To improve both their living conditions and move closer to her dream of higher education, Fei enters into a fake marriage with the man, Fang Muyang — as married workers were eligible for free dormitory housing. In this unlikely arrangement as "roommates", the two young individuals grow closer, ultimately falling in love while helping each other realize their dreams. Fang becomes a painter, and Fei gains admission to a college.

According to the TV series, films and documentaries department of China Media Group, Love Story in the 1970s has received an average rating of 1.910 percent, with the highest single-day record surpassing 2.1 percent, making it one of the most popular dramas on the broadcaster CCTV-8 during its run.

Wang Yichuan, a distinguished professor at Beijing Language and Culture University, said the drama resonates through a rich array of everyday details. "Set more than half a century ago, the series delicately, vividly, and precisely evokes a sense of nostalgia in viewers through a series of 'symbols of life' — such as green trains, dormitory buildings with shared corridors, thermoses, white porcelain cups, blackboard newspapers, food ration coupons, workshop slogans, and certificates of merit," he said.

"More importantly, the pragmatic life strategy embodied by Fei Ni reflects a distinctly Chinese philosophy — one that confronts reality with rationality and practicality, and, regardless of hardship, pursues ideals through perseverance and hard work," he added.