Novels like The West Wind Is Cruel
Books Chinese readers most often put in the same booklists as The West Wind Is Cruel, best match first.
- 51 Stop Begging, Young Master of the Rich Family. We Don't Know Each Other! 别求了，豪门太子爷，我们不熟！ [Second Male Lead Takes the Lead + Mature Romance + Groveling to Win Her Back, But She Won’t Return + Intense Push and Pull] [Clear-Headed, Independent Lawyer × Powerful Man with a Surprising Side] On the day Zhou Mo was betrayed by a client and her case fell apart, she was approached by Liang Mingqian. Though they had only just met, Liang Mingqian asked, “Should I call you Doctor Zhou or Lawyer Zhou?” No one knew why she had abandoned medicine for law, or what secret lay behind the scar on her 18Reads—Score—Shelves
- 52 A Long-Awaited Return to the Palace 宫阙久别 [Sweet romance] [Mutual devotion] She never believed she could find true love in an emperor. Given the chance, she would always try to escape the palace, but he would never let her go. He only wanted to cherish her in the palm of his hand and dote on her alone. Chen Luo Chu, though mountains and rivers may lie between us, I’ll wait for all the days we have ahead! 166Reads7.2Score—Shelves
- 53 The Road Ahead Is One of Heartbreak 此去离殇 “You never deserved to be my wife.” Once, she had loved him with all her heart, only to be met with his cold rejection. Time passed, and she died before his eyes. All the love she had never gotten to confess became a sharp sword plunging into his heart… 238Reads8.0Score—Shelves
- 54 I Give You My Life, Never Betraying Our Love 倾我一世，不负相思 She loved him with all her heart and insisted on marrying him. Who could have known that he wanted her dead? To save the woman he loved, he needed the child in her womb as medicine. In the end, he put her in a coffin and suffocated her alive. Only then did she realize she had loved the wrong man. If she gets another life, she will never meet him or fall in love with him again! 68Reads5.5Score—Shelves
- 55 Crossing Paths with Xiao Chi 渡萧迟 Xiao Yanyan, a noblewoman of the Liao, and Han Derang, the son of a Han official, fell in love as children and pledged to grow old together. But an imperial edict selecting consorts tore them apart. She was sent to the palace and became Empress to Emperor Jingzong of Liao. Five years later, the emperor died, leaving her with their young crown prince. The imperial clansmen coveted power, and powerful ministers watched like hawks. The widowed empress and her son were in mortal danger. At the most 17Reads—Score—Shelves
- 56 The Emperor Is Heartless, So What Can the Heart Do? 帝王无情，心又奈何 After ten years of devoted love, what he gave her was not an empress’s coronation, but the execution of her entire family. The whole residence was drenched in blood. Standing in a pool of blood, she held a sword to his chest and demanded, “Did you ever love me, even a little?” He drove the sword into her heart inch by inch, his expression cold and ruthless. “What do you think?!” He didn’t know that for him, she would have smiled as she drank poison and willingly shattered herself to pieces. Than 127Reads5.5Score—Shelves
- 57 When the Flowers Fall, the Leaves Follow the Heart 花落离心叶相随 This story is very angsty and frustrating. The male lead is trash, the female lead is weak, and the plot is realistic, gloomy, and bland. Be aware that the male lead is the male lead only because he has more scenes and is more entangled with the female lead. It doesn’t mean the author likes him or that the female lead loves him all that much. The setting is fictional, drawing mostly on the Ming dynasty, with traces of the Song and Qing dynasties mixed in. It’s a hodgepodge. This is an ancient-er 2.9kReads9.2Score228Shelves
- 58 After Our Whirlwind Wedding, the Reserved Tycoon Keeps Me Up All Night 闪婚后，禁欲大佬夜夜缠宠 [One-on-one romance + devoted couple; his perspective: he planned it all along. Her perspective: married first, fell in love later] Wen Nian was weak all over from his kisses and could no longer hold back. Soft moans slipped unconsciously through her lips, mingling with her ragged breathing. “Nian, who are you with?” Dong Yu'an instantly sensed something was wrong on the other end of the phone, his voice suddenly turning urgent. Li Sinan lifted his eyes. Possessiveness and displeasure churned 15Reads—Score—Shelves
- 59 Starlight Falls Late, Dew Glimmers in the Night 星辰晚来露华浓 Gu Xingwan was the legitimate daughter of the prime minister's household. Su Bai, the seventh prince, was her childhood sweetheart, promised to her before they were even born. Gu Sangzhi, a high-ranking court official, was her older brother, and he doted on her. Then the prime minister's household fell... Su Bai, her childhood sweetheart, was the mastermind behind the plot that destroyed her family... Gu Sangzhi, her own brother, was the one who poisoned her with his own hands... Instead, it was 9Reads—Score—Shelves
- 60 After He Called Off the Engagement, He Became Someone I Could Never Hope to Marry 退婚后，他成了我的高攀不起 After Our Engagement Was Called Off, He Became Someone I Could Never Hope to Reach —Reads—Score—Shelves
- 61 Two Hearts, Three Minds 两意三心 [Pure historical tragedy + no golden finger, no transmigration, no rebirth + 1v3, female lead is not a virgin] Neither the male nor the female lead is perfect. One is unruly and arrogant, the other insecure and timid, and both have their own character arcs. The cast is richly developed, with distinct personalities. She was nothing but the unloved daughter of a low-ranking sixth-grade official. Her father showed her no affection, her mother did not love her, and her younger sister bullied her 726Reads8.2Score101Shelves
- 62 The Regent’s Caged Sparrow Has Flown Away 摄政王的笼中雀飞走了 (Both leads are devoted to each other, traditional historical romance, marriage first and love later, a long road to winning back his wife, not a wish-fulfillment story) “Not bad-looking.” He stroked her beautiful face, his smile wicked. “A virtuous woman makes a wife; beauty belongs in the bedchamber. You are unworthy of being my wife!” On their wedding night, Mo Xuanyuan demoted Lou Mingyue from wife to concubine. Later, he demoted her again, making her a bedchamber maid. She endured every har 329Reads7.3Score111Shelves
- 63 I Swear by My Love, Though It Brings Me Sorrow 敬我相思不成悲 She was a peerlessly beautiful young woman, famous throughout the land, yet fate had placed her in a brothel. Meng Zhijun believed Murong Yan was the man meant for her. She endured humiliation and kept her head bowed, all so she could stay by his side. She thought they would grow old together. But the man she loved most broke her fingers and ruined her face. In the end, he carved the bones from her body, one by one, and made them into a shocking bone flute. “A Zhi, look. Your bones are perfect f 58Reads5.7Score—Shelves
- 64 Love That Cuts to the Bone: The Bloodthirsty Tyrant's Cherished One 蚀骨虐爱，嗜血暴君的心尖宠 [An unparalleled beauty of a heroine + tragic romance (BE) + not mutually devoted + scum male lead + second male lead takes over later] In the first half of her life, Su Li is tortured until she’s covered in scars. After having flesh cut from her, being drained of blood, and having her face disfigured, she’s thrown into a river in a pig cage. In the second half, she is reborn from the flames and returns to Ye Yihan’s side. She swears to become a clearheaded, independent woman. In his vast harem, 95Reads—Score—Shelves
- 65 Alas, the Present! 叹今朝！ [Historical Fiction Only + No System or Golden Finger + Palace Intrigue and Political Scheming + Court Conflicts + Inspirational Strong Female Lead’s Growth] Key point: The heroine suffers terribly, and the story is very angsty. Read with caution! Mu Zhaozhao is the eldest daughter of the Chancellor’s household, but no one has cared about her since she was little. Her birth parents consider her a bringer of bad luck and leave her to fend for herself in the most remote courtyard of the residence. 443Reads—Score—Shelves
- 66 Fallen Blossoms Still Drift Toward the Jade Steps 乱红犹向玉阶飞 Xiao Seru said to Wen Jinchub: “A Chu, I know you still think of Miss Lu. I'm envious, but I'm not jealous. I don't expect you to truly let her go. I only hope you'll let me stay by your side... I may not be as talented or beautiful as Miss Lu, but my love for you is just as true!” Xiao Seru also said, “A Chu, I'm so happy I can be your wife. A Chu, I like you. I really, truly like you!” But later, Xiao Seru said to Wen Jinchub: “Wen Jinchub, she pushed me!” “Is Lu Liulian's child the only one w 117Reads8.0Score—Shelves
- 67 Captive Phoenix in His Arms: The Ruthless Emperor's Prisoner 俘凰入罗帷，狠戾帝君掌心囚 When the Cangxuan Kingdom fell, its legitimate eldest princess, once revered and surrounded by every luxury, was cast from her heavenly heights into the deepest hell. Chu Yan had once been held hostage in Cangxuan. When he was being humiliated, the kingdom’s eldest princess, Fan Hua, came to his rescue. They grew up together and fell in love, but a conspiracy made Chu Yan hate the entire Cangxuan royal family. After years of plotting, he destroyed her kingdom, trampled on her dignity, and forced 309Reads6.3Score—Shelves
- 68 The Secret of Klein Blue 克莱因蓝的秘密 Everyone is an island, left to grow desolate and grieve alone. - Epigraph He came toward her, travel-worn, carrying an old glass lantern. After years apart, he said, “Long time no see.” She kicked him. “Long time no see, my foot! Pan Shiyi, where have you been all year?” He said, “I came to confess my feelings for you.” She promptly fainted. A storm at sea left everyone stranded on a remote island. She opened an inn, and he refused to leave. When he couldn't pay his bill, he said, “Then I'll of 50Reads8.1Score—Shelves
- 69 Princess, Disaster! The Top Scholar Has Run from His Wedding Again! 公主不好了，状元郎又逃婚了！ [1v1 + fictional setting + angst for the pleasure of it] Angst! Angst! Angst! If you want sweet romance, proceed with caution!!! [Brash, domineering ninth princess vs. refined, resourceful top scholar] Chu Yanyan was the most precious ninth princess of Tianyao, adored by everyone, but she just had to meet the greatest rival of her life: the newly crowned top scholar, Gui Zimu. As the top scholar rode through the streets, one glance was all it took for Chu Yanyan to fall in love. Among the flower 178Reads—Score—Shelves
- 70 This Is Awkward: My Ex-Wife Is Getting Married, and I Still Have to Serve at the Wedding 尴尬，前妻结婚我还要去婚宴上端盘子 How awkward. My ex-wife is getting married, and I still have to go serve food at her wedding banquet. 4Reads—Score—Shelves
- 71 The Side Consort Ran Away Again, Driving the Arrogant Prince Mad 侧妃又跑了傲娇王爷气疯了 "The Chase Is On After the Breakup | Equally Matched Leads | One-on-One Romance | Both Pure" "Beautiful heroine with a wild streak: anesthetic needle in her left hand, stun baton in her right" “Become my secondary consort, and I’ll help you escape the Mu family.” Mu Qinghuan transmigrates as the legitimate daughter of a fifth-rank official. Unfortunately, her father doesn’t care for her, her mother doesn’t love her, and her concubine stepmother and half-sister secretly scheme against her. Mu Qin 4.2kReads9.1Score444Shelves
- 72 Love So Deep, Desolation to the Bone 用情至深，刺骨荒凉 To save the woman he loved, she lay on the operating table and endured the agony of having her kidney removed. But she never imagined he could be cruel enough to have their child taken from her with his own hands, cause her parents’ deaths, and finally drive her to the end of her rope… 86Reads8.1Score—Shelves
- 73 The Whole World Knows I Love You 全世界都知道我爱你 Everyone knew Gu Sihan loved Ye Nanfeng, and everyone knew Ye Nanfeng loved Tang Xuerou. But that did nothing to weaken Gu Sihan's resolve to love Ye Nanfeng. Loving him was like an addiction she couldn't kick. Gu Sihan screamed hysterically, “She's the one with a wicked heart! She got what she deserved!” Ye Nanfeng gripped her throat viciously. “A vicious woman like you being violated? Now that's what you... deserve!” That day, he pushed her into a hell from which there was no return. Later, sh 105Reads5.4Score—Shelves
- 74 Transmigrated Into the Mad Prince's Palm 穿成疯批王爷掌心宠 [Female protagonist transmigrates into another world, deranged prince, stubborn heroine, coercive possessive love, mostly angsty with a little sweetness (skip if you can’t handle angst), groveling pursuit] Su Tang falls from the sky and lands in Zhou Chengyu’s arms. …And from that moment on, she can never escape. At first, the heroine likes the hero, but his arrogance gradually wears away her affection. Eventually, all she feels for him is hatred. She’ll do anything and put on an act to get away 1.1kReads—Score—Shelves
- 75 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... 299Reads8.4Score—Shelves
- 76 Luring the Beauty into Her Cage: The Hostage General's Prisoner of Vengeance 折娇入笼：质子将军的复仇囚宠 A secret imperial decree, five years of bitter hatred. He dragged his moonlight from the clouds and crushed her with his own hands. Years ago, Su He, the daughter of the prime minister, showed kindness and took in a gloomy hostage prince. Five years of love ended in her family’s ruin and her country’s downfall. He returned after laying waste to the realm, locking the proud woman away as his lowest slave. Humiliation, imprisonment, torment of body and soul. He thought hatred was all he felt. Unti 987Reads6.1Score109Shelves
- 77 She Never Meant to Be Reborn 她没想重生啊 Shen Qingyao died by her husband Xiao Lin's sword, a single thrust through the heart. She felt neither resentment nor hatred. She had been caught in bed with another man, albeit by accident, and accepted her fate. This ill-fated relationship should have ended there. But she never expected several obsessive, deranged men to drag her bodily back from the underworld. When she opened her eyes, she was reborn at the beginning of the tragedy, back at the starting point of this ill-fated marriage. 38Reads—Score—Shelves
- 78 Together with You, I Remember Our Meeting 与君同，忆相逢 [Complete] [Historical romance + both leads inexperienced in love + mistaken bride + marriage before love + devoted favoritism + sweet and angsty + mutual devotion + slow burn + HE] [The straightforward prince who owns up to his mistakes × the lively, proud young princess consort] Cen Jingchen thought his princess consort was cold to the extreme, but he never expected her to slap him the very first time they met. He may be angry, but he still wants to keep her by his side. “You can touch me, 49Reads8.1Score—Shelves
- 79 In My Past Life, He Skinned My Face; In This One, I Make Their Beds 上一世他剥我的脸，这一世我为他们铺床叠被 In my previous life, he peeled the skin from my face. In this life, I make their beds and fold their quilts. —Reads—Score—Shelves
- 80 The General Only Said He Loved Me After I Died 我死后将军才说爱我 The General Only Said He Loved Me After I Died 650Reads—Score—Shelves
- 81 A Marriage at a Crossroads 婚途陌路 Strangers on the Road to Marriage 55Reads—Score—Shelves
- 82 Your Regret 君悔 Complete, with extra chapters [The male lead grovels to win her back + submissive male lead + melodrama + tragic romance + faked death] (The male lead was originally called Zhan Zhao, then later called Lu Zhao!!) Ye Ningyu had loved Zhan Zhao since childhood, and everyone knew it. Unfortunately, he told her he loved her noble, gentle elder sister. Even so, Ye Ningyu’s love only grew stronger. Even after he accidentally pushed her down the stairs and left her with the mind of a child, she still c 2.2kReads8.2Score125Shelves
- 83 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 1kReads8.0Score101Shelves
- 84 I’ll Give Our Love Back to You 我把爱情还给你 Gu Qingrang, loving you is too exhausting. 59Reads5.4Score—Shelves
- 85 After the Divorce, Mr. Shen Regretted It 离婚后，沈总他后悔了 To put her grandfather’s mind at ease, Gu Ziyao brings her engagement agreement and asks Shen Junyan to marry her. He agrees coldly, but insists they keep the marriage secret for three years and stay out of each other’s business. For three years, she shoulders the family business alone, facing difficulties, being plied with alcohol, and having rumors spread about her, yet never once asking him for help. On the eve of their three-year agreement’s end, fate plays a trick on them 1.2kReads6.8Score126Shelves
- 86 The Years They Loved Each Other 他们相爱的那些年 Everyone in Nancheng knows that Wen Wan is the happiest princess in the city, adored by Lu Zhiyan, a decisive and ruthless man who gets things done. Everyone also knows that Wen Wan looks just like Lu Zhiyan’s ex-girlfriend, Bai Xi. Five years ago, Wen Wan was driven out of the Lu family villa in disgrace. The happy years they had shared became a blade after blade piercing her heart. Five years later, Wen Wan seals away her feelings and focuses on her career, finally becoming a CEO and brutally 18Reads—Score—Shelves
- 87 Bo Yu, I Don't Dare Love You Anymore 薄欲，我不敢再爱你了 Su Qingwu had been married to Bo Yu for five years, and he had trampled her sincere love until it was shattered to pieces. She thought he really was as cold as the rumors said, even in bed, utterly devoid of emotion. But after Bai Xiaoxiao returned, Su Qingwu realized that Bo Yu hadn’t been born cold and indifferent. He knew better than anyone how to treat someone with tenderness and affection. Su Qingwu was left battered and broken, eventually losing all feeling. When she returned in full fin 975Reads7.0Score102Shelves
- 88 I’m Sorry, I Don’t Dare to Love You Anymore 对不起，我不敢再爱你 Ning Anran loved Bo Yeting so much that she lost herself. But Bo Yeting didn't love her. The woman in his heart was Mu Junya, who had once risked her life to save him. But when he lost Ning Anran, and the whole truth was laid bare before him, he regretted it. He searched the entire world for Ning Anran, who had disappeared, like a madman. But she no longer dared to love him. 334Reads6.3Score—Shelves
- 89 The Fifth Year of Marriage 婚后第五年 [Both are each other's first and only + groveling ex chases her + secret love + angst before a satisfying comeback] She had secretly loved Zhou Yanci for ten years. Then an accident led to Xu Daikui marrying him. But on their wedding night, Zhou Yanci never even entered the bridal chamber. He boarded a plane and left the country for five years. Xu Daikui stayed in their empty marriage, waiting desperately for him to come back. Instead, he returned with another woman, treating her with icy indiff 7.3kReads6.9Score444Shelves
- 90 Madam, the CEO Has Been Kneeling for Three Days and Nights. Won’t You Forgive Him? 夫人，总裁跪三天三夜了不原谅吗 [Angst romance, a groveling chase, the heroine takes revenge on her ex-husband later, satisfying] Tang Susu fell in love with Gu Jingshen the moment she laid eyes on him. But she knew Gu Jingshen didn't love her. At twenty, she married Gu Jingshen, but she knew it was nothing more than his revenge against her. She thought it was all right. Even the hardest heart would eventually be warmed by her. But she was wrong! After they married, Gu Jingshen's scandals were everywhere, but she didn't care a 751Reads7.6Score—Shelves
- 91 You Never Once Chose Me 你从不曾偏爱我 Throughout their three years of marriage, she kept hoping he would turn around and look at her. But his heart belonged only to the woman he cherished most. When he caused their child’s death, she turned away in despair. Yet he grabbed her hand and said, “I don’t want a divorce!” 79Reads6.5Score—Shelves
- 92 Strangers for the Rest of Our Lives 此生陌路不复 When Chu Junmo forcibly tears open her wound, leaving it drenched in blood, Li Fuyi knows she must pay for the crime she committed at eighteen. Because of him, she found the light; because of him, she descended into eternal night. There are no winners in this battle. There are only two people doomed to endless ruin. 594Reads8.2Score102Shelves
- 93 Late in the Hour of the Goat 未时晚 “Both leads are pure” / “Tender and heartwarming” / “Rebirth” / “Heartbreaking romance” / “Palace intrigue” / “He chases her” / “Happy ending” This story has two pure leads! “Remember, no daughter of the Cui clan of Qinghe or the Lu clan of Fanyang can become empress!” But Brother Che, if that’s true, why did you marry me? And if you married me, why did you treat me that way? The Cui clan has always been loyal and righteous. Heaven and earth can bear witness. Shall I prove it with my life? If I 317Reads—Score—Shelves
- 94 Years Like a Dream: Memories of a Love That Came Too Late 如梦流年·情晚忆 Years Like a Dream: Love Comes Late, Memories Remain 19Reads—Score—Shelves
- 95 Tearing My Heart Apart for You 为你撕心裂爱 What does it mean to love deeply? To be doomed beyond redemption, or ground to dust? Ruan Zhenzhen's heart died at the moment she lay dying, her child was lost, and her grandfather was grieved to death. After rising from the ashes, the man who regretted everything knelt before her and begged for forgiveness. But how can a dead heart come back to life? “Huo Sinian, the only way I'll forgive you is if you die!” 204Reads5.7Score—Shelves
- 96 Golden Branch in a Cage 笼中金枝 Love at first sight + melodrama + angst. The heroine is a stunning beauty, but she has no golden finger, only her looks. The story puts her through the wringer. The hero wields immense power and is domineering, ruthless, and unhinged. He has a checkered past, while she is pure. A story of taking what he wants by force, between a noble young lady and a powerful marquis. Xiao Beihuai fell for Song Qingruo at first sight, simply because she was beautiful. The second time they met, he had already de 7.5kReads8.4Score418Shelves
- 97 At the Class Reunion, My Wife Sat on the Property Deputy Manager's Lap, and the Whole Class Called Me Cheap 同学聚会，老婆坐在物业副总腿上，全班说我小气 At the Class Reunion, My Wife Sat on the Property Management Deputy Director's Lap, and the Whole Class Called Me Stingy 2Reads—Score—Shelves
- 98 A Tenant of the Underworld 在地府做钉子户 To sever a doomed bond, Xie Lingzhi hid in the Underworld for a hundred years, even declaring that she wouldn’t leave until she’d stayed for five hundred. The King of Hell couldn’t meet his KPI, so he came over in a huff, then left again. He found her even more troublesome than the Great Sage Sun, who had destroyed the Book of Life and Death. In a fit of anger, he cut off her provisions. With no other choice, Xie Lingzhi set up a stall on Ghost Street, but wound up bringing Liang Chuanhui back w 68Reads8.1Score—Shelves
- 99 The Cast-Off Wife 下堂妻 [Gentle, clever orphan girl VS aloof, proud young nobleman] [The husband’s long road to winning her back + strong heroine + divorce + rekindled love + business rivalry + court intrigue] Lin Wan was Xiao Jingxing’s wife. She met him when she was eleven. At twenty-one, her heart broken, she became his cast-off wife. From then on, the girls whose relationships with Xiao Jingxing had been ambiguous, the prime minister’s daughter, a comrade-in-arms’ younger sister, and a famous courtesan, finally had 4.6kReads8.9Score360Shelves
- 100 Red Eyes Across the Street, Vermilion Outshines Snow 隔街红眼，朱砂胜雪 Red eyes across the street, cinnabar brighter than snow. 1Reads—Score—Shelves
