Novels like A Man at Forty
Books Chinese readers most often put in the same booklists as A Man at Forty, best match first.
- 151 Reborn on the Political Circuit: My Brother Comes from a Powerful Third-Generation Family 官道重生：我的兄弟是三代 Peng Mingchuan was framed, forced out of office, and left utterly disgraced. Then he was reborn in the year he graduated from college. With a second chance at everything, his first move was to save his well-connected best friend. The road to success in government is treacherous, but this time he has powerful backing and the experience and memories of his previous life. He must climb with all his might. If there's a problem, let's talk it out. You won't listen to reason? Well, that's just wonderf 165Reads8.8Score—14d adds
- 152 The Dragon Soars Across the Four Seas 龙腾四海 Love, reality, and morality intertwine across a variety of themes, with each story portraying a different facet of life. 21Reads9.0Score—14d adds
- 153 The Cunning Woman at Work 职场心机女 Born in the countryside, Jiang Xiaoyan enters the workforce after graduating from college. She stumbles through one setback after another, facing rejection wherever she goes. One night, she gets drunk and a kind stranger arranges for her to spend the night at a hotel. But she goes into the wrong room and spends the night with a man she doesn't know. She falls in love, marries into a wealthy family, and, in a dramatic twist, her best friend becomes her mother-in-law. From then on, she defies fate 144Reads—Score—14d adds
- 154 Officialdom: Rising to the Top from the County Party Office 官场：从县委办开始青云直上 (Everyday life in government, career-building, diary-style realism, a secretary’s daughter, not reborn, one female lead, no System) Wu Ming’s dream was simple: he only wanted to work in a township government until retirement. But then he was unexpectedly seconded to the County Party Committee Office. He merely put his writing skills to use, but did such an outstanding job that the office gradually began to take notice of him. At the same time, a twist of fate brings him into contact with Yang Xi 125Reads8.9Score14314d adds
- 155 Transmigrate to the Ming Dynasty: I Serve the Sixteen Ming Emperors 穿越明朝，辅佐大明十六帝 Gao Zhiyun transmigrates to the Ming Dynasty, where he herds cattle and becomes a monk alongside Zhu Yuanzhang, borrows the east wind at Lake Poyang to burn the enemy fleet, and wins every battle. After the dynasty is founded, he is made Duke of Yun of the Great Ming. He marries Zhao Min, opens a restaurant, executes corrupt officials, teaches the princes to read, and can do just about anything... only to discover that his body remains perpetually thirty-two years old. The court is rife with und 33Reads5.8Score—14d adds
- 156 The Official's Path: Drawing the Blade 官途之利刃出鞘 The county magistrate vanishes mysteriously at a disaster relief site. Was it suicide, or murder? A secretary who graduated from the police academy is suppressed and banished. While sorting through the magistrate’s belongings, he discovers clues and follows his burning sense of justice to expose the dirty dealings behind the scenes. Using his wits alone, he captures criminal gangs and pursues corrupt officials across a thousand miles... Wise, sharp, decisive, and incorruptible, he wins the favor 35.7kReads8.9Score2.4k14d adds
- 157 Chronicles of Ice and Snow 冰雪风云录 He is a prodigious young talent from the Central Lands, the eldest legitimate son of Emperor Wu of the Great Zhou! To end the strife among the Five Continents, he set foot on foreign lands. Before long, the Empress Dowager of the Chrysanthemum Dynasty on the Eastern Continent became his confidante, the Buddhist sect of the Western Continent became his closest friend, the female emperor of the Northern Continent became his lover, and the many small kingdoms of the Southern Continent submitted to 28Reads6.4Score—14d adds
- 158 The Auntie I Took In Is So Clingy, and I Couldn't Be Happier! 捡回来的阿姨太粘人，我乐疯了！ Gu Ran stumbled upon his boss’s dirty dealings and was forced into a scheme involving his boss and his wife’s divorce. But just then, he unexpectedly acquired the Breakup Master System. All he had to do was get people to break up successfully, and he would receive generous rewards. So Gu Ran rose to the challenge and took on this cushy assignment. 87Reads7.9Score—14d adds
- 159 Don't Mess with Me! I'm My Own Backing! 别惹我！我自己就是背景！ My new story is out! You can read my work on Tomato Novel. I hope you enjoy it. Your support inspires me to write, and I'll do my best to tell every story well! 26.7kReads8.3Score2.3k14d adds
- 160 The Beautiful Female Boss 绝美女领导 Ye Qingshan was late getting home after work when he suddenly saw a beautiful woman being chased by several burly men. With nowhere else to turn, she yanked open his car door and jumped in. From then on, Ye Qingshan’s luck took a turn for the better, and he rose rapidly in his career... 3.4kReads6.7Score20714d adds
- 161 The Young People at the Judicial Office 司法所里的年轻人 Fresh graduate Xu Daqi starts working at a judicial office. He goes from inexperienced and clueless to mature and steady, navigating the minutiae of grassroots work and the bizarre realities of life on the ground. After learning that good deeds are not always rewarded, he comes to understand that kindness must be accompanied by diligence. From suspicious-death investigations and land-flooding disputes to group petitions over contract breaches, he holds fast to the belief that public service is a 10Reads—Score—14d adds
- 162 The Official and the Kingpin 官枭 There is a set of rules to the art of public office. The ruthless are called fearless officials! The domineering are called strong-willed officials! The kindhearted are called officials who care for the people! Li Dong is a grassroots civil servant. Step by step, with help from the people and friends around him, he climbs to the pinnacle of his political career! 12.3kReads9.1Score1.1k14d adds
- 163 The Road to Officialdom: After Saving a Leader, I Rose to the Top 官途：救了领导后我扶摇直上 [A classic political drama, not to be missed] Reborn on a stormy night, Yang Jianguo opens his eyes in the year 2002, with floodwaters bearing down. While everyone else flees for their lives, he heads against the current to fight the flood. A beautiful reporter captures him on camera, and the story makes the front page. From then on, this grassroots civil servant rises steadily through the ranks, step by step reaching the pinnacle of power! 2.4kReads7.2Score15614d adds
- 164 Carefree in the Workplace 职场逍遥 His career is going nowhere, his wife has betrayed him, and his family is in trouble. As Li Henshui, whose past is shrouded in mystery, faces the darkest moment of his life, see how an ordinary man turns the tables, thrives at work, and finds love by his side. 1.8kReads9.3Score37514d adds
- 165 The Road to Power: Straight into the Azure Clouds 官途之直入青云 Lin Qingyun, once secretary to the county Party committee secretary, is ready to make his mark when the secretary unexpectedly dies of illness. Facing the prospect of being pushed aside, Lin must find a way out of his low point and rise to the top, one step at a time. 6.5kReads8.4Score60014d adds
- 166 Tycoon: From the Start, I Get Cheated On, and Nine Campus Goddesses Call Me Dad 神豪：开局被绿，九个校花喊我爸 [Tycoon] [Unique story about nine beautiful school-star daughters] [Feel-good power fantasy] [Sweet and flirtatious] [Everyday family life] [Adapted into a short drama titled: Everyone Says Daughters Are Their Fathers' Little Padded Jackets, but I Got Nine at Once] [Original title: Tycoon: Cheated on from the Start, Nine School Beauties Call Me Dad] At the Hotel World, 38-year-old waiter Ye Bufan is serving a luxury VIP suite when he catches his wife cheating on him. By chance, he is struck by t 745Reads8.7Score10314d adds
- 167 Heaven-Sent Star on the Official Career Path: Racing Up from the Grassroots 官道天骄：从基层一路狂飙 Gu Yongqing was born in the countryside and earned a PhD in economics from Tsinghua University. After taking the civil service selection exam, he was assigned to a township. Starting as a township chief staff officer, he steadily rose through the ranks and began his meteoric ascent in the political arena. 15Reads—Score—14d adds
- 168 The Dashing Gambler 风流赌神 Synopsis: [Not a System novel, please don't complain if it's not for you] [High-stakes gambling] [Stories from the bathhouse] [Everyday scams and fraud] [Male lead grows from weak to strong + gives back to society] Chen Zhongchuan is an abandoned orphan, raised by his grandfather from childhood. When he boards the train to Nanshan, his grandfather tells him the truth... This book explores gambling and the many scams found in real life, warning readers to stay away from gambling. At best, it can 2.9kReads8.8Score22714d adds
- 169 The Pinnacle of Power: Starting as a Female Leader's Secretary 权力巅峰：从女领导秘书开始 Wang Hongyi is framed by a rival of his female superior. Not only is he disciplined, he is completely cast aside. Reborn, he refuses to be pushed around any longer. He takes the initiative, leaving his enemies trembling and begging for mercy, while influential figures from every quarter vie to recruit him. Nothing can stop him as he makes his way to the top. (This is an authentic political novel that strives to portray the realities of officialdom. Some events are included for the sake of the pl 7.4kReads8.9Score47414d adds
- 170 The Pinnacle of Power: It All Began When I Woke Up in the County Magistrate's Home 权力巅峰：从县长家醒来开始 [Everyday Political Life + Secretary + Career Building + Political Infighting + One Female Lead + Slow Burn + Not Reborn + No System + Lighthearted Style] Liu Feng had always kept his family background hidden. But after a breakup and some bold words at graduation, he unexpectedly became the county magistrate's liaison in Xifeng County. Little did he know, this would be the beginning of his rise straight to the pinnacle of power. What does it mean for human nature to be treacherous? What is the t 161Reads—Score—14d adds
- 171 The Move That Breaks the Deadlock 破局之举 Chen Zimo's rise from the grassroots to the inner circle takes an unusual path. While others chase undercurrents, he devotes himself to studying the most transparent and solid system of rules, and finds in it a “cloud staircase” of his own. It is both his methodology and his shield. See how a wise man uses rules as steps and wisdom as his guide, climbing ever higher through a world of shifting tides and hidden currents. 12Reads—Score—14d adds
- 172 The Official’s Path: A Dragon Soaring to the Heavens 官途之飞龙在天 Why become an official? For power or money? After graduating from university, Song Qing couldn't find a job. Unexpectedly, the county Party secretary arranged for him to join the civil service through a special recruitment program. Starting as a low-ranking clerk, he devoted himself to serving the people and rose step by step. Only in the end did he discover a shocking secret! 6.9kReads8.9Score70214d adds
- 173 Just Got a Government Job and Got Dumped? I Turned Around and Became the County Magistrate's Secretary 刚上岸就分手？反手我成县长秘书 Tags: Politics, Comeback, Veteran, Power Struggles, Face-Slapping In the summer of 2008, just before his transfer out of the military, Lu Hao is abandoned by his girlfriend, Lin Xueer. A twist of fate leads him to rescue Su Ya in a crisis. His abilities earn him a position as her secretary, drawing him into the vortex of power. Lu Hao ventures into the grassroots ranks, gathers evidence, and joins forces with Su Ya to take on local kingpin Zhang Minghai and his interest group. This novel follows 17.6kReads7.7Score1.1k14d adds
- 174 Jade of Passion 艳玉 In the 1980s, Qiu Yuyu, a beautiful young woman from a mountain village, entered city life by chance and embarked on a career in government. But she soon became trapped in a mire of worldly entanglements and twisted romances, unable to pull herself free… The men and women in this story are not bad at heart, and they all had their original ideals. But they could not resist the temptations of worldly desires, and strayed further and further from their paths. In the end, none could avoid the danger 508Reads6.8Score6614d adds
- 175 The Pinnacle of Power: Starting with My Discharge from the Military 权力巅峰，从退伍转业开始 Tags: Urban, Political Career Just after transferring from his decisive and efficient post as a battalion commander to a local government job, the protagonist suffers a double blow: His girlfriend dumps him to climb the social ladder, while his unfamiliarity with the rules of officialdom leads him to misjudge an important decision due to a lack of information, leaving him in a tight spot. With the help and guidance of a lively female colleague, he begins to see through the unspoken rules hidden 6.9kReads7.3Score59314d adds
- 176 A Bright Future in Politics 青云仕途 Chu Haoyu is quick-witted and compassionate, with his career as his life's goal. He and his beloved support each other along life's journey, pouring all their passion into composing the symphony of his life, 28kReads9.1Score2.9k14d adds
- 177 Racing Up the Official Ladder, Building a City with the People's Support 官路狂飙，民心筑城 Breaking the Deadlock: The Hunt and the Counter-Hunt. Keep the people in your heart, and you can build a way forward; let your actions speak louder than words, and you can open up a new future. When invisible pressure and deeply entrenched resistance spread from the grassroots townships into the heart of the county, how can a principled official forge a new path with steady, determined steps? This work of reportage shows how to uphold one's principles and open up new possibilities in a complex e 58Reads—Score—14d adds
- 178 Top Broker 顶尖掮客 This book starts with the protagonist, Feng Tianchen, a simple private-car driver, and follows his brutal struggle through the world of politics. It is a battlefield without gunfire, a terrifying vortex that ordinary people cannot escape once they enter. But to a seasoned political operator, it is the perfect stage for a masterful performance. See how Feng Tianchen rises from a humble driver to the pinnacle of life through his own efforts. 4.5kReads8.9Score45314d adds
- 179 What a Pain! My Seven Sisters Are Forcing Me to Become a Tycoon! 好烦啊，七个姐姐逼我当神豪！ One phone call from his dad about getting remarried, and Qin Huan suddenly has seven new older sisters! And the weirdest part is, each of them seems to have a Voldemort System! Eldest Sister: “It's our first time meeting, and I don't have much to give you. Take this transfer contract for TX Technology Group!” Second Sister: “I hear you like the diva Zhao Feifei? I'll call her right now and have her come over for dinner!” Third Sister: “How can you drive a sports car to school, kid? You're embarr 5.1kReads9.1Score59414d adds
- 180 The Road to Standing Tall 站立的路 Eighteen-year-old Hua Mingqing leaves the army and returns to his hometown, carrying excellent results but also the disappointment of seeing his dream of becoming an officer fall apart. He comes back to a rural home that is still mired in poverty. Faced with this turning point in his life, he is lost for a time, but with encouragement from his high school teacher, he decides to change his fate through the college entrance exam and make the leap of a carp over the dragon gate... 2.2kReads6.8Score15514d adds
- 181 Reborn in the Officialdom: In My Previous Life, I Was a Jianghu Big Shot 重生官场之上一世我是江湖大佬 [Reborn amid the twists and turns of officialdom + a distinctive and original plot + powerful allies from the start + everything under control + a heavenly beauty and a perfect match + climbing ever higher, step by step] In his previous life, Chu Yifeng returned to Longcheng after five years as a special forces reconnaissance soldier. He saved Bao Yubo, a powerful underworld boss, and was swept into a maelstrom. Step by step, he entered the criminal underworld and became a crime lord, ruling his 287Reads6.0Score—14d adds
- 182 Reno’s Meteoric Rise 雷诺得平步青云 A story of an ordinary man's rise, five years beneath Five-Finger Mountain, rural romance, police-station investigations, development-zone officials, senior provincial officials, and provincial and ministerial leaders. This novel of officialdom portrays the complexity of human nature and the struggle for power. Following the growth of the protagonist, Lei Nuode, it shows how a young official, armed with intelligence, courage, and resolve, realizes his ideals and ambitions step by step in an offi 6Reads—Score—14d adds
- 183 The Road to Officialdom: From Low-Ranking Clerk to Provincial Power Broker 青云官路：从小职员到封疆大吏 Rebirth + Traditional Political Intrigue + Power Games + High Intelligence + No Harem Reborn on the way to the detention center, Zhou Yan must find a way to turn the tables against all odds. He goes from the business world to politics, from developing real estate to governing a region, following one ordinary man’s rise to success. He’s an ordinary man who’s a little calculating, a small-time player with a sharp mind and sound values. He has the full range of emotions and desires that any ordinar 3kReads9.3Score19714d adds
- 184 In the Name of the People: Qi Tongwei Tears Liang Lu Apart and Defies Heaven 名义：祁同伟手撕梁璐，胜天半子 After Qi Tongwei shot himself at Guying Ridge, he suddenly transmigrated back twenty years. This time, he retained all his memories from his previous life, and decided to take a different path. In this life, he would live honorably and bow to no power or faction. After his rebirth, Sha Ruijin, Liang Lu, Liang Qunfeng, Ji Changming, Zhong Xiaoai, Hou Liangping, Li Dakang, Yi Xuexi, Chen Hai, Chen Yanshi, Zhao Lichun, Zhao Ruilong, Zhao Donglai, and the others all returned to the stage. Many new f 786Reads5.9Score10314d adds
- 185 Guo Jingyuan's Notes on Officialdom 郭敬远官场笔记 Set firmly against the backdrop of its era, this novel brings political realism and commercial idealism together seamlessly. The protagonist, Guo Jingyuan, has an exceptionally accurate grasp of economic trends and a remarkably keen business instinct. While still at university, he earns his first fortune at colleges across the capital. But determined to fulfill his ambitions, he resolutely enters politics, starting at the grassroots level while building his business career in parallel. In busine 135Reads—Score—14d adds
- 186 Officialdom: My Female Boss and the Ultimate Deputy 官场：女上司和最强副手 [Grassroots government + rural life + ethnic customs + special forces + spirited young woman of the era + martial arts secrets + minor political parties] To put an end to his long-distance relationship, Nan Ximen Xiao quit his job in the magic city and returned to his girlfriend’s hometown to take the civil service exam. But because of her unusual circumstances, he was assigned to Manglu Township, the toughest place in the entire county. He had assumed it would be hard to make a difference there 129Reads7.3Score5414d adds
- 187 A Political Mastermind's Song of Prosperity 长盛高歌之政治高手 This is the story of Li Changsheng, a senior county-level official, and his rise to the top. He is skilled in calligraphy, feng shui, and antiques. Decisive and full of schemes, he is also charming, carefree, and bold. He sees through both the ugliness and goodness of society, and puts forward many new ideas and principles for good governance, public welfare, and social development. 780Reads6.7Score10414d adds
- 188 Plans Amid the Plane Tree Fluff 梧桐絮里的规划图 [A principled struggle within the system, unexpected turns, power, sex, and an anti-corruption campaign, love that brings a powerful man to his knees, sacrifice for love, realism] Yu Wanqing stood before the mirror in the restroom of the Yuecheng Grand Hotel’s conference center and took a deep breath, straightening the collar of her dark blue blazer. The woman in the mirror was twenty-eight, her shoulder-length black hair neatly tucked behind her ears. As a rising talent at the Municipal Plannin 408Reads—Score—14d adds
- 189 Political Superstar 政坛巨星 Li Jin was an orphan with nothing to his name, yet he rose rapidly through the ranks of government and achieved astonishing success at a young age. Along the way, he also won the heart of a beauty, marrying Jiangdong’s most beautiful woman. Their married life was harmonious and sweet, and his wife gave birth to two pairs of twins, bringing even more joy to their family. But just as he was lost in happiness, his wife reported him for embezzlement and bribery. Li Jin was thus swept into a compl 807Reads8.3Score24814d adds
- 190 Reborn: I Rise to the Top of the Political World 重生后，我逆袭官场权利之巅 Also known as Officialdom's Grand Road, Reborn at the Peak: My Background Is Unshakable, How Will You Deal with Me Now?, and Officialdom: The Pinnacle of Power [Urban] [Slice of Life] [Campus Belle] [Reborn] [Realistic] [No Harem] [Workplace] [Officialdom] [Feel-Good] [Older Woman-Younger Man Romance] [Demoness] [Traditional Style] [No Suffering for the Protagonist] [Take Down the Sanctimonious First] He is stern and impartial, with no understanding of social niceties. If someone needs arresting 327Reads5.1Score—14d adds
- 191 The Official Road Under the Sun 阳光下的官道 [No System + no rebirth + traditional political intrigue + slow burn. The author is a veteran writer of political novels, with over ten million words published. His works are realistic and highly readable, not mindless power fantasies. Read at your own discretion!] In the world of officialdom, everyone schemes against everyone else. How can Cao Rui, a commoner, stand out and make waves? This is a true political novel by Xiaohua. It boasts strong logic and an even stronger story. Quality guarante 4kReads9.3Score50714d adds
- 192 The Sword of Officialdom: The Mission of Justice 官途利剑：正义的使命 The truly virtuous are worthy; those of great virtue are sages. Society is a vat of dye, where money, beauty, and desire mingle. When Ding Yunsong faces his wife's betrayal and the downfall of his powerful patron, a massive trap closes around him. Watch as he cuts through every obstacle and carefully advances, taking revenge on the man who stole his wife and the man who killed his father. With an innocent heart and a sword of light, he will cut through the darkness ahead! 11.5kReads9.0Score64514d adds
- 193 I’ve Made It to Division Chief, So Why Are You Crying? 我成正科级别，你哭什么？ [Officialdom + Wish Fulfillment + Comeback + Leveling Up + Lots of Beautiful Women + The Protagonist Never Suffers] When you’re at the top, friends and family gather around. When you hit rock bottom, no one gives you the time of day. Qin Li is determined to always have a house full of distinguished guests, and so he must keep climbing to the summit... 2.3kReads8.8Score23814d adds
- 194 In the Name of the People: Gao Yuliang's Son-in-Law Saves the Day, Handong's Political Power 名义：高育良女婿救场，汉东权利 [In the Name of the People] [The Knockout] [Qi Tongwei] [The Official's Ladder] [The Pinnacle of Power] Gao Yuliang? Sha Ruijin? Li Dakang? Qi Tongwei? The Handong Clique? Dropped into Handong as a vice governor? I, Lu Zechuan, had barely taken office in Jingzhou when I turned the tables against the odds and brought Handong to its knees! A hard-hitting start: I took down Hou Liangping in one move. Sha Ruijin sprang to his feet in shock, and Tian Guofu broke into a cold sweat! Gao Yuliang offers 798Reads6.1Score3914d adds
- 195 Immortality: I Became a Heavenly Emperor Through Dual Cultivation 长生，我靠双修成就天帝 This book is also known as [Die If You Don’t Practice Dual Cultivation]. The protagonist grows stronger over time. His rule is simple: anyone who provokes him dies. His talent is heaven-defying, but he is by no means mindlessly invincible. Each heroine has her own independent, fully developed storyline, and they appear throughout various events. The romance follows a marriage-first, love-later approach: get together first and sort out the paperwork afterward. The protagonist is devoted to many w 519Reads8.9Score10314d adds
- 196 Doing Odd Jobs at the Town Government, I Rise Through Hard Work 镇政府打杂，我靠实干直升 Yang Chenguang spent three years doing odd jobs at the Chunshan Town Government. With no connections and no one to back him, he was just a temp anyone could boss around. The messes everyone else dodged were dumped on him; the tough problems no one else dared touch were tossed his way. He endured it for three years, waiting for his chance. He'd never been interested in a political career. He'd only wanted a job close to home. But reality left him no choice but to climb higher. From handling villa 1.1kReads6.9Score14114d adds
- 197 Toward Glory 走向辉煌 Born into a poor family, Ma Zhiyuan enters government after graduating from college and faces danger at every turn. With an indomitable will and a deep understanding of life, he carves a path through the political arena, presses forward at work, finds love in his personal life, and ultimately turns his life around, achieving a brilliant career. 77Reads—Score—14d adds
- 198 Officialdom: I’m the Strategist Behind the Scenes 官场：我在背后当军师 Li Na was a deputy section chief in the municipal government office. Caught in the treacherous currents of city hall, she held fast to her own principles while others focused on ingratiating themselves with everyone, only to be suppressed by her leaders and colleagues. Her husband, Liu Dehua, could no longer stand by and watch. He began helping Li Na, clearing the way for her rapid rise. She connects the city’s grand plans above with the everyday lives of people at the grassroots below, navigati —Reads—Score—14d adds
- 199 The Winds of Change on the Official Path 官路之风起云涌 This book is the sequel to Reborn: The Candid Confession. Father and son Zhang Anping and Zhang Hao have both left Jiang Province to enter a much broader political arena. After losing most of his support, Zhang Hao once again finds himself in a difficult situation. How will he plan his moves and secure victory from afar? Watch the tides of change, and listen for the dragon’s roar. (All characters, locations, and events in this book are fictional. Please do not connect them to real life. Any rese 2.2kReads8.9Score14714d adds
- 200 The Pinnacle of Power: Starting as a County Party Secretary's Secretary 权力巅峰：从县委秘书开始 In his previous life, Qi Yang was investigated by an inspection team and died as a result. There must have been a shocking conspiracy behind it. In this life, Qi Yang starts out as a county committee secretary and cuts his way through every obstacle, rising step by step. He makes his mark in the game of power, ultimately avenging himself and reaching the pinnacle of power. 276Reads—Score—14d adds
