Saturday, September 04, 2004
Yan Cheng Xu (Jerry) Suffers Because He Cares
Poor family, inferiority complex; Makes an all-out effort in search
for perfection
Posted: September 3, 2004
Yan Cheng Xu's (Jerry) first personal album, << Di Yi Ci Jerry For
You >> (First Time Jerry For You) took a full three years of
planning and preparations. However, this kind of persistence has not
brought him any applauses but rather many, "oh nothing, putting on
airs" criticisms. Others who face untrue rumors will dispose it with
a smile. However, it just so turns out that being a Capricorn, his
pride is strong and he is single-minded, living in a world where
there is definitely a clear distinction between black and white. His
disposition for pursuing perfection frequently agonizes him.
Confronting confusion and troubles, he says, "I suffer because I
care."
Jerry's new album has released a "Nighttime Version" and a "Daytime
Version", aptly presenting both his two entirely different outer and
inner self. He says, "The album's << Ji Yi Pin Tu >> (Memory Puzzle)
and << Di Xin Yin Li >> (Gravity) are like my days, it sounds sweet
and you feel very happy when you listen to it. As far as << Yi Gong
Chi >> (One Meter) and << Pei Chen Pin >> (Supporting Item) is just
like the dark night, emphasizing the innermost being. Whether is the
nighttime or daytime, both are actually me. It's just seeing it from
a different angle."
Difference in personality is like day and night
Not only are the songs categorized into daytime and nighttime,
Jerry's contradictory personality itself has a difference is even
more like day and night. As F4, popular throughout half the world
and who should be God's chosen one and the object of admiration and
envy, he still says, "I can tell you for sure, I am very self-
effacing!"
From when he was young, the economic conditions of his family were
poor. His material life could not be compared to that of others,
therefore, in the end, there is still a trace of inferiority within
his heart. However, he told himself that he must try even harder. No
matter what it is that he does, he must give it his all-out efforts
and make it the best and must not be looked down upon by others. He
always says, "If I am content with a 60 percent Yan Cheng Xu, then I
will never see a 80 percent Yan Cheng Xu."
Does not compromise his self-demands
In this album, just << Yi Gong Chi >>'s (One Meter) first phrase was
sung fifty times and for two lines of lyrics that he was unsatisfied
with, it had to be recorded again, inviting a producer all the way
from Singapore, not compromising to the slightest details. However,
demanding too much of yourself often becomes the target of malign
for others. The harder he wants to work, the more negative
assessments he is asking for, as well as increasing the pain for
himself.
Entering the entertainment circle for more than three years, from
inexperience gradually to maturity, his former self demanded
himself, as well as demanded from the whole world, and when he came
across the misunderstanding of others, he could only arm himself.
Been through inexperience seeking harmony
Nowadays, he somewhat understands to use a harmonizing method to
confront issues. He says, "Before, I felt very self-confident with
my ability to be right (li3 zhi2 qi4 zhuang4) but now I have
discovered that there's nothing wrong about "li3 zhi2 qi4 huo4".
Something that I can do is not necessarily something that other
people can do so why measure people with such strict standards?"
Reporter: Ding Wei Li
Yan's Words: Heart full of gratitude
I want to say to my fans, thank you for giving me the opportunity to
do the things I want to do. Every time I see you, it gives me
strength, letting me work very happily. If my persistence was
without your support, I would be incapable of going on. I will work
hard and let you see a continuously progressing and growing Yan
Cheng Xu. I won't let you down!
Produced Results
Thank you teacher Li Si Song for letting me truly hear the
improvements in my voice and _expression of my feelings. Thanks to
Sony Music for giving me all the time to prepare and slowly produce
this album. The staff were also very helpful, willing to communicate
with me and were not full of negative views, allowing me to
concentrate on making this album.
Thank you to all the people who stood by my side and looked after of
me, including Fenny and hair stylist Christine. You guys have helped
me a great deal. Even when you see that my mood is unstable, my bad
side, you will still be very rational and know what I am being
persistent about and will not misunderstand my meaning. After having
been through disagreements and even arguments, you remained by my
side.
Respects and admires Hua Zai (Andy Lau)
Thank you Liu De Hua (Andy Lau). I remember the F4 concert DVD you
gave me, on which you wrote the most encouragements for me,
believing that my persistence is the right thing to do, giving me
the strength to continue to work hard. You are a person that truly
receives my respect and admiration, always helping and guiding the
younger generation, instead of stepping on others to climb to the
top. It is this manner of sharing that leads everyone to progress.
You are the idol in my heart.
Remembering the interview
The first time I saw Yan Cheng Xu (Jerry), I was fairly surprised.
The shuai him was refined and courteously greeting each and every
person and cordially called out each person's name. However, it is
rumored that he is "very opinionated and his mood is often out of
control" - a difficult to handle celebrity is entirely different
from this guy in front of me, with a shy smile and polite speech.
After becoming famous, does not dare leave the house
After being in contact with him more, I discovered that he is honest
and innocent, and I understood that "very opinionated" came from his
demands of perfection from his work. This is something that many
successful people have in common. However, he also has an
approachable side. For example, during the meal, he would remind
everyone to eat everything and leave nothing in his or her bowls, so
as not to waste food. He is frank like an intimate family member of
friend.
The pressures after becoming famous have created quite a few
perplexities for him. It has transformed him from being a happy guy
in the eyes of his peers to a cautious "idol", so much that he's
even afraid to leave the house to avoid seeing people and putting
pressure on himself. Therefore, he often eats porridge, instant
noodles and canned foods. Being a super star like this is so tragic!
He very idealistically says, "If there is a name tag that allows me
to be Yan Cheng Xu when I put it on and become an ordinary person
when I take it off, how great would that be?" After hearing that, I
unexpectedly felt sorrowful.
Source: Apple Daily Taiwan, September 4, 2004
1:57 PM
