The Book of All Things: Born for Joy

Before the second round of the competition began, there was still a long time. Li Zichun took advantage of this time to change her clothes in the dressing room. When she appeared in front of everyone in a white wedding dress, unlike the fiery and alluring red dress in the previous performance, the white dress made her look more pure and lovely. Her affectionate eyes looked even more lively under the veil, like autumn water silently soothing people's hearts. Perhaps she was not stunning, but the first time you saw her, you would feel that this was the person you wanted to spend your life with.

Looking at the beautiful and charming Li Zichun in front of her, Li Ke thought to herself, "She's such a beauty. I wish she were a woman."

Meanwhile, Zhao Qianfan, who was stunned by what he saw, kept smiling faintly. As expected, this was his love tribulation. He didn't care if you were male or female; you were all his. You were so alluring. He really wanted to crush you in his arms and devour you right now.

When Li Zichun walked down the stage for the final crowning ceremony in Kowloon Harbour, trailing his long dress, the entire stage seemed to become his backdrop; nothing was more eye-catching than the jewel before him.

In this final performance as "Li Yuehe," Li Zichun struggled for a long time with the choice between singing "A Thousand Songs" and "Song of the Setting Sun." In the end, she chose to close the show with "A Thousand Songs," which also served as her last appearance on stage as a singer in this role. Just like Priscilla Chan when she was saying goodbye, she didn't know where to begin with what she wanted to say, so she could only express her thoughts and feelings through song lyrics.

Compared to "A Thousand Songs," "Song of the Setting Sun" is more tragic and sorrowful. It also speaks of farewell, Anita Mui's farewell to the audience, and also her farewell to her artistic life. Li Zichun believes he hasn't reached that point yet; it's merely Li Yuehe's final farewell on stage, not a farewell to her artistic life. He still has many songs to sing and many things to do. Perhaps one day, in a crisis, he'll return to this role. His mission isn't finished; he can't let his life end like this.

Li Zichun stood in the center of the stage, cupped her skirt in a salute, nodded slightly to the band, and then began to sing the timeless classic "A Thousand Songs" to the music:

Looking back slowly, at the nights that once belonged to each other.

Honghong is still the bright sun in my heart.

If I shed foolish tears, I hope you can understand and forgive me.

I'll be leaving you tomorrow morning; the road may be long and lonely.

In an instant, there was so much to say.

Unfortunately, they will soon be on opposite sides.

All I can do is gaze intently at this moment.

Even if a thousand songs are sung in the future

Drifting in the distance on my journey

Even if there are thousands of evening stars in the future

Brighter than tonight's moon

Nothing can compare to the beauty of this night.

It should never make me appreciate it more.

Ah, because you sang with me tonight

Ah...

Only at the moment of departure did I suddenly feel the beauty of sorrow.

It turns out it was all because of you that my memories are so long.

When will we be able to have a night like tonight again?

Let our eyes speak for each other in our lingering gaze.

One day, raindrops gently tap on your window.

When the wind disrupts your plans

Could you take a moment to think about this old look?

Even if a thousand songs drift far away on my path in the future, even if a thousand evening stars shine brighter than tonight's moon, none of them can compare to the beauty of this night, nor can they make me appreciate it more. Ah, because you sang with me tonight...

Li Zichun sang this familiar song, conveying her deep sorrow and longing for her absent lover with a powerful and moving performance, while also retaining a touch of girlish sentiment. Chen Huixian was thinking of the boy she secretly loved, while he was thinking of his wife, whom he didn't know when he would see again—a longing and remembrance of the past.

Ah, nothing can compare to the beauty of this night / Nor can it make me appreciate it more / For tonight I can sing with you / Even if a thousand songs drift far away on my path in the future / Even if a thousand evening stars shine brighter than tonight's moon / None can compare to the beauty of this night / Nor can it make me appreciate it more / Ah, For tonight you sing with me

Even if a thousand songs drift far away on my journey in the future, and a thousand evening stars shine brighter than tonight's moon, none of them can compare to the beauty of this night, nor can they wash away the thoughts I have tonight, for I know not when we will sing together again.

Although this song doesn't have an overly rousing melody, it exudes a melancholy within its simplicity. So many things to say and so many things to do are contained within its melody. Compared to "Song of the Setting Sun," Li Zichun's transformed vocal style is even more moving, captivating everyone and evoking memories of bygone days.

The song undoubtedly won a standing ovation. Thunderous applause tidal wave swept over him, telling him that he deserved it, and that this era deserved it. And this scene, along with his white gauze dress, will be eternally etched in the memories of the screen and the public.

Zeng Ziwei and Zhen Yuling looked at the beautiful couple in front of them and said with a smile, "Wow, you're dressed so formally, anyone who didn't know better would think we're here for your wedding today."

Zeng Ziwei was wearing a black tuxedo, Zhen Yuling was wearing a full-length evening gown, and with Li Zichun's wedding dress, they really looked alike.

Li Zichun said with a smile, "I just feel a little regretful that it has to end before I've had my fill of singing."

Zeng Ziwei said with a smile, "How can we talk about ending it? We still want to hear you sing more and better songs. Don't you all agree?"

The response from the audience was overwhelming, as if the people in front of them would disappear at any moment.

Li Zichun smiled and bowed slightly, saying, "Thank you, thank you everyone. But it really is coming to an end. I won't be appearing on stage for a while."

The audience was in an uproar. Was her acting career, which had just begun, about to end? Who was behind this, pulling strings to ruin our princess's career? Let's show them the power of us netizens!

Zhen Yuling asked in confusion, "Why? You sing so well."

Li Zichun let out a long breath and said, "It's just a personal decision. It wasn't my intention to be in the public eye these days. If the company hadn't just been established and didn't have many people, someone of my level wouldn't have been dragged out to sing."

Zeng Ziwei said with a smile, "The company has just been established and it has already produced so many good songs, which shows that you three are doing a great job. If you can't stand in the spotlight with your level of skill, then we certainly can't continue to stand in the spotlight."

Li Zichun smiled faintly and said, "Thank you all for your attention to our company. But the Three Heroes of the Wind and Dust is a company, and the three of us are a whole. We can't have no one to manage the company. If you like me, please support my music. Also, please support those two roughnecks in their singing competition."

Zeng Ziwei glared angrily at the two roughnecks and said, "Are you two even competent? You can't even manage a company properly. Can't you put in a little more effort? The music scene can do without you, but it can't do without my Princess Yuehe!"

Li Zichun clapped his hand with a smile and said, "Stop teasing them. I just won't be appearing on stage. If you all want to hear more, I'll still sing more of those songs on future albums. Speaking of which, please support our new album!"

Zhen Yuling said with a smile, "Is there only one song by the three of you on the album? Then I'll definitely buy it and listen to it."

Li Zichun said with a smile, "It hasn't been released yet. Some songs haven't even been recorded yet, but if I win this competition, I can still sing a few lines for everyone."

A commotion erupted at the scene; it seemed everyone was eagerly anticipating the legendary songstress's final performance.

The other singers' performances were rather lackluster, given the presence of two classic songs, "Song of the Setting Sun" and "A Thousand Songs," which set a high bar for the competition. It would be difficult for Washi to surpass these two songs; perhaps only other time travelers could do so.

After a series of mediocre and unremarkable performances, Zeng Ziwei and Zhen Yuling's enthusiasm for hosting waned, and they became visibly tired.

Damn it, how can there still be so many people? It's endless! What kind of crap are they singing? It's like ghosts howling and howling. What are you doing? All I want now is to announce the results and hear my goddess sing.

Amidst the intense anticipation and attention, the "Three Musketeers of the Wind and Dust" undoubtedly claimed the title of Kowloon Port's regional champion. In second place came the "Taiwanese Sentiment" team, which had been heavily suppressed in the competition, and was overshadowed by Li Zichun in every way.

What happened next brought the game to a climax.

Li Zichun walked onto the stage, received his honor, and said with a smile, "Thank you all for your love for our company. However, our company has only been established for a short time, and we do not believe that we have enough strength and funds to participate in the national competition. We are only participating in the competition to let everyone see us. Therefore, we have decided to give this opportunity to Wanwanqingdiao, which is already ranked seventh, so that they can represent Kowloon Port in the national music company ranking battle."

The scene erupted in cheers and commotion, but upon reflection, it seemed reasonable. How could a company that had only been established for a short time represent the region's leader? Although they had musical talent, the ranking of inland companies was always a comparison of comprehensive strengths in many aspects, not just music. If they didn't achieve a good ranking and instead lost their original seventh place, it would indeed be a loss for the development of the region's entertainment industry.

Therefore, Li Zichun's decision was quickly approved by the organizing committee. In reality, he simply didn't want to go to the capital to see people he didn't want to see. He feared that his hard-won composure would be overshadowed by other thoughts, and then it wouldn't just be about the so-called music rankings.

Zeng Ziwei and Zhen Yuling, who had finally finished hosting the entire performance, said, "Oh ho, since everyone agrees, then everything's fine."

Zhen Yuling chimed in, "That's right. Now that everything's alright and you've won the competition as you wished, you won't go back on your promise to sing the new song a cappella, will you?"

Li Zichun nodded and said, "How could that be? We wouldn't release it if it wasn't good. Since everyone is eager to hear it first, I'll sing a few lines a cappella for everyone to enjoy. Teacher Senluo, please don't blame me for revealing it ahead of time. It's the program team's requirement. I'll just sing a short part, only a short part. That's all. I'm afraid he won't give me any more songs to sing in the future."

Li Zichun's tone was playful and cute, just like when she first appeared on stage, drawing continuous cheers from the audience. Everyone was looking forward to the final surprise that this young girl would bring.

Li Zichun, having calmed down, said, "It's about to begin, everyone watch carefully."

The audience burst into laughter. Li Zichun then continued, "This time it's really starting."

This time, no one laughed. Everyone noticed his voice had changed, so it seemed he was really going to sing. It turned out the previous teasing and banter were just him changing the position of his voice.

Li Zichun picked up the microphone, smiled gently, and looked around the stage she had graced countless times. Her voice was resilient and free-spirited, yet tender and affectionate, as she began to sing Teresa Teng's classic song, "The Road of Life":

Though the road is long, I am not tired by your side.

Accompanying you on your leisurely journey, one segment after another.

Beyond one peak, another appears.

Keep your goals high and let your ideals always be ahead.

Even if the road is rugged, I am not afraid of being tempered.

May I experience both pain and joy in my life.

Joy and sorrow swirl around me.

Enjoying snow in the wind, admiring flowers in the mist, joy swirling around.

No need to worry about it

Enjoy the beauty around you every day.

I still believe that beautiful scenery and wonderful times are right at my feet.

May laughter cover up the pain.

Whether it's sadness or joy

Find new discoveries every day

Let the wind blow

Even though it tests us both

Sprinkle the raindrops with confidence

"I had already made up my mind to move forward..."

Li Zichun's singing skills are superb; you can't hear him taking a breath at all. His voice is very steady and full of energy, and his pronunciation is also very distinctive.

In an era of dazzling stars and fierce competition, "Walking the Road of Life" was an inspirational song that wasn't overly hysterical or radical, but rather gentle yet powerful, making it a song you'd want to listen to again and again. Although it never won any awards, the album of the same name, which featured the theme song, went platinum after its release in May 1983.

Li Zichun chose to sing this song as his final farewell. Firstly, he had previously sung mostly love songs, and it was time to sing an inspirational one. He hoped everyone would understand that whether facing crisis or beautiful scenery, we should slow down and enjoy it to make the most of our long journey through life.

From the moment we are born, life is a continuous journey towards death. On this long road of life, gains and losses, gatherings and separations, right and wrong are ever-changing and uncertain. Gaining is accidental, losing is inevitable; gatherings are temporary, separations are certain. As Mr. Qian Zhongshu said, "Looking far ahead, all things are sorrowful." He hopes that his listeners, after experiencing the hardships of life, can, if they have a choice, face impermanence with equanimity, treat everything with a calm mind, and let everything happen naturally, just as the lyrics of this song say, "Though the road is rugged, I am not afraid of being tempered; I wish to experience both pain and joy in life; happiness and sorrow swirl around me; I appreciate snow in the wind, flowers in the mist, and joy reverberates." May everyone who supports me maintain an optimistic attitude and move forward positively.

(May everyone who reads this book remain optimistic and live a long and healthy life.)

PS: Data is from the internet.

"A Thousand Songs" is a Cantonese song sung by Priscilla Chan, with lyrics by Lam Chun-keung, music by Koji Makaino, arrangement by Tony Lo, and produced by Au Ting-yuk, Chan Wing-ming, and Priscilla Chan. It was included in the album "Forever Your Friend," released by Universal Music on July 25, 1989. In 1989, the song won the TVB Top Ten Gold Songs Award and the 7th RTHK Top Ten Chinese Gold Songs Award.

"The Road of Life" is an adaptation of the song "Hitori Jouse" by Japanese singer Miyuki Nakajima. The lyrics were written in Cantonese by Cheng Kwok-kong. The song was sung by Teresa Teng and released in 1983 on Teresa Teng's second Cantonese album of the same name, "The Road of Life".