Novels like The Poor Little Thing Always Thinks He's a Substitute
Books Chinese readers most often put in the same booklists as The Poor Little Thing Always Thinks He's a Substitute, best match first.
- 101 The Fifteenth Letter 第十五封笺 [Two male leads + both virgins + past and present lives + school life + ensemble cast] · Psychological healing through a guiding, loving partner, and belated salvation for a people-pleaser · Brilliant physics genius forced to become a businessman × quirky middle-school math teacher · A wistful sunflower × a bright little deer Synopsis: In late April in Beijing, Chen Huaishu died of stomach cancer, leaving behind only a cat, some money, and a house. Jiang Yaoqi, his ex-boyfriend of three yea 25Reads—Score—14d adds
- 102 Twisted Coercion 畸形强制 The rating just came out. It’ll go up later. “No one ever taught me what love was, so after that day, I always thought I hated you. Only later did I realize I loved you so much that it hurt.” [One-on-one romance, both leads are each other’s only partner, obsessive love and control are very intense! Includes confinement scenes] Unhinged biological heir gong X aloof, seemingly perfect adopted heir shou The shou seems universally disliked but is actually universally adored Shen Ji had no grand ambi 485Reads8.7Score10214d adds
- 103 Your Majesty, Are You a Bottom? 皇帝，你是给啊 A beautiful, formidable younger man who trains his emperor like a dog × a ruthless, devoted emperor on top; an older, beautiful, capable prime minister and wife beneath I was the prime minister of the realm. Born a commoner, I rose to noble rank and basked in glory, only to be poisoned to death by the former crown prince, who loved me but could never have me. I died young. I can't accept that! Even more outrageous, I saw with my own eyes the young emperor I had personally raised and supported 52Reads—Score—14d adds
- 104 May the Bright Moon Shine Upon Us 愿明月高照 A love triangle, a heartbreaking romance: two people fighting over one person's love. One wants to preserve everything about him, while the other wants to possess him completely. Will he choose his lover or his childhood friend? One is He Bai, a genius painter. The other is Fu Yan, a business tycoon. He Bai gives up his life for Lian Yiran, while Fu Yan is driven mad for him. Lian Yiran, meanwhile, lies in a hospital bed, reduced to a vegetative state. The love and hate entangling the three of t 19Reads—Score—14d adds
- 105 Rainlight The “restrained” dancer X the “short-tempered” CEO, Recommended: cheerful young-man voice. Two male leads, ballet, a coming-of-age romance, heartbreaking love, push and pull, street dance, and an architectural designer. Linlin, I’ll spoil you. Don’t you dare doubt it! Don’t believe me? Just try me. CEO Ye. Warning ⚠️ Infidelity‼️ The top has an ex! Anyone looking for a wholesome romance, stay away. Physical abuse! ⚠️ Stay away from NPD; do not imitate. Volume Five enters the secondary couple’s 489Reads—Score—14d adds
- 106 The Sick Omega Dares Not Even Cry, While the Scumbag Alpha Begs for Forgiveness 病O连哭都不敢，渣A追妻火葬场 [The low rating is only because it just came out] [Reading Guide] ◆ A scumbag gong’s road to regret and win back his love is a long one ◆ Sickly, humble shou × flirtatious, cold-hearted gong ◆ The shou suffers physically and emotionally at first, then gets spoiled into a pampered little omega ◆ ABO setting, arranged marriage to love ◆ A little angst, then all sweetness. HE guaranteed--- A marriage contract binds together two people from different worlds. He is a carefree, womanizing heir to a we 9.4kReads8.4Score76014d adds
- 107 I Went Crazy After Falling for You 喜欢你后我疯了 For the sake of his first love, Luo Jinxuan breaks Shen Yuning’s leg. The servants of the Luo family find one cruel way after another to torment him. Shen Yuning goes from silent endurance to a complete breakdown, but Luo Jinxuan doesn’t care. He tells him, “You really are crazy.” Later, his first love causes Shen Yuning to fall off a cliff. Shen Yuning nearly dies, and at last Luo Jinxuan pays attention to him. He even says, “If you can get better this time, I’ll marry you. How’s that?” When Sh 302Reads8.8Score—14d adds
- 108 My Boyfriend Is the Ultimate Boss of a Horror Game!! 我的男友是诡异游戏的终极boss！！ My Boyfriend Is the Final Boss of a Horror Game!! 117Reads—Score—14d adds
- 109 You Were the One Who Hurt Me, So What Are You Regretting? 人是你虐的，后悔什么 A scheme landed Zhao Zhao in a cage. After capturing her, Fu Yunyan subjected her to every kind of torment. But when the truth came to light, he realized he had hated the wrong person. Where could this relationship, built on escape and pursuit, go from here? 3.1kReads—Score18214d adds
- 110 Knowing the Powerful One Won't Stay, I Still Lower My Eyes and Yearn for Him 明知大攻留不住，低眉仍做痴人慕 [Power imbalance + revenge + angst before sweetness] [Content warning: Angsty story, and the bottom is love-brained. Bottom fans, stay away.] [Revenge-driven, ruthless top x obedient, insecure bottom] [Lu Jingyuan x Shen Yan] As the illegitimate son the Shen family looked down on, Shen Yan's days were spent either working or carrying out missions. Fail, and punishment was waiting for him. He thought he would rot in the mud until Lu Jingyuan forcefully entered his world. Not only did Lu Jingyua 13.1kReads8.9Score1.4k14d adds
- 111 Prisoner Slave: Your Highness, Please Go Easy on the Punishment 囚奴：求殿下轻点罚 (Just rated, no negative reviews so far) [Physical Abuse + Emotional Abuse + Every Kind of Suffering + Two Male Leads + Both Pure + Two Powerful Leads + Happy Ending] There will be sweet moments, but there's more suffering. Their statuses are worlds apart, and the bottom is very lowly. [Suspicious, Sadistic, and Ruthless Top × Unhinged, Scheming, and Humble Bottom] The empress sends the spy A Yan (the bottom) to the residence of the third prince, Xiao Jue. Suspicious by nature, Xiao Jue (the t 2.2kReads8.8Score21014d adds
- 112 Abyss of the Undying: You Can't Escape 不死深渊：你逃不掉的 [Imprisonment + two male leads + one-on-one + obsessive + pathological + forced love + mutual amnesia + prison + winning back the husband + physical and emotional torment] [Devoted, love-struck top + hot-tempered, irritable bottom] Mu Yan has been kidnapped, more than once. He's always believed Jiang Yuanyu is his nemesis, the culprit who ruined everything. He hates Jiang Yuanyu for destroying his life, and tries to destroy him in turn through abuse, games, torture, and suicide. But does he real 71Reads8.1Score—14d adds
- 113 After the Foolish Emperor Turned Evil, the Prince Was Forced into Love 痴傻皇帝黑化后，王爷被强制爱了 [Two male leads # equally matched powerhouses # physical and emotional angst # love and hate # imprisonment # groveling redemption # mutually unhinged] A gloomy, unhinged emperor top × a cunning, patient prince bottom He was once a regent who held power over the entire court, feared and respected for his iron fist. Later, he became the new emperor’s hidden captive, kept on his bed and out of sight. His legs were broken and he was shackled. The regent who once looked down upon the world became 5.5kReads8.7Score42914d adds
- 114 A Life Offered in Sacrifice 以身唯祭 Severe physical torment | Severe heartbreak | Possessive love | Happy ending | A love born of hatred | He’ll regret losing him | One-on-one | True love | Love rekindled after heartbreak | Political scheming and misunderstandings | Both leads are each other’s first Only then did Xiao Jingyan finally understand: he had taught Jing Heng the art of war, but Jing Heng had learned how to offer himself as a sacrifice for love. Xiao Jingyan had once believed that Jing Heng’s betrayal was the greatest sh 7.5kReads8.5Score72114d adds
- 115 Half Sincere, Half False 真心半假 Four short stories, four different endings: ① The groveling ex wins him back, happy ending ② They love each other but cannot stay together, tragic ending ③ A new love interest ④ Hell for everyone. “Half Sincere”, Groveling ex, happy ending Amnesiac pianist × cold-blooded guardian He raised him into a vine that clung to him, only to be caught in its grasp first. “If We Were Both Caught in the Snow Someday”, Bittersweet tragic ending If someday we were caught in the snow together, then at least in 27Reads—Score—14d adds
- 116 I Forgot You, and Learned to Let Myself Go 我忘了你，也放过我自己 I forgot you, and let myself move on. 654Reads—Score1314d adds
- 117 The Noble Insect Husband: I Won't Fawn Over Anyone After Being Reborn 赘婿雄虫，重生后不舔了 [Reborn + insectoid son-in-law + divorce with child in tow + taking down scumbags] A heads-up: this is not a domineering wife novel. Character dynamics are what they are, so give it at least 20 chapters before judging. This is a free novel, so feel free to come and go. If it's not for you, just close it and don't let it spoil your mood. 😄😄😃 Fang Ming was a human from Earth. In his previous life, he transmigrated into the body of a common insectoid and was lucky enough to marry into the top arist 286Reads6.6Score12514d adds
- 118 Soul Transmigration into the Regent’s White Moonlight 魂穿摄政王的白月光 [Two male leads + equally powerful leads + tragic romance + older top + heart-wrenching + chasing his wife to the crematorium + white moonlight romance + toxic love + depressing + happy ending] Emergency room doctor Shen Shi'an died suddenly before the operating table. When he opened his eyes again, he was lying on an unfamiliar jade bed. The man before him held power over the entire court. He gently stroked Shen Shi'an's cheek, but in his eyes was the reflection of someone else. “Jinghe,” Xie 727Reads8.2Score2114d adds
- 119 My Ex Is a Killer, Fierce, Ruthless, and Violent 前男友是杀手，又凶又狠还打人 [Dual male leads + groveling pursuit + happy ending] A beautiful, strong, tragic assassin uke, A ruthless, cold-blooded CEO seme. Xiao You'en has died three times. The first time, he was seven and nearly beaten to death fighting over a steamed bun. The second time, he was locked up and nearly starved to death by the person he trusted most. The third time, he simply didn’t want to live anymore. The pain of bullets tearing through his body seemed to rip his soul to pieces. One shot, two shots, thr 5.6kReads9.0Score54314d adds
- 120 My Brother's Stomach Hurts 哥哥肚子疼 Chengzi: A sunny college guy who seems carefree and a little clueless, but is actually easygoing, worry-free, and blunt. Yichen: He seems like a cool, polished, well-to-do gentleman, but in truth, he’s a pitiful kid with no father or mother to rely on. Chengzi: My mission is to warm big brother’s tummy, warm his heart, and bring him home!! 1.6kReads8.4Score10514d adds
- 121 The Unfinished Romance of a Republican-Era Major General and an Opera Singer Who Transmigrated Through Time 民国少将与戏子穿越时光的未了情缘 An Unfinished Romance Across Time Between a Republic-Era Major General and an Opera Performer 177Reads—Score—14d adds
- 122 General Guo's Physician Jiang 郭将军的姜大夫 [Guo Chengyu x Jiang Xiaoshuai] Even if I lived another life, I would still find you. “Maybe I didn't love you enough in my last life.” “I want Doctor Jiang to love me willingly, not just be carried away by passion. I'll wait as long as it takes.” “Don't be afraid. I'll always be here.” “From now on, I'll be by your side.” “Guo Huaijin, I love you.” 51Reads—Score—14d adds
- 123 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 902Reads6.1Score10314d adds
- 124 The Tyrant Is Reborn, and the Regent Kneels by His Bed Night After Night, Begging to Be Killed 暴君重生，摄政王夜夜跪床头求杀 [Bottom’s POV + Reborn + Groveling Chase + Heartbreaking Angst] Overbearing, unhinged, frail emperor as the bottom vs. obsessive, brooding prince as the top, whose mind was addled by love in their previous life In his previous life, the tyrant Hua Jiuyao is reborn in a good-for-nothing’s body and receives a mission to assassinate his own empress. He thinks the world has finally gone mad, but then… Huo Qingci, who once stabbed him on their wedding night, now sits alone every night, clutching his 2.2kReads8.1Score21914d adds
- 125 I Reincarnated into an Obsessive Romance Novel, and the Evil Ghost Came to Life! 穿到偏执文里，恶鬼他成真了！ [Dual Transmigration + Dual Storylines (Virtual/Real) + Ghostly Male Lead + Star-Crossed Love] A seemingly gloomy, unhinged but actually tender top × a seemingly aloof but actually fiery bottom Ning Wei used a heart from another world to bring their connection into reality. But he never expected the evil spirit he'd written about to actually become real! It all began one day when his dull life finally changed. Other therapists always start with: “Your name and age? How have you been sleeping?” “ 23Reads—Score414d adds
- 126 You Want Me Dead? Why Beg Me to Live After My Terminal Illness Is Revealed? 恨不得我死？绝症曝光怎么求我活 [Two male leads + from universally hated to universally adored + everyone faces a redemption arc, heartbreaking, 1v1] In his previous life, Ye Shuran learned he had a terminal illness, and was kidnapped not long afterward. No one came to save him, and he was eventually tortured to death. Unexpectedly, he was bound to a System, and only then learned that he was the real young master everyone hated in the book, while his younger brother was the fake young master everyone adored. After being reborn 126.7kReads8.8Score25.2k14d adds
- 127 Seven Years of Old Wounds 七年陈伤 Devoted, brilliant, and tragic academic bottom x CEO who must grovel to win him back Two strong leads + love at first sight + deeply painful romance + groveling pursuit + reunion after a long separation + a broken relationship that cannot be mended + healing pets + self-redemption Chu Ye Han gave his whole heart to the favored son of heaven, Han Yu, and saw him as the light that would save him. He loved him devotedly for seven whole years! He thought he would receive love and promises in return 731Reads—Score—14d adds
- 128 Madness Reigns in This Golden Age, and I'm the Only One Saving People 盛世疯批，只有我在救人 [Everyone Is Unhinged | High-Quality Political Intrigue and Ensemble Cast | Intense Emotional Push and Pull] In a dynasty where the princes and the emperor are bound by a blood feud, I, Du Taiping, became the only normal person. The Crown Prince is a lone wolf bent on revenge, my senior brother is a madman devoted to order, and my disciple can see the colors of people's souls. I wanted nothing more than to die in peace, but was dragged into another high-stakes gamble over this so-called “golden 22Reads—Score—14d adds
- 129 The One Thing I Wanted to Record Before I Died 死前，我唯一想记录的 I fell in love with my non-blood-related older brother, but he found me disgusting and sent me to a conversion therapy center. After I got out, my mental state deteriorated day by day, and in the end, before I died, I wrote this 3.2kReads8.1Score66714d adds
- 130 I Found a Beauty in the Trash 在垃圾桶里捡到尤物 [Two Male Leads + Yandere + Younger Top + Possessiveness + Captivity + Unhinged] On a rainy night, icy rain washed over the city’s concrete jungle, scrubbing at the filth hidden away in its dark corners. Lu Jiuyuan sat in the back of a warm, luxurious car, gazing indifferently at the neon lights streaming past the fogged-up window. The driver was steady at the wheel. Inside the car, only the lilting notes of classical music and the low hum of the air conditioner could be heard. Flawless appearan 12Reads6.9Score—14d adds
- 131 The Young Lord Planted a Night-Pleasure Gu, and the General Wept 世子种下夜欢蛊后，将军哭了 The Heir Apparent Wept After the General Planted the Night-Pleasure Gu 275Reads—Score914d adds
- 132 Modern Houseboy: Chen Lin 现代家奴之辰霖 Modern House Slave: Chen Lin 2.4kReads—Score—14d adds
- 133 Only After I Died Did My Senior Brother Realize He Loved Me 我死后，师兄才知他爱我 Only After I Died Did My Senior Brother Realize He Loved Me 775Reads—Score—14d adds
- 134 I Wore a Wedding Gown as My Betrothal Gift and Stepped into Your Funeral Hall 我以嫁衣为聘，步入你的灵堂 [Obsessive Lover × White-Moonlight Beloved | Seven Journeys Through Time and Space × A Wedding of Double Suicide] [Angsty Romance × System × Transmigration × Unresolved Heartache × Bad Ending] The year they fell in love, they agreed to run away together, get married, and build a warm home for each other. But in a world full of prejudice, they were not even allowed a proper wedding dress, let alone a wedding blessed by others. They said it didn't matter. As long as they could be together, nothing 1Reads—Score—14d adds
- 135 His Deadly Tenderness Trapped Me in an Endless Cycle of Reincarnation 他的致命温柔，把我困在无尽轮回里 His Lethal Tenderness Trapped Me in an Endless Cycle of Reincarnation 27Reads—Score314d adds
- 136 After His Shadow Guard Betrayed Him, the Crown Prince Hated Me to the Bone 暗卫背叛之后：太子他恨我入骨 After the Secret Guard’s Betrayal: The Crown Prince Hates Me to the Bone 551Reads—Score1314d adds
- 137 Duke Lancaster's Sick Game 兰斯特公爵的恶心游戏 The Duke of Lancer's Disgusting Game 174Reads—Score—14d adds
- 138 Back When We Were Young 那年恰是少年时 There are two kinds of pain in this world: pain that’s not worth mentioning, and pain you don’t dare talk about. Given enough time, even the pain you don’t dare talk about becomes unworthy of mention. Stomach problems / back pain / family angst / two male leads / doctors Longing for a family bond that can never be yours, and loving someone without daring to say it. Two male leads. 365Reads—Score2714d adds
- 139 The Crown Prince Returned, but His Shadow Guard Never Came Back 太子归来，却再也等不回他的暗卫 The Crown Prince returns, but can never again wait for his secret guard 207Reads—Score—14d adds
- 140 The Scumbag Came to My Grave Begging for Another Life 渣男到我坟前求来生 [Dual male leads, Mu Chuang vs. Lin Qi] He was the heartbeat the other had never noticed in his “past life,” and the treasure he would stop at nothing to claim in his “next life.” Lin Qi had always secretly loved Mu Chuang, but after Mu Chuang saw through him, he was met with nothing but contempt. Then someone with an agenda spread rumors about his sexuality everywhere, leaving Lin Qi ostracized by everyone. The gossip drove him to the brink, until he finally leaped into the unfathomably deep Na 27Reads—Score—14d adds
- 141 You Said We'd Grow Old Together 你说与子偕老 Heard that an ice-cold beauty had transferred to the class next door, Tong Kang started waiting on the way home from school every day, hoping to talk to him. Tong Kang: Hey, I'm from the class next door. My name's Tong Kang. What's yours? Huai Ci: ... Tong Kang: Hey, why won't you talk to me? Huai Ci: ... Tong Kang: You got bullied and wouldn't even call out for me to save you. Do you hate me that much? Tong Kang was so angry he stopped talking to him altogether. Huai Ci's thoughts: That' 103Reads8.1Score—14d adds
- 142 Become the Big Shot's Beloved 做大佬的白月光 Two Male Leads, 1v1, Both Pure Three years later, Yu Linran found Qian Mo running a street stall. He apologized, vowed to change, and begged for forgiveness, but he could never win back Qian Mo's heart. It was already dead. Five years earlier, Qian Mo's mother had been gravely ill, and he had asked Yu Linran for money. Yu Linran refused. Only after his mother passed away did Yu Linran show up in front of him. He hated him, but what good would hating him do? It wouldn't bring his mother back. So 738Reads—Score—14d adds
- 143 After Clearing Her Name, the Sickly Beauty Becomes Everyone’s Favorite 洗白后，病美人成了团宠 [Dual Male Leads + Reborn + (Slight) Wife-Chasing Crematorium + Sickly Bottom] Everyone thinks Wen Zhuo is a scheming illegitimate son, a domineering bully who terrorizes his schoolmates and is rotten to the core. No one knows he’s actually the one who has suffered the most. Just after he was accepted back into his wealthy biological father’s family, his father died. His only relative, his older brother, wants nothing to do with him. His friends betray him, and his adoptive parents abuse and exp 6.6kReads8.9Score49414d adds
- 144 Quick Transmigration: The Alluring Beauty Hooks Powerful Men in Period Novels 快穿：钓系美人在年代文里钓大佬 [Quick transmigration! Period-drama settings! Two male leads! Seductive, teasing lead + 1v1 + devoted love + faking his death early on!] I’m a rookie at a quick-transmigration agency. My mission is to win over the male lead in each little world and fulfill the original host’s wish. Who knew a rookie wouldn’t know her own strength? After a few worlds, I’ve tortured my poor little heart until it aches... When I return to the mission space after my nth assignment, I say, “W-wait, System, those big 1.1kReads8.4Score10014d adds
- 145 Who Falls for Whom? 谁为谁心动 (Main story and alternate IF storyline complete; parallel-world worldbuilding in progress) [Coercive relationship + win-her-back-after-the-breakup + clashing personalities + sharp tongues + hypnosis + secret identity used to get close on purpose + a broken mirror that cannot be mended / both die in the ending] "Who promised you heaven on earth, then shared with you a love as deep as the sea of hate?" Seven years ago, a misunderstanding led to Meng Qi being confined by his lover. After enduring t 42Reads—Score—14d adds
- 146 I Promise You a Love as Deep as the Sea 许你深情深似海 Luo Ji was a ray of light in Shen Yi’s dark childhood. But after Shen Ge ruthlessly stole that light away, it became the arrow that wounded him most deeply. One misunderstanding, three years of torment, and everyone took their turn trampling him until he was utterly ruined. When Luo Ji finally learned the truth, he held his battered heart close and stopped believing in love. Shen Yi: “Once you’re dead, I won’t love you anymore.” 404Reads8.4Score10414d adds
- 147 You’re the One Torturing Me, So Why Are You Crying So Loud? 你虐我，你哭那么大声干嘛 [Two Male Leads + Obsession + Dramatic Angst + Coercion + Locking Someone Away + Both Virgins + The Top’s Regretful Pursuit] After a setup exposes Yun Jiu’s true identity, Mu Hanchen’s love turns to hatred. He imprisons and beats him, using every means at his disposal to threaten and force him. “I pampered you for seven years, and this is how you repay me, you ungrateful wretch?” “Mu Hanchen, did you ever really love me? You only ever treated me like a toy.” The person Yun Jiu hates most in t 1.2kReads7.5Score11014d adds
- 148 Defective Omega 劣质omgea Their marriage was in name only, and it lasted four years. “Your pheromones disgust me.” Four years together couldn’t melt the ice between them. What was the point of desperately trying to save the relationship? The seeds of their separation had taken root long ago. Correction: The novel’s actual title is “Inferior Omega.” It can’t be changed after signing the contract, but feel free to dive into the story! 5.5kReads8.2Score53314d adds
- 149 A Thousand Years of Waiting: I'd Become a Tree for You 千年守候，我愿为你化作一棵树 After a thousand years of waiting, I would become a tree for you. 88Reads—Score—14d adds
- 150 Spring Comes at Last to the Sunlit Trees 向阳花木终逢春 [Two male leads + rekindled romance + both devoted to one another + powerful duo + secret crush + healing + simmering tension + reunion after years apart + depression + avoidant attachment] Bank president VS florist Zhao Yan, a florist with depression who is on the verge of death, takes the initiative to seek out his first love, who disappeared thirteen years ago. When Bai Muxian, a self-restrained bank president, reunites with the man he has secretly loved for thirteen years, he can no longer h 75Reads—Score—14d adds
