The Book of All Things: Born for Joy

132.

Zhao Qianfan listened with him, and sensing the emotions in the person in his arms, he quickly asked, "What's wrong?"

Li Zichun shook his head without saying anything, and continued listening to the next song, "Summer Breeze":

The July breeze is lazy, even the clouds feel warm.

The day after tomorrow was gloomy, and after a cloud cover came rain.

Woo yeah

Temperatures climbed to unbearable levels

I simply closed my eyes and let my imagination run wild.

The scene shows two people taking a walk together.

My face gently pressed against your chest.

Hearing my heartbeat, I know you care about me, just like the temperature of the weather.

I'll always remember the summer breeze, and how clearly you said you loved me.

I see your cool smile, but also your shy moments.

The summer breeze is blowing warmly, passing through my hair and ears.

The wind whispers softly about you and my summer.

A gentle, lazy sea breeze blows to the high mountain peaks.

The gentle breeze, the mountain wind, blew into the mountain breeze.

......

Why aren't you here? I ask the mountain wind, will you return...?

This song was composed by Jay Chou. The melody is a lazy RIB, which brings out a lively rhythm at a leisurely pace. It is pleasant and comfortable to listen to. It sings about the mood of summer and a memory that belongs only to summer.

Li Zichun narrowed his eyes slightly. Li Ke's singing of this song was obviously not good, yet it was released just like that. How rushed was it? It was as if someone was manipulating him.

Yan Xiaoli didn't report to him, and he didn't know if she forgot, was too busy, or was being supervised and manipulated. It seemed that there were problems with the studio as soon as it was established.

Li Zichun pondered the problem expressionlessly: should he intervene or not? He'd wait and see. The company in Beijing was under Li Ke's own name, so even if something went wrong, it wouldn't affect the Kowloon port area. He'd just consider it practice for them.

Moreover, given Li Zichun and Zhao Qianfan's current status and past song revenue, they probably wouldn't starve for the rest of their lives even if they did nothing. If the system progress bar weren't still not full, he would have already cancelled this company.

Li Zichun grew increasingly irritated as he listened, and several guesses even popped into his mind, but he still patiently continued listening to the next song, "Autumn's Deepening":

Autumn deepens, and so does the sorrow in one's heart. A cup of wine evokes a myriad of emotions.

Partings are frequent, especially in the season of falling leaves.

Hold your hand and place it in my heart

I want you to remember the unspoken promise.

Ah... I'm not afraid of the pain of unrequited love, I'm only afraid of your heartbreak.

I can only lament that I am like a person adrift in the wind, unable to control whether I come together or part.

Ah... I'm not afraid of my loneliness, I'm only afraid that you'll be lonely and have nowhere to express your sorrow.

Autumn winds dance, memories fill the sky, autumn winds dance, a sigh escapes, and a sorrowful silence falls.

You can't say anything that will make you cry.

Holding you tight, I'll always remember.

You once cried like this for me.

Ah… I'm not afraid of the pain of unrequited love…

Ah~~ I'm not afraid of my loneliness, I'm only afraid that you'll be lonely and have nowhere to express your sorrow.

In 1989, the Sino-Japanese co-production television series *Farewell, Li Xianglan!* (also known as *Goodbye Li Xianglan*) officially aired, with the theme song "Ikanaide" (Don't Go) composed by Koji Tamaki. This theme song was later adapted and became the Cantonese pop song "Li Xianglan" sung by Jacky Cheung. In 1993, "Li Xianglan" was rewritten with Mandarin lyrics, renamed "Autumn's Deepening," and included in Jacky Cheung's critically acclaimed and commercially successful album *Kiss Goodbye*.

Li Zichun taught Li Ke this song many times, and Li Ke honed his pronunciation, phrasing, rhythm, and other aspects under Li Zichun's guidance. As a result, Li Ke's performance was quite good, even approaching the feel of the original singer.

To be honest, there was a reason why Li Zichun chose Li Ke as one of the Three Heroes of the Wind and Dust. His appearance, voice, potential and other aspects were vaguely comparable to Zhao Qianfan.

However, he still carries the habits and style of his previous Taiwanese upbringing, and he is a bit too eager to achieve results. He is unable to calm down and hone his skills, so he is always just a little short.

A slight difference in practice, accumulated over time, becomes a habit, and in crucial moments like performances and competitions, that same little gap always appears. As the saying goes, a small difference can lead to a huge error. This is especially true for singing, which relies heavily on auditory perception; while the emotion may be there, it always falls short of truly moving the listener.

While Zhao Qianfan can move people to tears, madness, cheers, and shouts, he can only slightly stir people's emotions, making you feel something but not much.

Li Zichun would repeatedly train him until he was stable before letting him record. Occasionally, he would have amazing and extraordinary performances, which even surprised himself. However, afterwards, he would feel that he had done well, relax his sense of awe, and neglect practice.

As is the case now, situations like this, where a song is sometimes good and sometimes bad, happen from time to time.

Li Zichun was already used to this, his expression remaining indifferent as he silently clicked on the next song, "Annoying Autumn Wind":

Why is there a gust of annoying autumn wind?

It blows you and my feelings away without a trace.

Why do you follow the autumn wind?

They didn't say goodbye or take care, and they didn't leave their surname or given name.

I chased after the wind, I called for the autumn wind to stop.

Wind, oh wind, please give me an explanation.

Does she also cherish and miss this relationship?

Wind, oh wind, don't go so hastily.

Please ask her name for me...

"Annoying Autumn Wind" is a popular song in China during the 1970s and 80s. The melody originates from the hit song "Gimme Gimme Gimme" by the Swedish rock band ABBA. Later, the lyrics were written by renowned Taiwanese lyricist Sun Yi, and the title was changed to "Annoying Autumn Wind." It was first popularized in Taiwan by singer Gao Lingfeng, and later covered by singer Fei Xiang, becoming popular in mainland China. A Korean cover version is titled "Magic Love."

The version of this song that is still most familiar to people today is Fei Xiang's. His rendition differs from Gao Lingfeng's original, being more dynamic and stylish. Of course, this is largely due to Fei Xiang's personal charm.

Imagine if a tall, handsome mixed-race man from that era swayed his hips and asked you your name with deep affection, wouldn't you feel your blood boiling?

Just like today's top celebrities like Xiao Zhan, Wang Yibo, and Lu Han, if they were wearing a white shirt soaked with sweat after a dance and asked you your name, nine out of ten people would be confused.

Li Ke's song has a music video, and he watched it quietly. Hmm, he's pretty lazy.

If the director of this song hadn't known how to use the camera, he would have suspected that this guy would have stood and sung the whole song from beginning to end, then simply waved his hand, took a couple of short breaks, and that would have been the end of filming a catchy song? What a rip-off.

If it weren't for Li Ke's mature and sexy handsome face, which is quite formidable both near and far, coupled with his hot and alluring eyes, he would have wanted to hit him.

Li Zichun sighed upon hearing this and clicked on the next song, "If You Were in Three Winters":

Who is it in the distance, and for whom does it gaze longingly into the distance?

Who drinks under the moon for whom?

Who can see through the illusions of the world, and how many will return to their former selves?

The ending that lingered in my mind

The autumn wind blows, leaves follow, and in the blink of an eye they flutter down.

Why be so intoxicated by embraces?

Meeting and parting are preordained appointments written by fate.

It's my fault for being so obsessed with you.

If you come through three winters, you can bring me a city covered in snow.

Love blossoms bloom in the wind.

The magnificent swaying lightly across the horizon

I woke up crying, tears streaming down my face.

If you come in the depths of winter, I will freeze all my love.

When I looked back after midnight, you were no longer there.

As the leaves fall, a few flocks of wild geese wave goodbye.

Since ancient times, people have been moved by what they see.

......

"Being moved by the scenery has been a theme since ancient times"

Li Zichun frowned upon hearing this. Li Ke couldn't possibly lack even this kind of musical taste. This song was prepared for the company's newcomers, and he actually forced it into this album just to make it ten songs. He didn't know if Li Ke was under a lot of pressure in Beijing or if he was desperate to become famous.

Actually, it wasn't just this one song; he prepared several songs for newcomers on this album. I didn't expect that Li Ke would use them all just to fill out ten songs to complete the "Four Seasons" theme. It's really infuriating.

Li Zichun patiently and silently clicked on the next song, "A Fire in Winter":

You are like a fire in winter.

The roaring flames warmed my heart.

Every time you quietly approach me, the firelight illuminates my path.

Your big eyes are bright and sparkling

Like the brightest star in the sky

You are like a fire, your blazing flames warmed me.

You are like a fire, your blazing flames illuminating me.

Although I was happy, I didn't tell you.

I know you truly like me...

This song was originally sung by The Nolans in 1980 as "Sexy Music." In 1982, it was covered by Taiwanese singer Kao Ling-feng as "A Fire in Winter." In 1987, Fei Xiang covered the song on CCTV's Spring Festival Gala, making it a nationwide hit. It was later included in Fei Xiang's album "Hometown Clouds."

Li Ke sang quite well. After all, it was a song that Li Zichun had prepared for Zhao Qianfan. He felt that the song suited him well and took it over. He sang it quite well, so Li Zichun gave it to him to perform.

This iconic song from the Spring Festival Gala was guided and coached countless times by Li Zichun, so it truly sounds like the most outstanding work on the entire album.

He probably could feel it himself; the dynamic rhythm paired with his fiery and passionate voice made it seem as if there really was a fire burning around him, full of sincerity and swagger.

Zhao Qianfan, who was listening to the song nearby, nodded and raised an eyebrow, saying, "Oh my, this song is sung quite well. No wonder he tried to take it from me back then."

Li Zichun looked up at him and said, "Don't you think it's a pity? Your singing might have become one of your signature songs."

Zhao Qianfan shook his head and said, "There's nothing to regret. None of this matters, because I've already obtained the most precious thing."

Li Zichun asked, puzzled, "Hmm?"

Zhao Qianfan lowered her head and touched his nose, casually smiling as she said, "You are the only masterpiece I want."

Li Zichun frowned, flicked him on the forehead, and said with a smile, "Don't be so horny in broad daylight. If you do it again, go back to your room and sleep."

Zhao Qianfan hissed and hugged him tightly, saying, "No, I was wrong, okay?" Even as he said that, when he saw Li Zichun in his arms, who couldn't stop smiling, he still rubbed his nose against Li Zichun's neck.

Li Zichun felt ticklish from his breath, and couldn't help but feel a little aroused again, but she didn't let him do as he pleased. She had indeed been too indulgent for the past month. She also felt that she was being pathetic, being seduced by male beauty. How could she not be tempted by this fragrant, top-notch handsome man with his body swaying in front of her?

Li Zichun didn't consider himself a demanding person, but Zhao Qianfan was like a walking wrench, slowly prying open his heart. Over the past six months, Zhao Qianfan had taken meticulous care of him and followed him through thick and thin, fighting alongside him from newcomer to singing champion. Even the hardest ice would melt away with a layer of warmth.

Being with Zhao Qianfan was less about gratitude for companionship and more about an emotional experiment.

This was an experience unlike anything I'd ever had before. In my past life, I'd been involved with all sorts of women, and in the end, I chose my wife at that time.

In this new life, he originally planned to remain single for three years. Love and desire weren't the most important conditions for passing the system's test, so he figured he could just endure it. Now, agreeing to date Zhao Qianfan is more like a compromise after weighing the pros and cons. He doesn't know what obstacles he'll encounter on his path to immortality, so rather than enduring this period, he'd rather let himself go and experience all the emotions in the world, to finally break free from the illusions of life.

He didn't yet know what Zhao Qianfan wanted from him, but he knew perfectly well what he wanted from him. He loved him clearly and unequivocally, and even if there were only two and a half years left, that would be enough.

In this world, there will be "sudden encounters and unexpected affections." And of course, there will also be "unexpected farewells and merciless partings."

He didn't know how far he and Zhao Qianfan could go in this secondary world, but at least he was happy together. He had told him from the beginning that he had lived for two and a half years, but Zhao Qianfan didn't seem to care.

Wait, how could he not care? How could he not care?

Li Zichun suddenly snapped out of her reverie. Looking at the smiling man before her, a chill ran down her spine. "Have you never thought about a future with me? What is the point of our companionship now? How is this any different from the pleasures of a night in a brothel in ancient times or a red-light district today?"

He was nothing more than a temporary bed partner, completely manipulated! The more Li Zichun thought about it, the colder he felt, but he didn't show it on his face. He just smiled faintly and said, "Let's listen to the next song."

Zhao Qianfan didn't notice the sudden aloofness and coldness in his tone, but felt that she might have gone too far. She calmed herself down and clicked on the last song sung by Li Ke.

PS: Data is from the internet.

"Summer Breeze" is a song with lyrics by Tian Tian, ​​music by Jay Chou, arrangement by Michael Lin, and vocals by Landy Wen. It was included in Landy Wen's album "Wen's Effect," released on July 6, 2004. In December 2021, the song won the Favorite Song Award at the 5th Favorite Golden Melody Chart Awards Ceremony.

"Autumn's Deepening" is a song performed by Jacky Cheung, composed by Koji Tamaki, with lyrics by Yao Ruolong and arrangement by Du Zichi. It was included in Jacky Cheung's Mandarin album "Kiss Goodbye," released by PolyGram Records on March 5, 1993.

"Annoying Autumn Wind" is a song composed by the Swedish rock group ABBA, with lyrics by renowned Taiwanese lyricist Sun Yi and sung by Kao Ling-feng. It was released in 1981.

"If You Are Like Three Winters" is a song with lyrics by Yi Bo, music by Yi Bo and Zhang Chi, arrangement by Zhou Qi, and sung by Ayouyou. It is included in the album of the same name, "If You Are Like Three Winters", and was released on December 26, 2019.

"A Fire in Winter" is a song with lyrics by Zhuang Nu, music and arrangement by Solan Sister, and sung by Gao Lingfeng. It was released in 1982. It was featured on the CCTV Spring Festival Gala three times, in 1987, 2012, and 2013.