Thrilled by Madness (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 1
“Have you ever been in a relationship?”
The audition director, who had closely scrutinized her profile video, asked a blunt question as sharp as his gaze.
“No… I haven’t.”
So Yeon flinched, stretching out the end of her reply as she failed to conceal her embarrassment.
“Then have you at least had a crush…? No, actually—you probably haven’t even held hands with someone of the opposite sex, right?”
Eom So Yeon was, quite literally, a lifelong singleton. Aside from her father, she’d never had even the slightest physical contact with any man. Despite his youth, the director’s ability to read people was uncanny—more like a sage with snow-white hair than a filmmaker. He was clearly less a director and more a fortune-teller with uncanny accuracy.
“…”
Less than five minutes after stepping into the audition room, So Yeon’s face flushed crimson like a blooming rose, overwhelmed by the feeling of being stripped bare.
Perhaps his eyes were tired. The director irritably removed his gold-rimmed glasses and pressed two fingers firmly against his temples. Though his face resembled that of a delicate boy rather than a man, his demeanor radiated exactly the harsh, prickly intensity rumored about him.
“Are you a university student?”
“Yes.”
His piercing eyes, as sharp as a viper’s, and his curt tone caused her large, teary eyes to drop helplessly downward. Yet her stubbornly moving, plump lips and soft voice told a different story—one of determined resolve to overcome this awkward moment no matter what.
“I’m a third-year, twenty-two years old.”
“Twenty-two… Well, at such a young age, I suppose that’s understandable. But acting truly benefits from real-life experience. Especially for someone like you, Eom So Yeon—you clearly rely heavily on surface-level performance, so that kind of lived effort becomes even more essential.”
“…”
So Yeon quickly bit back the lips that had nearly parted in protest.
She might lack romantic experience, but it stung deeply—and felt profoundly unfair—that he’d dismiss her entire acting ability based solely on that.
She exercised without fail every day for basic stamina, wrestled with countless books to master nuanced emotional expression, and made it routine to study and rehearse characters from various works daily. It wasn’t an exaggeration to say she devoted every waking hour—not counting sleep—entirely to acting.
And yet, without knowing the real her at all…
If asked what she’d done to become a better actor, she could’ve answered with unwavering confidence.
But regarding “romance”—that one single topic—So Yeon had no choice but to remain utterly silent, staring only at her fidgeting fingertips.
“How far do you think sheer determination alone can take you? The role you’re auditioning for in ‘Even Villainesses Cry’ requires a young woman who’s tasted both the sweet and bitter sides of life. Did you grasp that before coming here? Your outfit screams ‘rebellious rich girl,’ but beyond the flashy clothes and makeup—do you actually understand what it means to fully embody someone else’s life?”
“…”
Of course she’d understood. She’d counted down the days to this moment and prepared meticulously for today.
She had plenty to say—but the words wouldn’t come out.
It wasn’t because she’d lost confidence from the start. Rather, she herself knew—separate from all her hard work—that her acting still wasn’t flawless enough to brag about. Deep down, she acknowledged this audition had been somewhat reckless, driven more by eagerness than readiness, so she couldn’t even protest against his harsh critique.
“You look exactly like a pampered princess at first glance. And frankly, we’re drowning because of greenhorns like you who rush into auditions without a clue.”
Director Yoon Ji Wan relentlessly jabbed at her with biting sarcasm, and So Yeon stayed silent. A pampered princess? She barely managed to swallow the angry retort rising in her throat, instead resolving to grow strong enough to someday make him regret his words.
“My jaw’s getting tired, and honestly, there’s no point dragging this on. If you understood, just leave.”
Having conducted nonstop auditions for a grueling nine hours, Director Yoon Ji Wan’s face clearly showed exhaustion, and his abrupt, irritated voice carried absolutely no trace of consideration or potential for Eom So Yeon.
“Tell the next person to come in.”
“Yes, Director.”
As soon as the order was given, the assistant director signaled a staff member waiting outside, and another auditioning actor promptly entered the room.
“…”
Dismissed instantly and ruthlessly from the director’s sight, So Yeon left the room without making a sound.
Unfiltered criticism, crushing humiliation, and—on top of it all—glistening tears welling up in her large, clear eyes.
[This is the timeline separator]Crushed after the film audition, So Yeon wandered aimlessly.
Ah… this is just too hard…
Her slender ankles wobbled precariously with every endless step, as if about to snap, and her utterly drained mental state had erased not only her sense of direction but even her perception of time. She was completely unaware that the road she now walked was right in the heart of Gangnam—or that daytime had already turned to night.
Her once-solid worldview lay shattered, leaving her thoughts in utter disarray.
Since childhood, her dream had been to become an actor—
Someone who could convey genuine emotions through performance.
Her parents, living in Canada, had told her that if she truly wanted to pursue acting, she should start by enrolling in the most prestigious acting program possible. That’s precisely why she’d pushed herself relentlessly to balance acting and academics, eventually gaining admission to the so-called top-tier S University.
Before becoming a university student, she’d allowed herself zero distraction during entrance exam prep. After enrolling, she never even attended a school festival—let alone leisurely strolled through her campus grounds. She’d been singularly focused, pouring everything into becoming a great actor.
She’d always been indifferent to things like group meetups or overnight trips simply because she found quiet, steady progress deeply satisfying.
But today, everything felt overwhelmingly difficult. A wave of emptiness crashed over her, shaking her very soul.
School, acting practice, auditions…
These three things made up her entire life. Others might see it as dull or meaningless, but for Eom So Yeon, it was a fierce, dedicated pursuit of a single dream.
Was she living this way because she didn’t know how to enjoy life? Because she’d never known spontaneity, she’d poured everything into this hamster wheel?
Yet someone’s cruel words had instantly reduced her to a sheltered princess who’d never tried anything—and doused the passionate life she’d built through relentless effort with cold water.
So Yeon was heartbroken that her once-bright future now lay in ruins.
Just stop holding back. Do everything you’ve ever wanted to do. Give yourself permission today, just for one day. After all, there are no right answers in this unpredictable world.
She couldn’t tell if this whisper echoing in her heart was from an angel, a devil, or simply her own inner voice—but it sounded incredibly tempting. Still, the thought of truly letting go terrified her.
After hesitating for a while, So Yeon finally lifted her head with resolve.
Fine. What do I have to lose anyway? Right now, I’m nothing—just a blank canvas. Who knows? Maybe unexpected good fortune will find me yet.
Before she realized it, So Yeon had stepped inside El Stella Hotel,
drawn by some inexplicable force.
[This is the timeline separator]Perhaps she’d been dazzled by the hotel’s dazzling exterior and the dazzling lights of its lobby, as befitting a luxury establishment.
Regardless, the biting winter wind made her shiver, and her tired feet throbbed with a dull ache. Thinking this was perfect timing, So Yeon headed straight for the elevator.
The lounge cocktail bar was located on one of the hotel’s upper floors. Upon entering, So Yeon glanced around.
Should she call it atmospheric or simply beautiful? The first thing that caught her eye was the soft, elegant lighting scattered throughout the space.
She’d come in hoping a cocktail might soothe her turbulent emotions, yet her shoulders instinctively tensed. Though adults-only venues held no reason for her to feel uneasy—being here for the first time made her feel smaller than a mosquito.
Gulping down nervousness to dilute the unfamiliar pressure, So Yeon stepped deeper inside with slightly awkward steps.
Contrary to her worries, her presence in the bar immediately drew attention. Several people glanced her way in clear acknowledgment—proof of her striking aura. Her audition outfit, unusually glamorous for her usual self, matched the bar’s sophisticated ambiance perfectly. Moreover, her natural radiance ensured she turned heads wherever she went.
Walking halfway around the oval indoor fountain, she settled at a four-person table by the window and gently removed her cream-colored cashmere coat, draping it over the chair back.
Heads turned even more noticeably now that her tight coral mini dress fully revealed her feminine silhouette. Aware of their gazes, So Yeon quickly tugged down the slightly rolled-up hem of her skirt and deliberately crossed one leg encased in long boots with a practiced, alluring grace.
“What would you like to order?”
The approaching waiter asked politely. So Yeon slowly blinked her large eyes as she recalled something—the scene from the film “Our Night” where the female lead drinks alcohol. She’d practiced that scene before. She never expected to use it now.
“I’d like a Red Berry Punch—if you have it?”
Though her heavy makeup couldn’t completely mask her youthful face, So Yeon did her best to act mature and confident.
“Of course.”
“Please make the vodka stronger than the soda. I want to get a little tipsy tonight.”
She even perfectly mimicked the relaxed gesture of scrunching her nose to feign nonchalance.
“Will there be anything else?”
The waiter smiled faintly. To him, this clearly young lady’s attempt at being sexy was simply adorable.
“Oh, I’ll also have some gambas. It’s dinner time, so I’m a bit hungry.”
“Right away.”
As the waiter turned away with a respectful bow, the corners of So Yeon’s mouth curled upward prettily.
She remained unaware that her final touch had been utterly charming. Leaning her elbows on the table, she leisurely surveyed the room.
This place was truly a star-studded wonderland. At first glance, she hadn’t noticed—but upon closer inspection, familiar celebrity faces began popping out everywhere. From vaguely recognizable figures to jaw-dropping top-tier stars, the sheer excitement of spotting them was delightful.
For a moment, she wondered if she’d wandered somewhere she shouldn’t be—but nobody had stopped her from entering, after all.
So, whatever.
So Yeon shifted her gaze toward the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Gangnam streets below. Her eyes—noticeably larger and lighter in color than average—now shimmered with reflections of the city’s glowing lights. The transparency and purity of her gaze lent her an almost mystical aura.
Suddenly, her clear eyes flickered slightly. Earlier, the sky had merely hung gray and listless—but now snow was falling. Large, cotton-like flakes shimmered brilliantly under the lights. It was her first heavy snowfall of the year.
Wow, it’s so beautiful…
Her eyes crinkled into crescent moons.
Her cocktail and gambas arrived at the table just then.
The piano melody, perfect for a snowy night, combined with the sharp, strawberry-scented vodka, instantly washed away the bitter taste left by the audition.
So Yeon’s lips were still dancing with delight in the wonderful atmosphere when—
Knock knock.
“You been waiting long?”
Someone tapped the table twice and addressed her with a low, smooth voice.
She looked up—and instantly froze, eyes wide and heart racing, unable to utter a sound.
“…!”
So this man was…!
Though she’d only glanced at him briefly, this man radiated refined elegance and dazzling charisma, standing well over 190 centimeters tall. So utterly unreal did he seem that So Yeon couldn’t quite believe her eyes.
“I said, have you been here long?”
Without permission, he slid right beside her and spoke again with effortless naturalness.
His faintly smiling crimson lips were dangerously captivating. So utterly entranced by his insane charisma, So Yeon could only gape mutely, unable to question him properly.
“Y-yes? I mean… um…”
“If you’re asked something, you should answer.”
“N-not very long… maybe about fifteen minutes? But why are you…?”
Her trembling lips managed only a mechanical reply to his question—but what he said next made even less sense.
“Good. I rushed here worried someone might try something. You’re too pretty—that’s trouble.”
“…?”
Pretty? Me?
Seeing So Yeon’s astonished expression, the man leaned his solid torso forward, artfully blocking her from view.
Now completely shielded by him, So Yeon found herself practically buried in his embrace.
Even accounting for their unnatural closeness, his chest felt impossibly vast—like an endless ocean.
Thump-thump-thump-thump-thump…
Her entire body trembled violently.
His intensely masculine scent pressed against her heart with unbearable force.
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
_____
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.
[Touch the gear icon in the bottom right corner of the screen to move to the next chapter if you want.]
Chapter Comments (4)
Inline Comments (1)
Though his gesture had been instinctive, So Yeon accepted it without resistance.
I wonder if Korean women really cry that easily. Wow, that’s exhausting.
YOUR COMMENT
2. Inline comments are now available. Tap the end of any line in a chapter to share your thoughts instantly.
Log in to comment.
Finally…some communication. Love triangle at this point is surprising and yup it’s gonna be awkward 😑.
Why do I get the feeling that she’s not going to tell him? Haah
I know the revelation is not gonna happen😀, but the ml is just..🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️