This review may contain spoilers
Of piercing gazes and steadfast love.
I was hesitant to watch this drama despite the good reviews that I read as, TBH, the title was a little odd. However, now that I have watched it, the title makes perfect sense and is apt!What I enjoyed:
- ML and FL had chemistry and they carried the drama well.
- Plot was quite intriguing on the whole. I was riveted and I kept wanting to know what would happen next. Plot moved along quite fast. Some lines of the drama were "da bomb" and meaningful.
- This was my first time watching the ML and I must say that he has charisma. He had a brooding and yet, piercing gaze. I liked his role as a super confident dude simply because he knew his own capabilities and he knew that he was remarkably talented and smart. He also had the work ethics to boot.
- I liked that the two leads only had eyes and feelings for each other. They were true to each other.
- I liked the whole bunch of people from Flying Heart Company. They were funny enough. I liked how they ended up supporting ML and FL.
- I liked the supportive female friends in the form of Ren Di and Fang Shu Miao. I liked that there was no b*tch in this drama and that Xu Li Na turned out to be endearing.
- I liked that the drama was pretty realistic on the whole. For instance, I liked how FL's parents were portrayed because it added realism.
- The starting track was dramatic and well-composed. I have been listening to it! The other songs as part of the OST were nice too. The songs fitted the different parts of the drama.
- I liked that the story had a happy enough ending and that everything wrapped up quite nicely.
What I didn't enjoy:
- Oh, I hated Gao Jian Hong and Fang Zhi Jing. They were total scumbags. I hated them to the core. I hated how they were so insecure and instead of using proper and ethical ways to better themselves, they chose to step on others to climb up.
- It was heartbreaking to see how ML lost his loved ones - parents and sister. I hated his brother-in-law.
Overall, this drama is pretty excellent and I highly recommend it! :o)
<3
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College sweethearts against the world
I had been a little nervous going into this as I very rarely enjoy dramas with two timelines — usually the huge trigger event just feels so unnecessary and avoidable with some communication, and the part that comes after is so chock full of angst and uneven knowledge.That wasn't the case for this drama at all; of course there were things that happened but I felt like all the development was very in line with who the characters were and I especially loved the female lead, who was perfectly written as someone who grew up pretty sheltered and protected but started to come out of her bubble and have her own opinions and dreams. Even when she was left out of plans there was this element of trust and insightfulness that she had that prevented the sort of frustrating misunderstanding I usually hate seeing.
The chemistry between the leads was top-notch and was hands down one of the best part of the show; the banter was hilarious, the tension before they got together was great, and overall they were just so natural with each other they were one of the few couples that I didn't lose interest in after they got together.
The OST fits the scenes perfectly and I think this has quickly become one of my favorite dramas of 2022.
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A marking unconditional love story - You'll either like or dislike it (I LOVED it)
Let me start by saying I'm generally picky with what I watch, and I drop dramas as soon as I feel the story hasn't much going on for itself anymore. I naturally take scores and reviews into account when I'm searching for stuff to binge, lighter and princess included. All of this to say I didn't pick this up with no expectations, I wanted it to be good, and oh my god! It was!After watching you are my glory, I was looking for another nice modern c-drama with good romance, and while a very different type of dynamics, LP didn't disappoint me on that. This drama is superb. Admittedly, it has several flaws (which some reviews already pointed out here) but I can only think of about 3 dramas with a picture perfect storyline anyway.
A few reasons why I liked this despite the bad boy/good girl trope that I often can't stand to watch :
- Li xun is cocky and rude yes, but not because he is popular, rich, spoiled or something like that. He has a heavy past which has closed him off from social relationships and his confidence comes from his exceptional skills. I'm not excusing that though! Those are FLAWS, which made me want to pull out my hair sometimes but I'd rather take that than male leads who manhandle, BULLY FL's at the beginning of some shows just because they were an "eyesore" to their distinguished sockets only to magically change because du-du-dum *LOVE*. Li xun here isn't the nicest guy, he has trouble with empathy and emotions in general, but he doesn't brag, just does things on his own and others feel bothered because of that. He won't abruptly change, yet he does show signs of wanting to improve by the end of the drama for Zhu yun. He never bullies her, they BOTH bother e/o at the beginning and if anything it feels like they're flirting and in denial the whole time.
- Zhu Yun is never helpless. It is her who comes from a rich family, who has the power. They are quarreling but it feels like she could get out of those situations at any time if she *really* wanted to (she actually did once!). Tbh their relationships of cats and dogs even start with her always coming back to interact with him despite his rudeness.
- They are complementary. The two characters have apparent flaws, especially li xun, but she brings him something just as he brings her something. They are both the person who makes the other better.
//SPOILER WARNING, this section will mainly be me discussing the main characters and the negative takes on them in detail//
Lighter and Princess is above all a captivating love story. Some said and will say that the FL runs after the ML too much and I won't argue with that. However, despite it all it is definitely one of the reasons why this drama touched me so much.
YES when they meet again, it is Zhuyun who still pursues him despite what the break-up did to her, and I can totally see how it may not please some who waited for the opposite to happen, but instead of being angry at that, I was agreably surprised.
She does not pursue Li xun because she has no respect for herself like many people say or because she is incompetent without him, she wants to help him professionally because she values his skills a lot and she herself is every bit qualified to do so. She acknowledges his pioneering dream, relates to it and want to be a part of it. She also feels the most alive and in control of her life thanks to him (his presence gives her strength to follow what she wants, as opposed to her parents who dug a path for her). As much as I love my girl bosses with their own dreams and objectives, I feel it's a bit unfair to label her as dependent just because she wants a man to be part of her projects. Li xun himself doesn't force her to do anything, if she wanted to quit working with him he'd 100% support it as he believes she can change the world (YES HE SAID THAT). Also, Zhuyun only mentions mending their relationship post-time skip when she confirms that he still thinks of her, never before that. She knows what she wants, they've already wasted a lot of time so she doesn't hesitate. She knows Li xun more than anyone, as well as his wounded past, so she sees through his indifference and hurtful words.
NOW don't misunderstand me! I was mad pissed at what he did, and I'd have slapped him across the face more than once. But everyone has different ways of internalizing things, and while I did think she should've been angrier and he more apologetic after he trampled on her feelings in the office (that scene UGH), I think it's one of the rare cases where I was convinced by the sheer determination of a character despite the criticism I might have had. I'm not ignoring the depression she went through at all but she succeeded in bouncing back, and is very resolute in pursuing what she wants. It's her choice at the end of the day so my thoughts became more of a "damn girl, you sure like your man I hope you tamed him by the time you have children" and that's all lol. He clearly starts to open up again, and you feel like she can do it! Both characters stay faithful to their personality whether it be the good or bad points and it diverges from the standard relationship development of clear cut redemption ; it was fresh in an unexpected way.
//End of the section//
The ending could've been longer (I wanted more) and the revenge aspect could indeed have been better. But hey, I came for the romance and I was completely touched by the unconditional love she has for him and vice-versa. I'm not the type of person who looks for 100% mellow, healthy and perfect relationships at all costs in tv shows (those don't pique my interest in the long-term fiction-wise actually) so I quickly accepted the lows of their relationship, which despite everything was so beautiful to me.
If you have experienced temporarily unbalanced (not related to love because he loves her just as much, it's more of a communication problem) relationships irl and can't separate it from fiction, maybe you won't like this. It's what most negative opinions of this drama are about tbh. And that's totally valid, but I don't agree at all with people who claim only teenagers will like this or that all mature people will find it tasteless. I, in fact, experienced rocky relationships but as I said, this drama is not about my life, so I had no problem enjoying the story. It all depends on what type of dynamics you like to watch.
Their chemistry was natural and pleasant to see, both actors convey their attraction through their eyes and they're pretty what can I say? (eye-candy + eye contact is THE combo). They managed not to make me cringe (quite the contrary) at interactions that would have made me roll my eyes (like that leaning in thing Li xun was obssessed with?? if not for his beguiling side-profile and charming eyes that would've been a no no) in other dramas and for that I congratulate them. I like relationships which start with bickering so I feel like I'm in the minority that didn't feel bored at all in the first episodes + it was very nice to see them gradually act like a couple before they even made things official.
Also the kisses and intimacy are GREAT yall! Thank the lord.
As for the osts, they are perfect for the drama and quite a few are in my playlist (I'm looking at you hugs in the snow). The cinematography was really good as well!
A con : the quality of the translation wasn't that good, it's a shame because knowing mandarin will make you appreciate this more.
All in all, a memorable drama with more to offer than the cute and simple high-school/uni romance, which made me pick up editing again after years of inactivity. I say if you like the enemies to lovers genre, flirting hidden by bickering, a relationship that develops seamlessly, and characters that are everything for each others, give this drama a chance !
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Obnoxious male lead beyond redemption
I really wanted to enjoy this drama, but the male lead's behaviour is soo obnoxious that I just can't go on with it anymore; he'd better be freelancing for the rest of his life because no people deserve to deal with such an asshole at work. The fact that the female lead is helplessly swayed by such an obvious walking red flag and tolerates him abusing his classmates made me lose respect for her as well. The only character I'm rooting for is Gao Jian (the SML), but I've a feeling the writers will somehow make him out to be the bad guy, so I think it's best for me to drop the drama here (after 12.5 episodes). The ML's sob story wasn't that impressive either and definitely doesn't justify him being such a bully. Everytime he opens his mouth I seriously want to punch him, I can't even enjoy the "flirting" scenes when all he does is act condescendingly towards the FL.Was this review helpful to you?
oh my god
this drama is only halfway there but it literally has me giggling and kicking my feet. IT IS THAT GOOD.the chemistry between the leads is magical and i fall for the ml more and more each minute.
i find the ml's storyline super interesting and i love how much he cares for the fl, even if he tries not to show it as much. its so nice to see how compatible they are with each other!
also it's kinda cool how they were each other's first loves and then meet again in the future once he's out of jail and FALL IN LOVE AGAIN i'm so excited for when that comes
again, chemistry is 12/10
best cdrama i've seen in a whileeee! IM IN LOVE🥹
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Sparks Flying Everywhere
"Lighter and Princess" is a heartwarming drama that tells the story of Zhu Yun and Li Xun, two university classmates who fall in love despite their different personalities. While Zhu Yun is warm and friendly, Li Xun is a computer genius who is often aloof and cold. However, their chemistry is undeniable, and viewers can't help but root for their relationship to grow and overcome the many obstacles that come their way.One of the strengths of "Lighter and Princess" is the way it slowly builds up the characters over time, allowing viewers to really get to know them and understand their motivations. Zhu Yun is a particularly admirable character, as she endures mistreatment from Li Xun but still remains by his side, supporting him and helping him achieve his goals. Her unwavering love and dedication to Li Xun is truly touching and serves as a reminder of the power of love to overcome even the toughest challenges.
The acting in "Lighter and Princess" is also top-notch, with the two lead actors displaying excellent chemistry and emotional range. Their portrayal of Zhu Yun and Li Xun's relationship is authentic and believable, making it easy for viewers to become invested in their story.
Overall, "Lighter and Princess" is a highly enjoyable Chinese drama that explores the power of love and perseverance. Its well-crafted characters, strong performances, and compelling storyline make it a must-watch for fans of romantic dramas.
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The Princess and her King
I never go for the modern, contemporary cdramas. I usually find them draggy, too slow and I tend to skip loads of scenes. But every now and then I find a hidden gem in this genre and this time it was Lighter & Princess.It's been on my to-watch-list forever and after watching When Destiny Brings the Demon, I craved more of Chen Feiyu's acting.
He did not disappoint.
This drama lured me in from the very first second and gave me all the "mystery" vibes I had when watching The Smile Has Left Your Eyes (kdrama). I was swept away by the characters and wanted more each episode. I wanted to know what drove them and why most of them acted the way they did. The mystery around Li Xun is what really pulled me in. He reminded me so much of Kim Moo Young (from the smile has left your eyes, which is one of my all-time fave kdramas). There was a constant sadness to him. It's something Chen Feiyu is really good at. Acting with his entire body. Not just saying some lines or doing some things.
I loved the female lead too. She's not a damsel in distress or the "pretty girl that needs saving". She's headstrong, doesn't back down and stands up to fight alongside her team.
The story starts in the here and now. 7 years after the events between the male and female lead started. Zhu Yun is nostalgic about coming back to China after being abroad for a couple of years. During her comeback we see Li Xun being released from prison. When they see each other spraks fly immediately but things aren't simple and they back away from each other. The story then pulls us back 7 years ago and shows us their beginnings. It's an enemy-to-lovers trope and I'm all for it. He cannot stand the sight of her and she doesn't back down from a fight. He is a top genius when it comes to programming while programming is something Zhu Yun was forced to do by her mother. But the rivalry between them teaches Zhu Yun how much she loves programming and that's where their connections begins to grow.
I absolutely loved this way of story telling. I usually hate time-jumps but this was a welcome one. I wanted to know what happened between them and why they couldn't be together. I'm glad they brought us back so soon too because I went into it pretty blindly (didn't recognize some of the characters from the future) which kept the story fresh. I didn't know what to expect but when I did realize I was watching one of Zhu Yun's memories she had thought about in the first episode, it made me smile.
Positives:
- The cast. The way they acted out their characters was amazing.
- It didn't feel slow at any point of the story. I was sometimes annoyed by how much screentime the side characters were getting but that's only due to wanting to know what was going to happen to the main characters.
- The OST. It's been on repeat since I started watching the show.
Negatives:
- Chen Feiyu has a wound on his hand that they didn't blend out or tried to hide. It could be gone one scene and back the next. I know it's probably hard to edit away a wound (it seemed to be a cut of some sort) but it sometimes pulled me away from immersion. With the way the time-jumps were used it was the one thing that didn't make sense.
- The way things wrapped up in the last couple of episodes. I understand why it had to end this way but I wish redemption would have come a little sooner and they could have started to come back as friends, and if not as friends, then maybe as colleagues.
Overal I really do recommend this drama. Anyone who wants an enemy-to-lovers trope needs to see this one. Or just wants to enjoy a good rivalry or a romance that grows into true -love.
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The best of Chen Fei Yu and an Amazing love story of good girl & bad guy
I previously watched Chen Fei Yu and Zhang Jing Yi in other dramas, and I have to say that I did not like the characters they acted in. Gold Panning for him and "Fall in Love" for her.In Lighter and Princess - they both did a fantastic job, and their on-screen chemistry was so good. Chen Fei Yu acted better than Zhang Jing Yi in this drama. Still, the character she performed in this drama was far more interesting and intelligent.
I like the storyline because I can relate to it since I worked as a software engineer and had come across some raw talents.
Li Xun is one of that genius who is not only smart but also arrogant and dangerous. He meets his match in Zhu Yun, who is innocent yet fearless and challenges him. Their love for each other is genuine, and they challenge each other to be a better person, which is rare to see in Cdrama.
I enjoy this drama very much, and I would give it a 9.0 rating if it were cut short to 30 episodes instead of 36. As such, it was a bit draggy, so I am giving it an 8.5 rating. Chen Fei Yu has the potential to be a great actor in his future career, and the OST is also great.
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Favorite c drama of all time
This is my favorite c drama. I've rewatched it 5 times and each time I notice more and more nuances, motifs, and understand li xun and his reactions, decisions and thoughts more and more!! The writing is full of quiet motifs that only reveal themselves after you know what’s coming: every look, every pause, every half-smile carries weight once you understand his past and how deeply he loves yet fears loss.What makes this drama stand out isn’t just the romance — it’s how truthfully it portrays two people growing through pain, misunderstanding, and redemption. Li Xun isn’t a cold genius; he’s a man who learned too early that vulnerability invites loss, and the story slowly unravels how Zhu Yun’s presence challenges that belief. Their love feels raw, sometimes messy, but always deeply human.
The cinematography, music, and pacing all serve the emotional arc — restrained yet powerful. Even small details like where each conversation takes place (rooftop vs. base) mirror their emotional distance and growth. It’s rare to find a drama that rewards rewatching this much, where every gesture or line carries new meaning once you understand the full story.
Lighter and Princess isn’t about perfection — it’s about two people learning how to love without running, to forgive without forgetting, and to believe again after breaking. For me, it’s not just a romance — it’s a meditation on fear, pride, and what it means to finally be free enough to love.
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A masterpiece of subtlety and raw feelings
What a masterpiece.It’s hard to find a show without any boring episode, especially one with 36 episodes, but I was glued to the the screen from beginning to end. Despite the pretty simple plot line, the show manage to nail it and keep it entertaining.
The chemistry between the FL and ML was honestly through the roof with how playful yet subtle they were… THE LONGING AND YEARNING ??? Yeah, I wanted to gouge my eyeballs with how good it was.
Both of them were fully fleshed out and their decisions always made sense with their characters. The acting was just phenomenal, I had a hard time realising it was just acting as they barely had any long and unrealistic staring contest you usually see in these shows, the main couple were perfect for the role !
My only complaints would be with some of the side characters plot lines but as they weren’t that present in the show, it didn’t affect the overall quality for me.
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ONE OF THE BEST MODERN CDRAMAS I'VE EVER WATCHED T-T
Lighter and Princess is a captivating drama that goes beyond the typical romantic storyline. What I truly love about it is how it explores the complexity of its characters, particularly Li Xun. His character feels layered, almost like a puzzle you want to keep solving, with every episode revealing a little more about who he is. His struggles, his silence, his deep emotional layers—it all makes him feel real, not just a typical "brooding hero" trope.Zhu Yun, the female lead, is the perfect counterpart to Li Xun’s complexity. What struck me the most is how her understanding of him isn't something that happens overnight. It's gradual, earned, and completely genuine. No one else in the drama can really get Li Xun the way she does. It's not about solving his problems or changing him; it's about acceptance, patience, and simply being there in a way that no one else can.
The chemistry between the two leads is electric—each look, each conversation feels so weighty because it’s about more than just romance. It’s about trust, vulnerability, and the quiet moments of understanding. I felt so deeply invested in their connection, and honestly, that’s what made the drama hit so hard emotionally for me.
The beauty of Lighter and Princess lies in its ability to balance romance with character development. It's not just about the love story; it's about how these two characters find their way toward each other, not by grand gestures, but by simply being seen by one another. That deep connection made this show unforgettable for me.
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Sizzling Chemistry!
I don't think I will ever move on from this drama. The love between the FL and ML will leave you wanting for more when you have watched the last episode. There is nothing like L&P. What makes is special? The ML is not the most talkative and at first he might appear cold and unfeeling. But keep watching. He doesn't make it obvious, but he will do anything for the FL in his own way. And the FL believes in him. She knows his soul and his heart. They are soulmates. True love will find it's way. How I wish there was a season 2!Was this review helpful to you?
