7 Secrets Behind 'A Love Out Of Time': Why Liu Shi Shi & William Chan’s Xianxia Still Captivates In 2025

Despite premiering in 2017, the Chinese drama known to many international fans as 'A Love Out of Time'—officially titled Lost Love in Times (醉玲珑)—continues to be a hot topic among C-drama enthusiasts, especially as of December 2025. This sprawling xianxia epic, which masterfully blends political intrigue, forbidden magic, and a heart-wrenching dual-timeline romance, set a new standard for the genre, featuring the magnetic pairing of A-list stars Liu Shi Shi and William Chan. Its unique plot device, where a sorceress resets the world to save her love, is the main reason viewers are still dissecting its nuances years later, searching for updates and re-evaluations of its complex narrative.

The enduring popularity of this series is a testament to its ambitious storytelling and high production values, directed by the acclaimed Lin Yu Fen, known for her work on *Three Lives, Three Worlds, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms*. Fans are particularly interested in the current activities of the lead actors, Liu Shi Shi and William Chan, whose on-screen chemistry was so intense that rumors of a modern-day reunion project continue to surface, keeping the drama's legacy alive and making any new information about the cast or the series itself highly sought after in the current C-drama landscape.

The Dual-Timeline Phenomenon: A Full Biography of Lost Love in Times (醉玲珑)

The drama officially known as *Lost Love in Times* (Chinese: 醉玲珑, Pinyin: *Zui Ling Long*) is the definitive answer to the search query "A Love Out of Time Chinese Drama." Its production details and core concept are crucial for understanding its unique place in the *xianxia* genre.

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• Original Title: 醉玲珑 (Zui Ling Long)
• Alternative/English Titles: Lost Love in Times, A Love Out of Time, Drunken Exquisiteness
• Genre: Xianxia, Fantasy, Romance, Historical, Political
• Based On: The novel *Drunk Linglong* by Shi Siye (十四夜)
• Director: Lin Yu Fen (林玉芬)
• Original Release Date: July 13, 2017
• Number of Episodes: 56 (Original Broadcast)
• Production Company: New Faction Entertainment
• Core Plot Device: Time Reset / Alternate Reality / Dual Timeline

The Main Cast and Characters

The drama is anchored by two of the biggest names in Chinese television, whose portrayals of the fated lovers are frequently cited as a highlight.

• Liu Shi Shi (Cecilia Liu) as Feng Qing Chen (凤卿尘): The highly skilled, pure-hearted sorceress from the Mingyi Tower. She is the female lead who makes the ultimate sacrifice—using the forbidden Nine Turns Array to reset the world—to save her love, Yuan Ling, which creates the second timeline.
• William Chan (Chan Wai-ting) as Yuan Ling (元凌): The powerful and decisive Fourth Prince of Western Wei, who is later crowned Emperor. He is the male lead whose death in the original timeline prompts Qing Chen's drastic action.
• Xu Hai Qiao as Yuan Zhan (元湛): The gentle, intelligent, and ambitious Seventh Prince, who becomes the main rival to Yuan Ling for both the throne and Qing Chen's heart in the second timeline.
• Han Xue as Tao Yao (桃夭): An Elder of the Sorcerer's Clan.
• Huang Meng Ying as Feng Luan Fei (凤鸾飞): A noble lady whose fate is tragically intertwined with the royal family.

The Unbreakable Bond: Analyzing Feng Qing Chen and Yuan Ling’s Second Chance Love Story

The brilliance of *Lost Love in Times* lies in its innovative use of the dual-timeline concept, which elevates it beyond a simple historical romance. This plot device is the "secret weapon" that keeps fans re-watching and analyzing the series.

1. The Forbidden Spell and the Alternate Reality

The story begins with the passionate, fated romance between the sorceress Feng Qing Chen and the Fourth Prince Yuan Ling. When a political conspiracy leads to Yuan Ling's death, Qing Chen, in a desperate act, activates the forbidden Nine Turns Array. This spell does not simply send her back in time; it creates an entirely new parallel world or "alternate timeline."

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2. A Love That Must Be Re-Earned

In the new world, Qing Chen still retains her memories, but no one else does—especially Yuan Ling. The second timeline presents a completely different political landscape and new personalities for the characters. Qing Chen must navigate this new reality, fighting to save the kingdom and protect the man she loves, all while ensuring he does not fall for her too quickly, as their original love led to disaster. This tension—the heroine knowing the past while the hero is essentially a stranger—is a powerful narrative hook.

3. The Political Chess Game and the Xianxia Element

While the romance is central, the drama is a complex political thriller. The Sorcerer's Clan, to which Qing Chen belongs, is a secret organization that maintains a delicate balance of power with the Imperial court. The conflict between the Sorcerers’ magical abilities and the Emperor’s political machinations drives much of the plot. The *xianxia* elements, including the forbidden magic, powerful arrays, and mystical beings, are seamlessly woven into the historical setting, creating a high-stakes environment where one wrong move could destroy the entire timeline.

Legacy and Current Status: Where Are the Stars Now in 2025?

A major factor in the continued interest in *A Love Out of Time* is the successful, active careers of its leading stars. The possibility of a reunion project between Liu Shi Shi and William Chan is a constant source of fan speculation, providing the most "fresh" update for a 2017 drama.

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4. Liu Shi Shi’s 2025 Triumph: The Empress of Period Dramas

Liu Shi Shi, known for her elegant and poised acting, has continued to dominate the historical and period drama space. Her 2024–2025 projects, such as the critically acclaimed *A Journey to Love* (一念关山) alongside Liu Yu Ning, cemented her status as a top-tier actress. Fans continue to praise her ability to portray strong, complex female leads, a trait she perfected as Feng Qing Chen. Her recent success keeps the conversation about her past hits, like *Lost Love in Times*, active and relevant.

5. William Chan’s Versatility: From Prince to Modern CEO

William Chan has diversified his portfolio, moving between historical epics, modern romances, and action thrillers. In the 2024–2025 period, he starred in the highly anticipated modern drama *Love's Ambition* (许我耀眼) with Zhao Lusi, showcasing his versatility and appeal in contemporary roles. His shift to modern settings contrasts sharply with his powerful portrayal of the Fourth Prince Yuan Ling, reminding fans of his range and leading to calls for him and Liu Shi Shi to reunite in a modern-day contract-marriage or office romance C-drama.

6. The Unconventional Ending That Sparked Debate

Unlike many straightforward *xianxia* dramas, *Lost Love in Times* presented an ending that was both satisfying and ambiguous, adding to its legacy. The ending required Qing Chen to make yet another difficult choice, leaving many viewers with lingering questions about the true nature of the final timeline and the sacrifices made. This ambiguity fuels endless online discussions and fan theories, ensuring the drama remains a talking point years after its broadcast.

7. The Enduring Power of the Director’s Vision

The drama was helmed by Lin Yu Fen, a director with a reputation for creating visually stunning and emotionally resonant fantasy dramas. Her use of rich color palettes, intricate costumes, and grand set designs ensured that *Lost Love in Times* was not just a story but a visual spectacle. This high production value, a hallmark of its era, makes the drama feel less dated compared to its contemporaries, securing its place as a visually stunning classic in the *xianxia* canon.

In conclusion, 'A Love Out of Time,' or more accurately, *Lost Love in Times*, is far more than a forgotten 2017 drama. It is a cornerstone of the *xianxia* genre, celebrated for its bold dual-timeline plot, the potent chemistry between Liu Shi Shi and William Chan, and its stunning visual execution. As both lead actors continue to achieve new heights in their 2025 careers, the drama’s legacy remains vibrant, constantly drawing in new viewers eager to experience this unique tale of a love so strong it literally reset the world.