Thrilled by Madness (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 8
On that night when thick snowflakes fell, she opened the door of her heart to a beautiful man—that Pandora’s box, which could be either a divine gift or a catastrophe.
Soon after, trials suddenly descended upon her.
The hope she found within it was more precious than any rare gem, and though she knew well it was never meant to be hers alone, she embraced it deep in her heart.
Yet to protect what one has always demands corresponding responsibility and sacrifice. Perhaps because she willingly accepted even that burden, she had to endure countless misfortunes and harsh realities that relentlessly sought her out.
Even as she swallowed those heavy days with patience, she waited—for Tae Seo Jun to return soon. She longed for the day she could see him again, even if only as a distant glimmer, shining wherever he might be.
After all, though it lasted only one night, he had already become something far greater to her than her first love.
Eom So Yeon abandoned her senior spring semester and flew to Vancouver because she faced something she simply couldn’t bear alone anymore.
After spending a year in Canada with her parents, So Yeon returned to Korea the following year, completed her studies, and gratefully resumed her entertainment career, even accepting minor roles.
It was from that point onward that endless minor and major setbacks began to plague Eom So Yeon.
Projects she had verbally agreed upon—needing only her signature on the contract—would suddenly collapse, and she frequently encountered situations forcing her to drop out mid-way from shows she had been performing in well.
So Yeon finally realized someone who disapproved of her was wielding influence behind these incidents when, during her hospitalization last year after a serious accident, that very person visited her room.
That woman didn’t hesitate to deliver chilling words that blurred the line between threat and warning, scolding So Yeon for daring to appear in the same drama as her and declaring this was the price and warning for her arrogant attitude.
At that moment, So Yeon couldn’t utter a word—she had no recourse. It was like the difference between a towering tree with lush foliage and a seedling that had just sprouted. Compared to that woman’s immense position and influence in the entertainment industry, she was merely an aspiring actress.
Yet amidst all this, fortune did smile on her—thanks to Jo In Ha, who had already established herself at CN, recommending her, and thanks to Do Soon’s bold initiative in stepping forward as her unofficial manager, So Yeon signed an exclusive contract last December with a major domestic entertainment agency.
She didn’t hesitate even after learning it was the same agency Tae Seo Jun belonged to. On the contrary, it felt like divine compassion—being able to watch over him from so near seemed too fortuitous to be mere coincidence.
Ever since Tae Seo Jun entered Eom So Yeon’s life, her days had been as precarious as walking a tightrope. Yet her resilient spirit, like that of a roly-poly toy that rises again no matter how many times it falls, had carried her through until now.
But cruel fate seemed determined not even to grant her the modest wish of waiting quietly from afar.
Our first kiss—or rather, every precious “first” I shared with Tae Seo Jun… I still keep them all locked safely in my memories.
So Yeon had never once revealed to anyone who her first man was. Therefore, she couldn’t show even the slightest hint of recognition before Do Soon. She simply sat there blankly, casting a dazed gaze into empty space.
At a time like this, Do Soon rummaged through her phone screen with trembling hands and said, voice choked with emotion,
“Everyone from the fan club has apparently gathered already. This isn’t something to just sit around about—I should go there myself and find out exactly what’s going on.”
“Where’s ‘there’?”
So Yeon’s fading eyes—like a candle nearly burned out—suddenly lit up. It was as if even the tiniest glimmer of hope couldn’t be let go.
“Can I come with you?”
“Why would you go there?”
“In your current state, how can you even drive? You’ve got an urgent matter, and I’m done with my work—let’s just go together. Do you mind?”
“I don’t mind.”
“Then let’s go!”
Despite the cold weather, she was still wearing the thin outfit she’d had on during filming.
So Yeon hurried out of the studio building with Do Soon and nimbly slipped into the driver’s seat of the van. Although driving was normally the manager’s job, So Yeon, who could rival a racecar driver when pressed for time, often took the wheel herself.
Pushed into the passenger seat, Do Soon, still bewildered, hastily buckled her seatbelt.
“We’re off!”
“Huh? Oh!”
So Yeon kicked off her high heels, tossed them onto the back seat, and pressed the accelerator hard with her bare feet.
There was no need to say, “Hold on tight!”—Do Soon’s hands had already instinctively gripped the door handle firmly.
With a squeal of tires, the car swiftly darted out of the parking lot.
[This is the timeline separator]Ten long hours.
The massive Chinook helicopter flying from the Middle East touched down on a military emergency runway in the Korean Peninsula.
As its twin propellers—fiercely slicing through the air—slowed down, white dust gradually settled, revealing the figures of soldiers stepping out of the aircraft.
The wounded soldier on a stretcher and several coffins containing the fallen were transferred onto military ambulances, while the remaining five warriors marched resolutely in single file into the headquarters building.
Despite the exhausting long-haul flight, their stately bearing remained unshaken.
This was only the return of a small contingent from the dispatched unit.
“Attention!”
Five officers, including the special forces team leader, assembled in the commander’s office to formally conclude their mission. They had shed the grime of foreign soil and now wore crisp dress uniforms.
“You’ve all done exceptionally well. In such perilous circumstances, nothing could have been easy.”
Once the juniors completed their salute, the commander’s solemn lips slowly parted.
“In particular, I received reports that Captain Tae, despite his injuries, worked the hardest of all.”
“That’s not true, sir.”
Rebel forces in the Middle East had launched a retaliatory terrorist attack on the South Korean military base—a brutal atrocity in vengeance for our troops’ successful hostage rescue operation, resulting in numerous injuries and six fatalities.
Notably, the militant group Tamayon had left the nearby U.S. military base entirely untouched. That was precisely why our forces had to clench their teeth even harder.
Having willingly handed over all hostages to the U.S.-ROK coalition, they couldn’t stand by idly—their pride wouldn’t allow it—especially after the anticipated negotiations collapsed due to a unilateral announcement from the Saudi government. Tamayon thus had to act out their rage violently.
Yet they dared not confront their own nation or a powerful country like the United States directly, so they made an example of our military to flaunt their strength.
We fully understood that absurd chain of cause and effect. Nevertheless, without UN authorization, the ROK military couldn’t retaliate and could only silently grind their molars while working even harder to heal the painful wounds left behind.
And yet, this tragedy could have been avoided—if only Saudi Arabia had timely warned us that their king was personally derailing negotiations with Tamayon.
Instead, the Arab prince merely signed a check to absolve himself of that grave responsibility, expressing regret but little else.
Just with money—nothing more.
Sadly, such callous acts weren’t uncommon even within our own country.
From individuals who shamelessly stoop to servility for personal gain, to powerful groups that trample human dignity and life beneath their feet in order to preserve their authority and prestige—we’d seen plenty of both.
Three years as a soldier.
Time truly had its uses. Although she had once loathed the irrationality of certain people so intensely she’d fled her homeland, not even a trace of petty hatred remained now.
She’d come to realize that placing a woman unworthy of basic humanity at the center of her life for nearly two years had been nothing but arrogance and a grave mistake.
And Eom So Yeon—that one-night encounter with her had awakened a pure emotion within her, one so profound she might yearn for So Yeon for years to come. Those moments, occasionally stirring her heart with fluttering warmth, had been deeply meaningful.
Having fulfilled both her assigned mission and duties beyond, Tae Seo Jun returned to his homeland with glistening eyes. Yet her composed voice and expression remained steadfast.
“I merely did what I was capable of. Every single one of our soldiers, who worked together to restore order amidst chaos, acted with honor.”
Everyone fell silent for a long moment at her firm declaration.
Soldiers never bow their heads—but they made an exception when mourning fallen comrades. Tae Seo Jun and the four other officers removed their service caps and lowered their heads in solemn silence, each gathering their heavy emotions inwardly.
[This is the timeline separator]At last ordered to be discharged, Seo Jun climbed into the driver’s seat.
The army had temporarily provided him a vehicle—a gesture of appreciation from the commander honoring his exceptional sense of duty and spirit of sacrifice. He hadn’t yet told anyone, not even his family, about his discharge or return to Korea.
He’d left for a distant place to reset the good and bad memories from civilian life and recharge his weary mind and body. That’s also why he’d avoided contact even from close friends and family.
Seo Jun powered on his phone, unused for three years.
His elegant fingers—radiating delicate grace—paused over a spot on the screen. Seeing the name beneath his fingertip, he let out a faint, wry smile.
Yoo Jung Hwa—his ex-girlfriend, who had faded beyond even memory, still lingered in his phone.
He simply deleted the name, then closed his eyes with a light smile playing on his lips. Leaning his head back against the headrest, exhaustion seeped through his sharper, more defined features.
“People say you forget one person with another. Even if it hurts now, you’ll naturally forget once someone better comes along. I hope our time together stays as a good memory—for both of us.”
Maybe that’s true.
After all, the ugly memories tied to Yoo Jung Hwa had been completely buried beneath thoughts of Eom So Yeon.
That night had been impulsive.
Fiercely passionate, like a madman, over and over again.
It all feels as vivid as yesterday…
In that foreign, desolate land, countless stars had shimmered so brilliantly against the black sky. And strangely, gazing up at that breathtaking night sky always brought your face to mind.
I used to laugh bitterly at myself then.
So many days had passed like that.
Eom So Yeon, who utterly enchanted me only to vanish without a trace while I slept, must surely have been a mirage crafted by winter—appearing on a snowy night and disappearing by the morning the snow stopped.
Anyway, she must be living well somewhere, so shouldn’t I just live my own life too?
That should have been enough.
[This is the timeline separator]“Top star Tae Seo Jun has completed his military service and returned.”
Earlier today, a media outlet broke the exclusive story that Tae Seo Jun—previously believed dead in combat—had actually been discharged and had been staying at his Nonhyeon-dong residence for the past five days.
This revelation came just two weeks after a war correspondent’s erroneous report about casualties in Tae Seo Jun’s unit had mistakenly sparked widespread panic.
When the false report first surfaced, Gu Won Hoo, CEO of CN Entertainment—furious at the baseless rumors—held an emergency press conference, harshly reprimanding the journalists who spread the misinformation as “trash reporters.”
There, he also sharply criticized the unreliable media coverage and emphatically declared that Tae Seo Jun wasn’t the type to die easily—even if thrown into hell itself, he’d negotiate with King Yama and absolutely return alive.
Indeed, CEO Gu Won Hoo had wholeheartedly served as both Tae Seo Jun’s close friend and steadfast supporter. Only their relatives knew the two men were maternal cousins.
“See? The CEO was absolutely right!”
“Exactly! They practically killed a perfectly healthy person with their lies!”
“Seriously, those tabloids are the real problem! They never apologize after printing false stories!”
“I’m still having heart palpitations—what would I have done if it were true?”
“I don’t care about anything else—just glad my eye-candy is safe and back!”
Even in CN Entertainment’s lounge, filled with idols and actors, conversations about Tae Seo Jun showed no signs of stopping.
“But when will Director Tae Seo Jun come into the office?”
“He rarely showed up even before—why expect him now? He’ll probably take a few days off anyway.”
“Even though today’s the first public report, he’s actually been discharged for several days already.”
“Forget it. Even if he comes in, our chances of actually seeing him are practically nonexistent.”
Though Tae Seo Jun held an official title at CN, his appearances at the Director’s office were extremely rare. Within the same company, seeing him was nearly as improbable as plucking a star from the sky—unless there was an official event.
CN Entertainment’s building spanned ten above-ground floors and four underground ones. On the ninth floor, where the actor practice rooms were located, one only needed to climb one more flight to reach the rooftop garden.
Having just learned of Tae Seo Jun’s safe return via Do Soon’s text message while practicing, So Yeon hurried up the stairs. But upon reaching the rooftop garden’s far end, she abruptly halted her rushed steps.
How anxiously her heart had pounded these past days! Recalling every sleepless worry caused by that dreadful false news, her heart now thumped wildly in her chest.
“Haa…”
So Yeon exhaled deeply, then drew in a long breath. The late-winter chill seeped deep into her lungs, clearing her chest as if opening a blocked passage.
“Whoever that man is, he must be feeling pretty restless too.”
He was the kind who drew clear boundaries—even in the same bed.
That’s why she’d tried so hard to pretend otherwise—to ignore the truth that she still hadn’t moved on from her first love, the man who had utterly captivated her at first sight. That even in this very moment, her heart ached desperately just to see him.
But what could she do about the thorn named Tae Seo Jun, piercing her heart over and over? No—it wasn’t a thorn anymore; it was a nail driven deep, refusing to budge.
Her large eyes had already grown moist.
With her big, gentle eyes gazing at the setting sun staining the sky crimson, she held within her heart her one and only sun. That sun was Tae Seo Jun—but a secret she could never, ever reveal.
Her gaze drifted downward to her phone’s wallpaper, where a tiny photo of a baby was set.
It was her most precious treasure—something irreplaceable, something she’d never measure with regret. A tear rolled down each of her pale cheeks, dropping onto the photo below.
These tears, which she hadn’t been able to hold back despite her steadfast endurance until now, finally overflowed.
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]
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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.
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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..🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️