Before reading this, please click \"Follow\" to facilitate discussion and sharing. Thank you for your support.
In the blink of an eye, \"Ji Gong\" has been airing for forty years. Taking advantage of this milestone, CCTV invited the show's creators to participate in a program dedicated to paying tribute to classics.
During the recording, not only did we see the behind-the-scenes directors and composers, but even the 92-year-old lead actor, You Benchang, was present. Despite his age, You Benchang, accompanied by his granddaughter You Yingqi, arrived in a wheelchair, showing his lively spirit and refusing to miss out on such a lively event.
Upon entering, his face lit up upon seeing old friends, immediately extending his hand for a handshake, leaning forward eagerly. It was evident that despite his age, You Benchang's speech was clear, his vision sharp, and most importantly, his mind lucid enough to recognize everyone at a glance.
Throughout the conversation, You Benchang treated everyone kindly, warmly shaking hands and offering big hugs to old friends. When actor Shi Jihua, who played Magistrate Zhu in the drama, appeared, You Benchang instantly performed the iconic gesture from their shared scenes, a heartwarming detail showing his enduring memory of past collaborations.
After exchanging greetings, You Benchang looked around with contentment, carefully observing everyone's faces as if etching them into his memory, laughing heartily and revealing his neat, white teeth.
Initially, everyone was delighted to see You Benchang, marveling at his lively demeanor despite his age. However, upon closer inspection outside the spotlight, it became apparent that his health had declined significantly in recent years.
Two years ago, at 90, You Benchang starred in \"Blooming Flowers,\" effortlessly delivering long lines and strutting with charisma on set, a performance unmatched in the industry. Yet now, he relies on his granddaughter to push his wheelchair and communicates with the help of a hearing aid, unable to live independently.
Without the camera in front of him, he finally took a breath, with his granddaughter interviewing nearby while he struggled to breathe, his face devoid of the earlier smile, movements lacking the vigor of the past, simply resting quietly.
The bond between grandfather and granddaughter was evident, with her never leaving his side, laughing and reminiscing about their childhood memories together during the interview, her charming dimples adding to the warmth. She urged everyone to attend the \"Ji Gong\" reunion.
Upon hearing his granddaughter's words, You Benchang finally perked up, half-jokingly emphasizing the importance of attending, unaware of his significant influence in the film industry.
Not only is he a talented actor, but also a dedicated professional, a true artist with countless fans, as evidenced by his video garnering over 35 million likes. Therefore, this program is sure to attract a large audience.
During the program, You Benchang candidly revealed his current condition, stating, \"At the beginning of the year, I nearly died.\" As an elderly person, he faced death head-on, displaying remarkable optimism, reminiscent of Ji Gong himself.
After a period of rest, You Benchang suddenly decided to record a reunion for his famous work \"Ji Gong,\" laughing heartily afterwards, his face beaming with satisfaction and happiness, his laughter infectious.
Despite the joyous scene, composer Jin Fuzai's expression remained bitter, forcing a smile, which left observers wondering about his true feelings.
This sudden reflection prompted netizens to speculate whether this might be a final farewell after facing death and returning for this special episode. Such thoughts are painful, and we all hope that You Benchang lives a long and healthy life, defying these speculations.
What do you think about all this?
