I’m somewhat new to Chinese Novels, but I’ve read Manhua for some time now; such as ‘Phoenix Against The World’. When the MC is female, I notice that a lot of the time that the ML will be something along the lines of a handsome, mysterious prodigy with a secretive clan or backing that’s extremely powerful/rich. Basically a superhuman born a winner in every category. What I’m asking for is: Are there any Chinese Novels or Manhua where the MC is a female and doesn’t have to rely on or fall in love with a Gary Stu? (I’m reading ‘Divine Doctor’ and while the MC isn’t exactly a Mary Sue, the ML definitely isn’t a Gary Stu.)
Now I never actually read the novel, but you reminded me of a novel which I meant to read long ago, Stunning Edge. I think that novel is supposed to be like that.
I think Genius Doctor: Black Belly Miss is like that. ML is a cheat but I read at least a hundred chapters and she didn't really use him and instead relies on her intellect and previous life's info.
https://www.novelupdates.com/series/crossing-to-the-future-its-not-easy-to-be-a-man/ The female MC basically has full family backing and even uses it to help our future ML to be. She did not even expect the ML to be her future love until beyond 1000 chapters later.
Is that really possible? Just like how every female lead needs to be a beauty with hour glass figure, the male lead should be tall, rich, and handsome. Even if they're not tall, rich, and handsome at the start, they should meet the criteria in the end. Otherwise, the female protagonist would just dump them for one reason or another.
It’s one thing if the ML becomes a Gary Stu with the MC’s help, it’s another if they start out as a Gary Stu. (Love changes a person and all that jazz)