In the reflection of his crimson eyes, Arabella saw a version of herself that seemed unfamiliar, yet her expression was unmistakably one of shy excitement.
Her cheeks, unaccustomed to deception, flushed a deep red as she became increasingly aware of the Emperor’s large, firm hands enveloping hers, the breadth and solidity of his chest beneath her palm, and the secure embrace of his arm around her waist, anchoring her center.
“As we dance together, avoiding one’s partner’s gaze is usually a sign of disinterest. Did my previous partner not appeal to you?” a kind voice resonated above her bowed head.
Arabella lifted her large eyes, now facing the beautiful ruby irises of the Emperor. His red eyes, which initially flitted nervously, were now firmly capturing her gaze within them.
Seeing her eyes intertwined with his, a look of satisfaction spread across the Emperor’s face.
With a smooth step back of his long left leg, the Emperor gently pulled Arabella forward, leading her right hand, subtly tilting her body to the right, and initiating their coordinated movement.
Theo, observing from a corner of the basement, was taken aback. He had assumed the Emperor, known more for his prowess in battle than in dance, would be awkward on the dance floor. However, witnessing the Emperor’s movements, Theo realized that whether in combat or dance, the Emperor’s body was supremely adapted and superior.
The Emperor’s restrained movements, devoid of exaggeration, were dignified and elegant, effortlessly transforming the damp basement into a romantic ballroom. Theo swallowed hard, admiring the genuine joy on the Emperor’s face, so different from his usual stern demeanor in the training field or office.
Arabella felt as if she were floating on clouds. Never had she imagined indulging in such a luxury as this first dance. Her heart raced as she glanced at the Emperor’s exposed neck through his partially unbuttoned shirt.
“Instructing gently, he explained, “When I gently pull your back and bend your wrist backward, start turning with your right foot, one full circle.”
His soothing, melodic voice, accompanying her through every misstep, reassured her, “Social dance is about connecting with your partner. If you lose your way, just trust in your partner’s lead.”
Soon, Arabella began to follow his steps more confidently.
Observing her improve, Theo’s eyes sparkled with intrigue.
Although Arabella’s dancing was not yet exemplary, the slender lines of her small, delicate body were surprisingly graceful and elegant. In the Emperor’s broad embrace, her movements resembled lively, iridescent droplets or softly fluttering petals.
Theo concluded that Arabella would not face humiliation at the upcoming banquet. Especially with the Emperor’s adept guidance, any of her missteps would be gracefully concealed.
Finally, without the Emperor’s signal, the steps flowed seamlessly like water, and Arabel’s eyes widened in wonder.
Realizing she had now turned on her own and shifted to a different rhythm, Arabel burst into a joyful smile.
She shone brightly, like a shyly closed bud blooming fully. The Emperor, too, smiled with pleasure, but honestly, he couldn’t enjoy it completely due to the discomfort in his lower body since earlier.
The soft body wriggling in his arms, the sweet and clear scent heating up his body every time she moved gently, her slender, pale neck that could be encircled with one hand.
Her round earlobes still covered in downy hair. And those half-open pink lips exhaling breaths that tickled his chest through the thin shirt.
Her entire body in his arms was an unbearable temptation and torture for him. His mouth watered with the desire to bite into her ripe, red cheeks.
When the Emperor’s steps slowed, Arabel looked up at him with wide eyes. Their eyes met, blending together in the lamp light.
As the Emperor put strength into the hand behind his waist and moved forward, tilting his head gently towards her clean nape…
“At this level of skill, you shouldn’t have any problems dancing with other nobles at the ballroom.”
An oblivious voice interrupted from the side.
Trying to score points with the Emperor by praising his teaching ability and the lady’s learning ability, Sir Theo soon realized his rashness and stepped back.
The infinitely gentle gaze disappeared, replaced by a cold, hostile glare at Sir Theo.
“Other nobles? Why would the lady need to dance with anyone but me at the ball?”
His goosebumped forearms told him the atmosphere had shifted from romantic to interrogation-room tense. Swallowing nervously, Sir Theo stammered a response.
“Your Majesty, after dancing with you, the ladies can… dance with three nobles at the ballroom…?”
“Who made up such a ridiculous rule?”
“Have… you forgotten? You yourself ordered it, Your Majesty. You said it wouldn’t be fair to prevent the candidates from dancing with other men. Especially for those not chosen as the Empress, it’s a good opportunity to meet a future fiancé.”
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.]
