Chapter Text
"Good evening everyone, and welcome to the show of a lifetime! I'm your host, Shi Qing Xuan, and today, I'll have the pleasure to interview one of the most famous and popular people of all times! Please give a warm welcome to our wonderful guest, Hua Cheng!"
As soon as he finished his sentence, the red curtains behind him were open and Hua Cheng came into the stage, making the audience scream with excitement.
Today was the seventh anniversary of Hua Cheng's debut. In order to celebrate the occasion, the idol agreed to participate in a special variety show for the very first time, willing to answer the questions his fans wished to know the most.
"First of all, let me welcome you to the show. You have no idea how excited we're to have you here tonight."
"Thanks. I believe this will be quite... Interesting, for me too."
"I can assure you, it will definitely be! So, are you ready to answer some questions from your fans?" asked Shi Qing Xuan.
"Sure I am."
"Great! This box right here contains all the questions we've received from your fans so far. We'll pull out one card at the time and see what your fans wish to know the most. Got it?" Explained as he pointed towards a white box at the table.
He nodded.
"Alright! Let's begin then!"
The host pulled a white card out of the box, taking a few seconds to read it before asking.
"As you might already know, everyone loves the way you play that electric guitar of yours. It drives everyone crazy. Tonight, one of your fans wish to know, how many years did you had to practice to reach this level?"
"Let's see... I started to play the guitar when I was twelve, I think. Doing the math, I've been playing this instrument for more than fifteen years."
At this, the audience gasped in surprise, just to applaud him in support and admiration.
"Fifteen years!!! And here I was complaining about the four years I spend on college. Anyways, how did you learn to play it? Did you go to a music school or something?"
"I didn't. There was someone who taught me the basics when I was young. Unfortunately, I lost contact with that person due to some... External circumstances. Since then, I've been practicing it all by myself."
"By yourself?!! My goodness, I wish I had that talent. You truly are one in a million, aren't you?"
The audience seemed to agree, yelling with excitement.
"It really is not that big of a deal. If not for that person, I'd have probably never become the person I'm today."
"As modest as always, I see. Let's go into the next question then. This time it's your turn to pull one out."
With a straight face, Hua Cheng took another card, taking his time to read it.
"Another question about my guitar... Seems like people care a lot about this stuff", said before reading out loud the content.
"So far, it seems like you've played the same guitar over the years. Does it have some sort of special meaning for you?"
"Oh right. I was curious about that aspect too. So far, it seems you've never replaced. You even gave it a nickname, right?" asked Shi Qing Xuan.
"Yeah, his name is E-Ming. It suits him, don't you think?" asked with a smirk on his face.
"Sure it does! Why is that though? Does it truly have a special meaning for you?"
"It actually does. E-Ming was a gift from a very special someone. I would never dare to replace it."
"Aww, that's actually so nice of you, wouldn't you agree?" asked Shi Qing Xuan towards the audience, who agreed to his statement.
However, even it the crowd was excited, he couldn't help but notice that Hua Cheng was not willing to give any further details about it, so he went along and offered another card from the box.
"Well, this is certainly an special one", said Hua Cheng after reading the card and show his content to the camera.
"Hello Hua Chengzu! I'm a big fan of yours, and just like you, I have heterochomia. I'm so happy to have something in common with you, however... Lately there's been a few boys who keep bothering me at school because of it. I was wondering if you ever had similar experiences to mine, in case your answer is yes, how did you managed it?"
"Aww... Such a sweet little girl... Who could be so cruel to make fun of her for something like that?" said Shi Qing Xuan, feeling sad for the little girl.
"Kids can be more cruel than you think." answered Hua Cheng thoughtfully. "And for the person who send this letter... You're not alone. Try to look out for help, I'm sure there must be someone willing to lend you a hand. And most importantly, stand up for yourself. Don't let them get to you, don't give them that satisfaction, people like them are just not worthy of your time."
The audience yelled and applauded him, showing his support for the idol and his fan.
"Right. It's important not to give importance to their words. The fact they have nothing better to do than try to bother you talks more about them than you. It's not worth it", agreed Shi Qing Xuan.
The night went on and the questions kept going, some more interesting than others. The audience was great and the interview was going smoothly, however, he still had to keep track of the time. After all, the end of the first period was about to come, they had to close this part with a meaningful question.
"Alright! Next question then. Not too long ago, you mentioned you were getting ready for a new album! Everyone has been really excited about these news. Is there any chance you could tell us a little bit more about this project?"
"Sure. The album will be called 'Crimson Rain'. I've been working on this project for quite a while already. So far, I think it's the best album I've managed to make."
As expected, the audience screamed with excitement louder than before. It has been a while since the last time Hua Cheng had released a full album, everyone has been looking up to it.
"Such a wonderful name, that is! Everyone has been waiting for news about this project of yours. Hearing how much effort you put into it, I'm sure it will be a hit! Can you tell us when will it be released?"
"I think it should be out before this year ends."
"Well, now you know it! Crimson Rain it's right around the corner. Be sure not to miss it!" exclaimed the host while facing the camera, a beautiful smile on his face, receiving another excited scream from the audience.
He just got the news about Hua Cheng's new album firsthand! He surely was lucky.
"Alright everyone. I'm sure we're all excited by this news, so let's take a quick break to digest all this information, shall we?"
As expected, the audience exclaimed his disagreement.
"Oh come on, there's no need for that, tonight's show is not over just yet! There're still so many questions to be answered, so please, make sure to stay with us until the very end! See you all later!"
And with that, the curtains fell and the commercials began, allowing the people on stage to finally relax.
"Alright then. We have a few minutes before going back on live. Is there anything you'd like to discuss beforehand? You can review the questions I'm about to ask you too, in case you're interested", offered the youngest one.
"Not really. I don't think it'll be necessary."
"Okay then. Feel free to do as you please until then. There're some snacks too if you'd like to try some. I gotta say, the macaroons here are amazing", recommended as one of the assistents brought a few snacks to the table before them.
"Thanks. I'll take a piece then."
Shi Qing Xuan wanted to take this chance to get to know better the renowned star of the moment. However, before he could try to talk with him, Hua Cheng's manager entered the room in a hurry.
"Wonderful! Everyone on social media is talking about you! This is amazing!"
"Great. Are you happy now?" asked Hua Cheng, somehow resentful.
"Of course I am. This was a wonderful idea. I have no doubts, your next album will sold out in less than a minute."
"You better be right about that, Yin Yu." He said as he grabbed another sweet from the table.
"As long as you don't get too out of line, that is", answered in a warning tone.
"Mh... We'll see about that."
Yin Yu didn't bother to answer. Instead, he went towards Shi Qing Xuan to shake his hand in gratitude.
"Oh. I must thank you for your efforts too. You've been a great host tonight. Everyone online is enchanted with you too."
"They are? Let me see!" exclaimed, taking out his phone to see the reaction of people.
Just like he said, all the comments he got to see about him were quite nice. They seemed to think of him as a charismatic person to be around.
Seeing the audience he reached and the positive reaction he was getting from the general public made him feel quite proud of himself. As the night was going, this might be one of the best episodes of his show! His brother would surely be proud of him too.
Sooner than expected, the pause came to an end. Everyone got back in their position and the show began once again.
"Just like I promised, we're back with more questions for our esteemed guest to answer, let's get right to it!"
Another card was pulled out.
"This question is about your last project, a collaboration with another wonderful artist, He Xuan. The song you did together was absolutely beautiful, everyone loved it, including myself. So, this fan of yours wish to know, how was it like to work with him? Any details you might wanna give us about your time together?"
"I don't use to make collaborations with other people, it's not my style. However, I like the kind of music he does, and I've gotta recognize the talent he has with the violin. Besides, he also gave me plenty of freedom within the project. I had no reasons to refuse a collaboration with him."
"What about his personality? Did the two of you get along?"
"He Xuan has a quiet personality. I like that. None of us felt the need to force a conversation, it was actually refreshing."
"Oh I see! So you two actually managed to become friends!"
"I don't know if 'friends' it's the right term to define our relationship, but I like him better than most idols within the industry, that's for sure."
"Still a great compliment coming from someone as you! Would you be willing to work with him in the future once again?"
"I don't see why not."
At this, the public started to murmur about the possibility, most of them enchanted with the news.
"Alright! Let's continue then. Your turn now, please grab another card."
"Let's see... This person wish to know if I have considered to collaborate with other artists in the future. For example... Pei Ming?!" exclaimed, failing to keep a straight face.
"Well... That's certainly an interesting question, isn't it?" asked Shi Qing Xuan, a funny smile drawn in his face.
"I'm sorry for crushing everyone's dreams, but that's not happening." This time, the idol struggled not to laugh at the suggestion.
At this, the public mood fell down a bit, feeling dissappointed.
"Well, I gotta admit you two have very different styles, it's kinda hard trying to imagine the two of you working together", said QingXuan, trying not to laugh either.
"That's what I'm saying..." agreed Hua Cheng.
"Alright, alright. But even if it's not Pei Ming, is there no one else you'd like to collaborate with?"
"Not really. At least, not that I can think of right now."
"Okay then, guess it's time to go into the next question. Let's see..."
Shi QingXuan took a brief pause to take another card out of the box.
"So, lately we've seen the debut of many new artists, like, I don't know, Xuan Ji, Pei Su, Qi Rong, etc... What do you think about them? Is there anyone you like?", asked the host.
"The industry is unpredictable. I believe anyone has a chance to become famous, specially if you come from an already successful company. However, there's been a boy who debuted not too long ago who catched my attention. His name was... Qi Ying, if I'm not mistaken. I found his music quite interesting, I must say."
"Really? I didn't expect you'd knew about him." commented. "He just debuted a couple of weeks ago with a little company to support him, to be able to gain recognition from someone with your talent, he must be something else."
"Who knows, he's just started in this industry, so it's hard to say whether he'll succeed or not, but so far, I do believe he has a great potential."
"Well, I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Now... Next question, this time it's your turn."
Hua Cheng nodded and took another card out of the box.
"Mh... Which were the hardest obstacles I've crossed so far in my career... Well, this is certainly an interesting question. I think the first years of my career were specially rough to say the least. Back then, I had no one to support me in this path. I had no contacts within the industry and I couldn't find anyone willing to sign a contract with me. Of course, I've eventually managed to make it, but at the time, I even questioned whether I should give up and look for another job."
"I can only imagine how hard must've been to start in this kind of industry in those circumstances. What about you family though? Did they support you in this process?"
"Pff." For a second, Hua Cheng actually laughed at the suggestion. "Sorry, but they didn't. We've never been close, and I'm not even in contact with them anymore, so there's so little I could tell you about my family."
"I see... It must've been hard, to face all those hardships all by yourself, wasn't it?" said Shi Qing Xuan, suddenly feeling sympathetic with the idol.
Hua Cheng shrugged.
"Not really. By then, I was already used to sort things out by myself. Looking back, loosing contact with them was the best thing I could've done, and I'm okay with that."
Shi Qing Xuan could feel how the mood had changed within the room. This subject was quite difficult to talk about, and Hua Cheng didn't seem eager to continue with it either, so he quickly changed the subject.
"Thanks for sharing all this with us. You truly are an amazing artist, but not only that, you're an amazing person too. Being able to make your way to the top in the circumstances you were in is something admible."
"Thanks."
Like that, the night went on. The public kept asking a few more questions, some were about his career as an idol, some others asked about the things he liked and disliked, until finally, the final question arrived.
"And finally, to close this wonderful night, the question you've been waiting all along is finally here!" exclaimed Shi Qing Xuan, taking a red card, clearly marked from the rest.
"This year you became 27. There's plenty of people who would die to have a chance to get to know you. However, up until now, you have shown little to no interest into anyone at all. Your fans have been wondering about the reason for this. So, please, could you tell us, is there anyone you're interested at the moment?"
After hearing the question, a smile spread across his lips, as if he already knew this question was about to come.
"You know... It has always surprised me the interest other people show regarding my own personal life. However, I think I've been avoiding this question for quite some time already. I might as well tell the truth once and for all."
Hearing this answer, Shi Qing Xuan was actually perplexed. Even after all these years, Hua Cheng had been refusing to give any details about his private life. Could he actually be serious? Was he really going to answer this question with honesty?
"Truth is, I do, in fact, have a beloved one. Someone virtuous and beautiful. A real noble and special someone I've liked since I was young. However, I'm afraid I'm still unable to reach that person."
As the words came out, the public was left ecstatic. Hua Cheng, idol of idols, a talent of one in a million, unable to reach someone? How could that even be possible? Facing such revelation, even the host didn't know how to react.
"Well, now you know the truth. Do you have any more questions, QingXuan?" asked Hua Cheng, breaking the silence after a few seconds waiting.
"I-I... No but..."
Really, what on earth was he supposed to say? No matter how hard he tried, he was still unable to make a proper answer in time. He was ready to ease the audience in case Hua Cheng didn't answer the question, he never thought he would actually get the answer he was looking for, much less a revelation of this magnitude.
"Is that so? Alright then". Without waiting for his reaction, Hua Cheng stood up from his seat once again. "It has been a pleasure to spend this night with you all. I'll see you another time."
And just like that, Hua Cheng left the stage without giving the audience nor the host to say anything else.
"You! B-" before saying anything he would later regret, Shi QingXuan took a large breath to compose himself and turned to face the audience with a smile on his lips.
"Well, you know what the say, there's no banquet in this world that doesn't come to an end. Unfortunately this is all the time we have today. Hope to see you another time!"
And before the audience could protest, the curtains fell and the lights were turned off. The show was finally over.