Novels like What Brings Joy to Life
Books Chinese readers most often put in the same booklists as What Brings Joy to Life, best match first.
- 51 Master of His Bed, Light of His Chongli 他的枕席之主，他的重黎之光 [One-on-one romance, both leads sexually inexperienced, physical and emotional angst, uniforms, a light sci-fi space setting, slight coercion, false replacement] Nan Li looked up at Lu Lin, a tear rolling down her cheek. “Lu Lin, please let me go...” A few bolts of lightning flashed across the horizon. The tear caught their light as it fell into Lu Lin's heart, shattering his memories. “Kill me, and I'll let you go!” A short story with a short blurb. 25Reads8.0Score—14d adds
- 52 After the Divorce, He Wept Bitterly 离婚后他痛哭流涕 Gu Ming’s first love was in a car accident and became a vegetable. Su Ping couldn’t believe that someone he had spent ten years with could be so cruel to him. For two years, he waited every moment for Gu Ming to uncover the truth and clear his name. His head grew increasingly dizzy. Even when the rice was mixed with spoiled water, Su Ping forced himself to swallow it by the mouthful, but Gu Ming never came, not once. After regaining his freedom, Su Ping wanted nothing more to do with Gu Ming, on 238Reads—Score—14d adds
- 53 I'm Already a God, Why Be Your Brain-Dead Fan? 我已是神明何必做你的脑残粉 Original title: I'm Already a God, Why Be Your Brain-Dead Fan? (Complete, enjoy without worry) This is an angst-filled story! Don't be fooled by the title! Kind, sincere, and beautiful sickly angel bottom x emotionally oblivious domineering CEO top Two male leads, each other's first love, equally matched, devoted to each other, one-on-one romance. Two dreams in one life, one pair destined for each other. [Physical and emotional suffering + a mountain of personal worldbuilding + nothing beats bei 29Reads—Score—14d adds
- 54 The Counterfeit 赝品 Synopsis: Song Cheng had been with Qin Minghua for five years. He always thought that even if he couldn’t win Qin Minghua’s love, at least he was someone special to him. But when that person appeared, he finally understood that both his feelings and his life were nothing more than tools Qin Minghua used to protect them. Out of love, Song Cheng resigned himself to giving up everything he had, but everything slowly began to move in a different direction. A fierce love and hatred, like an endless b 53Reads6.3Score1014d adds
- 55 The Marquis Becomes a Courtesan, and the Prince Pursues Him Relentlessly 侯爷变花魁，王爷拼命追 (The rating has only just come out, so it's very low. It'll go up later~~) [Double male leads + two equally powerful leads + both each other's only one + love at first sight + reunion after a long separation + mutual devotion] A beautiful, restrained and patient bottom (Lin Ci'an) × a shameless, devoted top (Xiao Yiheng) [Alternate title: Shattered Snow Meets Warm Spring] Revenge is the main plot, with ruthless killing galore. Everyone who deserves to die will pay the price. Once the spirited yo 65Reads8.3Score—14d adds
- 56 Tell a Little Lie 撒个谎吧 Obsessive forced love | Rekindled romance | Husband desperately tries to win her back | Heart and body tormented “I'm keeping you around just to get revenge on you!” Chu Yu says. “I'm staying only to repay my debt!” Yue Xingshu says. “Chu Yu, Yue Xingcan isn't dead.” “Yue Xingshu, your brother isn't dead.” He's alive. So will Chu Yu keep taking revenge? He's alive. So will Yue Xingshu keep repaying her debt? There's no need anymore. There's no need anymore. Then let's part ways… “Yue Xingshu! Wa 387Reads8.4Score—14d adds
- 57 Trying to Escape, Substitute? The Cold CEO Loves You More the More He Torments You 替身想逃跑？冷情总裁越虐越爱 [Stand-in (fake substitute bride) + he hurts his wife first, then tries to win her back] With nowhere else to turn, Song Xinglin became Lu Zhiheng's lover in place of his younger brother, all for the sake of his family. He couldn't help falling for Lu Zhiheng's tenderness, but Lu Zhiheng still discovered the truth. To his surprise, Lu was so furious he laughed. “It's fine. I can keep you as a plaything. At least you have the exact same face as Song Xingyun.” “Trading a cheap substitute like you 379Reads8.2Score—14d adds
- 58 A Love Wasted 枉惜 [One-on-one, both devoted only to each other + physical and emotional angst + heartbreak from start to finish + everyone gets a bad ending] A scheming top who keeps his talents hidden × a beautiful bottom who plays dumb to outwit others (This story puts the bottom through anguish from start to finish and is extremely unfriendly to fans of bottoms. Enter with caution!) Everyone knew that the apple of Prince Jing'an's eye was a blind zither player named Liu Xi. Even Liu Xi himself believed it. B 114Reads8.4Score—14d adds
- 59 Mr. Grim Reaper, Is It My Turn Today? 死神先生，今天轮到我了吗？ Mr. Reaper, is it my turn today? 96Reads—Score214d adds
- 60 He Went to Bury Him 他去葬他 He wanted to leave with his beloved, but they only smiled and brushed their nose against his. When he opened his eyes again, he had hit his head against his beloved's gravestone. Letters lay scattered across the ground in front of it. He gazed at the white snow and the yellowed tombstone. Afraid his beloved would be too lonely on the journey, he brought a vast sweep of periwinkles to bury them. [The romance is mutual, with neither side being coy] [Chapters 1 and 2 are terrible. I'll come back an 204Reads—Score—14d adds
- 61 Hey, Our Love 嗨，我们的爱 A sequel to Hello, My Love Pure sweetness, no angst. The leads are hopeless romantics. If that's not your thing, please don't read. Thank you all for enjoying the story! Song Qing has lost his memory and forgotten who I am. He cares about me, but not because he loves me. He has forgotten everything about us, forgotten how he fell in love with me, and forgotten how to love me. 4Reads—Score—14d adds
- 62 I'd Rather Fall into the Ninth Hell Than Long for You 宁坠九幽不思君 I'd Rather Fall into the Nine Hells Than Long for You 31Reads—Score314d adds
- 63 Soul Shackles [BE] 束魂【BE】 I haven't written much, so there aren't many recommendations and the book has no rating. Just come in and give it a read, you won't lose out! [Two male protagonists + bad ending + groveling to win back the spouse + reborn + golden finger] “You said you thought men who liked men were disgusting. You said you'd never love me. And you were the one who sent me to that place that devours people. “Now you're standing here telling me you love me? I'm telling you, I only like women now. “In this life, I 2Reads—Score—14d adds
- 64 He Says I'm a Black Lotus 他说我是黑莲花 [Completed] “Your fake, affected act makes me sick!” That was the sentence Wen Nian’nan heard most often during his three years of marriage to Gu Yansheng. From the moment Gu Yansheng poured red wine over his head in front of everyone at their wedding, Wen Nian’nan understood that he shouldn’t expect too much. Wen Nian’nan was tormented for all three years of their marriage. Even though he carefully guarded their marriage, this love, humble to the extreme, still came to an end… “Sign the divorce 270Reads8.0Score10014d adds
- 65 When the Tears Run Dry 清泪尽 He never imagined that his gentle, loyal little guard could be as savage as a wolf. Not only did he seize his kingdom and slaughter his subjects, he also imprisoned and humiliated him. He knows the past is like smoke, but how could a love this deep simply be cast aside? 71Reads8.2Score—14d adds
- 66 At Last, I Realize What I Owe You 终觉亏欠 Young Liang Anxian will never forgive the person he becomes as an adult. Cheating scum-gong story! Enter at your own risk! Bad ending! Bad ending! Bad ending! Realistic setting, no rebirth, and no golden finger. 929Reads—Score—14d adds
- 67 You Are the Sunshine of My World 你是我世界的骄阳 [Heartbreaking + Bad Ending] Blurb One: Shi Fan was born on Children's Day, yet grew up in the mire. He longed for a glimmer of light, for someone to free him from the shackles of fate, for someone to heal his shattered heart. Blurb Two: Would you let me carve out the cinnabar mole in your heart and take its place? ----- Jiang Chenrui When a sunny school bully meets a boy whose heart is in pieces, can he lead him out of the abyss? 60Reads8.5Score—14d adds
- 68 Gu Nian's Deep Love 顾念情深 He said, “Gu Nian, wait for me a little longer. I promise I’ll make you happy.” She remembered what he had said so many years ago. Four years later, he came back. He returned as Jiangcheng’s most powerful man. Pinning her against the cold wall, he gritted his teeth and said, “Love me? You’re not worthy!” “Why don’t you just die?” And she really was going to die. 109Reads6.0Score—14d adds
- 69 After Breaking Up With My Jerk Boyfriend, I Had a Flash Marriage With His Uncle 和渣男分手后，我和他小叔闪婚了 [Two male leads + winning back his lover + the second male lead takes the crown + tragic romance] Cheng Xiaoxiao’s boyfriend married his younger brother. Cheng Xiaoxiao was emo for a few seconds, then turned around and threw himself into the arms of his boyfriend’s uncle. As the saying goes, when you’re young, you don’t appreciate an older man’s charms. He’s got money, looks, and social security. Older men are great, older men are wonderful: they talk little, have plenty of money, and even after 300Reads8.0Score10014d adds
- 70 A Third-Rate Agent 三流经纪人 Completed sweet romance: Reborn to Claim You Completed angsty romance: Later, the Ruthless CEO Chased Me Instead. Stop by and check them out! Ongoing historical angst: The Eunuch. A carefree, coldhearted rich playboy top vs. a miserable but optimistic third-rate agent bottom As a dedicated agent, Xu Duo’s first priority was protecting his own young star from being snatched up by a wolf. In the end, he couldn’t even protect his own heart. Covered in bloody wounds, 283Reads8.9Score—14d adds
- 71 May You Know Peace for All Your Days 愿汝长安 [Male-male romance] [Emperor shou] [Both leads are each other’s first and only] Jiang Hongyu never expected to accomplish anything during his reign. Just staying alive would be enough; even being a puppet emperor would be fine. But things rarely go as planned. Kidnapping, the death of a friend, and the turmoil of war leave him struggling to breathe. But He Chang’an is like a ray of light, keeping him going. As long as they’re together, Jiang Hongyu feels he can do anything. But what will he d 9Reads—Score—14d adds
- 72 The Final Seventy Days 最后七十天 [Two male leads + tragic ending + unrequited love + healing + quiet everyday life] [Gentle older brother Shen Qingzhou & Huang Yixing, who has albinism] After growing up wild and free in the countryside for twelve years, he was suddenly told he was an illegitimate child. Less than two days after his mother died, Shen Qingzhou was taken to live in the city by his biological father. Six years later, he was diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer. His final wish in life was to return to the pla 220Reads8.1Score10014d adds
- 73 After the Chancellor Left, the Emperor Knelt and Begged for Forgiveness 丞相走后，皇帝他跪地求原谅 Excruciating physical and emotional torment, with plenty of thrills! A volatile, twisted emperor / a stubborn, haughty, and formidable court official! Extreme angst at first, then lots of sweetness! Both are virgins, one-on-one. Three years ago, during a palace coup, Du Yuzhang abandoned his family to save the life of the one he loved. But when his beloved ascended the throne as emperor, he showed him not the slightest tenderness. From then on, by day he was Lord Du, the powerful Left Chancellor 868Reads6.1Score10314d adds
- 74 The Last Snowfall in Zurich 苏黎世的最后一场雪 Lin Xigu once believed that staying by Wen Anning's side could dispel the gloom hanging over her and save her from depression. They promised to travel to many places together, letting the world's beauty soothe the scars deep in her soul, and letting the winds atop the snow-capped mountains bear witness to their long-overdue confession. But the storm of fate struck without warning. The last snowfall in Zurich took Wen Anning away and crushed all of Lin Xigu's hopes. Only when Lin Xigu found the 41Reads—Score—14d adds
- 75 The Crane in the Cage: Torture in the Name of Love 笼中鹤：以爱为名的凌迟 [A tragic romance + a chase to win back his wife + love that imprisons and destroys] A deranged tycoon keeps a crane captive; a cool, aloof singer’s wings are clipped. To pay for his grandfather’s surgery, Shen He enters Longchao and becomes the club’s top star, cherished by its owner, Jin Yu. That is, until one night, when Xie Zhi singles him out: “Three months. Be with me.” From then on, snow falls around them, and the crane is trapped in a cage. Xie Zhi only wants to keep him as his own priva 113Reads—Score714d adds
- 76 Silently, I Thought It Was a Song 默以为歌 Short-tempered, childish top × stubborn beauty bottom (One-on-one + a huge bucket of melodrama + no regard for morals + rekindled love) If it's not for you, just leave. Don't force yourself to read. Yuan Moyan was a ray of light in Ning Ge's heart. But Yuan only saw him as the cuckoo who had taken over another bird's nest. He hated and despised him, and wanted him gone. By the time all the misunderstandings were cleared up, Ning Ge had already left, sick and frail. Only then did Yuan realize he 278Reads8.4Score—14d adds
- 77 After His Forced-Love Tactics Failed, the Mad CEO Fell to His Knees 强制爱失效后，疯批总裁下跪了 After His Forced Love Stops Working, the Unhinged CEO Falls to His Knees 67Reads—Score—14d adds
- 78 The Fairy Tale Died the Night Before 童话死在前一夜 The Fairy Tale Died the Night Before 292Reads—Score—14d adds
- 79 Love Came Too Late and Too Strong, but I Can Never Have It Again 迟来的爱太深重，可惜再也要不了 (Two male leads + angsty story + heartbreaking + urban) How could you fall in love with me? “I tried to hold myself back.” (It wasn't that I fell in love with you. You were the one who put an end to my reason.) When I realized you loved me, it was already too late. I could no longer accept it. The person you love most is right beside you, yet you can't feel his love for you. What you thought was devotion is actually separated by an intangible, impassable chasm. 624Reads—Score10114d adds
- 80 Mr. Song, It's Hard to Hate You 宋先生，与你难生恨 When we kissed, our sticky saliva clung between us like a dying fish struggling for life. It had long since foretold the worst. Mr. Song, only you and I can know this hatred. | Words for Mr. Song, a whisper in the same hue as my beloved. Our memories flashed by like scenes from a film, and I remember every detail with perfect clarity. I hate that my feelings can’t be taken back, making it hard for you to choose and driving me to torment myself. 453Reads—Score10714d adds
- 81 Conversion Camp: Tamed by Love 戒同所：以爱驯服 Just started getting ratings; the main story is complete [No CP + Slight Ensemble Cast + Conversion Therapy + Mind Control + In the Name of Love] [If you like angst, come on in.] I'm required to write at least 50 characters, but I think every extra word would be a spoiler. So, happy New Year's Eve, everyone. Tang Tang, happy New Year's Eve to you too. Welcome to my world. 533Reads8.5Score10014d adds
- 82 An Unequal A/O Relationship 不对等的AO关系 [Two male leads / ABO / angst first, then doting / angst / chasing your wife to the crematorium / sweet young spouse / older top] [The more arrogant the Alpha is at first, the worse he’ll suffer when he chases after his sweet young spouse later!] Niannian is a 21-year-old Omega from a small town, working at a themed hotel in a big city. After being set up without realizing it, he crosses paths with He Tianyang, the top Alpha heir to a mining conglomerate. Innocent Niannian is mistaken for a sche 519Reads—Score—14d adds
- 83 I Gave You My Heart, and You Left Me with Empty Joy 掏心于你，赠我一场空欢喜 When Shi Yi was by his side, Huo Zhanting spent every day wondering when that wicked man would die. Later, Shi Yi really did die, and Qiao Ran returned to his side. Yet Huo Zhanting spent every day wondering when Shi Yi would come back. 80Reads6.2Score—14d adds
- 84 Giving Up Depression Along With Love 把抑郁症和爱一起戒掉 Tags: BE | Tragic Romance | Two Male Leads | Campus | Mutual Salvation Note: The main story is about 20 chapters, with the rest consisting of extras. [Cold and aloof Lu Yu] x [Insecure Lin Qi] Lin Qi's world is a deep blue that cannot be mixed away on a painter's palette. Lu Yu's world is a desolate place, forever weightless between the lines. Two boys, trapped for years in the depths of their emotions, secretly build a spiritual utopia just for each other in a glass room in an old building. 270Reads8.8Score18214d adds
- 85 Forbidden Love in the Marquis's Household 侯府孽情 Lord Liu Chenyuan has taken a fourth wife into the Liu estate. Pity the principal wife, running herself ragged with all the household work while the lord hasn’t looked at him in ages. In the eyes of the servants at the Marquis of Liu’s residence, the new Fourth Lady seems to have claimed all of the lord’s affection. The servants can’t help wondering, “How is Madam doing now?” Han Fengyou is always so calm and gentle, helping others prepare for their weddings as he watches his husband take a new 1kReads6.1Score14514d adds
- 86 A Thousand Dead Bones Beneath Her Makeup 妆成万骨枯 When Feng Lichen first met Jun Huai, he was merely a prince being used by others. When they met again, Feng Lichen had become an emperor who ruled the world. Whenever Feng Lichen saw Jun Huai, he called him “Huaihuai” and could hardly resist throwing himself into his arms. But Jun Huai despised him. Whenever Feng Lichen offered him his sincere affection, all he received in return was a cold stare and scorn. Jun Huai's innate loyalty made Feng Lichen love and hate him at once. He couldn't bear to 248Reads6.6Score—14d adds
- 87 I Want to Leave 我想走 After ten years of marriage on paper, Yu Shuyi still couldn’t make it to the end of the contract. At first, he begged his husband to look at him, just once. Later, he begged his husband to come home and have a meal with him. In the end, he begged him to let him go. He said there was a saying: Better a brief pain than a long one. So I’ve let myself go. Please let go of me, too. I’m not asking you to love me or forgive me. I’m only asking you to let me go. Don’t save me anymore… Setting: Same-sex 4.1kReads8.4Score38214d adds
- 88 After Being Forced to Become a Caged Canary 被迫沦为金丝雀后 [ABO + Groveling Chase to Win Back His Love + Dual Male Leads + Coercive Love + Older Top + Mutual Firsts + Fictional Setting + Two Endings] [Sharp-tongued, soft-hearted, ruthless top × resilient, steady, kind bottom] Fang Shining was the Fang family’s heir, but a villain framed him, accusing him of causing his fiancée’s younger brother’s death just before the wedding. His longtime lover unilaterally called off their engagement. No matter how much Fang Shining tried to explain, the man coldly th 532Reads6.8Score10014d adds
- 89 Big Brother Will Take You Home 哥哥带你回家 119Reads—Score10114d adds
- 90 We Who Were Killed by the World 被世界杀死的我们 We Who Were Killed by the World 114Reads—Score—14d adds
- 91 Snow over the Old Pass, as the Wild Geese Return 雁归故关雪 The Geese Return to Their Old Pass in the Snow 5Reads—Score—14d adds
- 92 Mountains and Seas, Different Schemes 山海不同谋 Dedicated to the memory of my friend. A heroine who seems strong but is actually sensitive and introverted x a hero who seems cold but is actually gentle. Tragic ending. “Why is Qingchuan called Qingchuan?” “I confessed to you long ago. In every glance I gave you.” Maybe we should all be a little braver in our youth. “Can we take a photo together?” “Wu Cangting, goodbye forever.” 5Reads—Score—14d adds
- 93 Captive Paper Cranes 囚禁千纸鹤 Tearjerker, tearjerker, tearjerker!!! Important things should be said three times. If you don't like it, don't read! Lin He: “I once folded my whole heart into the wings of a paper crane, writing your name stroke by stroke, thinking that if I gathered enough longing, the wind would carry me to your side. But I forgot that you stood so high and so far away. My wings were too light to bear the weight of my love, and even my courage to approach you was slowly worn away by the wind. I could only sta 647Reads—Score—14d adds
- 94 Forever Lost in the Dark River 永坠暗河 [Two male leads + bittersweet angst + reunion after years apart + pure love + love and hate intertwined + BE] I brought you home. I gave you your life and chose your name, so you'll belong to me for the rest of your life. We were two maggots in a heap of rotten mud. We should have rotted together in the mire of the dark river, locked in an endless struggle. But I love you... 461Reads8.1Score—14d adds
- 95 My Ex-Husband Wants to Remarry Me Again and Again 前夫又又又想复婚了 The comic adaptation of the same name is now available on Kuaikan. [One-on-one romance, both leads have no past relationships; the top is awful at first but becomes devoted later] “Don’t you love me? If you love me, you have to change for me!” With just those words from Ye Linghan, Ji Ran went from an Alpha to an Omega. Ji Ran endured the rejection his changed body brought, as well as Ye Linghan hurting him again and again. After Ye Linghan divorced him, heartbroken Ji Ran turned and walked away 3.2kReads8.7Score64714d adds
- 96 Mr. Duan, Stop Tormenting Him. He Doesn't Have Long to Live 段先生别虐了，他命不久矣 [One-on-one, both sexually inexperienced + male-male romance + second chance love + devoted and ruthless x frail and pitiful + happy ending] Duan Lin hated Wen Yu'an with all his heart. He hated him for turning against him when he had nowhere left to go, and for exposing his whereabouts, nearly costing him his life. He swore to make the traitor pay, never knowing that the earth-shattering betrayal had been a life-for-life gambit from beginning to end. When they met again after years apart, the s 13.3kReads7.4Score1.6k14d adds
- 97 The Tyrannosaur’s White Moonlight Is So Pitiful 暴龙的白月光惨兮兮 In his previous life, Yun Chi stole Ning Changsheng's body to save the one he loved and crushed his soul. Reborn, Changsheng saved Yun Chi with the blood from his heart, but Yun Chi knew nothing of it and wished Changsheng would die. Changsheng used his blood to help Yun Chi recover his cultivation and took a sword for him with his own body. Only then did Yun Chi realize that the person who had always treated him well was Changsheng, and that he had been blind and mistaken someone else for him. 40Reads8.1Score—14d adds
- 98 Your Grace Is a Prison 君恩如狱 Sorry the rating is a little low right after it came out 🥰 Forced love | Taking by force | Emperor gong | Gentle general gong | Strategist shou | Deeply angsty romance | Physical and emotional trauma | Rekindled romance | Ancient political intrigue | Extreme push and pull | Three male leads | All for the shou | Beautiful, strong, and tragic To save his mother, the once brilliant top scholar was branded a traitor for colluding with the enemy and personally reduced by the emperor to a plaything fo 3.2kReads8.6Score24314d adds
- 99 After I Left, the Prince Was Beside Himself with Grief 我走后，王爷痛不欲生 [The comic adaptation of this novel is now available on Kuaikan] Bai Luo is always called an idiot by everyone. He isn’t stupid or foolish. He just loves that person so much that he would give up everything for him. He would even tear out his own heart and place it before him. In return, all he gets is the most merciless contempt. “Do you think you’re worthy?” - “If you hate me so much, why keep me by your side?” In the darkness, the man looks down at him. “You’re nothing but a plaything to amus 1.3kReads7.1Score13914d adds
- 100 The Prince Is a Slave, General, Please Let Him Go 皇子为奴，将军求你放过 A tragic story with nonstop angst. Don’t read if you don’t like that. [Two male leads + tragedy + revenge + redemption + treasure hunt] Driven by the hatred of his clan’s destruction, Yuwen Yao returned covered in blood and dragged into hell the person he had protected in his youth. The carefree prince Xiao Chengyu was used and kept at arm’s length by his father, and had borne the infamy of bringing ruin to the kingdom for years. Imprisoned by the secrets of his royal bloodline and the Yelan cla 478Reads—Score—14d adds
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