The Story in 3 Sentences
A woman, reborn after a life destroyed by misplaced family loyalty that led to her and her fiancé’s deaths, walks out of prison cleared of murder charges and seizes control of her destiny .
She strategically marries the powerful, initially cold Chi Yang, using her hidden identities and medical genius to navigate treacherous family politics and dismantle the schemes of her jealous half-sister and stepmother .
Their relationship evolves from a calculated alliance into a deep, fiercely protective love, culminating in mutual devotion and the triumph of her true lineage as the adopted daughter of Duke Eton, securing her place and happiness against all odds .
Why It Stands Out
1. The Rebirth Gambit That Rewrites Fate
This isn’t just a second chance; it’s a tactical masterstroke. The protagonist doesn’t merely avoid past mistakes—she weaponizes her foreknowledge, turning her family’s betrayal and her own wrongful imprisonment into the launchpad for an unstoppable ascent, making her vengeance and success feel earned and deeply satisfying.
2. The Iceberg CEO Who Melts Completely
Chi Yang, nicknamed the “God of Death” for his terrifying aura, undergoes one of the most compelling romantic evolutions in the genre . His transformation from a cold, overbearing fiancé to a man utterly devoted, whose every action screams protection and love, creates an intoxicating dynamic that fans adore for its intensity and emotional payoff.
3. Secret Identities as Power, Not Plot Holes
The novel layers its protagonist with credible, impactful secret lives—from a brilliant physician to a mercenary and finally, the hidden daughter of a Duke . These aren’t gimmicks; they are integral to her survival and strategy, constantly raising the stakes and allowing her to outmaneuver enemies who underestimate the quiet woman they thought they knew.
Characters That Leave a Mark
There’s Zhong Kuijun – the military commander father whose attempts to be fair are constantly undermined by his weakness for his scheming second wife, making him a frustrating yet pivotal figure in the family’s central conflict .
You’ll meet Zhong Qianqian, who is the jealous, thick-skinned half-sister whose relentless, often embarrassingly stupid, attempts to sabotage Nuannuan drive much of the early and middle drama, embodying the petty villainy the heroine must overcome .
And Duke Eton? They’re the one who, as Nuannuan’s adoptive father and a powerful noble, provides the ultimate validation and backing, his unwavering belief in her happiness with Chi Yang serving as a crucial turning point and source of legitimacy in the final act .
The Flaws Fans Debate
The sheer chapter count, stretching beyond 3600, inevitably leads to pacing issues, with some readers feeling the author introduces repetitive conflicts to extend the narrative .
Some find the characterization of the antagonist, Zhong Qianqian, to be overly simplistic and cartoonishly evil, lacking the depth that would make her schemes more compelling .
A minor point of contention for some is the initial setup where the female lead frequently diagnoses the male lead with mental health issues, which can feel incongruous with his otherwise stable, albeit cold, demeanor .
Must-Experience Arcs
Ch. 1–100: The Prison Door Opens – Nuannuan’s release from prison and her calculated engagement to Chi Yang set the stage, introducing the core family dynamics and her first steps in reclaiming her life amidst immediate hostility from Zhong Qianqian .
Ch. 1000–2000: The Duke’s Heir Revealed – The revelation of Nuannuan’s true parentage as Duke Eton’s daughter shifts the power balance dramatically, forcing her enemies to scramble and elevating the stakes from family squabbles to matters of noble lineage and international intrigue .
Ch. 3600–3693: Forever Under His Gaze – The final chapters focus on the solidified, unshakeable bond between Nuannuan and Chi Yang, resolving lingering threats and culminating in their public, blessed union, promising a future of mutual love and enduring happiness .
Killer Quotes
“Let’s go. Chi Yang held Nangong Nuannuan’s hand, and under the blessings of their family and friends, they walked step by step towards the center”
“I will love you as much as you love me. This was her promise to him”
“Nuannuan is my daughter. There is no way that the daughter of Zhong Kuijun would be so weak.”
Cultural Impact
It has cultivated a dedicated fanbase on platforms like Webnovel, where readers passionately discuss Chi Yang’s character development and Nuannuan’s strategic brilliance .
The novel is frequently cited in reader forums for its satisfying “rebirth and revenge” trope, becoming a go-to recommendation for fans of the genre who enjoy strong, intelligent female leads .
Its immense length and completed status make it a comforting binge-read for many, a sprawling saga that promises a definitive, happy ending after a long, dramatic journey .
Final Verdict
Start Here If You Want:
A cathartic story of a woman taking absolute control after being wronged, turning her life around with intelligence and grit.
A slow-burn romance where the coldest, most intimidating male lead becomes the most devoted and protective partner imaginable.
A classic, satisfying tale of hidden identities and noble bloodlines coming to light, delivering justice and elevating the deserving heroine.
Study If You Love:
The intricate exploration of family dynamics and how rebirth narratives can be used to deconstruct and rebuild familial loyalty and betrayal.
The trope of the “contract marriage” evolving into genuine, deep love, examining how trust and partnership are built under extreme pressure.
The urban fantasy/josei blend that uses secret societies and noble titles within a modern setting to heighten personal drama and romantic stakes.
Avoid If You Prefer:
Tightly paced narratives, as the story’s epic length means it indulges in extended subplots and slower developments.
Complex, morally grey antagonists, since the primary villains like Zhong Qianqian are often portrayed with straightforward, unrelenting malice.
Stories that avoid common romance tropes like rebirth, secret identities, or the cold CEO archetype, as this novel embraces them wholeheartedly.
