Books That Help You Get Better at Scheming 心眼子能提高的书

1. 951 女 Madam Director, a Major Anti-Crime Case! 女局长，扫黑连环大案！ Zhang Dali, Bursting with Bullish Energy牛气冲天的张大力Urban683k WordsCompleted Female Lead | Anti-Organized Crime | Anti-Drug Operations | Political Arena | Satisfying Revenge There’s no need to fear being pushed around, as long as you can turn things around! Anfu City, the most remote county in Yuzhou, faces the neighboring country’s Wu City across the Qing River. On her first day in office, Meng Yun doesn’t go to her office. She heads straight to the scene of a gunfight. Before the blood has even dried, she begins hunting down the perpetrators. 127Reads7.4Score137Shelves
2. 952 女 The Female Police Chief's Major Cases Series: Undercurrents 女公安局长大案系列之暗流 Xiaoxiao Gou'er Lingdang晓晓狗儿铃当Mystery263k WordsOngoing On a stormy night, two murder cases erupt at once in Handong Province. Criminal investigation captains Lu Chen and Chen Feng follow separate leads: one investigates a red ribbon on a wedding bed, the other a carcinogen in a teacup. The two trails converge on the same name. Gu Qingling. Thirty-one years old, a first-class merit recipient, and former commander of a special operations unit. Meanwhile, the real killer watches it all from the shadows. As the undercurrents of power swallow up every pi 3.3kReads—Score189Shelves
3. 953 哥 My Higher-Dimensional Universe 哥的超维宇宙 Big Dragon Fruit大那火龙果Sci-Fi & Apocalypse207k WordsCompleted [Hard sci-fi] [Time loops] [Multiple universes] [Mind-bending] An endless loop, death after death, traveling through twelve universes in search of the truth: Who am I? 20Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   My best friend's ex-boyfriend's book is very mind-bending.

4. 954 穿 Transmigrated to the Mechanical Immortal Dynasty: The Nine Provinces War Chronicles 穿越机械仙朝之九州战记 Gou of the Shepherd Dog牧羊狗的苟Eastern Fantasy639k WordsCompleted Chen Xuecong brought a starship and advanced robots with him as he traveled faster than light and transmigrated to a world of cultivation. He became an immortal's second-generation heir, with endless cultivation resources at his disposal. Surrounded by a host of maids, he lived a life of decadent luxury. Yet he was the cultivation world's greatest mastermind behind the scenes. Using his robot army, he broke the seal on the Nine Provinces' Demon Abyss and opened the path to ascension, helping his 203Reads8.8Score104Shelves

   Reader note

   Life is already so hard, why force yourself to suffer? This work blends the steady progression of "a mortal's cultivation journey" with the overwhelming force of "the Fourth Calamity," without leveling up or monster-slaying, and without a protagonist who deliberately endures hardship. No system, just pure cunning.

5. 955 暂 The Day in Storage 暂存日 Three Thousand Worlds, May the Winds Rise and Waters Surge浮世三千风生水起Modern Romance288k WordsCompleted That sunset over the Pacific was so beautiful, so dazzling and grand. Like a beautiful butterfly, she was blinded by it and plunged headfirst into a web that had been carefully spun over ten years. Can she break free? —Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   A romantic encounter, a dazzling sunset, a shocking conspiracy—who are the pawns? Who will make the move? Wei Yang stands in the middle of the game, looking around.

6. 956 春 Spring Dust 春尘 Three Thousand Worlds, May the Winds Rise and Waters Surge浮世三千风生水起Modern Romance59k WordsCompleted Lin Xiaoxi’s mother has died, and one mystery after another unfolds. What kind of trap has a family spanning three generations stepped into, and who is whose vessel? The terrifying nature of high-tech criminals sends a chill down your spine. 6Reads—Score—Shelves
7. 957 踹 I Dumped My Poor, Good-for-Nothing Boyfriend for a Powerful Brocade Guard 踹掉穷渣男，我选权势滔天锦衣卫 Gathering Vetch, Gathering Vetch采薇采薇Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted [Hilarious] + [Lighthearted] + [Good values]: How do you turn an aloof, celibate man into a clingy puppy? Rong Shu raises her hand: I know this one! She transmigrated into an orphan whose parents had died, struggling to survive while caring for her younger brother. To protect herself, she spread the word everywhere that she was involved with Wei Yan, the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Before long, the men who had been targeting her ran off with their tails between their legs. Rong S 26.5kReads9.2Score3.7kShelves

   Reader note

   After watching the female lead's actions and reflecting on my own, I've indeed gained some insights.

8. 958 我 My Years as the CEO's Daughter 我当总裁千金的这些年 Jin Yan菳言Modern Romance299k WordsCompleted CEO romance + face-slapping + satisfying revenge + youth + love + the worlds of politics, business, and the military + fierce battles A poor girl rises to become a wealthy beauty, taking on the worlds of politics and business in turn! The plot is thrilling: her secret crush confesses his feelings! A domineering CEO pursues her relentlessly! The political world treats her like a treasure! The business world holds her in awe! The heroine is clever, intelligent, emotionally savvy, and financiall 50Reads8.8Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   Haha, the key to success is...

9. 959 枯 The Dying Lamp Rekindled: The Prison Rose Returns 枯灯复燃，狱中玫瑰归来 Jin Yan菳言Modern Romance616k WordsCompleted Five years ago, she was the eldest daughter of the Qian family, admired by everyone. But she was framed over her family's reputation and charged with murder, falling from the clouds into the mire and ending up behind bars. Behind those high walls, she met Zhao Yi, a woman imprisoned for financial crimes who nevertheless wielded absolute power inside. In their sunless days, they became each other's light, enduring more than two thousand nights together. Five years later, Qian Xin walks out of p 31Reads8.2Score—Shelves
10. 960 物 Survival of the Fittest: Women Choose 物竞女择 Jin Yan菳言Urban515k WordsCompleted Han Jiarui, a girl precisely calculated through numbers, biology, technology, and human-body engineering. Her body-driving chip fell into ruin years ago, and no one knows her true identity... The truth comes to light: a girl who is half human, half machine, and half biological being must survive public scrutiny and the extreme challenges of the apocalypse. “For you, I’m willing to make the whole world my enemy!” A love that spans worlds. This is a story about the human rights of mechanical li 5Reads—Score—Shelves
11. 961 恒 The Constant Register of Parables 恒籍寓鉴 Xuanyuan Badao轩辕霸道Modern Romance1.2M WordsOngoing Synopsis of The Book of Constant Records: Tales to Awaken the Mind and Discern the Truth With “drawing wisdom from the classics to illuminate the questions of today” as its guiding principle, this book selects over a hundred classic fables and anecdotes from the various schools of philosophy, historical biographies and notes, and folk tradition. These include “The Frog at the Bottom of the Well” from Zhuangzi, “Making Up the Numbers” from Han Feizi, and “The Man from Qi Who Worried the Sky Would 8Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The Twelve Commandments of the Wise Man: The True Scriptures for Living in the World of the Wise. In the chaotic Spring and Autumn Period, warlords vied for supremacy, and the world was in constant turmoil. Some drifted with the tide, achieving nothing; others schemed and plotted, only to perish. Only a few managed to survive and thrive in this turbulent world; these people were known as the "wise ones." Deep within the Yunmeng Marsh lived an old man named Xuanbo. He had witnessed the ways of the world, served three warlords, and after achieving great success, he retired to the mountains. Countless people came seeking his wisdom on how to navigate the world and achieve success. The old man never lectured directly, but instead set up twelve trials in a bamboo grove in the mountains. Only those who passed the trials could learn the twelve true principles of living in the world—the true nature of a wise person. That year, a young man named Zhao Yan, born into poverty, possessed great ambitions but repeatedly encountered setbacks: he was too eager for quick success and gave up halfway, was bogged down by interpersonal relationships and achieved nothing, was schemed against and had no way to defend himself, and blamed fate when faced with setbacks. Hearing of the great name of the old man Xuanbo, he traveled through mountains and rivers to the bamboo courtyard, kneeling and begging the old man for guidance, hoping to escape his predicament and live a clear-headed and insightful life. The old man Xuanbo looked at the eager young man before him, waved his hand, and let him stay in the courtyard for the time being, helping him with daily affairs and undergoing twelve trials step by step. Each trial contained a truth about life. The first commandment: only look at the result, not the process. Initially, Xuanbo asked Zhao Yan to plant millet on half an acre of wasteland behind the courtyard within three days, and to ensure that the seedlings sprouted evenly. Zhao Yan was full of enthusiasm, working tirelessly from dawn till dusk, turning the soil and watering with extraordinary effort. However, he was so focused on his work that he neglected the soil's moisture level and the depth of the sowing. After three days, he was exhausted, but the millet he planted was haphazard and impossible to grow. He complained to the old man about how hard he had worked, but Xuan Bo coldly replied, "What I want is well-cultivated land, not your exhausted body. People love to talk about their hard work, but they forget their initial goal. Self-pity and emotional exhaustion are all useless in the end. Truly wise people only look at the results, not the process. They disdain ineffective hard work, offer no explanations or justifications, prioritize the goal, and determine success or failure by results, not by trying to gain sympathy through hard work." Upon hearing this, Zhao Yan was filled with shame. He then carefully prepared the land and planted the millet according to the proper method, finally completing the task. He also learned that one should measure success by results and discard useless emotions and excuses. The second commandment: Consider both sides and leave room for maneuver. A few days later, Xuanbo sent Zhao Yan to the market at the foot of the mountain to exchange for grain. He gave him only a bolt of cloth, instructing him to make sure he exchanged enough grain for the winter and to return safely. Before setting off, Zhao Yan only thought about successfully exchanging the grain and didn't think much of it. But the old man reminded him, "Have you considered that the cloth might not fetch a good price? Have you considered encountering wind and rain along the way? Have you considered how to transport the excess grain?" Zhao Yan was speechless for a moment. Xuanbo slowly said, "Everything should be considered from both sides, taking into account the advantages and disadvantages from all dimensions. You must not only think of the best outcome but also anticipate the worst. Prepare for the risks in advance. If there is a way, proceed steadily; if there is no way, stop immediately. Always have a backup plan and never be passively drawn into a situation." Zhao Yan followed his advice, thinking in advance about ways to lower the price of grain, borrow tools to transport the grain, and take detours to avoid wind and rain. He returned safely and understood from then on that one should never fight an unprepared battle and that leaving a way out is the way to long-term success. The Third Commandment: Prefer Solitude, Prioritize Self-Interest. Zhao Yan lived in the mountains, often thinking of meeting fellow students. He spent his days with others, chatting and gossiping, neglecting his farm work and studies. Over time, he became increasingly restless and made no progress. Xuan Bo, seeing this, led him to a lone pine tree in the mountains and said, "This pine tree grows alone on the cliff, not competing with other trees, but instead taking deeper roots and growing into a pillar. Wise people prefer solitude, staying away from ineffective connections and emotional entanglements. They base their actions on long-term value and core interests, not letting feelings or emotions sway their judgment. Useless socializing only drains your mind and disrupts your rhythm. Only by being clear-headed and solitude can you focus on moving forward." From then on, Zhao Yan avoided useless socializing, focused on self-improvement, and made rapid progress. The Fourth Commandment: Understand the Times, Be Able to Adapt or Reverse. That summer, the mountains experienced periods of prolonged drought followed by torrential rain, severely testing the fields and crops. Other students, in times of drought, simply watered the crops without understanding how to store water, and in times of flooding, they simply drained the water without understanding how to manage it, ultimately destroying their crops. Only Zhao Yan heeded the old man's teachings, lying low during droughts, digging deep ditches to store water, and patiently waiting for rain; when the rain was plentiful, he used the rainwater to nourish his crops and took full care of them; even when torrential rains washed away the field ridges, he did not confront them head-on, but instead planted flood-resistant crops, defying the odds and turning the tide. Xuanbo nodded approvingly: "The affairs of the world are ever-changing. Wise people understand the times, riding the wave to accelerate success, and lying low to accumulate strength. Even in dire straits, they dare to be flexible and adaptable, breaking through against all odds. They are not stubborn, blindly obedient, or headstrong. They act in accordance with the trend and endure the adversity, thus achieving their goals." The Fifth Commandment: Less talk, more action; be willing to sacrifice and gamble. Among those who studied together, most loved to boast, talking all day about their ambitions and strategies, but never putting them into action. When faced with setbacks, they became obsessed and unwilling to give up, ultimately achieving nothing. Zhao Yan initially also loved to argue and express his thoughts, but the more he talked, the less he accomplished. Xuanbo admonished him: "A true wise man is silent yet sharp, works diligently to build his foundation, speaks little but does much, and never utters empty words. Life has many entanglements; one must learn to let go of obsessions, release internal conflicts, and let go of useless people and things, without getting entangled or hesitating; and when faced with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, one must be decisive and go all in, daring to fight, in order to seize the opportunity." From then on, Zhao Yan stopped talking nonsense and focused on practical work. He decisively abandoned useless obsessions and no longer hesitated when faced with opportunities, becoming increasingly calm and decisive in his actions. Sixth Commandment: High virtue and few desires, ruthless yet benevolent. A wealthy family came to the foot of the mountain to offer gifts, wanting Xuanbo to devise a plan to acquire ill-gotten gains. Zhao Yan saw the old man resolutely refuse and was puzzled, feeling that this was a rare opportunity. Xuanbo, however, said, "A wise person should be virtuous and have few desires, with extremely simple desires and stable emotions. Outwardly, they may appear calm and ruthless, but in reality, they have eliminated excessive softness and are not swayed by selfish desires. This clarity is by no means harshness or indifference, but rather upholding one's moral bottom line, with a benevolent core and a pure heart. Being clear-headed and having a conscience, no matter how abundant the benefits, are unacceptable without virtue." Zhao Yan then understood that wisdom must be based on virtue; wisdom without virtue will ultimately lead to self-destruction. Seventh Commandment: Conceal your talents and keep your abilities hidden. There was a fellow student who, despite having some talent, constantly flaunted his knowledge. He became complacent with the slightest achievement and readily showed his emotions when things didn't go his way, complaining everywhere. He was quickly ostracized and expelled from the bamboo courtyard by the old man. Xuanbo said to Zhao Yan, "The tallest tree in the forest is the first to be felled by the wind. A wise person knows how to conceal their talents and keep a low profile, never revealing their emotions, never easily sharing their thoughts, keeping their shrewdness hidden in their eyes, and concealing their strength deep within. They do not boast or show off, but remain low-key and patient, secretly accumulating power and quietly growing stronger. Being too sharp will only attract jealousy and disaster; only by being low-key can one endure." From then on, Zhao Yan restrained his temper, no longer showing his joy or anger on his face, keeping everything to himself, becoming calm and low-key. Eighth Commandment: Cut Off Relationships and Select Your Circle. Zhao Yan once met a student of questionable character. This person was opportunistic and constantly tried to recruit Zhao Yan to slack off and scheme against others, draining Zhao Yan's energy and making him increasingly decadent. Upon discovering this, Xuanbo instructed Zhao Yan to immediately sever all ties with this person. The old man bluntly stated, "Your social circle determines your life. Wise people know how to sever ties, actively distancing themselves from people and things that drain them, cutting off ineffective relationships promptly, and avoiding flattery, pandering, or compromise. They streamline their circles to the extreme, only associating with like-minded, positive people, striving for a high-quality life and progress. 'One who stays near vermilion gets stained red, and one who stays near ink gets stained black.' Bad relationships will only drag you down in life." The Ninth Commandment: Introspection, Self-Healing, and Self-Strengthening. Once, Zhao Yan's crops suffered from pests, resulting in a drastically reduced harvest. He first complained about the rampant pests and the bad weather, but never reflected on his failure to take preventative measures. Xuan Bo looked at him earnestly and said, "When faced with setbacks, people always complain about the environment and blame others, but never examine themselves. Truly wise people always introspect, reflect on their own actions, and seek self-redemption, never expecting others to save them. When encountering difficulties, they rely on themselves to learn from their mistakes and grow stronger. Self-healing is the key to self-strengthening." Zhao Yan suddenly realized his mistake, proactively identified the problem, took preventative measures against pests, and the following year his crops yielded a bountiful harvest. The Tenth Commandment: Moderation in Choices and Decisiveness in Action. As more people sought knowledge in the mountains, Xuanbo produced a precious military treatise, saying it would only be passed on to one person, allowing everyone to compete for it based on their own abilities. Zhao Yan desired the treatise but couldn't bear to compete with others, and he was also reluctant to put aside his daily affairs. He hesitated, delaying action and ultimately missing the opportunity. Xuanbo sighed, "Life is full of choices. A wise person knows what they want and what they should give up. After weighing the pros and cons, they are decisive. Save your soft heart for those who deserve it, and reserve your decisiveness for everything that drains and hinders you. Moderation in choices and decisiveness in action are essential to obtaining what you desire. Indecisiveness will ultimately lead to nothing." The Eleventh Commandment: Seeing Through Human Nature, Yet Remaining Silent. In the bamboo courtyard, someone appeared kind on the surface but secretly schemed against others, stealing their labor. When Zhao Yan discovered this, he immediately wanted to expose the person's true colors in public, but Xuanbo stopped him. The old man said, "Human nature in this world has both good and evil. Wise people understand the weaknesses of human nature, see through the coldness and warmth of people's hearts, and the fickleness of the world, but they never expose it to your face. They see through things but don't expose them, know people but don't judge them, know the principles but don't argue. They understand things in their hearts, but remain calm and insightful on the surface. Leaving room for others is also leaving a way out for themselves. Exposing people's hearts will only lead to unnecessary disputes." Zhao Yan followed his advice, stayed away from petty people, and stopped judging others at will, which resulted in fewer conflicts. Twelfth Commandment: A Clear Core, Self-Control. After experiencing many trials, Zhao Yan gradually understood the way of dealing with the world, but occasionally when he saw others getting along well with everyone and taking advantage of others, he would still waver and doubt whether his persistence was correct. Looking at the now mature Zhao Yan, Xuanbo uttered his final profound truth: "Most people drift with the tide, but only the wise remain clear-headed at their core. Outwardly, they can calmly navigate the complexities of human relationships, yet inwardly they possess their own set of principles, refusing to follow the crowd, blindly conform, or be swayed by worldly conventions. In the end, life is about weathering one's own joys and sorrows, remaining clear-headed and independent, upholding one's own path, and not being disturbed by external influences—only then can one live the life one desires." Having undergone twelve trials, Zhao Yan thoroughly understood the twelve commandments of the elder Xuanbo, bid farewell to the old man, and descended the mountain to return home. With these twelve principles of wisdom, he acted with clear goals and thorough consideration, remaining humble and clear-headed, adhering to what is right, never blaming others or fate, and making decisive choices. He quickly established himself in the chaotic world, achieving great success, and throughout his life, he remained true to his principles, living a peaceful and prosperous life. Later, these twelve principles of wisdom were passed down as the "Twelve Commandments of the Wise," passed down through generations. People then realized that true wisdom doesn't come from innate talent, but from cultivated insight and clarity: measured by results, guided by comprehensiveness, pursuing long-term goals independently, breaking through obstacles with flexibility, establishing oneself through hard work, rooted in virtue, humble and reserved, self-reflective and self-reliant, seeing through people's hearts yet maintaining kindness, understanding the world yet remaining true to one's original intentions. In this world, there are never born wise men, only those who have been tempered, adhered to principles, and deeply understood the ways of the world. Upholding these twelve commandments is to safeguard one's own life; even amidst chaos, one can navigate steadily and achieve great things, living a life of composure.

12. 962 魂 A White Lily in a New Body Sends the City's Powerful into a Panic 魂穿：全城大佬恐慌的小白花来了 Shuke Bei舒克贝Urban108k WordsOngoing A gangster heir's soul transmigrates into a young, naive female college student. Should she keep enjoying her "shameless" life, or turn over a new leaf and become a well-rounded young person? This is a very important, very serious decision that goes against everything her ancestors stood for. 6Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    See, learn some psychological game theory and cognitive manipulation.

13. 963 戏 A New Chapter for My Fair Princess 戏续还珠 Waiting for Dawn at Night夜等待黎明Female-Channel Fanfiction240k WordsCompleted [Historical fantasy + martial arts + My Fair Princess fan fiction + quirky heroine + strategy and scheming + transmigration] A qipao reveals the mystery of Little Swallow’s origins, and the Fifth Prince insists on becoming a monk. At a grand residence in Qianlong’s palace, they discover that Consort Fragrant nearly died in a mass grave years ago. Qianlong travels to Qiantang to find his beloved daughter, while a descendant of the Yizhu Tower seeks revenge. A red flower emblem is left at the sce 320Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    If you like it, please rate it.

14. 964 武 Wuxia Short Story: Sword Jianghu 武侠短篇小说《剑江湖》 Waiting for Dawn at Night夜等待黎明15k WordsCompleted The Sword and the Jianghu: A Martial Arts Novella 48Reads—Score—Shelves
15. 965 言 Romance Short Story: Because I Love, I Love 言情短篇《因为爱所以爱》 Waiting for Dawn at Night夜等待黎明6k WordsCompleted Because I Love You: A Romance Novella 29Reads—Score—Shelves
16. 966 民 Strange Tales from the Folk: Reforming Reincarnation 民间奇闻之轮回改革 Waiting for Dawn at Night夜等待黎明6k WordsCompleted Folklore Oddities: A Cycle of Reincarnation Reformed 22Reads—Score—Shelves
17. 967 虐 After Abusing His Wife, the Scumbag Went Mad and Ran to a Farmer's House to Fight Pigs for Their Feed 虐妻之渣男疯了，跑到农户家抢猪食吃 Waiting for Dawn at Night夜等待黎明16k WordsCompleted After abusing his wife, the scumbag went mad and ran to a farmer's house to steal pig feed and eat it 28Reads—Score—Shelves
18. 968 日 Japan's Warring States: The Ambitions of the Man Who Would Rule the World 日本战国：天下人的野望 Lan Bingche岚冰澈Historical278k WordsOngoing Reborn after death, he transmigrated to Japan’s Sengoku era, right at the time of the Incident at Honnoji. The Sixth Heaven’s Demon King, Oda Nobunaga, was destined to die. Japan, on the verge of unification, would once again fall into a patchwork of warring powers. As the saying goes, heroes are made by their times, and heroes also emerge from their times. Now, the times belong to me. The ambition to rewrite the history of Sengoku Japan and rise to the pinnacle of power as the ruler of the real 165Reads—Score102Shelves

    Reader note

    A historical political intrigue novel, without a system, but not mindless. The protagonist rises from humble beginnings, scheming step by step, focusing on intellectual and political battles. He employs ingenious military tactics and is decisive and ruthless. He will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. Those with a strong maternal instinct, please steer clear.

19. 969 风 When the Wind Rises in Lingbiao: The Five Dynasties’ Seven Governors 风起岭表之五代七刺史 Dust Watching from East Mountain东山望之尘Historical117k WordsCompleted Ning Mengli possessed strength enough to reach the heavens and virtue that rivaled the divine emperor. He guarded the nation's frontier and reclaimed the wilderness. Ning Changzhen had the ambition to encompass mountains and rivers and the noble bearing of clouds and mist. He subdued Jiaozhi, campaigned against Linyi, and seized Shebei. Ning Yuan Ti was the first successful candidate in the imperial examinations from Lingnan, a distinguished remonstrance official in the Kaiyuan Golden Age. Begin 5Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A panoramic view of historical novels, magnificent and breathtaking.

20. 970 问 Questions for the World 问对天下 Liu Muzi Jun六木子君Historical241k WordsOngoing Gao Zhan, international debate champion and double doctorate in history and literature, was poisoned to death in Tokyo after exposing Sakura Country's cheating. When he opened his eyes again, he had become the useless heir of the Marquis of Jing'an in the Great Yong Dynasty: a stutterer, a coward, and a punching bag for everyone. In the ancestral hall, just before the family punishment fell, he spoke. From then on came confrontations in the ancestral hall, challenges at the academy, speeches in —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A language breakthrough, increased knowledge, and improved intelligence.

21. 971 魂 My Soul Travels Back to 1972, Where I Raise Beauties and Ride the Tide of the Times 魂穿七二，培养美人横扫时代浪潮 Stars Can Set the Prairie Ablaze星星可以燎原Historical1.7M WordsCompleted [Period] [Sign-In] [Divine Doctor] [Space] [Farming] [Sweet Romance] A real estate tycoon transmigrates into 1972 and binds to the Red Dust Karma System from the start! Ling Feng uses supplies and skills to establish absolute authority, winning hearts through “feeding” and “protection.” Ling Feng has a portable space, peerless medical skills, and deadly combat abilities. He knows that in these unusual times, supplies give you face, personal connections are the substance, and your fists are your 13.7kReads7.4Score1.6kShelves

    Reader note

    Intelligent, decisive, and smooth-talking. Addictive.

22. 972 碑 The Stele Seals Ten Thousand Crafts: I Cultivate the Miscellaneous Dao and Defy Fate 碑锁万匠：我修杂家破天命 Er Yue Er贰悦贰Sci-Fi & Apocalypse219k WordsOngoing [No transmigration] + [No cheat powers] + [No brainless plot] How could an ordinary blacksmith comprehend the Dao by sleeping in a coffin, or glimpse hidden truths by staring at a pepper grinder? For three hundred years, the Heavenly Craftsman Stele has ruled the world's order. It assigns trades, determines status, and decides each person's craft and future through the act of “bestowing a calling.” Yet this ancient stele, which no one dares question, judged Wang Cheng to be a jack-of-all-trades —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Tired of formulaic, mindless, face-slapping, and satisfying novels? This long-running political intrigue story is perfect. The protagonist is a blacksmith in a post-apocalyptic world who uses his keen observation and shrewd calculations to unravel the complexities of the situation. Each plot is meticulously crafted, with every scheme based on sound reasoning and evidence. There are no empty boasts; every move carries risk. Highly intelligent readers will find it increasingly captivating.

23. 973 霸 The Boss Couple Infringes on Their Own Employee's Rights 霸总夫妇侵权自家员工 Lai Baomabei来宝马贝Modern Romance346k WordsCompleted After the second issue of the monthly magazine came out, Yu Xue realized someone had set her up. The piece she submitted was rejected by the company magazine's editor, while an article full of veiled attacks targeting her and her fellow townsman, Wan Yanxin, took up the entire issue. On top of the magazine, there were also personnel transfers meant to suppress them. They were being surrounded and pressured from every angle, with both threats and inducements. The situation left her deeply unsettl 3Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    These are political intrigue stories based on true events, which can teach you valuable lessons.

24. 974 女 A Woman in a Man's Body: The Concubine-Born Heir's Rise to Power 女穿男，庶房嫡子的逆袭 Liu Jilian刘忌廉Ancient Romance1.3M WordsOngoing Now available as an audiobook with a full cast. [Alternate history] + [Woman transmigrates as a man] + [Born into this world] + [Imperial exams and business in the early story] + [Court politics later on] + [One female lead, with a relatively small role] + [A touch of ensemble cast] + [No golden finger] Xie Chengxi was born into another world as the sixth son of the Xie family, a minor family in Bianjing's Grain Transport Guild. His father was the clan's rejected son, kept under pressure for yea 33.9kReads8.3Score3.7kShelves

    Reader note

    This one is alright.

25. 975 千 Heading South at the Turn of the Millennium: Rolling Coins 千禧南下：翻滚的钢镚 Seven Sons of the Wind扶摇七子Urban273k WordsCompleted During the rainy season of the millennium, torrential rain poured down on Ruili. Bai Hao and his group sped along National Highway 556 in a four-wheel-drive Toyota Prado, relying on their off-roader’s powerful performance to plow through the terrible road conditions. As they drove past the embankment in Leiyun Village, they came across Burmese border residents moving supplies across the border. They learned that it was legitimate border trade. The group stopped to watch, unaware that danger was 40Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Eight hundred schemes are no match for a single act of manipulating human nature!

26. 976 天 The Great Game of Heaven and Earth 天地弈局 The Kunpeng Soaring to the Heavens扶摇直上的鲲鹏Historical187k WordsOngoing A master schemer, from a pampered young aristocrat in the capital to a breaker of plots, from a pawn to a player, and finally to someone who rises beyond the mortal realm. Across five volumes, the story traces the complete arc of a clever man seeking freedom and his true self amid layers of interlocking schemes. —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I recommend you read this article.

27. 977 等 The Happiness We Waited For 等来的幸福 Bright Sunny Day灿烂晴天Modern Romance51k WordsCompleted In this blended family, the male and female leads grow up calling each other brother and sister. After her mother dies, the heroine goes abroad with her biological father. While overseas, she and the male lead begin a relationship. 759Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The first book's male lead is the female lead's high school mentor. After graduating from university, to repay her mentor, the female lead introduces a female classmate to him as his girlfriend. To develop her career, the female lead gives up her assigned job and stays in the city to work.

28. 978 沂 A Family by the Yishui River 沂水河畔一家人 Li Xinxin李馨欣Modern Romance540k WordsCompleted This book tells the story of a large family over nearly a century, from the late Qing dynasty to the end of the twentieth century, through turbulent changes, banditry and warfare, twists and turns, and eventual reversals of fortune. Led and subtly influenced by the protagonist, several generations endure decades of hardship yet remain upright, united, and determined to improve. In different eras and historical circumstances, they do everything they can, persevering in their efforts to contribute 6.1kReads8.8Score564Shelves

    Reader note

    No melodramatic plot twists or wildly imaginative scenarios; just a positive and uplifting story set in a bygone era.

29. 979 韩 Han Caiyi’s Journey of Ten Thousand Miles 韩彩依万里路 Bright Sunny Day灿烂晴天Marriage & Romance27k WordsCompleted Han Caiyi's Journey of Ten Thousand Miles 71Reads—Score—Shelves
30. 980 破 The Bankrupt Exorcist's Haunted House Livestream 破产天师的凶宅直播间 Fengyuan砜元Mystery356k WordsCompleted “Congratulations. You've inherited a mansion worth a fortune, as well as... 200,000 yuan in deadly yin debt.” The lawyer's voice was like a scalpel, cutting through all my beautiful dreams. I'm Wu Suowei, a con artist who edits photos to pass myself off as a master of the occult. I was planning to pack up and run. But when I opened the doors of Jingxin Studio and saw the strange assortment of “family members” inside... I knew there was no escape. This wasn't a haunted house. It was an ancient se 159Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This book will teach you wisdom.

31. 981 沉 Years of Quiet Reflection 沉淀的岁月 Li Xinxin李馨欣Modern Romance560k WordsCompleted The story follows the lives of three high school girls from rural backgrounds. In the fall of 1964, the confident, ambitious “top student” Yu Hongying, the warmhearted and forthright “knight-errant” Li Chunfen, and the reserved, introspective lady Yue Shuqian unexpectedly meet in their first-year dormitory, along with the “campus belle” Yang Yuhuan and the “fake Marxist-Leninist” Wu Lihong. This sets off a series of stories, some serious, some amusing, some bizarre, and some full of joy and sorr 544Reads—Score—Shelves
32. 982 超 Superpowered Spycraft: An Agent's Blissful Path to Immortality 超神谍武，特工修仙爽歪歪 Chu Yuxiang褚豫翔Sci-Fi & Apocalypse1.6M WordsOngoing Truth and illusion are hard to tell apart, And love, hatred, and old grudges stretch beyond count! Greed, anger, delusion, sorrow, joy, and resentment, Who among us hasn’t tasted them all? Spy wars, schemes within schemes, a world of temptation, Half-drunk, half-sated, still unable to enjoy the night. I can change a thousand ways, And unleash every supernatural power. Why should I fear their schemes and plots, Their sharp tongues and cutting words? I roam the sea of stars to settle old scores, W 5kReads9.5Score395Shelves

    Reader note

    Humorous science fiction cultivation

33. 983 竹 A Heart Like Bamboo, A World as Vast as Mountains and Rivers 竹心自修，山河自阔 Yuan Hong, Who Loves Crisp Vegetables爱吃爽口菜笋的袁弘Historical13k WordsCompleted A Bamboo Heart Cultivates Itself; the Mountains and Rivers Stretch Far and Wide 9Reads—Score—Shelves
34. 984 福 Good Fortune Must Be Guarded With Wisdom; A Righteous Heart Brings Lasting Blessings 福厚需智守，心正福绵长 Yuan Hong, Who Loves Crisp Vegetables爱吃爽口菜笋的袁弘Historical12k WordsCompleted Great Fortune Must Be Guarded with Wisdom; A Righteous Heart Brings Lasting Blessings 5Reads—Score—Shelves
35. 985 我 My Life of 'Reverse Cheating' Somehow Turned Into a Comedy 我那“反向开挂”的人生，硬是被我玩成了喜剧 Yuan Hong, Who Loves Crisp Vegetables爱吃爽口菜笋的袁弘13k WordsCompleted My life, with its “reverse cheat abilities,” somehow turned into a comedy thanks to me. 2Reads—Score—Shelves
36. 986 微 The Traveler in the Faint Light: Turning Ordinary Days into a Blazing River of Stars 微光赶路人：把普通日子，活成滚烫星河 Yuan Hong, Who Loves Crisp Vegetables爱吃爽口菜笋的袁弘14k WordsCompleted A Wayfarer in the Faint Light: Turning Ordinary Days into a Blaze of Stars 4Reads—Score—Shelves
37. 987 京 The Tide Between Beijing and Hong Kong 京港澜渡 A Book Worth a Fortune一本千万利Modern Romance631k WordsOngoing [The rating just opened, slowly climbing] [Hong Kong old-money style vs. Beijing political circles] [Intrigue and covert battles among the wealthy] [High-IQ business and romance] [Slow burn, not a fast-paced power fantasy; feel free to skip chapters] Four pairs of hunters, four hunts. The rain pours over Hong Kong. Come enjoy a TVB-style romance, business-war, and suspense drama! Sweet nothings go beyond “Stay a little longer” and “I adore you” to include “I’m crazy about you.” Duplicity is the 8.1kReads8.9Score740Shelves

    Reader note

    A thousand or eight hundred schemes, calculations, and plots—a cunning couple locked in an extreme tug-of-war.

38. 988 诀 City of Farewells 诀别之城 Ye Family Member Who Loves Cabbage and Celery爱吃白菜芹菜的叶家人Modern Romance533k WordsCompleted Three years ago, a devastating betrayal left Yang Jie heartbroken, and she called off the wedding she had looked forward to all her life. She thought she and Ye Mao would have nothing more to do with each other. Three years later, the man who had hurt her so deeply appeared before her again, quietly pleading for forgiveness. The real estate industry is a cutthroat world, and people are hard to read. Her former lover presses closer at every turn, and their old feelings refuse to fade. This time 1Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a tragic love story set in the real estate industry. The female protagonist, Yang Jie, and the male protagonist, Ye Mao, are deeply in love but cannot be together due to the complexities of the industry. Ultimately, it's a story of personal growth and self-development.

Other lists with Madam Director, a Major Anti-Crime Case!