He stood still with his back turned, carrying the load. The figure of Kijoo standing against the backdrop of the mountain range shrouded in low clouds looked like a picturesque painting.
She thought it didn’t match the countryside. It turned out, that wasn’t the case. Even though he was wearing patched-up clothes, he was a man who could digest it like it was fashion.
Realizing a fact that wasn’t surprisingly new, Eunchae stood by his side again. It reminded her of Seol Wooseok’s words about returning. Why didn’t Kijoo say it was time to go back?
To pick her up.
“Why don’t we go home?”
Looking down at her, Kijoo turned his head.
“Isn’t this place nice for Eunchae?”
“That’s true.”
“Should we buy a house nearby?”
Upon hearing that, Eunchae let her imagination run wild. If she bought a house near the Kumpin, she could occasionally visit her grandmother. She could also see Wooseok, who came for a few days every vacation.
Wouldn’t it be more cost-effective than any luxurious villa?
However, for Kijoo, it wasn’t a particularly good position. In his profession, it was extremely rare to be assigned a mission related to the countryside.
“What about Kijoo’s work?”
“On vacation.”
Vacation.
While Kijoo said those words without feeling any guilt, there was a bit of discomfort in admitting it.
He had suggested cooling his head with an easy mission, but it didn’t mean he was off duty. Originally, he should have been crossing the sky on a plane bound for the Philippines by now. They had received a notice of mission impossibility. Not even following the proper procedure or submitting a reason in writing, just a phone call.
The first time he received the call, Lee Kwangil swore loudly. Thirty minutes later, Oh Geunseok, who made the call, asked if he should consider undergoing psychiatric treatment.
Unless there was a crazy guy who disobeyed orders like this in accordance with the instructions from the higher-ups, it wouldn’t have happened. Last time, when his ear was pierced, there was even a reasonable suspicion that his head was injured.
Nevertheless, Kijoo didn’t reverse his decision. Song Eunchae was here. They had barely reconciled their relationship.
He couldn’t go back, even if it meant being caught and living.
“How about we go back tomorrow?”
Not knowing what he was thinking, Eunchae asked.
“There are things to do, and we can’t keep relying on Grandma.”
Kijoo answered by nodding his head. Honestly, she didn’t understand why she was asking such a question. Anyway, the decision was hers.
“Come eat lunch, quickly.”
Gumpun shouted those words, opening and closing the door. Eunchae answered cheerfully and ran, and Kijoo silently followed behind.
Early in the morning, Eunchae prepared to leave. Kijoo had only a few pieces of clothing as luggage, but Eunchae had more luggage than when she came. It was because Gumpun had packed corn, persimmons, and various other things for her.
“I’ll come to visit, Grandma.”
“All right. Go up carefully. When you get married, make sure to come for the wedding invitation!”
At those words, Eunchae blushed and cleared her throat. Apparently, Gumpun believed Gumpun’s words that they were getting married.
Now, she couldn’t say it wasn’t true, so she had no choice but to endure this embarrassment. She thought this was the last time today.
While receiving Gumpun’s farewell, her eyes became even warmer than when she sent Wooseok off. Whether he noticed it or not, Kijoo said subtly.
“We’ve been a burden for a long time. Is there anything I can do for you?”
“That’s a good idea. Anyway, Grandma has been coughing for a long time. We should get a health check-up.”
“I’ll contact Dr. Choi.”
Dr. Choi Hyosung had been Eunchae’s primary doctor since she was a newborn. Because they had a long-standing relationship, Dr. Choi’s skill in handling Eunchae was superior to Kijoo’s.
“While we’re at it, let Kijoo get checked too. You’re getting injured so much; is your stomach okay?”
The only person in the world worrying about such things was Song Eunchae. The KIS agents who knew him said he was someone who would survive even if he fell into hell.
Kijoo pressed his lips against her forehead, smiling gently.
“You won’t get hurt now.”
After exchanging trivial words, they arrived in front of the parked car. Just before getting into the passenger seat that he opened, Eunchae took a last look at the village.
The scent of pine trees surrounding the village, winding paths, and similar-looking houses came into view. Holding that scene close to her heart, Eunchae climbed into the passenger seat.
Leaning against the window, she felt the leisurely movement of the rolling car.
That’s how she blinked, and when she opened her eyes again, they had already arrived at the mansion.
As she walked into the entrance with a sleepy face, Haman Lady, who was waiting, reached out with tears in her eyes.
“Oh my. Miss, your face is half gone!”
Eunchae also gave her a warm hug, but she couldn’t agree with Haman Lady’s words.
Rather than having half a face, it seemed like there was a moon hanging on her face. Due to the large amount of food and frequent meals, she seemed to have gained at least five kilograms.
Although it wouldn’t naturally appear so to Haman Lady, who had more concerns than just this.
“I’ve cleaned the room thoroughly. If you want to change the curtains since it’s spring, please let me know.”
“Thank you.”
Eunchae, who had not yet recovered from the fatigue of sleeping in an uncomfortable position in the car for a long time, went upstairs first. Carrying her suitcase, Kijoo, who had come in place of her, inspected her complexion and asked.
“Lunch?”
“I haven’t thought about it yet.”
Eunchae looked around the neatly cleaned room. As Haman Lady had said, the curtains had changed to a light color suitable for spring. She pulled back the curtain and looked down at the greenhouse outside.
“…I want to change Chairman Song Myunghwan’s bedroom and study into a multipurpose room. What do you think?”
“I’ll call an interior designer tomorrow.”
Eunchae smiled at the immediate response. Sitting on the bed with a thud, swinging her legs up and down, she said,
“Because Mr. Kijoo, you’re like a bodyguard and a secretary at the same time.”
He knelt down beside her, putting a pair of indoor slippers under her feet one by one. He spoke willingly.
“Sure.”
Eunchae stood up following Kijoo. When she raised her eyes as he aligned his gaze and stooped down, her neck naturally tilted backward.
His firm arms hung on both sides. From the close distance that seemed like their faces would touch, he murmured.
“Miss Eunchae would find it more comfortable that way. I don’t trust other guys.”
“….”
“Whatever happens, it’s better if it goes through my hands.”
That’s too presumptuous.
Eunchae pointed out with a chuckle.
“It’s a cumbersome professional habit.”
Not that she didn’t like 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.]