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| Arthur Chen’s Acting Transformation in Love Story in the 1970s Goes Viral as Ratings Surpass 2%. (Photo: World Journal) |
Arthur Chen (Chen Feiyu)’s latest drama Love Story in the 1970s (纯真年代的爱情) has come out swinging, topping its prime-time slot within days of release. The series peaked at 1.94% on its first day, then quickly climbed past 2% in real-time ratings, signalling a strong start and serious buzz across Chinese social media.
Starring Arthur Chen and Sun Qian, the period romance dives into youth, memory loss, and second chances — but what really has everyone talking is Chen’s drastic transformation on screen.
In Love Story in the 1970s, Arthur Chen plays Fang Muyang, a soft-hearted, slightly naive educated youth who temporarily loses his memory after being injured while saving someone. Confused and directionless, Fang Muyang must rebuild not only his life but also his emotional world.
It’s a complete 180 from his iconic role as Li Xun in Lighter and Princess, where he embodied a sharp-tongued, rebellious programming genius with icy charisma and intense confidence.
The contrast? Massive.
Netizens wasted no time turning it into a trending joke. One viral comment read:
“Chen Feiyu, does Li Xun know you’re acting like this?”
And honestly, that pretty much sums up the internet’s mood.
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The story follows Fang Muyang’s unexpected reunion with Fei Ni, played by Sun Qian, a determined factory worker fighting for a precious university admission quota. Education is her ticket to a better future, and she’s not about to let it slip.
To secure her chance, Fei Ni takes responsibility for caring for the injured Fang Muyang.
When he wakes up with temporary amnesia, their relationship begins under practical circumstances — a partnership built on need rather than romance.
But as episodes unfold, that “arrangement” slowly shifts. What starts as mutual benefit gradually deepens into something heartfelt.
They support each other, challenge each other, and eventually share the same dream: getting into university and changing their futures together.
Rather than leaning purely on nostalgia, the drama carefully builds its emotional arc step by step.
The 1970s setting feels textured and immersive, yet the emotional struggles feel strikingly modern — ambition, insecurity, pride, vulnerability. It hits both older viewers and younger audiences in different ways.
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If there’s one word fans keep using, it’s “contrast.”
Fang Muyang’s “blank and confused” gaze is a deliberate departure from Li Xun’s piercing, calculating stare. Arthur Chen noticeably softens his expression, dials down the intensity, and embraces a slightly awkward innocence that feels almost disarming.
But he doesn’t play it one-note.
When protecting his wife, there’s a flicker of stubborn determination. When emotions overwhelm him, his tear-filled eyes carry quiet weight. These small details are what viewers say prove this isn’t just a surface-level image change — it’s a carefully crafted performance.
Online discussions about his transformation reportedly surpassed one million reads in a single day, with comments flooding in:
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“He perfectly fits the role of a sheltered, innocent rich boy.”
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“This is the peak of his ‘innocent man’ acting path.”
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“I didn’t expect him to break away from Li Xun this convincingly.”
Supporters praise Arthur Chen for boldly stepping away from the shadow of Li Xun, arguing that it takes confidence to abandon a beloved image and risk comparison. They believe this role proves he’s more than just the “cold genius” archetype.
Sceptics, meanwhile, admit they’re still adjusting. Some say the drastic shift feels surprising, even jarring at first. A few viewers joked they kept expecting Fang Muyang to suddenly start coding.
Still, even the critics agree on one thing: people are talking. And in today’s crowded drama market, attention is currency.
With solid ratings, strong social buzz, and a performance that’s clearly sparked conversation, Love Story in the 1970s is shaping up to be more than just another period romance.
For Arthur Chen Feiyu, this may mark the moment he truly steps out from Li Xun’s long shadow and proves his versatility in a way that sticks.
Now the question is — do you prefer him as the cool, untouchable genius, or as the soft-hearted innocent finding his way?