If I Can’t Get the Male Lead, I’ll Just Be a Salted Fish

Description

Links are NOT allowed. Format your description nicely so people can easily read them. Please use proper spacing and paragraphs.

All the World Loves Me is a popular danmei novel with a super popular bottom. But the author refuses to reveal who the official top is, leaving readers to place their own bets.

As a loyal fan of the novel, Qin Shu had staked his entire heart and soul on one particular top. Every day he cheered like a die-hard sports fan, waving the flag for his precious boy’s victory.

Then one day, Qin Shu woke up inside the novel—only to find he had become the worst possible “stock” in the stock market, a mere catalyst to boost other CPs’ feelings.

To help his OTP come true as soon as possible, Qin Shu threw himself into playing his role perfectly, removing all obstacles for his chosen top, and guarding fiercely against the “super popular stock” Xie Lanzhi.

Qin Shu: Anyone who tries to break up my ship will have soda cans without pull-tabs, and instant noodles without seasoning packets for the rest of their life!

Xie Lanzhi: Little idiot.

After tireless efforts, Qin Shu finally watched with a smile as his chosen top successfully won the beauty’s heart—mission accomplished.

Other “stocks”: Qin Shu, don’t give up! As long as they aren’t married, we still have a chance!

Qin Shu: I’m exhausted. I’ll just let them be happy. Farewell, brothers. (waves with tears)

Other “stocks”: Why does it suddenly feel so boring? What’s with this hollow feeling? Qin Shu, come back and fight over him with us!

Qin Shu: Being a salted-fish slacker is just too comfortable.

His former “love rival” Xie Lanzhi finally lost patience, came to find the lounging Qin Shu, grabbed him up, and said: Want to lie around like a salted fish? Go do it in my bed.

Reading Notes:

In both the “main character” and “supporting character” lists, the bottom is listed first.

Associated Names
One entry per line
抢不到男主,我决定咸鱼
Related Series
Did the Silly Senior Bend Today? (Sequel)
Recommendations
Main Male Lead Disqualified (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. want, not now.
  2. Transmigration novels with interesting premise
  3. for funzies
  4. Completed Novels(With My Ratings)
  5. List of Stories I have Completed (Part 2)

Latest Release

Date Group Release
10/23/25 Lazy Girl Translations c34
10/23/25 Lazy Girl Translations c33
10/23/25 Lazy Girl Translations c32
10/16/25 Lazy Girl Translations c31
10/16/25 Lazy Girl Translations c30
10/16/25 Lazy Girl Translations c29
10/09/25 Lazy Girl Translations c28
10/09/25 Lazy Girl Translations c27
10/09/25 Lazy Girl Translations c26
10/02/25 Lazy Girl Translations c25
10/02/25 Lazy Girl Translations c24
10/02/25 Lazy Girl Translations c23
09/25/25 Lazy Girl Translations c22
09/25/25 Lazy Girl Translations c21
09/25/25 Lazy Girl Translations c20
Go to Page...
Go to Page...
Review
13 Reviews


SatoSuguWorshiper
New SatoSuguWors
May 04, 2026
Status: c75 extra5
This was such a satisfying read.

The pacing was tight from start to finish; there were no dragging arcs or unnecessary misunderstandings that lasted for 50 chapters. Every development felt earned, especially the relationship between Qin Shu and Xie Lan Zhi.

What I appreciated most is that the CPs actually made sense. The main couple experienced genuine emotional progression, and even the side CP (Cheng–Ning) didn’t feel forced, they had their own dynamic that justified the “shipping brainrot” driving half the plot.

Qin Shu as a protagonist was a highlight. Watching him go... more>> from chaotic shipper to emotionally invested (and occasionally mentally unstable over CP dynamics 😭) was both hilarious and weirdly relatable.

Xie Lan Zhi, on the other hand, was that steady, competent, quietly indulgent gong done RIGHT. No unnecessary coldness, no toxic nonsense, just someone who shows up, understands, and acts.

The story balanced humour and sincerity really well. It never took itself too seriously, but when it needed to land emotionally, it did.

Overall: light, funny, emotionally grounded, and actually coherent in its character relationships.

Definitely worth the read. <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
glazing
New glazing
Apr 26, 2026
Status: Completed
How do I ever get over this? Absolutely love love love this cozy little universe the author created. Just 70+ chapters of feel-good moments, cute antics that have you kicking your feet in the air, mutual slow burn with a romance that feels earned, and some of the best friendships I've read in a while. The Qin Shu-Chu Cheng father-son

... more>>
Spoiler

mother-daughter (?)

[collapse]

friendship was one of my favorite aspects of this entire novel. They're so funny and s*upid together, they absolutely share one braincell when they're together but Qin Shu just has it 90% of the time.

The romance is achingly cute, like so so SO cute.
Spoiler

I love how quick Zie Lanzhi falls and how open he is about their relationship. So many cute moments stand out but in the side story where he folds in 0.00001 seconds because Qin Shu calls him hubby? Bye. My teeth are rotting from the sugar. Can't STAND them, I'm with you Luru!!!

And while I clocked the Xu Ning/Chu Cheng swap from day one, I didn't expect the reveal to stand out so much. It was so fcking funny and monumental, like zero notes it was the perfect way for Qin Shu to learn that his OTP reversed.

[collapse]

This is a nice breath of fresh air, perfect for a quick read in between heavier novels. 100/10, I could hem and haw and nitpick but nothing is touching this novel in my heart. <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
raym1821
raym1821
Aug 28, 2025
Status: Completed
if you are looking for a lighthearted, funny, and cute story that you just want to read to pass times, I recommend this one. Unfortunately it didn't delve much on the transmigration part which left many questions including the original's body and how come the original's family doesn't care, etc, and it is indeed quite a disappointment. But if you don't think too much about that part and just enjoy the relationship between MC and ml, I think it's fine because personally I really like how their relationship developing in... more>> their daily life and it feels like you can't get enough of it and wanting for more because how sweet it is. Because of that, I gave it a 5 star since it's become my comfort reading. Though overall I should give it 4 star.

so I want to emphasize don't bother to read this if you prefer drama, dog-blood, deep and thought-provoking plot. This story could be better read when you are feeling burnout or want to taste some sweetness and a relaxing story. <<less
11 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Moonstruck73
Moonstruck73
Feb 08, 2026
Status: Completed
Five stars! Five stars! Five stars! Good things must be said thrice!

Seriously, this novel is the funniest and fluffiest slice of life I have ever read. Hands down best ever romcom. The characters were awesome, the plot was awesome, MC was the funniest little gay and ML had more personality than all school grass Mls from other novels combined. I don't even read fluff too much, because I get bored halfway through. But this was just perfect, simply perfect. I love this. Damn, I'm crashing tf out rn.
6 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
zymchi
zymchi
Feb 19, 2026
Status: --
I adored this story mainly because of the hideous amounts of dog food... I loved it all and especially of how the MC is a CP fan himself. the plot is SO SO funny to read and so worth it to read if you're feeling a little nostalgic over college/university life. so pure and sweet! would reread :)
4 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
lamentine
lamentine
Jan 27, 2026
Status: Completed
I absolutely adore this sweet story. A lot of it is pure unadulterated fluff. Transmigration part of the story felt like it was just set for convenience, but the personalities of the MC, ML, and their friends was just tasteful, realistic and super hilarious to the point it became an addictive read. Would definitely reread again.
4 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Bamsi
Bamsi
Mar 10, 2026
Status: Completed
This novel has seriously become one of my favorites. The main character made me laugh so much, and I loved how the author handled different personalities so well. It didn't feel forced, and there was no angst, which is a relief after so many novels like that. This novel is sweet and funny. I highly recommend it.
3 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Faerylike
Faerylike
Feb 24, 2026
Status: Completed
Detailed rating: 4.4

This novel is rated way too low bruh, so I need to bump those ratings. It's not a 4.2 novel at all. It's comedic and does it well, all the central characters have real personality, and while it's quite lighthearted - maybe a little too much so, the relationship developments are still largely satisfying and done well.

If you want your read to be drama-packed and serious, don't read this, not get what you want and then come back unsatisfied and rate this less than a 4, thanks. This... more>> novel, and this genre in general, is not for you. Don't be like those idiots who read novels marked clearly with tags like "possesive characters" and "yandere" then go straight to the reviewes to drop a 1 star because the "ML is a red flag". Sisters, it astounds me how often that's accepted as a reasonable critique when the real problem is clearly that people have voluntarily gone and read marked genres that are not in alignment with their preferences. Don't start morally condemning authors either, because fiction =/= reality, and the responsibility falls entirely on the reader to be law-abiding citizens and make the separation between the two. Can we all work on this problem? I'd appreciate that.

All in all this was a cute and funny novel with decently constructed characters. It made me laugh many times and fed me plenty of fragrant dog food. 10/10 reccomend for a stress-free, relaxing read. <<less
3 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
forthebl
forthebl
Mar 06, 2026
Status: Completed
Hi, I really like this one, it made me laugh a couple of times and made people around me stare at me HAHAHAH I really liked this one, if you want a lighthearted and something soft and short, you should definitely read this!

10/10 RECOMMEND

(This was supposed to be 5 stars but I don't know how to edit it)
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Yumeru
Yumeru
Feb 25, 2026
Status: Completed
Just leaving review so that I know I have read this~. Read all 5 stars review cause its reasonable definitely a good read! If you know chinese fans they are so hardcore for their chosen CP's hahahaa MC is like that shipping his Mains and putting every effort for their interaction. Though of course there's misunderstanding because of MC's playfulness, its not irritating. Its even funny hahahaha and ML [ for MC/ Xie Lanzhi] is slowly falling inlove with MC. Well MC is a facecon so despite his early comments... more>> about xie lanzhi, as love rival. MC cant help having good view about xie lanzhi cause ML is a green forest for Qin shu! And oooohh there's a twist to MC's fave cp hahahha just read the novel <<less
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
emi_the_shipper
emi_the_ship
Feb 23, 2026
Status: Completed
This was such a cute silly read ^^3

100% recommend for anyone looking for something lighthearted.

Qin Shu, the little bean, is too adorable and a true CP fan throughout. (Jiejie approves)

I also really enjoyed the dynamics between all the characters and their friendship!
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Ouryane00
Ouryane00
Feb 15, 2026
Status: Completed
SO GOOD!!!!

No dull moment, both funny and sweet! It’s definitely worth reading!!!

I also love how the ChenNing ship got together, it was already in the summary but still was unexpectedly funny haha

MC and ML’s relationship is also very funny and adorable, I didn’t get bored reading about them even when they got together

Their squad of friends is really fun too + I feel like the ending is hinting at a possible new pairing in the future haha
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Callum Dixon
Callum Dixon
Feb 23, 2026
Status: Completed
Very funny and endearing. The characters were likable and the relationships progressed well. I really think this one's worth the read.
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Leave a Review (Guidelines)
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.