Chapter 190: Tears Soaked the Stage

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After《The Puppet Show》, Cheng Chen collaborated with Ceng Li on《Ten Thousand Borders》, 《Along the River During the Qingming Festival》, and《The Red Actor》.

Cheng Chen sang every song featuring opera vocals.

All opera vocal sections were sung by Ceng Li.

I have to say, the professionals really are professionals—Ceng Li's voice was melodious and clear, brimming with depth.

It retained the classical opera cadence while, under Cheng Chen's deliberate arrangement, never losing its pop elements.

She matched Cheng Chen perfectly, as if made for each other.

Especially when she wore opera robes on stage, her water sleeves fluttering gracefully, her posture elegant.

In every turn and transition, it seemed as if Tian Nu San Hua scattered petals, drifting, floating, serene—every movement exuded charm.

"This sister is amazing, who is she? I'm a fan!"

"Didn't the boss say? Ceng Li—she's hailed as the once-in-a-century beauty of the Central Drama Academy!"

"I cried. Our great beauty Li has collaborated with the boss."

"I have a feeling, Great Beauty Li will become an instant sensation at the boss's concert! After following her for so long, she's finally going to blow up!"

"I think this female singer fits perfectly—though I haven't seen her face, her aura is absolutely spot-on!"

…

From Cheng Chen's concert, Ceng Li proved to the public her identity as a great Qingyi.

Through this concert, people finally truly recognized Ceng Li—even if as a singer.

Previously, although Ceng Li was famous, she was merely minor roles in TV dramas.

Or rather, she was the classic case of a drama-famous but personally obscure actress; now, her stunning performance in opera robes at Cheng Chen's concert surpassed all her prior exposure.

"Thank you, thank you, Sister Li."

After the song ended, watching Ceng Li's retreating back as she left the stage, Cheng Chen said to the audience:

"Sister Li has studied opera since childhood, debuting as a Qingyi. Honestly, I admire her deeply."

She is an exceptionally serious person; to achieve the best effect, she practiced privately for a long time.

I am truly grateful to her—a stunningly beautiful great Qingyi."

"Aaaahhh!"

"So she's from opera? No wonder she's professional—excellent!"

"Awesome, awesome, awesome!"

"Goddess! I'm a fan! I'm following her Weibo right now!"

…

Seeing fans' affection for Ceng Li, Cheng Chen felt deeply pleased.

In his past life, Ceng Li was nearly invisible, despite possessing a face destined for viral fame.

Yet in the entertainment industry, she remained unknown.

Even in later-generation ancient costume dramas, she occasionally played the mother of popular young actresses.

Meanwhile, actresses her age mostly starred as innocent heroines in ancient romance dramas.

Some said perhaps Ceng Li missed out on good opportunities.

For instance, when Lao Mou Zi originally directed《My Father and Mother》, he invited her.

Ceng Li didn't accept, and thus International Zhang became famous.

Opportunities vanish in an instant; Lao Mou Zi's dramas elevate actors.

Missing such an opportunity was truly a pity.

For most people, Ceng Li's image still lingered in《Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio》as Mei Sanniang.

This drama consisted of six standalone stories, featuring a galaxy of big names.

Hu Ge, Yang Xiaomi, Li Bingbing, Huang Xiaoming, Huo Siyan, and others starred in their respective episodes.

Ceng Li and Jiang Hua portrayed the most terrifying episode: 《Painted Skin》.

The TV drama received decent reviews, but many scenes were cut due to excessive horror.

Ceng Li's portrayal of the female ghost Mei Sanniang was beautiful and tragic, evoking sympathy.

In the drama, she had a scene where her face was burned, yet it did not diminish the overall impact.

This character became one of her iconic roles.

However, after this drama, Ceng Li released new works every year.

Almost all were supporting or marginal roles; the best she got was second female lead.

She herself remained consistently low-key, very laid-back…

Cheng Chen was deeply interested in this woman, whose appearance and aura were exceptional.

So,

He hoped she would have a bright future in the entertainment industry.

Of course, rumors said Ceng Li lacked ambition, preferring to focus on husband and children—so that was even better…

"One toast to the sunrise, one toast to the moonlight.

Awaken my longing, soften the cold window.

Thus I can fly against the wind without looking back.

Fear not rain in my heart, frost in my eyes.

One toast to my homeland, one toast to the distance.

Guarding my kindness, urging me to grow."

So the road between north and south is no longer long from this day on.

The soul no longer has nowhere to rest, the restless guest upon the seat…"

……

"I once found it hard to pull myself free from the vastness of the world.

And I drowned myself in the dream-talk within it.

Not knowing false from true, not struggling, not fearing the laughter.

I once turned my surging youth into her.

And once let my fingertips pluck out a high summer.

Where the heart moves, just let it follow the fates.

Walking against the light, letting the wind blow and the rain strike…"

……

"I can follow behind you, like a shadow chasing the light in a dream-walk.

I can wait at this crossroads, whether or not you will pass through.

Every time I lift my head for you, even my tears feel free.

Some love is like sunlight pouring down, possessing and losing at the same time…"

……

In between, Zhang Jie took Cheng Chen's place and sang for roughly the length of three songs.

They were "Against the War" and a wuxia-style song Cheng Chen had crafted for him, "Vastness."

That song was fairly widely sung — it was the theme song of a wuxia drama.

That's right, it was the theme song of the Xiaolongbao version of "The Return of the Condor Heroes."

Honestly, when Xiaolongbao played Xiao Long Nu, he didn't get mocked by netizens any less…

The last song was Cheng Chen's "Uncalled a Hero."

Zhang Jie's vocal range wasn't especially high, so singing this kind of bold, heroic-spirited song actually suited him rather well…

When Cheng Chen finally came out to close the show, the fans basically sang the chorus from below while he stood on stage leading them.

But most of the time he was holding up the microphone, tilting his head to listen.

"You guys — you've let me unlock the achievement of listening to music on stage. This is a concert venue, not a livestream, hello!"

Cheng Chen looked at the fans below singing with great gusto and said, his face full of helplessness.

"Hahahaha!"

"Singing along is way more satisfying than listening at home."

"Hey, the one standing up there — did you buy a ticket to come to a concert to listen to music?!"

"Hahahaha!"

Looking at face after smiling face below the stage, Cheng Chen said with feeling:

"The concert is just about ending here, but there are some things I want to say to you.

Since my debut, what I've received the most of is actually praise — I'm not being 'Versailles' about it…

Do you guys know what 'Versailles' means? Roughly, it's a way of expressing dissatisfaction in a roundabout manner.

Or a form of language that casually shows off one's sense of superiority to the outside world."

Hearing Cheng Chen's explanation, the fans finally had an epiphany, and they only heard Cheng Chen on stage continue:

"No need to mention the words praising me — they must be coming from you. Of course, as for the words scolding me…

Anyone scolding me definitely didn't come, otherwise they'd be paying money to come to my concert just to suffer!"

Hearing Cheng Chen's words, the fans below couldn't help but burst into good-natured laughter.

"So then, you're all so good to me — how should I repay you?"

Saying this, Cheng Chen picked up the microphone and said with deep feeling:

"You like listening to songs, so let me express it through a song — a new song, 'For the Rest of My Life,' for you all."

"Aaaaaaaah!"

"A new song, another new song! Are you sure I came to a concert and not an album release event?!"

"Please, boss, no more new songs — I'm afraid if I can't hear your new songs in the future, I'll pay for them, alright?!"

……

Hearing that Cheng Chen was about to release yet another new song, the fans went completely wild.

Releasing three new songs in total over the course of one concert — who on earth runs a concert like that?!

Cheng Chen has really lost his mind this time!

No matter what the fans said, Cheng Chen had already picked up his guitar and begun to play and sing:

"In a place without wind, I look for the sun.

In a place where you're cold, I become the warm sun.

The affairs of the world are in turmoil, yet you are always so naive.

For the rest of my life, I want only you.

For the rest of my life, the wind and snow are you.

The plainness is you, the poverty is also you.

The glory is you, the tenderness in my heart is you.

Wherever my gaze falls, it is also you…"

This song was very calm, but whether from the lyrics or the melody, everyone could feel the emotion Cheng Chen wanted to convey.

This was a love song, but placed here, at this moment, it was filled with gratitude and thankfulness.

Thank you to the fans who have silently supported me all along.

Thank you to the fans who have never left my side and accompanied me to this point.

Thank you to all the fans.

Cheng Chen's fans understood the emotion he expressed,

watching the lone, proud figure on stage, watching that delicate yet slightly weary profile.

Many in the audience silently shed tears to the melody of this song.

"I want to take you to see a boundless clear sky, I want to shout loud that I'm enchanted by you.

Time flies, and you will always be moved.

For the rest of my life, I want only you.

For the rest of my life, winter snow is you.

Spring blossoms are you, summer rain is also you.

Autumn gold is you, the warmth and chill of all four seasons are you.

Wherever my gaze falls, it is also you…"

Below the stage, Liu Tianxian stared blankly at Cheng Chen singing with deep emotion, her eyes red.

She had attended few concerts, but in terms of atmosphere, Cheng Chen's concert had left the deepest impression on her.

Before, she had heard that people cried during concerts, but she could never understand it.

Yet now, immersed in this atmosphere, she didn't know whether it was the emotions around her that infected her, or whether she had been absorbed by the music.

Liu Tianxian couldn't help wiping away her tears.

He was her Brother Cheng, no matter what he did, he was always so captivating.

Always making her tear up…

On stage, Cheng Chen continued singing with deep emotion; every fan below, like Liu Tianxian, had tears in their eyes.

When the song ended, Cheng Chen smiled and said:

"I hope the rest of my life… is all you!"

"Big Boss, wuwuwu you made me cry!"

"Big Boss, I'm going to be your fan for life, really!"

"Every new song is so beautiful, I love you so much!"

"Big Boss is just too good to us! I've never felt such warmth before!"

…

Hearing the fans' words, Cheng Chen smiled and said:

"You're all good to me too—don't say things like 'I've never felt such warmth before.'

We're all happy—we have parents, grandparents who love us, and your fondness for me is my honor.

But when chasing stars, never ignore your family's feelings; take time to be with them after work and study.

Tonight's concert is over, this year is over, tomorrow is a new year.

Happy New Year, everyone~"

Amid Cheng Chen's blessings, 2004 ended.

…

After the concert, Cheng Chen did not leave; he stood on stage directing the crowd's orderly departure.

He gently persuaded fans who were reluctant to go.

Finally, at half past nine, the venue was completely cleared.

"The concert was a complete success. Everyone worked hard."

Cheng Chen said with a smile to everyone.

"Thank you for your hard work, Manager Cheng."

"Manager Cheng, you're amazing—I cried so much backstage!"

"The effect this time was truly incredible, super good!"

The staff who remained on site were tired, but most were energetic, smiling on their faces.

Cheng Chen looked around; Liu Tianxian, Ceng Li, Wang Tianxiao, Su Qingya, Zhang Jie, and some staff were all still there.

Cheng Chen waved his hand and said:

"To celebrate the concert's complete success, I'm treating everyone to late-night snacks.

As for the review meeting—we'll handle it tomorrow at work. Manager Wang, is this arrangement okay?"

Seeing Cheng Chen's gaze turn to him, Wang Tianxiao sighed and said:

"Manager Cheng has spoken—what can I say? Let's eat first!"

"Yay!"

"Manager Cheng, ten thousand years! Manager Wang, ten thousand years!"

"Let's eat late-night snacks!"

The group marched en masse toward the street food stalls.

Cheng Chen didn't go to a hotel or anything—everyone urgently needed to relax and fill their stomachs.

Street food stalls made it easier to unwind.

Just as Cheng Chen and his group were feasting heartily, heated discussions erupted online over today's concert.

As the online entertainment hub, Weibo had maintained high popularity all day about Cheng Chen's concert.

"Stunned — Cheng Chen's concert suddenly features a great qingyi performer!"

"So this is how opera can be played!"

"Cheng Chen's concert is a blazing hit, countless fans weeping on the spot!"

"Three new songs in one concert — does he really have no creative bottleneck?"

"I clearly became his fan for him, yet he tells me to take good care of my family."

……

Ten trending searches, Cheng Chen takes them all, unrivaled.

Open any one of the entries and you can see netizens' lavish praise for this concert.

Especially the last one, titled "I clearly became his fan for him, yet he tells me to take good care of my family."

Many netizens wrote on Weibo about Cheng Chen urging them to take good care of their families.

"Let me state first, I'm not Cheng Chen's fan. I only went to the concert this time because my girlfriend insisted on dragging me along.

Under my girlfriend's subtle influence, I'd also heard his songs. How should I put it—the songs are great, but I personally prefer folk-style music.

His 'Blue Lotus' I think sounds really good. The concert was super hyped, and there were a lot of tearjerker moments too — my girlfriend almost cried herself into a soggy mess.

In this era where stars demand fans buy them gifts, and some even have unseemly incidents with their fans,

he actually stood on stage and urged fans to care more about their families. Honestly, I don't chase stars, but the moment he said those words,

I knew I was done for — completely fallen as his fan. Uh… a female fan."

This post got liked and shared by many. Expressing love for Cheng Chen was one thing, but what drew more attention was that little twist of hers.

She's a female fan……

"Damn, blogger — that twist just threw out this old man's back!"

"Cheng Chen never dreamed he'd pick up another female fan under these circumstances……"

"The blogger's so lucky — his girlfriend even bought him a concert ticket. As a guy, I'm deeply envious…… Huh? The poster is…… sorry, my bad……"

……