Core Insights - The article discusses the evolving consumer behavior of Generation Z, emphasizing the importance of "emotional value" in their purchasing decisions, which can lead to profitable business opportunities. Group 1: Emotional Value in Consumption - The concept of "emotional value" is becoming increasingly significant across various product categories, including collectibles and everyday items, as consumers seek deeper connections with their purchases [4]. - Consumers exhibit a duality in their spending habits, balancing rational choices with a willingness to pay premiums for items that resonate with their personal preferences, reflecting a regained sense of control over their consumption [5][8]. - The rise of "spiritual consumption" is noted, where young consumers use specific purchases to connect with like-minded individuals rather than to showcase success through expensive items [9]. Group 2: Consumer Behavior Trends - The report highlights that nearly 30% of young consumers engage in spending for emotional healing, indicating a preference for experiences and products that enhance their well-being [23]. - Nostalgia is identified as a powerful emotional driver, with trends showing a resurgence of interest in classic media and products, providing comfort during uncertain times [24]. - The article also points out the significance of "rituals" in consumer behavior, as young people seek small acts that provide a sense of security amidst societal pressures [19].

Core Perspective - The adaptation of Yu Hua's short story "Classical Love" into a stage play by Meng Jinghui represents their third collaboration, following "To Live" and "The Seventh Day," highlighting the theme of personal fate amidst the backdrop of a grand era [1][3]. Summary by Sections Adaptation and Performance - "Classical Love" premiered at the 2025 Anaya Theatre Festival, with tickets selling out quickly and the opening delayed due to long entry lines [3]. - The stage design features modern elements, creating an abstract maze-like environment, while the music blends electronic and classical styles to enhance the emotional depth of the narrative [3][7]. - The play will return to Beijing's Hive Theatre from August 6 to 10, continuing to explore reality through its performances [3]. Author's Reflection - Yu Hua reminisces about his writing process for "Classical Love," noting that it was a parody of popular literary forms of the time, diverging from traditional narratives to explore unexpected outcomes [5][8]. - The story revolves around the tragic love between Liu Sheng and Miss Hui, culminating in themes of despair and the futility of hope, reflecting contemporary human experiences [5][7]. Thematic Exploration - The adaptation intertwines elements from Yu Hua's other work "Blood Plum Blossom," creating a narrative that traverses time and space, while presenting a postmodern sense of nihilism [7]. - The play's emotional impact is evident, as audience reactions include expressions of sorrow and despair, indicating its resonance with modern societal issues [7]. Artistic Philosophy - Both Yu Hua and Meng Jinghui are recognized as avant-garde figures in the cultural sphere, with Meng emphasizing that the essence of avant-garde lies in its posture rather than its outcomes [9]. - Yu Hua believes that the core of a literary or theatrical work is its treatment of time, which serves as the soul of the narrative [10]. Contemporary Relevance - The themes of "Classical Love" resonate with the feelings of disillusionment and existential angst prevalent among today's youth, reflecting a broader societal malaise [11]. - Yu Hua's philosophy on life emphasizes endurance and acceptance of fate, suggesting that the strength of existence lies in resilience rather than aggression [11].

Core Perspective - The article discusses the shift in fitness culture from a pursuit of perfection to an emphasis on authenticity and vitality, termed "alive feeling" [1][3][15] Group 1: Fitness Culture Shift - The term "alive feeling" reflects a desire for genuine energy and vitality, contrasting with the "micro-death feeling" of modern work life [3][15] - Young individuals are increasingly drawn to the idea of living fully and authentically, seeking to escape the constraints of societal expectations [3][12] Group 2: Physical and Psychological Benefits - Regular exercise, such as strength training and outdoor activities, enhances physical vitality and mental resilience, allowing individuals to reclaim control over their energy levels [8][10][12] - Engaging in fitness activities fosters a sense of achievement and predictability, providing a stark contrast to the uncertainties of daily life [12][15] Group 3: Community and Social Connections - Fitness activities create new social networks, allowing individuals from different backgrounds to connect and share experiences, thus enhancing the sense of community [15][16] - The shared challenges in fitness foster authentic emotional expressions and connections among participants, breaking down social barriers [15][16]

Group 1 - The core concept of "living feeling" reflects a desire for authenticity and emotional connection in the face of digital alienation, as audiences seek characters and stories that feel real and relatable [1][21] - Recent series have successfully captured this "living feeling," showcasing innovative storytelling and character development that resonate with viewers [1][9] - The series "In the World" exemplifies this trend, employing unconventional narrative techniques and exploring deep psychological themes, which may challenge mainstream audience preferences [3][8][9] Group 2 - "In the World" presents a highly condensed realism, revealing the absurdity of extreme reality and addressing the loss of subjectivity faced by modern individuals [5][9] - The character dynamics in "In the World," particularly the unique love story between the protagonist and her alternate personality, add depth and complexity to the narrative [6][24] - The series "Longan's Lychee" features relatable small characters, highlighting their struggles and resilience in a challenging environment, which enhances the "living feeling" [10][26] Group 3 - The emotional depth in series like "Lingjiang Xian" contrasts with traditional fantasy narratives, presenting complex character relationships that mirror real-life conflicts [21][23] - The success of these new series indicates a shift away from formulaic storytelling towards more nuanced and imperfect portrayals of life, emphasizing the importance of character complexity and authentic narratives [27]