Hmm yeah, that's quite common but it might also have to do with when the books were written. At least, most of the ones I've read are quite old.

I personally really liked 三生，忘川无殇, 少年的你，如此美丽 (original novel for Better Days, the movie), and 你如北京美丽 (which has a drama adaptation now but I didn't watch). It's been a while since I've read them but I don't think they have as many annoying tropes, although there is definitely angst, which I enjoy.