Huayu97: Starting with Wu Song Fighting the Tiger

On opening day, just as dawn was breaking, the entrance to Oriental Department Store was already packed with people. In Wuxi at that time, the opening of a department store was a huge event. Nearby residents carried stools and led their children, crowding around the store in layers. Some even rode over on bicycles with a small stool tied to the back seat and a military green cloth bag hanging from the handlebars, containing fried dough sticks and soy milk they had just bought.

The crowd was buzzing with chatter, the sounds of onlookers discussing the spectacle.

"I heard there are celebrity performances today? And one of them is the guy who plays Wu Song!"

"Is this for real? Wasn't Wu Song the tiger hunter? He can sing and dance too?"

"Who cares! Let's join in the fun! Maybe things will be cheaper at the opening of Oriental Department Store!"

Liu Xiang and Han Geng were hiding in a backstage tent, adjusting each other's clothes. A coal stove sat in the tent, boiling water, the steam carrying a slightly pungent smell of coal smoke. Liu Xiang wore a red sweatshirt, the collar buttoned up neatly, looking energetic; Han Geng wore a white jacket, his hair neatly combed, the stray hairs styled with hair gel.

"Are you nervous?" Liu Xiang handed Han Geng a handkerchief and asked with a smile.

Han Geng gripped the microphone, his neck stiff as he nodded, his voice trembling slightly: "A little! But mostly I'm excited! It's my first time performing in front of so many people!"

Liu Xiang patted his shoulder and said confidently, "Just relax and treat it like yesterday's practice on stage. We can definitely do it!"

At exactly 10 a.m., the sunlight was perfect, shining brightly on the red carpet.

Holding a tin microphone, the host sauntered onto the stage, cleared his throat, and shouted at the top of his lungs, "Dear folks! Brothers and sisters! Today, Oriental Department Store is grandly opening! During the opening period, everything is 20% off! 20% off! Please welcome our talented singer and dancer, Xiao Han Geng, and Wu Song and Liu Xiang from the 'Water Margin' TV series, to bring you a wonderful song and dance performance! Please give them a round of applause!"

A thunderous applause erupted from the audience, mingled with whistles and cheers, nearly lifting the stage roof off. A few children crowded to the front, waving paper windmills and shouting at the top of their lungs, "Wu Song! Wu Song! Fighting the tiger! Fighting the tiger!"

The spotlight shone brightly, dazzling the eyes. Liu Xiang and Han Geng walked onto the stage side by side, their steps steady, their gazes sweeping over the dark mass of people below. Liu Xiang's heart also quickened, but looking into Han Geng's bright eyes beside him, he took a deep breath and steadied himself.

Han Geng bowed slightly to the microphone, his crisp voice carrying a slight static tone through the metal microphone, yet remarkably clear: "Hello everyone! I'm Han Geng! Today, Brother Liu Xiang and I will be singing two songs for you. We hope you enjoy them!"

As the music began, it was none other than "Green Apple Paradise," a song that had swept the nation. The cheerful melody instantly quieted the crowd, who all stared curiously at the two young men on stage.

Han Geng's voice was clear and bright, carrying the vigor of youth, like a cool breeze in summer. "Don't linger on weekend midnight, come to Apple Paradise..." As soon as the first line was sung, some people in the audience hummed along.

Liu Xiang's voice was deep and powerful, forming a perfect harmony with Han Geng's voice. He stepped out of the stance he had practiced countless times, his body relaxed, his hip twisting movements were no longer stiff, and his waving gestures had a touch of martial arts agility.

A gasp of surprise erupted from the audience.

Wow! That move! So cool!

"Wu Song really knows martial arts! That kick was incredibly powerful!"

"It's so beautiful! Even better than on TV!"

What's even more amazing is Han Geng's agile and lively dance moves. Her turns and jumps are full of spirit, like a light butterfly. The powerful martial arts moves and the graceful dance postures collide and spark a unique kind of brilliance, leaving the audience stunned and applause rising one after another.

Liu Xiang danced more and more freely, forgetting his nervousness and the crowd below the stage, following the rhythm of the melody and enjoying the spotlight.

After the song ended, thunderous applause erupted from the audience.

Han Geng, panting and with flushed cheeks, shouted into the microphone, "Thank you everyone! Next, we'll be performing our second song—'I Can't Stop Loving You'!"

As soon as the song started, the audience erupted in cheers again.

The song's tempo quickened, the drumbeats resonating deeply, and Han Geng's movements accelerated as well—hip swaying, hand waving, leaping—every action brimming with energy. The stage spotlights shone blindingly, and the two's coordination grew ever more seamless, drawing deafening cheers from the audience.

As the final movement concluded, the two bowed side by side, the applause and cheers from the audience lingering for a long time. Mr. Wang, his face flushed with excitement, rushed onto the stage and gripped their hands tightly, almost crushing Liu Xiang's bones: "Fantastic! Fantastic! Today's opening ceremony is absolutely the first of its kind in Wuxi! It's made me so proud!"

Han Lei also walked over with a smile and began his final performance, which brought the stage to a new climax!

After the performance, Han Lei held two thick stacks of crisp, new banknotes in his hands. The red hundred-yuan bills were bound with kraft paper, looking quite heavy. He handed the money to the two men, beaming, "Liu Xiang, Xiao Geng, here's three thousand yuan for you. Take it! You performed even better than I expected!"

Liu Xiang clutched the heavy stack of banknotes, the rough texture of the paper against her fingertips filling her with a sense of security. This was the payment for three episodes of "The Legend of Wu Song," and holding it in her hand felt almost unreal. Boss Wang also slipped her two extra red envelopes, bulging with cash, and said with a smile, "Just a little something, nothing special! Come visit again sometime!"

As they walked out of Oriental Department Store, the sun was high in the sky, warming them comfortably. Kang Honglei was already waiting at the entrance. Seeing the money in Liu Xiang's hand, he rubbed his hands together excitedly, his face beaming with joy: "Liu Xiang! You've really made something of yourself! Let's go! We have to have a good meal today!"

Liu Xiang smiled and nodded, carefully tucking the banknotes into her pocket, and patted Kang Honglei on the shoulder: "Absolutely! Taihu Hotel, private room! Eat as much as you want!"

He turned to look at Han Geng, who was clutching the money, grinning foolishly, his eyes sparkling, a smile he couldn't suppress. Liu Xiang patted his shoulder: "Let's go! Let's call Lei Ge along!"

Han Geng shook his head, put the money in his pocket, carefully zipped up his pants, and said with a smile, "Okay, but I'll call my mom first before I go."

Liu Xiang felt a warmth in her heart, took out two hundred yuan from the red envelope and stuffed it into his hand. The money was warm from the sun: "Take it, buy some good things for Auntie, it's important to nourish her body."

Han Geng quickly declined, waving his hands with a flushed face, "No, no! Brother Liu Xiang, this is your money! I can't take it!"

Liu Xiang, however, insisted on stuffing it into his pocket and patted it, saying, "Listen to me! From now on, we're brothers! No need for formalities between brothers!"

So, the group enjoyed another big meal...

After finishing the feast, Han Geng turned and skipped away. After a few steps, he turned back and waved to Liu Xiang, "Brother Liu Xiang! Thank you! I'll come find you to play tomorrow!"

Watching his retreating figure, Liu Xiang couldn't help but smile. This commercial performance not only earned him his first pot of gold, but also allowed him to befriend Han Geng, a future top star—a truly unexpected delight.