Chapter 143: “Wedding Invitation Street,” Next Issue’s Theme

Amid the cheers of the audience, Fang Xing stepped onto the stage.

This was the first time he had heard a live audience chanting his name. Sensing the crowd's reaction, Fang Xing knew that after half a year of anticipation, his reputation and rapport with the audience had begun to take firm root.

This was largely due to the broadcast of "The Voice." As a top-tier variety show, combined with the songs "The Brightest Star in the Night Sky" and "Qilixiang," he had won over many viewers. The audience in attendance, having definitely watched the second episode and heard "Qilixiang" the night before, played a vital role in creating this electric atmosphere.

Once the crowd settled down, He Hao began the interaction. "Fang Xing, did you expect such an enthusiastic welcome from the audience tonight?"

"I didn't," Fang Xing shook his head.

"Why not? You're quite popular now, aren't you aware of that?" He Hao continued.

"Isn't the whole internet trying to bash me?" Fang Xing joked.

"But your fans' slogan is: 'To love you is to bash you for a lifetime,'" He Hao said, suppressing a laugh.

"Then I suppose I should thank them," Fang Xing replied. A burst of laughter erupted from the audience.

"Returning to the topic, let's talk about tonight's song. The theme for the performance is 'Dialect.' What kind of song have you prepared?" He Hao asked.

"A Cantonese song," Fang Xing answered.

"Speaking of Cantonese songs, I'm already looking forward to it. Netizens are still saying that 'The Scripture of Difficulty' is the hardest Cantonese song to learn," He Hao remarked, referencing a previous performance.

"I wouldn't go so far as to call it the hardest, but it's certainly one of them," Fang Xing replied.

"And what story does tonight's song tell?" He Hao asked.

"It's about love, and the stories of old streets that remain in people's memories amidst the changing times," Fang Xing explained.

"That sounds like it’s filled with the passage of time. What is this song called? Tell the audience loud and clear," He Hao asked his final question.

"'Wedding Card Street,'" Fang Xing announced.

"Wedding Card Street" was written by Wyman Wong, composed by Kwong Wing-chan, and famously performed by Kay Tse. It swept the four major music awards in Hong Kong, winning a total of 16 trophies. It was this song that earned Kay Tse the title of "The People's Diva." Countless singers have covered it—Eason Chan, Hins Cheung, Zhou Shen, Wang Xiaomin, Edmond Leung, and many more.

The song tells the story of an old street in Hong Kong known for wedding invitation printing and bridal adornments, which eventually faded into memory as the city transformed. The song uses this as a backdrop to ask: "Is there no such thing as a love that lasts a lifetime?"

...

The studio fell silent.

The spotlight washed over the stage. Fang Xing lowered his head, gathering his emotions as he recalled the old neighborhood from his memories. He turned toward the band, signaling that he was ready.

The prelude began, punctuated by the sound of bells—reminiscent of evening drums and morning chimes—heralding the fading of an era. As the prelude ended, Fang Xing began to sing softly:

"Forget the flowers you once planted, start anew, give up your ideals.
Stop looking at the dust-covered wedding cards, you are moving away..."

His delivery was narrative and conversational, as if guiding the audience back to that old street. The song, heavy with the traces of time, seemed to awaken the audience's memories of the past. The plain, straightforward lyrics and melody combined into something deeply moving, reaching straight into the heart. Such seemingly simple songs often require the most skill.

The audience listened in silence. Because the theme was "Dialect," the production team had specifically recruited audience members who understood the relevant languages. Since Cantonese was the most popular choice, a portion of the crowd could understand the lyrics. Even those who couldn't felt the emotions Fang Xing conveyed through the melody. As the audience was drawn into the story, the room grew quieter, everyone listening intently to the tale being told.

...

In the lounge, Liu Hongsheng, who was currently the only singer left in the common area, frowned as he listened to "Wedding Card Street." The verses sounded plain, but such songs, if they could draw the audience into the story, were exceptionally poignant. His own performance, "True Nature," was about brotherhood and chivalry—a sentiment for some, but one that felt distant from the lives of ordinary people. No one was actually joining gangs and fighting in the streets. However, the changes in old urban neighborhoods were something everyone experienced daily.

Liu realized that while his song might entertain, a song that truly touched the heart was one rooted in daily life. Ultimately, what endures are humanity and emotion. Still, he noted that the song was currently quite subdued; whether it could truly move the audience would depend on the chorus.

...

On stage, Fang Xing continued to sing. The melody became more soaring, the story unfolding layer by layer.

"Actually, there is no such thing as stable happiness that never fades.
Just like this district, which once could be called the most beautiful in the world.
But in a blink, every unit on the street will soon be filled with crows..."

Every note converged into a beautiful melody that captured the audience's ears. When Fang Xing sang the chorus, "Is there no such thing as love that lasts a lifetime?" some audience members closed their eyes, lost in the music.

His solid vocal technique rendered the song perfectly. The sentiment in the chorus—soaring, free, and expressive—was neither too much nor too little. It expressed both the transience of life and a yearning for eternal love.

As the final notes of the coda faded, the audience awoke from the gentle, emotional spell.

"I don't understand the lyrics, but I think it sounds wonderful. It's so strange," one viewer whispered.

"Music has no language barrier. I think it's fantastic. Fang Xing's narrative style is truly superb. In comparison, Liu Hongsheng's song felt a bit aggressive," another replied.

A viewer from Guangzhou praised, "This is easily in the top three Cantonese songs released in the last decade. It feels like a waste to sing it on a variety show; many people won't understand it and might be biased. If this had been released in a Cantonese-speaking region, it would have topped every chart."

A music professional in the audience remarked, "The song is unique and the overall feel is excellent. The story isn't hollow; it's something tangible that happens around us. It's not bitter or vengeful, but incredibly melodic."

...

In the singers' lounge, Shen Xiyin listened along with the lyrics. After it ended, she sighed, "This song is too good. Why are your songs always so perfect? It's enviable."

She was now very interested in the upcoming rankings. Since both Liu Hongsheng and Fang Xing had finished, and they had been secretly competing for the top spot for four episodes, things would get interesting if Fang Xing won again.

...

In another lounge, Xie Yuwen rubbed his chin, deep in thought. "Can I ask Fang Xing for a song? This guy is too intense. Every song he sings has the potential to become a classic."

His manager shook his head, smiling. "You're too slow. The queue to get a song from Fang Xing reaches outer space. Even Zhang Huiying only has a vague promise from his studio."

Xie Yuwen realized the difficulty. "Right. Without a special connection, it's hard to get a song." He suddenly remembered Li Caiwei, who had sung "Painted Heart." "Why did she get a song?"

"She's with the same label and shares the same agent as Fang Xing. What do you think?" the manager replied.

"A shortcut, how nice," Xie Yuwen sighed.

"Don't be jealous yet. I heard Li Caiwei offered to be his 'free singing tool'—no money, no royalties," the manager added.

"If he gave me those songs, I wouldn't even care about the money. Just being able to sing them would pay for itself through touring," Xie Yuwen said, though he knew he lacked the relationship.

...

As the competition continued, Xie Yuwen, Zhong Yuanxun, and Shen Xiyin performed. Once all were finished, the 500 audience members cast their votes.

The singers gathered in the results hall. As luck would have it, Liu Hongsheng and Fang Xing were seated next to each other again. Zheng Tao, the director, began his usual habit of building suspense, which only made the singers more anxious.

"The situation is very interesting," Zheng Tao said with a grin. "Just like the previous episodes, you two are first and second."

Liu Hongsheng's expression darkened. He had been runner-up for three consecutive rounds. For a superstar to be pushed to this extent by a newcomer was frustrating.

"Director Zheng, please, just announce it," Liu urged, his patience clearly worn thin.

"The first place for this round, with 295 votes, goes to 'Wedding Card Street.' Congratulations, Fang Xing. And congratulations to Liu Hongsheng, who takes second place with 263 votes."

Liu Hongsheng sat motionless, his face frozen. The other singers stood up to congratulate Fang Xing. "Congratulations! A four-time champion! Has anyone ever done that on 'The Voice'?"

Zheng Tao added, "Congratulations, Fang Xing, for becoming the first four-time champion in the show's history, and with four consecutive wins. I don't know if this record will ever be broken."

...

After the recording concluded, Zheng Tao announced the theme for the next round: "Gong, Shang, Jue, Zhi, Yu" (the five notes of the traditional Chinese pentatonic scale).

"Is that for ancient-style songs?" Xie Yuwen asked, wide-eyed.

"Not necessarily," Zheng Tao clarified. "The requirement is that the music must be composed using these five notes. You can interpret it as ancient-style, but not all 'ancient' songs will meet the criteria."

As they left, the air was thick with the weight of the next challenge. Fang Xing walked out, his mind already drifting toward the melodies of the past.