Can We Stop Cramming So Many Golden Fingers into Period Dramas? It Feels So Fake 能不能不要再把年代文里加那么多的金手指，很假

1. 1 七 A Warm Marriage in the 1970s: She Marries a Rough Rascal and Is Spoiled Like a Treasure 七零暖婚：嫁给痞气糙汉被宠成宝 Sunflower Ah Hua向日葵啊花Modern Romance1.2M WordsCompleted Everyone says the bad-tempered rascal from the Xie family is a shameless layabout. How on earth did he get so lucky as to marry Jiang He, the woman everyone in the surrounding villages wants for a wife? The young men who have a crush on Jiang He are all so jealous they could grind their teeth over Xie Shenqing. And yet, despite having such a kind and lovely wife, Xie Shenqing is always shouting at and scolding her. Even the neighborhood aunties whisper that it's a shame and that Jiang He has had 6kReads8.9Score376Shelves

   Reader note

   I highly recommend the second story! The author's writing is superb, and the story unfolds naturally. You absolutely must read it!!! The first story is for kids, and the third story doesn't feature any special abilities; it's about ordinary people changing their destiny through wisdom!

2. 2 胡 The Folks of the Hutong 胡同人家 Xiaoman Crisp小满酥Modern Romance560k WordsCompleted ☆ [Main story complete] ☆ [No transmigration, no rebirth, not a feel-good power fantasy, no golden finger] ☆ [An ordinary person's ordinary story, with a focus on everyday life] In 1972, seventeen-year-old Zhong Wenshu took over her mother's job at the state-run supply and marketing cooperative, avoiding the mass campaign to send young people to the countryside. In 1973, eighteen-year-old Zhong Wenshu married a young police officer from the neighboring courtyard and started a home with just th 15kReads9.3Score1.7kShelves
3. 3 小 Life in a Little Courtyard 小院儿生活 Diva Girl作精少女Modern Romance654k WordsOngoing When Taohua married into the family, her mother told her that the Xiao family would most likely split up. But Taohua never expected it to happen so soon. (No rebirth, no transmigration, no golden finger: just working hard to live and striving to make a life.) 19.4kReads8.8Score1.8kShelves
4. 4 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

   A historical fiction set in an era without any cheat codes or special abilities.

5. 5 旧 Childhood in the Old Days 旧时光里的童年 The Second Kid in the Old Days旧时光里的小二Urban134k WordsCompleted The author recalls a rural childhood in Wuchang County, Heilongjiang Province, during the 1970s and 1980s. The book describes rural life and the changes brought about by the household responsibility system in the early days of reform and opening up, along with the joys and hardships of the author’s childhood before the age of ten, major family upheavals, and the warmth and coldness of human nature. 41Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   These are period essays reflecting real life, written based on the author's personal experiences. They are poignant, nostalgic, deeply moving, tear-jerking, and inspiring.

6. 6 平 The Plains' True Colors 平原底色 Ban Liang搬凉Urban116k WordsOngoing Beginning in the twenty-first century, this novel follows Fang Lizhu, a child of the post-80s generation growing up in the rural Jianghan Plain of central China. Through Fang Lizhu's education, work, and the many people he meets and events he experiences, the novel portrays how life has changed for people across the plains since the start of the new century. It also depicts the many ways ordinary people respond to sweeping changes in a new era and a shifting social landscape: the choices they ma 17Reads—Score114Shelves

   Reader note

   A genuinely realistic novel, well worth reading! The novel begins at the start of the 21st century, told from the perspective of Fang Lizhu, a post-80s child in a rural area of ​​the Jianghan Plain in central China. Through depicting the various people and events Fang Lizhu encounters during his studies and work, the novel reflects both the changes in the lives of the people of the plain after the turn of the century and the diverse lives of ordinary people facing the dramatic changes of the times, whether they actively or passively choose to persevere or passively escape.

7. 7 共 Sailing Together 共舟行 Little Mouse Maomao阿鼠毛毛Modern Romance300k WordsCompleted [Small-Town Fiction | Slow Burn | 1v1, Both Leads Chaste | Ensemble Growth | Working-Class Struggles | Realistic | Period Setting] “Across a thousand miles, the boat speeds on; a letter of love rides home on the wind.” A small town in southern China in the 1990s A young man holds an unremarkable bouquet of roses And lays his feelings bare beneath the night sky From scraping by with a street stall to finding a way forward together Through wind and rain, they share life's many ups and downs This i 2kReads—Score114Shelves

   Reader note

   This is a really good book, very realistic.

8. 8 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
9. 9 走 Through the Trials 走过劫难 Li Xinxin李馨欣Modern Romance275k WordsCompleted Disaster strikes a once-happy family of five. After suffering a heartbreak so piercing it feels like ten thousand arrows, how will a mother who has only just reached middle age, and is already frail and sickly, lead her three underage children through hardship and toward the future...? 140Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   No cheat codes in the past

10. 10 改 Remarried to the Rough-Hewn Neighbor, the Young Bride Is Spoiled Rotten 改嫁隔壁糙汉，小媳妇被宠上天 The Eldest Miss of the Muzi Family木子家大小姐Modern Romance1.8M WordsOngoing Original title: "Left Alone at Home, the Neighboring Roughneck Has His Eye on Her" [1980s | Countryside | Realistic | Devoted Couple | Possessive Favoritism | Age Gap | Love Rival Showdown] In 1980, Li Chuntao is married off in exchange for her older brother’s marriage. But on their wedding night, her groom elopes with his old flame. Overnight, she becomes the village’s target of scorn, branded a woman who brings bad luck. Her mother-in-law calls her a jinx, while a pack of old bachelors eye 38.1kReads8.6Score1.5kShelves

    Reader note

    A super realistic period novel, without any plot devices, it's so interesting to read while thinking critically.

11. 11 玩 Making the Most of a Life Full of Ups and Downs 玩转跌宕起伏的人生 Liu Piao留飘Modern Romance325k WordsCompleted [Traditional] [Period] [Romance] [Countryside] [Ensemble Cast] [Revenge] [The 1980s] [Strong Female Lead] [Comeback] [Inspirational]… Li Huiping was bright and talented, but while preparing for the high school entrance exam, she spent time tutoring Qiao Shan, the classmate she had a crush on, and lost the chance to prepare for the exam herself. As a result, she missed out on getting into a key high school. After the exams, Qiao Shan ignored her. Heartbroken, Huiping saw through men’s fickleness 189Reads8.4Score106Shelves

    Reader note

    Blah blah blah!! A few great books from a bygone era, filled with everyday family stories and the atmosphere of that time! You won't be able to stop reading once you start, you'll laugh your way to riches, definitely worth buying... I'll stay up all night to read them!

12. 12 乡 Rural Love: The Marriage Swap 乡村爱情之换亲 The Eldest Miss of the Muzi Family木子家大小姐Modern Romance962k WordsCompleted The village looks peaceful, but undercurrents churn beneath the surface. Love, family affection, and illicit affairs intertwine to create a sweeping portrait of life. The beautiful village flower is forced to marry the poorest man in the village, and their story begins... 5.7kReads8.8Score475Shelves
13. 13 最 The Laziest Darling Joins the Army, and the Rough-Hewn Officer Blushes Every Night 最懒娇娘随军，糙汉军官夜夜红温 Gu Jingqiu顾惊秋Modern Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Period piece + Marriage Before Love + size difference + age difference + both leads’ first love + beloved by the whole family + everyday family life] Clear-headed, lazy, greedy, and lovely beauty vs. stern, rugged military officer who dotes on his wife * Tong Yao was lazy and greedy, and she was also a delicate beauty. After finally marrying an army officer, she had landed herself a steady, long-term allowance of a hundred yuan a month. Her husband might be away, but the money arrived on time 57.1kReads8.7Score4.8kShelves

    Reader note

    This is a slow-burning, sweet story.

14. 14 七 The 1970s: Smooth Sailing and Happy Days 七零年代：顺风顺水好日子 The Lovely Flower on the Mountain山顶的娇花Modern Romance627k WordsCompleted One day, Zhao Manyi suddenly realizes she was born into a different era. Wait, isn’t that woman across the way the heroine from the TV drama The Virtuous Daughter-in-Law that I watched with the old folks in my family as a kid? And that lovely young neighbor, praised by all the aunties as capable and virtuous, able to handle everything inside and out, turns out to be the exact opposite of me, the hapless foil who can’t lift a finger or shoulder a load!!! The reborn army-wife heroine, the hardw 11.6kReads8.6Score827Shelves

    Reader note

    The female protagonist was reincarnated as a child, but forgot about it as a child. She only remembered she was a transmigrator when she grew up, and she even has a little cheat ability. She has an older brother, younger brothers, and younger sisters. Her family treats her very well; her younger siblings are typical "mother-born servants." She also has a job and, after marrying the male protagonist, didn't go to his military post but continued working from home. She eats at her in-laws' house one day and at her parents' house the next. After giving birth, she hired help to take care of her child—truly an enviable life. There are no truly awful characters in the entire story.

15. 15 七 The Clear-Headed Beauty of the 1970s: The Military Big Shot Spoils His Wife 七零清醒美人，军婚大佬宠妻成瘾 Zhao Ximeng昭溪萌Modern Romance1.3M WordsCompleted [Bygone Era + Family Life + Sweet Daily Romance + Following the Troops + Raising Kids + No College Entrance Exams, Black Markets, or Rural Relocation + Starting a Factory Later On + A Touch of an Ensemble Cast] Song Qian’an undergoes a “return to one” and seems to awaken memories of a past life. From the start, a man so handsome he could make the heavens weep proposes to her. He’s good-looking and wealthy, so she puts on a show of wavering before agreeing. Her life after marriage turns out to 33.2kReads8.6Score2.7kShelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is very beautiful, and the male lead falls in love with her at first sight, quickly finding a matchmaker to propose marriage. The female lead is intelligent and has high emotional intelligence. Although she's also career-oriented, she's not the typical domineering female lead; she spends most of her time enjoying life and spending time with her baby. Mainly, the male lead comes from a wealthy family and doesn't lack money, so he doesn't stop her from doing whatever she wants and paves the way for her. The female lead is well aware of this, so she often acts coquettishly towards the male lead and praises his abilities. They have a baby named Pangdun, who is incredibly cute. The author excels at depicting heartwarming daily life, making the reader feel as if they're watching Pangdun grow up and witnessing the happy life of three generations of the family. (The female lead transmigrates into the book...)

16. 16 六 The 1960s: Army Life Raising Kids, Teasing Cats, and Walking Dogs 六零，养娃逗猫遛狗的随军生活 A Salty Fish Turns Over and Lie Flat咸鱼翻身躺平Modern Romance1.0M WordsCompleted (Family life + food and farming + raising children + following the troops to the border) A quick heads-up: there are few truly awful characters in this story. It mainly focuses on warm, everyday family life. Lan Mei, a modern crafting blogger, unexpectedly transmigrates to the 1960s. The original owner of her body has lost both parents, and to protect herself, she marries a rough-around-the-edges soldier, bringing along her intellectually disabled older brother. Later, for the sake of her chil 7.8kReads8.3Score745Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a borderland romance novel. The female protagonist transmigrates to the 1960s, orphaned and left with only a mentally challenged older brother. The male protagonist is a border soldier, already married and pregnant at the beginning. The female protagonist doesn't have any special abilities; she relies on her own efforts to survive. The bond between her and her brother is even more touching than the romance between the main characters; they depend on each other for survival, and the brother loves his sister the most. Before the coming turmoil, the female protagonist sells her job to take her brother with her to the border to join the army. However, her brother is taken away by his teacher to join a research project, and the two are separated. At the border, the female protagonist works as a doctor, grows vegetables, improves the lives of the soldiers, and cares for their health. They endure hardship together but are also happy. Sadly, Dorje sacrifices his life, leaving the reader heartbroken.

17. 17 五 The 1950s: Starting Out as an Apprentice 五零：从学徒工开始 Gold Always Shines, and I'll Be There是金子总会有我的Modern Romance461k WordsCompleted [Period setting + native protagonist + daily life + career + no golden finger] [An ordinary story about ordinary people] Her parents wanted Baolan to take her eldest brother's place in an arranged marriage. Baolan refused. Baolan passed the worker recruitment exam. Starting as an apprentice, Baolan attended night school, got promoted, bought a watch, bought a bicycle... Little by little, she built herself a good life. 34.7kReads9.0Score3.9kShelves

    Reader note

    This doesn't seem as rigorous or reasonable as I'd like.

18. 18 1 In 1975, I Went to the Countryside to Escape Disaster 1975年我下乡避祸 Niu Shi牛柿Urban1.5M WordsCompleted This is not a feel-good power fantasy. There is no pocket dimension, no System, no rebirth, and no transmigration. The times are turbulent, and the road ahead is uncertain. To protect Li Chengxiao, his family bears the pain of sending him to the countryside for an assigned rural posting, away from danger. Alone, he puts down roots in the village, enduring hardship and lying low with quiet resolve. With his unique insight and steady temperament, he establishes himself amid adversity, discreetly b 91.3kReads8.5Score11.1kShelves

    Reader note

    No time travel, no rebirth, no system, no space, and a stable three-chapter update schedule.

19. 19 年 The Supporting Girl in the Period Novel Rolled Her Eyes 年代文女配翻了个白眼 Cai Wangwang菜汪汪Modern Romance1.9M WordsOngoing [The blurb is misleading. This isn't a wish-fulfillment novel, and the leads are ordinary people. If you only like mindless wish fulfillment, please don't read this. Thank you.] Qiu Bailu transmigrates into a period novel as a clownish, supporting villainess, destined to scheme her way to a lifetime of poverty. She's so angry she laughs. She's unapologetically hypocritical. When she read the book, she sided with the protagonist and thought the villainess was awful. Now that she's the villainess, 92.2kReads8.8Score6.5kShelves

    Reader note

    Neither of them has any special abilities; they are either natives or transmigrated female protagonists.

20. 20 七 Everyday Life on the Margins of a 1970s Novel 七零小说边缘人的日常生活 Yu Yi Yu Yi余意喻意Modern Romance502k WordsCompleted [Fictional period setting + transmigrate into a book + no golden finger + works in the city, doesn’t go to the countryside] Though Lin Yingxian works hard to get by, she knows how to be content. After learning that she’s become a minor character in a novel, she continues to live her life in this 1970s setting as usual, barely fazed. But when news comes that housing is being allocated, her life begins to change… Reader’s guide: The story focuses mostly on everyday family life. Neither the male no 28.6kReads9.0Score2.1kShelves

    Reader note

    None of them have any cheat codes.

21. 21 穿 I Became the Wife of a Commander Who Died Young! Now His Whole Family Dotes on Me 穿成早死首长的妻子！被全家团宠 A Simple Life平淡生活Modern Romance1.0M WordsCompleted (A Novel Set in the 1980s) (Military Marriage + Marriage First, Love Later + Transmigrating into a Book vs. Transmigrating) A car accident sent Ye Fangfei into a novel. Its world was a parallel timeline in the early 1980s. The novel’s protagonists were the younger brother of her husband, Shen Zhanxun, and his wife. Shen Zhanxun was nothing but a stepping-stone they used to build their wealth. In the novel, Shen Zhanxun left the military to join the municipal public security bureau. He died while 92.8kReads9.0Score11.4kShelves
22. 22 八 The Fierce Eldest Sister of the 80s Crashes Her Scumbag Father's Wedding from the Start 八零长姐如虎开局砸了渣爹结婚宴 Lost but Not Lost迷途不迷途Modern Romance1.0M WordsCompleted [Historical setting + 1980s + light ensemble cast + false rebirth + adorable children + satisfying revenge + no golden finger + family drama] Her scumbag father brought his mistress home, moved into his ex-wife's house, slept in her bed, and even abused her children! Then Yao Shula, specially brought in to deal with the scumbag father, was reborn. She had to deal with her scumbag father and his mistress, and look after her younger siblings too. And since she'd come all this way, she might as wel 67.9kReads8.9Score2.7kShelves
23. 23 分 After Three Years Apart, She Asks for a Divorce, and the Chaste Commander Loses His Cool 分居三年提离婚，禁欲首长红了眼 Tun Er豚二Modern Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [Period setting + military marriage + sweet romance + raising children + no golden finger + native-born characters + life in a military compound + everyday family drama] This is not an effortless wish-fulfillment story. It’s a warm tale of personal growth, so read with care if that’s not your thing. Cen Jing Yi gives birth to her daughter prematurely and is thrown out by her in-laws. She struggles alone to raise her daughter until she’s two. Then her husband, who returned to his unit the day aft 14.4kReads8.8Score951Shelves
24. 24 成 Why Help Others Get What They Want? I’ll Choose Myself 成全别人？不如成全自己 Yue Cangyun Nali月藏云那里Modern Romance235k WordsCompleted In the book, Xu Jing'an spent her whole life helping others and putting them first, yet in the end, no one even said a kind word about her. This time, she's going to look after herself first and do what's best for her. 141.6kReads9.5Score11.6kShelves
25. 25 我 I Really Do Have a Soft-Rice-Eating King System 我真有一个软饭王系统 Song Xiangbai宋象白Urban2.0M WordsCompleted “Over 99 percent of the Host’s cells are dormant. You meet the basic requirements for living off others. Bind the system?” “Yes, yes! Bind it, right away!” Warning: To successfully live off others, you must first learn self-discipline!!! Warning: It’s a soft life, but you’ll still have to work hard. If you don’t like workaholics, don’t open this. Warning: The protagonist will live off lots of people (and animals). If that bothers you, don’t click. 111.2kReads9.3Score10.2kShelves

    Reader note

    To change your mood, here are two books by Juejuezi.

26. 26 大 Gossiping in the Compound Is So Much Fun 大院吃瓜真香了 Ling Ling Zi苓菱子Modern Romance1.3M WordsCompleted Lin Qing had a terrifying dream. In it, she was a frail young aunt whose niece, born the same year, had stolen her engagement. Afraid Lin Qing would try to reclaim the match, the niece flaunted the man she'd stolen in front of her every day, until Lin Qing was finally angered to death. Lin Qing jolted awake in fright. What kind of vicious dream was that? If the niece wanted the man, she could have him. Why did she have to anger Lin Qing to death, too? Just when Lin Qing thought it had all been a 14.1kReads8.1Score1kShelves

    Reader note

    No cheat codes

27. 27 她 She Was a Sent-Down Educated Youth in the 1970s 她是七零年代下乡女知青 Golden Flowers金色的花花Modern Romance500k WordsCompleted Yao Jinling's family has seven people: two adults and five children. They all rely on her father, Yao Wang, and his single salary to get by. The family never has enough to eat or wear, and everyone is skin and bones... They could have endured this life for a few more years. Once the older children grew up and found jobs, things would have improved. But just as her older brother and sister reached working age and could help support the family, her mother got pregnant again! She gave birth to anot 971Reads7.0Score105Shelves
28. 28 社 My Socially Anxious Lover Is Super Clingy 社恐对象超黏我 Sunrise at Xiguan日出西关Modern Romance353k WordsCompleted [A socially anxious male educated youth VS a sunny heroine + no golden finger + everyone is a local + no black-market dealings] The Lin family's precious youngest daughter has fallen for an educated youth who came from the city. He's a great guy: not only is he warmhearted, he often has all kinds of snacks in his pockets. Lin Baobao: If I date him, does that mean I can openly eat his snacks? I really want to date him. Qi Ci'an is a bona fide social phobe, and he also stutters. When getting of 4.5kReads8.7Score528Shelves
29. 29 黑 The Darkened Educated Youth Returns to the City, Cuts Ties, and Becomes Beautiful and Rich 黑化女知青回城，断亲变美暴富了 Autumn Colors Crimson秋色绯绯Modern Romance272k WordsCompleted [A devoted and equally powerful couple x all characters are natives of the setting x no transmigration, rebirth, pocket dimension, System, or golden finger x no contrived drama x no helpless suffering x building wealth] [An upbeat, beautiful, resilient heroine VS a scheming, obsessive, slightly unhinged hero] The heroine takes her compensation and cuts ties with her birth family, decisively and swiftly. She does not cling to them or forgive them. The story focuses mainly on making money and roma 25.1kReads8.7Score2.6kShelves
30. 30 六 The 1960s: After Getting into Technical College, I Secure a Cadre Position 六零：考上中专后，我稳坐干部岗 Don't Know Any Better孬不道Modern Romance999k WordsCompleted [1960s + everyday life + extremely, extremely slow-paced + family squabbles + no rural assignment + vocational school entrance exams + few awful relatives] [This is a female-oriented novel! The heroine is an ordinary person, not a powerhouse heroine. Please don’t read if that bothers you.] Heartbroken and still looking for an internship? To escape reality, senior college student Zhou Yuan casually signed a contract for the full-immersion game Awakening. When she opened her eyes, she had become Z 17.2kReads8.5Score1.3kShelves

    Reader note

    This book, [Sparrow's Divine Work], is super good! The protagonist's cheat ability is relatively minor, only allowing him to eat meat twice a month. He's also very cautious about using it, only using it with a reasonable explanation. The rating is a bit low because there are fewer reviewers. [Added to my bookshelf] It mainly depicts the warm daily life of the protagonist's family. Its strength lies in its excellent sense of the era; this is the most focused on historical setting I've read on Tomato Book [Already hooked]. Prices are reasonable, details are meticulous, and there aren't too many extreme characters. It feels like truly living in that era. The only downside is the slow pace; there isn't much romance yet. You can read it as a historical fiction combined with a farming/farming novel.

31. 31 重 Back to the 1970s: Following My Husband, a Military Industry Bigwig, to the Countryside 重回七零：陪着军工大佬丈夫下乡 Wen Xixi温熙熙Modern Romance695k WordsCompleted [Rebirth + Space + Military Industry Mogul x Gentle Doctor + Adorable Little One] Li Qingyue was reborn. In her previous life, her husband, Qi Yumo, was highly educated and handsome. Though he had a bad temper, he treated her very well. He was also a promising young talent at the military factory, and the ideal son-in-law in the eyes of countless middle-aged women. Their happy life as a family of three didn't last long before her husband was reported by a spiteful enemy. He was about to be dismi 12kReads8.0Score933Shelves

    Reader note

    The story unfolds along two parallel storylines: one featuring a reborn protagonist and the other a supporting female character. Both possess memories of their previous lives. The protagonist, given a second chance, chooses to go to the countryside with the male lead to make up for the regrets of her past life, hoping to ensure the family's safety. The supporting female character, also reborn, remains unchanged, squandering her advantages and causing her family to fall apart and become estranged, ultimately meeting a tragic end.

32. 32 穿 Transmigrated into a Period Novel: The Villainess Is a Little Unhinged 穿进年代文：反派女配有点颠 Only Envy the Immortal Lord只羡仙君Modern Romance786k WordsCompleted Just because she made one snarky remark about people who were lovesick, Su Yitong transmigrates to the 1970s, becoming a young woman sent to work in the countryside in a remote, impoverished village. Still dazed, she takes a hostage and gets mistaken for an enemy spy, then locked in a woodshed. Only then does she realize she's transmigrated into a book as a melodramatic, ruthless villainess who meets a gruesome end! Follow the System's plot? Not a chance! This villainess loves doing the opposite 8.7kReads8.4Score585Shelves

    Reader note

    This game doesn't have any cheat codes or spatial abilities. It doesn't have abundant resources. It's really good. Although the characters are a bit eccentric, I think it feels very realistic. It's super, super good.

33. 33 年 The Wife Who Dies Young in a Period Novel? The Ascetic Professor Falls in Love 年代文早死妻？禁欲教授沦陷求爱 Zhouzhou Eats Steamed Buns粥粥吃馒头Modern Romance977k WordsCompleted [An alternate 1980s setting, awakening as the foil to the heroine; slow-paced, everyday traditional story; marriage first, love later, and family life; raising kids with sweet affection; no golden finger; local-born characters who aren’t perfect] After Song Zhiyao impulsively picks a fight over divorce, she takes her child to her parents’ home and has a dream that makes her awaken to the truth. Well, would you look at that: she’s living inside a period novel! And she’s not even the main heroine, 34.4kReads8.9Score3.7kShelves

    Reader note

    Both the male and female leads are from Northeast China. The opening chapters are a bit exaggerated, and the dialogue is a bit too rough. The male lead is a senior engineer with a leg problem, but comes from a wealthy family. The female lead is incredibly beautiful from the countryside, and the male lead, being a womanizer, falls for her at first sight, thinking he's married a beautiful and virtuous wife. However, the female lead is controlled by the plot, doing nothing, neglecting the children, and spending all her time imitating the fashion of an old woman in a melodramatic drama. The opening scene shows the female lead running back to her parents' home to demand a divorce, but then she suddenly has a dream and wakes up, breaking free from the plot's control. Professor Ji's life suddenly improves; his wife starts paying attention to the children and him, and she dresses beautifully every day, cooking him delicious meals—he's living the good life.

34. 34 八 A Great Beauty Raises Kids in a Beijing Courtyard, 1980s Style 八零大美人四合院养娃日常 North to South由北向南Modern Romance1.2M WordsCompleted (Slice of life + sweet romance + raising children + family life + career) Zhao Jinshu was in her sixties. Her children had grown up and started families of their own, and she had seen her parents-in-law off. She was just about to travel around the country when she was reborn. She returned to the time a few months after she had first moved to the city. Back then, she knew nothing. A young bride from the countryside, she was shy, too embarrassed to speak up, and insecure. Even though her husband 54.2kReads9.3Score4.6kShelves

    Reader note

    Both are period novels without any special abilities or cheat codes; the first is heartwarming, and the second is comedic.

35. 35 不 Cast Out by Her In-Laws for Being Infertile, She Marries a Tycoon and Has Triplets in One Night 不孕被婆家赶，嫁暴发户一夜三崽 Jin Manman金满满Modern Romance3.3M WordsCompleted [The 1990s + lighthearted comedy + starting a factory + getting revenge on scumbags + everyday life] After three years of engagement, Jiang Tang had taken care of Gu Zhun's parents and younger siblings, honoring his parents and working herself to the bone for him. In return, he came home after completing his studies and acted as if he didn't know her. Jiang Tang turned around and impulsively married a nouveau riche. Overnight, she became a mother of three. First she landed big orders, then built 52.8kReads9.3Score5.2kShelves
36. 36 老 My Husband Cheated, So I Swapped Husbands with His Mistress to Change Our Fates 老公出轨，我和小三换夫改命 Du Wanxing杜菀星Modern Romance553k WordsCompleted A new novel currently being serialized, with its rating just posted! [Not a wish-fulfillment story] [Period setting + remarriage + devoted husband + marriage first, love later] [Some ensemble cast elements] [No System] [No pocket dimension] [Realistic everyday life] In the height of summer in 1977, Xu Nan, a temporary worker at a machinery factory, caught her husband, Cheng Peng, having an affair with Liang Yan Min, an employee at the same factory. To protect his reputation and prospects, Cheng 17.2kReads8.4Score1.2kShelves
37. 37 大 The Courtyard Compound: The Warmth of Everyday Life 大杂院：人间烟火气 Du Xiaore杜小惹Modern Romance546k WordsCompleted [Period setting + family drama + everyday life] If you're young and inexperienced, take this as a warning and steer clear. This book probably isn't for you. It has none of the usual wish-fulfillment tropes and no imaginary cheat powers. It's simply an ordinary story about people in northern China. [No transmigration, no System, no pocket dimension, no being reborn, and none of the modern-novel elements you know.] It records the ordinary life of a northern town in the 1980s, capturing the memorie 8.8kReads9.1Score775Shelves
38. 38 七 The 1970s: The Little Fool Only Clings to the Strongest Man 七零：小傻子只抱最粗的大腿 Seleucus塞琉古Modern Romance236k WordsCompleted [Period setting + doting romance + genuinely silly heroine + devoted to each other] A lot of this is made up by the author, so don’t overthink it!!! The characters’ values do not represent the author’s. Song Jinxi’s family home was too small, so they kicked her out and sent her to live with her older sister, who was stationed with the army, to make room for her brother. She couldn’t do the chores properly, never got enough to eat, and had to put up with her sister’s scorn. The little fool manage 5kReads6.4Score290Shelves

    Reader note

    Chapter 1 In the military compound, Song Jinxi struggled to carry the water bucket. Her thin, worn clothes clung to her body, outlining the girl's beautiful curves. Her face was pale, and she shivered from the cold. Neighbor Aunt Yang sighed. The Song family was truly unfortunate. Look what they'd done to their fair-skinned child. It was almost winter, and she was still wearing only a thin layer of clothing. "Little Xi, come here! Have some candy!" She grabbed two White Rabbit milk candies. Song Jinxi was stunned for a moment before realizing someone was calling her, her beautiful eyes looking over blankly. "Thank you, Aunt Yang." She peeled one open and put it in her mouth, happily sucking on the sweetness. She thanked her sweetly. She carefully placed the remaining one...

39. 39 穿 After Becoming the Follower of an Era's Chosen One, I Came Out on Top 穿成年代龙傲天的跟班后我赢麻了 The Adventures of Bear Bear熊熊历险记Fantastical Romance118k WordsOngoing Lin Cui takes a wrong step and accidentally transmigrates into a male power fantasy novel set in a bygone era, becoming an unnamed cannon-fodder character. In this age of extreme scarcity, she naturally has to cling to the male lead to avoid a hard life... She wants to live comfortably, sure, but she’ll sell her talent, not her body! Hey, hey... Mr. Male Lead, you’re acting weird. Even rabbits don’t eat the grass by their burrows... [Neither the male nor female lead is perfect. They’re both self 3Reads—Score134Shelves

    Reader note

    This, this!!! A period drama featuring a cunning and arrogant protagonist versus a money-grubbing, spoiled brat.

40. 40 行 Somebody Somewhere in the Crowd 行走在人海中的某某某 I Promise You the Best Years我许年华Modern Romance309k WordsCompleted There is only one true heroism in the world: to see life as it is and still love it. Whether it’s the wind blowing through a valley, clouds drifting over the sea, poplar trees by the roadside, foxtail grass on a hillside, or people, Zhao Xiaoqiu thinks they’re all much the same, aren’t they? 2kReads9.2Score119Shelves

    Reader note

    [OK][Adorable][I also strongly recommend][I'm almost crying]

41. 41 二 Marrying an Officer Again: The Socially Anxious Beauty Is Doted on by Her Brother-in-Law 二嫁军官，社恐美人被大伯哥娇宠 One More Spoonful再吃一勺儿Modern Romance362k WordsCompleted [Transmigration + Both Pure + Sweet, Sensual, Introverted Beauty vs. Deeply Cunning Officer + Sweet Romance + Period Setting + Eight-Year Age Gap] Tang Huan transmigrated into the body of a young widow whose husband had died just after their wedding. Losing her husband wasn't a problem. Her parents-in-law treated her like their own daughter. Her father-in-law gave her money every few days, and her mother-in-law was an amazing cook. Tang Huan had a wonderful life. The only thing she didn't like w 15.6kReads9.3Score1.8kShelves

    Reader note

    There's no special advantage (like a cheat code), and the mother-in-law treats the female lead like her own daughter. The HG series is very good.

42. 42 穿 Transmigrating to the 1970s: Full Steam Ahead 穿越七零向前冲 A Thousand Apologies这厢有礼了Modern Romance211k WordsCompleted Li Jingshu transmigrates to the 1970s after an accident. With no golden finger, she relies on her determination and refusal to give up to earn promotions and raises in the city. Yet relatives weighed down by fate keep appearing around her. See how she flaps her wings in the 1970s and helps them start their lives anew, while also finding herself a handsome man to be her life partner. That's not too much to ask, is it? My new novel is here! Come read it on Tomato Novel. I hope you enjoy it. Your s 305Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A time-travel story set in an era without cheat codes or special abilities.

43. 43 七 The Leading Lady of a 1970s Military Marriage: I Seize the Moment and Make a Fortune 七零军婚大女主，手握风口暴富 Camellia Oil007山茶油007Modern Romance158k WordsOngoing [1970s + transmigration + orphaned heroine with no awful relatives + ordinary-born male lead who makes his own way + no pocket dimension or golden finger + military marriage + strong female lead] Synopsis: Overnight, she transmigrates into the body of an orphaned girl in the 1970s, with no father or mother. A perfect hand from the start. Ning Qingshang has no System or pocket dimension, but her mind is filled with decades of future trends. She knows every policy opportunity and every chance to 32Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I think this book is good. There are no cheat codes or systems; it's just about everyday life, a simple and steady flow. The female lead doesn't suddenly become rich; she achieves it step by step. From an orphan to a military dependent, from being gossiped about to receiving support from the entire hospital, in three months, she becomes the most stable person in the camp. The male lead is quiet but reliable, the female lead is clear-headed and not resentful, and the supporting characters all feel realistic. Recommended!

44. 44 闪 A Whirlwind Wedding and Military Life: My Forceful Officer Leaves Me Swooning Every Time 闪婚随军：强势军官令我次次沦陷 Qing Yunyun青芸芸Modern Romance1.7M WordsCompleted [Complete novel + sweet romance + career-driven heroine + building wealth + female awakening and mutual support + no golden finger + funny, heartwarming, and moving] Ye Wenxi, a career-driven woman at a major 21st-century corporation, transmigrates into a book, becoming the vicious supporting character in a novel set in a bygone era. Through a twist of fate, she and Lu Weidong end up having an “honest exchange.” Fortunately, he has a strong sense of responsibility and insists on seeing things th 15.6kReads8.8Score1.4kShelves

    Reader note

    No cheat codes, no frustration at all.

45. 45 军 Military Marriage Bliss: I Flirt with a Soldier in the 1970s 军婚娇宠：我在七零与兵王互撩 Su Youran苏悠然Modern Romance618k WordsCompleted [Period Setting + Military Marriage + Sweet Romance + Devoted Couple] Mu Jing'an married Song Qingning because his mother told him, “Song Qingning, the girl across the bridge, is your betrothed. You have to take responsibility for her.” Song Qingning married Mu Jing'an because the wife of the company commander who had rescued her told her, “My son is tall, a little dim, earns a good salary, and is an officer. If you don't mind, take him off my hands.” Both thought a marriage without love would 24.5kReads9.4Score2.9kShelves

    Reader note

    These two "golden fingers" aren't particularly impressive, and I think it's perfectly normal to earn money through one's own efforts.

46. 46 穿 The Book Transmigrator Gets a Waist-Hugging Flirt from the Army's Toughest Man 穿书女配被全军第一硬汉搂腰撩 Deep in the Hedgerow篱落深深Modern Romance1.0M WordsCompleted Jian Yuelan had transmigrated into a book years ago, but the plot only kicked in after she followed the army to an island! Good news: sweet romance and a happy ending. Bad news: she and the second male lead were killed off early. A sweet, doting marriage in the 1970s? That’s all complete bullshit! Every character was just there to pave the way for the male and female leads to ascend! With no plot to follow, Jian Yuelan created her own, racking her brains to change her fate. Fortunately, her man 12.5kReads9.3Score873Shelves
47. 47 最 The Strongest Clan: No One in the Yu Family Backs Down 最强家族：郁家无怂人 A nomi阿nomiModern Romance549k WordsCompleted Yu Yu thinks the sky has fallen. She turns out to be the fake heiress. The real heiress is coming in hot. What should she do? Sniffle, Dad, are you still going to care about me? Oh, good. As long as you still do. Boohoo, Big Brother, you can't treat her better than me. Fine, I won't. And just like that, the sky clears again. In a turbulent era, great families struggle to survive. The Yu family alone stands firm, unyielding! When family members scheme and the world turns ruthless, the Yu fami 6.6kReads8.0Score341Shelves

    Reader note

    The era of all indigenous people

48. 48 重 Reborn as a Little Blade of Grass 重生之俺是一颗小小草 The Junior Sister Who Doesn't Like Clay Pot Porridge不爱吃砂锅粥的师妹Modern Romance255k WordsCompleted Reborn, Tian Jincao refuses to be a dependent vine in the big city ever again. She kicks her trash ex to the curb and resolutely returns to the mountains, determined to help the girls there soar, leave the mountains behind, and see a wider world. To her surprise, the man she had loved in her past life has also been reborn. When they meet again years later, the first thing he asks is, “Will you marry me?” Tian Jincao answers, “Yes. I absolutely will!” In their previous life, the leads missed thei 5Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    No spatial system, no cheat codes, just a good historical novel, go check it out!

49. 49 穿 I Transmigrated Into a Book Set in the 1970s and Married the Male Lead's Uncle 穿书七零嫁给男主他叔 The Junior Sister Who Doesn't Like Clay Pot Porridge不爱吃砂锅粥的师妹Modern Romance647k WordsCompleted Lin Susu woke up one day and transmigrated into a book, becoming the villainous female character in a period novel. In the book, the villainess sabotages the romance between the male and female leads, causes trouble at every turn, and ultimately meets a miserable end. Transmigrated Lin Susu declares: The male and female leads must stay together. Wouldn't it be better to cling to the uncle who's taller, more handsome, higher-ranking, and richer than the male lead? Her uncle says: “Be good, you ca 2.3kReads8.7Score207Shelves
50. 50 八 Sweet Romance in the 80s: The Army Officer Wooes His Young Sweetheart 八零宠婚：军少诱拐小青梅 In the Third Month余三月里Modern Romance547k WordsCompleted [Military marriage + one-on-one romance + building an island + childhood sweethearts + making a fortune + raising cats and kids + local-born leads] (Wolfish young officer childhood friend x lively beauty childhood sweetheart) Fang Yingyue is the lively little beauty everyone knows from the military compound. Everyone knows she has a childhood friend who has protected her since they were little, and no one dares bully her. After they marry, she doesn't join him at his post. Then one day, she has 5.3kReads8.4Score338Shelves

    Reader note

    No cheat codes, the male and female leads are natives, childhood sweethearts, a perfect match in terms of social standing, a 5-year age gap, and are pampered by their families. The female lead is somewhat awakened and starts the story by accompanying her husband to the military. Both the male and female leads are independent, have independent thoughts, normal values, and are articulate and persuasive. There are no misunderstandings or power struggles; they trust each other completely. The female lead also has a best friend, and they work together on a business. Both seem intelligent, and their approach to building their business is realistic and not exaggerated; they don't achieve instant success.

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