Frontline photographer: Song of praise for hope and life
By Liu Yu
People's Daily app
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8

When I started the journey from the China Photography Association to Wuhan, I only brought a small suitcase. Equipment and only one mask worn on my face were most of my belongings.

My thoughtful colleagues prepared boxes of items in quite a short time. Among them were a few bottles of Erguotou, a Chinese liquor given by Gao Jiehui from China Photography, whom I didn’t have much contact with due to the different departments we stay.

The liquor became my muse in Wuhan, since many of my ideas were born in cups of drinks with friends.

"It's holding me up," showing a photo of a winebottle to Gao and texted one day. She quickly returned and sent me a song, "Your posts support me everyday. Work becomes a joy of life. How about singing a song for us at the end of the journey?"

I made the promise casually, and soon regretted as I sobered up the next day. But Gao took it seriously.

At midnight, I finally played that song after insomnia caused by a day's writing and lots of tea. Soothing tunes, hearty lyrics, as well as singers' emotions singing quickly ran through my mind:

"Only when heartbroken do we truly regret,

life is so long yet so short.

The bonds that support while we live,

let us fight at risk for faith,

even if we fall into darkness and despair

with grimed face.

Without God's blessings,

let us treasure all we have.

I have no regrets,

to light up your life."

"I don't want God's blessings, only for you to be safe and sound." Tears wetted my pillow as I listened to it over and over again. "Simple wish", theme of 55th Golden Horse Awards norminated Dying to Survive, made me finally understand what song Gao wanted me to sing.

"I could not stop the song and my tears. I'll have a try to cover a version," I texted Gao.

I started to prepare for it with all my heart. I always believe that work must be regarded as play, and vice versa. I don't mean to be perfunctory about work, but to enjoy the work with a playful mind, leaving time no chance to wear away my enthusiasm. In the same way, I always try my the best "playing", though I'm not an expert at it. Many people fail to meet expectations often because they give up the opportunity to experience. The potential is greater than you think.

Where can I find a recording room when Wuhan people all stay at home? A local photographer introduced me to the 811 music studio.

Solved problem number one, now to problem number two. The partner I found to sing with me has already left Wuhan. Zhang Xi, a nurse at the Second Xiangya Hopital medical team, was introduced to me during my interview.

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Zhang Xi (L) works in the intensive care unit. (Photo provided by Zhang Xi)

"I thought her part was sung by the original singer," My wife who studied music praised Zhang's singing after I sent her a demo, and then pointed out lots of questions on my part as well.

Zhang sang beautifully. She was the director of art at school, and also participated in different singing competitions. As for me, I still got a little nervous standing in front of the microphone. We finished over two recordings. I hope the song tells our hearts.

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Zhang Xi and Liu Yu are recording at 811 Music Studio. (Photo: Bo Gaopeng)

Special thanks also go to the medical team, my fellow colleagues and the editing team, who worked all night to complete a "simple wish" of mine.

Zhang, together with the Second Xiangya Hopital medical team, left Wuhan on Tuesday. We all came to see them off. We will miss them, for the team is more than nice.

Before they left, all 130 team members shouted in unison: "Thank you, Wuhan!" "Thank you, volunteers!" "Thank you, chefs!" "Thank you, drivers!" and "Thank you, photographers!"

Residents living in the apartment above posted a banner writtern with "Salute Xiangya". The response of the team members was the most heartwarming of the day: "Bring the laundry in. It's going to rain!"

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(Photo: Liu Yu)

We gave them the music video as a gift as they left. Medical workers and reporters always rushed to the front in the fight against the epidemic. It's a gift given to them, and also given to us.

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Mr. Zhu, who was cured by the Second Xiangya Hopital, comes to see the "angels" off. (Photo: Liu Yu)

I'll conclude today's diary with a comment following the original "Simple wish":

"I often feel that life is not so interesting, and occasionally question the meaning of living. All the meanings from books and other people have never convinced me. Suddenly, I realized that the greatest significance is to find simple and wonderful things with the rest of my life."

(Original story by Liu Yu, compiled by Bao Han)