In Name Only

• Author: Jing Shui Bian
• Genres: Đam Mỹ, Urban, Giải Trí
• Status: Completed
• Chapters: 77
• Rating: ★ 4.6 / 5
• Published: 2026-09-28

A Strategic Alliance to Save Reputation

The story kicks off with a bizarre twist when two of showbiz's biggest stars get swept up in a massive, shocking joint scandal. To protect the careers they built with blood and sweat, Liang Yu and Xu Jingzhe choose the riskiest move possible: signing a marriage contract.

Turning a distant professional acquaintance into a seemingly deeply-in-love couple under the public eye is no easy task. They have to deal with relentless media scrutiny and skeptical fans while navigating a commitment that is strictly in name only.

This union between a Film Emperor and a TV Emperor is purely business at first, designed to pacify public outrage. Yet, that fake arrangement ironically serves as the bridge that pulls them into each other's real lives, causing their masks to gradually slip away.

Liang Yu and His Irresistible Eccentricity

Liang Yu isn't your typical flawless male lead often found in corporate or CEO danmei novels. Behind his glittering title of Film Emperor and his background as a professional model, he projects an extraordinarily cool and taciturn exterior.

Behind the camera, however, he is an amazingly eccentric individual with a sharp tongue and bizarre hobbies. Beyond his knack for making money, he has an intense passion for gambling, forming a deeply paradoxical yet vibrant personality.

When it comes to love, Liang Yu's eccentricity turns into intense passion with a heavily possessive streak. The subtle ways he starts looking out for his fake spouse reveal a surprisingly childlike yet profound side beneath his nonchalant demeanor.

Xu Jingzhe and His Surprisingly Normal Charm

In stark contrast to his partner's edgy nature, Xu Jingzhe is a three-time TV Emperor boasting an exceptionally squeaky-clean image. He exercises remarkable self-discipline, works diligently, and has kept his career completely scandal-free.

To outsiders—and especially to Liang Yu—Xu Jingzhe's "normalcy" can sometimes come across as rigid or even a bit old-fashioned. He lives a modest lifestyle, remains oblivious to flashy trends, and lacks strong material desires.

Yet, this steady and peace-loving temperament makes him the perfect counterweight to Liang Yu's impulsiveness. The dynamic between one who flaunts his intensity and one who favors tranquility delivers plenty of genuine humorous moments.

Chemistry Born from Opposites

Their dynamic evolves through a classic slow-burn romance, but in a refreshing way. At first, Liang Yu mocks Xu Jingzhe's unpretentious lifestyle, only to find himself irresistibly drawn to that very simplicity.

Living and working together allows them to uncover vulnerable sides that the public never sees. Genuine affection blossoms amid the glitz and glamour, turning their initial contract into something fragile against the calling of their hearts.

The transition from partners on paper to real-life lovers is handled so smoothly by the author without feeling forced. Readers will feel a genuine warmth as these two distinct personalities learn to harmonize and stand by each other.

Highlights of the Novel

• The character writing is amazingly vivid, with each character having a unique personality rather than falling into tired tropes.
• Humorous moments are subtly woven in, easing the tension of showbiz dramas and scandals.
• The overall story is a sweet romance with a satisfying happy ending (HE) that leaves readers feeling warm and fulfilled.
• Interactions between the leads are detailed thoroughly, particularly their psychological shift from cold distance to deep intimacy.

Minor Drawbacks to Consider

• The pacing can be a bit slow at times, focusing heavily on daily slice-of-life details and character psychology rather than rapid dramatic peaks.
• Readers who prefer traditional upright male leads might be thrown off by Liang Yu's penchant for gambling and overall eccentricity.

Community Ratings

• Novel Updates: 4.5/5.0 (113 ratings, checked on 28/09/2026). Readers highly praise the dynamic interaction between the two leads.
• WuxiaWorldEU: 4.88/5.0 (8 reviews, checked on 28/09/2026). Most reviewers applaud its logical flow and high entertainment value.
• WordPress (Grow As We Go): Notes that the story belongs to the sweet romance and comedy genre, featuring distinct characters with a fun, slightly unhinged edge.
• WordPress (Tutu): Commends the humor and the author's ability to create vivid, well-rounded characters right from the opening chapters.

Final Thoughts

Clocking in at a reasonable length of 77 main story chapters and 18 extra chapters, this is a lighthearted yet sharp piece of entertainment. It's not just a showbiz romance, but also a journey of self-discovery behind the stage lights.

Even though the marriage contract trope is nothing new, the way the author breathes life into the two main characters makes it feel fresh and engaging. Anyone who loves showbiz settings, compelling character dynamics, and a good laugh should definitely not skip this one.

Bottom Line: A sweet, funny, and grounded tale about two polar opposites who find each other amidst the dazzling chaos of showbiz.

Tags: marriage contract, showbiz, sweet romance