Chinese entertainment industry has been booming since 2008.

"Without capital, I can't hire the best vocal coach; without luck, I can't enter the entertainment industry; without a sound engineer, every mistake I make in the recording studio will be magnified infinitely."

Zhang Yang paused for a moment, his gaze becoming deep.

"However, capital cannot create the starlight in Li Qingyan's eyes when she looks at Zhang Wangshu; luck cannot give Li Qingyan the sense of heartbreak when she confesses her love in the snow; and a sound engineer cannot replicate the nights an actor spends on set."

On the big screen, behind-the-scenes footage of "My Love from the Star" was played at just the right moment: Zhang Yang repeatedly filming confession scenes in sub-zero snow, his fingers turning red from the cold, yet he still diligently rehearsed his lines; he practiced his lines alone in the rehearsal hall late at night, his costume soaked with sweat; at the wrap party, he hugged and thanked every staff member with tears in his eyes...

"This world never lets down those who are diligent."

Zhang Yang's voice pulled everyone's thoughts back to the scene, "I am able to stand here not because of capital, not because of luck, and certainly not just because of auto-tuning."

He raised his head slightly, the light reflecting brilliantly in his eyes.

"It's because I always have reverence for this stage, pour my heart and soul into every role, and am forever grateful to those who support me."

After he finished speaking, the room fell silent for a moment, then erupted in even more enthusiastic applause. This time, the applause contained no doubt, only heartfelt recognition and respect.

The comments in the live stream have completely shifted direction.

"I'm sorry, I admit I spoke too loudly to you before."

"This is the attitude a true artist should have!"

"From today onwards, I'm your die-hard fan!"

"A slap in the face with overwhelming force is the most lethal."

Zhang Yang stood in the center of the stage, looking at the starlight that had lit up for him below, and said softly:

"Thank you for all the doubts, you have made me more determined; thank you for all the support, you have kept me true to my original aspirations."

"What doesn't kill me makes me stronger. I am Zhang Yang, a serious artist."

The stage lights gradually softened, turning into a warm orange-yellow that enveloped Zhang Yang like the afterglow of the setting sun.

The staff brought over a high stool at the right time, and Zhang Yang sat down casually, holding the microphone in his hand. His voice softened, carrying the warmth of memories, as if he were having a late-night chat with an old friend.

"In the behind-the-scenes footage, there was a shot of me filming that confession scene in the snow, which many people call a 'god-like' scene. What you saw were the repeated takes and my hands turning red from the cold, but what you didn't see was..."

He paused slightly, his gaze drifting into the distance, as if he had traveled back to that cold film set.

"Before that scene was filmed, I was behind the monitor, watching the playback for the thirty-seventh time, when I suddenly asked myself: Zhang Yang, do you really understand what 'waiting' is?"

Li Qingyan waited a thousand years. His love was restraint, protection, and the solitary courage to choose to stay close even knowing that separation was inevitable. And what about me?

He shook his head slightly, a self-deprecating smile on his face.

"At that moment, I realized that I was far less brave than Li Qingyan. So, those subsequent takes were not just for a perfect shot, but also my way of getting closer to that character, clumsily learning how to love and protect like him."

The audience was completely silent, even their breathing became soft, as the fans were afraid of disturbing this sincere confession.

"Now, let's go back to the original question."

He looked up, his gaze becoming clear and firm once more:

"What is it that allows me to stand here?"

It was the roles that kept me up all night, the interactions with the director and fellow actors on set, and the courage to open my heart, break it down, and then gradually immerse myself in the characters.

There are no shortcuts on the path of an artist. Capital, luck, and even skills are just aids. The real core is always this one thing...

He raised his hand and gently tapped his heart.

"A sincere heart".

Zhang Yang stood up and bowed deeply once again to the audience and to the camera.

"Thank you 'My Love from the Star' for letting me meet such lovely people like you. Thank you for all the voices that have helped me see myself more clearly. The road ahead is long, and I will continue to use my work to reach you step by step."

There were no impassioned pronouncements, no deliberate sentimentality, only a sincerity born of reflection. And this unhurried, heartfelt strength is more convincing than any explanation.

As Zhang Yang straightened up, his gaze swept over the tearful eyes of the audience below, and he suddenly did something that surprised everyone: he turned and walked towards the piano on the side of the stage.

"On the night I filmed the last scene of 'My Love from the Star,' I wrote a song that I've never released before. Today, I want to dedicate this song, 'The Brightest Star in the Night Sky,' to everyone who perseveres on their journey through life."

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhang Yang's slender fingers gently brushed across the black and white piano keys, producing a series of clear, spring-like notes. His voice rose and fell with the gentle accompaniment of the piano.

"The brightest star in the night sky, can you hear me?"

The person gazing upwards feels loneliness and sighs in their heart;

Oh, the brightest star in the night sky, do you remember?

The figure that once walked with me, now vanished in the wind.

Zhang Yang's voice was deep and warm, completely different from the magnificent opera excerpt just now. It was like the most soothing voice on a late-night radio station. The piano music gradually faded away, leaving only his a cappella voice vibrating in the air.

I pray to have a transparent heart;

And eyes that can shed tears;

Give me the courage to believe again;

Oh, I'll embrace you beyond the lies;

Whenever I can't find meaning in my existence;

Whenever I get lost in the darkness;

Oh, the brightest star in the night sky;

Please guide me closer to you.

...

Many musicians, including those who looked down on Zhang Yang, such as Black Sword, as well as music critics from Hong Kong and Taiwan, and various music companies, were watching Zhang Yang's live stream. They wanted to see just how good Zhang Yang's singing was.

In 2009, the decline of the Chinese music scene was already visible to the naked eye. Physical record stores closed down in droves, the profits from ringtone downloads peaked, and online piracy was rampant.

Major music companies are clinging to their past glories and increasingly depleted coffers, struggling between promoting new talent and retaining veteran artists. The works they release are becoming increasingly homogenized, ranging from sentimental ballads to electronic dance music, leaving the market stagnant.

Just then, Zhang Yang, the anomaly who rose to the top of the film and television industry with "My Love from the Star," barged into this withered land in a completely different manner.

In Zhang Yang, traditional music company moguls saw another path.

Generally speaking, the usual approach of traditional music companies is to find promising young people, invest resources in training and packaging them, create a "music product" that meets market expectations, and then monetize it through chart rankings, autograph sessions, and commercial performances. But Zhang Yang has completely subverted this model.

However, in the eyes of these professionals, Zhang Yang's singing skills were really terrible. This live broadcast was a test of Zhang Yang's singing skills and may also be the beginning of a brand new model.

The result was truly a pleasant surprise; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Zhang Yang's singing skills are the best among the new generation.