Novels like You Were Born Before I Was
Books Chinese readers most often put in the same booklists as You Were Born Before I Was, best match first.
- 51 Jealousy, Jealousy 争妒争妒 He kept making the wrong choice; she gave her heart to the wrong man!!! Everyone in the capital knew the decade-long joke! Su Shu, the legitimate daughter of the Xiang family, pursued Mu Chengxuan, the Great General Who Protects the Nation, for ten years! Then one day, he actually married her!!! Their wedding stunned the entire capital! A decade of love should have been the envy of all, yet less than a year later, the Chancellor’s residence was raided and Su Shu died of an illness. This shocked 315Reads6.4Score—14d adds
- 52 I Promise to Find You in Both Lifetimes 许你两世相顾 In her previous life, she was Liu Chupei, Princess Linhuai Kang of the Southern Song. She fell in love with him at first sight and bound him to her side with an imperial edict arranging their marriage. Caught up in an age of chaos, she was drawn into one conspiracy after another. Little did she know that everything had been part of his plan. He used her and resented her, never understanding her. The one thing he never did was cherish her. She was locked in a secret dungeon, had her tongue cut ou 42Reads9.0Score—14d adds
- 53 You Said Love Wouldn’t Hurt This Much 你说爱情那么伤 Shen Siting never imagined that Gu Xixi would die. He was furious at her schemes and hated her betrayal. He tortured her like a madman and drove her to flee. He thought all he felt for her was disgust and hatred, but the moment he found her body, his heart felt as if it had been torn apart. Blinded by hatred, he became a prisoner of love. How fortunate Shen Siting was, and yet how tragic; he was hateful, pitiful, and deserving of pity. An Yang said she cursed him to lose the person he loved fore 988Reads8.4Score—14d adds
- 54 The Mad Crown Prince’s Cherished Captive 疯批皇兄的掌中娇 [A possessive, obsessive Crown Prince X a beautiful, delicate Princess] [The male lead is unhinged, obsessive, and fiercely controlling + the Princess is as sweet and delicate as her name suggests + she can never escape his grasp + both are virgins] Zhao Jiaojiao’s father was the top candidate in the palace examinations, and her mother was the daughter of a Minister of the Court of Justice. But before Zhao Jiaojiao was born, her father was framed by a villain and died in prison. The entire Zhao 157Reads8.1Score—14d adds
- 55 When Love Takes Root 若情已入骨 Some feelings develop after sharing a bed enough times. Some people, before you know it, become the ones you love. Unfortunately, Gao Tianyang kept me like a caged songbird and spoiled me, but he didn’t love me. 1.3kReads9.1Score10014d adds
- 56 Cinnabar Etched into My Bones 《朱砂烙骨》 Cinnabar Branded on the Bone 75Reads—Score—14d adds
- 57 Pleasures in the Palace Hall 殿上欢 The Chancellor's household was branded traitorous and slaughtered overnight, leaving her the daughter of a condemned criminal. Feng Yueli was tortured by Beigong Han's demand for her blood until she was nearly drained of life. But for her younger brother's sake, she had no choice but to cling to her last breath and keep going. At first, she said, “The Chancellor's household is innocent. My father was loyal through and through.” Later, she said, “This guilty woman is unworthy of becoming empress. 414Reads5.4Score—14d adds
- 58 The Realm Is Yours, I Return to My Homeland 江山归你，我归故国 Synopsis: [Love at first sight + love unrequited + possessive forced marriage + tragic beauty + devoted to one another, both leads are sexually inexperienced] She is a beloved and honored princess, and he is a mighty general with countless victories to his name. She thought their lives would never cross, but after one breathtaking glimpse, he falls for her at first sight and uses his military power to force her to marry him. As a princess of the realm, she knows she has no freedom to choose whom 226Reads8.4Score—14d adds
- 59 A Song to Summon Souls 引魂辞 The Yin-Yang Messenger travels between two worlds, guiding souls or collecting debts. Beneath a peaceful and prosperous age lie secrets of the capital, one after another. Whose love will be severed, whose heart betrayed? Amid the splendor of a fleeting dream, let us remember that prosperous times are hard-won. The soul-guiding songs fade away, and all that came before is scattered. One ghost, one past life: let me tell you the tale in detail… This is a story about chatting with ghosts, keeping t 167Reads8.9Score10314d adds
- 60 Forgive Me, This World Has No Fairy Tales 原谅这世上没童话 [“I can no longer tell whether you're a friend or the love I let slip away.”] [Forgive me, from south to north; forgive me, as the ending I face turns to ash...] After ten years of living meekly, she had long since stopped expecting fairness from reality. At seventeen, she traveled alone to a small northern city, thinking nothing could pull her out of the gloom. Then a radiant boy shook her resolve. At first she resisted him, but gradually, something subtle changed between them. With him protect 54Reads9.3Score—14d adds
- 61 The Story of Guan Xi 官禧传 [Court intrigue + love and hate intertwined + sweet yet angsty romance] The long-awaited wedding she had looked forward to with all her heart turned out to be a trap set long ago by the man she loved. Overnight, her entire family was slaughtered. For Guan Xi, it was a devastating blow. The love that had seemed so pure was, it turned out, full of lies and deception. Sometimes I wonder if these words can truly tell the whole story of Guan Xi’s life. There is a quiet resilience about Guan Xi. She l 91Reads—Score—14d adds
- 62 The Turmoil of Chao Ge: The Story of the Demon Queen Daji 朝歌风云之妖后妲己传 [Angsty at first, then sweet and satisfying + mutual devotion + mutual healing + happy ending] [Heartbreaking, thrilling, unbearably sweet, and impossible not to ship] Daji isn’t Su Daji, but Ji Daji. She isn’t a fox spirit, but a human! Daji’s beauty draws King Zhou’s covetous attention. Her first love, Su Quanzhong, dies in battle, and her beloved Boyi Kao dies tragically. Imprisoned deep within the palace and driven to desperation, Daji fights back. She and Su Qu Xiao remain devoted to each o 29Reads—Score—14d adds
- 63 Love Warmed the Chilling Boy 是爱暖了少年凉 July 7, clear, Wednesday This is the most desolate and helpless day in my memory, a day that leaves me trembling with fear. Today marks ten years since you began hating me. How should I celebrate it with you, Lin Luo? On this summer night, you and I finally went our separate ways for good. Perhaps this sorrow was destined from the start: when I was abandoned on the Ferris wheel at seven, when I was adopted by your family, and when your mother’s blood stained the hatred in your eyes. Back then, I —Reads8.6Score—14d adds
- 64 My Lord, Grant Me a Lovesick Gu 请君赐我相思蛊 When they were young, Jun Wuye and Yun Ji both believed in love. She once vowed to live and die with him, but love could never overcome schemes and deceit. One misunderstanding, and they were parted for life. Her family was destroyed, her brother was brutally killed, her child miscarried, and both her legs were crippled. “Jun Wuye, did you ever love me at all?” On the city wall, dressed in a wedding gown red as blood, she spoke in a voice full of grief. He slashed her wedding gown with his sword 87Reads6.2Score—14d adds
- 65 The Prince's Darling Wife Is Obsessed with Solving Cases 皇子府的小娇妻她沉迷破案 [Brilliant coroner vs. handsome prince] She is the daughter of a constable and dreams of becoming a coroner. But one day, she is swept into a shocking case. Her parents disappear, her origins become a mystery, and she embarks on a perilous journey of revenge and investigation. He is a prince of the imperial family, accomplished in both letters and arms, and as noble as the moonlight. Yet rumors that he was born as the reincarnation of a water ghost have left him shunned. He never imagined that h —Reads—Score—14d adds
- 66 After Imprisoning the Woman He Loved, Lord Bo Regretted It Too Late 囚禁所爱后，薄爷他悔不当初 [Male-male romance + both leads are pure + forced love + confinement + possessiveness + sickly bottom + crematorium-style regret] Lu Yunzhi died in the year Bo Yanchen hated him most... Bo Yanchen: “Lu Yunzhi, save An Ran, and I'll give you everything you want.” Lu Yunzhi gave a bitter smile. “There's no need.” He turned and walked away, never to return! The photograph he kept close to his chest fell to the ground. On the back, several lines of writing stood out clearly. “Bo Yanchen, I paid for 6.1kReads8.1Score41714d adds
- 67 Song of Xizhou: Remembrance 西洲曲：忆 I had a very long dream. In the dream, I had a father who loved me more than anything and a mother who was incredibly gentle. But I didn't know who I was. When I woke up, I still didn't know. 52Reads—Score—14d adds
- 68 My Childhood Friend Ascended the Throne 我的竹马登基了 [Comedy + Zhihu-style storytelling + Ridiculous antics + Strong Male and Female Leads + Childhood Sweethearts + A Little Angst] My name is Gu Xiang, and I’m a celebrated female general. Qi Yan and I have been at odds since we were children. He’s a petty man who loves to kick people when they’re down. As for why Qi Yan loves picking on me so much, it’s because he’s jealous of me. Jealous because everyone loves me and even the flowers bloom when they see me. Chapter excerpt: “Qi Yan, what do you 853Reads6.2Score—14d adds
- 69 President Su, Your Wife Has Gone Missing Again 苏总，你媳妇又不见了 Hua Nian had no idea what Su Yu and Zhang Beiwei's relationship had been in the past. If she had, she wouldn't have married him even if it killed her. Zhang Beiwei cried, made a scene, and threatened to take her own life. “Why are you carrying his child? I can't accept this...” He comforted her and coaxed her home. Hua Nian put on an act and went to the hospital. When she opened her eyes, Su Yu was furious, his words clenched between gritted teeth. “You're ruthless. You really are.” In the midst 8Reads7.1Score—14d adds
- 70 My Love, Come to Me in a Dream 闻君入梦来 Five years ago, he led his troops to war, intending to welcome her as his wife with ten miles of wedding finery. Five years later, she betrayed their love, ended their child’s life, and became his father’s woman. He hated her betrayal. He branded her face, severed her fingers, and even killed their daughter! She swore she would make him pay for every drop of blood. When all the secrets came to light, he was consumed with regret. “A Zuo, don’t go...” She turned and plunged her sword into his 579Reads7.7Score—14d adds
- 71 A Eunuch's Ambitions: Tormented by the World of Mortals 宦情：红尘虐 [Not a chaste couple + truly eunuch male lead + sweet at first, angst later + devoted love] Wang Yunqu had been inexplicably fixated on Xiao Qibai since childhood. Even after he was subjected to castration, she still married him without hesitation, exchanging vows and sharing their wedding night. She thought they would live happily together in mutual love from then on. But the emperor threatened her with the life of the person she loved, forcibly made her a consort, and compelled her to bear a d 204Reads6.4Score—14d adds
- 72 Longing for Yun's Return 念云归 [Angsty! Angsty! Angsty! Short tragic historical romance, princess sent abroad for a political marriage] Huan Yun’s childhood name was Yun’er. From the time she was little, her mother held her close and softly sang, “Yun’er, come home. Yun’er, come home.” Yun’er never went anywhere. Mother, why do you sigh like that? In the sixteenth year of Jianzhao, Huan Yun passed away quietly in the Wuyou Palace. Mother, you don’t know. Yun’er can never return home again... 294Reads8.4Score—14d adds
- 73 Poison Concubine 鸩姬 Long ago, there was a wicked bird that lived by the South Sea. Its feathers were bright and beautiful, but laced with deadly poison. It was called the Zhen. The daughter of the King of Xiliang was cunning and twisted, a disastrous beauty and a demon in human form, known throughout the realm as the Zhen Consort. History written by men has never set the record straight for women, but this tale teaches us one thing: there is always a price to pay for offending a woman. 174Reads8.8Score—14d adds
- 74 After He Tortured His Wife to Death, the Mad Young Master Bo Held a Funeral for the World 虐死夫人后，疯批薄少为天下办丧 Bo Muzhou was convinced that Tang Hua was the culprit behind the death of the woman he loved. He imprisoned her, tormented her, and humiliated her, using the cruelest, most brutal methods to break her pride and drive her into the mud. He said he could never love a sinner, and that sinners should have died long ago! The day she died, blood stained the snow. Holding her unrecognizable corpse in his arms, he went mad... Reborn, she returned with a cute younger boyfriend at her side and a billionair 529Reads7.1Score—14d adds
- 75 The Sunshine Isn't Warm 阳光不温暖 Luo Yiyi lost both her parents when she was young and had only her grandmother to rely on. After finally getting into Haicheng No. 1 High School, she became the victim of severe school bullying. Qin Yan, the pampered daughter of the Qin family, was her bully, while Qin Yan’s older brother, Qin Chuan, spoiled her rotten. After enduring Qin Yan’s petty tricks and Qin Chuan’s lies, Luo Yiyi was left wounded in both body and mind. Just before the college entrance exams, Qin Chuan accidentally discov 141Reads—Score—14d adds
- 76 He's Just a Fool 他只是个傻子 [Boys' Love / melodrama / happy ending / modern / angst / win-back romance / silly fool fiction] Qin Yun was deemed a failure and sent to a remote mountain village to oversee the management of a mine. There he met a fool. Though dim-witted, the fool was good at taking care of others. In this impoverished backwater, Qin Yun made a move on the only little fool he found tolerable to look at. But after hurting him recklessly again and again, Qin Yun never expected the fool to say he didn't love him 62Reads8.7Score—14d adds
- 77 A Beauty That Outshines the Nation 风华倾国 Ten years ago, she was the last princess of Mengxia. Ten years later, she is the foremost female grand preceptor of the Liuli Kingdom. In enemy territory, she makes careful moves, stirring up turmoil at court behind the scenes with her own hands, all to avenge a hatred that has cut deep! She had planned for everything, but his arrival was the one thing she never expected! He is the famed God of War, admired by women everywhere, yet he falls for her at first sight. Their encounter seems ordained 222Reads9.4Score3214d adds
- 78 I’ll Go See You in the Moonlight 替月亮去见你 [Lin Jiu, a girl wounded by her family, vs. the gentle, brilliant student Jiang Shiyue] [School life + reunion after years apart + healing] If someone asked Lin Jiu whether she regretted falling in love with Jiang Shiyue, her answer would be no. When she was nineteen, the boy came beneath the moonlight, his eyes filled with countless stars. “Lin Jiu, there’s no moon in the sky tonight, but I’m here behind you. From now on, on every dark night, I’ll come to see you in the moon’s place.” Those wor 6Reads8.1Score—14d adds
- 79 You Still Haven't Confessed to Me 你还没跟我告白 [Hot-tempered, possessive troubled boy & sweet, gentle girl] A tragic ending, an angsty campus romance. When they first met, Chi Wen was an exemplary student at No. 16 High School, excelling in both academics and conduct. Bian Qingye, meanwhile, was the fearsome “Ye-ge” from the vocational school next door. Everyone said he was exactly what his name suggested: wild, and wild in everything he did. He changed girlfriends faster than he changed clothes. At that age, what girl wouldn’t want to leav 62Reads6.4Score—14d adds
- 80 Where the Light Fades 他在阑珊处 The year they first met, she asked him, “Lawyer Jiang, if there is another life, what kind of person would you want to be?” He remained silent for a long time, but had no answer. Later, they met again after years apart. Time had turned everything upside down. She had lost her voice and no longer fit into his world. Many years later, when someone asked him that question again, he smiled faintly and answered without hesitation: “Someone without ambitions, staying by her side as we grow old togethe 43Reads9.1Score—14d adds
- 81 Snowgrass 雪草 Without a beginning, there can be no ending. Heaven's kindness to Su Mo was, in its own way, cruelty to Xuecao. —Reads8.6Score—14d adds
- 82 A Moonlit Wish 月明愿 [Tragic historical romance with a bad ending, slow start and strong payoff] [Those who love each other may not end up together, and those who do may not truly love each other] [In this world, perhaps the hardest things to obtain are not money and power] [The hardest thing to find is a heart that never changes] Preface: A thousand years ago, the realm was divided in two. The Celestial Dynasty and the Southern Wu Dynasty each claimed half the territory. Fearing the military might of Southern Wu, 139Reads—Score—14d adds
- 83 I Finally Lost You 我终于失去了你 When Xu Nuo was ten, she caught her father cheating. Her parents’ failed marriage turned her into a porcupine, pushing away anyone who tried to get close. One day after the college entrance exams, she met Mo Cheng, a carefree boy who fell for her at first sight. They came from completely different worlds: he was passionate as fire, while she was consumed by insecurity. Yet before she knew it, Xu Nuo began to fall for him. But after a drunken night of reckless indulgence at a birthday party, Mo C 38Reads9.2Score—14d adds
- 84 Yi Xun Is Hard to Find 易洵难寻 Love is like a mountain spring, its gentle current winding all the way to Jiangnan. [Though I know your heart is true, I cannot find you. I hope you will turn back again and ease this longing of mine.] Qi Wan, an illegitimate daughter of the Qi family in Jiangnan, has been overlooked since childhood. She has no interest in business and only wants to live out her life in peace and freedom. Then Yi Xun appears and changes everything. He teaches Qi Wan the ways of business and stays by her side day 39Reads—Score—14d adds
- 85 You Are the Only Light in My Life 你是我生命里唯一的光 You are the only light in my life 37Reads5.1Score—14d adds
- 86 The Blind Consort 盲妃 On the wedding day of Li Wenxing, the notorious and merciless general, and Jiang Yan, the beautiful blind young master of the Jiang family, every citizen in the city kept their doors shut and dared not step outside. The streets were empty and lifeless. Jiang Yan had loved Li Wenxing for thirteen years. He had thought Li’s promise to love him faithfully was sincere, never imagining that Li not only didn’t love him, but had long since given his heart to someone else and hated Jiang to the bone. Af 352Reads6.9Score10014d adds
- 87 Tears of the Departed 离人泪 Three years ago, she risked her life to get the antidote and save him. Three years later, he returned in triumph as the supreme ruler, yet hated her to the core. He massacred her entire clan, drained her blood, crushed her bones, and wouldn't even spare the child in her womb. Only when he pierced her chest with his sword did Mu Wanqing understand that some people's hearts are made of stone. No matter how hard she tried to warm them, they would never thaw. 173Reads5.4Score—14d adds
- 88 Mr. Fu, We’ll Never Meet Again in This Life or the Next 傅先生 死生不复相见 A carefully plotted scheme destroyed Fu Lixuan’s love life and career, all at Zheng Weiwei’s hands. For three years, Zheng Weiwei took every blow and every insult without complaint, making herself a doormat to atone for her sins. When the truth comes out, Fu Lixuan regrets everything, but Zheng Weiwei has already been tormented beyond recognition... Zheng Weiwei says, “Fu Lixuan, may we never meet again, in this life or the next.” When they meet again, Fu Lixuan says, “Zheng Weiwei, I’ll die s 177Reads7.3Score—14d adds
- 89 He Knows He Was Wrong 他知道错了 [Bullying + tragic ending + coercive love + mutual devotion] That year, at the park, she found a place in Jiang Ye's heart. But in Su Yin's heart, he was a demon, a nightmare. When they first met in the classroom, Jiang Ye said to Su Yin, “I don't want anything in particular. I just think my dull, boring life might finally get a little more interesting. We have plenty of time!” He had no idea those words would mark the beginning of Su Yin's nightmare, pushing her into an endless abyss! . 1.5kReads8.1Score10314d adds
- 90 The Game of Power 权栖戏 [Political Intrigue ✖️ Spycraft ✖️ Forced Love] [Scheming Against Each Other ✖️ Saving Each Other] The world is unpredictable, and fate can change in an instant. Yan Lepei, the daughter of Yancheng’s lord, is forced to conceal her identity and infiltrate the Quanqi Pavilion as a spy. Shao Quan, master of the Quanqi Hall, is calculating, powerful, and scornful of all things. Yet he cannot help falling in love with his own pawn. Shao Quan: “She is the most capable weapon in my hand, and the person 32Reads—Score—14d adds
- 91 The Innocent Abandoned Consort: Prince, Please Let Me Go 弃妃无罪：王爷请你放过我 [Prince + imperial power + tragic romance] At first, he grabs her by the throat, his expression sinister and alluring. “How much truth is there in those tears of yours? Cheng Luoxun, I’ll make you pay in blood.” In the end, she fulfills his wish, barely conscious and almost lifeless. When the peach blossoms bloom in the third month, he gently takes her hand. “You said I didn’t love you, but you never once asked me if I did.” The candles flicker dimly in the room. He looks up, and there is nothin 1kReads8.0Score10114d adds
- 92 Loving You Is a Fool’s Dream 爱你是人间妄想 Mu Guicheng hated Shen Qing. At the height of his hatred, he wanted to cut her into a thousand pieces and reduce her bones to ashes. But later, when she turned to ash before his eyes, he would rather have his soul annihilated and suffer eternal ruin if only he could keep a wisp of hers… Shen Qing loved Mu Guicheng. She always thought he was her light, her faith, until the day she died and understood that, to her, he had always been nothing but hell. The man who gave her a ray of light in the end 382Reads7.4Score10614d adds
- 93 Quick Transmigration: The God of Love Is Still Trying to Find Romance Today 快穿：爱神今天也在努力谈恋爱 [One-on-One in Each World, No CP in the Ending, Goddess of Love Stands Alone] Aphrodite, goddess of love, possesses peerless beauty. Her radiance shines like daylight, and all the gods adore her; all things are captivated by her. “Hades, they only love me for my looks.” “Aphro, someone truly loves you. You should learn to love first.” Hades gives her an ancient book sent by an Eastern deity. She travels through its pages, trying to learn what true love is in different worlds. World One: Cold-Blo 148Reads8.4Score10114d adds
- 94 Foes Have a Way of Crossing Paths 冤家路宽 Fated to Be Rivals 2Reads—Score—14d adds
- 95 After Recovering from Illness and Clearing My Name, the Madly Possessive Men Fell for Me 病弱洗白后，疯批攻们沦陷了 Lin Ji's System is a little unusual: it gives him no combat skills or golden finger, only "sickly points," the kind that make him cough up blood, faint, and pant after taking a single step. His missions are even more unusual: transmigrate into each world as a universally despised, villainous side character, then use this "sickly" buff to clear his name and stay alive at the hands of the male leads. System 007: "Host, the target's hatred is MAX! Quick, spend 50 points and have him cough up blood 1.1kReads6.3Score11114d adds
- 96 After Torturing His Wife to Death, Young Master Yan Went Mad 虐死夫人后，言少疯魔了 [Angst + both leads are each other's only ones + strong heroine + she suffers first, then he does] The joy of young love was delayed until marriage. She thought she would finally get what she wanted, only to find it was all for nothing. Mu Ruyan had loved Yan Zhiting for years, but then her brother was imprisoned, her company went bankrupt, her father fell ill, and her mother passed away. His evidence against her and his coldness became the final straw that broke her. As she lay dying, she curse 119Reads8.5Score—14d adds
- 97 The Unease Hidden Deep in My Heart 藏匿在心底的局促 “What a pity the wildfire blazed through, and the spring breeze never came to make things grow again.” “My dear boy, I wish you peace and safety year after year.” Then I'll bury my secret love deep in my heart. [BE] [Collection] 9Reads—Score—14d adds
- 98 He Is the Calamity I Can’t Escape 他是我躲不过的劫 He Is the Fate I Can’t Escape 3Reads—Score—14d adds
- 99 CEO: My Wife Says She Wants to Protect Me 总裁：媳妇说她要保护我 A confident career woman vs. a sweet younger guy A May-December romance with a four-year age gap Song Yuye only approached Zheng Yanlang to complete a mission. She never expected the sweet young pup to be so easy to tease. One simple basic attack made him unleash his ultimate, complete with a Flash. The innocent young pup leaves Song Yuye utterly disarmed. She only meant to have a little fun, then dump him when she returned to China. But she never expected… 1Reads6.4Score—14d adds
- 100 I Still Remember That Startling Glance 犹记惊鸿照影 Beneath the bridge of sorrow, spring waves run green; once, a startled swan’s reflection shimmered there. Her younger sister’s unexpected flight from her wedding left her no choice but to marry into the imperial family. From spending her wedding night alone to learning of the husband’s unforgettable past, she faced it all with calm acceptance. Marrying a prince meant love was never part of the bargain. All she cared about was keeping her family safe and at peace. She stood by his side as he clim 952Reads9.0Score11914d adds
