Core Viewpoint - Gu Qihong, a prominent figure in Chinese drama, has made significant contributions to the field through his historical plays, particularly "Li Bai," which has been performed for over 30 years and has won multiple awards, establishing him as a key player in the genre of literary historical drama [2][4]. Group 1: Career Development - Gu Qihong began his career in the 1960s as a playwright after graduating from Sun Yat-sen University, where he was influenced by his mentor Wang Jisi [3]. - His first successful work, the Peking opera "Sima Qian," was completed in 1979 and won a creative award for the 30th anniversary of the founding of New China [3][4]. - He joined Beijing People's Art Theatre at the age of 49, where he transitioned to writing for modern drama, starting with "Li Bai" [4]. Group 2: Creative Philosophy - Gu Qihong advocates for "transmitting the spirit of history, characters, and authors" in his works, which has garnered attention in the theater community and laid the theoretical foundation for his literary historical dramas [4]. - His writing style incorporates vivid imagery and emotional depth, allowing historical figures to resonate with audiences on a personal level, as seen in his works like "Du Fu" [5]. Group 3: Impact and Legacy - Gu Qihong's plays, including "Li Bai," "Tian Zhi Jiao Zi," and "Zhi Ji," form a trilogy that explores profound themes of human experience and historical reflection [4][5]. - He has written over 90 plays that blend literary quality with emotional resonance, influencing future generations of playwrights [5].

Group 1 - The company Beijing Baimu Entertainment Culture Media Co., Ltd. has applied for multiple trademarks including "如何呢", "又能怎", "纯妹妹", "纯姑姑", and "纯gugu" [1] - The trademarks are categorized under international classifications such as kitchen utensils, fitness equipment, and clothing and footwear [1] - The phrases "如何呢" and "又能怎" originated from a modified version of the song "Li Bai" performed by the artist Dan Yichun on the stage of "Singer 2025", which gained popularity due to its catchy rhythm [1]

Core Viewpoint - The recent trends in the Chinese music scene reflect a shift towards "abstract" performances that resonate with younger audiences, emphasizing collective joy and emotional release over traditional musical aesthetics [1][3][12]. Group 1: Emerging Artists and Cultural Phenomena - Artists like Na Yina and Dan Yichun have gained popularity by embracing unconventional styles, with Na Yina transforming from a Russian impersonator to a cultural icon within the gay community and abstract music scene [3][5]. - Na Yina's concerts, characterized by humor and audience interaction, have become major events, with ticket prices ranging from 99 to 699 yuan, often selling out quickly and tripling in value on the secondary market [5][6]. - The phenomenon of "abstract" performances is not limited to Na Yina; other artists like Pang Mailang are also gaining traction by breaking traditional norms and engaging audiences in unique ways [6][8]. Group 2: Youth Engagement and Cultural Shifts - The younger generation is increasingly drawn to performances that prioritize fun and absurdity, often using internet slang and memes, as seen in Dan Yichun's incorporation of gaming terminology into her music [8][12]. - This trend reflects a broader cultural movement where young people seek to express their identities and emotions through abstract and humorous content, often as a form of rebellion against societal norms [13][18]. - The rise of abstract culture can be traced back to gaming and internet subcultures, where exaggerated performances and memes have created a shared language among fans, fostering a sense of community and identity [13][24]. Group 3: Theoretical Perspectives on Youth Culture - The appeal of abstract music can be understood through Bakhtin's carnival theory, which suggests that such performances allow for the subversion of social hierarchies and the release of pent-up emotions [16][18]. - Young audiences are not merely seeking musical talent but rather emotional catharsis and a break from the pressures of modern life, finding solace in the absurdity and humor of abstract performances [18][24]. - The evolution from rock and rap to abstract music illustrates the changing methods of youth expression, with each generation adapting to its social context while maintaining a core desire for freedom and authenticity [19][24].

Core Viewpoint - The article explores the contrasting paths of two music artists, Cai Xukun and Shan Yichun, highlighting the complexities of the music industry where resource allocation, development paths, market expectations, and personal expression intertwine [1][19]. Group 1: Cai Xukun's Return - Cai Xukun's new single "Deadman" marks a significant comeback, showcasing a high level of industrial completion with precise atmosphere creation and rich arrangement, positioning him at the forefront of Chinese pop music [2][4]. - The song has garnered substantial attention, with 2.96 million views on Bilibili's music festival video and 2.3 million views on its music video, indicating a shift in public perception beyond just his fanbase [2][4]. - The success of "Deadman" is attributed to the top-tier resources available to Cai Xukun, including a high investment in production and collaboration with elite teams, which enhances the persuasive power of the work [4][16]. Group 2: Shan Yichun's Controversial Performance - Shan Yichun's performance of "Li Bai" on "Singer 2025" sparked controversy, with mixed reactions regarding her bold reinterpretation of the original song, reflecting the challenges artists face in balancing personal expression with audience expectations [10][12]. - Her recent marketing efforts have focused on enhancing her "human" image, which has resonated with younger audiences, yet her attempt to break away from formulaic performances has led to polarized opinions [12][13]. - The criticism of her performance underscores the difficulty for artists to achieve growth and breakthrough while maintaining a narrative that aligns with their established persona [13][14]. Group 3: The Broader Implications for Artists - Both Cai Xukun and Shan Yichun's experiences illustrate the necessity for artists to produce high-quality works that also convey their personal narratives, as this dual requirement is essential for establishing their value in the music industry [14][19]. - The article emphasizes that in the current digital age, merely having good music is insufficient; artists must also craft compelling stories to stand out in a saturated market [19].