You know those times when you’re craving something with a nostalgic feel, slow time flow, and a little sprinkle of old-school romance? Well, that’s exactly what led me to this novel — Becoming the Delicate and Spoiled Female Side Character in a Romance Novel [80s] 📚✨
I’ve read quite a few novels set in this era—rural China in the ’60s to ’80s—and honestly, some have been major letdowns 😩. I am even translating some myself. Like Rebirth to 80’s to Have a Good Life, or Post-80s’ Cultivation Journal, or Reborn in the 1970s as a Rural Woman. But lucky for me (and maybe for you too), this one wasn’t! 🙌 It may not be an all-time favorite, but it’s definitely a solid, feel-good one-time read.
The setup is simple but fun: Lu Yun wakes up as a dainty supporting character in a romance novel. She’s delicate, can’t handle hard labor, only eats steamed buns and plain rice 🍚, and is supposed to fall into the background while the “real” heroine shines. But does she follow the script? Nah. Our girl’s got her own plans 💅.
From Day 1, things start to change—especially when she’s face-to-face with the so-called villain, who’s weirdly caring and intense (and very much into her 😳).
“Why won’t you eat the braised pork I made?”
Sir, if someone made me braised pork, I’d marry them on the spot. Just saying 🐷🍖💘
But what really stood out for me were two things:
- The Flow of Time – This wasn’t one of those stories where everything happens in two months and suddenly everyone’s rich, successful, and in love 🙄. The pacing was real. It felt like years went by—you moved through seasons, life events, changes in the village. It was calming and immersive, like walking through someone’s life at a natural pace 🍂🌸🌞❄️
- Lu Yun Herself – She might’ve started as the “spoiled” side character, but don’t let that fool you. She never lost her spark or agency. Even when she started falling for the ML (who, btw, is NOT your typical alpha male—he’s much softer under that grumpy surface), she stayed true to herself. She studied, opened her own shop, built her own future 💼📝. Love didn’t change her, it just joined her journey.
I also appreciated the extra two chapters at the end—they wrapped up what happened to the OG female and male leads in the novel. It gave nice closure without being all dramatic.
Now, would I read this again? Probably not. But would I recommend it? 100% yes. It’s short, sweet, has great vibes, and doesn’t try to be more than it is 💖
So if you’re looking for:
- A quiet but meaningful romance
- A strong-willed FL who keeps her head and heart in balance
- Slow-burn development through the seasons
- A cozy trip back to the 80s…
Then give this one a go! 🧶📦✨
Have you read it already? Or do you have another rec for 60s/70s/80s era romance that hits the same cozy-yet-motivating tone? Let me know—I’m always collecting gems 💬💌
Novelupdates Link: https://www.novelupdates.com/series/becoming-the-delicate-and-spoiled-female-side-character-in-a-romance-novel-80s/
