A Modern Fairytale on Campus, Lighter and Princess is a campus romance with real emotional weight. Zhu Yun, a rule-abiding, diligent student, crosses paths with the rebellious yet genius coder Li Xun. Their worlds couldn’t be more different—she’s cautious and naive, while he’s brilliant, confident, and emotionally distant. But as fate draws them together, sparks fly, and an unforgettable love story begins to unfold.
Meet the Cast of Lighter and Princess
| Chen Fei Yu (Arthur Chen) | as Li Xun |
| Birthday | April 9, 2000 |
| Background | Chen Fei Yu is the son of renowned director Chen Kaige and actress Chen Hong. Born in the U.S., he studied at the Beijing Film Academy and briefly attended the University of Southern California before pursuing acting full-time. |
| Character | He plays Li Xun, a genius computer programmer with a troubled past. Cold on the outside but deeply vulnerable, Li Xun is one of Chen’s most praised roles to date. |
Fun Fact: He gained immense popularity after Lighter and Princess, with fans praising his intense emotional range and brooding charm.
| Zhang Jing Yi | as Zhu Yun |
| Birthday | July 10, 1999 |
| Background | A rising star from Hunan Province, Zhang Jing Yi graduated from the Central Academy of Drama. She quickly gained recognition for her beauty and acting skills. |
| Character | She plays Zhu Yun, a kind-hearted, principled university student who gradually discovers her strength and independence. |
Fun Fact: Zhang was praised for her natural acting and chemistry with Chen Fei Yu, which many fans described as “magnetic” and “deeply believable.”
Lighter and Princess truly special
Lighter and Princess truly special is its balance of romance and reality. It doesn’t just focus on love—it dives into ambition, dreams, family pressures, and the pain of letting go. The emotional growth of both leads keeps you hooked, episode after episode. Enjoy All episodes on YOUKU. Watch The Trailer Below 👇
Here are some interesting facts about Lighter and Princess
| 1. Adapted from a Popular Novel | The drama is based on the novel “Da Huo Ji Yu Gong Zhu Qun” by Twentine, a well-known Chinese author famous for emotional and intense love stories. |
| 2. Main Leads’ First Onscreen Pairing | This is the first time Chen Fei Yu (Li Xun) and Zhang Jing Yi (Zhu Yun) worked together, and their chemistry was so powerful that many fans started shipping them in real life. |
| 3. Realistic Tech and Coding Themes | Unlike most romantic dramas, this one delves into the world of tech and programming. Li Xun is portrayed as a coding genius, and the drama includes scenes that reflect real-world programming competitions and startup culture. |
| 4. Trending Hashtags and Viral Clips | After its release, several scenes from the drama went viral on social media platforms like Weibo, TikTok, and Instagram, especially the romantic and emotional confrontations. |
| 5. Filmed on Real University Campuses | Many scenes were shot on actual university campuses in China, giving the drama a more authentic and relatable student-life atmosphere. |
| 6. Emotional OST That Hits Hard | The drama’s soundtrack, especially the theme song, became a hit due to its emotional lyrics and beautiful composition. It perfectly reflects the bittersweet nature of Li Xun and Zhu Yun’s love story. |
| 7. Massive Global Fanbase | Thanks to the availability on international platforms with subtitles, Lighter and Princess gained a huge following outside China, including fans from Southeast Asia, the U.S., and Europe. |
| 8. A Blend of Romance and Life Lessons | Beyond the romance, the show touches on serious themes like grief, mental health, family pressure, and personal ambition—making it relatable for viewers of all ages. |
| 9. Unexpected Plot Twists | The drama is full of twists and emotional turns that keep viewers hooked. It’s not a typical light-hearted romance—it packs a serious emotional punch. |
| 10. High Ratings and Rave Reviews | Both critics and viewers praised the drama for its storytelling, emotional depth, acting performances, and production quality. It consistently ranked high on Chinese drama charts throughout its airing. |
Lighter and Princess isn’t just another love story—it’s a moving exploration of how love can be a source of strength and healing. It captures the essence of youth: messy, passionate, and unforgettable.