Contemporary Romances That Emptied My Wallet Over the Years 那些年让我掏空钱包的现言

1. 1 新 Newlywed Notes 新婚笔记 Spring and Kite春与鸢Romance207k WordsCompleted [Marriage First, Love Later] [Sweet Romance] “There were quite a few mix-ups when I married Mr. Liang. I got his name wrong on the marriage registration, and the clerk laughed at me. My father passed away suddenly, and Mr. Liang stepped in to help by agreeing to a marriage contract with me and stabilizing my family’s business. Do you know how I repaid him back then? I asked him to drive me to the movies with a guy.” “What did he say?” “He happily agreed. He drove me th 23.2kFavorites26.2kClicks/ch9.1kGifts

   Curator note

   It's quite an interesting story about an older woman/younger man relationship. The description of avoiding attachment gives the male lead, a typical moral paragon in female-oriented novels, a bit of humanity. I didn't quite get into the beginning, but it got pretty good later on. The disparity in their family backgrounds made the female lead feel insecure about the male lead's "love trap" under the guise of rescuing her from a crisis. Her initial readiness to withdraw gradually turned into anxiety and fear of loss, and finally, she was no longer afraid of losing him. The trajectory of her love is also the trajectory of her growth. She is very clear-headed, which gives her the courage to love and the determination to leave and fly free. The first priority in a healthy relationship is to be true to oneself. The male lead seems like a calm and collected master of love, but in reality, he is unaware of his own entrapment and has long been ready to be slaughtered. I'm deducting one star because the villainous female supporting character is too stupid and ill-mannered. I hate this kind of tool-like trope. PS: The author's inner monologues have a soul-searching quality. The beginning is rather disjointed, with a bit of a stream-of-consciousness feel. If you read it quickly, the pacing might feel a bit strange, and some passages are quite convoluted, such as the frequent use of double negatives to express psychological shifts, which can feel a little awkward to read.

2. 2 前 My Ex-Girlfriend's Child Is Three Years Old 前女友孩子三岁了 Yu Si Ren玉寺人Romance512k WordsCompleted The first year after they split, Chen Jingchuan heard from a friend that Liang Xihui had gotten married. For the first time, he tried smoking. He was so bad at it that he nearly coughed up tears. His friend mocked him. “I told you ages ago to break up with her. Did you really think you could end up with a rich young miss like that? You wasted six years of your youth.” Ch 43.4kFavorites49.2kClicks/ch16kGifts

   Curator note

   [Avoid those with atypical tropes] Due to slow progress, I'm too lazy to create a separate book list. This book really oscillates between being my triggers and being enjoyable... To get revenge on her ex-boyfriend who abruptly broke up with her and left without a word, she tricks him into becoming her mistress after they meet again in the country by faking a marriage with a business partner... How to put it... It's not exactly a case of intense hatred and passion, but I personally feel that her behavior and stance in the early stages are a bit strange. Using the child as part of a play feels very awkward (yes, the male and female leads have a biological child, and from the child's perspective, this is quite shocking). In short, it's a mutually agreeable relationship, and the female lead definitely comes out on top. The character's high level of self-satisfaction and her arrogant and willful nature are subjective opinions. In the early stages, she can be said to have manipulated the male lead completely. However, her deep love and hatred are equally intense. If you can accept that all the logic is based on two people with extreme romantic minds, with the female lead loving the male lead and the male lead loving the female lead to the point of life and death without any cooling-off period, and that the male lead was genuinely and willingly a "formal mistress" for a period of time, and that the ex-husband male supporting character has a significant role beyond being a background character, then this story is quite exciting and enjoyable if you can match your own preferences. It's full of dramatic situations, and the two-person show, especially the pseudo-mistress stage, has a very satisfying feel to it, like dog-training literature. In terms of writing style, logical dialogue, and plot tension, it's really good. Three stars is actually too low; it should be three and a half stars. *It's still necessary to highlight this: [If you don't fit my taste or have high moral standards, please click with caution] The female lead's extremely controlling mother is the logical starting point of the story. Her behavior has reached an outrageous level, and it was the core trigger point that made me want to abandon the book several times. However, it doesn't affect the enjoyment of the two-person comedy; on the contrary, it adds a touch of painful flavor. Both of them have bad relationships with their original families. If you want to see love in an idealized family atmosphere, please skip this. Further elaboration: I've figured it out a bit. The story's ability to move forward and the characters to be believable largely stems from the fact that the male and female leads possess resources sufficient to cover their love-struck choices, whether morally or not—in short, they're rich and willful. This kind of love, like a runaway horse, without considering anything else, is delicious, but also unattainable. It makes the reader gradually detach from the text and examine the plot's rationality from a personal moral perspective.

3. 3 我 My Seasonal Boyfriend 我的时令男友 Watermelon Lollipop西瓜珍宝珠Romance259k WordsCompleted After being driven to the brink by her landlord and her job, Li Xiao receives a severance package worth N+2 months' pay. She struggles to hold back her widening smile, takes the money, and leaves. In a torrential downpour, Li Xiao returns to the old house by the stream. It's been exactly nine years since her grandmother died, and she hasn't been back. She wipes the dust off the wooden floor, revealing its simple grain, then walks across it barefoot, jumping up and down. She raises cats, turtle 1.4kFavorites1.1kClicks/ch4.8kGifts

   Curator note

   This story has a Little Forest vibe; I slept soundly after reading it. The author's writing is lively, carrying the damp, misty air of plum blossoms in Jiangnan, like a small ebony boat, slowly and gently rocking its oars into the dream of Chankeng Village. The narrative has a strong sense of everyday life, full of the flavor of life, making you feel like your feet are firmly planted on the ground while reading. I feel that much of the writing in the text comes from the author's experience and keen observation of life, which is why the author is able to write about the mundane rural life in a smooth and concise way, and with warmth. The descriptions of food are like watching a documentary about Jiangzhe cuisine, and I even ordered rice cakes because of it. While labeled a sweet romance, the plot isn't actually that lighthearted. Both the male and female leads come from terrible families, and these issues take up a significant portion of the story. Both are essentially abandoned children; one finds a semblance of maternal love in other female elders, while the other exiles himself to the ugliness of his father. Childhood sweethearts, they gave each other their purest and tenderest feelings, despite numerous hardships along the way—one flying away, the other trapped in his own world. Fortunately, when they look back, the other is still there, waiting for them. The story blends the tranquility and warmth of rural life with emotional turmoil, creating a well-paced narrative that draws the reader in. The depictions of family relationships are particularly moving; it brought tears to my eyes. The narrative's realism also lies in the author's avoidance of deliberately downplaying or exaggerating hardship in the usual lighthearted tone of food literature. The suffering is there, and how the characters confront and let go of it weaves a bittersweet symphony into a poem called "Days of Life." It encompasses grand themes of life, death, and love, as well as the simple joys of a house, two people, three meals a day, and four seasons. I've discovered another gem of an author with high-quality writing. I'm surprised the stats for this book are so low [laughing and crying emoji]. I'll definitely reread it.

4. 4 灼 Radiant Sun 灼灼烈日 Retreating Halberd退戈Romance311k WordsCompleted For publication updates, follow my Weibo account @JinjiangTuige. [Born in the mire, heart turned toward the sun.] Before getting to know Fang Zhuo, Yan Lie thought she was poor, ill-tempered, gloomy, and so sensitive that no one could get close to her. She seemed like a shadow. After getting to know Fang Zhuo, Yan Lie discovered that she was meticulous to a fault, steadfast and never willing to turn back, and so hardworking she never stopped. She was a little sun, radiating vitality at every mom 182.4kFavorites319.3kClicks/ch194.3kGifts

   Curator note

   I absolutely adore the female lead's personality. A girl who never received much love growing up, she doesn't let her cheating father's ugly face lead her to self-justification. She firmly stands by her own side, confronting hardship by taking concrete actions. Her clarity is so profound it's almost heartbreaking, yet also incredibly poignant. She's been forced to grow up, stumbling and falling, developing a hard shell amidst the gloom. Only when she's truly loved and cherished by her family does the world finally regain its brightness. The female lead initially appears to the male lead as someone with a story—a beautiful face, a precarious financial situation, and a cold yet resilient personality. Curiosity is the beginning of attraction, and the male lead, without being coy, readily admits that his attention to her stems from affection. This kind of youthful, somewhat awkward, yet open and honest affection from middle school is truly delightful. [Pity] Some books depict love between people from different social classes, and the author's deliberate emphasis on "respect" can sometimes carry a condescending tone, reflecting pity from one side. However, in this book, the reader sees blatant attention and perfectly measured favoritism from an omniscient perspective. The author never mentions respect; every sentence exudes the qualities and upbringing of a good person, and portrays the overwhelming attraction of a highly emotionally intelligent young man. The more heart-melting the romantic scenes are, the more poignant they become. Perhaps only a female writer could portray such a man. So I initially thought this was a one-sided story of healing and redemption, but later I realized the theme was much higher than I expected. They are actually the same kind of people, equally lonely, equally yearning for love. So one grows armor, and the other learns to disguise himself. When these two bitter souls meet, friendship becomes an uncontrollable heartbeat, a certain emotion is etched with a unique name, and when they finally have the courage and the means to express their love, the two become a pair of celestial bodies that attract and lock onto each other. This book has a particularly positive value system. Not only does the underlying theme of poverty alleviation provide a framework for Zhuozhuo's family's life, but the value of knowledge changing destiny runs throughout the book. Grandma can't give Zhuozhuo the love she wants, but she knows that getting into a good university is her only hope to escape her predicament, so she does her best to support her. Uncle, in order to give Zhuozhuo a home and a support system that allows her to move forward with confidence, walks out of the village and into the city with his disabled body, exchanging the daily hardships of setting up a stall for a child's future. And the homeroom teacher, the village's poverty alleviation cadres, classmates, everyone around Zhuozhuo is kind, except for that beastly biological father who serves as a control group. Leg Brother's writing style needs no introduction; it's vivid and lively, adept at creating hooks, and his narratives capture the reader's emotions. The writing is profound and never superficial. In short, it's a very good and worthwhile book to read.

5. 5 游 A Summer of Fish 游鱼的夏 Jinyang今様Romance138k WordsCompleted (The story is complete. Publication updates: @-Bi Tian-) Blurb: In the shallow, lukewarm water held in his palm, she struggled and felt summer. The gifted darling of heaven | The lonely girl BE --2021.11.02 Theme: Cherish life 2.1kFavorites1.9kClicks/ch404Gifts

   Curator note

   [Warning: This is bad news] My eyes are so sore from reading this... I need to rest before I continue writing... How could this happen? (┯_┯) A lyrical postscript: The stirrings of youth are like fireworks that fill her entire world, but they are too insignificant and fleeting in the face of fate, so fragile that they can only bury the farewell in the silent evening, leaving behind a blank sky. As I read the last part, I was reminded of a poem by Xi Murong that I had read before, and I almost burst into tears. I'll just post an excerpt here to mark my incredibly painful feelings at this moment: I will keep this secret with a gentle heart for the rest of my life. This life is over, and I leave behind all the indescribable longings and hopes. "To coalesce into a solitary seed and sow it in the next life." "It was a gaze filled with utter helplessness." There wasn't a single flower to offer as a parting gift by the ferry crossing. Let's pin the blessing to our lapel. "But tomorrow is another world away."

6. 6 网 Scammed Eight Hundred Times in Online Dating 网恋被骗八百次 Xiong Ye熊也Romance496k WordsCompleted [The print edition has been published under the same title as the online version.] Yue Qing unexpectedly struck up a connection with a girl in an online game. She told him she was thirty, divorced with two kids, and had spent ten years gutting fish at the market. Her heart had grown cold. Though they met because of a misunderstanding, he soon realized there was something a little different about her. In the first week, they discussed the love and hatred between Van Gogh and Gauguin, and how t 79.6kFavorites99.4kClicks/ch100.5kGifts

   Curator note

   [Remind me to read this when I'm unhappy] Avoidant attachment socially anxious cat x emotionally stable comfort dog. A little girl who only dares to pretend to be indifferent and curl up because of the pain of her original family finds a home in the game, finds friends who are as warm as family, and also gains a partner who will stand firmly by her side and love her. The various dialogues are really cute. While being funny, you can also feel the vividness and liveliness of the characters. It's a very light and healing story! Although the cat was portrayed at the beginning, I think the female lead is actually like a little hedgehog. When she's not familiar with someone, she curls up into a ball, and touching her can be painful. But when she feels loved and chosen, she reveals her soft little belly, making you want to rub it. The male lead is like a Bernese Mountain Dog—upright, gentle, sincere, and tolerant. He can handle the female lead's emotions. Although his character is somewhat cheesy, watching the male lead sometimes shows what a healthy romantic mindset should be like (if we temporarily forget about money |ω-)...). Even when the thorns of a rose-like girl are exposed, they are still beautiful and sharp, capable of hurting but also very attractive. When the male lead is hopelessly in love, he's also a clingy, affectionate puppy. They're a very cute couple. The most brilliant and eye-catching part is the language, brimming with hilarious jokes and witty lines. The opening had me laughing so hard I was hiccuping. The author truly has unbeatable internet speed and an incredibly strong output ability. It's hard not to imagine how interesting the author must be in real life. I'll be studying all the subtle, yet witty, slang used in arguments – they're a true master of memes! (Warning: Abdominal muscle spasms warning! [Laughing and crying emoji]) However, some basic MMORPG gaming and internet surfing skills are required, as well as a long, forum-style writing style; otherwise, the abundance of memes can be overwhelming.

7. 7 爱 Love on the Rise 爱意上浮 Sighing West Tea叹西茶Romance206k WordsCompleted As Shen Chengyuan’s close friend, Lu Xilin witnessed his romance with Tu Xuewei firsthand over the years. Whenever Tu Xuewei got sick, Shen Chengyuan would call Lu Xilin over to examine her. Lu Xilin thought his role would always be that of the doctor friend to a domineering CEO in some clichéd story. Until one day, Tu Xuewei asked if he would marry her. Lu Xilin said yes. The irresponsible version: One time after their wedding, Lu Xilin and Tu Xuewei got into an argument. He listed all the tim 27kFavorites31.7kClicks/ch10.8kGifts

   Curator note

   [Highlight: The recommendation is only valid for the first twenty-five chapters.] The domineering CEO's doctor friend: from doctor to husband, marriage of convenience turns into love, a self-conscious puppy x a cool and sassy girl, the man has a crush on her. The concept resembles Hemingway's iceberg theory. The male protagonist's love is like an iceberg beneath the surface, vast yet hidden underwater. This mirrors his early insecurity and reluctance to openly express his love for the female protagonist, a classic case of feigned weakness and strategic retreat. Their accidental marriage, however, provides her with a chance to rediscover him. Only when she truly sees him and resolutely chooses to approach him does his love surface. This insecure and conflicted young man needs a lover who dares to approach him. The female protagonist is clear-headed and straightforward, passionate and decisive, completely in control of the relationship. There are some minor flaws in the character development during her adolescence. Personally, I feel that some actions with implicit moral judgment are unsuitable for advancing the main couple's relationship, though they don't significantly affect the plot. Sometimes demanding perfection from fictional characters is a form of prejudice; I suggest writing reviews with caution. Some parts are a bit cringeworthy: the ex-male supporting character is a troublesome and annoying beneficiary; the NPCs talk too much; and the supporting characters are too forced and somewhat childish. Addendum: The male lead is constrained by the male supporting character's family and the mentality of repaying a debt of gratitude, which honestly makes him appear a bit too timid. As the story progresses, it feels like it started strong but declined in quality, becoming increasingly melodramatic. The forced attempt to repair the mother-daughter relationship through illness and the petty squabbles with the vicious male supporting character's family are rather boring. However, the first twenty-five chapters are truly excellent and offer a refreshing perspective.

8. 8 草 Grassland Veterinarian [1960s] 草原牧医[六零] Qing Hou轻侯Romance1.4M WordsCompleted “I hope I can go somewhere that respects veterinarians more!” With that one sigh, Lin Xuejun transmigrates to the grasslands of the 1960s, where she becomes a starving, freezing young woman sent to the countryside. Modern veterinary medicine is only just getting started in this era. A minor epidemic can kill hundreds or thousands of cattle and sheep, destroying a year’s hard work for the herders and wiping the smiles from the faces of the hospitable grassland people. As an ordinary graduate stud 165.8kFavorites290.9kClicks/ch1.3MGifts

   Curator note

   A rare gem, this is a historical novel with a very solid setting. The narrative has an overflowing vitality, which is woven into the lines and carries the yellowed atmosphere of the era. It is like watching a movie, or like being on a vast grassland. The world is vast and boundless. In terms of time and space, humans are as insignificant as ants, but life is magnificent, great and indestructible. What I found particularly brilliant was the author's profound exploration and presentation of individual value within the grand narrative dimensions of time and space. Faced with such vast and almost illusory concepts as the tides of the times and destiny, how does one find their anchor and affirm the meaning of their existence? The time-travel element is a remarkably ingenious narrative structure. The protagonist's actions are driven by both salvation and giving back, so the plot constantly looks back at history, returning to that era of both hardship and hope, allowing us to feel the pioneering spirit and unwavering resilience of our ancestors—a spirit that stemmed not only from their steadfast commitment to ideals but also from their profound faith and love for their motherland. When this soaring fighting spirit combines with the experience and technology gained from time travel, and the protagonist's equally fervent passion, the resulting positive influence will nourish every living being on this vast land, ensuring its continuous and enduring vitality—this is the greatest strength of the entire story. Equally captivating is the language—simple, pure, and full of life, unfolding the beauty and humanity of the grasslands like a scroll before the reader's eyes. Every few chapters, I was moved by the author's depiction of the vast and majestic grasslands, even feeling the urge to book a flight several times. The author's skill is evident in the character development; characters leap off the page in just a few lines of dialogue. Moreover, the most genuine and pure emotional connections between people and animals on this vast land, transcending mere qualifiers, are exceptionally moving. For example, the people of the grasslands working together to overcome numerous difficulties, making their lives increasingly prosperous and fulfilling; and the tender affection between children and the greater good of family and country—many scenes brought tears to my eyes. Furthermore, in this land untouched by excessive human civilization, where the forces of nature can easily influence the survival of communities, the reflections on the relationship between life and nature are particularly profound, demonstrating the quality of the writing. Speaking of the characters, one can sense the author's deep love for his hometown through the portrayal of the characters, especially the protagonist Lin Xuejun (the author lived on the grassland for more than ten years, which is why the writing flows smoothly and makes the reader feel as if they are there). Xuejun is a daughter of the grassland, coming from the grassland and going back to the grassland, carrying a pure and kind soul like snow, giving the reader a poetic perspective on time and space. At the same time, her benevolent heart as a doctor allows people to see the sublimity of life through hardship and frost. She is the protagonist of the story and also an epitome of the group of educated youth who took root in various places and dedicated themselves to the motherland during that era. Living in a concrete jungle, with ordinary life going on day after day, I'm fortunate to see such a vibrant world through the author's words. Some exaggerations are both imaginative attempts to compensate for regrets and aspirations. Each generation has its own mission, and Xuejun, through her extraordinary adventures, demonstrates to readers that the world is as vast as one's heart. Wow, I'm blown away! I've been rambling on and on, only to find out that this book has won many awards, and it truly deserves them.

9. 9 当 How to Become a Good Teacher, Starting with a Lightning Strike 当好老师从被雷劈开始 Alkane烷烃Romance299k WordsCompleted [Completed] The writing is lighthearted and ridiculous, but at its heart, this is a sweet, feel-good story about redemption. Also known as The Complete Guide to Recruiting and Using Useful Minions, My Homeroom Teacher Rides a Motorcycle to Work, Skips Out Early to Eat Barbecue, and Is Surprisingly Well Connected on the Streets, The Minions' Daily Rivalry for Favor, and Are You Really a Teacher? Blurb: Chang Xiang used to be a delinquent girl who was "up to no good": she smoked, drank, 17.8kFavorites39.3kClicks/ch14.7kGifts

   Curator note

   This is a lighthearted and enjoyable read. A female e-sports player with maximum fighting power transforms a high school math teacher, disciplining "bad students." The premise suggests a significant power boost, but it doesn't detract from the overall quality and can be disregarded. The female lead possesses a captivating chivalrous spirit; though seemingly arrogant and unruly, she's a beacon of justice. The early ensemble scenes have a similar feel to "Study Group," with moments of humor and witty banter as she redeems delinquents. Amidst the silly and action-packed moments, the core message of a good school life remains steadfast: academic excellence. The romance is more atmospheric, featuring a childhood sweetheart pairing—a scheming, dramatic girl versus a school heroine—making for a lighthearted and entertaining read. It's a welcome change from the usual melodramatic romances.

10. 10 当 After Using My Crush's Photo to Ward Off Suitors 当我用crush照片挡桃花后 An Weile安为乐Romance114k WordsCompleted The print edition of When the Peach Blossoms Arrive is now on sale! It includes a new 7,000-word bonus story! For details, see @Anweileer ^ ^ In her twenty-sixth year of being single, Li Xia’s parents weren’t asking for much. They just wanted her to hurry up and start dating someone. Fed up with their nagging, Li Xia went straight to Instagram, found a photo of a handsome amateur account she’d recently followed, and set it as her phone wallpaper. Whenever anyone asked, she simply held up her p 116.8kFavorites113kClicks/ch94.4kGifts

    Curator note

    This is a very "romantic" story, a dreamy and sweet online romance. The protagonist is bright and lively, while the other is gentle and humble. True to its name, the story progresses very quickly – the relationship is intense from the start, with the two engaging in a back-and-forth, evenly matched exchange. Both are highly intelligent and straightforward. Even before the characters have fully developed their communication skills, they've already captivated readers, making them want to fall in love even while remaining clear-headed… While this kind of online romance where the protagonist gives their only passion and affection to the other might seem a bit overly romantic, some of the characters are quite relatable. For example, the female lead, despite her cheerful personality, doesn't lack the typical workplace stress and energy [laughing and crying emoji]. Her tendency to overthink and feel insecure is also very realistic. The male lead is undeniably romantic, but the narrative focuses primarily on the two leads, resulting in a somewhat narrow perspective. His appeal lies in his often female-centric ideal of a perfect partner, allowing the author's clear-headed and gentle soul to shine through the characters. The author is incredibly skilled at writing flirtatious and suspenseful stories—and "incredibly skilled" is no exaggeration. The writing is fluid and natural, with no unnecessary words, making it very enjoyable to read. The author's insights and reflections on life and human nature are also quite touching. So, although it's short, it's actually packed with the essence! If you enjoy mature, ambiguous, and suspenseful stories, you definitely shouldn't miss it!

11. 11 他 How Could He Possibly Like Me? 他怎么可能喜欢我 Gu Lezhi顾了之Romance271k WordsCompleted Meng Shuyu suspects she has “sexual aversion to reciprocated feelings.” When she has a crush, she treasures the person like the apple of her eye. But as soon as the feelings become mutual, she can’t help feeling repulsed and immediately pulls away. After years of being branded a heartless woman, Meng Shuyu thinks in despair: Why can’t there be a man who’s so handsome he makes her weak in the knees, but doesn’t care about her at all? At last, one day, Meng Shuyu’s dream comes true. * There are t 213.6kFavorites259.6kClicks/ch44.4kGifts

    Curator note

    I read this a long time ago. It's an atypical CEO x private company executive (both are working people, I guess). It's a refreshing workplace romance where the male lead has a crush on the female lead, and it seems he's out of options and doesn't dare to reveal his true feelings, so he tries to win her over by playing hard to get. The back-and-forth and the revelation of his true identity are quite interesting. What struck me was that although it's an office romance/superior-subordinate relationship, they genuinely work hard when it's time to work [laughing emoji]. (I've always felt that many CEO romance novels from back then tended to gloss over the career and work aspects, or use repetitive phrases about working overtime and traveling the world, with the assistant and subordinates handling everything, focusing on the portrayal of their privileged status. To be honest, from my perspective as a reader, they all felt the same and unexciting. This one, while also romantic, has a more grounded setting. If the main text is different, it's just that my memory is bad and I've mixed things up [laughing emoji], after all, it's a five-year-old novel.)

12. 12 当 After a Transmigrator Into a Book Took Over My Body 当我的身体被穿书女穿了后 Longing for You悠悠我斯Romance223k WordsCompleted Her dad is a drunk, her mom is a pushover, her boss is cruel, and she is the poor girl stuck in the middle. Every day, Yu Luoyi struggles to breathe under the weight of her family and her grueling job. The moment she opens her eyes, all she can think about is earning money. She has no time of her own. Then, one day, she wakes up and learns that the world is a novel, and someone is about to transmigrate into the book and become its heroine. The heroine is cheerful and optimistic. Not only does s 15.7kFavorites21.8kClicks/ch11.7kGifts

    Curator note

    This book is appealing because of its innovative concept and grounded message—transmigration into a book often grants the transmigrator a new life, but what about the original characters who are transmigrated into? Are their lives frozen in time? The author cleverly uses the transmigration trope as the catalyst for the female protagonist's new life, guiding her step by step out of the shadows of her family of origin, overcoming her old self to be reborn, and bravely love and be loved. Aside from the protagonist's remarkable personal growth, the rest of the plot is relatively lighthearted, and some of the romantic subplots are a bit naive, retaining a traditional romance feel. However, after reading this book, especially the first half, you'll begin to reflect on the meaning of life [laughing and crying emoji], and feel a sense of healing; living well and loving yourself is the true essence of life.

13. 13 关21+ A Little Thing About Turning into My Ex-Boyfriend's Cat After I Died 关于死后变成前男友的猫这件小事 Chewing Clouds嚼云朵Romance127k WordsCompleted 24.6kFavorites24.1kClicks/ch24.3kGifts

    Curator note

    I forgot to add this post. I stayed up all night reading it and cried my eyes out in bed at 3 a. M. Life is unpredictable, but love transcends life and death. A very tender piece.

14. 14 和 Transported Five Years into the Future with My Boyfriend's Older Brother 和男友大哥一起穿到五年后 Lin Mianmian林绵绵Romance405k WordsCompleted Ji Qingyu had finally won over her rich second-generation boyfriend, but on the day she was supposed to meet his parents, an accident sent her and her boyfriend's big brother five years into the future The good news: She successfully married into a wealthy family and became Mrs. Feng. (Confetti.jpg) The bad news: Her husband was her boyfriend's big brother. (Shocked.gif) Apparently, her husband was famous in their social circle for doting on his wife? Apparently, their relationship was wonderf 164kFavorites311.2kClicks/ch141.4kGifts

    Curator note

    A pretty sweet romance novel. The setting is a marriage-of-convenience-to-love story. The female lead is cute and bright, and very assertive in the relationship. The male lead, a bit of a domineering older man, is a bit slow-paced in the middle, but the epilogue is even better. Personally, I felt there was a slight plot hole in the initial attitudes between the male and female leads when they first transmigrated, clearly to speed up the story. After all, not everything can be explained away with just physical attraction. As for the other messy career storylines, well, let's just say they were pointless [laughing and crying emoji]. It felt like I hadn't read them at all. The second male lead's storyline was a bit rushed, and the villainous scumbag character lacked depth. The supposed brotherly rivalry didn't really materialize because the second male lead was truly disgusting; I felt he was too lenient. Fortunately, the writing is smooth, and the logic is sound. Honestly, in this current landscape of contemporary romance novels on JJ, where everything revolves around Beijing and Hong Kong pop culture, finding a satisfyingly read CEO romance novel is quite a treat [laughing and crying emoji].

15. 15 一 A Cup of Spring Sunshine 一盏春光 Lin Gejiu林格啾Romance333k WordsCompleted [Simplified Chinese edition preorder opens at 8 p.m. on November 5, 2022~] On Christmas Eve at seventeen, Chen Zhao wrote wildly in her diary: “Today that bastard beat me up again and kicked me out of the house. Two dogs were fighting at the intersection, and the food at the neighbors' house smelled delicious. I called Classmate Zhong from a pay phone. He asked what I wanted, and I said I wanted to hear Christmas songs. Classmate Zhong, who hated me most of all, actually came to find me, but he 37kFavorites104.9kClicks/ch8.4kGifts

    Curator note

    It was really good, but I forgot exactly why it was so good [laughing and crying emoji]. I only remember that the author presented a very complete love story from birth to death, and the supporting characters' plots were quite tedious (in a good way). The story is set in Hong Kong. I'll review it when I have time.

16. 16 傲 My Arrogant Ex Wants Me to Beg Him to Get Back Together 傲慢的前男友想要我主动求复合 Almond Ice杏仁冰Romance408k WordsCompleted [Print edition now available from major platforms] A disillusioned office worker doesn't have many ways to unwind. Jiang Caifu especially likes buying heaps of groceries and snacks after work on Fridays to vent her workday frustrations. The supermarket is having a big sale today, so she shops to her heart's content. Her only little mishap is that her overfilled cart careens out of control and hits a passerby. He looks up. His already unfriendly expression freezes for a moment when he sees her 40.7kFavorites54.1kClicks/ch18.8kGifts

    Curator note

    "Cat and Dog Diary" - Every dog ​​has its own way of being leashed [laughing and crying emoji]. The male lead is arguably one of the most convincing characters I've ever read in contemporary romance novels, embodying the traits of a drama queen, a jealous man, a sullen guy, and someone who cries incontinently. The female lead is a beautiful, intelligent, cute, and charming but somewhat gloomy office worker, a cure for all those traits [doge emoji]. My physical attraction to him prevailed, so I'm deducting one star because the male lead's suffocatingly unappealing view of love isn't really my type. The ending, where they reconcile, is a bit of a mess (I'll rewatch it to see), but that doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment of the two-person comedy.

17. 17 错 The Illusion Painting 错觉画 Biting Green Branches咬枝绿Romance235k WordsCompleted [Pride and Prejudice / A Misunderstanding That Turns Out to Be Delicious] Zong Cheng, born into a distinguished family, had no fondness for “Cinderella.” At times he found Zhuang Man shallow and foolish, yet over time he fell sweetly under her spell as she indulged and accommodated him. With an older brother who had married the richest man's daughter, it was only natural for people to suspect the younger sister also wanted to marry up. Zong Cheng thought Zhuang Man had feelings for him. A youn 40.8kFavorites50.2kClicks/ch26.3kGifts

    Curator note

    The economic base determines the superstructure, and the character design dictates that the love and growth of the male and female protagonists are rather idealized. I feel that this character development also gives the narrative environment a certain effusive, almost detached, quality, making it difficult to connect with ordinary, everyday life. Therefore, when the author focuses on dissecting the characters' psychology and outlining the protagonists' spiritual growth, the weaknesses in the plot become apparent. The idealized intimate relationship lacks dramatic development and doesn't have those "tricks." Relying solely on the characters' self-persuasion feels thin and disjointed. In particular, I felt that the female protagonist's emotional anchor was always somewhat vague, and some of the ex-boyfriend's actions made me feel uncomfortable. The narrative does indeed have a part that feels unrealistic and unrealistic. Perhaps my expectations were too high, but personally, I didn't find it as compelling as *The Mayfly*. However, I still really enjoyed reading about the gradual process of two hearts drawing closer, and how the female protagonist sought self-consistency amidst being observed and described, finding a suitable environment for herself. Green's writing is as good as ever, and some of the characters' reflections and interpretations of love were quite enlightening for me. Overall, it was pretty good; I even have a soft spot for it. It also makes me a little nostalgic for the heart-wrenching story of Fu Jia Sui [laughing and crying emoji].

18. 18 南 South Street Bakery [The 1990s] 南街面包店[九零] Pine Snow Pastry松雪酥Romance663k WordsCompleted [Signed for publication. Follow Weibo @Haoshide Songxuesu for publication updates and announcements.] Tao Tao only dozed off for a moment, and woke up back in 1997. That year, Hong Kong returned to China. She was eight, and everything was just as it had been. The family bakery hadn't gone under. Her stepmother, Aunt Yu, hadn't been driven away by her difficult, sharp-tongued self. And Yu Luan hadn't died. As the old sunlight streamed through the vintage glass display case in their home, she watc 116.3kFavorites128kClicks/ch289.4kGifts

    Curator note

    I stayed up all night to finish reading it, and I felt very lucky to have read this book as summer approached. The synopsis seemed a bit ordinary, and I wasn't particularly interested at first, just opening it with a casual attitude. But the main text surprised me; it wasn't just a straightforward, empty, and purely gratifying food novel. The author's portrayal of youth in the 1990s, the character sketches, and especially the undeniably vivid depiction of the characters' psychology, are all excellent. Moreover, after following the previous books, you can really see the author's improvement in writing skills. Each of the main characters has their own difficulties, but the author uses a very gentle narrative to blur the pain. The main storyline is the sincere feelings in the bittersweet youth and the female protagonist's family bakery business. The protagonist's family, especially the elders, possesses an attractive innocence. The clash between the middle-aged naiveté with truth, goodness, and beauty as its foundation and the youthful clarity and brightness perfectly softens the traces of suffering, giving the story a light and warm narrative quality that is also dramatic. I think the language and the three-dimensionality of the characters are the biggest improvements. The text, like flowing pictures, makes one feel as if they have returned to the summer of their own childhood, and the whole story has a vibrant vitality. The career path is a bit overly focused on farming and the protagonist's overpowered abilities, but it feels relatively natural. The author didn't deliberately strive for a complete plot, leaving some details about the protagonist's painful family background and his past life's cause of death unresolved, which makes the plot lighter. However, I personally think that sweet stories don't need too much attention to detail; if the main plot is well-developed, the gaps can be used for imagination. The main couple is the older sister and her puppy, and the secondary couple is the older sister and her devoted admirer [laughing emoji]. Both couples are redemption stories, and the secondary couple was quite captivating and left a deep impression on me, becoming even better later on. I've been following Songsong's books since her very first one, and each one gets better than the last. This one is probably my favorite so far. Songsong is the kind of author who makes you look forward to each of her "next books"!

19. 19 恶 Prank 恶作剧 Folded Scroll折卷Romance477k WordsCompleted “Signed for publication. Follow progress on Weibo: @Zhe Juanzi” “Blurb” Jiang Jinche, a rich young master, had spent his whole life pampered and lucky. The only time he ever fell flat was at eighteen, when his first love got the better of him. She dated him for a month, then suddenly dumped him, saying she really liked his friend. Being with him had just been a prank. Years later, Jiang Jinche ran into her again at a party. Friends who knew what had happened urged him to put her in her place. 96.9kFavorites95.6kClicks/ch60.7kGifts

    Curator note

    [Spoiler Alert] The scene where the male lead sneaks into being the female lead's neighbor while she's not looking is quite captivating. It's ostensibly revenge, but actually a form of care and a self-conquest to fall in love again—he's irresistibly drawn to her while simultaneously trying to convince himself to hate her, often engaging in internal battles. The female lead is also clever, acting out her love story in the latter half. A slightly weaker logical element is the emotional shift during the male lead's recovery of his identity, and the part where the female lead's mother, posing as a third party, aids and abets the tragedy of two families, only to be turned by the male lead with the female lead's help. While the character is well-developed, something feels off. I might have enjoyed the female lead's mother's part more if it had been reworked.

20. 20 当 When I Went to Walk a Dog and Found Out Its Owner Was a Total Hottie 当我上门遛狗发现狗主人是大帅比后 Seven Treasures Crisp七宝酥Romance394k WordsCompleted [Complete] Chi Zhiyu doesn’t like going out, but after he adopted a puppy and his housekeeper went on vacation, he had to order a dog-walking service to come to his home. The girl who took the job always arrived on time, and seemed to have a special interest in him. She invited him to meals, sent him photos, brought him breakfast, paid close attention to things he’d casually mentioned, and often stared at him without looking away. Chi Zhiyu thought, Living alone as a man really is dangerous, 170.7kFavorites183.7kClicks/ch180.6kGifts

    Curator note

    [Poor thing] One of the top 26 of the year, the author's writing is so amazing I'm speechless, just read it—I've always felt that making a Mary Sue story believable takes absolute skill, let alone writing such a spirited story like Xiaoshu and Xiaoyu [Sprinkling flowers]

21. 21 我 There’s No Way My Kid Could Get a Two 我的孩子不可能考2分 Lost in the Clouds and Waters云水迷踪Romance532k WordsCompleted [Signed for print publication] [Blurb] Ming Can, a top student at a prestigious university and a sophomore this year, found her biological son from more than a decade in the future on the street one day. Her son was five, adorable, and well-behaved. Ming Can already liked children, so she quickly accepted the reality that her future son had traveled back to the present. As for the child's father, Ming Can didn't want to get involved with a stranger, so she decided to pretend he didn't exist. 111.6kFavorites190.4kClicks/ch75.8kGifts

    Curator note

    Although I feel like reading too much about male unrequited love can easily damage your brain [poor thing], don't miss this one. It's a very cute pair of Celestial Dragons CP who fall in love after having a child. What I really like about the author's character presentation is that no matter how much everyone looks up to the moon, the moon is the moon. It doesn't need anyone else's love or attention to make it magical. The female lead is just like her name, such a radiant baby. The male lead... I can't describe it. He's so swoon-worthy that you can only admire him in a novel, but he doesn't feel like a two-dimensional character. The author is quite good at bringing the characters to life through details, such as the unconventional psychological fluctuations. You absolutely must read the side stories! The author's transitions are very smooth, and the original world's romance in the side stories is incredibly bittersweet and delicious.

22. 22 今21+ How Well-Done Are You Today? 今日几分熟 Two Different Concepts两个概念Romance215k WordsCompleted 54.2kFavorites59.4kClicks/ch28.4kGifts

    Curator note

    A story of a tangled web of avoidant attachment and a creepy male ghost (the "ghost" vibe is really strong, so proceed with caution if you have high moral standards or strong boundaries). It's a cohabitation/dog-training tale, and the male protagonist's self-deception and self-conquest. In short, it's about a detached person watching a drama unfold, only to end up getting themselves completely involved. However, avoidant attachment types probably really need this kind of all-encompassing emotional intensity, even though the story is one of willing acceptance and unwilling reciprocation, haha.

23. 23 小 Snowflakes Falling on the Car Roof 小雪落在车顶上 Seven Treasures Crisp七宝酥Romance97k WordsCompleted [Main story complete] After her company lays off staff, Jian Xuelin travels to Hokkaido alone to clear her head and plans to visit the real-life locations from “Love Letter” and Detective Conan. When she arrives at New Chitose Airport, a strange young man stops her, holding a handwritten sign that says “Welcome, Miss Jian Xuelin” On WeChat, her childhood friend sends an apologetic message, sounding sick: “I’m bedridden with the flu, so I asked my roommate to pick you up. His Chinese is pretty 26.7kFavorites31.6kClicks/ch18.5kGifts

    Curator note

    This is a sweet romance novel perfect for snuggling in bed. The story itself has a good premise, and the author's writing is excellent. However, a major potential pitfall is the sensitive issue of the male lead's nationality, which could easily lead to real-world controversies and out-of-character moments. Frankly, the fact that the two meet and fall in love during a trip is entirely accidental, and the idea of ​​him falling for a girl from thousands of miles away based solely on photos and conversations with friends is a rather fantastical premise. The room for imagination lies entirely in the male lead's self-deception. (These two factors intertwine, and even I found it a bit hard to accept myself after finishing it.) This is suitable for those who appreciate good writing and only want sweet romance or fleeting encounters, and who aren't too concerned about other aspects.

24. 24 豪 The Tycoon Ex-boyfriend Insists on Being the Baby’s Father 豪门前男友非要当孩子爸爸 Zhao Shijue赵史觉Romance524k WordsCompleted [Complete] A silly, sweet romance~ Ning Ye discovered that she was the scheming ex-girlfriend of the male lead in a wealthy-family romance novel. According to the plot, after reuniting with the domineering CEO, she would use their daughter as a tool to extort a huge sum of money from him. That very night, while still single and unmarried, Ning Ye found their future daughter on the roadside. The little girl promptly whipped out her dad’s bank card and said the PIN was Mom’s birthday, so she could 74.3kFavorites80.5kClicks/ch69kGifts

    Curator note

    While the basic plot follows the typical melodramatic, Mary Sue-esque story of raising a child, the jokes are plentiful and hilarious. The male lead feels real because "finally, there's a domineering CEO who cares about making and spending money," and the female lead exudes maternal warmth. The way the timeline and logic come together at the end is very touching. I'm giving it four stars because I felt a small, ambiguous romantic subplot wasn't fully developed, leaving me wanting more. I won't spoil anything else. If you like fast-paced, satisfying stories, give it a try.

25. 25 或 Perhaps Spring Knows 或许春天知道 Night-Blooming Flowers at Dawn明开夜合Romance296k WordsCompleted [Slow burn / slice of life / happy ending] He fell for him earlier than he thought. Maybe spring knew. / Three years ago, on a spring day washed by a sudden downpour, Meng Jingnian drove Lin Ping home. He opened the back door and held up an umbrella, only to unexpectedly meet a pair of tearful eyes. When he asked what was wrong, she said, “I think I’ve fallen for someone I can never be with.” · Three years later, it’s raining again. Lin Ping writes on the fogged-up window, and Meng Jingnian sudd 103.1kFavorites111.4kClicks/ch58.8kGifts

    Curator note

    The novel, though seemingly about romance, doesn't have a strong sense of immorality due to its premise. It has a stronger undercurrent of unrequited love, but the protagonist is a seductive older woman who's been holding back for a long time, and the scene of the old house catching fire made me laugh out loud.

26. 26 窃 Stealing Blue 窃蓝 Night-Blooming Flowers at Dawn明开夜合Romance338k WordsCompleted [Complete | Stealing someone’s partner / pseudo-siblings / bickering couple] The third time Liang Jingchuan saw his friend Chen Boyu let his parents pick apart his girlfriend, Lan Yan, without saying a word in her defense, he couldn’t help thinking: If you don’t know how to treat your girlfriend, let someone else do it. He didn’t say it out loud. He put it into action instead. "You are the spring I had no right to claim." The messy love-triangle version: (1) In her first year of high school, 111.5kFavorites117.9kClicks/ch81.9kGifts

    Curator note

    The synopsis mentioned that the male lead thought the female lead's ex was bad at dating, which made me wonder how good he was at it. But after reading the story, I realized he truly is incredibly skilled at romance [doge emoji]. In a climate where male leads on JJ (a Chinese web novel platform) are often stereotypical, this male lead is a remarkably well-developed 3D character. His straightforward yet competitive and adaptable personality is rare and enjoyable to read. The inclusion of the daring "fake bone-breaking" trope, along with the skillful use of subtle tension, makes the second half incredibly exciting and testosterone-fueled. Furthermore, the romance between the male and female leads has a soulmate quality, adding another layer of flavor to the story. I came to recommend this book halfway through, just to say that you're really awesome.

27. 27 初 First Wisdom Tooth 初智齿 Huainan Xiaoshan怀南小山Romance381k WordsCompleted [The print edition is now available from major retailers.] 🦷 School life and city life | Unrequited love becomes mutual When Su Yu saw the topic “What's it like to have a secret crush?”, the first person she thought of was Xie Zhuo. “He's my brother's best friend, like the summer breeze on the day we first met: beautiful and distant, someone I could never reach, no matter what.” In the dim pool hall, he showed her how to play. Before he even touched her, her fingertips burned, and she instinctiv 78.8kFavorites81.6kClicks/ch39.5kGifts

    Curator note

    The brilliance of this piece lies in its incredibly delicate writing. It not only vividly portrays the bittersweetness of unrequited love, but the female protagonist's stable and strong core is not merely a facade; her personal growth and transformation are clearly depicted. The growing pains and the conflicts stemming from her dysfunctional family are also portrayed realistically. However, some overly sentimental parts weaken the plot's plausibility; for example, the scene where she immediately flirts with someone upon their first meeting is a bit awkward. (Otherwise, it's excellent; highly recommended for those who appreciate good writing.)

28. 28 初 Have You Fallen in Love? 初恋了吗 Li Ye礼也Romance344k WordsCompleted [Simplified Chinese rights have been reclaimed.] The night she decided to get her marriage license, Song Liyin got dead drunk with a friend. Her friend draped an arm around her. “Liyin, it’s your last night as a single woman, so your big sis has something lined up for you! An athletic guy, 185 centimeters tall, super handsome!” Song Liyin hiccupped and slurred, “When I was seventeen, I knew someone like that too... He was three centimeters taller than your guy.” Her friend’s assistant glanced 22.1kFavorites30.7kClicks/ch6.2kGifts

    Curator note

    A sober and sincere love story, the author portrays the idealized characters often found in romance novels in a more down-to-earth way.

29. 29 循 An Endless Honeymoon 循环热恋 Li Ye礼也Romance138k WordsCompleted Print edition progress: @Li Ye Li. My next book is "Insensate"! - Zhou Die has always been a "good kid," following the rules and studying hard. Growing up in a highly repressive household, she was never allowed to rebel during her teenage years. So, from the options available to her, she chose He Xicheng, the one who dressed most expensively and loved to have fun the most. In the third year of their marriage, she started considering divorce. -"The feeling of fal 81.3kFavorites96.1kClicks/ch46.1kGifts

    Curator note

    It's amazing!!! The male lead is a love-struck, loyal, and clingy guy with a womanizer's face. He's a smooth talker and knows how to flirt, but he only shows affection to the female lead. The female lead is clear-headed, ambitious, beautiful, strong, and cool. It's so satisfying to watch a smart person's love story unfold. Plus, the author is great at writing suspenseful relationships, so the reading experience is fantastic.

30. 30 她 She Still Doesn’t Know 她还不知道 Ban Dong板冬Romance215k WordsCompleted This is the tenth year Pei Qi has been in love with Shen Fangyue. She still doesn't know. - 1. A campus romance, cute and oblivious x sharp-tongued and stubborn 2. Childhood friends / bickering couple, everyday life, probably a cute, relaxing little story~ 3. The main characters won't fall in love until they're adults Theme: Living together in Changgan Lane, two childhood friends without a care in the world 15.8kFavorites16.3kClicks/ch8.9kGifts

    Curator note

    Such a sweet childhood sweetheart story

31. 31 没 No One Is Like You 没有人像你 Years Meet岁见Romance312k WordsCompleted [🔔 The full novel has been revised, with 12,000 new words added. Chapters marked “Revised” in the table of contents are new or revised chapters.] In late summer 2010, before leaving to study abroad, Chen Yi received a text from an unfamiliar number “Having a crush is hard, like the summer wind. It sounds lovely, but when it blows, it’s nothing but stifling heat. And now that summer is over, I don’t like you anymore.” “Chen Yi, I wish you a safe journey and a bright future.” At seventeen, Chen 559.1kFavorites596.2kClicks/ch128.1kGifts

    Curator note

    This is the first unrequited love novel I read after switching to Green Jiji. I was initially moved by a line in the synopsis and lyrics from Fish Leong's song. The story is about a beautiful unrequited love coming true. However, from the perspective of the characters, the two seem to be more like "meeting the right person at the right time." It's a bit too fast for the female lead to fall in love with the male lead again after they become adults, as if she has a cheat code and can win him over on her own. Although the female lead is indeed charming and has professional attributes, the connection with the campus unrequited love part doesn't feel very natural. As a reader with an omniscient perspective, I feel like something is missing.

32. 32 是 My Heartbeat Is Lying 是心跳说谎 Jiji's Cat唧唧的猫Romance330k WordsCompleted In the opening match of the spring season, veteran powerhouse OG suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of an unknown little team. That was the first time Chen Yuzheng appeared on camera. With the handsome, bad-boy face of a rich kid, he pulled off the most explosive plays imaginable. Viewers couldn’t stop exclaiming: This guy’s so handsome, so cocky, so damn good. That summer, the ID Conquer burst onto the scene, dominating international tournaments and making a name for himself. In no time, 474.2kFavorites528.4kClicks/ch122.8kGifts

    Curator note

    Because I watched it live, I felt a little awkward... I can't quite put my finger on it. I can only say that the writing is good, but I prefer her brother's character.

33. 33 你 You Are the Joy That Came Too Late 你是迟来的欢喜 Gu Lezhi顾了之Romance261k WordsCompleted [Announcement] This novel was published in 2018. The revised reprint of the physical edition in 2024 has now been updated online. The changes mainly fix bugs and polish some wording, so longtime readers don't need to reread it. New readers, please refer to the official version on Jinjiang. - Every old flame who crosses paths again after years apart has had a crush planned out for ages. Ruan Yu's online novel, I Really Want to Whisper in Your Ear, has been accused of plagiarism. She posted a he 464.3kFavorites753.2kClicks/ch130.1kGifts

    Curator note

    Whether it's the character design, the story background, or the plot, I don't know what else to say besides calling it a normal contemporary romance novel. (Scratching my head)

34. 34 降 Falling Into Your Heart 降落我心上 Qiao Yao翘摇Romance395k WordsCompleted Fu Mingyu, president of Hengshi Aviation, took first class on one of his own planes. A flight attendant took it upon herself to bring him coffee three times. Fu Mingyu looked up at the flight attendant before him, with her slender waist, long legs, and flirtatious eyes, and asked, "Do you not want to work as a flight attendant for Hengshi anymore?" The flight attendant smiled. "That's right. I don't want to be a flight attendant for Hengshi Aviation anymore. I want to be..." "The boss's wife?" 370.5kFavorites792.4kClicks/ch236.5kGifts

    Curator note

    A classic sweet and satisfying romance novel, featuring a female pilot and an airline director. Both are stubborn and unable to deny their destiny, but they are like-minded and work side-by-side in their careers. The female lead is beautiful, cool, and powerful, while the male lead is a true and proper CEO. However, the main story is overly convoluted with excessive romantic subplots, and includes a half-hearted portrayal of family issues and some stereotypical portrayals of wealthy families. It doesn't really showcase the main characters' personal charm much... I personally enjoy aviation elements, especially female pilots, which gives me a soft spot for the story. In terms of quality, the work is quite polished and worth reading as a sweet romance.

35. 35 穿 Transmigrating into the Male Protagonist’s Stepmother in a Campus Novel 穿成校园文男主的后妈 Lin Mianmian林绵绵Romance441k WordsCompleted 313.4kFavorites818kClicks/ch461.4kGifts

    Curator note

    This is a book with decent logic and writing style in the sweet, satisfying, and refreshing genre.

36. 36 致 To My Little Angel 致小天使 Daydreaming Sheep白日梦羊Romance406k WordsCompleted [A print edition has been signed; updates at @BaiRiMengYangMie] * A shy, earnest girl with an inferiority complex x a clingy young Russian-Chinese heir * University campus setting / height difference * Pirated copies are incomplete. Yan Tang has always known she is ordinary, and that she has terrible luck. The people she likes never like her back. No matter how hard she studies, she never gets the grades she wants. She worked hard at her internship, o 234.4kFavorites241.3kClicks/ch203.5kGifts

    Curator note

    This is a really good read of a younger-male-older-male romance novel. The male lead's love gives the female lead the strength to break free of her shell, learning how to bravely love and openly accept the love of others. The female lead's love inspires the male lead to yearn for and grow into a better person. The author's writing is excellent, especially the detailed descriptions. The male lead's character is truly explosive in terms of hormones, and the tension during the ambiguous period is perfectly executed. Just thinking about Slavic mixed-race characters makes me chuckle [shy].

37. 37 我 I Want to Slack Off at the Yaoguai Bureau 我想在妖局上班摸鱼 Jiang Yue Nian Nian江月年年Romance430k WordsCompleted [Published title: Bamboo Buds. Follow @JiangYueNianNianNianNian on Weibo.] After three years of working hard in a big city, Chu Zhishui finally landed a secure job with her savings intact, only to discover that she was the only human at her new workplace. Chu Zhishui: Even monsters are looking for stable jobs with guaranteed benefits these days? ※ As Chu Zhishui gradually adjusts to working at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, she does her job diligently, but still can't escape small-town goss 183.2kFavorites318.6kClicks/ch246.6kGifts

    Curator note

    A cocky, devilish male mother x a beautiful, ambitious, and academically gifted younger sister – a seemingly high-level expert entering a beginner's village, but actually just two elementary school kids in a love story within the system.

38. 38 和 My Ex and I Became the Nation's Favorite Couple 和前男友成了国民CP Gu Lezhi顾了之Romance307k WordsCompleted Liang Yixuan had harbored a crush on Bian Xu for years. After secretly dating him, she realized the man had no heart. Once her rose-colored glasses shattered, she dumped Bian Xu and let loose, joining a reality dating show for ordinary singles. After the mess she'd been through, all the accomplished male contestants on the show looked wonderful to her. She was just planning to take her time and choose carefully when, overnight, all the men who had eagerly approached her when they first met began 157.8kFavorites355.1kClicks/ch46.6kGifts

    Curator note

    A ballet dancer and a musician—a classic sweet romance novel with a broken relationship mended. The crossover romance theme is quite novel, and the plot is rather soft-hearted.

39. 39 你 Are You Trying to Skip Out on the Bill? 你是不是想赖账 Mr. Pattern图样先森Romance547k WordsCompleted Sheng Ning always thought idol dramas were unrealistic and had nothing to do with her life. Until one day, a domineering CEO with all the standard traits of an idol-drama hero came knocking. The CEO’s younger brother had recently turned over a new leaf and fallen in love. He was passionately pursuing Sheng Ning’s younger sister, and no matter how much his family tried to talk him out of it, he was determined to make the “rich young heir × Cinderella” story happen. With no other choice, the olde 157.1kFavorites247.3kClicks/ch157.8kGifts

    Curator note

    A domineering CEO with a powerful father figure x a money-grubber. Both believe they are the clear-headed, rational, and ruthless one who can easily walk away, but they end up scheming against each other and getting caught up in the scheme. For a while, I was fascinated by this kind of stubbornness that succumbs to irresistible passion, and the agonizing back-and-forth was actually quite well-written. (I ignored the absurd plot involving the second male and female leads, and the emotional entanglements of the parents' generation were just so-so.)

40. 40 你 How Did You Marry My Uncle? 你怎么跟我舅舅结婚了？ Dull Scholar钝书生Romance207k WordsCompleted The print edition, retitled Holding Tang, goes on sale October 23. For details, see Weibo @Jinjiang Duns h u sheng. *The title is from the second male lead's perspective. (Preorder: Alien Species Taming Manual. See my author page.) A powerful, morally upright man who becomes a brooding, anxious, possessive ghost of a man × an honest, hapless heroine who only wants to complete her mission but gets relentlessly haunted by the male lead 1. Li Tangli is forever a minor character, a disposable extr 145.8kFavorites151.3kClicks/ch94.8kGifts

    Curator note

    It's not really my thing, and I've forgotten the specifics. The plot is typical of what happened ten years ago—a melodramatic, love-hate relationship with a downfall in a powerful family. The first half made me a little uncomfortable, but the writing is pretty good. If you like that kind of thing, you might want to check it out.

41. 41 团 The Villain Everyone Dotes On Is Three and a Half 团宠反派三岁半 Pine Courtyard松庭Romance515k WordsCompleted The protagonists, who suffered abuse and humiliation in a parallel world, have all turned dark after being reborn. The victims: “Now that I’ve been reborn, I’ll never spare the people who hurt me, especially Gu Youyou!” But then they discover that the future villainess, so arrogant and overbearing, is only three and a half years old this year. - Three-year-old Youyou has a round face and short legs. When she zones out, she looks like a silly goose. When the country-raised Cinderella, their pat 139.3kFavorites434.3kClicks/ch145.1kGifts

    Curator note

    A cute and adorable dumpling story, relaxing and healing.

42. 42 星 Starlight Falls into the Sands 星辉落进风沙里 Bei Qing北倾Romance401k WordsCompleted A special note: My sincere thanks to the experts for reviewing Star Radiance and offering such valuable suggestions for revision. I have benefited greatly from them. I will continue working hard in my future writing and strive to live up to my teachers' guidance. Blurb: The first time Fu Xun met Qu Yixian was in Xi'an. She was standing by a shop window, choosing a sugar painting. The second time he saw her was at Hukou on the Yellow River. She was barefoot, the tops of her feet smudged with di 100.5kFavorites201.3kClicks/ch114.2kGifts
43. 43 婚 The Second Year After Marriage 婚后第二年 Half a Cabbage半截白菜Romance352k WordsCompleted [The bittersweet unrequited-love novel Green Leaves has started updating. Check it out in my column.] In the second year of her marriage, Wen Yang discovered that Cheng Yanyu was cheating on her with a woman two years his senior. The woman was elegant and sophisticated. She offered him guidance in business and helped him succeed. They could talk about anything and everything. She knew just how far to go, never complained, and never fought for even a little more of his affection. Yet Cheng Yanyu 172.2kFavorites215.5kClicks/ch131.7kGifts

    Curator note

    It's a typical sweet and satisfying read—a marriage where the female lead slaps her cheating ex and the other woman in the face, with the story starting with a cremation, creating a great atmosphere. The downside is the flat character development; the male lead, aside from the "domineering CEO who crushes the second male lead" label, doesn't have many memorable traits. The female lead's agency is also somewhat weak, constantly overshadowed by the male lead, leading to a feeling that the two leads are just tools for each other to slap in the face [laughing emoji]. Fortunately, the writing is decent. Those who enjoy lighthearted, refreshing reads might enjoy it.

44. 44 炽 Blazing Meteor 炽焰流星 Jiang Xiaolv江小绿Romance218k WordsCompleted [The bonus translator special is now up! No purchase required; just meet the subscription threshold. The full story is complete. Thank you all! (heart)] Zhu Xingyan shot to fame at a young age. From top-tier star to movie actor, he swept the awards, all before he was even seventeen. The boy was like a dazzling flame that had appeared out of nowhere, lighting up the entertainment industry. He stood at the very top of the pyramid, admired by countless people. The farthest Song Shiyue ever was fr 56.8kFavorites59.4kClicks/ch24.7kGifts

    Curator note

    This book is by the same author as the one above, "Winter." The trope of a campus sweetheart x a big star sounds like it has a really sweet and refreshing vibe [doge emoji]. And it's pure sweetness without any angst—a mutual love story with zero angst and zero misunderstandings. After reading it for the first time, I felt like the whole world was filled with love bubbles.

45. 45 年21+ The Cannon-Fodder Ex-Wife Finds Happiness 年代文炮灰原配幸福起来 Xiu Ce袖侧Romance502k WordsCompleted 191.8kFavorites410.6kClicks/ch390.1kGifts

    Curator note

    Putting aside the classic trope of rebirth in a period romance novel featuring a "genius baby and a powerful father," this is one of the few period romance novels I've read that perfectly captures the tension between the tides of history and individual destinies, especially the latter half, which was quite poignant. However, the author's reputation seems rather polarized (?). From a purely literary perspective, this book is indeed quite well-written.

46. 46 冬 Fall in Love with Me This Winter 冬天请与我恋爱 Jiang Xiaolv江小绿Romance202k WordsCompleted [Print edition goes on preorder February 3. Follow me on Weibo for a limited-time signed edition~] - On the day winter began, Zhu Shiyu broke up with her boyfriend of four years and returned to Wenbei City. The hospital room was in chaos. Her mother's face was pale, and under pressure from relatives and friends who all had reasonable-sounding arguments, Zhu Shiyu was left with only two choices: Do what her family wanted and get married, or quit her job. Zhu Shiyu chose the former, and met Meng S 159kFavorites236.9kClicks/ch33.9kGifts

    Curator note

    A story of a man secretly in love after an arranged marriage, perfect for a light and sweet read before bed in winter. The writing is good and it has the atmosphere a sweet story should have. The downside is that it suffers from some common problems in contemporary romance novels, with plot transitions often involving jealousy or misunderstandings – just a heads-up. But overall, it's a very smooth read.

47. 47 惜21+ Flowers in the Gentle Weather 惜花天气 Biting Green Branches咬枝绿Romance221k WordsCompleted 95.1kFavorites139.4kClicks/ch68.4kGifts

    Curator note

    Actually, I didn't quite understand the male lead's emotional journey at first. Was it love at first sight plus a physical attraction? In short, he's a "wolf" who, though he's tsundere, wants to snatch the female lead into his den every minute. But it's understandable—because the female lead is just so adorable! I love her so much! She's the type who avoids attachment but will offer her heart to the person she likes, like a gentle drizzle falling on someone's heart [shy]. As for the author, "Biting Green," her writing style needs no introduction. She's the kind of author I'd read even if I don't like the subject matter, just for the writing and expression.

48. 48 长 Long Street 长街 Shuwei殊娓Romance274k WordsCompleted [He Was Like an Endless Street in a Dream] The first time Xiang Yu met Jin Fubai, he took off his expensive shirt, casually balled it up, and handed it to her as she sat on the ground. “Sit on this. The ground’s cold.” The second time she saw him was in an unfamiliar city battered by one rainstorm after another. Her flight was delayed, the trains were running late and not departing, and a hotel employee politely told Xiang Yu, “Sorry, we’re fully booked.” Jin Fubai leaned nearby and asked her 713.5kFavorites943.2kClicks/ch213.2kGifts
49. 49 十 Summer Solstice, Year Eleven 十一年夏至 Night-Blooming Flowers at Dawn明开夜合Romance322k WordsCompleted [Carefully revised on July 7, 2023, with 25,000 new words. The additions aren’t in pirated copies. “I like his name. I love being alive, though I was born in this time.” · A former high school classmate got married, and that day everyone gathered for a reunion at a friend’s house. Somehow, they started talking about the foolish, romantic, secret things they’d done as students. When it was Xia Li’s turn, she said, “On his birthday, I abused my position at th 334.4kFavorites423.9kClicks/ch178.5kGifts

    Curator note

    A classic campus romance, a long-awaited reunion, but a love affair that begins in secret and ends at night.

50. 50 雾21+ Green in the Mist 雾里青 Night-Blooming Flowers at Dawn明开夜合Romance320k WordsCompleted 300.8kFavorites408.8kClicks/ch133.5kGifts

    Curator note

    This is the best unrequited love story I've read so far. The male lead is truly virtuous. To be honest, the more ascetic he seems, the stronger the tension gets in certain explosive scenes. (Please recommend some good unrequited love stories to me, I really like this kind of thing [doge emoji])

Other lists with Newlywed Notes