“Come to think of it, I heard that Prince Ian’s dedicated perfumer isn’t actually a perfumer, but a pharmacist by origin.”
“That settles it then.”
Wait, what’s settled? Of course, to the outside world, I was known as a perfumer, but how does a perfumer suddenly transform into a beloved woman?
Despite my internal objections, everyone seemed to consider this fact a major piece of evidence.
“Prince Ian’s perfumer has always been shrouded in secrecy, hasn’t it? He even went as far as to restrict contact with her to monopolize the fragrance.”
“Right. It was strange that a pharmacist, not a known perfumer, was creating scents for the prince. With professional perfumers available, how does it make sense for an unknown, young female pharmacist to be his perfumer?”
“There were even rumors that the Perfumer’s Guild, feeling slighted by this pharmacist, spread a lot of money among high nobles to replace the prince’s dedicated perfumer. I heard someone took that money, proposed a new perfumer to the prince, and got severely reprimanded.”
“It’s clear then. It wasn’t about the perfume. It was her.”
Now, they discussed these rumors as if they were confirmed facts.
Of course, Ian did meet me secretly, and my information was restricted, but that was for the medicine he needed, not because of love… Yet, I couldn’t explain this. I was just frustrated inside.
“I wonder who that pharmacist was.”
“She must have been beautiful.”
‘Beautiful? I was just an ordinary person.’
As they continued spinning stories about Ian and me as if it was the romance of the century, they now speculated about what kind of person I was.
Their conversation felt like a mental attack to me. I felt so embarrassed, I thought I would melt away.
Unable to stand it any longer, I told Elena I needed a break and left the scene.
Once away, I shook off the goosebumps on my arms.
“Such imaginative people… Prince Ian and I… Pfft.”
I laughed at the thought. Although they didn’t know the truth about us, being the subject of such a bizarre rumor felt odd.
“I can’t exactly tell them it was just a strong friendship born from a long time of shared experiences…”
Muttering to myself and repeatedly shaking my head, I distanced myself from them.
The banquet hall was vastly different from the imperial palace where I used to visit for Ian’s treatment.
The opulence of Ian’s royal chambers was one thing – adorned with beautiful murals and expensive vases – but the banquet hall was something else entirely. Walls decorated with gold, jewels sparkling everywhere, and massive chandeliers dominated the ceiling.
It might have been enjoyable to observe the extravagantly dressed nobles or the vibrant music of the orchestra.
‘Can’t seem to find a moment of peace.’
But gradually, I couldn’t comfortably watch anything. The piercing gazes from all around made it impossible.
‘It’s clear now. Those with Elena were more friendly towards me.’
Many were looking at me, whispering among themselves. Their expressions suggested their conversations were not entirely favorable.
It was better when they whispered so softly that I couldn’t hear.
However, some were speaking loudly and insultingly, as if they wanted me to hear.
“Didn’t she always follow Prince Daniel around? She must have been close by when the accident happened.”
“There’s talk that she caused the accident intentionally. Why else would a perfectly fine horse suddenly go berserk?”
“But I heard she was seriously injured in that accident and was unconscious for over a month.”
“Well, you never know. Love can drive people to do crazy things.”
I wanted to approach them and clarify, but I feared getting embroiled in needless conflict, so I just clenched my fists in frustration.
They usually stopped talking when our eyes met, as if embarrassed.
‘So this is high society, where baseless rumors are rampant.’
Those who could be considered on my side, like Elena and her group, were weaving a romantic tale about Ian and me, while others inflated false rumors about Claire and Daniel.
The large, ornate banquet hall felt suffocating, as if I couldn’t breathe.
Being talked about by strangers as if they knew me made me feel like I might go crazy if I stayed too long.
Not everyone was antagonistic, though.
“Congratulations on becoming a countess.”
“Thank you.”
“I admire your bravery.”
Despite the burden of my new title and estate, there were still those who wished to form connections. I politely responded to their greetings.
However, their subsequent questions about estate management and offers to introduce capable stewards were overwhelming.
When overwhelmed, I’d reply, “I’m not sure at the moment. I’ll think about it.”
I looked for a quiet spot to rest, recalling Elena mentioning areas for refreshments, a small room with chairs and mirrors for touch-ups, and less frequented terraces. Yet, I couldn’t find these places.
‘Am I directionally challenged in the palace? Do I turn into a fool here?’
Giving up on finding a resting place, I leaned against a quiet corner wall.
‘I’m hungry and suffocated.’
The dress was pretty but uncomfortable. The banquet atmosphere was equally oppressive, with the discomforting gazes of strangers feeling like a noose around my neck.
A servant passed by with drinks. I reached for a pink-hued glass just as Ian came into view.
I had felt he was watching me during the award ceremony and while talking with the noblewomen, but maybe it was my imagination. He was engaged in conversation with others.
Until then, it was difficult to properly look at him because he was staring at me so intently, making it embarrassing to meet his eyes. Now that he was engaged in conversation with others, it was easier for me to observe his condition.
“He looks terribly thin. I wonder if he’s been eating properly or even taking his medicine.”
Concerned about his state, I slowly moved closer to where he was to get a better look.
Dark shadows were under his eyes, and his complexion was pale, but he stood upright, engaging in conversation. Despite obviously struggling, he persevered, which I found both pitiful and admirable.
‘I wonder if he’s been taking his medication regularly?’
His poor complexion made me worried. Had he been neglecting his medication? He shouldn’t be doing that…
The medication he was on wasn’t something he could just stop taking whenever he felt like it.
‘He must understand the importance of the medication and wouldn’t skip it, right?’
But my anxiety didn’t fade. He often argued with me about taking his medication.
“If Jane isn’t here, I won’t bother with the medication. What’s the point? I might as well be sick and die.”
“The medicine you’re taking isn’t directly related to your life, Your Highness! And if you don’t take it, you’re the one who suffers!”
He used to throw tantrums about not taking his medicine if I didn’t visit often. Although I would get angry, accusing him of acting like a child, I eventually capitulated and visited the palace more frequently.
Ian’s illness was peculiar. He suffered from insomnia and high fever, and his eyes would turn red. If he missed his medication, he experienced hallucinations and delusions.
Aside from the eye color change, the frequent hallucinations, delusions, and fever were the major issues.
These symptoms gradually wore down his life. Without proper management, they could even lead to brain damage, which was why I insisted on him taking the medication regularly despite the side effects.
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.]
