The Book of All Things: Born for Joy

181. The Chain Reaction (Part 1)

After the prolonged applause subsided, Gu Qianyi smiled and said, "Well done, and well sang. All the performances in this show were created by Li Zichun. If you like them, please support him!"

"Alright, enough chit-chat. Now let's welcome Zhao Qianfan to perform 'Ten Years in the Human World' for us."

Zhao Qianfan simply stood calmly on the stage, wearing a long robe, and sang "Ten Years in the Mortal World" to the music:

Light, who lit the candle to illuminate the labyrinth set up by time?

Light, shifting the positions of light and shadow, flows freely.

Look where anyone stood; the chessboard is now riddled with holes.

Look at the most real and false appearances before your eyes; what does it matter if they're false?

With a burning, unyielding heart, he walked towards the most lenient execution ground.

Cracked and shattered, all echoing hollowly.

In the end, I was actually grateful that the sunset still lingered on me.

There wasn't enough time to tell how many twists and turns the story had.

The most rugged peaks have nurtured our wildness.

The clear moonlight and the full moon reflected in the sea are poured into a cup.

The most solitary snow-capped mountains have silently listened to our chanting.

The scenes that amaze the world are nothing special.

Light can illuminate the arduous path we've taken, or it can guide us to a smooth road ahead.

Light fills in the gaps of a flawed world; no measurement is needed.

Behold the impermanence you calculate and the bewilderment you felt when you came.

See, finally I have the courage to stand alone against the absurdity of the world.

.....

It has the most unique and rugged peaks.

I've fulfilled your and my arrogance

The clear moonlight and the full moon reflected in the sea are poured into a cup.

The most tattered bamboo slips record the long passage of time.

A piece of tile picked up unintentionally recounts the cold and desolation.

It has the most solitary snow-capped mountains.

I have listened quietly to your and my recitation of the verses.

The scenes that amaze the world are nothing special.

It has the most delicate handwriting.

All have faded with the yellowing of memories.

And I'm now setting the stage for the next chapter.

Zhao Qianfan stood on the stage and sang with clear and resonant voice, his demeanor neither humble nor arrogant, much like Zhang Qiling.

He stood under the spotlight, his expression indifferent, effortlessly singing one operatic note after another without pausing, not even pausing for a breath, his movements perfectly fluid, like a celestial being in the clouds.

For a moment, Li Zichun was lost in thought, somewhat believing what he had told him before, as if he really didn't belong to this world.

Du Zihua, standing next to him, looked at the radiant Zhao Qianfan on stage and stubbornly remained silent. He secretly took Zhao Qianfan's hand when no one was looking, as if he would lose him at any moment.

Li Zichun sensed the emotions of the person beside him; Du Zihua's grip was simply too strong. He couldn't help but shake her hand back, whispering a few words in her ear. Seeing that she had calmed down, he helplessly touched the back of her hand with his other hand and flicked her forehead.

Du Zihua pouted and rubbed her nose against him, enjoying this moment of tenderness that belonged only to him.

Zhao Qianfan was singing earnestly on stage, while the wealthy ladies and socialites below were completely mesmerized. From the moment he appeared until now, these women's eyes were overflowing with fiery love, and their possessiveness was palpable; they seemed to wish they could pounce on the stage and have a passionate encounter with him.

Meanwhile, those dignified and well-mannered young ladies were already thinking about how to knock someone unconscious and hide them in mahjong so that no one would find out.

Veteran players like Jiang Yiyi and Xu Lanfang lamented that they hadn't lived more than ten years earlier, and couldn't help but slightly shift their legs apart.

Even Xue Qingrou and Li Jiawei, who were standing to the side, looked at Li Zichun with some envy. Unfortunately, they saw Du Zihua holding him and rocking him back and forth, acting like a spoiled child. They were filled with envy.

Why do all the good-looking men like men?

Sigh, if I can't have it, I'll just have to keep trying.

After Zhao Qianfan finished singing, the entire stage seemed to glow because of his presence.

Some people seem to be born to be the main character, no matter where they are.

Then, actresses Xue Qingrou, Li Jiawei, Xu Lanfang, and Jiang Yiyi came forward, followed by veteran actors from the theater, and went to the center of the stage to joyfully sing Teresa Teng's "Fengyang Flower Drum":

Left hand holding a gong, right hand holding a drum; singing while holding a gong and drum.

I can't sing any other songs, I only know how to sing a Fengyang song.

Phoenix Yang Drum Ah Yi Ya Ai You

Deer dang dang piao yi piao der dang dang piao yi piao

Deer Piao der~ Piao

Deer floats, deer floats, floats, floats.

De'er floats and floats

My life is so miserable, so truly miserable.

He will never find a good wife in his entire life.

Other people's wives are as beautiful as flowers and jade.

My wife has a pair of big, flowery feet.

Measure it, more than a foot, oh dear.

......

My life is miserable and my fate is truly unfortunate.

I will never marry a good husband.

Her husband is both an official and a governor.

My husband can only play the flower drum.

Play the flower drum, ah yi ya ai yo

"Ding ding, float away..."

After they finished singing, during a short interlude, all the boys who participated in the performance came on stage and sang "Ming Yang Hua Gu":

Woman: I'll play the drum, you'll beat the gong, let's sing and harmonize with our gongs and drums in hand.

I can't sing any other songs, I only know this flower drum song.

Man: The scenery of this land is so beautiful, just like the lofty ideals of life.

Even though there were many twists and turns

Eventually, we will inevitably reach a smooth path.

Woman: Happy and carefree

Chorus: A Man's Heart (Heroic Spirit) - Loyal and Deeply Affectionate, Unrestrained and Free

Woman: I don't pursue fame.

Chorus: May true love and affection forever remain in our hearts, and may true love endure forever in heaven and earth.

Promote and praise the pursuit of true love and affection.

Ide ya de, ai ai ai, all I can sing is a flower drum song.

I don't know any other songs, so I'll sing a flower drum song, let's sing a happy song!

Deer long dong floats away, Deer long dong floats away.

"De'er ticket, De'er float, De'er float, float, float, float, float, float, float."

This song is the title track of the TV series "Ming Yang Hua Gu" which aired on CCTV-8's prime time slot in 2004. It is humorous, interesting, and festive, making it the perfect ending song.

As the group of celebrities finished singing the song on stage, golden ribbons began to fall from the inside of the stage, signifying the official end of the show.

Soon, all the lights in the theater came on.

Amidst laughter and cheerful conversation, Gu Qianyi and Li Zichun said to everyone with smiles, "We are very happy that everyone could come to today's program. This episode's recording has come to an end. Those who want to leave can go now."

There was a mix of reluctance and excitement on set. Many people had just moved a short distance when Li Zichun continued, "Of course, you can continue watching the recording of the next episode while you're seated, but please keep quiet."

The audience member who was about to leave, speaking in a heavy breath, has returned.

"Viewers who do not wish to stay may leave now and can wait for the broadcast in three days. Thank you for your cooperation."

"But you should also think it through. Because it is pre-recorded, we need to turn on the communication jammer to prevent anyone from recording and spreading the video. So if you have something to do, you can leave now to avoid affecting your normal calls and travel."

"The performance will officially begin in twenty minutes. Please make your choice as soon as possible."

As soon as they finished speaking, the entire scene erupted in cheers.

The main reason is that such opportunities are rare, especially a continuous pre-recorded broadcast. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, particularly for a superstar who is about to retire. Every time we hear this, it will be one less time we get to hear it. Moreover, the performance just now was truly wonderful, with one masterpiece after another of traditional Chinese music that is enough to make the entire music scene proud.

People gradually moved around, but they weren't leaving. Instead, they were looking around for good spots, quickly using the restroom, and then returning to continue watching.

Twenty minutes is enough time for everyone to take care of their external and internal needs.

Time flies like water, rushing by.

During the transition period, the staff both on and off stage were also changing rapidly.

The so-called series of recordings was merely the result of a negotiation and bargaining between Li Zichun and the production team.

They're not letting you leave. With their guaranteed viewership and traffic, how could they possibly let you go so easily? Even though the contract is for a single term, they have priority. How dare a small local TV station or event challenge the official channels? Dream on.

However, Li Zichun's project on the Oriental Never-Sleeping City project, which involves film, television, and music, was nearing the end of its first phase. Lin Xuehua had urged him many times and negotiated with them for a long time before finally agreeing, but on the condition that one of Zhao Qianfan and Du Zihua stay to participate in the recording. In the end, it turned out that Du Zihua and Li Zichun went together because his new song promotion and release event had been delayed for a long time.

Although the album "Change Yourself" has already been released and has achieved good sales and reviews, the Great Zhou Kingdom has its own promotional rules, and his manager, Sister Li, had already arranged the venue with the Never-Night City, just waiting for him to arrive.

So after careful consideration, it was decided to keep Zhao Qianfan, the runner-up in the singing competition.

There's really nothing to say about that; they can't all just leave, otherwise who would the audience watch?!

Similarly, Hara Seiji and Lin Fengmian, who have participated in the show before, will appear on stage as substitute team members.

The reason this episode had so many segments was simply a compromise by Li Zichun. The production team needed content and guaranteed viewership; choosing which segments to air was entirely up to them.

Twenty minutes passed quickly, and the audience all returned to their seats; almost no one left.

The theater quickly quieted down, and a new round of recording began.

The songs in the following episodes naturally can't be as meticulously crafted as before. After all, each episode has a different theme, and if all the songs were the same, it would inevitably feel repetitive.

The curtain slowly rose, and the staff had already cleaned up the ribbons on the stage and arranged the new scenery.

First to take the stage was Li Jiawei, dressed in a tight-fitting cheongsam and holding a small fan. She walked to the center of the stage, with a picturesque scene of a traditional Jiangnan town behind her. Against this backdrop of bridges, streams, and traditional houses, she sang "Entering the Painted Jiangnan," a song hailed as the "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" of Chinese music.

I have a love story that, after being painted, returns to my old dreams and hometown.

I have a love story, signed with the imprint of a past life.

One city sunny, one city rainy, drawing me into the scene, adding to my intoxication.

A cup of fragrant tea in Yu Garden, a moment of elegance.

Watching the sunrise and sunset over Jiangnan, gazing at the sky as white as jade, like countless shimmering crystals.

Mandarin ducks preen their feathers, listening to the soft whispers of lovers on the bridge, like rain.

The wind chases the willow catkins, and children are playing.

The peddler's cries drowned out the horses' hooves.

Whose beloved is coming to wash clothes again?

......

Amidst the sea of ​​people and the rich aroma of incense, whose hopes are these?

Blowing sugar and coating it with sugar, nestled in the alleyways, skillfully crafting sweetness.

Watch a variety of performances and taste a piece of river fish.

Suddenly, I heard sparrows chirping and singing in the treetops.

Smoke slowly rises from someone's chimney

I have a love story, like a weary bird, perching under the eaves.

I have a love that stretches thousands of miles, etched with memories.

A world of its own, a ...

In a prosperous and flourishing era

A koi carp under the bridge adds a touch of novelty to the passing years...

Next to appear was Xu Lanfang, dressed in the attire of a noble lady, her features exquisite, like a beautifully painted portrait of a high-ranking official's daughter from a novel. She slowly walked in and began to sing the song "Difficult to Reject":

The curtain rises and falls; she lowers her gaze and gently adjusts her water sleeves.

The audience thronged below, eager to catch a glimpse of the stunning beauty.

Carefully depicting the eyebrows and eyes, and applying a touch of vermilion to the forehead.

Her waist was as slender as a willow swaying in the breeze; with a few glances, she danced away the dreams of a lovesick fool.

The show is about to begin with heavy makeup.

On stage, I sing of both joy and sorrow alone.

Graceful as floating clouds adorned in rainbow robes

As the curtain falls, their temples are streaked with frost.

The painting is so light it's like gauze.

Glorious on stage, heartbroken off stage.

"It's hard to forget the lingering fragrance that has filled my sleeves for decades..."

Her singing voice is delicate and beautiful, and her opera-style singing is even more exquisite and melodious, fully expressing the sorrow after the infinite glory.

This was followed by Xue Qingrou's poem "Red Wish":

Carving flowers in hand, the blade twists and turns, creating a beautiful picture.

The Shengming Merit Pagoda is located near a house by the bridge.

The spring breeze brushes past the red gauze in his hair; the embroidered gift is presented to him.

With fierce and resolute features, she is to be a bride.

The raging sandstorm, white hair on the pillow, wine in the cup—all these are part of the gesture.

Youthful elegance and dashing spirit are but a fleeting moment.

It's inevitable that some unpredictable changes will be overlooked during childhood.

Separated by mountains and seas, I calmly brew tea.

A lifetime is spent revisiting the past, exiling all hopes.

Did some absurdity add to my memory of your face?

Covered in frost, who will pick up a pen and write just two lines, to exchange for your well-being in a corner?

Even though all this vicissitude has passed, you are still in my heart...

After the song ended, Yuan Chengzhi appeared on stage, greeted by cheers from the audience. Regardless, he was undoubtedly the most sought-after singer of the season, and he was going to sing "Candied Hawthorn":

Everyone says candied hawthorn berries are sour, but the sourness is actually wrapped in sweetness.

Everyone says candied hawthorn berries are sweet, but there's a hint of sourness in that sweetness.

Candied hawthorns are pretty, skewered on bamboo sticks, symbolizing happiness and reunion.

Link happiness and reunion together, and there will be no worries or troubles.

The higher you stand, the farther you can see.

Calling out to the Cangshan Mountains

When you're calm, your heart is at peace.

You are twenty years younger

......

The hawthorn is perfectly round.

Round gourd with rock candy

Eating it will cure your illness and satisfy your cravings, making you twenty years younger.

......"

PS: Data is from the internet.

"The Lost Tomb: Ten Years in the Human World" is the theme song for the August 7th Rice Festival. The lyrics are by Li Jin, the music is composed and arranged by Soda Chunbai, and the song is sung by Li Changchao. It was released on July 31, 2018.

"Fengyang Flower Drum" is a song covered by Teresa Teng, arranged and conducted by Qie Tianlin. It is a folk tune from Anhui Province and is included in the first volume of the album Teresa Teng's Songs, "Fengyang Flower Drum", which was released in September 1967.

"Ming Yang Hua Gu" is a song with lyrics by Wan Wan Jin, music by Wen Hao Jie, and sung by Wang Li, Luo Deng, Ling Cheng Yang, and Wang Meng Yi. It is the theme song of the TV series "Ming Yang Hua Gu" and was released in April 2004.

"Entering the Painting of Jiangnan" is a song with lyrics by Hai Lei, music by Ding Peifeng, and sung by Huang Ling. It was released on February 4, 2021, and included in the album "Entering the Painting of Jiangnan".

"Difficult to Reject" is a song with lyrics by Cyan, music by Xiaofengling, arrangement by Zeff, and vocals by Pingshengbuwan. It was released on August 2, 2022, and included in the album of the same name, "Difficult to Reject".

"Red Wish" is a song with lyrics by Huangtangke, music by Shang Xiaojin, and vocals by Yinque Shiting. It was included in Yinque Shiting's album of the same name, released on January 18, 2017. On November 3, 2018, the song won the "Best Single by a Chinese Style Musician" award at the Guofeng Jile Ye Music Festival.

"Candied Hawthorn Berries" is a song with lyrics by Zhang Heping and Du Peng, and music and vocals by Feng Xiaoquan. It is the theme song of the 1996 stage play of the same name, "Candied Hawthorn Berries". In 1997, the song won the "Top Ten Songs of 1996" at the 4th China Music Chart Awards.