The Book of All Things: Born for Joy

Li Ke stood calmly on the stage, awaiting everyone's judgment. To this day, he still adheres to his own judgment. He believes that it would be somewhat biased to hold the parties involved, who have gone through several twists and turns, accountable because of an online incident. He does not want the same thing to happen in Kowloon.

Besides, it's not like he's performing; it's just lyrics and music. Why can't that pass? Everyone has their own standards and judgments, and the final result did not disappoint him. He successfully advanced to the next round.

Li Zichun, sitting in the public seating area, couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. Indeed, the cultural literacy of people in economically and culturally developed areas is higher; this saying is never without merit. It's like the popular saying online, "I'd rather have a house in the east than a bed in the west." As it's written in the *Book of the Later Han*, "Living with virtuous people is like entering a room filled with orchids; after a while, you no longer smell the fragrance, for you have become one with it." Developed areas are vibrant and prosperous, and the chances of realizing one's dreams are far greater than in smaller places. Even with greater economic pressure, as long as one has talent and is willing to work hard, opportunities will arise. Even if one ultimately achieves nothing, the insights gained are incomparable to those in small cities. Of course, these are all personal choices. Those elderly people living in the countryside who never went to the provincial capital more than a few times in their lives, didn't they still live out their lives just fine?

Li Zichun's choice was to start over. Since the mainland entertainment industry didn't welcome him, he'd leave. If they wouldn't keep him, there would be other places that would. Heaven never abandons anyone who tries hard; he still had a head full of classic hits, and he refused to believe he couldn't forge a path. Coming to Kowloon was merely his second option, a last resort. As for the third, it was too brutal and ruthless; he wouldn't choose it unless absolutely necessary. Most importantly, he couldn't get over his own conscience yet.

Li Ke returned to his seat after stepping off the stage, and Li Zichun gave him an approving look; the song was indeed sung very well.

Zhao Qianfan, standing to the side, casually remarked, "It's alright, don't get cocky, there's still a second round."

Li Ke rolled her eyes at him. This guy had no good intentions and never missed an opportunity to belittle himself in front of her.

Li Zichun said with a smile, "Even so, it's enough to deal with this group of singers."

Indeed, the other singers in Li Ke's group all look like they were made from the same mold. Looking at them always reminds you of someone, but you also feel like they're someone else, and it's hard to say whether it's good or bad. However, their singing, which was forced into Mandarin, actually had a unique characteristic. Li Zichun couldn't help but think of Ada Choi's line, "I'm rewatching Heroes, just to beat you up, the gist of which is 'beat you up'."

Seeing him laughing to himself for no apparent reason, Li Ke and Zhao Qianfan felt their mood brighten as well. These past few days had been a whirlwind of activity, and even after finally shedding the identity of "Li Yuehe," he hadn't had a proper rest. He was so busy he'd forgotten himself, his face expressionless. A chance to be happy was certainly welcome.

Unlike the others who sat upright like chickens, Li Zichun and his two companions were chatting and laughing, and were incredibly lively.

These last twenty-odd singers are vying for the final three spots. The competition format is one song with two lyrics, and each person sings a song for three minutes. With voting, scoring, and awarding prizes, it will take at least two or three hours to finish.

Li Zichun also admired these people who were serious and didn't talk or laugh. They could keep their eyes fixed on the screen for two or three hours without looking at each other. He couldn't help but admire their professionalism. Even singers who knew they couldn't win didn't leave early. This would never happen in the Chinese entertainment industry. It was already a favor that they didn't take on two or three jobs at the same time.

The next round arrived quickly, and Li Zichun prepared the Mandarin version of "Under Mount Fuji," titled "Love Transfer," for Li Ke. The three of them discussed which song should be placed first, and after a heated analysis, they ultimately decided to put the Mandarin version later. After all, they were going to the capital, Beijing, for a competition, and Mandarin was the standard language used throughout the country. Placing it later would inevitably give others something to criticize. Moreover, in Li Zichun's opinion, the two songs were indeed neck and neck, and it was purely a matter of personal preference.

Li Ke took the stage and effortlessly sang Eason Chan's "Love Transfer" to the accompaniment:

How many shop windows have I lingered in, how many hotels have I stayed in, before I realize that separation wasn't so unjustified?

Are feelings meant to be browsed or treasured, so that every day is unforgettable?

How many hardships have I endured, how many tears have I shed, before I'll realize that sorrow is the legacy of love?

Wandering through several double beds, changing faiths a few times, before finally exchanging rings without hesitation.

Transferring one person's warmth to another's chest.

让 上 次犯 的 出 梦想

Everyone has experienced this; they've all known the feeling of being on edge.

I refuse to be the guilty lamb of love

Memories are like elusive moonlight; if you try to grasp them, they turn to darkness.

Let the false silhouette disappear into the clear sky.

Sunlight streams over my body as I await the forgiveness of all my karmic debts.

Love never stops; to journey to eternity, how much courage does it take?

The candlelight illuminated the dinner, but it couldn't illuminate an answer.

Dating is not a cozy dinner party.

The sheets are covered with flower petals; embrace them and let them grow.

It was too crowded, so we drove to another area.

Emotions need someone to take over; getting close brings expectations.

A vicious cycle of expectation leading to disappointment

The fleeting is always romantic, the long is always unsatisfying.

Burning away one's best years to find an old partner

Transferring one person's warmth to another's chest / Letting past mistakes inspire dreams / Everyone experiences anxiety before refusing to be a lamb to the slaughter in love / Memories are like elusive moonlight; hold them tight and darkness falls.

Let the false silhouette disappear into the clear sky / Sunlight flows over my body, waiting for all karmic debts to be forgiven without stopping, wanting to travel to eternity / How much courage does that require...

Don't be disappointed. The epic tales are for the sake of the most beautiful ordinariness.

The Mandarin version of "Love Transfer" was released before the Cantonese version. It was the theme song for the movie "Love Transfer", so its influence and popularity far exceeded that of the Cantonese version "Under Mount Fuji".

These two songs differ in language, creative background, themes, styles, modes of expression, and meanings. However, the overall melody is basically the same. The nine tones and six registers of Mandarin and Cantonese are different, resulting in different listening experiences.

When Li Zichun was making final adjustments to Zhao Qianfan's performance, he didn't let him rest until he finally nodded in approval. These two songs were among his favorites, and he couldn't let Zhao Qianfan ruin them.

Li Ke's deep and captivating voice perfectly conveyed the song's mood. The song, expressing the right attitude towards love after proper reflection, deeply moved everyone. Just as the lyrics say, sadness is the legacy of love; don't despair, the poignant moments are for the sake of the most beautiful ordinariness.

After Li Ke finished singing, the judging panel, having learned from previous voting experience, didn't hesitate to give their scores. They didn't care who the lyricist and composer were; they wanted to hear the song, not judge based on the singer. It would be truly unfair to let someone with a terrible rendition and poor lyrics win the championship.

As expected, Li Ke's score is currently in first place, ridiculously high, far ahead of the other singers. If nothing unexpected happens, he will definitely be among the three winners.

Li Zichun watched quietly, offering only a calm congratulation. It was something he had expected, so there was no surprise in it, but he was still happy for him.

Although you're only a regional singing champion, with your own infinite bug, if you can't become a singing god within three years, I'll eat my hat.

Li Ke's performance was indeed amazing, but Zhao Qianfan only hummed a couple of times and then fell silent. Li Zichun watched from the sidelines, remaining quiet, and the subsequent performances were indeed lackluster. They barely managed to record the first ten singers by the end of the morning, but Li Zichun didn't find any of them appealing enough to learn more about; after all, besides their faces, they really didn't seem to have anything else to offer.

In the talent-rich entertainment industry, good looks are the least desirable trait. A face that stays popular for three to five years is considered stunning. Once the novelty wears off, without personality, substantial work, or other assets, it's only a matter of three to five years before being eliminated.

Li Zichun watched quietly, not wanting to get involved. Although he had been thinking about whether to take on a few singers, he didn't want just anyone; otherwise, it would be too unethical.

The morning passed just like that. Zhao Qianfan's match was scheduled for the afternoon, so the three of them had to stay here longer.

The organizers arranged lunch and dinner in the hall. Li Zichun had attended countless banquets like this in his previous life. They were called simple gatherings for conversation and meals to build relationships, but those who had been there knew that they were good places to exchange experiences and expand networks. Everyone tacitly tested each other's bottom lines, exchanging resources to expand their business and the influence of their companies and individuals.

Li Zichun didn't care much about these things, and he wasn't in the mood to chat and laugh with everyone. He just wanted to eat his fill in front of a long row of buffet dishes.

As one of the few major competitions in Kowloon, the chefs they invited were indeed remarkable. Li Zichun kept eating in front of the dishes, completely disregarding his image. In the end, even Zhao Qianfan couldn't help but quietly complain, "Don't think that nobody here knows you. Don't eat too recklessly. Everyone is watching each other."

Li Zichun couldn't help but roll his eyes. These people are so nosy, it's so annoying.

Just as he was enjoying his meal, Zeng Ziwei and Zhen Yuling brought an elderly man in a sharp suit to him. Seeing him wolfing down his food, the man smiled and said, "You really are a young man, you have a good appetite."

Li Zichun looked at the old man in front of him. His face was ruddy and his hair was gray. However, he had a kind and respectable scholarly air that was not something that ordinary people could possess. What caught his attention the most were his eyes. They were sharp and piercing, like the eyes of an eagle. It was clear that he had seen a lot.

Zeng Ziwei seized the opportunity to say, "Excuse me, are you Li Zichun? This is Mr. Lin Ruhai, a musician from Kowloon Port, and also the person in charge of the Kowloon Port Singing King Preliminary Competition."

Taking advantage of the pause in his speech, Li Zichun quickly swallowed the food in his mouth, then bowed and said, "Hello, I've heard so much about you. Thank you for allowing them to participate in the competition."

Lin Ruhai waved his hand and said, "With Li Ke and Zhao Qianfan participating, this competition is truly much more exciting. Actually, more than their excellent performances, I would prefer you to give a performance on the final stage."

Li Zichun said in surprise, "Me? You're joking. I'm just a pawn abandoned by cyberattacks right now. If I were to perform on stage, it would probably affect the broadcast of this competition."

Lin Ruhai said with a smile, "You don't need to worry about that. We Kowloon people have always been down-to-earth, enterprising, and flexible, and we don't care about those trivial matters. You don't need to pay too much attention to those details online either. The reason I asked you to do the closing performance was suggested by netizens. Everyone wants to see if the once world-famous Moon Emperor can still hold his own."

Li Zichun replied with a smile, "You trust me that much? Aren't you afraid I'll ruin the final celebration?"

Lin Ruhai couldn't help but laugh loudly, "Hehe, the reason I've reached this position is because of my discerning eye. I've almost never made a mistake in judging people and situations. If you alone can ruin the place, then I should be even happier. With a young man like you taking over Kowloon Port, we old guys can leave with peace of mind."

Li Zichun was stunned for a moment, then said respectfully, "You're joking. Kowloon Port's development to its current state is largely thanks to pillars like you. I just wonder, how many songs should I prepare? Is there a recording studio nearby? I need accompaniment for the recordings; I can't just sing a cappella."

Seeing that he had agreed, Lin Ruhai nodded approvingly and said, "One song is never too many, two songs are never too few. Ideally, it should be a song with two lyrics related to today's theme. Of course, the more the better, I don't mind either. As for the recording studio, there is the best one in Kowloon Port downstairs. As for musical instruments, the museum on the ground floor has all kinds of musical instruments from all over the world. We have most of them in our collection, but I'm just afraid you won't know how to use them."

Li Zichun smiled and said, "It is my honor to be chosen by you, sir. I will certainly not disappoint you. I just wonder when my performance will be?"

Lin Ruhai paused for a moment and said, "How about this? In the short one or two hours before the show starts this afternoon, how many songs can you write? If there's only one, I hope it's the closing song. If there are two, I hope one is the opening song and the other is the closing song. I don't think there's much more in such a short time."

Li Zichun said with a smile, "You really know nothing about my abilities. In that case, I'll perform three songs: one for the opening, one with two lyrics for the closing, and finally a grand finale with a trio. But I hope there will be a shower of confetti at the end, how about that?"

Zhen Yuling said with some surprise, "If I heard correctly, you mean you have to complete four songs in this short period of time?"

Four poems? Ha, that's nothing, just a drop in the ocean.

Li Zichun nodded and said, "Yes, but since you invited me to perform, I can't just do it for free, right? You have to pay me an appearance fee."

Lin Ruhai was taken aback, then laughed and said, "If you can really complete this performance, our organizing committee is willing to pay this amount. Moreover, if you do a good job, we will have even bigger orders waiting for you."

An even bigger deal? For the number one person in Kowloon to consider this a big deal, it seems like a big job is on the horizon, and this so-called performance is just a temporary test.

PS: Data is from the internet.

"Love Transfer" is a song performed by Eason Chan, composed by Ze Risheng, with lyrics by Lin Xi, and arranged by Chen Po and Jiang Zhiren. It was included in Eason Chan's album "Accept It" released by Universal Music on April 24, 2007. The song is the theme song for the movie "Love Transfer". It has won several awards, including "Top Ten Singles of the Year" from the 2007 Chinese Musicians Exchange Association and "Mandarin Song of the Year" at the 4th Chinese Music Media Awards.