Powerful Family, Married First and Falling in Love Later 高干，先婚后爱

1. 1 余 The Heat That Lingers 余温炙热 Shi Chang适常Modern Romance215k WordsCompleted [The husband’s pursuit of his wife after losing her; one-on-one romance; both are devoted only to each other] A year into their marriage, Jiang Yunshu discovered she was pregnant. Fu Chengze’s reaction made her feel as though he had not the slightest joy or anticipation about the baby’s arrival. Until one day, during a video call he’d forgotten to hang up, she heard Fu Chengze’s voice, tender beyond words: “Don’t cry, baby. Daddy’s here to hold you.” “Chuchu is the cutest child in the whole worl 19.4kReads8.9Score1.4kShelves

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   A year after their marriage, Jiang Yunshu discovered she was pregnant. Fu Chengze's reaction made her feel that he showed no joy or anticipation for the child's arrival. Until one day, during a video call she'd forgotten to hang up, Fu Chengze's incredibly gentle voice came through: "Baby, don't cry, Daddy will hold you." "Chuchu is the cutest child in the world, as beautiful as Mommy." "Daddy wants to kiss Mommy too, but Mommy won't allow it." "Baby, when do you think Mommy will forgive Daddy?" "..." That night, they rekindled their romance, expressing their longing for each other in the most intimate way. Liquid fell on her face, and Jiang Yunshu opened her eyes to find it wasn't sweat, but tears. Looking into his eyes, she asked incredulously, "You... You cried?" Fu Chengze buried his face in her neck, his voice choked and hoarse, "Yunshu, I missed you so much." Later, Jiang Yunshu learned that his visit to Yunjiang that year wasn't accidental. Fu Chengze had loved her for many, many years.

2. 2 港 Old-Time Rain Between Hong Kong and Beijing 港京旧时雨 Shi Zha Ya贳栅啞Modern Romance669k WordsCompleted Mutual secret crush × age gap × protective, fatherly type × long-planned pursuit Warm, sly diplomat vs. cool, dazzling legal beauty Love makes the one with the upper hand bow their head: evenly matched *Everyone in Hong Kong City knows that Wen Yang, the heiress of the Wen family, is spoiled and hot-tempered. She has a stunning face that’s impossible to look away from, sometimes cool and distant, sometimes bright and dazzling. *The craziest things Wen Yang has ever done were flying off to study 12.2kReads8.9Score1.3kShelves

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   First book: A refined and dignified diplomat from Beijing's elite circles versus a dazzling legal beauty from Hong Kong. A marriage of convenience with a seven-year age gap, a mutual and passionate love story, guiding lovers, and mutual redemption between the two protagonists—both are strong. Second book: A business tycoon versus a beautiful woman from a family of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, a sweet and heartwarming story of marriage before love blossoms.

3. 3 缠 A Little Crybaby, Caught in a Kiss 缠吻小哭包 Shi Zha Ya贳栅啞Modern Romance346k WordsCompleted (It's the same story as Thirty-Three Years in Spring and Tangled Kisses for the Little Crybaby.) [Eight-year age gap] [Married first, fall in love later × Secret crush becomes mutual] [Daddy-type husband vs. affectionate little crybaby] [Soft, delicate beauty in a cheongsam vs. aloof, refined young master with a scheming side] * The only son of the wealthy Shen family, Shen Yanzhi defied his family's objections and joined the military, where he served for fifteen years. In the late spring of hi 3.8kReads8.9Score466Shelves
4. 4 青 Green Hills Like Jade 青山似玉 Agate Squire玛瑙员外Modern Romance386k WordsCompleted (The print edition is now available) [Love after marriage, age gap, slow-burn everyday sweetness] *A gentle beauty from a family of scholars × a refined, fatherly man *A comic artist with a billion in assets × an influential Beijing aristocrat and chamber of commerce chairman Chu Shuang knew from childhood that she was promised to the Sheng family of the imperial capital, but she had never met her fiancé. Later, by a twist of fate, she moved into the Sheng residence and met her friend’s older br 136.6kReads9.5Score15.8kShelves

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   "He is as steadfast as a green mountain, she is as fragile as white jade." A marriage of convenience that blossoms into love, a mutual redemption story, a perfect collision of moonlight and snow! #SweetRomance #MarriageOfConvenience #AgeDifferenceNovel #MustReadWhenYou'reOutOfBooks

5. 5 红 Within and Beyond the Red Walls, Spring Breeze Enters the Game 红墙内外，春风入局 Momo's Little Words墨墨小语Modern Romance521k WordsCompleted [Older, Powerful Man] [Age Gap] [Junior Clerk] [Career Growth] [Guiding Lover] [Sweet Romance] One chance encounter, one moment of curiosity, and one... At some point, everything began to change. 56.2kReads8.5Score4.1kShelves

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   Even if it means staying up all night, I'll still watch it! [Cool] A cold and aloof secretary within the system versus a seemingly unambitious but actually highly intelligent female clerk—a top-level game of strategy unfolds step by step!

6. 6 又 So Sweet, So Alluring! The Tipsy Young Master Held Her Close and Coaxed Her All Night 又乖又欲！太子爷醉酒夜抱她轻哄 Tan Qingzhu檀青竹Modern Romance512k WordsCompleted [Print edition available] The deeply devoted, dangerously unhinged scion of a powerful family × the cool, fallen heiress [Originally titled "A Night of Desire in the Capital"] A pure-hearted socialite from Beijing's elite circle + a rekindled romance + an ex who will do anything to win her back + an older lover who takes the lead + falling for him all over again Jiang Wanzhi comes from a prestigious family and is known throughout the capital as a pure, well-behaved young woman. Few people know 126.8kReads9.4Score175.7kShelves

   Reader note

   🎉① Shen Yanzhi is the only son of the Shen family, with a powerful family background, outstanding personal abilities, and handsome appearance. Upon returning to the country, he directly entered a certain ministry, becoming a rising star in Beijing's elite circles. Wen Xi was a canary kept by the Shen family to consolidate their power. In the future, the Shen family could give her to whomever they wanted. She remained chaste and faithful, but the man at the top of the pyramid broke into her life. He acted serious with her during the day, but was anything but serious with her at night. Until one day, a man declared that he wanted to take her away, and she no longer wanted to be a canary; she wanted to fly far away. Shen Yanzhi finally couldn't sit still any longer, "Wen Xi, you win." "This high branch is yours to climb."

7. 7 婚 A Marriage Contract as Bait 婚书为饵 Mantou Is Great馒头很好Modern Romance453k WordsCompleted [Gentle yet strong classical beauty × paternalistic, old-school political heavyweight] [Long-planned courtship + growing together + healing + 18-year age gap + both physically and emotionally devoted] ★ He gives her his undivided affection and protects her so she can live without a care in the world A political marriage and a written agreement bound two people who otherwise would have had nothing to do with each other. The An family had a daughter, twenty-three years old, yet he chose her, who w 23.7kReads9.2Score2.5kShelves
8. 8 绻 A Pale-Hued Morning 绻色清晨 Mingquan明圈Modern Romance200k WordsCompleted Currently being adapted for publication; a short drama of the same name has already been released A refined, self-controlled Beijing power player x a gentle, sweet-natured translator A touch of redemption + age gap + devoted, principled male lead + powerful Beijing family Xu Zhiyi first meets Li Tingfeng on New Year's Eve. She tentatively borrows the man's lighter, kindling the New Year fireworks that are hers alone in that lonely night. “Happy New Year, sir.” She meets Li Tingfeng again ami 9.8kReads9.2Score1.1kShelves
9. 9 情 Love in a Small Town 情定小城 Xi Ziyi席紫一Modern Romance279k WordsCompleted Forced love + love at first sight + doting devotion + both leads are chaste + happy ending + obsessive From the moment Meng Yuchuan laid eyes on Shu Miao, he never intended to let her go. If she agreed to be with him, they would love each other wholeheartedly, inseparable as glue. If she refused, he would keep her by his side for the rest of her life, by any means necessary. He could accept everything about her, except her leaving him. 33.5kReads8.9Score4.3kShelves

   Reader note

   The male lead is a county magistrate, and the female lead is a junior staff member at the broadcasting station. The male lead falls in love with the female lead at first sight and always tries to find ways to get her transferred to his station so he can see her. After his confession is rejected, he takes a more extreme approach and even uses the female lead's job to blackmail her.

10. 10 确 A Love That’s Real 确有情 The Sixteenth Night既望Modern Romance421k WordsCompleted [Part Two Has Been Updated] Yang Huiqing spent many years abroad. The first thing she did after returning home was insist on marrying Ji Qinglin. Just how little did the two of them know each other? They didn't meet until the day of their wedding photoshoot, and neither of them even had the other's contact information. She had assumed that in this marriage of convenience, forged for the benefit of their families, they would at most treat each other with polite respect. But who could have guessed 11.6kReads9.5Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    The children of high-ranking officials, arranged marriages within wealthy families—the first story you'll want to read is about a straight-laced CEO and a wealthy heiress, a marriage of convenience that blossoms into love. The second story is about a soldier and a young heiress, childhood sweethearts—a completed, bonus story.

11. 11 娇 Spring Blossoms at the Touch of Her Beauty 娇色惹春山 Wind and Moon in This Place此间有风月Modern Romance466k WordsCompleted Synopsis [Commanding leader × gentle teacher] Senior official and darling wife, eight-year age gap, devoted to each other. Once the male lead realizes he’s in love, he fiercely pursues her and protects her at every turn. In a sentence: A calculating senior official carries off a sweet, soft little bunny, only to be thoroughly outmaneuvered by her. Campus belle Jing Ni has a boyfriend everyone envies, Zhou Li. He’s not only a star at their university, but also the son of a bureau chief and a 15.6kReads8.5Score1.8kShelves

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    Same author, 1. Zhou Ji'an's book, a record of the story with Teacher Jing Ni, the old house caught fire. 2. Bank President He Junyan and Goddess Shu Yi, sweet and sour taste.

12. 12 高 The Powerful He Family CEO Spoils His Stunning Young Wife 高门贺行长强宠绝色小娇妻 Wind and Moon in This Place此间有风月Modern Romance308k WordsCompleted [Pretend gentleman President He & genuine seductress dance student] He falls for her after spoiling her + class divide + powerful family [kept woman + winning her back + both leads have no past relationships] Proud as an eagle at first, humble as a dog later [In a word: He’s at the top of the pyramid, so climb onto his shoulders and take in the view beside him] Rumor had it that Mr. He, the untouchable man who never got involved with women, was keeping a delicate little songbird. He Junyan doted 8.1kReads9.1Score778Shelves
13. 13 太 His Wife Wants a Divorce, and President Xie Begs for Her Love 太太要离婚，谢总卑微求爱 Qiqi Cub柒柒崽Modern Romance328k WordsCompleted [Just launched, so the rating is low for now, but it’ll go up] [Divorce from the Start]+ [Relentless Pursuit of His Wife]+ [Fake White Moonlight]+ [Rekindled Romance]+ [Running Away While Pregnant] During their three years of marriage, Lin Qiao always thought Xie Zhinan was just like that. Calm and rational, with the same cool, unruffled demeanor about everything. But after seeing what he was like when he truly loved someone, Lin Qiao realized he simply hadn’t met anyone who could stir his emoti 2.9kReads6.6Score117Shelves
14. 14 穿 Reborn as the Cannon-Fodder Wife, I Stole the Show in the Military Compound 穿成炮灰原配后，我惊艳军区大院 Moon Rising over the Blue Sea苍海升月Modern Romance1.2M WordsCompleted Also known as: Before I Lost My Virtue, I Rewrote the Life of the Cannon-Fodder First Wife [Period setting + military marriage + face-slapping + no golden finger + sweet romance + devoted couple] Xia Qingning unexpectedly transmigrates into a period romance novel written by a classmate who envies her. She becomes the original wife, who shares her name and is framed into losing her virtue, then jumps into a lake and dies tragically. The moment she opens her eyes, she’s at the scene of her violati 52.8kReads9.2Score5.4kShelves

    Reader note

    Originally, the female lead's fiancé was the male lead's older brother, but the older brother looked down on her [smile] (he's the male lead's boyfriend) and felt that her family background wouldn't be of any help to him. So, he plotted to make it seem like the female lead was sleeping with the male lead. It was a marriage of convenience that blossomed into love. The male lead was a military officer.

15. 15 大 The Big Shot Spoils Me Too Much, and the Sweetness Is Off the Charts 大佬太宠，甜度超标了 Xi Ziyi席紫一Modern Romance350k WordsCompleted Insider romance + mutual firsts + age gap + exclusive devotion + love at first sight A scheming, devoted man in power VS a laid-back, sweet junior employee Ji Shengyu fell in love with Bei Ling at first sight. When they meet again, his feelings run even deeper. He is trapped by the shackles of rules, interests, and calculated compromises. She is the only softness in his otherwise formidable heart. 26.3kReads8.8Score2.7kShelves

    Reader note

    👩‍❤‍👨A domineering, old-fashioned cadre vs. A beautiful illustrator👩‍❤‍👨A domineering, deeply affectionate government official vs. A delicate, easygoing office worker

16. 16 京 Addicted to a Beijing Marriage: The Abstinent Tycoon Treats Me Like His Treasure 京婚成瘾，禁欲系大佬宠我如宝 Qing Xiaoxiao青筱筱Modern Romance1.4M WordsCompleted [A striking, bookish heiress who never second-guesses herself and is a brilliant artist VS a refined, self-disciplined, by-the-book older official] [Marriage before love, nine-year age gap, an old flame rekindled, a powerful man obsessed with love, one-on-one and both devoted to each other] After being cheated on, Su Su agrees in a fit of anger to her family's arranged marriage and marries Zhou Pingjin, a dignified older official with an unmistakable government air. Zhou Pingjin is widely known 898Reads5.9Score251Shelves
17. 17 瑾 Jin Nian Smiles 瑾年笑笑 The Wheat in the Fields麦田里的麦子们Modern Romance528k WordsCompleted [Government workplace, age gap, scheming, devoted to each other, powerful man lowers his head for love] Male lead: Fu Jinnian, 35, powerful and influential, refined and noble. Female lead: Tian Xiaoxiao, 23, newly passed the civil service exam, and a great beauty. They are both civil servants, and she is a fresh new face in government service. The cool, refined male lead falls in love with her at first sight, then creates all kinds of chances for them to spend time together. His passionate “camp 2.4kReads8.3Score212Shelves
18. 18 溺 Doting on My Darling Captive 溺养娇脔 Everything Is About Romance风月都相关Modern Romance537k WordsCompleted [A proud young nobleman from a powerful family vs. a cool, refined beauty from Jiangnan] Updates ongoing for the side couple Tan Dingsong and Lin Yin’s bonus chapters: a by-the-book older man and a female celebrity, a hate-to-love story. [Stunning heroine, weak at first then strong + devoted hero who falls from grace and humbly begs for love] After meeting her, he learns how to love. His mature, passionate love heals her wounds and warms her whole life. Yu Wanwan, Nancheng’s “moonlight of the h 31.4kReads9.3Score3kShelves

    Reader note

    The first book is about Bank Manager He's initial doting on and eventual love for the dance goddess Shu Yi. He's a proud and stubborn man with a soft heart, waiting for Shu Bao to break his pride [smirk]. The second book is a classic tale of Xie Tingnan, a veteran military officer, pursuing his young wife Yu Wanwan. He knelt down every three steps for almost a year before winning her back, along with a pair of twins [laughing][laughing][laughing].

19. 19 暗 The Eleventh Spring of My Secret Love 暗恋他的第十一年春 Don't Call Me Beautiful别叫我美丽Modern Romance327k WordsCompleted 54.1kReads9.6Score8kShelves
20. 20 清 Qingfeng Villa 清风墅 Sunlit Bird扶光鸟Modern Romance284k WordsCompleted [Print edition now available] [Marriage first, love later + Age gap + Literary family + Slow-burn romance + Both leads are each other's first] *Theme: Children who are cherished don't have to say they're sorry.* As a child, Shu He was utterly broken by her coldhearted father. During an extreme snowstorm in Jingbei, she wandered alone by the roadside, clutching the doll that had grown up with her. The blizzard raged, and she eventually collapsed, frozen stiff. A Bentley pulled over. The young man 115.4kReads9.5Score14.9kShelves

    Reader note

    🍋 [Calm and collected bigwig in the system & beautiful female university teacher] [A sweet romance with an 11-year age gap and a humble leader] Xu Weizhao, unloved by her parents, had a simple life plan: live an inconspicuous life, buy a small house, and remain unmarried and childless for safety. This simple plan was completely disrupted overnight. Drugged… she lost her virginity, and he lost his heart. Two people with completely different family backgrounds and social statuses became entangled… …Fang Suli said, "Follow me, I'll protect you." Xu Weizhao thought it was just a passing fancy and was prepared to leave at any time, but then she heard him say, "Zhaozhao, don't leave me…"

21. 21 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

    These books absolutely have to be on the list, you'll regret not reading them—they're all sweet romance novels!

22. 22 和 I Married My Secret Crush First, Then Fell in Love 和暗恋对象先婚后爱了 A Jasmine-Scented Tea一个茉莉香片Modern Romance320k WordsCompleted A cold, abstinent, jealous CEO who’s a devoted husband x an adorable employee Marriage first, love later · secret crush becomes mutual · sweet pampering / one-on-one, first love for both, both pure At twenty-five, Jiang Mansheng married the high school heartthrob she had secretly loved. Back then, Lu Qichen came from a wealthy family and was exceptionally handsome, a favored child of heaven whom everyone envied. Jiang Mansheng, by contrast, was quiet and mild-mannered, just an ordinary girl fro 10.2kReads9.1Score1.3kShelves

    Reader note

    It's so good! You'll really regret not watching it! 🙈🙈🙈

23. 23 惊 What?! The Villainess's Husband Is Actually the Crown Prince of the Capital's Elite 惊！恶毒女配老公竟是京圈太子 Shu Zhi黍枝Modern Romance321k WordsCompleted [Print edition signed, awaiting release] Marriage first, love later / older, fatherly male lead / devoted couple, sweet romance Carefree, high-maintenance heroine × abstinent, scheming older man Jin Zhao transmigrates into a sweet romance novel as the vicious supporting heroine. Not only is she beautiful, with fair skin, but she's also secretly married to the heir of a powerful family in the capital. But she'd heard her bargain husband was abstinent, so she decides to cling to his coattails. “Ho 39.6kReads9.4Score4.5kShelves
24. 24 商 Mr. Shang, Take It Easy on Our Wedding Night! 商先生，新婚请节制！ Jie Jie芥婕Modern Romance509k WordsCompleted (Marriage first, love later + A gentle, slow-burn sweet romance) (Signed for publication) At twenty-seven, Wen Xi accidentally learns that she isn’t her parents’ biological daughter. Overnight, she has new parents, and even her fiancé changes. Her new fiancé, Shang Chen, is renowned in Beijing for being stern, cold, and taciturn. Everyone holds him in awe. People in their social circle all say that this newlywed couple, brought together halfway through life, probably won’t amount to much and won 66.4kReads9.1Score6.8kShelves

    Reader note

    A sudden change in her background forces Wenxi into a marriage with Shang Chen, a cold and aloof tycoon in the capital. She is incapable of loving or seeking love, while he is reserved and taciturn, inspiring awe. To outsiders, they seem like a marriage of convenience, a mere formality. But the warm embrace she receives when she's ill after marriage, and the way he puts his shoes on one knee at a snowy airport, dispel any doubts about their relationship. This sweet, slow-burning romance reveals the most touching tenderness of the silent tycoon; the marriage-of-convenience-to-love story is incredibly captivating. 🥦🍑

25. 25 白 Unfamiliar by Day 白日不熟 Yun Zijin妘子衿Modern Romance400k WordsCompleted [Marriage first, love later + Hong Kong tycoon family + sizzling chemistry + flirtatious desire + devoted couple] [Possessive, obsessive tycoon and powerful executive ✖️ alluring heiress and CEO] Song Qingyun, a daughter of one of Hong Kong City’s most prominent families, hides a wild, untamable nature beneath her good-girl disguise. Three months into their arranged marriage, she has completely forgotten her contract husband, name and all, and has instead picked up a hot guy at a bar overseas. O 45.1kReads9.4Score6.7kShelves

    Reader note

    1. This book is incredibly good! The male and female leads are both very charming. Don't be fooled by the male lead's seemingly unfazed demeanor and resilience in the beginning when the female lead flirts with him; he actually gets restless if he doesn't see his wife for a day later on. The female lead is like a little vixen—she's all love at night, and by the day she's completely estranged from the male lead, haha. 2. The story is set in Hong Kong. The male lead loves calling the female lead "baby," frequently confesses his love in Cantonese, and loves calling her "wife." His apparent love at first sight is actually the result of a long-term scheme. As a detective, even though he knows the female lead is unwilling to tell him certain things, he won't expose her. The male and female leads support each other and stand firmly by each other's side. 3. Besides the main characters, the supporting characters also have their own stories. Each character is unique and not one-dimensional. The plot is truly rich. If you like this kind of story, you definitely have to check it out!!!

26. 26 屈 Surrendering to Tenderness 屈于温柔 Ying Xi赢兮Modern Romance426k WordsCompleted [Cool and radiant genius violinist girl x gentle, distinguished rising star in the business world] [Devoted romance with no past relationships + long-planned courtship + doting boyfriend + two wealthy families + age gap] Everyone knew that the eldest young master of the Shen family was handsome and distinguished, and had become a rising star in the business world at a young age. Who could have imagined that someone so utterly level-headed would one day be troubled by love? Shen Minghuai had nev 16.1kReads9.0Score1.3kShelves

    Reader note

    I highly recommend this one! A cool and bright young lady meets a refined and aristocratic business tycoon! There's an age gap between the male and female leads, and the male lead is incredibly doting—the kind of gentle and indulgent father-like boyfriend!

27. 27 亲 Dear Mr. Lu, I Really Want to Be Madly in Love With You 亲爱的陆先生，我好想跟你热恋呀 Jing Feng Shiyi景风十一Modern Romance583k WordsCompleted Already signed for print publication [secret crush becomes mutual, from the heroine’s perspective + marriage first, love later, from the hero’s perspective] [Independent, resilient, A-list lawyer vs. devoted, possessive CEO] When Meng Tingyu was sixteen, she met a young man named Lu Suizhou. She would never forget that day. He came into her life carrying light, bringing hope to her as she was on the verge of drowning and rescuing her from the abyss. Years later, the sunny, handsome boy had grow 8kReads9.1Score808Shelves

    Reader note

    Unrequited love turns into love + arranged marriage turns into romance, lawyer vs. CEO, exquisite details, amazing content, so sweet!

28. 28 离 After the Divorce, CEO Gu Knocks on His Ex-Wife’s Door Every Night 离婚后，顾总夜夜敲响前妻房门 Su Mucheng苏沐澄Modern Romance869k WordsCompleted [She hurts her wife and enjoys it for a while, then chases her and suffers for it | Sweet and angsty | Everyday life | Raising a child] Su Tang married Gu Qingyu because of an absurd arranged marriage, and they had a son after they wed. At last, the young girl's secret crush seemed to have a chance to see the light of day. She thought she could melt the ice around his heart, but he had never shown her the slightest tenderness. When Su Tang finally gave up and handed Gu Qingyu the divorce papers, 641Reads6.1Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Her marriage fell apart, and she resolutely turned away. She thought she'd never see Mr. Gu again, but to her surprise, he started knocking on her door every day after the divorce. Why did the man who was once cold and distant suddenly become so persistent? Was he genuinely remorseful, or did he have ulterior motives? "After the Divorce, Mr. Gu Knocks on My Door Every Day" tells the story of Mr. Gu's quest to win back his wife—a journey full of twists and turns, and overflowing with sweetness!

29. 29 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

    Top of the year!

30. 30 新 Newly Married, Waiting for Love 新婚，候爱 Chubby Yuanbao元宝胖嘟嘟Modern Romance524k WordsCompleted (Love after marriage) + (slow-burn romance) + (seven-year age gap + both leads are pure) + (sweet everyday romance) + (a guiding, attentive lover) (Reserved, independent female lead vs. steady, nurturing male lead) The Su and Qin families of Nancheng have been bound by marriage alliances for a century. The tradition has endured for generations, but when the eldest daughter of the fifth-generation Qin family runs away from her wedding, the alliance nearly falls apart. Su Jingxu is a cool, restrai 45.7kReads9.1Score5.4kShelves

    Reader note

    Arranged marriages that blossom into love, pairings of a secretary-general and a teacher, and a surgeon and a young master—these are all very good and must be watched.

31. 31 婚 Love Surges with Marriage 婚涌情生 Chubby Yuanbao元宝胖嘟嘟Modern Romance512k WordsOngoing Older man + marriage before love + slow-burn romance + sweet and doting + three-year age gap A spoiled heir to a business empire × a cool, reserved doctor When Shi Qi was twenty-five, her adoptive mother fell seriously ill. To fulfill her adoptive mother’s dying wish, she married Meng Yan, the heir to the Meng family, whom she had never met. Meng Yan was the heir to the most powerful family in Beicheng. Rumor had it that he was arrogant, flamboyant, and impulsive, never doing things by the book. 30.4kReads7.4Score2.5kShelves
32. 32 今 Today's Forecast: Perfect for Loving You 今日天气：宜爱你 Peony Isn't Medicine芍药不是药Modern Romance368k WordsCompleted [Devoted Couple, One-on-One Romance | Marriage First, Love Later | Air Force Top Ace Pilot × Spirited Meteorology PhD | Sweet Romance | Duty to Country] Everyone says Major Gu is cool and aloof, uninterested in romance and devoted to guarding the skies. After a rushed matchmaking date, he and Ruan Zhiji, the chief meteorologist in Linhai, impulsively get married. But as soon as their marriage certificates are in hand, Gu Wangchen confesses a shocking truth… After one night of intense tension und 2.3kReads—Score366Shelves

    Reader note

    These are sweet military romance novels featuring high-ranking officials and a marriage of convenience that blossoms into love. The first book features a pilot in a high-ranking military unit and a weather forecaster in the female lead. It follows a marriage-of-convenience-to-love story: their first meeting is a blind date, the second they get their marriage certificate, and their third meeting is when the female lead is supporting the Northwest, and the male lead asks, "If you like me, just say so. There's no need to chase after me." The last two books are the final installments, both excellent military romance novels. Highly recommended!

33. 33 余 In the Setting Sun, All I See Is You 余晖散落皆是卿 Peony Isn't Medicine芍药不是药Modern Romance416k WordsCompleted Her instructor turns out to be the man she ran away from marrying? Wen Ruqing, a doctoral surgeon and military doctor specializing in cardiac surgery, has to endure family pressure to marry every month. This time, her family insists she get married within a month. Who cares who the man is? She’ll run from the wedding first and figure out the rest later! The male lead, Yu Hui, is the captain of a special forces unit. Recently transferred from a border post back to Linhai, he is preparing to join 1.4kReads8.9Score172Shelves
34. 34 柳 A Breeze Beneath the Willows, Making You Fall for Me 柳下风来令君倾 Peony Isn't Medicine芍药不是药Modern Romance307k WordsCompleted [A roundabout pursuit of one's wife + military romance + both leads are each other's first and only] After eight years together, Shen Ling and Liu Liu were finally ready to make things official and tell their families about their relationship. To their shock, both families were vehemently opposed! Old Master Shen even told Liu Liu to her face, “Anyone but a Liu!” From that day on, Liu Liu's life as the apple of her family's eye plunged into an abyss. After Liu Liu miscarried, the Shen family rus 725Reads—Score—Shelves
35. 35 狐 Foxes Only Eat Grass in the Twelfth Lunar Month 狐狸只吃腊月草 Zhao ShibaDD赵十八DDModern Romance1.8M WordsCompleted Original title: As Ever as the Moon / Alternate title: The Fox Only Eats Twelfth-Month Grass [The Capital’s Young Master Gets Tamed by a Northeastern Country Girl + An Inspiring Ensemble of Women] Workplace rivalries in the hotel and convention industry, with pointed criticism of industry scandals, alongside real estate battles and restaurant startups. Friendships between besties put to the test, and lovers discovering the truth of their hearts over time, from everyday life to the feuds of the w 7.5kReads9.4Score936Shelves

    Reader note

    The male lead is a high-ranking official, the female lead is an ordinary person; she gradually plans and paves her own way, love is just a seasoning, not her whole world. The female lead, a bit of a shrew, is a tough girl from Northeast China, known for her fierce personality and loyalty. The male lead is attracted to her at first sight, but she has a sharp tongue, leading to a long and drawn-out struggle between them.

36. 36 脱 Off the Rails 脱轨 Candy Snow Mountain糖果雪山Modern Romance70k WordsCompleted No kissing, no sleepovers, no flirting in public... Those are the rules between them. No matter what happens in bed, they must always keep their distance outside it. Yu Huan and Gao Yan have always been good at that. That is, until a new intern joins Yu Huan's law firm, and the newcomer turns out to be Gao Yan's nephew. That's when things start to go off the rails. 66.9kReads9.5Score6.3kShelves
37. 37 宜 A Good Match for Marriage 宜嫁宜娶 Wawa Is Not a Cabbage Heart娃娃不是菜心Modern Romance645k WordsCompleted Welcome, drama fans! Two storylines: [son of a bureau chief x daughter of a deputy director] & [high-ranking official’s family x heiress] Ji Yunjia found Song Jiming holding her camisole, looking puzzled. “How is this so padded when you haven’t even put it on?” His gaze drifted to her chest. It wasn’t big, but it didn’t look small either. He chuckled. “Ms. Ji, you’ve got quite a lot of padding there.” Ji Yunjia’s face burned. She hurriedly snatched it from him. “What do you know?” She was wearin 22.7kReads9.0Score1.9kShelves

    Reader note

    "A Lifetime of Joy" is a classic story of arranged marriage leading to love; there's no unrequited love, just pure affection that blossoms after spending time together. The second book is similar, even more slice-of-life. [Kissing emoji]

38. 38 灰 The Gray Lotus 灰莲花 Clouds of Rough Noodles Again又见糙面云Modern Romance819k WordsCompleted [A textbook case of realist business warfare + a deeply romantic, top-tier intellectual romance] The world has gone mad. A top-tier rich, handsome young heir is forced to compete with his wealthy wife for a lover... “If she likes me and I like her too, then we’ll each have to prove ourselves.” The male lead is loaded with resources and comes with every advantage, while the female lead has brains and beauty and rises from humble beginnings. A textbook case of realist business warfare, arranged fa 36.4kReads9.4Score4.3kShelves

    Reader note

    Another kind of arranged marriage followed by love. The male lead is even more capricious. This year's new book is the pinnacle of sweet, angsty, and intellectually stimulating contemporary romance with two strong leads. After reading it, I couldn't get into anything else. The author has a deep literary foundation, far superior to novice authors. The writing is divine, incredibly delicate. The male lead's love is passionate, but not mindless. The female lead is brilliant; after reading, you'll not only fall in love with the male lead but also with the female lead. The character settings are sophisticated; no one else on Tomato Bookstore has created anything like them. Suitable for discerning, seasoned readers; a unique and extreme emotional rollercoaster, not clichéd. The pacing is steady, starting slowly but building up to a sweeter, more intense feeling as you read on. The scope is grand; it will give you a brain-teasing experience. The plot takes off after chapter ten; you'll come back to thank me after you finish.

39. 39 一 A Life Full of Joy 一笙有喜 Fish Doesn't Speak鱼不语Modern Romance2.6M WordsCompleted [A breathtaking beauty, a fallen heiress, VS a refined, aloof heir to a powerful Beijing family. Marriage first, love later + sweet romance + clear-headed heroine] After a sudden upheaval, Song Xi has no choice but to marry the refined, aloof heir to the Qiao family. At first, though, the two are like needle and wheat: neither can stand the other. Who could have guessed that they’d later be so sweet together? Their friends all complained, “Leave us single people a way to live!” One day, Presiden 33.7kReads9.5Score3.7kShelves
40. 40 高 A Powerful Family Romance: It Has to Be Her 高干婚恋，非她不可 Wawa Is Not a Cabbage Heart娃娃不是菜心Modern Romance539k WordsCompleted Two couples, two stories. What to look forward to: Department Chief Shen and Miss Bai have known each other since birth. Both work in the public sector, and childhood sweethearts, they marry in a flash, with her moving from the upstairs apartment to the one downstairs. Their married life is a hilarious, sweet romance between a straight-laced man and a spirited, domineering woman. Young Master Cen and his wildflower assistant: the rabbit only eats grass from its own burrow. He’s an arrogant rich 15.4kReads9.1Score1.4kShelves

    Reader note

    A must-read for those who fall in love after marriage: Bai Qiu and Section Chief Shen; and for high-ranking officials: General Manager Cen and Zhou Mingyu.

41. 41 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

    🍓①A clear-headed and gentle female lead VS a rigid, fatherly male lead. Her older sister ran away from her arranged marriage, and Jiang Ni, following her father's wishes, married her future brother-in-law. He was the head of the Zhou family, a top-tier wealthy family in Beijing, rumored to be a workaholic with a cold and aloof demeanor. On their first day of marriage, he went on a business trip, much to the dismay of her friend who bluntly said she had become a nun after marriage. Jiang Ni, however, found it perfectly suited to her; her husband was incredibly wealthy and loved to travel. She carefully played the role of Mrs. Zhou, treating her husband as a business partner, believing herself to be doing a perfect job. Until that muddy, snowy night, the usually composed and proper man trapped her by the French windows, his sweat-dampened hair pressed against his temples, his voice losing its composure. "Have you regretted marrying me?"

42. 42 甜 Sweet, Sizzling Kisses! After We Get Our Marriage License, He Kisses Me Red Every Night 甜欲肆吻！领证后夜夜被亲红温 Qing Qing Ci轻卿辞Modern Romance473k WordsCompleted Jiang Jinnian, the current head of the Jiang family, is known for his self-discipline and propriety, and his cool temperament. Even though the Jiang and Shen families arranged a marriage long ago, no one ever connected him with Shen Nanzhi. For years, Shen Nanzhi thought the same. Jiang Jinnian spent most of his time abroad. He was cold by nature and rarely came home, so the two hardly ever had a chance to meet. Even when they did, Shen Nanzhi always kept her distance. She never imagined that, b 47kReads9.1Score5.2kShelves
43. 43 腹 The Cunning Tycoon: My Aloof Boss's Tender Trap 腹黑大佬：高冷领导的温柔陷阱 Momo's Little Words墨墨小语Modern Romance219k WordsCompleted [Workplace drama in the public sector + age gap + forceful love that later becomes passionate devotion + secret crush turned real + romantic tension + career growth.] After graduating, Shiqing takes the civil service exam, never imagining she would end up working under Lu Tingyuan, her best friend's older brother. Even more surprisingly, the icy, imposing man who had intimidated her ever since their school days has apparently been watching her all along! After an accidental drunken encounter, he 14.2kReads8.4Score1.2kShelves

    Reader note

    A romance novel featuring two high-ranking officials within the government! The male lead sees through the sharp edge hidden beneath the female lead's seemingly lazy exterior, while the female lead understands the gentleness beneath the male lead's serious exterior. This kind of soul resonance is so sweet!

44. 44 误 Falling Into My Boss’s Favor: Qingzi’s Heartfelt Story 误入领导心尖：清姿叙心 Momo's Little Words墨墨小语Modern Romance264k WordsCompleted 19.2kReads8.8Score1.5kShelves
45. 45 沉 The Sinking Boat and the Evening Sun 沉舟与晚晴 Momo's Little Words墨墨小语Modern Romance106k WordsCompleted [Government Insider + Powerful Official Romance + Age Gap + Sweet Romance + Workplace Love] He was a powerful figure with an infinitely bright future, a dazzling yet cold star in the political firmament. Calm, restrained, and indifferent to women, he remained that way until a work meeting, when one glimpse of a girl with a smile bright as the morning sun left him utterly captivated: Su Wanqing. 2.6kReads6.8Score231Shelves
46. 46 人 Life Is a Vast Sea, I’ll Wait for Your Return 人生海海，等你归来 Square Plate方盘子Modern Romance207k WordsCompleted [Campus Romance + Powerful Family Background + Winning Her Back + Heartbreak + Devoted Couple + Modern Romance] They had known each other for seven years and been in love for four, but when she went abroad, she didn’t even say goodbye. Four years apart. When they met again, he couldn’t help asking, “Are you leaving again?” Far from home, she never expected to run into him again. She thought he had come for her, but he coldly told her, “It’s a company assignment.” From then on, she delibe 340Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The male lead is a leader of a state-owned enterprise, and the female lead is a teacher; they are driven by love.

47. 47 离 During the Cooling-Off Period After Our Divorce, My Straight-Laced Husband Suddenly Gets It 离婚冷静期，直男老公突然开窍了 33 Little Princess33小公主Modern Romance608k WordsCompleted [Deputy director in government × dermatologist] [Marriage first, love later, winning her back, age gap, sweetness toggles between all sugar, half sugar, three-tenths sugar, and sugar-free] After marrying Director Zhou, who believes rules are more important than anything, Chen Jiayi found herself living a very unusual married life: She had to file a report for everything, including sleeping, eating, and watching short dramas. She was done with this life. She dragged Zhou Jingcheng to get a divorc 7.2kReads8.7Score533Shelves

    Reader note

    This book... The male protagonist brings his professional demeanor from work home to "spoof" his wife, almost spoiling her to death, and then calmly writes an essay to win her back [facepalm]. It's an unconventional story of marriage before love within the system, hahaha!

48. 48 沈 Mrs. Shen, Please Guide Me for the Rest of My Life 沈太太，余生请多指教 Mister Ruochen若尘先生Modern Romance437k WordsCompleted [The score just came in and will rise later, so don't miss out!] Two strangers came together after being introduced on a blind date. They thought they would simply go on living together with mutual respect. But one day, one of them asked, “Who says we're only being polite to each other?” It turned out I wasn't the only one who had fallen in love. Both leads are each other's first and only love, with no old flame in the picture. A marriage-first, love-later story about two people who didn't care 2.9kReads8.7Score251Shelves

    Reader note

    They met through a blind date and gradually developed feelings for each other.

49. 49 佔 Possessing Jiang Xi 佔有姜西 Fish Doesn't Speak鱼不语Modern Romance4.0M WordsCompleted [One-on-One Sweet Romance + Two Strong Leads + PDA-Filled Romance + Mutual Devotion] A job interview at a bar leads two people with nothing in common to meet for the first time. One is a private tutor, the other a cold-faced King of Hell. One does the flirting, the other does the pampering. Later, no one could have guessed that the elegant, aloof Qin Zhan would turn into a clingy burr. Their everyday life after getting together is even too much to watch... “Wifey...” “Hmm?” “Could you comfort me 48.1kReads9.5Score4.9kShelves
50. 50 神 The Mysterious CEO Spoils Her Night After Night 神秘总裁夜夜宠 Fish Doesn't Speak鱼不语Modern Romance3.0M WordsCompleted By day, she’s a sharp and capable saleswoman! By night, she’s her boss’s personal assistant, taking care of his every need! They agree on three rules: talk about money, not love. But... Rumor has it that she’s so pampered she lives like a princess. When it comes to dealing with scumbags, President Shang is there. When it comes to putting rivals in their place, President Shang is there. When it comes to making money, President Shang is there. She’s living a fairy-tale life of happiness. Meanwhile 11.8kReads9.3Score1.2kShelves

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