The Story in 3 Sentences
A discarded daughter, branded a coward and fool, awakens to her past life’s genius and power, transforming from society’s outcast into a dazzling, multi-talented force .
She coolly dismantles her enemies and manipulates the financial world while reluctantly embracing her destined romance, proving that true strength often lies in calculated laziness .
Her mysterious origins unravel, revealing ancient legacies and forcing her to shoulder immense responsibility, ultimately scripting a brilliant, self-determined legacy that defies her cruel beginnings .
Why It Stands Out
1. The Lazy Genius Archetype Perfected
Gu Xiqiao isn’t your typical vengeful or hyperactive protagonist; her defining trait is a profound, almost philosophical laziness that contrasts hilariously and effectively with her unparalleled, multi-domain genius . She doesn’t seek conflict but effortlessly crushes anyone who disturbs her peace, making her victories feel earned through intellect rather than brute force or rage. This unique blend of apathy and supreme competence creates a refreshingly relatable and endlessly entertaining heroine who redefines power dynamics in the genre.
2. A Power Fantasy Without the Grind
The novel delivers an immensely satisfying power fantasy where the protagonist’s abilities—finance, medicine, martial arts, entertainment—are established as innate and overwhelming, not painstakingly earned . Readers get to enjoy the spectacle of Gu Xiqiao casually dominating every field she touches, from the stock market to the silver screen, without tedious training arcs. Her journey is about managing her power and navigating complex relationships, not about becoming powerful, offering a different kind of wish fulfillment focused on effortless supremacy and strategic application.
3. Romance as a Strategic Alliance, Not a Crutch
The relationship with Jiang Shuxuan is presented less as a damsel-in-distress trope and more as a meeting of powerful, independent minds . His famous line, “You’re in charge of being pretty and having a good time, I’m in charge of providing for the family,” encapsulates this dynamic perfectly . Their romance evolves as a partnership between equals, adding depth and mutual respect to the narrative, which elevates it above stories where the love interest exists solely to rescue the protagonist.
Characters That Leave a Mark
There’s Gu Xijin – the legitimate daughter and public darling of the Gu family, whose perfect facade hides envy and malice, serving as the primary familial antagonist and a constant, petty thorn in Gu Xiqiao’s side .
You’ll meet Chu Ziheng, who is explicitly named as the story’s antagonist, a figure from the protagonist’s distant past whose schemes and personal vendetta drive much of the external conflict and mystery surrounding her origins .
And Jiang Shuxuan? They’re the one who becomes Gu Xiqiao’s powerful ally and love interest, offering unwavering support and resources while respecting her autonomy, famously declaring his role as the provider so she can focus on her own pursuits .
The Flaws Fans Debate
Some readers find the protagonist’s aloofness and extreme laziness to be a barrier to relatability, making her feel distant or unengaged with the world around her despite her power.
The plot can feel formulaic to some, following a well-trodden path of the reborn protagonist humiliating their detractors one by one, which can lead to predictability .
Critics point out that the author sometimes relies heavily on describing the main character’s beauty and talents, which can feel repetitive or vain if not balanced with deeper character development or plot progression .
Must-Experience Arcs
Ch. 1–50: The Awakening and Initial Confrontations – Gu Xiqiao adjusts to her new life, subtly reveals her capabilities, and begins dismantling the petty schemes of her family, particularly Gu Xijin, setting the stage for her transformation from ignored daughter to formidable presence.
Ch. 100–200: Expanding Horizons and Deepening Mysteries – The protagonist ventures beyond the family estate, leveraging her financial acumen and medical skills in the wider world, while clues about her past life and the true nature of antagonists like Chu Ziheng begin to surface, raising the stakes significantly.
Ch. 300–398: Unveiling Origins and Securing Legacy – The final chapters focus on resolving the overarching mystery of Gu Xiqiao’s heritage, confronting the primary antagonist in a decisive manner, and solidifying her hard-won position and relationships, culminating in a satisfying conclusion to her journey of self-determination.
Killer Quotes
“You’re in charge of being pretty and having a good time, I’m in charge of providing for the family.”
“I’ve never even looked that family of yours in the eye, but…This Imperial Capital is my territory!”
Cultural Impact
The novel has garnered a massive readership, with millions of users reportedly engaging with the story, indicating its significant reach within the web novel community .
Gu Xiqiao’s “lazy genius” persona has resonated with fans, making her a memorable archetype who subverts the typical hyperactive, revenge-driven protagonist common in the genre.
The dynamic between Gu Xiqiao and Jiang Shuxuan, particularly his “pretty and have fun” quote, has become a popular reference point for discussions about balanced, supportive romantic partnerships in fiction.
Final Verdict
Start Here If You Want:
A supremely competent, lazy heroine who dominates every situation with effortless genius.
A satisfying power fantasy where the protagonist humiliates her enemies and lives life on her own luxurious terms.
A romance that feels like a strategic alliance between two powerful individuals, adding depth without dependency.
Study If You Love:
Analyzing the “lazy genius” trope and how it subverts traditional xianxia and romance novel protagonist archetypes.
Exploring narratives where female power is expressed through intellect, strategy, and economic control rather than just physical strength or magical prowess.
Examining how web novels construct wish fulfillment through the lens of multi-talented protagonists who excel in diverse, modern fields like finance and entertainment alongside traditional ones.
Avoid If You Prefer:
Highly active, constantly striving protagonists who earn their power through visible struggle and training.
Deeply complex, morally grey characters; the novel often features clear-cut villains and a very aloof, sometimes distant, heroine.
Plots that avoid formulaic elements; the story follows a familiar structure of rebirth, humiliation of detractors, and rise to power that some may find predictable.
