Before 1998, the Spring Festival Gala was not held at the CCTV Studio 1 that later audiences would come to know so well. Instead, it was hosted at the Workers' Stadium in Beijing. At that time, although the gala required rehearsals, it had not yet become as rigorous as it would in the future. Generally speaking, once the production team notified you, there was a nine-in-ten chance you would definitely make it onto the stage. Thus, the rehearsals back then were genuine rehearsals, rather than the audition-and-screening process of later years.
Compared to other acts in this year's gala, Zhou Ziheng's solo performance, while still featuring backup dancers, required less complex coordination, so his rehearsals went smoothly. At the very least, that was his own impression.
Time slipped away quietly. The footsteps of the Spring Festival, accompanied by the whistling of the cold wind, traversed mountains and rivers to arrive in silence. Amidst this festive atmosphere, every household began to hang lanterns and put up decorations, filled with joy. Streets and alleys were adorned with red lanterns and couplets, symbolizing good fortune, auspiciousness, happiness, and health. Meanwhile, many migrant workers began to return to their hometowns one after another. Families gathered together, sharing delicious food and laughter, speaking of their mutual longing and concern. It was in this atmosphere that New Year's Eve arrived.
Chapter 56