Lighter and Princess

When Zhu Yun arrives at university she expects routine study and new friendships, but Li Xun quickly shakes up her plans. He carries the image of a spoiled, out-of-touch heir, and Zhu Yun treats him coldly at first. The truth is different: Li Xun is a special-admissions student and a rare programming talent. Their early clashes soften into mutual respect as they learn how their strengths fit together. After senior Fang Zhijing repeatedly targets Zhu Yun, Li Xun defends her and invites her to join the team he assembles to compete in a major programming competition. The series concentrates on their changing relationship, team dynamics, and the pressures of college life without revealing contest outcomes.

Lighter and Princess premiered in 2022, directed by Chun Chieh Liu and Ma Wei Wei, and created by Twentine, Zhou Yong, and Liu Ziwei. The show stars Arthur Chen as Li Xun and Zhang Jingyi as Zhu Yun, with Zhao Zhiwei, Jenny Zeng, and Cui Yuxin rounding out the core cast.

There are no widely reported wins at major international awards tied to the series, and it did not feature prominently in global prize lists like the Emmys or Golden Globes. Rather than industry trophies, the show earned attention through viewer interest and online discussion in its domestic market.

Viewer response has been generally positive, averaging 8.1/10 from 35 votes, with many praising the on-screen chemistry between the leads and the believable pressure of exam and contest seasons. Recurring themes include class differences, loyalty, youthful ambition, and collaborative problem solving within a tech-focused setting.

The series stood out for bringing programming competitions into a campus romance format, which sparked social media conversations and fan interest in the lead pairing. It connected especially with college-age audiences and viewers who enjoy school-centered dramas that touch on teamwork, competition, and coming-of-age choices.