The Book of All Things: Born for Joy

After Li Zichun finished singing, he nodded habitually, and then it was Zhao Qianfan's turn. Only after Zhao Qianfan had adjusted his breathing did Li Zichun signal that he was done.

He was going to sing Andy Hui's "Why Did You Love Someone Else Behind My Back?"

Thinking of your face, an empty face.

Numbly walking on the edge of collapse

I need a garden where I can cry.

Irrigate this withered promise

My most beloved lover hurt me the most.

Why did you love someone else behind my back?

A woman's innocent eyes conceal a cold glint.

Life is unclear, yet we yearn for eternity.

Oh, the weak soul has sunk too deep.

Why did you love someone else behind my back?

A kiss that had long since cooled, now warmed up in my heart.

Love is cruel, yet I took it too seriously.

Love was torn apart layer by layer.

......

I was destroyed layer by layer, destroyed by love.

I didn't have time to find the exit.

......

I was destroyed layer by layer, unable to bring myself to say goodbye to the darkness.

Zhao Qianfan uses his powerful voice to portray the inner world of a man hurt in love: "Your one thought caused me to fall in love."

When Li Zichun heard the applause, he realized his singing skills had improved again; he could practically see the King of Singers trophy waving at him.

After the two finished recording and checked that everything was correct, they released it.

Because of the Hundred Flowers Festival, and because Li Zichun's account was a private account and could not be seen by outsiders, everyone paid attention to Zhao Qianfan and Li Ke, as well as their company's account "Fengchen Sanxia".

The moment the song was released, everyone received a notification on their phones, and many people immediately paid to download it after listening to it.

The popularity of "The Three Heroes of the Wind and Dust" is now unparalleled in Kowloon. Streaming views are in the tens of millions, and classic songs like "A Thousand Songs" have even broken records by surpassing 100 million. Even the worst of the recent flower-related songs are now around a million views. The rest is up to time.

Many companies had approached him about collaborating on physical albums, but having transmigrated, he knew it was best to avoid anything without a future. Times were changing; these days, record stores were practically all being converted into coffee shops. Talking about physical albums in this era was simply a joke.

Kowloon has large chain record stores, so small companies like yours shouldn't try to make up the numbers and disrupt my plans.

After they finished singing, they were both tired. After booking their plane tickets for the day after tomorrow, they quickly washed up, chatted for a while, and then went to rest.

Li Zichun slept until the sun was high in the sky. If he hadn't forgotten to draw the curtains and let the sunlight shine on the side of his bed, he would have suspected that he could have slept until the afternoon.

After quickly tidying up, Li Zichun went downstairs and saw Zhao Qianfan sitting among the flowers on the rooftop, elegantly sipping coffee. He then smiled warmly and said, "Good morning, you lazybones."

Perhaps it was because she had been with him for so long that she was left alone, and the two of them seemed to have returned to the state they had been in before when they lived in a rented single room, casual and simple.

Li Zichun took the coffee he was offered, took a small sip, and thought, "Hmm, it's the flavor I like." Then he took a big gulp. Sure enough, it's the people you've known for a long time who know your preferences, understand your likes and dislikes and your bottom line, and won't cause trouble.

Just thinking about it gives me a headache; Li Ke's situation is really troublesome. I'll deal with him later when I get there.

Li Zichun leisurely sipped his coffee, casting aside the distractions in his mind and quietly enjoying the beauty of the moment.

The two of them quietly scrolled through their phones, and Zhao Qianfan didn't disturb him, waiting for him to come to his senses first.

Li Zichun quickly browsed today's news on his phone. As expected, the entertainment section's headlines were dominated by the "Three Heroes of the Wind and Dust." It seemed that the song he released last night had a reaction, and the backlash was quite swift. Li Ke must know this, but he hadn't called him in so long. He wondered which of the two women he was comforting right now.

As Li Zichun drank, he felt a little hungry. He checked the time and realized they had arrived at the restaurant. He then looked at Zhao Qianfan, who showed no intention of moving.

Dog, you're not being considerate anymore. You used to cook and bring the food over before.

Seeing him looking at her with a strange and resentful expression, Zhao Qianfan quickly reflected on whether she had done anything wrong. After thinking for a while, she still asked curiously, "What's wrong?"

Li Zichun put down his coffee, yawned, and said, "It's nothing. Let's go have lunch and take a good look around Kowloon Harbour while we're at it."

Zhao Qianfan looked like he suddenly understood: "Oh~ okay, you decide, I decide, or we'll just go wherever we end up."

Li Zichun thought for a moment, and since they didn't seem to know what good food was nearby, he casually said, "Let's wander around and see what's good for us, we're just killing time anyway."

After saying that, he casually popped a grape into his mouth, then got up to get ready to leave.

Two tall men walking down the street still attracted attention. They were still wearing sun hats and sunglasses, but skipped the masks. Li Zichun was too lazy to wear one, mainly because Kowloon Harbour was too hot and humid. This kind of southern island doesn't have a winter.

The two walked on the cobblestone street, experiencing the bustling atmosphere of the marketplace amidst the throngs of vendors. They had come here because they had written down the locations and restaurants they had found on a piece of paper and decided on the destination by rolling dice.

Zhao Qianfan said with a smile, "Eat slowly, no one will take it from you."

"Be careful, it's hot!"

"Don't get it on your clothes."

"There's too much chili in it."

"Want some more? Um..."

"Are you full?"

"Oh, then let's go to the next one."

......

After Li Zichun finished eating at almost every restaurant on the street, things finally calmed down. Zhao Qianfan was calculating how long she needed to exercise to maintain her figure, while Li Zichun thought the street was nice and would try other places next time to compare their pros and cons.

The two were tired from eating, so they found an afternoon tea restaurant to rest.

Li Zichun savored the Osmanthus Oolong in front of him. The refreshing osmanthus and sweet honey, combined with the oolong tea, created a delightful and lingering aftertaste.

After finishing his drink, he stretched. The two of them were dressed simply and weren't afraid of being recognized. It was mainly because Li Zichun ate so recklessly that he suspected that even if others recognized him, they might doubt whether he was really the person. They were both so casual, where was the demeanor of a celebrity?

It was getting dark, and the streets were slowly lit up with lights from every household, along with various neon signs.

The two strolled through the streets and alleys with their milk tea in hand, and as it grew late, they prepared to head back.

While crossing a bridge, Li Zichun saw a street performer and couldn't help but laugh and say, "It suddenly reminded me of the first time I added you. You seemed to be like this back then."

Zhao Qianfan said with a smile, "Yes, you changed my life."

Li Zichun didn't refute, but continued to say with a smile, "It's just that I'm lucky. With your self-discipline and conditions, as long as you were willing to nod your head, Xing Yiling would probably have already made you a superstar."

Zhao Qianfan muttered under his breath, "It's better to spend time with you than with that old woman."

Li Zichun didn't quite hear him: "What are you muttering to yourself? I can't hear you."

"It's nothing," Zhao Qianfan said, tilting his head. "It just feels a bit like a dream. When I first saw you, I thought you were a conman, maybe even sent by that woman Xing Yiling. But then I thought, why would she send a man to con me? Maybe she's looking for something more exciting later?"

Li Zichun chuckled, "You have quite the imagination. Looks like you've been fooled by him quite a bit before. That woman is really infatuated with you, still longing for your body."

Zhao Qianfan patted his chest and said with a hint of pride, "Of course. My main selling point is a pure and innocent look, which is incomparable to those filthy bodies that can sleep with just anyone."

Li Zichun shook her head, unsure of what to say. She looked him up and down a few times. He was almost thirty years old and still maintained such a delicate and beautiful appearance. Could it be that abstinence really could preserve one's youthful appearance forever?

No wonder the eunuchs in TV dramas from ancient times all look so young, with youthful faces and white hair; it turns out they haven't used their stuff much!

Seeing the increasingly eerie light in Li Zichun's eyes, Zhao Qianfan couldn't help but shiver and said timidly, "What the hell are you thinking? Why is your gaze so creepy? Could it be that you've taken a liking to me?"

Li Zichun rolled his eyes and said, "Don't worry, I'm not interested in you."

Zhao Qianfan said softly, "No, you can be interested."

Li Zichun frowned as he looked at him: "Don't test cadres with male beauty. Although it's useless, not many people can resist curiosity."

Zhao Qianfan said with a smile, "Hehe, I know, old cadres, why don't you go up and sing a few songs to teach them?"

Li Zichun said with a smile, "Hmph, since you've invited me so sincerely, I'll just go and sing a few songs."

Zhao Qianfan waved his hand and said with a fawning expression, "Please wait a moment, sir, I'll take care of it for you right away."

After saying that, he ran over and negotiated with the singer. The singer was easy to talk to. There weren't many people in front of the stall to begin with, and he readily agreed when he saw that they could sing for him for a while.

Li Zichun could tell at a glance that this guy who didn't watch TV didn't recognize the two of them, so he smiled and took the microphone from him, greeted the twenty-odd viewers in his live broadcast room, and then greeted a few people in the audience.

The live stream, which had been mostly silent, suddenly came alive. Question marks “???” turned into exclamation marks “!!!” and “stunned and bewildered emojis.” Several audience members were also a bit stunned. These two looked so familiar, but they couldn’t quite place where they had seen them before. They decided to listen to what they were going to sing first.

Li Zichun was somewhat discouraged when he saw that these people did not recognize him.

Zhao Qianfan joked, "Don't panic, sir. Once you start singing, who would dare say they don't know you?"

Li Zichun rolled his eyes at you: "You're so talkative. I'll show them who I am."

Li Zichun said with a smile, "Hello everyone, is there any song you'd like to hear? You can request songs here for free."

Zhao Qianfan whispered in his ear, "Won't things capsize?"

Li Zichun said irritably, "You jinx, go stand aside and don't talk here."

Li Zichun smiled and said into the microphone, "I know you have no problems, so just listen to whatever I sing. I'll be performing 'Angel in the Devil' for you all, and I hope you enjoy it."

Li Zichun coughed and slowly sang:

Would cutting off the very thin nerves make it easier to fall asleep?

There is a gray prison in my heart.

A bunch of dark thoughts are roaring inside.

Would it be more understandable to remove one's stubborn temper?

You can knock me down hard, but don't even think about me begging for mercy.

You are an angel among devils, so you give me the way of heartbreak.

It's about making me laugh until the very last second.

He then discovered a knife stuck in his chest.

You are an angel among devils, making hatred seem too mundane.

The words "thank you" rolled down my cheeks.

Even if you call me crazy

Don't call me an idiot

......

Let others piece together our story

I'm too lazy to explain. Explain whatever you want.

When anyone wants to see me shattered

I have been reborn once again.

......"

Li Zichun laughed after finishing the song. The kind of struggle in the song—knowing that love is gone but being unable to bring himself to let go—is something that could never happen to him. He just suddenly remembered it and sang it out.

He smiled and said, "Thank you."

The number of viewers in the live stream skyrocketed, and the gifts on the screen went crazy. But Li Zichun, who now had money in hand, didn't care anymore. He just treated it as charity. Even if the rewards had nothing to do with him, so what? As long as he was happy, that was all that mattered.

The street musician stood by, dumbfounded. "Are all random people these days able to sing like this?" he thought. "I think I'll go back to farming. I haven't been home in ages."

Zhao Qianfan led the applause, and a few others were also amazed by the a cappella singing and joined in the applause.

Li Zichun smiled and looked at the street musician: "Could I borrow your guitar?"

The other person was taken aback for a moment, then handed over the guitar with an "oh, oh".

Li Zichun casually played a note, and it was alright. So, he decided to sing a song: "I'll dedicate a song called 'Jiangnan Misty Rain' to everyone. The equipment is limited, so please bear with it."

Li Zichun casually strummed the guitar, while Zhao Qianfan snapped his fingers to the rhythm, then listened as he slowly began to sing:

The rain became very quiet, and the wind blew gently.

Smoke curls and swirls, tinging the ancient temple with a bluish hue.

I walked across the small bridge and flowing water, when suddenly I saw a visitor.

Remember to report any errors promptly.

The ancient city will be bathed in your light as night falls.

Like the past events in the poem, what will become of this fleeting life?

If you're afraid of making mistakes, you do nothing.

How to make love blossom and bear fruit?

I have seen the misty rain of Jiangnan, and the sunset chasing the waves of clouds.

But none of them can compare to the unique look in your eyes.

Love overflows from mountains and lakes, I've collected it all.

You are the brightest star in the vast galaxy.

Escaping from utter boredom, the sunshine found me.

You are the embodiment of my heart's longing and yearning.

Go and break free from all worldly loneliness.

You will dwell in every corner of my life.

......

You will dwell in every corner of my life.

After Li Zichun finished singing, he suddenly opened his eyes. Wow, he felt that there were more and more people around him. He laughed and said, "Wow, so many people."

The onlookers all laughed.

Li Zichun said with a smile, "Things don't happen more than three times. This is the last song. If we keep singing, people will think that this business is mine."

Everyone laughed, but the street performer was almost in tears, wondering when he would ever reach that level. He sighed and thought he might as well go home and lie down.

Li Zichun thought for a moment, what should I sing?

PS: Data is from the internet.

"Why Did You Love Someone Else Behind My Back?" is a song with lyrics by Zhang Cuihua, music by Zhang Hongliang, arrangement by Tu Ying, and sung by Andy Hui. It was included in Andy Hui's album "Believe in Love," released on April 18, 1999. In 1999, the song won the Song Award at the 4th Global Chinese Music Awards (Chinese Music Chart '99).

"Angel in the Devil" is a song performed by Taiwanese singer Hebe Tien, composed by Chen Xiaoxia and with lyrics by Yao Ruolong. It was included in Hebe Tien's second solo album "My Love," released on September 2, 2011.

"Jiangnan Misty Rain" is a song sung by Yang Shuren, with lyrics by Liao Lingpeng and Yang Shuren, music by Wan Lei, and arrangement by Wang Hao and Kaqimo Luoyang. It was released on February 10, 2023, and included in the album of the same name, "Jiangnan Misty Rain".