Married First, Fall in Love Later, With the Leads Ignoring Each Other and Sleeping in Separate Rooms at First 先婚后爱 前期男女主互不搭理 分房睡的那种

1. 1 不 Wasn't This an Arranged Marriage? Why Is President Pei Head Over Heels? 不是联姻吗，裴总怎么陷入热恋啦 Gu Jingqiu顾惊秋Modern Romance379k WordsCompleted [Signed for print publication, complete] [True marriage before love] [Marriage between wealthy families] [Gentle everyday life] [No angst] Lu Ning and Pei Shili went from meeting to registering their marriage in just three days. It was a marriage arranged by their families. They didn't know each other and had no feelings for one another. After the wedding, Pei Shili treated her with cool politeness. Lu Ning assumed he wasn't happy with the marriage and only hoped they could treat each other with 5.8kReads8.7Score620Shelves

   Reader note

   We weren't familiar with each other at first, but we didn't sleep in separate rooms. [Shy][shy]

2. 2 荆 Where Thorns Meet Warmth 荆棘遇暖 Meeting a Stranger遇见陌生人Modern Romance430k WordsCompleted “Since you're so eager to make this marriage official...” He began fulfilling his duties as a husband... Again and again, they lost control, sinking into pleasure until neither could stop. She endured in silence and bravely stood by him, while love spread through both their hearts… Through all the thorns, they would eventually find warmth. He declared firmly, “She is my wife. There will never be anyone else.” 1.6kReads—Score117Shelves

   Reader note

   This is a super good-looking arranged marriage that blossoms into love! [Admiration][Admiration][Admiration]

3. 3 湿 Hearts Adrift in the Night 湿心共夜 A Liang Wants to Buy a House阿良要买房Modern Romance559k WordsCompleted [Marriage first, love later + powerful man lowers his head + age gap + slow-paced, everyday sweetness + both leads are each other’s first and only love] Qiao Qingran was adopted by the Qiao family. She is a sweet, sensible, gentle, and beautiful planning designer. On the first anniversary of her relationship with her boyfriend, she discovered that both love and family ties were an illusion. A drunken night at a bar entangled her with the CEO of the Pei Group. She thought it was just a game betwe 11.5kReads8.0Score1.1kShelves
4. 4 听 Listen to Her Murmur 听她呢喃 Yun Wu云兀Modern Romance210k WordsCompleted Heiress of a wealthy family x refined but wicked tycoon [Sweet Romance + Married First, Love Later + One-on-One] Lin Yan and Xie Ting went from meeting to getting married in just two days. After the wedding, they went about their own business and kept out of each other’s way. One day, at a party in a bar, Lin Yan was resting on a sofa in the corner when her phone buzzed twice. Xie Ting: [What are you doing?] Lin Yan typed with one hand: [Getting ready to sleep.] After replying, she put down her 2.9kReads9.0Score357Shelves

   Reader note

   It's super cute, babies, go watch it!

5. 5 结 After We Married, the CEO’s Wife Had a Sore Waist Every Day 结婚后，总裁夫人每天都在腰酸 Jin Yun今云Modern Romance534k WordsCompleted [Powerful family patriarch + devoted leads + marry first, fall in love later + sweet romance + flirty tension + sizzling chemistry] When Lin Youning learned that her parents had chosen Jian Cheng, a notorious playboy in their social circle, as her marriage partner, she took the initiative and went to Gu Huaichen, a powerful family patriarch who surpassed Jian Cheng in every way, from his methods to his wealth. According to rumor, Gu Huaichen was indifferent to women and impossible to approach. O 7.4kReads9.1Score744Shelves
6. 6 大 A Wedding Without Sharing a Room: The Astonishing Years of Youheng 大婚不同房之惊岁有蘅 Xing Wan Nan Xin星晚南心Ancient Romance87k WordsCompleted Sunlight glinted off the cold blade, dazzling Xie Yunheng until she could barely keep her eyes open. She slowly closed them, and instead felt a trace of relief well up inside her. Perhaps this was for the best. At last, I can see my child again. Xiao Jingshuo... If Heaven gives me another chance, I will make you pay in blood! 14Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   Initially, they slept in separate rooms due to misunderstandings, but gradually found the answers and realized they deeply loved each other.

7. 7 冷 Three Years of a Cold Marriage: Second Young Master Mu Regrets It 冷婚三年，慕二少后悔了 Quiet Pisces恬静的双鱼座Modern Romance334k WordsCompleted [Marriage Before Love] + [Tension That Pushes to the Limit] + [The Husband Chases His Wife to the Crematorium] + [Both Leads Are Each Other’s Only One] Cool, calculating talent agent VS carefree heir to a wealthy family Mu Shaobai and Yun Shang have been married for three years. Every so often, he brings a different woman home, and Yun Shang never gets angry. Everyone in Jiangcheng knows that the carefree Second Young Master Mu doesn’t love his wife, but Yun Shang has never cared. Even without h 1.1kReads8.2Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   This is a very engaging book. The female lead is a great character—clear-headed and cunning—but the beginning is a bit angsty.

8. 8 京 A Marriage in the Capital, Still Strangers 京婚不熟 Drowning Boat溺舟Modern Romance403k WordsCompleted A true marriage-first, love-later story / Marriage between wealthy families / Five-year age gap / The powerful one learns to lower his head Clear-headed and gentle heroine vs. stern, fatherly hero When her older sister runs away from her wedding, Jiang Ni obeys her father’s arrangements and marries her would-be brother-in-law. Her new husband is the head of the top-tier Zhou family in Beijing. He’s said to be a workaholic with no worldly desires, cold and stern. He leaves on a business trip on t 76.2kReads9.0Score12.2kShelves

   Reader note

   🍪It's a marriage of convenience that blossoms into love. Initially, the male and female leads don't like each other and only sleep together once a week, otherwise they sleep in separate rooms. However, after the male lead falls for the female lead, he can't wait to be with her every day [smirk]. His mind goes from being solely focused on work to occasionally thinking about his wife [learned something new].

9. 9 我 I Gave the Mute CEO Talk Therapy, and the Whole Family Was Stunned 我给哑巴总裁做话疗，豪门全懵了 Lu Chi鹿迟Modern Romance300k WordsCompleted “Chatty Little Sun Heroine × Mute Powerhouse in a High Position, Married First, Love Later + Sweet Romance + Feel-Good Daily Life” Sang Lu awakened to the truth. In the original story, she was a vicious sister-in-law from a wealthy family. She despised her mute husband, teamed up with awful relatives to swindle her own family, and did every kind of wicked thing. Her husband ignored her, her younger brothers-in-law slapped her, and she met a tragic end. “Wait, was I the huge idiot all along?” Abs 53.3kReads9.5Score6.8kShelves
10. 10 强 Bold Seduction! Stolen Kisses! The Abstinent CEO Can't Get Enough of Spoiling Her 强撩！诱吻！禁欲霸总狂宠不腻 A Chance Encounter with Xiao Mo遇上潇漠Modern Romance659k WordsCompleted [Both leads are devoted only to each other] [Marriage Before Love] [Sweet romance] Bickering couple + sworn enemies + constant playful banter + forced marriage + contract marriage When fire and ice collide, it’s always a case of fate bringing enemies together. That describes Xiao Ran and Chen Yifan perfectly. It’s as if they’ve been at odds since a past life. From the moment they met, they couldn’t stand each other. Every time they saw each other, they acted like sworn enemies, trading insults a 734Reads8.5Score109Shelves
11. 11 宁 Professor Ning Is Troubled: What Should He Do About His Socially Anxious Wife? 宁教授苦恼，太太是个社恐怎么办 Cang Lin藏琳Modern Romance292k WordsCompleted (Completed) [Marriage first, love later + two strangers + little white rabbit and big bad wolf] [Pretend-proper history professor × genuinely antisocial voice actor] Zi Su always thought Ning Shisui had entered a marriage of convenience with her because he couldn't be with the person he loved. Until one night, he got drunk and gently held her captive in his arms. Zi Su was so nervous she didn't dare move. Stammering, she asked, “Prof... Professor Ning, don't you like men?” His gaze burned as he 6.3kReads8.9Score769Shelves

    Reader note

    They slept in separate rooms initially because they weren't familiar with each other, but that was alright; the male lead was a bit of a tease. "I'll just lie here for one night; it's fine if I don't sleep." "Are you that uncomfortable?" "It's okay, you can't possibly let me into the room anyway, so it's better to just let me lie here alone..." He said pitifully. "I..." Zi Su pursed her lips. Ning Shisui continued, "It's alright, it's not your fault, it's my problem. I haven't been a good enough husband. It's understandable that you're worried. Who told me to not show any noble character? I deserve to sleep on the sofa."

12. 12 婚 Spoiled After Marriage 婚后侍宠 Tu Su兔苏Modern Romance541k WordsCompleted Miss Sunflower and Her Qipao Gentleman The heroine has an avoidant attachment style + the older hero guides her / both are pure in body and mind, with overwhelming possessiveness Beautiful, bold, resilient, and seemingly well-behaved university professor x proud, sharp-tongued, scheming, aloof beauty [Flash Marriage and Exclusive Devotion + Clear-Headed Strong Female Lead + Marriage Before Love + Two Strong Leads + Age Gap + Slow-Burn Romance + Adorabl 3.3kReads8.5Score160Shelves

    Reader note

    They got married quickly, fell in love after marriage, started by bickering, looked down on each other, and later became extremely jealous and obnoxious.

13. 13 心 Heart-Pounding Game! Young Master Bo, the Tycoon's Heir, Can't Handle It 心动游戏！财阀薄爷他玩不起 Han Dabai韩大白Modern Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Shen Zhiyi marries into the elite Bo family as a bride meant to bring good fortune to her sick husband. In everyone's eyes, she's the perfect daughter-in-law: refined and gentle. Bo Yu's first verdict on Shen Zhiyi: two words, “All an act.” His second verdict: “A fake woman, not worth mentioning.” Later, people see the once all-powerful Master Bo gripping his wife's hand and desperately explaining the awful things he said in a recording, begging her again and again to forgive him. Later still, M 20.4kReads9.2Score1.7kShelves

    Reader note

    A wildly popular contemporary romance novel! Shen Zhiyi, a bride brought into the Bo family as part of a marriage to ward off bad luck, outwardly appears dignified and gentle, but in reality, she's vengeful and ruthless, slapping anyone who dares to challenge her. The domineering CEO, Bo Yu, initially dislikes her for "pretending," but secretly helps her out of trouble, finding her fighting amusing. From initial testing to falling deeply in love, the arrogant CEO's undisguised affection is palpable, and he's completely self-directed in his pursuit of her—it's so sweet! A smooth and addictive story!

14. 14 婚 Marriage Becomes an Addiction 婚久成瘾 Su Muyan苏木雁Modern Romance380k WordsCompleted [Mutually Exclusive First Love, Romantic Tension, Instinctive Attraction, Older Man] Xie Guihe, the powerful head of the Xie family, is consumed by ambition. Ruthless in everything he does, he has no intention of ever marrying. A high-profile arranged marriage brings him and Lu Meng, the Lu family's heiress, to the registry office. They each get what they need, or so they think. But somewhere along the way, he ends up losing his heart. 1. At first, he is cold and indifferent: "No feelings involv 36.2kReads8.9Score3.2kShelves

    Reader note

    Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful

15. 15 联 Married for Three Years, Met Twice: The Tycoon Regrets It 联姻三年见面两次，大佬他后悔了 Mu Mu Yulin木木雨霖Modern Romance200k WordsCompleted The rating just came in and will rise [Married first, fell in love later + six-year age gap + powerful man lowering his head + a long road to winning his wife back, unconventional version + one-on-one, both leads sexually inexperienced] [Ice-cold, stern CEO with a wolfish edge x clearheaded, self-reliant heiress fallen on hard times] Bei Mengtian and Zhang Jiuxuan had been married for three years, but had met only once, when they went to register their marriage. Even though she was a daughter of 1.7kReads8.2Score136Shelves

    Reader note

    This one's good! Want to watch "The Wife-Chasing Crematorium"? It's about marriage first, then love, the initial unfamiliarity followed by a gradual falling in love, a sweet and conscious descent into obsession!

16. 16 雪 Snowfall and Words of Farewell 雪落叙言 Flower Flower Flower Flower Isn't a Flower花花花花不是花Modern Romance205k WordsCompleted [Arrogant, ill-tempered CEO with a guard-dog streak × cool on the outside, warm on the inside, naturally charming beauty × marriage first, love later × both virgins × size difference × love grows over time × light coercive romance × groveling redemption × intense romantic tension] “A marriage of convenience. We’ll divorce in three months.” “I have plenty of connections. I’ll help you find someone suitable.” A contract marriage, each getting what they wanted, binds two strangers together. He tak 35Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    All three books fit the description perfectly 🥺 The male and female leads are basically strangers who meet at first, sleep in separate rooms, and later the male lead falls for her and can't help but want to be with her.

17. 17 予 Yuan Yuan Imprisons Huai 予渊囚槐 Flower Flower Flower Flower Isn't a Flower花花花花不是花Modern Romance295k WordsCompleted [Obsessive, unhinged King of Hell × stubborn, tsundere little white rabbit × marriage before love × love grows with time × 1v1, each other’s only love × groveling to win her back × mild forced romance × intense push and pull] To save her studio, Lin Huai publicly “confesses” to the living King of Hell of Harbor City: “Mr. Ji, I like you! I really do!!” Ji Yuyuan, head of the Ji family and a smiling devil: “Prove your love, or you and your studio will disappear together.” Every day of the three-m 16Reads—Score—Shelves
18. 18 既 When I First Saw Chunyi 既见椿意 Flower Flower Flower Flower Isn't a Flower花花花花不是花Modern Romance329k WordsCompleted [Obsessive, scheming CEO × down-on-her-luck heiress with a surprising side × marriage first, love later × love growing over time × one-on-one, both devoted to each other × mild coercive romance × intense push and pull × groveling to win his wife back] Shang Jiming is rumored to be a jinx who brings death to his closest relatives. Behind a gentle, jade-like facade, he toys with everyone’s fate. He needs a well-behaved woman for a political marriage, but on the day they register their marriage, he 66Reads—Score—Shelves
19. 19 将 Just Right 将将好 Jiu Lu Feixiang九鹭非香Modern Romance129k WordsCompleted [Marriage by Contract × Married First, Fell in Love Later × The Pursuit After Divorce × Happy Ending | Mature, Steady, Career-Focused CEO × Top Jewelry Designer with a Remarkably Thick Skin] Mo Lin: “Why did you come to this matchmaking date?” Jiang Yuanmu: “For my career. I need a marriage to make my business partners trust me more. What about you?” Mo Lin: “My grandmother is seriously ill, and she hopes to see me married before she passes. To be honest, I have no emotional needs when it comes 13kReads9.3Score1.3kShelves

    Reader note

    The male and female leads have a contract marriage, a marriage of convenience that blossoms into love. Initially, their collaboration is relatively pleasant. When the contract expires, the female lead happily goes to find the male lead with the marriage agreement, waiting for him downstairs at his company. At first, the male lead forgets about it and comes downstairs, but later they both see each other. Remembering the agreement, and not wanting a divorce, he pretends not to see the female lead and goes back to his company for a meeting.

20. 20 傅 President Fu Has Gone Mad, All He Wants Is to Tear Up the Contract 傅总疯了，一心只想撕毁契约 Xiang Nannan Zhi向南南枝Modern Romance346k WordsCompleted Everyone knows that the abstinent big shot Fu Tingyan and the bold, carefree eldest daughter of the Si family, Si Muyan, married under a deal. A year later, Si Muyan complained that she’d been tricked. “Who the hell said Fu Tingyan wasn’t interested in women? I want to pin that person to Fu Tingyan’s bed!” She always kept her distance, while he was intent on crossing the line! She did everything she could to avoid him, while he countered every move and drew closer! Faced with Fu Tingyan’s inexpl 1.3kReads9.0Score104Shelves

    Reader note

    They lived separately at first, but later the male lead used his younger brother to plot a marriage of convenience, and he fell in love with her first. [Shy][shy][shy]

21. 21 婚 We Barely Knew Each Other Before Marriage, but Now He Pursues Me Relentlessly and Kisses Me to Tears 婚前不熟，婚后猛追，亲哭 Jiang Zi匠紫Modern Romance372k WordsCompleted [Marriage before love + A powerful man humbling himself for love + Pursuit and redemption + Sweet everyday romance] Liang Muxi bumped into her secret husband, whom she hadn’t seen in a year, and didn’t even recognize him. She’d married in a whirlwind, and her husband was an heir to one of the top families in the capital. He’d gone to work at an out-of-town branch right after they got their marriage license, and his lawyer had her sign a thick agreement. Oh, so it was a marriage of convenience. G 42.9kReads8.5Score4.7kShelves

    Reader note

    This story perfectly fits the "arranged marriage, love later" trope. The male and female leads don't know each other before marriage and are essentially strangers living together. The plot only becomes sweet after the male lead falls for the female lead, and their mutual affection is incredibly heartwarming.

22. 22 前 After My Ex-Husband Gained the Ability to Read Minds, He Kept Uncovering My Secret Identity 前夫有读心术后总在扒我马甲 Wu Si San伍肆叁Modern Romance270k WordsCompleted Gu Qianyou transmigrates into an old-school angst novel where people are constantly having their kidneys and hearts cut out. Gu Qianyou says, “Turning an angst heroine’s life around is my specialty! I’ve been sick of that trash male lead for ages!” System: “This isn’t about turning things around. You have to follow the plot, and give this abandoned novel an ending. That’s all.” Gu Qianyou: “Follow the plot? They’re really going to cut out my kidney?” The System nods sympathetically. Gu Qianyou: 162Reads8.3Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    [Top post][Top post][Top post] The female lead in this story has a lot of inner monologues! Her dialogue is also hilarious, and she secretly criticizes people in her mind. The male lead is always speechless when he hears her inner thoughts [smirk]. I inexplicably feel that the male lead is sometimes quite wronged. The female lead is so good at criticizing people, I love her to death [laughing]

23. 23 与 I Am at Odds with the Dog of a Crown Prince 与狗太子势不两立 Li Zhiyuyu栗芝鱼鱼Ancient Romance303k WordsCompleted [A combative couple + married first, fall in love later + both leads untouched + happy ending] [Huo Tangyue, an easygoing aristocratic lady who always gets even × Xiao Shizhao, a composed, calculating Crown Prince with a loyal-dog side] Everyone in the Chancellor’s residence knows that Huo Tangyue, the Chancellor’s legitimate daughter, and Crown Prince Xiao Shizhao are enemies. Huo Tangyue once swore that if Xiao Shizhao ever fell into her hands, she’d slap him twice and kick him three times. I 1.7kReads—Score196Shelves

    Reader note

    They loathe each other; the Crown Princess only wants to stab the Crown Prince, and the two become adversaries.

24. 24 新 Newlywed Fever 新婚高热 Nong Ying侬影Modern Romance496k WordsCompleted [Marriage Before Love] [Marriage Between Powerful Families] [Pursuing His Wife] [Mutual Redemption] (Cold Heir × Beautiful, Unhinged Heiress) [A romance writer with no tricks or gimmicks. Please do not dissect, imitate, or plagiarize this work. Respect original content. Infringement will be pursued!] - “In our second year together, I already wanted a divorce.” 1. A drunken mishap. Chang Yue woke up in the same bed as a man. They had done everything they shouldn't have. The eldest young master of 17.3kReads8.7Score1.5kShelves

    Reader note

    I recommend this book. It's a marriage of convenience that blossoms into love. In the beginning, the male and female leads sleep in separate rooms and don't interfere with each other. Later, the male lead pursues the female lead. The female lead was kidnapped as a child and has a traumatic past, experiencing occasional illnesses and fragmented, unclear memories.

25. 25 京 A Joyful Beijing Wedding: Why Is Young Master He Being So Stubborn Today? 京婚有禧，贺少今天不嘴硬 Luo Li Xixi落离夕夕Modern Romance549k WordsCompleted [The score is low because there aren't many ratings yet. It will go up.] [Both leads are inexperienced + Fast-paced opening + Marriage before love] [Well-behaved, level-headed adopted daughter VS cunning, aloof young master] When news of the Song and He families’ arranged marriage spread across the capital, the Songs’ adopted daughter, Song Zhining, had just stepped off a plane. She had spent eight years studying medicine abroad. The quietest presence in the Song family, she had not been told ab 7.5kReads8.8Score817Shelves

    Reader note

    It's visually appealing, exciting, and fast-paced, especially the wedding scene, which is absolutely stunning.

26. 26 联 My Arranged Marriage Wife Is So Sweet, the Capital's Big Shot Can't Hold Back 联姻老婆好甜，京圈大佬节制不住 Xiong Chuang熊创Modern Romance288k WordsCompleted Marriage first, love later / A sweet, slow-burn romance / Older man / Both are each other’s one and only A cool, distant beauty x a steady, calculating, fatherly type At twenty-two, Jian Xi accidentally discovered that she was the biological daughter of a wealthy business tycoon. She gained a pair of rich parents, and a husband through an arranged marriage. Her husband was Zhou Boting, the current head of the Zhou family. Rumor had it that he was disciplined and reserved, and at twenty-six had n 19.7kReads6.7Score1.5kShelves

    Reader note

    The story involves an arranged marriage that blossoms into love. Initially, the male and female leads ignore each other, but they gradually fall in love.

27. 27 替 The Contract Wife, The Ice-Cold CEO Falls Hard 替嫁契约妻，高冷禁欲总裁沦陷 Loves Bauhinia Flowers爱紫荆花Modern Romance410k WordsCompleted Forced by her adoptive parents, Xia Yutong takes the place of her arrogant, overbearing stepsister and marries Lu Yunfei, a notorious playboy caught up in one scandal after another. But the wedding takes a shocking turn. The man who comes to escort her home is not the playboy Lu Yunfei, but Lu Yanci, the feared devil of the business world. He runs the vast Lu business empire, wields enormous power, and is ruthless in his methods. He is aloof, chaste, and indifferent to women. On their wedding ni 13kReads6.8Score909Shelves

    Reader note

    The story is about an arranged marriage where the female lead is forced into marriage. After the marriage, the aloof and stoic CEO ignores her, but she eventually falls for him and goes through a tumultuous process of trying to win him back.

28. 28 契 My Contract Wife Only Wants the Divorce Money, but Mr. Shen Is Panicking 契约妻只想拿钱离婚，沈总他慌了 Little Da W小达布溜Modern Romance329k WordsCompleted There aren’t many ratings, so the score is low! Please rate it, thank you, thank you! [Domineering CEO + Contract Marriage + Transmigrate into a Book + No System + Lighthearted Daily Life + Sweet Romance + 1v1 + HE] - Wen Banxia, a young doctor in the ER, transmigrates into a book. The good news: she wakes up in the body of Jiang Banxia, a beautiful, wealthy wife. The bad news: Jiang Banxia is a hopeless romantic trapped in a contract marriage. They share the same given name but have different 925Reads6.7Score113Shelves

    Reader note

    The story is about marriage first, then love. After realizing his feelings, the male lead uses all his cunning on the female lead, just so they can be intimate and sleep together!

29. 29 掰 Turning My Fake-Marriage Husband Straight 掰直形婚老公 Yan Jingzhen盐景珍Modern Romance310k WordsCompleted A law-focused, trope-subverting story A sweet, scatterbrained divorce lawyer versus a shrewd, restrained business tycoon Both leads are each other’s first and only; no idealized first love, no ex-boyfriends Marriage first, love later / grounded realism / simmering tension / falling in love with clear eyes No age gap; they’re the same age Wang Mengting: a name that clearly doesn’t belong to the heroine of a romance novel. A walking machine for snarky commentary. Twenty-eight by East Asian reckoni 774Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Sleeping in separate rooms [sending a heart emoji] Mr. Zhou: Be careful not to get caught. I don't want a noisy woman like you in my room. Later: We're husband and wife!! Should we sleep in separate rooms? My parents will worry.

30. 30 婚 After Marriage, President Lu Fell for Me 婚后，陆总他沦陷了 Candy Without Vinegar糖果不加醋Modern Romance537k WordsCompleted [Marriage Before Love × First Love × Heiress × Domineering CEO] Lu Hanzhou is known throughout the business world as a cold-faced king of hell. He’s never short of female companions, yet no one has ever gotten close to his heart. Then a woman who bears a striking resemblance to Su Xiaoqing, now living abroad, appears and stirs up a subtle ripple in his life. Summoned back to China by her family, Su Wanqing returns to his world with her sharp tongue and keen mind. She’s the daughter of a family f 652Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    [Arranged Marriage, Love at First Sight × A Cinnabar Mole × A Heiress × A Domineering CEO] Lu Hanzhou, a cold-faced tycoon in the business world, is never short of female companions, yet no one can ever truly touch his heart. Until a woman who bears a striking resemblance to Su Xiaoqing, who lives abroad, appears, stirring subtle ripples in his heart. Su Xiaoqing, the heiress of the Su family, has been urgently summoned back to the country by relatives and friends, bringing with her sharp tongue and shrewdness as she re-enters his world. She is the daughter of a family friend with whom he has been at odds since childhood, and also his inescapable betrothal. Under the will of their families, this pair of sworn enemies, who argue every time they meet, are forced into marriage. On their wedding night, Lu Hanzhou sneers, "Don't even think about interfering in my affairs." Su Xiaoqing retorts, "Who cares about picking up someone else's trash?" However, in the clashes of their daily interactions, and in the open and covert battles of the business world, Lu Hanzhou gradually discovers—those years of lingering among women were merely a search for that radiant figure from his memories. When the controversy surrounding the stand-in subsided, he realized with a start that the unforgettable mark in his heart had always belonged to his childhood sweetheart, who had always been his adversary. "I've been searching for your shadow for so many years," he said, pinning her against the wall, his voice hoarse, "but it turns out the real you has always been waiting for me to turn back."

31. 31 冷 After Five Years of Cold War, Why Are You Losing Control Now That I Want a Divorce? 冷战五年，我提离婚你失控什么 Lunar Scrap Collector月球拾荒Modern Romance350k WordsOngoing [Marriage first, love later; regretful pursuit; bittersweet romance; the powerful one learns to bow his head; mutual healing; one-on-one; both are each other’s first and only; happy ending] [Cool-headed, headstrong painter × aloof, elegant CEO] Five years ago. Sui Nuan was a celebrated prodigy at Jiangcheng University: cool, beautiful, and hard to pursue. Just before graduation, she suddenly announced she was dropping out to marry Jiangcheng’s most powerful heir, Jiang Yanci, the eldest son who 2kReads—Score105Shelves

    Reader note

    Absolutely! Marriage of convenience that blossomed into love! Initial cold war! Later, a dramatic chase to win back the wife!

32. 32 娇 His Sweet Wife Is Angry, and Icy CEO Lu Chases Her Day After Day 娇娇老婆生气了，冰山陆总日日追 Maple Fire Begonia枫火棠Modern Romance244k WordsCompleted [Winning Her Back After Marriage + Jealous Husband + Sweet Romance + Devoted to Each Other] A year into their marriage, Meng Yunque overhears Lu Yanze calling her nothing but a housekeeper who clings to him and annoys him. Then she discovers the divorce papers he's already prepared in his study. At last, she comes to her senses and stops trying to melt his heart. A melon plucked before it ripens isn't sweet. She gives up the crush she's had for years and decides to live her own life, handing him 631Reads5.7Score104Shelves

    Reader note

    After a year of a marriage of convenience, she was seen as an "annoying nanny" by him. Divorce papers were hidden in his study, and they lived in separate rooms—a purely roommate-like marriage. Until she handed him the divorce papers, her aloof husband suddenly unleashed his jealous nature—he started watching her 24/7, even getting insanely jealous over "meeting her mother"! From disdain to relentless pursuit, this extreme contrast is captivating!

33. 33 冷 After Three Years of Cold War, She Asked for a Divorce, but His Eyes Turned Red 冷战三年，她提离婚他却红了眼 Barefaced素颜Modern Romance2.0M WordsCompleted [Hong Kong elite vs. fallen socialite] [Marriage first, love later + a long road to winning her back] [One-on-one romance] They’d been married for three years. He’d never cared about her, she’d had a crush on him for years, and he had someone else in his heart. Then she finally saw the light! After Li Qian watched Gu Tingchen abandon her for his first love for who knew how many times, she suddenly understood something. If someone doesn’t love you, it won’t matter how careful you are or how despe 4.5kReads8.5Score972Shelves
34. 34 说 We Agreed to Divorce in Six Months: President Lu, Why Are You Crying? 说好半年后离婚：陆总你怎么哭了 Deer Sing as the Mist Rises雾起鹿鸣Modern Romance638k WordsCompleted [Marriage first, love later + he falls first + clear-headed heroine + both leads have only ever been with each other] Bright and clear-headed × proud and secretly passionate The young Master Lu is proud, stubborn, and against marriage. He swore he would never spend his life orbiting a woman or become a henpecked husband. But his mother forced him to marry Xia Chuxin, shattering his dream of staying single. On the very first day of their marriage registration, Young Master Lu laid down the rules: 3.9kReads8.8Score345Shelves
35. 35 说 We Agreed It Was Only a Contract Marriage, So Why Does He Kiss Me Like Crazy in Private? 说好只是契约婚姻，私下他狂亲 Round and Round圆圆图图Modern Romance382k WordsCompleted [Both leads are each other’s only one + sweet romance + secret crush comes true from the heroine’s perspective + marriage first, love later from the hero’s perspective] Shen Zhiyi was once the pampered daughter of a scholarly family, skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. But she lost both parents in a fire ten years ago. Ye Jinghuai was the sole heir to a top-tier wealthy family, a pampered young master who loved freedom and did whatever he pleased. They seemed to have nothing to d 2.8kReads8.3Score267Shelves
36. 36 地 A Marriage That Lasts Forever 地久婚长 Chen Ruozhou陈若舟Modern Romance378k WordsCompleted Marriage first, love later / slow-burn, sweet romance Fu Qingshao's only condition for agreeing to an arranged marriage is that he wants no emotional entanglements with his future wife. In short, he hopes she won't love him, and that they can treat each other with mutual respect. Meng Yu, the youngest daughter of the Meng family, fits his ideal perfectly. She has just broken up with her ex-boyfriend, and there's still a tear stain at the corner of her eye when she's forced to go on a blind date. 147.8kReads9.3Score18.2kShelves

    Reader note

    The ruler is out of control! Super good! Still ongoing, so stay tuned! The male lead wants to find someone who doesn't love him, but he secretly falls in love with her first [shy]. Super good, super good!

37. 37 嫁 Marrying Mr. Yu 嫁给喻先生 Da Er Lin达尔林Modern Romance376k WordsCompleted [The print edition of the same name is now available / The short drama of the same name is now streaming] [Cheerful artist vs. aloof, calculating professor] [Age gap + marriage before love + sweet romance + long-planned courtship + slow-burn love] Shi Sheng and Yu Wenzhou met on a blind date. But even on their wedding day, she still couldn't figure out what Yu Wenzhou saw in her. Since they didn't have much of a romantic foundation, Shi Sheng thought it would be good enough if they could at leas 33.7kReads9.4Score3.4kShelves

    Reader note

    It wasn't a case of love blossoming over time, but rather a long-planned scheme. A delicate, naive beauty and an older man (just kidding!), Age gap, the male lead is a bit cunning, but very detailed. I really enjoy this kind of story; it's quite realistic. There's also a side couple, Song Xiuyuan and Shi Rao, which I really love. Honestly, this book is right up my alley; I guarantee it'll be a great read! [Laughs][laughs]

38. 38 月 Moonlight over Xizhou 月满西洲 Xun Ran浔然Modern Romance209k WordsCompleted [Two Ice-Cold Hearts + Marriage Before Love + Both Each Other’s First] Prestigious University English Teacher vs. Corporate CEO Lin Yueshu came from a family of scholars. With her gentle, refined beauty and exceptional talent, she was the dream girl of every wealthy family. The only thing people criticized was her perpetually icy, unsmiling face. Lu Xingzhou was born a natural winner. He took over the family business at a young age and was the ideal husband for countless socialites, yet he was a 777Reads7.4Score107Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is a university professor, and the male lead is a CEO. They are married through an arranged marriage, essentially already married from the start. In reality, the male lead had been planning this for a long time. Although they didn't sleep in separate rooms, both were initially oblivious and cold-hearted, leading to a distant relationship. Later, spurred on by his brother, the male lead took the initiative. The female lead suffers from mild depression due to her family background, resulting in a twisted and eccentric personality. The male lead is also rather clumsy, leading to various complicated situations in the early stages. There are some slightly angsty moments, but none of the typical melodramatic tropes. Later, with the help of his mother, the male lead successfully wins back his wife and begins a long and loving journey. The female lead also opens up and overcomes her inner conflicts with his companionship and help. For the cold and twisted female lead, the male lead is her salvation. In the end, the female lead also learns that the male lead had a past crush on her.

39. 39 闪 After Our Flash Marriage, the Dominant CEO Fu Begged to Go Public 闪婚后，霸道傅总求公开 Chestnut Zai Zai板栗仔仔Modern Romance509k WordsCompleted [Both Leads Are Chaste + Impulsive Marriage + Marriage First, Love Later + Love Grows Over Time + The Powerful One Bows His Head + A Gentle, Slow-Building Sweet Romance Where the Hero Falls First] Devoted, self-aware CEO × Ambitious orphan journalist -To avoid the blind date arranged by his grandmother, Fu Sichen asked Zhou Qingyan, whom he had once helped by chance, to pretend to be his girlfriend. To his surprise… they were the same person? -Suddenly, Zhou Qingyan got a phone call. In the calm 481Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The male and female leads get married at the beginning but don't share a room. Later, the male lead falls in love with the female lead and gradually finds a way to move in with her. Although the female lead is shy, she also likes the male lead very much.

40. 40 折 Broken Wings: Forced Love 折翅：强制爱 Sen Yu Xi森屿昔Modern Romance337k WordsCompleted [The rating has just been posted and will gradually rise. The heroine is kind and gentle, so proceed with caution if that’s not your thing.] Two people who had never crossed paths were pushed into marriage by their elders. And both of them had someone else in their hearts… They agreed to a one-year contract marriage, after which they would divorce amicably. But when the time to divorce finally came, he regretted it! 1.2kReads6.9Score102Shelves

    Reader note

    This book fits the bill perfectly... The male protagonist goes completely insane later on...

41. 41 嫁 I Married Into a Powerful Family, and He Spoils Me Rotten! 嫁给豪门大少，我被他宠上天！ Seven-Colored Little Kitty七色小喵Modern Romance583k WordsCompleted The eldest young master of the He family is known for his domineering and ruthless nature. He Yichuan is overbearing and cold-hearted, seemingly incapable of being interested in anyone. Like a Buddhist monk, he stayed abstinent for six months after getting married. He married her only because his elders told him to. Su Xi thought so too: sooner or later, they would end up divorced. But after an unexpected mishap brought them together for one passionate night, He Yichuan began to change. He b 3.4kReads9.0Score181Shelves

    Reader note

    A marriage of convenience that blossoms into love. In their previous life, the male and female leads ignored each other, but in this life, they are deeply in love and sweet together. It's a captivating story that never gets old!

42. 42 纯 It Was a Complete Accident: I Got a Marriage License with My Boss 纯属意外，我跟老板领证了 Cen Xuxu岑栩栩Modern Romance361k WordsCompleted (This rating was only posted after the novel was completed, so it's a little low. Feel free to give it a try.) [Married First, Love Later + Two Secret Identities + The Ice-Cold CEO's Face-Slapping Moment of Falling Hard] [Both Pure + Sweet Romance + Secret Identities Exposed in a Chaotic Showdown. You won't regret investing!] Forced into marriage by her mother's life-or-death ultimatum, Yan Zhen simply found an “actor” and went to register their marriage. No feelings, no genuine affection. They 3.1kReads6.9Score321Shelves

    Reader note

    They married first, then fell in love and slept in separate rooms. Later, the aloof and domineering CEO turned into a clingy person.

43. 43 恶 The Villainess Turns Over a New Leaf, and Her Mad Husband Dotes on Her 恶女洗白，疯批夫君宠上天 Fang Yue Lan Xing方月揽星Ancient Romance504k WordsCompleted [Just rated! Marriage first, love later + raising a powerful minister + the male lead fights tooth and nail for their married status] Chu Ning accidentally transmigrates to a remote, impoverished mountain village. The original owner was also named Chu Ning, and was a notorious shrew in the area. She'd been stealing chickens and dogs, cheating and cutting corners since childhood, and swore like a sailor every day. Now she was twenty, and not a single person from the surrounding villages dared co 623Reads6.9Score100Shelves

    Reader note

    In the early stages, it wasn't just that they slept in separate rooms... The female lead was practically sitting on the sidelines!

44. 44 宋 President Song, Your Wife Wants a Divorce Again and Again 宋总，太太又又又要离婚了 Watermelon Rock西瓜岩Modern Romance269k WordsCompleted The rating was just posted, so it'll go up~ [Gloomy, aloof CEO VS spoiled, beautiful heiress] [Marriage first, love later + powerful-family alliance + falling in love over time] … Shangguan Zhi and Song Yan had never gotten along since childhood. Their families went and arranged a marriage between them anyway. … Two months after the wedding, Shangguan Zhi decided Song Yan wasn't so bad after all. His only flaw was that he had no romantic sense. One: One day, Shangguan Zhi went to find Song Y 451Reads6.8Score111Shelves

    Reader note

    Marriage of convenience followed by love: initially disliking or even hating the other person, but feelings develop over time.

45. 45 联 Our Marriage Alliance Expired, and After the Divorce, the Abstinent Tycoon Kissed Me to Tears 联姻到期离婚，被禁欲大佬亲哭了 Xiong Chuang熊创Modern Romance326k WordsCompleted Marriage first, love later / Slow-burn sweet romance / Older man / Secret marriage Clearheaded, delicate beauty x Abstinent, scheming powerhouse from Beijing’s elite The Fu and Wen families arrange a marriage, and Wen Zhi, newly acknowledged by the Wen family, marries Fu Yanxiu. He’s the current head of one of Beijing’s top families, tall and long-legged, with a stunning face. Unfortunately, he’s disciplined and proper, and keeps women at a distance. Before they register their marriage, he hands 13.9kReads6.9Score871Shelves

    Reader note

    Marriage of convenience, love blossoms from initial indifference to gradual attraction and infatuation.

46. 46 联 It's Just a Marriage Alliance, President Xiao, Are You Serious? 联姻而已，肖总你玩真的？ Lan Lu兰鹭Modern Romance276k WordsOngoing [Two strong leads + mutual flirting + marriage before love + bickering couple + sweet romance] To avoid an arranged marriage, Meng Qingyin let loose abroad, constantly changing boyfriends. Who could have guessed her family would “go bankrupt,” trick her into returning home, and promptly marry her off to her nemesis, Xiao Beiqi? On their first night together, he pins her against the door, holds up photos of her romantic history, and sneers, “You sure get around, don't you?” Meng Qingyin fires bac 507Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a classic case of marriage before love blossoms, with the husband sleeping in separate rooms and beds, and now he's kicking himself.

47. 47 裴 The Love Rival Mr. Pei Investigated Obsessively Turned Out to Be Her 裴总疯狂调查的情敌，竟是她 Jinxian Sheng锦弦声Modern Romance736k WordsCompleted [Scheming, flirtatious beauty x restrained, self-controlled “substitute” big shot] [Bittersweet romance + mutual pining fulfilled + fake-substitute trope + revenge + groveling for his wife] The day rumors about Pei Zhiyan and his half-sister Shen Qingqing hit the trending charts, Shen Li finally understood: This marriage had always been nothing but a “substitute” game. So she made a burner account and posed as a male homewrecker to provoke Pei Zhiyan: If he only saw her as his “sister-in-law,” t 142Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I'm absolutely loving this book lately! It's a marriage of convenience that blossoms into love. The female lead is a stunning beauty with a seductive charm, and the male lead secretly loves her but mistakenly believes she's in love with his brother. Because his brother dies unexpectedly before his wedding, the male lead marries the female lead in his brother's place, but he often avoids her. To provoke him, the female lead creates a fake account and pretends to have another man. The male lead is gradually provoked, and later even fakes amnesia to become a doting, affectionate puppy-like man in order to win her back. [Admiration][Admiration][Admiration]

48. 48 联 An Arranged Marriage Is Fine, but My Career Comes First 联姻无妨，事业为王 He Wu贺珸Modern Romance349k WordsCompleted [Business Marriage + Married First, Love Later + Equally Matched + One-Sided Love + 1v1, Both Pure] A calm, sharp-minded career woman CEO vs. a scheming, devoted tycoon with a surprising side After an upheaval, Xu Yiyao is transferred back to a headquarters beset by internal and external troubles. The deal they had already agreed on now comes with an extra condition? “I want you to marry me.” “Fine. I accept.” Xu Yiyao can’t marry whoever she wants. Her marriage has to benefit her family, so an 772Reads—Score101Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a great book! It's a business marriage, and both protagonists are strong! It's definitely for female lead lovers!

49. 49 我 I Became My Ex's Mother-in-Law 我给前任当丈母娘 August Witch八月女巫Modern Romance1.4M WordsCompleted The short drama based on this novel, Uncle, I Only Want to Take Advantage of You, is now streaming. Starring Yu Long and Yang Mie Mie. [Older Man Romance] [Sweet Everyday Romance] [Powerful CEO] [Lighthearted and Funny] [No Angst, No Saintly Heroine] [No Affair] [No Stand-In] I showed up dressed to the nines at my ex-boyfriend's engagement party. He thought I'd come to ruin the event, but I smiled kindly and said, "We're family from now on, so there's no need to be so formal. Just call me Auntie 13.6kReads9.0Score1.3kShelves

    Reader note

    This is the most lighthearted and enjoyable novel I've read recently. There aren't any angsty or heart-wrenching moments; it's all sweetness. The author excels at writing everyday interactions, and the little details are just the right amount of sweet. The writing style is also very much to my liking—fluent and natural. I want to read it again after finishing it.

50. 50 暗 Secretly in Love for Years! He Sets Her Up to Sign a Marriage Contract 暗恋多年！他设局让她签下婚约 Moonlight Fills the Empty Mountains月漫空山Modern Romance184k WordsOngoing Two powerful families / older man / secret love / both leads are pure / romantic push and pull Bright, cheerful heiress × seemingly aloof but actually reserved and flirtatious heir fighting for control of his family - Tang Zhiyao never imagined that simply agreeing to go to a bar to unwind with her best friend would lead her, by a twist of fate, to mistake the Fu family’s second young master for a male model and run her hands over him. Rumor has it that this second young master of the Fu family 7Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The dialogue in the book is written very naturally, without piling up fancy words. The characters speak in a way that is consistent with their identities, making it easy to stay immersed in the story and suitable for reading in short bursts of free time.

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