Getting Outsmarted By The CEO

• Author: Cherry Wine
• Genres: Romance, Đời Thường, Hài Hước
• Status: Completed
• Chapters: 83
• Rating: ★ 4.3 / 5
• Published: 2026-10-02

A Double Act

The most entertaining aspect of the novel lies in its very premise: Ruan An An comes from an incredibly wealthy family but pretends to be a struggling student to get closer to Gu Jue. Ironically, the handsome, seemingly impoverished male student she is targeting is also hiding his true identity.

If only one character were lying, the story would feel quite familiar. Here, both are putting on an act for each other, adding a hilarious layer of irony to even the most mundane conversations. Do you enjoy characters who grow more transparent the more they believe they are in control?

Love as a Battle of Wits

Ruan An An is not the passive heroine who simply waits to be pursued. She actively creates opportunities to cross paths with Gu Jue, carefully curating her own persona, only to be quickly swept up in a dynamic she mistakenly believes she is orchestrating.

Meanwhile, Gu Jue initially comes across as a cold, quiet student, but he certainly knows how to reciprocate. His charm lies in his low-key yet proactive approach; he doesn't just passively accept her affection but constantly leaves Ruan An An wondering who is actually setting the trap for whom.

More Than Just Sweetness

This is an easy-to-read modern romance that seamlessly blends university life, career, and marriage. The leads develop feelings rapidly, even tying the knot early on, meaning it steers clear of the hundreds-of-chapters-long slow-burn romance trope.

On the bright side, this fast pace ensures there is always something entertaining happening. From their attempts to play poor and their subtle mind games to the gradual unraveling of their secrets, the main draw is anticipating their reactions when they finally realize they've both been outplayed.

Pros

• Charming chemistry between the leads: Both Ruan An An and Gu Jue are intelligent, proactive, and avoid the frustrating trope of throwing tantrums over petty misunderstandings.
• Well-integrated comedy: Most of the humor stems directly from their dual hidden identities, rather than forced comedic subplots outside of the main romance.
• An easy, low-stress read: The plot lacks heavy conflict, making it the perfect choice when you just want a lighthearted sweet romance to unwind.
• Clear relationship development: Despite the fast pace, their bond feels earned through their interactions, playful pursuit, and genuine care, rather than relying solely on a superficial 'love at first sight' trope.

Cons

• Realism is not a priority: Details regarding academics, careers, capabilities, and the lifestyle of the ultra-rich lean heavily on romantic fiction logic rather than real-world accuracy.
• A somewhat rushed romance: Ruan An An and Gu Jue marry quickly, so readers who prefer a long courtship and deep psychological development might find it lacking in emotional depth.
• Underdeveloped subplots: The story focuses heavily on the main couple, occasionally reducing external conflicts to mere backdrops used to push the relationship forward.

Community Reception

• Novel Updates: 4.1/5 (108 ratings, checked on October 2, 2026). Highlights include praise for its cuteness, humor, and lighthearted tone, alongside criticisms that the plot is overly idealized and unrealistic.
• Novel Recommendations: 4.2/5 (106 ratings, checked on October 2, 2026). Reviews on this platform commend its humor, the 'playing poor' dynamic, and overall entertainment value, while noting the rapid pacing of the romance and occasional plot holes.

A Fun, Escapist Read

If you are looking for a story with tight logic concerning business, academics, or the elite, this novel might raise a few eyebrows. However, if you accept it as a romance focused purely on the fun of watching two smart people play cat-and-mouse with their feelings, the unrealistic elements become much easier to overlook.

What I appreciate is that the story doesn't try to turn their love into an agonizing struggle. Both leads are competent, both have secrets, and both want the upper hand, yet their ultimate goal is always to get closer. At just 83 main chapters, it is a very manageable length for a quick, entertaining read.

Verdict

In short: Getting Outsmarted By The CEO is perfect for days when you want a fast-paced, sweet, and funny modern romance where both leads constantly hide their cards only to get countered at every turn.

Tags: comedy, secret identity, sweet romance