there were no noble ladies either.
The Duke seemed to expect Rose’s words, raising the corner of his mouth. The question he deliberately brought up was expected.
“Really? In that case, I can help.”
At Duke Artem’s words, Rose perked up her ears.
“Someone around your age. There are quite a few CEOs well-known in the fashion industry whom I know. If you build a friendship with her, it would be easier to proceed with brand placement.”
Rose’s eyes sparkled at the Duke’s words.
“Really?”
Brand selection wasn’t that difficult, but convincing them to be placed was not an easy task. Moreover, in this world, the concept of a ‘department store’ didn’t exist, making it even more challenging to persuade them.
However, if the Duke stepped in, Rose’s business would undoubtedly become much smoother.
The Duke nodded and said, “In ten days, there will be a cousin’s birth celebration. Come with me then. I’ll introduce you to Princess Diana.”
“Princess…?”
“Yes.”
Princess Diana of the Empire…!
Unable to believe the unexpected appearance of a giant, Rose blinked her eyes as if in disbelief.
“Will you go?”
Quickly responding to the Duke’s words, who seemed to have revealed his intention to participate actively in the business, Rose eagerly nodded.
“Of course. It’s an honor.”
“Then, we’ll decide on the brand together with me and my cousin Diana.”
Rose nodded vigorously, not wanting to let go of the opportunity she had just obtained.
“Thank you for your consideration!”
Although the busy Duke seemed to have a clear intention of participating in the business and monitoring her, it didn’t matter.
It was an opportunity to gain tremendous connections with his help.
Rose’s smile rose significantly. Her excited heart was not calming down easily.
She hadn’t even met Diana yet, but Rose was already immersed in a sweet dream.
Feeling that her splendid department store business would flourish even more with the successful placement of the brand, Rose felt one step closer to reality.
Duke Artem couldn’t help but smile at Rose’s flushed and excited appearance. He touched his face with one hand and looked at Rose. Then, as if casually, he brought up the conversation.
“By the way, when do you plan to go see the department store site?”
“I haven’t been able to contact her yet, so I think I need to send a separate letter. There’s no set date yet.”
“Is that so? Just the two of you?”
“Yes. Since it’s a business that we’re conducting secretly.”
At Rose’s words, the Duke tapped the table with his fingers.
‘Just the two of them…’
The Duke looked at Rose as if probing. It bothered him that Rose would meet alone with a strange man. He took his lips off, and in a low voice, he spoke.
“But I’m an investor, and it doesn’t sit well with me that you and that man alone are going. I think I should go with you.”
‘If the Duke goes with me, will Gwyn feel uncomfortable?’
The relationship between the Wens and Artem families was not good, and there was some concern. Although Gwyn was fired from the Wens family, the Duke might not hold him in high regard.
Rose hesitated for a moment and answered cautiously, “It would be great for you to accompany me, Your Grace.”
It was difficult to refuse the Duke’s proposal without a reason, and even if the business failed, she could avoid blaming it on the poor site.
Rose thought there would be no problem and drank the cold beverage on the table.
While drinking, Rose noticed that the Duke was staring at her as if trying to see through her.
‘Is there something more he wants to say?’
Meeting the Duke’s gaze, Rose awkwardly smiled.
“How was it attending my ex-husband’s wedding?”
The Duke’s cool blue eyes lit up with interest as he looked at Rose.
With a smile mixed with laughter, Rose brushed her hair with one hand.
For Diana, she had personal revenge against her ex-husband, and for Eric, she showed a confident appearance on behalf of the original female lead.
I live well even without you.
You are nothing in my life.
How amusing Eric’s bewildered expression was, how refreshing it was to see it.
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.]
