Just Finished Watching "Lighter and Princess" (Some Spoilers)

I guess Chinese drama, at times, can't skip looking at traditional vs. modern Chinese values. A lot of China has changed over the years. This drama would explore traditional Chinese parenting's constraints to a certain extent. We have Arthur Chen Feiyu (who was pinned to some scandal) and Zhang Jingyi acting as two sides of the coin. Arthur's character of Li Xun is pretty much what some may call a bad boy. Jingyi's character Zhu Yun is raised by traditional Chinese parents. This creates a bridge of romance though it doesn't end in tragedy like Romeo and Juliet.

Zhu Yun and Li Xun don't fall for each other, at first. I kinda like it when the love story has hostility turning into romance. When the two fall for each other - Yun's parents get into the picture. I guess China's one-child policy does come into place. After all, Yun is an only child and I'm glad she wasn't aborted. Yun is also pretty much a Mary Sue since she's pretty, intelligent, and kind-hearted. Okay, it's possible for a woman to have all three traits without being perfect. Yun displays several traits that still make her human. Xun himself is chased by almost every woman even if he's practically a bad boy.

The plot moves on with a three years later plot. Xun does something very stupid by assaulting the douchebag Fang Zhijing (acted by Cui Yuxin). I liked how Yuxin made the a**hole Zhijing come to life. Zhijing is highly unscrupulous. Meanwhile, Gao Jianhong (acted by Zhao Zhiwei) goes from personal friend to Xun to rival. Jianhong ends up having a friendship with Zhijing. Jianhong goes money-hungry and takes over L&P. Later, Xun joins a start-up group to create another game. Tian Xiuzhu (acted by Ma Ke) also dates Yun but later lets her go. 

Some plots here do make you ask, "What if it's too late?" Xun's older sister (acted by Jill Hsu, nice to see her again) does die midway. Jianhong later develops a malignant glioma. One must wonder if is there still humanity left? Xun does serve prison time yet society still looks down on him. Mama Zhu is also very judgmental. Can a guy with a previous criminal record prove himself to perfectionist parents?

Sure, it's hard to focus on the scenes whenever Yun shows up. However, Yun doesn't become just eye candy when she does show up. Yun does her best to improve as a young actress. It was fun watching the cast develop. It was also challenging to face the questions in the story. I recommend this one for a heartfelt story without too many fillers.