am absolute tr*sh for the dynamic in this: a possessive ML who has unconditionally loved the FL since their childhood and a FL who is a bit slower on the uptake yet eventually grows to love the ML just as much. i also love the vibe of this story and how so many of the main character’s interactions are quiet yet intense because of the ML’s overwhelming fame. the way the ML is described is absolutely swoon worthy and i really love how the FL isn’t your typical doormat — she’s tender hearted but firm, a character with a likable personality. ... more>>

cons of the story would be the dubcon when it comes to kissing before the/at the start of their relationship but i find that seems to be a prevalent issue across many chinese web novels so….. :/ still, if you want to read something that will make your heart flutter, i believe you’ll love this novel!

(edit: coming back to say this is genuinely my favorite web novel i’ve ever read — i don’t typically reread stories but i’ve reread this three times already — and a must read for anyone who wants a romance novel that will move your heart.) <<less

ML is one of the most charming characters i’ve ever read — a handsome, competent foodie — and the FL is such a lovely character and a breath of fresh air. i love how she shamelessly acknowledges she’s a whale (gamer who spends a lot of money) and i especially love the banter in this. the story is elevated by talented, witty translators (it’s a shame it hasn’t been updated for a while) and for the most part, a light hearted and funny read. ... more>>

the only real thing i disliked was how most, if not all, of the female characters introduced had no purpose other than to obsess over the ML; it would have been nice to see female characters with a fleshed out personality like the male side characters. however, i wouldn’t let that discourage you from reading it and would whole heartedly recommend this novel! <<less

your typical popular guy harbors hidden feelings for a dense girl type of story but the ML is charming despite his perfectness and the FL... more>> is lovable and funny despite her obliviousness. the beginning and ending were good but it started to drag somewhere in the middle and i ended up skimming that portion of the story. if you love clichés, you will love reading this.  <<less

short story about reconnecting with your first love. i like how the main characters have unique professions (for cnovels at least) and though the ending... more>> seems somewhat rushed, it’s still an enjoyable read.  <<less

the situations the FL gets herself in gives me so much secondhand embarrassment but the slow way the ML warms up to the FL as... more>> a result is really lovely to watch. light hearted and entertaining, good for when you want something to read without needing to think too deeply about the plot.  <<less

the story that started my cnovel obsession! extremely slow paced but i personally enjoy these kind of slice of life stories with a heavy emphasis... more>> on hurt/comfort and yearning. has a unique (?) concept with the female lead transmigrating from a dystopian world to one full of demons. i like how the FL is smart and resourceful and though not physically strong, has a strong mentality. it’s heartwarming to see the main characters taking care of each other in such bleak conditions even if they’re still pretty bad at verbally communicating; would recommend to anyone who likes slow burn stories and is tired of modern romances.  <<less

the plot has been done before but i’ve still enjoyed what i read so far and the manhwa for it is also very cute! the... more>> skinship (physical contact) is the main draw of the story for me — the first time he hugs her is such a quietly heart tugging scene — and i think this story has a lot of potential.  <<less

the ML seems like your stereotypical cnovel male lead but the FL is so confident and cheeky that the story becomes fun to read nonetheless.... more>> romcom vibes.  <<less

tbh though i read the entire thing, this wasn’t my cup of tea. i thought the ML crossed the line and was an as*hole for... more>> the majority of the story; like i can’t see what others find so heart fluttering about him? that being said, i still added it to this list because this story is well loved and fits this reading list’s purpose to a T. recommended for those who don’t mind their MLs being aggressive with their unconditional love though keep in mind there are a few scenes with dubious consent.  <<less

their backstory and the dog are cute! would recommend for those who like the trope of second chances and famous!MLs pinning after not famous!FLs. reminds... more>> me a little of “my darling”, though i found “my darling” superior and more engrossing as a story overall.  <<less

possessive, unconditional love but in an unhealthy way. the ML is a yandere whose obsession only grows worse with each chapter; i could barely sympathize... more>> with him even after his backstory was revealed. the FL’s desire to live and her relationship with her aunt/mom and brother were touching. the “romance” is twisted but the plot was strangely captivating; i couldn’t stop reading because i was curious to see how much worse it would get. would rec if you like angst and are able to tolerate reading about unhealthy, abusive relationships.  <<less

your typical bad boy x good girl novel with a transmigration twist. well written but tooth achingly sweet even for a self proclaimed fluff and... more>> cliché lover like me. <<less

pure fluff! deals with show biz (as ML is a director and FL is a screenwriter) and their cute dogs (though the dogs seem to... more>> take more of a backseat later on in the story). the ML is a bit of an as*hole at the beginning but i love the FL’s directness and their dynamic together is pretty cute and makes for humorous situations.  <<less

i'm still working my way through this but it's seriously one of the funniest novels i've had the pleasure of reading recently! though it features... more>> the stereotypical ceo x actress cliché, it's somewhat balanced out by the fact that the ML has to fulfill a bunch of tasks towards the FL to live so the power imbalance doesn't overwhelmingly favor the ML as it usually would in these types of novels. and despite these forced acts of affection, i like how it's not insta love. it's also so funny -- i could definitely see this being adapted into a romcom drama -- and so far, is definitely worth the read! <<less

for a novel about two people post-divorce, there is surprisingly very little angst! instead, this is a fluffy story and a relatively breezy read.

imo the ML was pretty unlikable in the beginning -- i got the feeling that their relationship was unbalanced with her liking him way more... more>> than he liked her -- but as the story unfolded, i realized he does care very deeply but he just shows it in a... brash way. the FL on the other hand is pretty shameless and seeing her thought process about certain things is just An Experience i think everyone should try going through. <<less

title says it all lmfao this story is built off of miscommunication and lies but it's not too frustrating to read. a short and sweet... more>> story. <<less

the story has all the components i like -- childhood friends to lovers, seemingly unrequited feelings, yearning !! -- but it seems to be a... more>> VERY slow burn. like i read somewhere that the scenes at the beginning (which features the dynamic i'm anticipating the most) happens like 80 or so chapters in and at this moment there are only 11 translated chapters released T___T would still recommend bc i like what i've read so far even if there hasn't been a lot of chapters released yet. <<less

not sure myself why i find this story so charming but i really do like it! the misunderstanding between the two leads seems like it's... more>> going to lead to a lot of numerous situations in the future, the FL is very likable and the way her relationship with her father develops is touching. very short chapters so i'd recommend waiting for chapters to pile up. <<less

features a shameless ML and FL who bicker not unlike how the leads in "a love so beautiful" do. i've seen some readers say they've been put off by their personalities but i personally like their antics and how they express regret and character growth as the story goes on. the side characters are also a++. in particular, i really love the friendship between menghuan and tang xue. the story deviates from the c-drama a little (i'd say the novel is less dramatic and features less love rivals than the drama?) but both are good and i'd recommend reading/watching both if you're a fan of sport dramas and the classic tropes of friends (and rivals/enemies)... more>> to lovers!

side note: there are a few blatantly patriotic moments (both in the novel and drama), some of which come at the expense of other countries (namely korea) though imo those moments were relatively rare. <<less

idk why i love stories with gaming components so much but this hit so many of my favorite tropes and is just such a lovely... more>> read, especially since it deviates from the typical "overbearing rich ceo" trope and features a really likable FL. the drama (currently airing!!) is also a fun watch :) <<less

a very typical bxg novel filled with so many tropes (childhood friends to lovers, somewhat tsundere golden boy!ML with lowkey not like other girls!FL) but... more>> it's still cute and well written so far. if you can look past the mary sue-ness of the leads and don't mind something sugary sweet, then i think you'll enjoy this novel even if it breaks no new ground <<less

slow burn with romance taking somewhat of a backseat especially at the beginning since there's actual plot! can be somewhat confusing to follow along with... more>> but i still really enjoyed reading it regardless because of the worldbuilding; it's one of the few ongoing stories i've been keeping up with weekly. the ML is unlikeable at the start (but that's to be expected of a black lotus) but when he starts falling for the FL, it's very cute. has a manhua adaption that's honestly also a bit confusing to follow too lol but the art is super gorgeous!  <<less