In Memory of Wenyong
Wenyong, a comrade for 30 years. To write about him - what can be remembered? From the strong days of youth to the sunset years of life, we face challenges in our career and health at different stages in life. Zhi Cai always described me to be "as strong as an ox", but Wenyong was the combination of an ox and a majestic lion. He did not just take the tribulations as they come, but was always dedicated to his job. Many a time during Chinese New Year, everyone would be taking leave to go home to celebrate, but whenever the company asked him to stay back to work, he would never decline. We watched him rush to finish this show, and take the next assignment, working tirelessly. Wenyong was an honest, sincere and upright man, good at drawing and singing. He would pay special attention to the weak. In my eyes he was a filial son, a good husband, a great father. While he had never mentioned it at work all these years, I knew that he worried a lot about his mother's severe illness before she passed away. I could only silently cheer him on when he was facing the agony of losing a mother, the distress of his wife's sickness and the pressures of having kids grow up. "Yan Suo Nanyang" was Wenyong's and my turning point in the acting circle. Wenyong was very hardworking and did many dangerous scenes personally, even when he was sick. I merely just took his lead in the acting. That show took up a lot of energy, as we had to wake up early and end work late, having little sleep. That was when we were young and had the capital to do so. Watching Wenyong work to his limit, and professionalism to satisfy the director's demands, I have learnt a lot. I found out that he was originally a teacher - that was respectful yet intimidating. After a while when we were more familiar with each other, he would tell jokes and make the day much lighter. Gradually we talked about everything under the sun, though I never dared to be too uninhibited before him, even up till now, because he was both a teacher and a friend. When it came to shooting the New Year songs' MTV, I heard colleagues mentioning that Wenyong had suddenly lost 10 kg of weight, and immediately gave him a phone call to ask about it. He said he didn't know why, but he was thinking whether to bring his family to Taiwan for a holiday. I encouraged him to go, because travelling with family was a happy affair, and he should put work aside. At another occasion I finally saw him. I believe my surprised expression at his much varied appearance (due to weight loss) hurt him. He grabbed my hand, said softly: "this time the outlook is not good!". I tried to console him and told him to not think too much. That night I had trouble sleeping and sent him a SMS, urging him to find out the reason for the weight loss. Subsequently I didn't dare to disturb him too much, but would send him SMSes now and then to console him and cheer him on. He would reply asking me to take care of myself. After the new year the replies stopped, and I got worried. I later found out that he was in hospital and asked to visit him but my requests were declined. I understand - because I am also in the industry. We all hope that society remembers us as we are in the shows, not our sick and tired side. I also knew somehow, that he understood my intentions.
These few years I have been getting more forgetful. Wenyong would remind me of many things. But now that he is gone, whatever is forgotten remains forgotten, let it be. Life has to go on - not all the comrades at our sides will accompany us till our old age, some will go first, that is life. Wenyong's 60 years have been really wonderful. He took care of himself, and took care of everyone else - everyone who knew him was blessed.
Good bye my good friend! You were really glorious!
