The Book of All Things: Born for Joy

As the bright moon rises, clouds and mist gather across the fields.

Yang Qingqing was already standing in the moonlight, but the lights on site made it impossible to see her face clearly.

A figure, dressed in a Dai ethnic dress custom-made by Jin Dili for Li Zichun, danced gracefully in the projection of the giant moon. Her hands, seemingly magical, then her arms, legs, waist… her entire body swirled, twisted, and danced. Her movements were characterized by a three-curved posture…

The "Moonlight" series was created, performed, and produced by Yang Liping. The entire work can be called a masterpiece of dance, and it won the gold medal in the 4th China Dance "Lotus Award" Dance Drama and Dance Poetry Competition. It is also an important part of "Impression of Yunnan". The premiere was performed at the Ministry of Culture's Spring Festival Gala in 1992.

Li Zichun chose Yang Qingqing to perform this dance because he saw her talent as a dancer and felt that her temperament was very similar to that of the dancer Yang Liping.

This fixed-point dance, in which "force" flows through the body in various postures, and the life force displayed by the abstract and deformed limbs stretching and twisting under the moonlight, is like a mysterious and sacred life ritual, inspiring endless imagination.

During the nearly one-month preparation period, Li Zichun and Lou Yideng provided her with intensive tutoring.

After Li Zichun explained the procedure, Lou Yideng understood the entire dance concept and wished he could replace her. Unfortunately, he had already missed his prime and could only give the opportunity to these younger generations, after all, they were the future.

The two of them did their best to guide Yang Qingqing, striving to make every movement, detail, and transition exactly the same as he remembered. But as they got closer to the end, he always felt that something was missing.

Li Zichun eventually found Yang Qingqing alone and told her to forget what she had learned and taught before, and simply dance in the same way as before, with free and unrestrained movements, so that she could express the music however she wanted.

Yang Qingqing couldn't understand what he was doing either, but when she followed his example and jumped up, it became even more agile and natural, as if the whole work had a soul.

Li Zichun thought to himself that he was right. "Moonlight" was Yang Liping's work. If Yang Qingqing wanted to break out of her own unique "Moonlight", she could not just copy it verbatim. She had to give the work her own soul. Otherwise, it would just be a copy and would not move people.

Yang Qingqing danced passionately on the stage, like a witch performing an ancient prayer and ritual under the moonlight—mysterious, fervent, and awe-inspiring. Every twist and turn of her body was like a spiritual cleansing.

After the dance ended, the audience was completely silent, and many people online posted a bunch of question marks.

Li Zichun could understand it. After all, not everyone understands dance. It's like a young child watching a dance performance on the Spring Festival Gala. What is this? Someone just twisting and turning. Is this what you call dance? It's not exciting at all.

Li Zichun himself knew that this was a bit risky. On an entertainment stage, if the artistry of a live performance outweighs its performance, and there is no obvious showing off of skills or a spectacular show, it is difficult for the audience on the other side of the screen to be moved.

Nevertheless, he still chose to use this work. The audience has its own understanding, and he has his own standards, and he will never compromise or lower his standards.

The thunderous applause that erupted at the recording studio spoke volumes.

Even if the audience on the other end of the internet can't appreciate it, so be it. It's impossible for everything to be something that everyone likes.

The internet is flooded with question marks and exclamation marks. Those who understand it are deeply moved, deeming it a dance worthy of being included in textbooks; those who don't understand it are baffled as to why she's twisting and turning, with such long fingernails—is she a zombie? How terrifying.

A thousand people, a myriad of images, a hundred different thoughts. It all depends on individual understanding and perception; art appreciation is inherently subjective, with no inherent good or bad.

Li Zichun had already told Yang Qingqing this before, just like he had told the children in his previous life: the sun doesn't necessarily have to be represented by red or yellow. Even if you draw a blue sun, it is your own unique sunrise and sunset, a romantic fantasy, and has nothing to do with others.

As he spoke, the other onlookers spontaneously applauded. This kind of liberal education does not exist in their world. It does not deprive you of your desire to express yourself, but allows you to freely imagine within a given scope and express yourself in the way you like.

Amidst a chorus of criticism, doubts, and endless praise, Yang Qingqing's program reached its peak, causing a frenzy.

The entire internet is discussing this song, "Moonlight," and some people have even started a nationwide debate to decide whether it's good or bad.

But the performance wouldn't give them time, and Yang Qingqing's dance stopped as the moonlight behind her gradually faded.

Director Zhang Xiaochuan and host Li Fei were stunned, clapping until their hands ached. Some art can only be truly appreciated live; otherwise, you can never fully experience its charm.

In order to tidy up the scene and set up the setting, we need to insert a segment.

This is where the previously recorded material came in handy. Li Jiawei and Zhao Qianfan's "Lotus Pond Moonlight" was used directly.

A song's duration is neither too long nor too short, enough for a large group of people to rearrange the venue. As a veteran director, Zhang Xiaochuan's on-site coordination is naturally impeccable.

The scene was quickly transformed, and Jiang Yiyi, who had been prepared in advance, took the stage. Li Zichun was still a bit conflicted about the song he chose for her. Between Su Rui and Xu Jiaying's "The Same Moonlight", he chose the latter. He could only apologize to Wu Nianzhen and Luo Dayou for now, and find someone else to sing it when the opportunity arises. After all, it is a classic song and should not be buried.

Jiang Yiyi picked up the microphone and sang, her expression calm as she sang: "

A stubborn expression thus kept our attempts to touch the face away.

No more consideration or compromise; a silent dialogue.

This replaced our desire to listen.

No more exchanging sorrows, a world too self-righteous.

The reaction force from your departure has locked me into a dark trap.

The same moonlight

Why am I getting more and more anxious?

You left behind the clearest footprints.

It actually guided me in the direction of my loneliness.

Oh, the same moonlight

Why can't the shape of the future be illuminated?

Oh, that's it, my love.

Let the lonely moonlight fill my window…

Jiang Yiyi's voice is indeed quite good. Even Li Zichun nodded in approval after hearing it. No wonder she's a veteran in the entertainment industry who's managed to stay alive until now.

"The road conditions for freedom have thus blocked our desire to escape at breakneck speed."

No more wariness and tension, time alone

This replaced the hugs we wanted to collect.

A world that no longer desperately needs too much reason

The reaction force from your departure has locked me into a dark trap.

Jiang Yiyi sang with such passion and intensity, it was as if she were tearing out her heart, liver, and lungs.

"oh yeah oh wu oh"

The same moonlight

Actually, it made me increasingly anxious.

How can you leave behind the most authentic memories?

They are all reminders of the sounds I've lost.

Oh, the same moonlight

The shape of the future can no longer be captured in a photograph.

Oh, can you come back, my love?

Let mad love fill my window.

Jiang Yiyi was still eager to sing more after finishing her song, and really wanted to sing other people's songs as well. Every song of hers is a classic. All kinds of "Moonlight" songs are like standing there saying to you: Come and listen, there's always a "Moonlight" song that suits you.

As usual, director Zhang Xiaochuan and host Li Fei reviewed and asked questions. When asked the last question, "What is your impression of Li Zichun?" Jiang Yi thought for a moment and said, "It's a pity. If I could have met him earlier, I would have definitely gotten my hands on him. Of course, I can do it now too. Come visit me sometime."

She looked directly at Li Zichun as she said this, which made her seem rather candid.

Director Zhang Xiaochuan and host Li Fei coughed at the same time, exchanged a glance, and surprisingly coughed in unison.

Li Fei: Is there some kind of story going on on set? Don't these celebrities have any shame? They tell everyone everything.

Zhang Xiaochuan: Don't ask me. If you've ever been with Li Zichun, you'd want to sleep with him too.

Li Fei: Is this really so weird?

Zhang Xiaochuan: He's a veritable aphrodisiac, the kind that appeals to both men and women.

Li Fei: Holy crap...

The two were exchanging glances, and anyone who didn't know better would think they were communicating in secret.

Zheng Conghu was ready on stage. Li Zichun asked him and Jiang Yiyi if they wanted to be the final act. The two smiled at each other and finally gave the opportunity to the younger generation.

Zheng Conghu stood on the stage and quickly got into character. Li Zichun sang Liu Huan's classic song "The Crescent Moon" for him:

In the distant night sky, there is a crescent moon.

Beneath the crescent moon lies the crescent-shaped little bridge.

Beside the small bridge, there is a small, curved boat.

The little boat, gently swaying, is like Gillian Chung from childhood.

Gillian Chung rowed the boat, singing that ancient ballad.

The song drifted on the wind and landed on my face.

Tears streamed down her face, like the winding river.

The winding river flows into my heart.

My heart is filled with sorrow.

Not for that crescent moon

Just for that village today

They are still singing old songs.

The Moon Over My Hometown

Your curved sorrow

It pierced my chest

The distant night sky

There is a crescent moon

Under the crescent moon

It's that winding little bridge

Beside the small bridge

There is a small, curved boat

The little boat sways gently.

It's Gillian Chung from childhood.

The song leaves the listener wanting more, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

The night sky, the moon, the boat, the flowing water, the small bridge, the village, and the folk songs—a series of images immerse the listener in the picturesque atmosphere of the lyrics.

Li Zichun originally wanted to put this song as the finale, but since the two experienced performers were not interested, they could only let it be.

Of the ten songs about the moon that were supposed to be played, only two remained. The previous ones had been too lively, and now he just wanted to wrap things up simply. After some final consideration, between Zhao Qianfan and Feng Zhennian, he decided to let Feng Zhennian finish the song.

After Zhang Xiaochuan and Li Fei's routine questioning, Zhao Qianfan took the stage next. He stood on the stage with a relaxed expression. Thanks to his many collaborations with Li Zichun, he knew roughly what kind of feeling the song should have and how it should be sung as soon as he received the lyrics and music.

Li Zichun couldn't help but smile and say, "Of all these people, you understand my heart the most."

Zhao Qianfan, with a calm expression and commanding presence, picked up the microphone and began to sing "The Moon Caused the Trouble":

It's all your fault. You fell in love with me so easily, making me unknowingly satisfy my vanity of being loved.

It's all your fault. Your pampering of others is a temptation.

It's all your fault. In your eyes, there's always a hazy, endearing quality that makes people both love and pity you.

It's all your fault. Your infatuated dream is like a curse. Having been loved by you, who else can I be moved by?

I admit it's all caused by the moon

That night is too beautiful, you are too gentle

Only in an instant

I just want to grow old with you.

I admit it's all the fault of my oath.

It's like sugar and honey, which is the most touching thing

No matter how hard your heart is, it can still be softened.

As Zhao Qianfan sang, her gaze drifted to Li Zichun beside her, and she felt a strange sense of peace.

It's all your fault for falling in love with me so easily.

Let me unknowingly satisfy the vanity of being loved

it was all your fault

Your pampering of people is a temptation.

It's all your fault. In your eyes...

There is always a vagueness that makes people love and pity

it was all your fault

Your infatuated dream is like a curse.

Having been loved by you, who else can I move for?

I admit it's all caused by the moon

That night is too beautiful, you are too gentle

Only in an instant

I just want to grow old with you.

I admit it's all the fault of my oath.

It's like sugar and honey, which is the most touching thing

No matter how hard your heart is like steel, it becomes soft around your fingers.

What kind of emotional activity

It will make two people make a lifelong commitment.

I admit it's all the fault of my oath.

It's like sugar and honey, which is the most touching thing

No matter how hard your heart is like steel, it becomes soft around your fingers.

I admit it's all caused by the moon

That night is too beautiful, you are too gentle

Only in an instant

I just want to grow old with you.

I admit it's all the fault of my oath.

It's like sugar and honey, which is the most touching thing

No matter how hard your heart is, it can still be softened.

After Zhao Qianfan finished singing, his mind was clear. Yuan Zian, who was watching from the side, looked at him with a half-smile. Zhao Qianfan stared back at him with wide eyes.

The two men exchanged a snort and turned away, all of which was being recorded by the camera.

Netizens found it amusing; is this the love-hate entanglement between new and old flames? How exciting!

After the usual questions from director Zhang Xiaochuan and the host, when it came to the last question, he said with a gentle smile, "He is my everything."

Li Zichun got goosebumps listening to this and rolled her eyes. Everyone in this group, men and women alike, wanted to have karaoke with me; I really couldn't stay any longer.

The last person to appear was Feng Zhennian. Using her as the finale not only raised questions among the audience but also caused a stir online. "Are you kidding me? Her singing skills aren't the most outstanding among this group, and her presence on the show is rather average. Can she really be the finale?"

Li Zichun had already warned her not to care about other people's opinions and that the most important thing was to do her job well and sing her own songs well.

If all else fails, he'll cover for everyone, since there are more than just these twenty-odd songs about the moon.

PS: Data is from the internet.

"The Same Moonlight" is a song written, composed, and sung by Lala Hsu, and included in her debut album "lala" in 2009.

"The Crescent Moon" is a song written and composed by Li Haiying in 1989, sung by Liu Huan, and featured in the music video "Love of the Land." It was included in Liu Huan's 1992 album "Mongolian Serenade." In 1990, the song opened the Guangdong pop music charts and subsequently topped the quarterly and annual charts; that same year, it won the Beijing Pop Chart's Top 10 Golden Songs Award. In 2008, Li Haiying and Liu Huan received the "30th Anniversary of Reform and Opening Up Popular Song Medal" from the Chinese Musicians Association and the Shenzhen Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China for their performance of this song.

"The Moon Caused the Trouble" is a song performed by Phil Chang, with lyrics by Hsiao Hui-wen (Shi-yi-lang), music by Phil Chang, and arrangement by Michael Thompson. It was included in Phil Chang's album "Moon and Sun" released on December 1, 1998.