Zayra Choi Yaritú is no ordinary young woman: the daughter of an Indigenous Chiquitana mother and a Latino-Korean father, she bears the mark of two opposite worlds. She grew up between the magic and wisdom of the rainforest… and the relentless discipline of an education abroad.

But when she returns to her homeland, she finds her people on the brink of losing everything. Greed for the resources of the Red Forest has unleashed a silent war—political corruption, hidden threats, and a danger that doesn’t distinguish between allies and enemies.

Haunted by a past mistake, Zayra agrees to a marriage of convenience with Kang Ryu, a brilliant, cold, and principled Korean CEO. He comes to Bolivia seeking to save his family’s company… but what he doesn’t know is that he’s also stepping into a game where power and loyalty are traded with the same cold precision as the gemstones he hopes to export.

What begins as a calculated deal will become a story of unlikely alliances, secrets burning beneath the surface, and a love that could change the fate of an entire people.

In the Red Forest, every decision has a price… and not everyone is willing to pay it.

How far would you go to save what you love… even if it means losing yourself?

This light novel is inspired by the beautiful landscapes and cultures of Bolivia and South Korea. However, the characters, events, and situations portrayed are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to real persons, places, or events is purely coincidental. This content does not intend to represent or reflect the historical, social, or cultural reality of either country. The author disclaims any legal liability arising from the interpretation of these elements.


I remember that day perfectly… It was the first time you touched my head and I have to admit I didn't know how to take it. … 


It's not a very common thing in my country, 


but since I recognize and respect different cultures from having lived in the United States, I let it go.


 Because, in your eyes, I saw there was no malice…


Also, I have a burning curiosity. What was it that you whispered in Korean?


 I still have no idea what you were saying… Please tell me.


Oh, and I also noticed some words and expressions that are used a lot in eastern Bolivia. 


You might not understand them, so I'm going to explain a few things so you don't have any doubts.


Toborochi: It's a native tree from the tropical and subtropical regions of South America,


especially common in eastern Bolivia, Paraguay, and northern Argentina.


Mentisán: A very popular and well-known Bolivian ointment or balm.


 It's used to relieve muscle and joint pain, colds, insect bites, and as a decongestant.


It is widely considered a trusted home remedy in Bolivia.


Indigenous Summit: These are spaces for dialogue, protest,


and organization for indigenous people to defend their interests against government policies and development projects.


Touching your head is a Korean gesture. 


It's done with people you have a special care for. 


Even if Ryu doesn't want to admit it, the word she said was:


It's a Korean word that literally translates to "silly" or "fool," but the nuance depends heavily on the context and the relationship between the people:


Affectionate/Flirtatious Use: Between couples or someone you like, it can be said in a playful or affectionate way, not as an insult. It's a subtle flirtation in this context, especially if accompanied by a gesture (like touching the head, a tap on the head, a slight smile, etc.).


Friendly Use: Among close friends, it's also used for joking, but it's still informal and colloquial.


Form and Tone: The word 바보 (babo) means "fool" or "silly." The suffix -야 (ya) is used to call someone directly, equivalent to "hey, silly" or "silly" in a close tone. Depending on the intonation and the accompanying gesture, it can be sweet, playful, or a little mischievous.


Chapter 27 - Chapter 21.1 — Shared Diary