The Book of All Things: Born for Joy

111. Seeing heaven and earth, seeing all living beings, seeing oneself

Ma Qian and her two companions then brazenly followed Zhao Qianfan and Li Zichun home.

They filmed the entire process, making sure they weren't on camera. Every little movement—drinking water, eating, yawning—was broadcast live, making Li Zichun afraid to even lie on a chair at home to pick his nose or scratch his toes.

The most annoyed person was Zhao Qianfan. He couldn't sleep with Li Zichun this week. He had finally escaped the trouble of being brothers and was sleeping in the same bed, but the cameraman came after only one day. He could only go back to his own room to sleep with a depressed look on his face.

Li Zichun didn't care. Although he didn't have Zhao Qianfan, his "warmth" (a term of endearment for someone who provides warmth and comfort), he had always gotten by like this before, so he wouldn't miss out on this extra piece of warmth.

For the next few days, Zhao Qianfan could be seen walking back and forth in front of the camera with his handsome face looking melancholy.

Although everyone was mentally prepared the day before, they were still startled by the camera when they opened the door. Li Ke was so frightened that she screamed and thought the thief who broke into the house hadn't left yet, and almost kicked him.

Fortunately, Liu Wancun, being a soldier, reacted quickly and moved the machine away immediately; otherwise, the machine, worth several million, would have been destroyed.

At six or seven in the morning, don't these cameramen need to sleep? They must be tough guys.

Early in the morning, it's still breakfast, exercise, and a nap.

After waking up in the courtyard, Li Zichun looked at the time on his phone, yawned, and said to Zhao Qianfan and Li Ke, who were exercising on either side, "Time to practice your voice."

After saying that, he let the two of them find a place to practice on their own, while he picked up his seven-bamboo pen and opened his laptop to read the news, starting his morning's writing work.

Early-rising netizens watched Li Zichun seemingly oblivious to their surroundings, pontificating as if the two would definitely do as he said. Meanwhile, in other shots taken out of his sight, the two were indeed practicing as he instructed, as if his words were inviolable golden rules.

Netizens were amazed, wondering if it had become second nature through training, given how self-disciplined they were. Reflecting on their own tendency to slack off whenever possible, they felt ashamed.

The morning passed just like that, and Yan Xiaoli woke up.

Li Zichun checked the time, clapped his hands, and said, "It's time to go have lunch. I want to go to the food street."

After saying that, Zhao Qianfan and Yan Xiaoli both raised their hands, and then the three of them rolled their eyes at the unmoved Li Ke, and said without pausing, "Let's go."

Because there were quite a few people, Li Ke was assigned to the same car as Yan Xiaoli.

We found a popular, trendy street on the map and headed straight there.

The crowds were huge, and there was a wide variety of food. Li Zichun directed Ma Qian and the others to take good photos of everyone before they went shopping and had lunch together. The group explored shop after shop, large stalls, small stalls, and temporary shops, and the whole day passed by just like that.

The next day, the group went hiking in the countryside. The mountain wasn't high, but Li Zichun was still panting heavily when he reached the temple at the summit. Zhao Qianfan wiped his sweat and fanned him. Li Ke ate ice cream, Yan Xiaoli drank mineral water, and Qi Tong stood on Li Zichun's head, yawning. The scene freezes. The group filming them are drenched in sweat.

On the third day, we went to the zoo and botanical garden. Everyone made funny faces in front of the various animals and took photos with the different plants.

On the fourth day, the appointment time finally arrived, and I visited the museum and art gallery. I documented my observations of the antiquities from this era, examining the daily tools and utensils used by people of that time. I also admired the artworks from this period, quietly absorbing the artistic atmosphere of that moment.

On the fifth day, I didn't go out for a stroll. I bought some groceries at the nearby farmers' market and supermarket and cooked at home. In the evening, I visited the night market and the square. The lively atmosphere was soothing, and I danced with the older women, enjoying the square dancing.

On the sixth day, they edited the footage. Li Zichun was skilled, and with his background as a top student, he finished in half a day, then spent the remaining half resting. Zhao Qianfan and Li Ke served the man and the cat on either side.

Over the course of a week, netizens followed them to see all the famous tourist attractions in Beijing, where crowds of people were everywhere.

And so, the recording of the singing competition began, and the final battle was about to start.

The number of people watching the live broadcast on TV and the internet has long exceeded the total number of votes, but only those who watched regularly before have the right to vote.

After everything was finalized, Zhang Xiaochuan began the official performance.

Every competition has an opening guest, and this one was no exception. It was Han Huang, a national first-class singer, who opened the show. However, he did not choose his own song, but instead chose "Good Days," which Zhao Qianfan had sung before. The song was sung in a standard folk style, lively and grand, giving the listener a festive feeling.

After the host's introduction and filler words, the first round of competition finally arrived: Heaven and Earth.

Li Zichun and Zhao Qianfan sat at the front desk watching the match, with Qi Tong rummaging through his bag next to them. Since it was the last match, Li Zichun took care of everything the next day, from diet to clothing. To ensure Zhao Qianfan was in top condition and to avoid any unexpected incidents, they brought their own water to drink at the event.

After the performances of the previous few people, it was soon Zhao Qianfan's turn to appear. Regarding the song "Heaven and Earth," Li Zichun hesitated for a while between Liu Zhuohui's "Heaven and Earth" for Beyond and Fang Wenshan's "Heaven and Earth Dragon Scales" for Wang Leehom, but ultimately chose the latter.

Zhao Qianfan, wearing a stylish dragon-themed sweatshirt made by Jin Dili's team at Li Zichun's request, looked very approachable and dashing. He sang "Heaven and Earth Dragon Scales" to the rhythm:

Aww~~~

I begin to paint this land, and the bloodline of our nation stretches for thousands of miles.

For six centuries, the descendants of the dragon have weathered countless storms.

This central axis of the capital region remains as steadfast as the integrity of a virtuous person.

The glazed tiles on the Nine Dragon Wall symbolize history's decline and resurgence.

These dragon scales, however, once struck the ground with a clang like shattered ice.

A single scale, an inch of heart; the story is so poignant, I can't bear to listen.

A person who upholds propriety and keeps their heart at peace; the melodious sound of the guqin reflects the heart of a gentleman.

I await a response, lingering amidst the vast and magnificent Chinese civilization.

I pay homage to the past as I pen the vast yellow earth of the East.

The ink splashes and washes away from the landscape, revealing only the rugged spirit of Chinese civilization.

The Shenwu Gate of the Forbidden City: How many vicissitudes have forged the spirit of China?

I inherit and deeply cultivate the culture, breaking through changes to turn the tide.

These dragon scales, however, once struck the ground with a clang like shattered ice.

A single scale reflects a single heart; a small act can lead to great achievements—I firmly believe this.

To lift up the nation's destiny and revive it once again.

Wandering the heavens and earth, searching for dragon scales, the dragon's bloodline has grown into a lush forest.

......"

The entire song is grand and majestic, with a powerful and resounding momentum, like the scales of a dragon clanging together, and a spirit as boundless as a dragon soaring through the heavens.

Zhao Qianfan's performance was flawless. The whole song flowed smoothly, with natural high notes, a strong sense of rhythm, and a powerful and charming voice that was both impressive and exhilarating.

Others' worlds, though truly vast, are filled with either praise for picturesque landscapes or reflections on the grandeur and insignificance of life. Compared to Zhao Qianfan's lyrics, imbued with historical and national significance, they lack a sense of depth and pride. Humans are born into this world, and simply being alive is something to be proud of. Add to that the magnificent palaces, pavilions, and museums bathed in the rising sun, and the breathtaking beauty of the performance, and it captivated everyone.

In the first round, Zhao Qianfan emerged victorious.

After a short break and on-site interviews, the host asked Li Zichun for his thoughts. He held the Seven of Bamboo and pouted, saying, "It's alright. For his level, it's just average, not amazing."

It's true that it's not very good. From Li Zichun's perspective, who has been immersed in five thousand years of history, it's just average.

Soon came the second performance: All Beings.

Because Zhao Qianfan came in first place in the previous round, he was the first to appear in this round.

Zhao Qianfan had already changed her clothes and stood in the center of the stage, singing "The World," a song that had moved countless people:

Plants will sprout, children will grow, and the train of time will not stop for anyone.

At the platform of fate, joys and sorrows, partings and reunions, are all fleeting moments.

People fly high like snowflakes, then melt away.

The world is full of suffering; love must end and rain must fall.

The sweetness of the world reminds me of home, no matter how far I travel.

Ordinary us, supporting the warmth and life under the eaves.

No matter how many changes occur in the world

May you overcome all obstacles and stay by your loved one's side.

As my mother grows older, I listen to her slowly recount her childhood stories.

May you never forget your youthful spirit, and may you be fearless even when your hair turns white.

If time will eventually be forgotten, remember you and me.

Loving like fire, life is worth living.

Wu

There are as many ways to live as there is joy and sorrow.

No matter how many changes occur, the sun will always rise and set.

We are ordinary people, weathered by rain, snow, wind, and frost, without asking where we are going.

Through the changing seasons, it flourishes and withers, yet sings in the wind.

I wish you...

We are like seeds, facing the sun our entire lives.

On this soil, all things grow.

This warm, simple, and infinitely powerful song, along with the TV series, moved countless people to tears.

Zhao Qianfan's voice is mellow, melodious, clear, and bright, like a gentle breeze that caresses the heart. It expresses emotions sincerely and naturally, moving people deeply as if performing with heartfelt emotion.

The performance moved many audience members to tears, and the internet was flooded with tearful emojis.

Listening to this song is like walking through the four seasons and experiencing the changing times. It contains the vicissitudes of life and insights into human nature, comforting every soul that is adrift in the tides of fate.

All living beings are merely extensions of the concept of "family." Even the heaviest rain cannot nourish a rootless plant; life's ups and downs ultimately lead to a return home.

Behind the screen are countless simple, honest faces captured over the past week, some staring blankly, others laughing freely. Crying children, angry parents, onlookers, excited middle school students, and elderly people with white hair—these vibrant faces create a strange yet heartwarming human tapestry.

Romain Rolland said, "There is only one heroism in the world: to see the world as it is, and to love it." May you see the truth of life and still find it worthwhile.

The other singers were also deeply moved, and without any suspense, Zhao Qianfan won his second consecutive victory.

Regarding the topic of "all living beings", Li Zichun actually had many songs in mind. His previous argument with Zhao Qianfan was about analyzing which direction to take. This song "Human World" was not actually his first choice because, as the final stage performance, it was more inclined to be lyrical and not exciting enough to drive the atmosphere. If the audience lost focus for a moment, they would not be able to get into the story.

However, it seems fortunate that Zhao Qianfan performed perfectly, otherwise this round would have been in jeopardy.

After two rounds of competition, Zhao Qianfan's total votes have reached more than 18 million, which is four to five million more than others.

During the break-time interview in the second round, everyone else was working hard to win first place, but when it came to Li Zichun, he yawned and said, "If I mess this up, I'll kick him out and sing it myself."

Then everyone remembered that he was not only a songwriter and composer, but also the "Moon Queen" who once dominated the entire internet, and the "Flower Ancestor" of Kowloon. If the authorities had launched the "Clean-up Operation" in the entertainment industry earlier, he might have been able to achieve the miracle of winning the championship all the way with one person and one team.

Because she also came in first place in the second round, Zhao Qianfan was the first to perform in the third round after changing her costume. Li Zichun had many ideas for her third performance, but after trying out Zhao Qianfan, she ultimately chose "A Song for Myself":

What you desire but cannot obtain, what can you do about life?

They can't let go of what they should, and are just rambling on about the past.

By the time you realize time is a thief, it has already stolen all your choices.

Love is nothing more than a high fever, and longing is the lingering cough that follows.

It is unforgivable, yet unstoppable.

Hatred creeps over the wall at night, only to find it empty.

But a buzzing sound keeps ringing in your heart. Who shot you in the back?

The vows of an old love are like a slap in the face.

Every time you remember a phrase, you get slapped.

Then for several years I couldn't stand the smell of women's fragrance.

The past is not like smoke. Yes.

Being nostalgic in love is not a virtue.

Unfortunately, love isn't like songwriting; no matter how seriously you take it, it won't become a style.

I ask you, have you ever seen longing spare anyone?

Whether you are a repeat offender or have no prior record

I only know of couples who broke up after a long period of separation; I've never seen a couple that broke up for a long time get back together.

Time, don't rush me. What's meant to come, I won't push away; what's due, I'll repay; what's owed, I'll give.

Time, please don't rush me. I won't chase after what's gone. I just want to understand the whole story.

Can anyone tell me what this is?

His love, buried deep in his heart, smoothed over for years, still lingers.

It's unforgivable, yet unstoppable...

What you desire but cannot obtain, what can you do about life? What you desire but cannot obtain, there are no wise men in love.

This song is one that Jonathan Lee wrote for himself, and also for ordinary people. Now in his fifties, facing his middle-aged self, he calmly unearths all his deeply hidden emotions, penetrating to the bone, each word like a sharp awl. The language is simple yet incredibly profound; the opening, half questioning and half lamenting, immediately captivates the listener: "What you desire but cannot obtain, what can you do about life?"

Li Zichun hesitated a bit when giving this song to Zhao Qianfan, after all, it was sung by Li Zongsheng. His songs are notoriously difficult to sing, extremely risky, and deeply evocative; if you don't understand them or hit the beat, it's easy to lose immersion. Furthermore, there's the gift of time. Without sufficient life experience and emotion, one cannot capture the essence of the song and achieve the effect of touching the soul.

But when Zhao Qianfan practiced singing the first line, Li Zichun got goosebumps all over. Wow, how much suffering had he gone through...?

PS: Data is from the internet.

"Heaven and Earth Dragon Scales" is the theme song of the large-scale documentary "The Forbidden City". It was composed by Wang Leehom, with lyrics by Vincent Fang, arrangement by Tang Da, and sung by Wang Leehom. It was released as a single on November 27, 2021, and later included in the theme music album of the large-scale documentary "The Forbidden City" released on December 3, 2021.

"The World" is a song with lyrics by Tang Tian, ​​music by Qian Lei, and vocals by Lei Jia. It was included in the album "The World Original Soundtrack" released on February 16, 2022, and is the theme song for the TV series of the same name. In April 2023, the song was nominated for "Best Film and Television Song" at the first Wave Music Awards.

"A Song for Myself" is a song with lyrics and music by Jonathan Lee, arranged by the Super Band, and sung by Jonathan Lee. It was included in the Super Band's album "Southbound Special Line," released on April 30, 2010. In 2011, Jonathan Lee won the Best Lyricist and Best Composer awards at the 22nd Golden Melody Awards in Taiwan for his composition, and the song also won the Best Song of the Year award at the same awards.