Who Plays The Lead Roles In 'Loveless Years Until We Meet Again' Adaptation?

The lead roles in 'Loveless Years Until We Meet Again' are played by two rising stars who bring intense chemistry to this tragic romance. Chen Xingyu transforms into the brooding Lin Yan, capturing his emotional turmoil with subtle facial expressions that speak volumes. His portrayal of a man haunted by lost love is heartbreakingly raw. Opposite him, Zhang Jingyi delivers a nuanced performance as Su Li, balancing fragility with quiet strength. Their on-screen dynamic feels painfully real, especially in flashback scenes where their youthful optimism contrasts with present-day despair. Supporting actors like Li Hongyi (as the manipulative second lead) and Zhou Yutong (as the pragmatic best friend) add depth to this ensemble cast.

The adaptation of 'Loveless Years Until We Meet Again' assembled a powerhouse cast that elevates the source material. Chen Xingyu’s interpretation of Lin Yan goes beyond typical melodrama—he masters the character’s psychological complexity, showing how grief physically weighs him down through deliberate movements and a perpetually tense posture. Zhang Jingyi’s Su Li isn’t just a manic pixie dream girl; she layers the role with intelligence and agency, particularly in scenes where she confronts Lin about their past misunderstandings.

What’s remarkable is how the secondary cast enhances the central relationship. Li Hongyi plays against type as the scheming Xu Ming, using charm as a weapon to drive the lovers apart. Veteran actor Wang Yang steals scenes as Lin’s terminally ill father, whose final advice sparks the protagonist’s redemption arc. The director deliberately cast theater-trained actors for supporting roles, resulting in performances where even silent glances carry narrative weight.

For those interested in similar adaptations, I’d suggest checking out 'The Day I Saved the Boy' for another stellar Chen Xingyu performance, or Zhang Jingyi’s earlier work in 'Lighter and Princess' to see her range.

Casting directors knocked it out of the park with 'Loveless Years Until We Meet Again.' Chen Xingyu and Zhang Jingyi don’t just act—they bleed their roles dry. Watch how Chen’s Lin Yan clenches his jaw during emotional scenes, like he’s physically holding back tears, or how Zhang’s Su Li uses microexpressions to show love and resentment warring beneath her smile. Their chemistry isn’t manufactured; it’s organic, messy, and uncomfortably relatable.

Special shoutout to child actors Liu Haoran and Zhao Jinmai, who play the younger versions of the leads. Their innocent portrayals make the adult characters’ regrets hit harder. If you enjoy this adaptation’s focus on emotional realism over dramatic tropes, try 'More Than Blue' or 'Us and Them'—both explore similar themes of love and loss with equally compelling casts.