Love Story in the 1970s: Chen Feiyu and Sun Qian Star in New Period Romance

A new nostalgic romance is set to capture viewers’ hearts. The upcoming 30-episode period drama Love Story in the 1970s, starring Chen Feiyu and Sun Qian, marks the first on-screen collaboration between the two rising stars — and anticipation is already building among fans.

Originally titled The Pragmatist’s Love, the series has been renamed Love Story in the 1970s, a more poetic title that better reflects its emotional depth. Adapted from a popular Jinjiang Literature City novel, the drama blends a “marriage-before-love” narrative with the social realities of late 1970s China, transporting audiences back to an era defined by material scarcity but emotional richness.

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A Marriage of Convenience Turns Into True Love

Set in the late 1970s, Love Story in the 1970s follows Fei Ni (played by Sun Qian), a factory worker at a state-owned hat manufacturing plant. Driven by ambition and a desire to change her fate through education, she dreams of entering university.

Meanwhile, Fang Muyang (played by Chen Feiyu) becomes a local hero after suffering memory loss while rescuing someone in an act of bravery. Fei Ni initially cares for him with practical motives — hoping that good deeds might help her secure a university recommendation.

However, life presents unexpected challenges. With her brother preparing for marriage and the family lacking housing, Fei Ni proposes a bold solution: a fake marriage with Fang Muyang to qualify for an apartment allocation.

Their relationship begins as a mutually beneficial arrangement. The couple moves into a modest eight-square-meter dormitory-style apartment, even converting their double bed into bunk beds — starting their unusual life as “roommates.”

Yet within that tiny shared space, something changes.

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Love Story in the 1970s: From Practicality to Romance

Fei Ni is rational, pragmatic, and strategic in every decision she makes. Fang Muyang, by contrast, embodies romantic idealism. Though his family has fallen from grace, he still dreams of becoming a painter — even exchanging precious food coupons for a bouquet of wildflowers.

As the so-called “bunk bed couple” gradually adjusts to life together, subtle gestures begin to reshape their bond. She remembers that he doesn’t eat spicy food. He supports her late-night exam preparations. Household chores are shared, and emotional understanding slowly takes root.

With the restoration of China’s college entrance examination system, Fei Ni finally gains a legitimate opportunity to pursue higher education. Encouraged by Fang Muyang, she achieves her dream of university admission, while he returns to painting, reigniting his artistic aspirations.

Love Story in the 1970s promises a tender yet grounded romance that highlights both emotional and material realities.

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A Strong Cast Lineup

Beyond Chen Feiyu and Sun Qian, Love Story in the 1970s features an impressive supporting cast, including:

• Guo Xiaoting
• Wang Tianchen
• Liu Mintao
• Wu Yue
• Shi Yunpeng
• Hao Wenting
• Hou Changrong
• Kong Lin

Guo Xiaoting plays Fang Muyang’s sister, Fang Mujing, who forms a turbulent relationship with Wang Tianchen’s character, Qu Hua. Liu Mintao, beloved for her performances in acclaimed dramas such as The Disguiser and Nirvana in Fire, adds veteran strength to the production.

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Chen Feiyu and Sun Qian: Rising Stars

Born in 2000, Chen Feiyu has steadily built a strong portfolio. He gained recognition for his role in Ever Night, earning the Huading Award for Best Actor in a Chinese Costume Drama, and also attracted attention through youth hits like Lighter & Princess.

Sun Qian first rose to fame with Take My Brother Away and has since appeared in several major productions. Her performance in Wild Bloom further showcased her versatility, earning critical recognition.

With both actors commanding significant fan bases, Love Story in the 1970s is expected to generate strong buzz.

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Authentic 1970s Production Design

To recreate the atmosphere of the 1970s, the production team reportedly built a 1:1 replica of the hat factory workshop. Over 300 authentic props — including enamel mugs and vintage sewing machines — were sourced from old markets.

The cast even spent two weeks living in the factory setting before filming began, experiencing ration coupon shopping and manual sewing work to fully immerse themselves in the era.

Director Chen Chang, known for Nothing But Love, teams up with screenwriter Guo Shuang, whose previous works include Remembrance of Things Past. Their collaboration has raised expectations regarding the drama’s quality and emotional authenticity.

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Premiere Date and Broadcast Information

As the Spring Festival approaches, television screens are gearing up for a new wave of drama premieres.

Love Story in the 1970s will officially air on CCTV-8 at 7:30 PM on February 21, and will also be available for streaming on Tencent Video.

With its nostalgic setting, rising stars, and emotionally grounded storyline, Love Story in the 1970s could become one of this season’s most talked-about romantic period dramas.