Video Editor

On Tuesday afternoon, August 16, 1977, Suning received a phone call from his mother, Mrs. Gan, from Alabama while he was in the Lemon Technology office.

The mother's voice on the other end of the phone was choked with sobs: "Suning, the TV said... Elvis is gone."

Su Ning was taken aback: "Mom, you've heard about it too?"

“Yes, it was just reported in the news. He died at home in Memphis from a heart attack. He was only forty-two…” The mother began to cry. “Such a good person, how could he just leave like that…”

Mrs. Gan is a big fan of Elvis Presley.

Before Elvis became famous, he stayed at Mrs. Gan's bed and breakfast, and that's where their friendship was formed.

Su Ning remembers that when she was a child, the old radio at home often played the song "Love Me Tender," and her mother would hum along while doing housework.

"Mom, don't be too sad," Su Ning comforted her.

"Su Ning, could you... could you take me to Memphis to see him off?" the mother pleaded. "I know you're busy, but all I've ever wanted to do in my life is see him, and I never expected this..."

Suning immediately said, "Okay, I'll go with you. I'll arrange things at the company, and we'll leave tomorrow."

“Also, Fores will be going,” his mother added. “He’s already received an invitation, saying that Elvis is a good friend of his and he has to go to see him off on his final journey.”

"Okay! I understand. The Elvis Presley Funeral Association has also sent me an invitation." After hanging up the phone, Su Ning called her secretary in: "Book me three plane tickets to Memphis for tomorrow, and check the arrangements for Elvis Presley's funeral."

The secretary quickly reported: "Boss, Elvis's funeral is scheduled for the day after tomorrow at Graceland Estate in Memphis. It will be closed to the public, limited to family, friends, and special guests. Media and fans from all over the world are heading to Memphis right now, and the hotels are basically fully booked."

“It’s alright! I have a manor in Memphis, I can just live there.”

"Okay! I'll go book the tickets right away."

The next morning, Suning met up with his mother and Forrest at Birmingham Airport.

Mrs. Gan's eyes were still swollen, and she was clutching an Elvis songbook tightly in her hand.

Fores was dressed in a black suit and had a solemn expression.

“Mom, brother.” Fores took Suning’s luggage. “Baboo drove us here, and he’s waiting outside.”

The three of them walked out of the airport, and sure enough, Babu was waiting for them in the parking lot.

He was driving a newly bought pickup truck with a sticker that read "Baboon Shrimp Company" on it.

“Mrs. Gan, please accept my condolences.” Bob helped put away the luggage. “Fores and I were stunned when we heard the news yesterday. Elvis… how could this happen…”

On the way, Mrs. Gan kept reminiscing.

“When Forrest was a child, Elvis came to Greenfield Town once and stayed at our family’s guesthouse. He performed at the town’s theater, and I took Forrest and Suning to see it.” The mother touched the yellowed songbook. “Forrest was only six or seven years old at the time. He was wiggling his butt to the music in the audience, which made Elvis laugh.”

Fores nodded: "I remember. After the performance, he patted my head and said I had a good sense of rhythm."

"Later, when you were fighting in Vietnam, Mom was worried every day, so she listened to Elvis's 'Are You Lonesome Tonight'," Mrs. Gan said, wiping away her tears. "It was as if listening to his song would make you come back safely."

Su Ning listened silently.

For a generation of Americans, Elvis Presley was more than just a singer; he was youth, he was a memory.

The car arrived in Memphis at 3 p.m.

The entire city has been plunged into a sorrowful frenzy.

The streets were lined with photos of Elvis and black and white ribbons, and his songs could be heard everywhere from shops, cars, and houses.

Thousands of fans have gathered outside Graceland Manor.

Many people held flowers and candles, softly singing "Can't Help Falling in Love".

The hotel was indeed fully booked.

Fortunately, Suning has its own estate in Memphis, so they didn't feel too embarrassed or overwhelmed.

After settling in, Elvis's manager, Tom Parker, called him personally.

“Mr. Gan, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to attend the funeral. Elvis’s family is very touched. However, there are a few things to note.”

"You say."

"First, the funeral will not be open to the public. Taking photos and recording audio are strictly prohibited. Cell phones and cameras are not allowed inside." Tom made a wry smile. "Second, dress formally, all black. Third, keep quiet; this is the family's final farewell moment."

"Okay! We will definitely comply."

“Also,” Tom paused, “Elvis’s daughter Lisa is only nine years old and has been crying a lot these past few days. If your brother Forescan is willing, he can talk to her after the funeral. Elvis liked Forescan a lot when he was alive, saying he was ‘America’s most innocent hero.’”

"Okay, I will pass it on."

That evening, Su Ning received an unexpected phone call at his manor.

“Sue, it’s me, Emily.” It was Hollywood actress Emily Clark on the other end of the phone.

"How did you know I was here?"

“The whole of America knows you went to Memphis for Elvis’s funeral,” Emily said. “CNN reported that ‘tech mogul Suning and his mother went to pay their respects.’”

"The media is quick to act."

“Sue, I’m in Memphis too,” Emily said. “I worked with Elvis on a music video last year, so we’re friends. I’ll be going to the funeral tomorrow.”

Suning was somewhat surprised, but after thinking about it, he felt it made sense.

Hollywood and the music industry have always had a close relationship.

Which hotel are you staying at?

“Hilton, but it’s packed with people, even reporters are sleeping in the hallways,” Emily sighed. “The funeral tomorrow… can we go together? I’m a little scared to go alone right now, there are media everywhere outside, and the fans are very emotional.”

"Okay, see you at the Hilton Hotel at eight o'clock tomorrow morning."

After hanging up the phone, Fores knocked on the door and came in.

"Brother, Jenny is here."

“Jenny?” Su Ning stood up. “How could she…”

Before she could finish speaking, Jenny walked in. She looked much more mature than she had a few years ago, wearing a simple black women's suit, her eyes red.

“Suning, it’s been a long time,” Jenny said softly. “I heard from Tom Parker that you all came to the funeral, so I came to see you.”

"Are you alright?" Su Ning asked.

"As Elvis's assistant, I feel really ashamed that I didn't take good care of him."

Fores held Jenny's hand: "Jenny, don't overthink it!"

“We’ll go to the funeral tomorrow,” Su Ning said.

The next morning, Emily appeared at the Hilton Hotel entrance on time.

She was wearing large sunglasses and a hat, but the reporter still recognized her.

"Miss Clark! Are you here for Elvis's funeral?"

Did you come with Mr. Su Ning?

"Are you dating?"

Emily didn't say a word and quickly stepped into Suning's luxury van.

When Emily met Mrs. Gan, she was very polite: "Mrs. Gan, my condolences. I am Emily, Sue's friend."

“I know you, I’ve seen you on TV.” Mrs. Gan took her hand. “Good girl, thank you for coming with me to see Elvis off.”

At 8:30, Elvis Presley's team arrived to pick them up.

There were a few other people on the bus—a veteran country singer, two early Elvis band members, and Elvis's cousin.

My cousin, Billy, was in his fifties and talked about Elvis Presley's childhood the whole way.

"Elvis's family was poor when he was a child. His mother saved up for a long time and bought him his first guitar for his tenth birthday. Who would have thought he would become Elvis?"

Mrs. Gan asked, "Was Elvis very heartbroken when his mother passed away?" "Incredibly heartbroken," Billy sighed. "After his mother died in 1968, Elvis changed. He used to be such a cheerful person, but then..."

A moment of silence fell over the car.

When they arrived at Graceland, more than two hundred people were already standing solemnly in the manor.

The room was filled with relatives, friends, and celebrities from all walks of life. Suning saw many familiar faces—singers, actors, and politicians.

The funeral was held in the manor's living room.

Elvis's coffin was placed in the center, surrounded by piles of white flowers.

The ceremony was very simple.

The pastor read a prayer, several relatives and friends spoke, and then Elvis Presley's favorite gospel song, "How Great Thou Art," was played.

Mrs. Gan was trembling with sobs, and Fores and Jenny supported her on either side.

Su Ning stood behind her mother, looking at the photo of Elvis on the coffin—she never imagined that her appearance and efforts would not change his fate.
When it was time for family and friends to say goodbye, Elvis's daughter Lisa stood beside her father's coffin, her little face covered in tears.

Fores walked over, squatted down, and talked to her.

“Lisa, my name is Forrest. Your father was a good man; he helped me.” Forrest spoke slowly. “When we were fighting in Vietnam, I was terrified. But when I thought of your father’s songs, I felt empowered. Your father’s music saved many lives.”

Lisa looked up at him: "Really?"

“Really,” Fores said earnestly. “Your father won’t really leave. As long as people listen to his songs, he’ll still be here.”

The words were simple, but Lisa seemed to understand. She nodded slightly.

After the farewell ceremony, Suning was called aside by Elvis's manager, Tom.

“Mr. Gan, there’s something I’d like to ask you,” Tom said. “In the last few months of his life, Elvis was planning a world tour. He wanted to use the most advanced technology—giant screens, laser lights, surround sound. We talked to several tech companies, but none of them were satisfactory. Now… that’s impossible.”

Tom pulled out a proposal: "But I think perhaps we can fulfill his wish in another way. We want to build an 'Elvis Holographic Projection Concert,' using your Lemon Technology's most advanced imaging technology to bring Elvis 'back' to the stage. Of course, this is for the future, and it might not be appropriate to bring it up now..."

Suning accepted the proposal: "We will consider it carefully. This is also a way to commemorate him."

“Thank you.” Tom squeezed his hand. “Elvis used to say that technology and music are the same thing—they both connect people’s hearts. I think he would like this idea.”

It was already afternoon when we left Graceland.

The number of fans outside the manor didn't decrease; in fact, it increased.

It is estimated that there were tens of thousands of people, who completely blocked the streets.

They were instructed to leave through the back door and go directly to the rest area arranged by Elvis Presley's management company.

There, Su Ning met several unexpected people.

“Mr. Gan!” A middle-aged man in a denim outfit walked over. “I’m Willie Nelson, a friend of Elvis.”

Willie Nelson, a country music superstar.

"Hello, Mr. Nelson."

“Don’t mention it,” Willie said in a hoarse voice. “Elvis mentioned you to me before he died. He said you were his best friend.”

"He also said that the future of music doesn't lie with record companies, but in the hands of every ordinary person." Willie patted Suning on the shoulder. "Keep up the good work. Elvis has a good eye for people; he said you'll change the world."

Another one who walked over was Johnny Cash, a legend in the American music industry.

“Mr. Gan, please accept my condolences.” Cash didn’t say much. “Elvis is gone, but the music lives on. You tech people should help us pass on the music.”

"must."

The car was quiet on the way back to the manor.

Finally, Mrs. Gan broke the silence: "Su Ning, I've figured something out today."

"What is it, Mom?"

“The length of a person’s life is not important; what matters is what they do.” Mrs. Gan looked out the window. “Elvis only lived forty-two years, but he brought joy to so many people. His songs will continue to be sung for a hundred years, two hundred years… He will still be alive.”

Fores nodded: "Mom is right. Just like Bob's father, although he died young, Bob always smiles when he talks about him. He's still alive."

Jenny leaned on Fores's shoulder: "So we all need to live well and do meaningful things."

Emily said softly, "In Hollywood, many people pursue fame and fortune, but no one remembers them after they're gone. Elvis was different; he truly lives in people's hearts."

Suning didn't say anything, but he was touched.

He reflected on his years of work—building companies, launching products, seizing markets, stockpiling patents, negotiating partnerships. All that busy work, for what?
For money? That's enough already.

For fame? Yes, that's what it is.

Then what for?
Perhaps, it's all about creating something that can remain in the world, like Elvis Presley.

It's not just a song, but an era.

Computers make information accessible to everyone, and mobile phones allow everyone to stay connected anytime.

These technologies will change the world, just as rock and roll changed the spirit of a generation.

This is the true meaning.

The next day, they prepared to leave Memphis.

At the airport, Emily was going back to Los Angeles, Jenny was going back to Berkeley, and Suning was taking his mother and brother back to Alabama.

As they parted, Emily asked Suning, "That matter... what have you thought about?"

"what's up?"

"Our business," Emily said directly, "Do you still want to continue 'cooperating'?"

Su Ning thought for a moment and said, "Let's continue."

Emily smiled and said, "Okay."

Forrest and Jenny's farewell was simpler.

“I will write to you,” Fores said.

“Make a call, don’t you have a mobile phone?” Jenny laughed.

"Phone bills are too expensive."

"Then write a letter. I'll wait for you."

Mrs. Gan fell asleep after the plane took off.

Fores whispered to Suning, "Brother, Elvis's death has made me think a lot."

"What are you thinking about?"

“Life is too short to do what you want to do while you can,” Fores said. “I’ve discussed it with Bab and Lieutenant Dane, and we’re going to open a shrimp company in the Gulf of Mexico next year. We’re going to be the biggest shrimp company.”

"Okay, I support it."

“Also, I want to marry Jenny.” Fores blushed.

Su Ning patted her younger brother on the shoulder: "Mom will be very happy."

He looked at the clouds outside the window.

My trip to Memphis is over, but some things will stay with me.

Elvis is gone, but his music lives on.

Those of us who are still alive must carry this inspiration with us, continue on our journey, and create works that will remain in the world.

...(End of chapter)