The Story in 3 Sentences
A public betrayal by her fiancé and sister shatters Xi Xiaye’s world, forcing her to flee a family that sees her as disposable .
In her lowest moment, she impulsively proposes to the enigmatic and powerful Mu Yuchen, who calmly agrees, whisking her away to the civil registry before the day ends .
Their hastily arranged marriage becomes a slow-burning sanctuary, transforming from a contract of convenience into a profound, enduring love that weathers years of external storms and internal growth .
Why It Stands Out
1. The Gentle Giant CEO
Mu Yuchen defies the domineering alpha trope; he’s a pillar of quiet strength and rational calm, whose power lies in his unwavering support and gentlemanly reserve, making his devotion feel earned and deeply real .
2. Healing Through Partnership, Not Just Romance
The story’s core isn’t just about falling in love, but about two broken individuals finding wholeness together, learning to navigate the world as a united front against their past traumas and present challenges .
3. Josei Soul in a Webnovel Body
It prioritizes emotional maturity and steady character development over cheap thrills, offering a nuanced, slow-burn narrative that respects its audience’s patience and desire for depth, feeling more like a thoughtful drama than a frantic romance .
Characters That Leave a Mark
There’s Gu Lingsha – the cunning and resentful sister whose schemes to reclaim Qi Lei and destroy Xi Xiaye’s new life drive much of the early and mid-story conflict, her anger a constant, chilling undercurrent .
You’ll meet Qi Lei, who – once Xi Xiaye’s fiancé, his weakness and betrayal set the entire plot in motion, and his lingering presence and connection to Gu Lingsha continue to cast a long, complicated shadow over the protagonists’ lives .
And Lin Xuanyu? They’re the one who serves as a cultured and refined proxy, a minor but steady figure representing the professional world and offering a glimpse into the broader, more stable life Mu Yuchen provides .
The Flaws Fans Debate
The pacing is deliberately slow, a dealbreaker for readers craving fast-moving plots or instant gratification, as the story takes its time to breathe and develop .
Some readers find the initial chapters overly dramatic and feel the crucial backstory explaining the betrayal is withheld for too long, creating early frustration .
The sheer length, spanning over 2000 chapters, can feel daunting and occasionally meandering, with some feeling certain plot points are stretched thin to extend the narrative .
Must-Experience Arcs
Ch. 1–50: The Broken Vow and The Hasty Union – The story opens with Xi Xiaye’s devastating public humiliation and her impulsive, life-altering marriage proposal to Mu Yuchen, establishing their dynamic and the central conflict .
Ch. 500–800: Whispers and Confrontations – Gu Lingsha’s machinations intensify, forcing Xi Xiaye and Mu Yuchen to confront their pasts and solidify their trust in each other amidst rising external threats .
Ch. 2000–2150: Five Years Strong – The final chapters reflect on the enduring nature of their love, showing how their bond, like fine wine, has only deepened and matured over time, cementing their status as a true power couple .
Killer Quotes
“Xi Xiaye is unique in this world. Mu Yuchen’s wife and the mother of my child. No one can mistreat you. How could you be a burden?”
“In these five years, Mu Yuchen’s feelings for Xi Xiaye did not decrease at all. Instead, they were like a jar of old wine, brewing stronger and stronger.”
“He smiled as he suddenly thought of something. There was a short silence before he said, ‘Xi Xiaye, I believe in you.’ His words moved Xi Xiaye deeply.”
Cultural Impact
It’s hailed by many fans as one of the most beautiful and realistic CEO romance stories on Webnovel, praised for its departure from clichés .
The novel boasts a massive readership, with tens of millions of views, indicating its significant reach and popularity within the online romance community .
Its slow-burn, mature approach has cultivated a dedicated fanbase that actively recommends it to readers tired of overly dramatic or shallow love stories, positioning it as a benchmark for quality in its genre .
Final Verdict
Start Here If You Want:
A soothing, character-driven romance that feels like a warm embrace after a long day.
A powerful male lead who protects without smothering and loves with quiet, consistent actions.
A story about rebuilding a life and finding true partnership, not just a passionate fling.
Study If You Love:
Exploring the Josei genre’s themes of emotional resilience and mature relationships within a webnovel format.
The narrative technique of using a slow, steady pace to build profound emotional depth and believable character arcs.
How modern romance stories can subvert common tropes (like the god-like CEO or the helpless heroine) to create something more grounded and satisfying.
Avoid If You Prefer:
Fast-paced plots with constant action and immediate resolutions.
Stories that avoid any form of melodrama or emotional turmoil.
Novels that are concise and easily finished in a few sittings, rather than epic, sprawling sagas.
