A Marriage of Unequals

Cheng Anhao is like many ordinary girls in the world: ordinary looks, an ordinary family, studying hard, going to college, and getting a stable job. Someday, she might find a man she doesn't love all that much but can build an ordinary life with. The two most rebellious things she ever did were: First, when she was seventeen, she got into a C9 university in her city, but tore up her admission letter and defied her entire family, insisting on retaking the entrance exam. The following year, she got her wish and went to B University. Second, when she was twenty-seven, she met him through a matchmaking arrangement. He had no feelings for her, and even his career meant he couldn't offer her the companionship of an ordinary husband. Yet she still chose to marry him without hesitation. Xu Zhenyan was born into privilege, a natural star. He forged his own career despite flouting convention, and was a celebrated figure in esports. Everyone guessed that his future wife would either come from a prominent family or be a leading figure in esports or entertainment. Instead, he married an ordinary woman in every way but her education. Someone asked Xu Zhenyan why he chose her after their matchmaking date. His first answer was: "Easy on the eyes, doesn't make trouble, and can make a life with me." Later, the woman everyone thought was the most mild-mannered person in his eyes left him a divorce agreement and ran away while pregnant. Someone else said, "It doesn't matter. Just get divorced." He charged forward like a madman and punched them. This time, his answer was: "You're the one who should get divorced! I'm fucking crazy about her!" Gentle, harmless university lecturer × proud, aloof esports coach and owner [One-sided crush / Married first, love later] In terms of money, she married up. In terms of love, he married up. In a marriage between unequals, love is the one thing that can't be measured against a scale. 1. Happy ending 2. A realistic story. Writing is hard, so I only ask everyone to stay calm and be kind. 3. See my profile for completed works. 4. Author's Weibo: @Nan Azhu New story, updating since April 2025: Ode to Hidden Winter Sunny, loyal, and spirited orphan girl × aloof, sensitive idol raised from childhood Jiang Songdong spent ten years measuring the proper distance of love. Ren Chushan, meanwhile, spent her entire youth building a fortress of self-defense. When a battle royale pushed them to the brink of survival, a clear, cruel voice told him: "If you don't get back up, I'll leave you without looking back." As the clouds part and the sun appears, she is destined to keep the secret of her love for winter buried deep in her heart. Reading notes: * There are twists and turns, but it has a happy ending. * Slow burn, with a long story spanning ages ten to thirty. * They are not blood-related. The leads are not romantically involved until the heroine succeeds in finding her family. Theme: How a marriage develops when the two partners are unequal in material means and in love.