One of the best is 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card. It features intelligent alien species and a young boy's journey in a military academy preparing for potential alien threats. Another great one is 'The War of the Worlds' by H.G. Wells, which tells a terrifying story of Martian invaders attacking Earth. Also, 'Contact' by Carl Sagan is excellent. It's about a scientist's search for extraterrestrial intelligence and what happens when she makes contact.
I would recommend 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. While the focus is on the desert planet Arrakis, there are elements of alien-like creatures and the idea of a different kind of life. 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams also has some great alien concepts. It's a humorous take on the universe and its various alien inhabitants. 'Rendezvous with Rama' by Arthur C. Clarke is another. It's about the encounter with an alien spaceship and the exploration of it.
Chapter 501, "This Night, Destined to be Turbulent", is the clearest early answer because it turns Shang Shuyue's situation into a concrete plot event. Early on, After settling in, Jiang Mingyu aimlessly strolled the streets..
Chapter 794, "Debut as a Group!", is the clearest early answer because it turns Shi Xu's situation into a concrete plot event. The chapter turns that into something concrete by moving from Everyone crowded around Shi Xu as he entered the living room.
Chapter 510, "The Fake Young Master", is the clearest early answer because it turns Gu Qiang's situation into a concrete plot event.
Chapter 423, "A Scumbag!", is the clearest early answer because Yu Li gets a payoff that changes the stakes. The chapter gives readers a real answer by opening on Are you hurt?" Yu Li asked, panting. and ending on Bone setting is supposed to hurt a little." As he said that, he....
Chapter 704, "Even if I were a slave, I would be willing!", is the clearest early answer because it turns Teacher Bai Lu's situation into a concrete plot event.
Chapter 707, "I am Daoist Qingfeng", is the clearest early answer because it turns Miss's situation into a concrete plot event. Early on, Su Yinwan hadn't finished her dessert but, feeling agitated, had.... By the end, Wasn't she out meeting with the client?.
Chapter 488, "You Must Be the Captain Then!", is the clearest early answer because it turns Nina's situation into a concrete plot event. The chapter turns that into something concrete by moving from Lose face?" Nina's voice rose sharply, "We're already at a dead end,...
Chapter 434, "The Identity of the Feng Shui Master Can't Be Hidden Anymore", is the clearest early answer because the hidden truth stops feeling like mere subtext.
Chapter 898, "College Entrance Examination", is the clearest early answer because it turns Mom's situation into a concrete plot event. Early on, The time of early summer always passes quickly.. By the end, Why didn't I have these benefits when I took the entrance exam?.
Chapter 570, "A Simple Auto-Attack Baits Out an Ultimate from the Enemy", is the clearest early answer because the buildup finally cashes out in a real clash. The chapter gives readers a real answer by opening on What the heck is that?" "?? and ending on It was impossible for Jiang Li not to know;