Jerry's Interview With Patty Hou
Date: August 28, 2004 and August 29, 2004

Transcribed by kenkel33


P – Hou Pei Chen (Pattie Hou)
J - Yan Cheng Xu (Jerry Yan)

P: Hello everybody, I am Hou Pei Chen. Today, the guest we will interview is Yan Cheng Xu. In view of many people, Yan Cheng Xu may be an idol. However, as far as seeing him and knowing him, I feel that he is a very serious guy. He attempts to break away from his outer look, and proves his real capability to everybody. Welcome, Yan Cheng Xu, a persevering and hardworking guy.

J: Hello Hello

P: Suddenly call you, not yet get up?

J: No, I am looking at Ms. Hou, a great host on that side.

P: Mr. Yan, a great star, don't say like that.

J: Ok Ok

On screen: Yan Cheng Xu, That guy
Yan Cheng Xu in Meteor Garden acts as a son of a noble and rich family, who is moody but good at heart. Many people think Yan Cheng Xu is also like that, especially, when everybody calls him "Bao Long, Bao Long (a terex)". This name seems to be unacceptable to Yan Cheng Xu. He, even, said that in fact he was just a shy small white rabbit.

F4 has become rapidly popular all over Asia. This made Yan Cheng Xu unable to adjust himself to the environment with full of media. He has to accept the taste of being surrounded by the media. Every move of his becomes news. This makes him unable to adjust. Some people said that he likes to draw a black face, likes to behave as a big star. However, the people who understand him all know that he is only a sincere and straightforward guy. Due to being misunderstood by the media, Yan Cheng Xu even used to shed tears in public.

From being a model, an actor till forming F4 opening concerts, his path in the entertainment circle is full of applause. Recently, he, who has launched his first solo album, has left his previous success and been re-born as a new guy. Some people said that he becomes livelier. Others said that compared to the past, he is more friendly and cooperative. Nevertheless, actually, Yan Cheng Xu has only expressed his sincerity and tried to bring himself out step by step.

P: I tell the truth. I feel that meeting you a few times, I have found that normally, many people rarely have a chance to talk to you or it is also not easy for TV programs to interview you. But this time, since you have to introduce your new album, there are more chances to talk to you more. For myself, after having a few short meeting with you, I have found that you are quite a serious guy. I always use the word "serious" to describe you because I feel that you make a large request from yourself and set a high hope for yourself.

J: Umm

P: Which type of guy do you think you are?

J: Pessimistic, maybe. How to say… It is often that when I have to do or have heard of something, I rather think about it in a pessimistic way while other people may feel good about it. Sometimes, I even become sensitive. When I have to contact with other people, they may feel…. My ex-costume designer said that I should have been a poet. Normally, I like reading books, articles. There are sometimes when I read, I have some feeling and look towards outside the window, speechless. He asked me which role I was taking.

P: A kind of vulnerable and easily moved.

J: Actually, I rather…, that may be true, Sometimes when I am at home, I may….

P: Lin Dai Yu buried flowers, something like that?

(Lin Dai Yu is a leading female role in a Chinese classic literature "The Dream of the Red Chamber". She is often ill, easily offended and pessimistic. When she saw the flowers withering and falling down, she felt so sad and thought of her vulnerable life. She felt sympathy to the falling flowers and helped burying them. This is one of the classic scenes in this literature -Translator)

When you are at home, you can suddenly feel that how come the flowers are so withered?

J: Yes, I feel that pessimism is the point that I have to change. Sometimes, when doing something, being very pessimistic is…. For example, when facing an event or a person, I may simply think whether he is serious at work or just does it superficially. This is sometimes not fair for him. Sometimes the way I chose people to contact with is just based on my feeling. If I feel I cannot get along with him, I will not talk much with him. But, sometimes, my feeling is wrong or uncertain.

P: You said that you are very sensitive or pessimistic. This makes you often face a trouble or feel that ..

J: Of course.

P: that many things are not in the way you would like them to be, doesn't it?

J: Yes, I feel that optimistic persons can live more happily, can't they? Welcome, this girl (point to the staff).

P: Optimistic girl, our sister.

J: I feel that some people make people around them feel lively. But I,…I feel that when I am working, my anxiety overwhelms my happiness. Therefore, sometimes, this makes people see my sensitive and easily suffering side. Additionally, I am often speechless. Everybody said that my mood is easily changed.

P: We have seen the development of Yan Cheng Xu all the way. Many people think that you are very lucky. But, after I hear what you say today, I feel that you are not like that. Throughout the path, you seem not be that happy. During the period gone by, which parts do you think did not go smoothly?

J: Actually, it is quite ok. I feel that so far, there should be more happiness than that kind of feeling. This is because what we, F4, have obtained during the last 2-3 years, are the things that some people may not be able to obtain throughout their lives. Therefore, I am now trying to adjust myself properly. I really feel that thinking this way makes me happier. This is because there are something I previously tried to change, but later I realize that in this large circle, it is difficult to change. You can only adjust yourself.

P: Every time I have a chance to talk to you, I get several good things. I feel that you are a man with a good thought. But sometimes, the outer look of a person makes other people oversee his inner capability. I know that…

J: You know I do not have any inner capability (laugh).

P: So modest. I know that several international stars are willing to dress or make up ugly in order to let people see their real acting skill e.g. Sa Li Sai Long (I don't know how to translate those names in Chinese accent to English), Nicole Kidman and Wei Ni (don't know how to translate to English), who raised his/her weight by 10 kg., then people know he/she can act very well. Do you think your look cause you a trouble or is a "plus" for you?

J: I feel it is ok. I do not feel I am that good (smile shyly). I just feel that when I see people, I try to smile to them. In the past, when I saw people here and there and I had to smile, I felt that I was like an idiot. But later I realize that actually, to make people like or dislike you is not your look but your behavior. In the past, I had a wrong idea that if others do not mind me, I will not be the one who greets them first. But actually, we are artists, right? It is often that we have obtained so many things. Therefore, on the other hand, we should give more. For example, when I was at the location shooting film or series and then saw people, I had to nod, smile to them. In the past, I did not know anything much. I just felt that I just did my job well, that is enough. I cannot care anything else. Maybe, at that time, I was rather childish. Later, I have had more experience. In fact, this circle is realistic. I am ….. (think quite hard)…how to describe… (still try to think)… I cannot find that "adjective"….Maybe "Qin Qing"… (I don't know what he means because literally Qin Qing means love within family. May be he means "get absorbed" as a part of it, maybe -translator) I feel that in the past I was very innocent.

P: So, what do you think is the major difference between Yan Cheng Xu at present and Yan Cheng Xu in the past?

J: The major difference is now I have known how to adjust myself. In the past, I was often walking to the dead-end, putting efforts to the things that are unable to be changed and being in my own block, then felt sad for myself why putting so much efforts but did not obtain the things I want. But now, at least, I can jump out of my own block to the society, which is quite a cruel society. Nobody can make you good or bad. Actually, you cannot care much on whether what you did is good or bad in others' view. Since I am Yan Cheng Xu, I am the only person that can control myself to do or not to do my best. Therefore, I realize that I should not think too much anymore and should not let the silly matters to affect myself. Additionally, I have also experienced so many negative matters. Of course, at the beginning, I cannot get used to them. I cannot understand why people were so… For example, at that time, there were some people said that because I was like that, they had to write about me that way. At that time, I felt this was unacceptable to me. I felt that why .. why.. it was always me. Now I have gradually got used to it. I felt that I should be more open-minded. I cannot control how they write about me because the pens are in their hands. I would only like to feel that at least, for each piece of work, for each staff I have to contact, I do nothing wrong with them. If I feel that I have nothing good, I should, then, be worried.

P: In fact, don't have to say about being a public figure, I feel that in normal daily life or working life, you cannot make everybody admire you, you cannot please everybody. Instead, to work seriously with responsibility is more important. Today, we have just heard Yan Cheng Xu talking about his own feeling. We have also found some of your good friends here. But your good friends are always travelling to and from Taiwan/Hong Kong. Superstars are superstars, different from other people. Let's see what your friends talk about you.

J: OK.

On screen: Yan Cheng Xu in the eyes of his friends

Karen Mok: In fact, he is very serious guy. He always likes to talk about his singing especially. He said that he would like to learn singing, to find a teacher, would like to improve, would like his album to be that and this way, have so many thoughts. I think it is very good to make a request from yourself and keep improving. I feel that he is a hardworking guy.

Jay Chou: He is a very emotional guy. Sometimes, suddenly he used some kinds of emotional words to me. I felt that Eh.. at that time whether I should laugh or not. Sometimes suddenly he became emotional. For example, while we were talking, laughing, suddenly he became emotional. He easily changes. Anyway, he is a good guy.

Arron Kwok: I have shot the Pepsi commercial with him. I feel that he has inner ability. His characteristic is good. He is quite a shy guy. Actually, I feel that he is warm at heart.

P: Listening to your friends talking about, how do you feel?
J: Hah…Umm they really…No… I feel happy.. happy to see them like Karen, I have not contacted her since the shooting of that series. Actually, I always have a good impression towards her. When shooting the series, I was quite a new actor at that time. I talked many things with her. She makes me feel that in this circle, there are hardworking persons. I can feel their love and seriousness in acting. …This makes me think of the old days.

P: I feel that each time I talk with you, like Karen just said, you are a serious guy, you have many thoughts. Actually, in your mind, you always have a desire, a request from yourself, an expectation in your profession or any ideals? Especially when talking about your album, you always…Umm this album must be like this, like that.. how to choose songs, something like that. Actually, with your career in this circle, what do you like to do the most?

J: Actually, it is Ok. About my artist profession, I have not looked at it so seriously like that. In this circle, I can be taken as half-new half-old. I have been in this circle for 3 years. I would really like to know how far I have so far done. With my habit,..i.e. Since I was a child, I have always been a class leader. So, I am quite picky. For example, when shooting the series, I cannot stand seeing others being lazy. In this circle, this habit has unconsciously brought me many troubles. There may be some people feeling that you are a star, an artist, why you have to mind other persons whether they are lazy or not, or why you scold at them for working not hard enough. Something like that. This is because I have never put myself at a "star" position. Therefore, in the past, I may have this kind of bad attitude. Now I have got so many lessons. I have experienced a lot, then I realize that I have to adjust myself. I hope that my adjustment will make me… I do not want myself to change. Actually, I am still the same Yan Cheng Xu. But, I have to care other persons' feeling more, unlike the past where I felt that only I did my job well, that's enough, I don't have to care how other people felt. I felt that that is an important lesson. It is a lesson that you cannot buy it with money.

P: Anyway, I'd really like to know when shooting the series, you saw others being lazy and cannot withstand, you could go straight to scold them?

J: Yes, I could. When I shot a film and had a chance to work abroad, I felt like…in this circle of Taiwan, there are some people do not work with heart but want only salary. They would think like today they did their jobs, that's enough. But I, when we have to do something, I would like we could be serious and….

P: active.

J: and active. When you are working and then you see your colleagues are all serious. You will be drawn to feel that we are all working together. On the other hand, if you feel that you are so serious, but some people around you are playing here, or taking a nap there, etc.., you would feel that whether this kind of environment could be improved a little. When I went for shooting a film in Hong Kong, an assistant director made me very impressed. He is so great. Shooting a film is quite relaxed for actors but for that assistant director, he had to work from the earliest to the latest, it is the hardest task. I really feel that an actor is the luckiest. You take only one role. Each day, you have a few scenes but the crew have to work from the beginning to the end, including arranging light, props, it is very hard. I got in touch with them. They are always very hard working. But there has never been any dissatisfaction on their faces. I saw the assistant director was scolded by the director. The director asked him to go telling us who has to do what. That assistant director can control his mood very well and come to tell us politely what the director wanted us to do, despite the fact that the words used by the director were very rude. Working with this kind of crew makes me feel that I have to put more efforts to get the job done. This is because you see such a great guy working beside you. Therefore, I hope that Taiwan could have more of this kind of persons. I believe that Taiwan entertainment circle can be improved. It depends on how much efforts we put, how we look at this circle, like just a way to temporarily seek good money or really think to make Taiwan…Like Meteor Garden, it can penetrate throughout Asia. It makes people see that Taiwan actually has a good team, a good director, a good producer, something like that.

P: Every time, I saw you say something like this. I feel your enthusiasms. You have a strong desire regarding your profession. This makes you can be better and better. You are responsible for your job like other successful artists. Actually, you can easily issue an album, shoot a film or like a photo book, they would be all well sold. But you do not agree to do like that. You feel that if I have to do, I have to achieve success at some degree, right?

J: Yes but more importantly, it is up to the situation. Like I just said, in the past, I did not agree to do. If the people around me want me to do like this, I do not know what to do, I can just tell them to wait until I have real capability to do it. Then find a person with similar idea to……….how to say….Anyway, I hope that they would give me some room for improvement then let me show it out.

P: To make your dream come true.

J: Do not always capture me in only one environment and then feel that I should do this and that. Others may then look at me negatively. I feel that doing that way is so tired because at last they will take all the good and all the bad is to be put on you.

P: For your album, a lot of people have waited for 3 years. In these 3 years, you must have been very busy and had no time to see your friends. Therefore, let Yan Cheng Xu Tian Wang (meaning God Yan Cheng Xu) listen to the complaints from his God friends.

J: Really?

P: Yes.

On screen: God made complaints to God.

R (Reporter): Jie Lun (Jay), we have heard that you and Jerry have often played basketball together. Recently, have you still played?

Jay: Recently, very rare. This is because that mad guy has paid all his attention to his songs. He is very serious about it. I still don't know how it will come out when the album is launched. Anyway, I think it should be very good because he is very serious. I feel that a serious guy is the most beautiful. So, I feel that this album should have a very high sale record. Hope that he will keep going on.

P: A serious guy is the most beautiful, Chou Jie Lun (Jay) told you.

J: When did he become so good at speaking?

P: Now, Chou Dong (President Chou, Jay's nickname) is classified as one of the smartly talking artists.

J: Yes Yes.

P: Have you both become friends because of shooting the commercials?

J: No. We have a common interest e.g. basketball. We play a similar sport. Therefore, we have something to play together. In addition, we are both in the entertainment circle. Actually, I have a lot of friends. But there is something that the people out of this circle may not understand… such as.. our hardship, our suffering. Therefore, sometimes when I talk to him (jay), he will know what I am suffering with. For example, when we went for shooting the Pepsi commercials in a big group, the media wrote that I was rejected from the group by F3. I still remember, on that day I was on the plane and gave this article to Jie Lun to see. You know. Jie Lun was there seeing us. He worked with us, played happily with us. Later, Jie Lun even felt that being with us was very good. I gave him that newspaper and asked him what I should say. I said anything there was noone believing me. That's why they wrote like that. I talked to him. He understood me the most because he worked with me and saw all the things. He also felt that in that trip, we played very happily. But why finally a focus was on me, why wrote that I was rejected from the group. I felt that if I told this story to others they would not understand and may feel I was so boring. But, Jie Lun, because he was there with four of us, playing together, he understood the most that...

P: The relationship among all of you?

J: Yes. He knew all. Therefore, I feel that sometimes talking to him, he will understand.

P: He understands.

J: Yes.

P: Telling the truth, does Jerry have any part that nobody knows? Do you in real life with friends and you on the screen have any difference?

J: Of course, there is.

P: Such as…

J: Hurr…let's see the VCR first.

P: You know there will be your friends revealing your secrets?

J: Er. (laugh)

P: Don't be afraid.

J: I am definitely afraid of. I seem to be a matured guy but in fact I am childish. This makes people feel that why you are such a big guy but behave like a child.

P: like to play toys?

J: Yes.

P: Let's see what your good friends talked about.

On screen: Yan Cheng Xu, the unrevealed part.

His friend Xiao Sun: In real life, he likes to be doted on by his friends no matter old, young, female or male. Actually, he is very cute and shy. When he is shy, his dimple will become very apparent. In real life, he is a very cute person. We like him. We said very often that we don't like to work with him. We more like to play with him in leisure time. This is because when we are with him and talking, he will be by your side listening and laughing. He is a big but innocent guy.

Jay: He often does not keep his words. I more keep my words than he. He likes to cheat barefaced. But how can we do? We have to let him, otherwise next time he may not come out to play with us again.

Karen: At the very first days of the shooting, he was somewhat nervous but he did not accept. He acted like he was not. But we knew he was nervous because he had to work with his 2 idols, one is me and the other is Jacky Cheung.

J: Actually, I like the character of Karen very much. At the shooting site at the very beginning, I had to work with them. I was just a new guy but I had to work with Jacky Cheung and Karen Mok, who were that famous. It was a high pressure on me. At that time, they were taken as God and Goddess. Therefore, when first meeting them, I still remember, I was very nervous and afraid. I was afraid of doing anything wrong. Would they feel how I was so stupid? Would they feel why they had to work with such a stupid new guy like this? At that time, I was really nervous. But Karen liked to laugh. So I was unconsciously drawn by her. On the shooting site, she laughed so much that you forgot to be nervous. Her laughter drew your emotion to follow her. To work with a person like this makes you feel relaxed and makes a happy atmosphere at work.

P: Did Karen laugh because you tried to make her dote on you?

J: With her, I can't.
P: See his dimple, so apparent.

J: How come? It can't be. There may be because of the environment in my childhood. Do you know? When I was a child, there was noone doting on me. I felt like nobody wanted me. Actually, I have heard from my mom that my dad almost did not want me but my mom wanted to keep me so I was born. Actually, at that time, my dad said that there were a lot of boys, why needed another? (He had 3 step- elder-brothers with same dad but different mom. - Translator) At that time, dad actually told my mom to take me out. Fortunately, my mom kept me. (The host laughs) Therefore, my status in family…, my elder sister was an apple in my dad's eyes (The host laughs again). Therefore, when I was a child, just with a little noise of mine, my dad would immediately give me a punch or a slap. But for my elder sister, when she made a loud noise my dad would let her, pamper her. So, I felt like nobody loved me, nobody wanted me. Maybe because of that kind of feeling, when I found friends who I can get along with, I would hold them tight. That may be a sense of insecurity.

P: Yan Cheng Xu, please don't say something like this, Once you say nobody wants you, nobody dotes on you…

J: No.

P: I see your big group of fans will definitely love and dote on you more.

J: No. That was the past. It was just my memory.

P: Yan Cheng Xu, can you tell me what is the meaning of Ye Ye Gao Jie (literally: every night, notifyng and solving)?

J: What is Ye Ye Gao Jie? I don't know.

P: You also don't know?

J: I don't know.

P: So, let's see who is the superstar who Ye Ye Gao Jie.

On screen: Superstar who Ye Ye Gao Jie

His friend Xiao Sun: In the past, his inability to adjust himself to the environment was at the critical stage. He liked to see me. I became a room for him to clear up his mind. We had often talked for several hours about the attitude at work of each other. Actually, his thoughts on several matters are right. But, he was very suffering at that time. You know. He previously was a simple and ordinary guy. We have been friends for several years. Suddenly, he has become a focus of attention. Every move of his was caught an eye of public. He, personally somewhat, could not take that. This is because he is so serious. He always feels that he hopes to give his best to everybody.

P: This is your designer, Mr. Chen Sun Hua.

J: Yes.

P: In fact, at the beginning, you had a very hard time.

J: Yes. At that time, I was very suffering. As said before, I am not good at socializing with others. Therefore, there are many times I have used my real personality in contacting with people. But sometimes, the more you are straight and real, the easier you are hurt. Later, I felt that… ..I don't know how to say…. It is like I can't help. I felt that in this circle there are some people would like to see you… Anyway, in my feeling, it is like wearing a mask. Today, no matter I feel that you do a good or a bad thing, I cannot make any comment because once you show discontent or have a comment, others will feel you behave like a big star or you are difficult to handle.

P: difficult to handle.

J: Therefore, at that time, my trust on them is zero. Seeing them, I felt… I don't know how to face them.

P: Not to show any expression will be better, right?

J: Actually, it could be said that I tried to escape. I felt that I wanted to escape, to avoid contacting them. This was because I felt … I felt that I did not know how to do….It seemed that whatever I did, there would be nobody understanding. Others always misunderstood me. I felt that I was always misunderstood. Therefore, at that time, I would like to find someone..like this designer…. Because he knew me since I had not yet entered into this circle. Before that, I was just a guy who loved to play basketball. I did not know the danger in this society and did not know its environment. Therefore, at that time when first entering into this circle, I usually felt like "oh, actually, this should be handled like this. That should be like that….This involved others' feelings so…….." It was like you were forced by others to become…. a very mature guy, who…should I say…… knew what to do… But I felt that that was a kind of ….of….pretending. I felt that everyone had to…. … I know good manners were fine…. But when you really know that that person did really bad and feel that it can be improved. How can we do? If there is nobody speaking out, it would be possible that I would always be on a wrong way and would not know to correct it.

P: Anyway, you can now adjust yourself? How do you do?

J: My way to adjust myself is to find a right person to help me, find the person who understands me to help me. To find the one who knows what I want and knows how to help me to get what I want.

P: Anyway, you can now adjust yourself? How do you do?

J: My way to adjust myself is to find a right person to help me, find the person who understands me to help me. To find the one who knows what I want and knows how to help me to get what I want. Therefore, I am very happy that now the staff around me understand me very well. They know what I want. Not because of others say… For example, when we had to first join Fu Long, many people said that you had to handle F4, do you know, that Bao Long (Jerry's nickname, meaning a Terex) was a real trouble? But when we joined them and contacted with them I felt that they were good guys. Therefore, when we worked together, they understood what we were doing. Therefore, there were no longer non-sense things happened or any misunderstanding. Therefore, I am very happy that I am lucky to have the staff who help me like this. Everyone just wants to do a really good job, then we simply try to make it done. Just simple like this.

P: From our contacts with Bao Long a few times, our staff all feel that you are so cute. Every time you come here, everyone is happy and looking forward to working with you for recording the TV program.

J: Really?

P: Bao Long is not difficult to deal with at all. (Big letters on screen for this sentence) That dimple, so apparent, you look.

J: No. Actually, I feel that at that time the media was not friendly to me, so I could not feel relaxed when facing them. So, at that time, when seeing the camera, I would…

P: Separate yourself from them?

J: Separate from them and may respond unfriendly.

P: This may be because when everyone shot a photo, he then wrote only negative things. So, you may feel if so, don't take my photo.

J: Yes. Actually, at that time, what I cared the most is ….You took my photo, wrote about me, all was negative things. Why don't I just do my job well. Even though you said I was not good, at least I felt…

P: At least, at work, you showed a good job.

J: Yes. At least, at work, I did not feel guilty to myself. But I didn't want to listen to such a comment from the media anymore. I used to ask the media. There were so many reporters writing that I was not good, but out of tens of them, none knew me.

P: None of them…

J: None of them…

P: ever really contact you.

J: ever really contact me. They all said that they have heard about it, They have heard this and that. I felt that this is not objective and is unfair for me. Yes, but now, I gradually… Actually, I now feel that the media is not that bad. I feel that several of them are very friendly. Therefore, personally, I do not feel hostile to them. Therefore, compared to the past, I now may show a different attitude towards them. In the past, I may be like..If you did like this, I would not say anything. I would just do my job well, that's enough.

P: The wall that isolated yourself has been broken. So, you have to come to our program more frequently. Let everybody understand you more and know that actually, Bao Long is a cute person.

J: Cute? No cute. Actually because…

P: I remember my mom said that a cute person must have had some strange habits. Therefore, today, let's see what strange habits Bao Long has.

J: Strange habits?

P: Yes, would you like to confess anything first? Shortly, there will be others revealing you anyway.

J: Strange habits? (smile and laugh)

P: Such as what?

J: Strange habits…Um can you hint me?

P: OK, let's see what they talk about.

On screen: Strange habit of Yan Cheng Xu.

Jay: He has many strange habits. Actually, his skills are not bad at all but he is easily stirred up by others. Maybe relating to EQ. That EQ, can you control it a little better? But, when we played, he is not bad. Sometimes, he could block your leg. Sometimes he hurt others but was still not aware of. Hope that when he plays basketball, he will be more careful. This because we are artists, we must know how to protect our bodies.

J: What can be counted as a strange habit? It is a complaint, instead.

P: Talking about playing basketball. When others are not careful, you then said "be careful", then you block his leg, is it something like this?

J: No. I feel that maybe… I feel that I am a person who fights to win. I accept this. Whatever I do, I expect the best of me. Therefore, even playing basketball or any sport, I will be very serious. Every time I am in the game like basketball, I never let myself being easily defeated. I can be that serious, so…

P: So, you are easily stirred to anger? So, you dare to….

J: Yes, I am easily stirred up.

P: Is it like "ok, you do like this, so let's see" (then fight)?

J: No. In the basketball game, if there is someone bigger than me crushing me or doing something like that, I could fight with him to the end.

P: fight to the end.

J: I am easily stirred to anger.

P: Really? So, has Jie Lun (Jay) often stirred you up?

J: He has not. He always plays a fair game. Actually, I or others, when playing basketball, may use some tricks, like Jie Lun just said (laugh and point at himself).

P: (Laugh)

J: But actually, I did not intentionally do like that. I am not a kind of person who uses the tricks to win. But sometimes, you know, playing basketball with Jie Lun, I am bigger and taller than he. So, sometimes I am not careful and have unintentionally bumped against him.

P: Your meaning is that it should be blamed at Jie Lun being too short, right?

J: No, I did not mean that.

P: Not careful, so elbowed him.

J: I did not mean that. He is not short. Actually, he is quite tall. I just want to say that I did not intend to bump against him. He is a little bit too cautious.

P: No. I am just kidding. When playing basketball, there is a chance of bumping against each other.

J: Yes, because when playing basketball together, everyone plays so close to each other that bumping is inevitable. But, there is someone going too far. He intended to block you or block your leg. That can easily stir me up.

P: So, with your character, if others intend to bump against you, you would feel Hm why doing like this, let's fight to the end.

J: No. sometimes… maybe.. quite…Umm

P: Is it like you hit me, so I hit you?

J: I am not like that.

P: Have you ever played basketball and then ended with fighting?

J: Yes, I have. When guys play basketball, there may be sometimes meeting with those who have quite an aggressive manner. Of course, it can easily end with fighting. But after I became an artist, I try my best to… for example, when playing with others, no matter what a dirty game they played, we had to keep a good manner. This is because others can talk around about you very easily. Therefore, now, I try not to play with the non-acquaintances. I will play only with the acquaintances. This is because when playing with the acquaintances, whatever happens, like Jie Lun case, no matter what happens, everyone is still friends. We cannot intentionally bump against each other.

P: Just play sport for fun.

J: Yes. Jie Lun is very modest. His skill in basketball can be classified as a smart and beautiful motion. When he was playing, there were screams from the audience. So, you don't have to be so modest.

P: Ok. Jie Lun , did you heard that?


On screen: Music of Yan Cheng Xu

Yan Cheng Xu's first individual album has taken 3 years to make. Finally, it was officially launched on Aug. 20. Unlike the F4 era, Yan Cheng Xu individually sings all the songs. He said that the recording process was like dreaming.

J: I feel like dreaming because making this album, I have experienced a lot of things. I feel that the making of this album is like a very long road. I have never imagined it is finally done. On Aug. 10, there will be pre-sale.

The first opening song is Yi Gong Chi (One Metre). Yan Cheng Xu revealed that this song is difficult to some extent. But he insisted on taking the challenge.

J: Initially, this song was not for me to sing because they felt that this song was too difficult for me at that time. But I insisted on
taking it because I would like everybody to know and see that if I would really like to do anything, I will be able to put my efforts to make it done.

In shooting the MV, Yan Cheng Xu is soaked under the rain so long that the heart is so hurt. It makes people 100% feeling of his sadness. This is a result of the fact that Yan Cheng Xu was poured with the rain for more than 20 times.

In the MV, there are several intimate scenes between Yan Cheng Xu and the female lead. Yan Cheng Xu's acting is very natural and lively. That kind of fascinating love cannot help making the fans' hearts throbbing

P: Today, we really have to talk about music of Yan Cheng Xu. I know that this album has taken you 3 years to make. This is because you do not want to make thing superficially. Now, the success of your efforts has been shown. I remember when I interviewed you…

J: Has it? Has the success been shown? Why don' t I feel like that?

P: That is the album. It is your achievement. We do not talk about sale volume or….

J: Orh Orh

P: Or how many people support you. But, I mean your commitment to yourself. You used to say that you felt a bit hurt because during that time there were many things that make you unhappy, weren't there?

J: Um…. Of course. I feel that anything always have the pressure behind it. There are also some facets that nobody knows. In the past, I feel that I was the one who easily and straightforwardly speak out all the truth. On the other hand, while I was speaking out the truth, I hurt others unknowingly. No matter I was right or wrong, I should have treated others more maturely. Therefore, I cannot unknowingly speak out something like in the past like "I feel that you are wrong. So you are not good this and that…."And then hurt that person. Therefore, now I feel that I will continue working hard. God will see. I think that I am really working hard. If there is someone watching, he will know. Behind the scene, there are someone always pressuring you, obstructing you. I believe that there will be someday that these will be revealed. Therefore, I think that I cannot do what I did in the past, hurting somebody or feeling like speaking out such thing would make me feel a little bit better. On the other hand, I feel that doing like that is imprudent. Therefore, now I just try to do my best and make everybody see.

P: Actually, there are both happy and unhappy things. Yan Cheng Xu may not be able to tell everybody clearly here. However, I feel that this album has been launched. The success is waiting to be gradually seen. Perhaps, everybody has already seen your efforts.

J: I would like to see Um. Don't dare to use the word "see". But at least I hope that I can make everybody hear. I remember when I went to sleep last night, I still thought that nowadays there are many idols in Taiwan. Everybody likes to make a comparison among them. I feel that it is a nice thing to have many new guys coming out. But the important thing is whether everybody looks at the differentiation among them or just look at the similar outer image of those idols. If the latter is a case, there will always be replacement and then replacement in cycle. Also, is there anybody working hard? I feel that I see 5566 is hard working. Everybody should encourage each other in working. We should not be used by the media and hurt each other e.g. the media said that that side said that you are this and that so our side responds back this and that. I feel that why we do not look at the serious side of these artists and support them. I think that it must be like this so that Taiwan can Um… You know, I said very often that why others always feel it must be Japan, must be Korean. Why aren't we, the Taiwanese, more enthusiastic and to make our works successfully exported.

P: Yes

J: Therefore, I hope that the media will use a positive view to look at the idols nowadays. This is because no matter this person is now popular or not, the important thing is whether he is serious with his career, his work or committed to his work or not. I feel that the audience will know. It is impossible that just to say you are this and that kind of person will make people feel that you are so good. This kind of thing cannot be falsified, can it?

P: Listening to you, I feel that many people may think of the idols like.. good looking, very popular. But, listening to you, I can hear the difference.

J: Yes. Like on that day, I was in the stamping session. I saw many people who used to support us, F4, in the past. I saw several mommies, several grannies. I feel very happy because I feel that at least I obtain the support at some level. They are all matured. They are not blindly idolizing me, or supporting me. They can tell that they see I have experienced so many things. They are glad to see my growth, my development in this album. I feel that I obtain the support from this kind of people. They are not blind.

P: Yes.

J: Actually, this are the great support for me because I know that in Taiwan, there are a lot of people always following the new trends in the market and keeping changing.

P: Keep changing.

J: Change their idols. I would like to say that the people who support me are all prudent and they know that the one who they are
supporting is which kind of person. I could not say this and that despite the fact that I am not and then finally disappoint them.

P: Actually, on the day of stamping session, I saw many people supporting you. I can feel that those warm-hearted fans did not think like coming to join a hot event or coming to see that handsome guy but they saw your commitment to your work and specifically flew from many parts of the world. They came because they knew Jerry is very committed to his work so they come to support you, hope you continue your efforts and do not let the negative rumors affecting you.

P: Are you satisfied with this album? Does it reach your expectation?

J: I feel it is not bad. Compared to me in the past, I feel that this time, for all the selected songs or other aspects, I could give my full play to my ability.

P: Not only your songs, I also watched your MV such as this MV. Was it re-shot?

J: Yes.

P: The first version is not quite satisfactory so you re-shoot it?

J: Yes Yes.

P: What happened at that time?

J: Actually, I have worked for this album for so long. Even until when it was almost launched, I still…how to say….actually…

P: Don't mind. Speak out.

J: Up until that time, I still insisted on asking for a little more time. I would like to make it more perfect. Anyway, due to the pressure from several sides, it can't help being hurry. It is like they had other things else already prepared. The timing was very tight.

P: Very tight.

J: This included holding a meeting. We had to discuss how this MV should be shot. As the timing was not perfect, the music company may feel that you have already worked for so long and it is just for the first time, was it possible to… ? As I said, I am very glad that everybody has a high expectation on me. But, when you have a high expectation on me, is it possible not to solely look at my request? I remember one newspaper reported that due to this and that, I asked for a re-shooting. I feel that what it reported was not exactly true. Anyway, I did not come out to explain because I know that the people who understand me will know that I am glad that everybody has a high expectation on me. If you feel that today my work is not good enough, you can ask me to redo, you can ask me to make it better. When the work is not good enough and I know that we can make it better, I do not want everybody to feel that I am putting my staff into a trouble.

P: Don't twist my request into the story that I am difficult to handle. (Big letters on screen)

J: Yes, I feel this time is quite obvious. I used to say that I am very glad to have the staff from the music company, who have the attitude towards work similar to mine. They may feel that we should look at the MV, then hold a meeting to discuss whether we can make it better.

P: Telling the truth, in the past when I never saw you in person, every time I look at you (on screen), I always feel that you are so handsome that it may be too perfect, like a drawing than reality. But, after I have interviewed you a few times, I feel that you speak out from your heart. Has anybody told you that you are good at electrifying (Fang Dian…..i.e. to make fans feel like being electrified)?

J: (laugh shyly) Hah..it's ok.

P: Ok?

J: I feel….I feel that….actually electrifying or not….Um….actually when I was a child, while talking to other, I had to pay attention and look at the person whom I was talking with. Therefore, I feel that while I am talking to others seriously, I will pay attention to him. I feel that it is not polite if you do not look at him. Somebody may feel like that (i.e. I am electrifying)…, but I am not at all. I do not have that kind of intention at all.

P: I know you do not because electrifying unintentionally is the highest level of electrifying. (Big letters on screen)

J: But..

P: You have no intention to electrify but others feel fantastically like being electrified.

J: Umm..

P: There are many people working with you such as those female co- stars. That's why they have a rumor with you, isn't it?

J: I feel that those are just rumors. Actually, everything is ok.

On Screen: Reaction between Yan Cheng Xu and the girls around him

On screen, the love of Shan Cai and Dao Ming Si is hot like a fire. In real life, the relationship between Da S and Yan Cheng Xu has also been eyed by others. The friendship has developed to an interesting reaction between them. The climax of the drama, especially several kissing scenes made the relationship between Da S and her boyfriend, Blue Lan Zhen Long became tense for a while and became a hot topic during that period.

Meteor Garden has brought fame and money to the actors in it. Reaction between Yan Cheng Xu, who becomes a heartthrob of thousands, and his female friends around him becoming a focus of people. Intimate reaction between Producer Cai Zhi Ping, who made him a star, and Yan Cheng Xu in the celebration party for finishing of the filming was brought to attention by the media and become an Old girl- Young boy love rumor. This made Cai Zhi Ping not know whether to cry or laugh.

Last year, Yan Cheng Xu's first movie "Magic Kitchen" was filmed. His rumored girlfriend was changed to the female lead Sammi Cheng Xiu Wen. However, the rumor did not affect their friendship. Recently, Yan Cheng Xu joined Sammy Cheng's concert as a guest is the best evidence. Recently, the close relationship between Yan cheng Xu, whose every move is eyed by the reporters, and Taiwan top model, Lin Zhi Ling, has become a new focus. Last few years, they both came out together and were shot a photo by a reporter. At that time, Lin Zhi Lin explained that they both are only good friends in model career, who have known each other for more than 4 years. Now, Yan Cheng Xu launches his first individual album. Lin Zhi Ling has bought it to support her good friend. After becoming famous, their close relationship becomes a good thing in the entertainment circle.

Lin Zhi Ling: Jia You Jia You Jia You. I will definitely buy your
album.

No matter how strong the electrical power of Yan Cheng Xu, not all the female co-stars were rumored with him such as Michele Saram in MG2. She was sick quite often, like Yan Cheng Xu, so they understand each other but did not talk much. Another is Valen Xu Ru Yun, who had a bed scene with Yan Cheng Xu in Come to My Place. She and Yan Cheng Xu has only a purely friendship.

P: I would like to ask you whether you have ever been moved by your
co-stars or not.

J: (smile very shyly. Big letters "Shy" blinking throughout the screen) moved? I feel…er…er …of course, I have sometimes felt like… why is this artist so nice? ….In all aspects,….she is very very….. How to say….I feel so comfortable being with her.

P: like getting along quite well. (laugh)

J: Getting along well. Yes, it can be said like that. This is because sometimes when shooting a film, the actors and the actresses would have quite a lot of time being together, especially the male lead and the female lead. Given such contact for a long period of time, there can actually be a cause for more development. Of course, I cannot deny the fact that sometimes you may be moved by the opposite side.

P: So, actually, have you ever been moved or not?

J: Why does the studio suddenly become hotter? (Big letters "Hot")

P: Is there any time that you really like her but your fame or hers have made it impossible for you both to develop the love relationship? or have you ever develop the relationship to that stage? (Big letters beside Jerry "Dumb")

J: No No. I feel that in this career, to be in love with a person in the same circle is very difficult. This is because of our work. I always have to shoot a series for a moment, then, launch an album, then shoot a film, then, shoot a series, then…always change. It is very often that you have to stay with this team for 2-3 months, then change and change. You have to meet a lot of people. Therefore, I feel that you may have some feeling for the opposite side for that moment. You can let yourself be moved by the role and have such feeling. But after you jump out of it, everybody is still only a good friend. There is no chance to develop because we have not much time to be together or contact each other so often. Anyway, I am quite lucky because since I entered into this circle, the female co-stars I have met are all nice. I have quite a good impression on all the female co-stars I have worked with.

J: I have quite a good impression on all the female co-stars I have worked with. There has been none of them whom I really feel disgusted. You may ask "even Da S"? You may say that people outside all say about how is the relationship between me and Da S. But I am very clear to myself how it is. The story of us may be caused by the pressure from outside at that time, including the fact that at that time there were so many matters eg. the script of series, the delay, the fatigue, the postponement, etc. Everybody in that situation was so fed up that they did not know what should have been done. Therefore, people outside may… I also don't know how such matters were spread out. Anyway, so far, I am very glad to be able to work with her. I feel that her character is rare in Taiwan. I mean in Taiwan's entertainment circle. She is of rare character that makes you feel that she is intelligent. Working with her, you would be drawn to the feeling in the script. You can feel that you really like the character she is playing. You know, such kind of feeling cannot be pretended to express. If you have to work with a person who you do not like but have to act like liking her so much, I feel that the acting would more or less look like pretending. You cannot make others believe that you are a couple in the series. Therefore, I feel that during that period, in that character, she is a very cute girl.

P: Now, personally, do you both still keep contacting?

J: Now, we do not. This is because she and Lan Zhen Long are a couple. You know she cares for her boyfriend very much. Therefore, we definitely would not like to be misunderstood.

P: Yes Yes

J: Therefore, trying not to hurt her. Keeping a distance.

P: Good wishes from a distance are enough.

J: Yes. Now, seeing her and Lan Zhen Long are like this, I am really happy for her. Lan Zhen Long is also known to me when we were models.

P: Wouldn't you like to be in love like others?

J: Being in love? (laugh) If I say I would not, it is impossible. Very often when I face difficulties or when I feel sad, I feel that one side of me would like to have….have…somebody to dote on me. Like what I just said, I personally am (smile)….I may seem to be a big guy but I have one side that I would like others to dote on me, I would like someone to… You know sometimes I may like to throw a tantrum, but I would like someone to be able to accept that. But this is not like a fiercely hot temper but … sometimes I may feel..

P: Just would like to have someone to dote on you.

J: I feel that using such word sounds strange. It should be said that I would like to have a feeling that you know that there is a person who really cares for you so much. When you know she cares for you so much, you will be willing to let her see the side of yourself that you really do not want others to see. I feel that when I am on the TV programs, I try to make myself look happy. But actually, the making of this album is really difficult. Sometimes, I have so suffered that I would like to die. But I have to strengthen my mind and cope with the situation. Actually, sometimes I feel thankful for these 3-4 year period that allows me to see the cruel side and the reality of these people. This makes me grow up suddenly. I am very thankful to these people who gave me comments and advices because there is only such method that can make me grow very fast. Yes Yes.

P: Because Yan Cheng Xu is like this, we can see many fans have supported you and been by your side all the way. Whatever project you do, we can see many fans from Taiwan, all over Asia, each part of the world specifically come to join. Whatever projectyou do, they can,just for you, support you, come to meet you. I have heard that actually, you can remember some of your fans. For the ones who have followed you for a long time, you know who they are, what their families are doing. Do you really keep contact with them?

J: Actually, during that period, I had a contact with them. Throughout the years, I have taken them as friends not as something like that because of their ages….. There are many even older than I. You know, I do not feel they are fans. I just feel like they have taken me as a little younger brother. Some mamas have taken me as a godson. They have treated me like that. Therefore, when I see them, I feel glad. But, during a recent period, I feel uncomfortable because you know, between persons, wherever there r people, there will be doubts and fights. In the very beginning, when I saw them, I would call out their names and be very nice to them. But I found out later that when you are nice to a specific person, others will be jealous.

P: Yes.

J: Or the persons beside her may have a quarrel with her. Then they may offend this person. Therefore, now I….I feel that it is very hard for me. I would like to be very nice to everyone. But, everyone makes me feel hard. If I talk a bit more with a person, another person beside her would feel, why you talk to her and do not mind me? Or if I call the name of one person, another would ask "who I am" (do you remember?). Others would also say "what about me?", "who I am?"

P: You have to remember names.

J: yes. Therefore, now I change to… I try to find the middle ground and not to hurt anybody. I have heard that because I talked to a person more, she then has been rejected by her group. I have also heard that when someone is too nice to me, she was then commented by others. I feel sad because I do not want others to be hurt due to my negligence. I do not want to see somebody unhappy or being commented by others because of me.

On screen: Crazy fans of Yan Cheng Xu

This is the chaos at the airport two years ago when Yan Cheng Xu launched his photo book and came to Hong Kong for promotional activities. There was even a die-hard fan stumbling over her own banner during the chase. In fact, a few days before Yan Cheng Xu arrived at Hong Kong, there had already been fans waiting at the venue of handshake session at night. There were a number of people in the long and winding line like a snake. Once seeing their idol, they lost control of their mind.

Shaking hands with more than 20,000 fans, Yan Cheng Xu got sore hands. After more than 10 hours of handshake session, he almost could not walk. In the following morning when he flew off from Hong Kong, the groups of fans coming to see him off were still enormous. Yan Cheng Xu was surrounded by fans. In the very difficult situation, there were some frightening accidents. It was intensely crowded .

Similarly, in the promotional activities for the photo book in Taiwan, the queuing line was not defeated by that in Hong Kong. Some came from overseas.

Two years later, Yan Cheng Xu took a long trip to Xin Jiang for shooting a Pepsi commercials. He made a transit at Hong Kong airport. The craziness of the fans who knew about it did not reduce at all. They waited for him at the airport for a whole day just to catch a glimpse of their idol.

Early this year, Yan Cheng Xu and Sammi Zheng Xiu Wen played the lead in a movie, Magic Kitchen. There were fans paying 50,000 HKD to book a whole theater.

In the premier of Magic Kitchen in Taiwan, fans gave a warm welcome.

The charm of Yan Cheng Xu not only makes fans in Hong Kong and Taiwan become crazy but also makes fans in Thailand can't help falling for him. Several months ago, Yan Cheng Xu went to Thailand to be a presenter of Pepsi. Despite language obstacle, the atmosphere was still very grand. In Thailand promotional activities, a girl fan did not take her eyes off him from the beginning to the end. Sometimes, she also made him not know what to do. (translator : Note that she is not Thai but a fan from Hong Kong, as far as I remember.)

Recently, Yan Cheng Xu has launched his first individual album. Just for the pre-sale activity, there were fans queuing for the whole night. The charm of Yan Cheng Xu is indescribable. Wherever he goes, every move of his is a focus of fans.

P: Anyway, all the way to now, do you have any words to specially tell your fans who have supported you for all these years?

J: Er… I would like to tell them that actually they carry the greatest weight in my mind. That is why I would like to do my best, why I expect that much. Because they give me that much, I feel that I have the responsibility to improve my ability, to catch the good opportunity that I have now to make the best Yan Cheng Xu. I will make them know that they did not choose the wrong person. Now, I know only that I myself will do to my utmost. Besides this, I do not know other ways to repay their kindness to me i.e. their strong support. Actually, I am easily moved. I am very afraid of others being so kind to me (Host laughs). Sometimes, I am very afraid of women being so nice to me. This is because when they are so nice to me, I will be easily moved and do not know such feeling can be developed to… Yes.

P: Anyway, I believe that the fans who support you do not want any special repayment. I think you can make it and will not disappoint them.

P: Let's see. Are there any changes in Yan Cheng Xu since his entry into this circle until now? Let's see, when you first entered into this circle.

(There is Ma La Xian Shi (GTO) showing on the VCR)

P: Yan Cheng Xu, this is your first series, ma la xian shi, isn't it?

J: Yes Yes Yes

P: (laugh) How do you feel?

J: I feel that at that time there was no pressure. Therefore, it was quite fun.

(On screen, it shows Meteor Garden 2)

P: This is Meteor Garden. Now, when you see these pictures, do you recall or have any special feeling?

J: Yes. Actually, as I was very busy during that time, I have never seen the whole series seriously. Yes, when I see them, I feel….

P: This is Meteor Garden 2.

J: I have many feelings on what happened during that period.

P: For the scene I have just seen, I feel that… every time I have seen something like this..I feel that you are so exaggeratedly handsome, like a drawing. I could not believe it is true.

J: Hah, you should go to see an eye doctor.

P: Like a drawing, like jumping out of the drawing. You see for yourself.

J: So idiot (he means himself not her). Now looking at myself, I feel strange.

P: This is "Who comes to my place" (Shei Lai Wo Jia)

J: Who comes to my place? Um, Come to My Place (Lai Wo Jia Ba)

P: Come to My Place

P: In such a short period of time, you have done so many things. I am not surprised at all why there was so much pressure.

J: At that time, there was so much pressure. Yes, shooting the series and so on.

P: Anyway, since you entered into this circle until now, all the way, there has been no…. Actually, you have done so many things, starting from modeling, how did you later on act in a series?

J: At that time, they were talking about a series, which was in the process of casting. They asked me whether I would like to try. I felt it was ok, not bad to try. I did not think so much and went for trial. Then, I was chosen for that first series.

P: ma la xian shi

J: Yes. At that time, it was the happiest because at that time….. Actually, all the way till now, I have never changed at all. But, when you have fame and are known by many people, others may feel that you are not the same as before. Therefore, now, I feel that at that time I could be myself but now I cannot because there are many people…

P: I would like to ask you. Now you are so famous. Wherever you go, there are people recognizing you. After being famous, what do you think is the most happiness and the most suffering that this has brought to you?

J: Of course, happiness is…. I have never expected that I could be…Er…. In the past I felt that I did not have a promising future. I don't know why myself at that time (laugh slightly)….. how come entering into this circle. God gave me such a good opportunity, allow me to be in this circle learning so much things. I can dig out my inner capability and express it. Additionally, I am so fortunate to have a group of people supporting me. This is my most happiness. And of course, the most suffering is being misunderstood. I feel very often that when I am doing any thing, I just want to 'fight' a little more, put in a little more effort. But others cannot understand that this is what I want to make it for others to see.

P: Yes, I remember you used to say a very good phrase. You said that others may feel that you are troubleome but you would not like that someday in the future when looking back, you feel that you put a little bit not enough effort and then feel guilty for yourself. You hope that when doing anything, you are willing to do it very well, willing to take a little more trouble to make it done.

J: Yes. The most important thing is that throughout one's live, how many people would have such a good opportunity like us, have a role like us, be able to make things for others to see. Therefore, I feel that I have to catch it. Like me at present, I can do, can learn, can use the good parts to correct the bad parts. Actually, I feel all the time that I am not smart. I do not know and understand so many things. But at least, I am still young. Therefore, I would like to 'fight' to the end, like other youngsters who would like to know what is the best they can do. It is possible that a few years later, I may feel … may get so many lessons that make me feel that it should be enough. Yes.

P: Finally, I would like to ask you. If you could choose to change one thing in the past, what would you choose to change?

J: Change what? (thinking)

P: Would you still choose this path?

J: I would still choose it. I feel that it is fun. Acting and singing are actually what I like very much. It is just how I can adjust myself to be a little happier. I feel that if I feel happy, when others look at me they will not feel disgusted.

P: This is Yan Cheng Xu that we have talked with today. He makes me see his sincerity and reality. I highly believe that one's fight and effort can be seen by others. Thanks to Yan Cheng Xu.

J: Thank you.

P: Thank you.