In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

In late October, news that "18" had sold over 20 million copies worldwide spread throughout mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

This time, Yan Pingsheng didn't hold a grand press conference; instead, he issued a press release directly to the media. Even so, the news still quickly made headlines in major media outlets.

Beijing Entertainment News: "Chinese music creates another miracle! Sunshine Ming's '18' album has sold over 20 million copies worldwide and received double diamond certification from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry!"

The report stated: "Yesterday, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) officially announced that Yang Guangming's debut solo album, '18,' has sold over 20 million copies worldwide, earning double diamond certification. This is the first time a Chinese singer has received this international certification, and it is also the highest sales record in the history of the Chinese music scene. Industry insiders exclaimed that this number is not only a miracle, but a legend."

Southern Metropolis Daily: "Twenty million copies! Sunshine Ming conquers the world!"

The report described it as follows: "According to data released by Asia Records, Yang Guangming's album '18' has sold a total of 20.3 million copies worldwide. This number not only broke the historical record of the Chinese music scene, but also made Yang Guangming the first Chinese singer to receive international double diamond record certification. From director to singer, Yang Guangming has completed a double conquest from film to music."

Xinmin Evening News analyzed it from a cultural perspective: "The global success of the album '18' is not only a personal success for Yang Guangming, but also an important milestone for Chinese music to go global."

This album allowed the world to hear the voice of Chinese music, touching people of different countries and ethnicities. Some Western music critics have called Yang Guangming's voice "a heavenly sound from the East," and his success proves that good music can transcend language.

Reference News also reprinted a report from foreign media: "The BBC commented that Yang Guangming's success has shown the world the charm of Chinese culture. His singing has a unique Eastern subtlety and deep emotion, which is universal and can resonate with everyone."

The internet exploded with discussion.

The forum is full of discussions about double diamond certification.

"Twenty million copies! What incredible sales figures!"

"Yang Ming is amazing! The first double diamond record for a Chinese artist! A first in history!"

"Some people said before that Yang Guangming's albums could only be popular in China. Doesn't that make them look bad now? Twenty million copies sold worldwide. Doesn't that prove them wrong?"

"I strongly demand a Sunshine Bright Open World Tour! I want to go!"

"Wake up, upstairs. You should save up enough for your plane ticket first."

But what excites the media even more is the significance behind this sales miracle.

This is the first Chinese-language album to sell globally.

It was also the first non-English album to sell globally.

Prior to this, Chinese music was virtually negligible in the global market. A few singers attempted to enter the international market, but all ultimately failed. Western audiences' understanding of Chinese music was basically limited to the point of "not understanding it."

But Yang Guangming's album "18" broke this perception.

The success of this album demonstrates that Chinese music can be popular worldwide and can be at the forefront of global pop music, representing that Chinese culture is appreciated and accepted by people all over the world.

At the national level, the cultural significance behind this is immense!
Based on this, many official media outlets have given this news prominent coverage.

The People's Daily published a commentary in its culture section entitled "Using Music to Tell China's Story".

The article states: "Yang Guangming's success is not accidental. His singing has a natural appeal that transcends language and culture, touching people of different countries and races."

He told Chinese stories through music and conveyed Chinese emotions through song. This is the best embodiment of cultural confidence and a successful example of Chinese culture going global.

The Guangming Daily also published a similar view: "Yang Guangming's album '18' has sold more than 20 million copies worldwide, which is not only a personal achievement, but also a victory for Chinese music."

This proves that Chinese music has enough charm to reach the world, and Chinese culture has enough appeal to touch the world. We look forward to more artists like Yang Guangming using their talent to help the world better understand China.

Xinhua News Agency also issued a brief report titled "Yang Guangming Receives International Double Diamond Record Certification, Making History in the Chinese Music Scene."

The news brief stated: "The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) recently announced that Chinese singer Yang Guangming's debut solo album, '18,' has sold over 20 million copies worldwide, earning double diamond certification. This is the first time a Chinese singer has received this honor, marking a historic breakthrough for Chinese music on the international stage."

CCTV's "News Broadcast" also devoted 30 seconds to reporting this news.

In the video, the host reads in a standard broadcasting tone: "The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry recently announced that the debut solo album '18' by Chinese young singer Yang Guangming has sold over 20 million copies worldwide and has received double diamond certification. This is the first time a Chinese singer has received this international certification, and it is another important achievement in promoting Chinese culture abroad."

When Zuo Xiaoqing saw this news at home, she jumped up excitedly.

She ran to the study and shouted at Yang Guangming, "Brother Guangming! You're on the news again!"

Yang Guangming was reading a book when he heard this and looked up: "Really?"

“Really! Come and watch the replay!” Zuo Xiaoqing grabbed his hand and pulled him into the living room.

The news was playing on TV, and Yang Guangming felt a mix of emotions as he watched his name appear on the evening news.

Zuo Xiaoqing was even more honored, happier than Yang Guangming.

Previously, Sunshine had won the Palme d'Or twice, earning global acclaim for the country in film art. Now, he has made globally recognized achievements in music, allowing Chinese culture to be understood and accepted by people all over the world.

He is the first artist to receive such high praise from official media.

Zuo Xiaoqing leaned on his shoulder and whispered, "Brother Guangming, you're amazing."

Yang Guangming put his arm around her shoulder: "It's alright."

"What do you mean 'not bad'!" Zuo Xiaoqing said seriously. "You were the first singer to appear on the national news! You call that 'not bad'? Brother Guangming, your standards are too high!"

Yang Guangming laughed: "Okay, okay, I was being too modest."

In the days that followed, discussions about double diamond certification continued, but Yang Guangming no longer paid attention to them.

He spends his days in the courtyard house, drinking tea, reading, and talking with Zuo Xiaoqing. Occasionally, he'll be interviewed by the media, but he'll decline if he can, and only deal with the ones he can't avoid.

But Yan Pingsheng still called every day.

"Young Master Ming, there are more media reports from Japan now."

"Young Master Ming, a TV station in South Korea wants to do a feature on you."

"Ming Shao, a music critic in Europe has written another article specifically analyzing your singing style."

Yang Guangming remained calm each time.

As the album was promoted extensively around the world, its songs began to appear on music charts in various countries.

The most attention-grabbing aspect, of course, is the North American Billboard charts. Billboard is the most authoritative music chart in North America and a coveted honor for musicians worldwide. Prior to this, no Chinese-language song had ever entered the Billboard Top 50.

Yan Pingsheng's voice was trembling when he called.

"Young Master Ming! It's out! The bulletin board rankings are out!"

Yang Guangming put down his teacup: "Mr. Yan, please speak."

Yan Pingsheng took a deep breath and then read aloud, "Ulaanbaatar Nights, number sixteen on Billboard!"

Yang Guangming was taken aback for a moment: "Sixteen?"

"Yes! Sixteen!" Yan Pingsheng exclaimed excitedly, "Young Master Ming, this is the highest ranking ever for a Chinese song on Billboard!"

Yang Guangming was silent for a few seconds, then asked, "Is there anything else?"

“Yes!” Yan Pingsheng continued reading, “‘Wild Geese’ is ranked forty-eighth on Billboard. ‘At Least I Still Have You’ is ranked seventy-second. ‘My Microphone’ is ranked eighty-sixth. ‘Happy Worship’ is ranked ninety-third.”

He paused, his voice brimming with excitement: "Ming Shao, five songs from the album have entered the Billboard Top 100! This is another new record for Chinese songs! For five of your songs to enter the Top 100 at the same time is simply a miracle!"

Yang Guangming smiled: "President Yan, this result is indeed unexpected."

Yan Pingsheng continued, "Young Master Ming, do you know that North America is going crazy right now? All the major media outlets are reporting on this news, saying that this is the first time in Billboard history that five Chinese songs have entered the top 100 at the same time. Some music critics say that this is a collective explosion of Chinese music in North America, and the first large-scale export of Eastern culture to the West."

The two chatted for a few more minutes, and Yan Pingsheng calmed himself down before starting to talk about his next plan.

"Young Master Ming, Warner Music said that the promotional efforts will be even greater next week. Radio, television, and online—a comprehensive promotion. They predict that the rankings will rise even further next week."

Yang Guangming nodded: "Then let's do it their way."

After hanging up the phone, Yang Guangming leaned back in his chair and looked out at the persimmon tree.

The notice board has sixteen positions.

This number, even in the original timeline, represents a height that Chinese-language singers have never reached, even in the decades to come.

And now, he has done it.

When the news reached China, it sparked another round of heated discussion in the media.

Beijing Entertainment News: "Sunshine Ming creates another miracle! 'Night in Ulaanbaatar' breaks into the Billboard Top 20!"

The report stated: "According to the latest Billboard charts, 'Night in Ulaanbaatar' from Sunshine Ming's album '18' ranked sixteenth, setting a new record for the highest ranking of a Chinese song on Billboard. Meanwhile, four other songs from the album also entered the top 100, creating a collective explosion of Chinese music in the North American market."

Southern Metropolis Daily: "Five songs enter the Billboard Top 100! Sunshine conquers North America!"

The report described it as follows: "This week's Billboard charts became a personal showcase for Sunshine Ming. Five Chinese songs simultaneously entered the top 100, a miracle never before seen in Billboard history. Some industry insiders remarked that Sunshine Ming is using his songs to open the door to the North American market."

Xinmin Evening News analyzed it from a cultural perspective: "Yang Guangming's success once again proves that good music knows no borders. His singing has a unique Eastern subtlety and deep emotion, which is universal and can resonate with everyone. Reaching number 16 on the Billboard charts is not only a personal honor, but also an important step for Chinese music to go global."

The internet exploded with discussion.

The forum is full of discussions about Billboard rankings.

"Sixteenth! What kind of divine ranking is this?!"

"Yang Guangming is amazing! This is the first time a Chinese song has entered the top 20!"

"I strongly demand a Sunshine Bright Open World Tour! I want to go!"

"Wake up, upstairs. You should save up enough money for your visa first."

With the album selling well and media promotion, the Billboard rankings improved even further in the second week.

When Yan Pingsheng called again, his voice was so excited that he could no longer speak coherently.

"Young Master Ming, it's out. The Billboard rankings for week two are out."

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "President Yan, please speak slowly."

Yan Pingsheng took a deep breath and then read aloud, "Ulaanbaatar Nights, number three on Billboard!"

Yang Guangming was taken aback for a moment: "Third?"

"Yes! Third!" Yan Pingsheng's voice rose eight octaves. "Young Master Ming, third! Third on Billboard! This is the highest ranking ever for a Chinese song on Billboard! And the highest ranking ever for an Asian artist!"

Yang Guangming remained silent for a few seconds.

He knew his voice was attractive, but he didn't expect it to be this attractive.

Ranking third on the Billboard charts—a number that, in the original timeline, represented a height that no Asian singer had ever reached.

"Is there anything else?" he asked.

“Yes!” Yan Pingsheng continued reading, “‘Wild Geese’ ranks ninth! ‘At Least I Still Have You’ ranks twenty-third! ‘My Microphone’ ranks thirty-first! ‘Happy Worship’ ranks thirty-seventh!”

He paused, his voice brimming with excitement: "Ming Shao, two songs from the album have entered the Billboard Top 10! All five songs have entered the Top 40! What does this mean? This is a miracle that has never happened before in Billboard history! A Chinese-language album with two songs entering the Billboard Top 10—this is a miracle that has never happened before on Billboard!"
"Ming Shao, now all the major North American media outlets are reporting this news on their front pages, calling it a milestone in Billboard history. Some music critics say that Ming Yang is reshaping the North American music market with his voice."

The billboard for "Night in Ulaanbaatar" is number three.

This news has been widely reported by European and American media.

Billboard magazine published an article on its website titled "Chinese singer makes history: Two songs simultaneously enter the Billboard Top 10".

The article states: "This week's Billboard charts witnessed a historic moment. Two songs by Chinese singer Yang Guangming—'Night in Ulaanbaatar' and 'Wild Geese'—simultaneously entered the Billboard Hot 100, ranking third and ninth respectively. This is the first time in Billboard history that a Chinese-language song has entered the top ten, and it is also the best performance by an Asian artist on Billboard."

The BBC also reported the news: "Chinese singer Yang Guangming is conquering the world. After his album '18' sold over 20 million copies worldwide, two more songs entered the Billboard Top 10 in the United States. Some music critics have called Yang Guangming's voice 'a heavenly sound from the East,' and his success proves that good music can transcend language."

The French newspaper Le Monde wrote: "Yang Guangming's singing has a unique Eastern subtlety and deep emotion, an emotion that is universal and can resonate with everyone. 'Night in Ulaanbaatar' has also climbed to the top of the music charts in France, becoming the most popular Chinese song among French listeners."

The German magazine *Der Spiegel* analyzed the situation from a cultural perspective: "Yang Guangming's success is not accidental. His singing possesses a natural appeal that transcends language and culture, moving people of different countries and races. This is yet another example of Eastern culture being exported to the West." (End of Chapter)