015｜STAND+（3）

Upon returning to City B, Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng spent a couple of days in the recording studio, completing the majority of the dubbing work for the project, recording the promotional song, and finalising the publicity strategy. 

The sun at two o'clock in the afternoon was scorching, bringing the scent of early summer. Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng adjusted to the natural light outside before getting into the nanny car sent by Tan Ye. 

"Shao, Yu Cheng," Miao Miao handed a thermos cup to each of them, "This is monk fruit, snow pear, and white fungus soup, good for soothing the throat." 

"Thank you, Miao Miao." As a close friend, Miao Miao remained unchanged these years, even her temper, focusing solely on taking care of others, making her more adept at it. 

While sipping the snow pear and white fungus soup, Tan Ye and Miao Miao systematically reported on the progress of the work and the upcoming schedule. 

"So..." Yu Cheng raised his eyes to confirm, "We have five days off for International Workers' Day, right?" 

Today is the 28th, and their holiday officially begins on the 1st of next month. 

Tan Ye replied, "Barring any unforeseen circumstances, yes." 

Yu Cheng raised an eyebrow, "Any thoughts?" 

"Actually, I do have a small idea," Zhong Shao said mysteriously after closing the thermos cup. 

"Funny enough, I have a small idea too," Tan Ye said. 

Tan Ye and Miao Miao stared blankly, thinking, "Alright, we get it. You're in love. There's no need to show off, okay?"

The next day, after a period of absence from the public eye, Yu Cheng made an appearance at a shopping mall in City A to promote the watch brand he represents. After the event concluded, Yu Cheng quickly removed his makeup and changed into a casual outfit. With the help of the staff, he discreetly exited the hotel parking lot in a large G-Class vehicle. 

At the wheel was Zhong Shao. 

"I bought some snacks you like; you should have a bite first," he said. 

On the passenger seat lay a brown paper bag containing classic Cantonese afternoon tea treats. 

Yu Cheng opened a box of water chestnut cake and used a disposable wooden fork to feed a piece to Zhong Shao. 

Retracting his hand, Yu Cheng poked another piece and suddenly remarked, "I feel like I've developed some wife-like qualities." 

Zhong Shao nearly choked, casting a meaningful glance at Yu Cheng. Once he regained his composure, he replied, "Then I might as well bring out your 0.5." 

As Yu Cheng opened the egg tart box, he exclaimed, "???" 

"Even if you are Zhong Shao, that's impossible!" 

When the two arrived at the Cultural Theatre in City A, there were only 20 minutes left before the performance began, and they were directly escorted into the venue by the staff. Inside the box sat a man, composed and focused, his gaze fixed on the stage below. 

It wasn't until Zhong Shao entered with his companion that the man reluctantly turned his head, briefly glancing at the two before saying, "You could have lingered a bit longer." 

Zhong Shao, confidently holding Yu Cheng's hand, replied, "It hasn't started yet, why the rush?" 

Upon seeing the man, Yu Cheng maintained a neutral expression, though internally he felt a twinge of surprise—could it be... 

The man turned his attention to Yu Cheng and, shifting his tone to a teasing one, remarked, "Deng Wei, it seems you've been enjoying your time outside the estate." 

Deng Wei was the character Yu Cheng portrayed in his first film, "The Map," a personal bodyguard, and the actor opposite him was none other than the man before him, the acclaimed actor Le Yan. 

That year, Le Yan competed with Zhong Shao for the Best Actor award, ultimately claiming the title. The following year, Zhong Shao took on his first television drama. Consequently, rumours circulated that Zhong Shao, having lost confidence after Le Yan's victory, lowered his standards to accept a television role, with some entertainment reporters claiming that he had ceased communication with Le Yan after missing the opportunity to work with the esteemed actor.

Upon hearing Le Yan's greeting, Yu Cheng instantly got into character, freeing his right hand from Zhong Shao's grip and clasping his hands together in a salute. "I have seen the Young Master. It has been a long time." 

"Le Yan, stop being so pretentious!" Although Le Yan was a few years older than Zhong Shao, at that moment, Zhong Shao felt an impulsive urge to confront him like a young man. Clearing his throat deliberately, Zhong Shao formally introduced the two, saying, "This is my partner, Fang Yu Cheng; and this is my friend from the industry, Le Yan." 

As astute adults, the two men, already acquainted, understood the implications of Zhong Shao's introduction.

At precisely seven-thirty, the theatre dimmed, and the play "A Room" officially commenced. This production merges traditional theatrical performance with experimental drama, making it one of the standout pieces at the Langting Theater Festival. It explores a woman's psychological state and consciousness awakening at various courses of her life through the lens of a single room, reflecting the psychological changes and monologues faced by women in today's societal challenges. 

Two and a half hours passed in the blink of an eye, and as the actors took their bows, the applause lingered for an extended period. 

Le Yan took two special guests to the actors' private lounge. 

Shortly after, the door to the lounge opened again. "Sorry, I just went to remove my makeup." 

Le Yan stepped forward and took the woman's hand, introducing her to the two guests, particularly to Yu Cheng, "This is actress Cheng Xiyue, she is also my wife." 

As an actor, Yu Cheng was certainly aware of Cheng Xiyue, the prodigious talent who debuted in childhood but vanished from the public eye at the peak of her career. A few years ago, Le Yan unexpectedly encountered the reclusive Cheng Xiyue through a cultural variety show. Their relationship blossomed under Le Yan's sincere pursuit, and they have now been married for three years. However, Cheng Xiyue has not appeared before the media since that time. 

"Hello, I am Fang Yucheng," Yu Cheng greeted her, understanding Zhong Shao's implication. 

Zhong Shao stood up as well, reiterating his role as the introducer, "This is actor Yu Cheng, and he is also my partner." 

Le Yan: "... " You must be uncomfortable not being in the spotlight, right?

A few people arrived at Le Yan's private restaurant. Laughter occasionally erupted from "Sunrise," as four actors, each with their own passion for drama, discussed life and existence, theatre and music, the past and the future, as well as WAT and the upcoming "STAND+." 

Zhong Shao took a sip of barley tea to clear his throat, setting the stage for his next words, "We also want to create a special episode for 'STAND+.'"

Le Yan felt a vague sense of unease. 

"A special episode?" he inquired. Zhong Shao ignored Le Yan and formally invited Cheng Xiyue, "Xiyue, I would like to invite you to be the first interviewee for the 'special episode,' in the role of an actress."

Cheng Xiyue was taken aback for a moment before responding, "Me?" 

"Yes, you." 

For the next few minutes, "Sunrise" fell silent as Cheng Xiyue gazed down at the tea in her wooden cup, while the others patiently waited. 

"What do you think?" Cheng Xiyue turned to Le Yan, her eyes reflecting a plea for help.

Le Yan had not previously realised that these two had such a "malicious" intent for this meeting, but he did not oppose it. 

"Xiyue," Le Yan said gently, "you have always known the answer in your heart." 

If it weren't for her love of acting, she wouldn't have overcome all obstacles to stand on stage again; if she hadn't gone through this journey, she wouldn't have performed "A Room" so vividly.

In her own unique way, Cheng Xiyue ultimately grew into the true actress she is today. 

This was something Le Yan, regardless of how much time he had missed with her, always saw clearly.

The special edition of "STAND+" emerged from ideas generated during the return journey from County J. It originated from Yu Cheng. At that time, everyone was in the waiting hall, and Yu Cheng was watching a musical when he suddenly asked, "Should we create a special edition for our project that focuses on the unseen female power within the industry?" This idea sparked interest among the group. Consequently, before the plane landed, the project proposal for "STAND+ Special Edition" was born.

The next day, Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng organised their thoughts and headed to the Triangle Music Festival. 

The festival took place at the music square in the newly developed area of City A. 

In recent years, with the continuous evolution of the music market and the support of modern urban development, outdoor music festivals, characterised by diverse musical expressions, have become a cultural phenomenon. 

When they arrived at the venue, the main stage had already begun, but fortunately, they did not miss much. 

In this three-dimensional space, the stage was enveloped in rhythmic movement, with performers commanding the stage through authentic musical performances, eliciting waves, sing-alongs, and sways from the audience. The audience, through an immersive experience, evoked certain memories, intertwining the virtual with the real, enhancing the allure of the live event. 

Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng also felt their adrenaline surge with the rising beat.

Unbeknownst to us, the performance had reached intermission, and on stage stood the immensely popular independent musician, Zhuo Kai. He wore a deep blue silk shirt, its hem dancing freely in the gentle breeze, as he casually held the microphone and joyfully sang the first song that introduced him to the public, the English post-rock piece, "Heard Of." 

"Did he was a participant alongside you in that show?" Amidst the lively atmosphere, Zhong Shao leaned closer to Yu Cheng's ear. 

"Yes," Yu Cheng pondered for a moment before adding, "This was the first original song he performed during the competition. Those who emerged from that year's contest have taken on various paths, but Zhuo Kai has consistently pursued the music he believes in." 

Yu Cheng's gaze openly reflected his admiration for Zhuo Kai. Zhong Shao followed Yu Cheng's line of sight back to the stage, where the man had shifted to a more charismatic singing style.

After singing three songs in a row, it was time for a brief talking time. 

Zhuo Kai took off one of his earphones to interact with the audience. Noticing a gesture from the staff at the side of the stage, he continued, "The next song is dedicated to all those in love, 'Existence as Reasonable.'"

Before his words could settle, the venue erupted with deafening cheers. 

What sets Zhuo Kai apart from other musicians at the festival is that every performance features a unique setlist, akin to unboxing a mystery box. The last live performance of "Existence as Reasonable" was a year and a half ago at the Asian Music Awards, where it won the award for Best Music of the Year.

As the piano prelude began, the audience fell into a collective silence, captivated by the deep tones that resonated through the air, making the moment even more enchanting. Rather than merely singing, Zhuo Kai seemed to be narrating a story and presenting a seemingly obvious yet questioned argument.

Some waved their hands along, others softly hummed, and some raised flags that belonged solely to Zhuo Kai.

"So it was him who sang it."

"You heard it before?"

The man's innate competitive spirit peaked at the moment of doubt. Zhong Shao didn't respond directly; instead, he began to hum the melody. As the music reached its climax, the chorus grew louder, but all Yu Cheng could hear was Zhong Shao's humming.

"I was born this way,

Colours buried, unrelated to gender,

Existence is reasonable, you know..."

The narrative reached its peak, with flags waving in the air, resembling a sea of colourful banners. Among them was not only Zhuo Kai's distinctive blue flag but also a vibrant rainbow flag proclaiming love and freedom. 

Yu Cheng suddenly snapped back to reality. 

"You really like this song, don't you?" he asked. 

Zhong Shao didn't deny it. 

"I like it too," Zhong Shao replied, somewhat abruptly. "Are you thirsty?" 

"I'm okay." 

Yu Cheng responded with a pause. 

"I'll go buy two bottles of water," Zhong Shao added, "I'm thirsty." 

Yu Cheng took a few steps before turning back, pulling out his phone to capture the moment. 

Navigating through the crowd, Yu Cheng met up with the staff. It was only when the microphone was handed to him that he felt a genuine sense of reality; he was now standing on the side stage. 

"The last song is a new one. We recorded it some time ago, but it hasn't been released yet. I checked the almanack before leaving, and today is a good day to perform this song," Zhuo Kai announced from the left side of the stage. "Now, let's welcome our special guest Yu Cheng to join me in performing this song." 

Zhong Shao suddenly looked up, his phone vibrating in his hand. 

Yu Cheng walked to the centre of the stage, placing the microphone on the stand. He was still dressed as he had been when he left, in a white T-shirt, jeans, and a baseball cap. 

Zhuo Kai slung his guitar over his back, and the two exchanged a glance and a nod. 

The strings were plucked a few times, followed by the other instruments joining in, creating a steady prelude. The big screen displayed the song title along with the names of the lyricist and composer.

"Together" 

Lyricist: Yu Cheng 

Composer & Arranger: Zhuo Kai 

Post-production: Zhuo Kai Music Studio 

This is a calm yet passionate love song. 

Zhong Shao gazed intently at the person on stage, feeling a unique sensation. He had seen many sides of Yu Cheng and heard him sing before, but this was the first time he witnessed Yu Cheng on stage with his own eyes. 

He had imagined this scene and image, and when it became a reality, it was both similar to and different from what he had envisioned. 

In the music, Yu Cheng was always the one in control of the rhythm; he simply stood there singing, his expression partially obscured by the brim of his hat, yet it couldn't hide his radiant aura. 

"How charming I am in your eyes, you either.

​​We are together

We always together

Together ——"

When Zhong Shao arrived at the parking lot, Yu Cheng was over a hundred meters ahead of him. 

"Yu Cheng," Zhong Shao called out as he walked. 

Yu Cheng stopped and turned around, removing his hat and mask. The sight of Zhong Shao striding towards him consumed all his thoughts and feelings. 

Zhong Shao grabbed Yu Cheng's hand and led him to the car. 

As the car pulled out of the parking garage, it continued driving until they reached a desolate area. 

Zhong Shao stopped the car, leaned over to unbuckle the seatbelt on the passenger side, and kissed Yu Cheng. His kiss was urgent and fierce, his tongue plunging deep, stirring up passion and desire. 

Even the highest quality pure cotton T-shirt couldn't withstand the teasing; it wrinkled as Zhong Shao climbed over to sit on Yu Cheng's lap, their foreheads touching, their breaths heavy in the confined space. 

Zhong Shao asked in a husky voice, "When did you write it?" 

Yu Cheng recalled a time during the promotional period for "Same or Not," when Zhong Shao jokingly said to him, "Occasionally, let me release a single to spend some money." 

He had kept that in mind; later, in a moment of deep emotion, Zhong Shao whispered in his ear, "When will you sing a love song for this old lover of yours?" 

What had he said back then? 

He hadn't spoken, just smiled slyly, and then… it was a night filled with profound memories and feelings. 

"After I took you home, my parents stamped their approval." 

"How could you keep it a secret for so long?" Zhong Shao rested his chin on Yu Cheng's shoulder, blowing softly into his ear. 

This statement had a double meaning. 

His jeans were uncomfortably tight in a certain area, and his breathing became heavier. "Otherwise, how could there be a surprise?" 

However, Zhong Shao had no intention of letting it go; he stopped teasing Yu Cheng's ear and said, "WAT has a new definition now." 

Then, he began to hum a tune with lyrics.

"How charming I am in your eyes, you either.

​​We are together

We always together

Together ——"