From Record Factory Worker and Night Market Singer to Charity Diva
    In March 2021, Zhan Ya-wen was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, a condition with no known cure. Despite enduring the pain and suffering of the disease, she has remained dedicated to charitable work for over 30 years, always keeping the well-being of adopted children and disadvantaged families close to her heart. For instance, on April 2, 2021, following the tragic derailment of the Taroko Express train that resulted in 49 deaths and 247 injuries, Zhan Yawen promptly donated NT$1 million. She has consistently drawn on her own experiences to help those in distress and encourages everyone facing adversity to take the initiative and make a difference.
 
    Zhan Ya-wen often tells people, “As long as you focus on giving love, seeing everyone smile is truly worth it.”
 
    Zhan Ya-wen, the eldest daughter of a poor laborer, overcame a difficult upbringing to enter the music industry as a singer to make a living; from debuting in 1980 with her sister Zhan Yawen as the “Sakura Sisters” and gaining popularity in night markets to releasing her debut solo album, “It Was You Who Hurt My Heart,” in 1991, which featured a unique Japanese enka-style vocal style and sold well; from temporarily entering a convent, nearly ending her career, to personally creating “The Road of Life” and finally winning the Golden Melody Award.
 
    Zhan Yawen emerged from the darkness of illness, shifting her focus to arranging her final affairs—declining emergency treatment and organ donation, not setting up a funeral hall, not holding a farewell ceremony, donating all her assets, opting for a tree burial, and fulfilling her promise to fans to plant gardenias. She continued to spread positive energy through social media live streams, taking one step at a time, hoping for each step, challenging her limits, living with hope, and singing until the end.
 
    Most commendably, Zhan Yawen has always prioritized her work as a charity volunteer over her singing career. Despite her illness, she held her fifth (and hopefully not final) “Let's Escape Together” concert at the Taipei Arena on December 25, 2021, Christmas Day. During the performance, she vomited six times and had diarrhea four times backstage, yet she held back her tears to showcase her lifelong dedication and push her limits—singing over 50 songs in more than three hours. This was to fulfill her lifelong dream of emulating her idol, Mei Yanfang, who dedicated her life to the stage—standing strong until her final breath to realize her dream.
 
    Zhan Yawen has dedicated her life to charitable work as her primary occupation and singing as her secondary career. She overcame the hardships of poverty, rose to fame in the music industry, and even battled Parkinson's disease, which has no known cure. She has never forgotten her initial commitment to helping the underprivileged, striving every moment to challenge her limits, live with hope, and sing until the end. She continues to sing with love, spreading positive energy and inspiring others. Her voice is beautiful, and her heart is even more so. She truly deserves the title of “Charity Queen of Song.” Among 2,954 candidates recommended from around the world for the “Global Love for Life Award,” she stood out and was honored with the “2022 25th Global Love for Life Award” by the Taiwan Zhou Daguan Cultural and Educational Foundation.
 
    We welcome recommendations from all corners of the globe for individuals who embody effort, kindness, courage, and achievement in their lives. (Taiwan Zhou Da Guan Cultural and Educational Foundation Global Award for Loving Life Nomination Hotline: 886-2-29178770, Fax: 886-2-29178768, Address: 3rd Floor, No. 52 Mingde Road, Xindian District, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan, Website: http://www.ta.org.tw, Email: ta88ms17@gmail.com).
 
Overcoming the Hardships of Growing Up as the Eldest Daughter of a Poor Family
    Zhan Ya-wen (formerly known as Zhan Shu-zhen) was born on March 2, 1967, in Yuenlin, Changhua County, into a working-class family. Her father, Zhan Jin-yu, and mother, Yan Chun-mei, both worked as bamboo weavers. After giving birth to their eldest daughter, Zhan Ya-wen, they went on to have a younger sister, Zhan Yawen (original name Zhan Shumei), who is one year younger, and a younger brother, Zhan Zhichang, who is four years younger. Although bamboo weaving requires skill, the income from bamboo weaving in the 1970s remained meager. When Zhan Yawen was four years old, her father, Zhan Jinyu, even switched to a different bamboo weaving factory, and the family moved to Xitun District in Taichung City. However, their income did not improve, and they continued to live in rented accommodation.
Zhan Yawen said, “We rented that house because it was cheap. It was originally a chicken coop that had been converted into a shared room. It was made of bricks and rented out to people. The bed was used for eating, sleeping, and doing homework, as well as for processing work.”
 
    Her father, Zhan Jinyu, recalled, “I remember that even with overtime, we barely made over 3,000 New Taiwan Dollars a month. At that time, working for others paid around 25 to 30 New Taiwan Dollars a day.”
 
    Zhan Ya-wen's parents worked in a rattan weaving factory with shift work. As the eldest daughter, Zhan Ya-wen, who was only six or seven years old, learned to cook and take care of the family. During her free time, she also helped her younger sister with part-time work to supplement the household income.
 
    Zhan Ya Wen said, “At that time, we were exporting rattan mats to Japan. After weaving them, we had to sew the edges. The rattan mats had to be made very thin, so they were as sharp as knives, cutting our hands everywhere. We had to apply bandages. One day, my mother held my hand and told me, ‘You have to start working at elementary school. By the time you finish, your hands will be in such bad shape. I don't know if you'll blame me later.”
 
    Poverty shaped Zhan Yawen into a brave and independent person, but she couldn’t balance her studies. Since she only spoke Taiwanese, she often struggled to understand her teachers when they taught in Mandarin, leading to poor grades and frequent punishments for not completing her homework.
 
    Zhan Yawen said, “I was beaten so badly that I couldn't hold a bowl or chopsticks. When my parents saw me, they said, ‘Who told you not to study hard?’ Who told you not to do your homework?’ I said, ‘Who told you not to go to school?’ Who told you not to teach us? That's why I don't know anything and didn't do my homework.” My father said, ‘Not knowing how to read isn't their fault. A pen is heavier than a hoe. I feel useless too.’
 
    Since the family couldn't afford a TV, Zhan Yawen and her two siblings often went to the neighbor's house to watch. They inevitably argued with the neighbor's children, which upset the landlord. Their parents feared being asked to move, so they forbade the siblings from going there anymore. They even bought a used guitar and taught the siblings to sing every evening during cartoon time to pass the time. This unexpectedly laid the foundation for the sisters' singing skills.
 
    Zhan Yawen's father, Zhan Jinyu, said, “I just bought a second-hand guitar for 200 yuan, learned some chords, and taught them to sing. I played while they sang. The first song was ‘For You I'll Travel a Thousand Miles’ (sung by Guo Jinfu): la so la do re do me re do la so me.”
 
    Zhan Yawen said, “When Dad wanted to teach us songs, it was always the most challenging time because it was cartoon time. The neighbors next door were all watching cartoons, and the sound of the cartoons was so captivating that our hearts were completely drawn to them.”
 
    The family lived frugally, and after several years, when Zhan Yawen was just entering junior high school, Zhan Jinyu had planned to use their savings and borrow money from a savings club to buy a house for the family. However, he was instead defrauded by a friend, leaving the family with debts totaling over 400,000 yuan.
 
    Zhan Ya Wen's mother, Yan Chun Mei, said, “Working overtime, the two of us can't earn more than 20,000 a month, but we have to pay 40,000 in loans every month. While others are happy receiving their salaries, we're worried about paying ours. Every month, we have to borrow money from relatives and friends.”
 
    The sudden blow plunged the entire family into despair. It was then that Zhan Yawen heard her younger sister, Zhan Yayun, mention that a nearby temple fair was holding a singing competition with generous prizes. The two sisters immediately kept it a secret from their parents and secretly signed up.
 
    Zhan Yawen's younger sister, Zhan Yayun, said, “I couldn't understand the prelude. The musician played it several times, just saying, ‘Sing, sing,’ and I finally realized I was supposed to start singing.”
 
    Zhan Yawen said, “But by the time the prelude was finished, I had already sung the entire song and stepped off the stage. I was told to take the soap, and once I had it, I just wanted to go home. It was such a simple thought—I had no idea that this was called singing; I just wanted the prize.”
 
    Zhan Yawen's younger sister, Zhan Yayun, won the championship smoothly, and her singing was highly praised by the judges, who even offered to teach her. However, Zhan Yawen, who learned alongside her, was later rejected by the teacher for lacking singing talent, which was a huge blow to her.
 
    Zhan Yawen said, “My father said we couldn't afford to send the children to singing lessons. Later, no matter what the teacher said, I still didn't understand. The teacher then told my parents that my sister wasn't suited for singing, but my younger sister could. At that moment, she felt heartbroken and defeated, so she left the singing class and began practicing on her own in the school stairwell. She didn't even know what proper pronunciation was, so she just hummed randomly and sang the hardest songs. At the time, there were Japanese enka songs and puppet show songs, and after practicing like this for several years, she discovered a technique one day—she finally mastered vibrato and pitch bending.
 
    In 1982, when I graduated from middle school, my parents, under financial pressure, even demanded that I give up my education and work in a factory to earn money.
 
    The teacher came to our house and said that the child should be allowed to continue her education. My father replied that he couldn’t afford to send her to school, that the family was short on money, and that she needed to help earn money. As the eldest daughter, she had to accept her fate. I didn’t know how to write the words “accept one’s fate,” but I knew I was innocent.
 
Supporting the Family: A Twisting Path to the Music Industry
    To balance family responsibilities and her education, Zhan Yawen enrolled in the night school program at Xinmin Commercial and Industrial School, majoring in mechanical drafting. She began a life of working and studying part-time. Besides working at the factory during the day, she had to help her parents with their side business of cleaning and advertising at night, which meant she had to go out to post flyers in the middle of the night.
 
    Zhan Yawen said, "As dawn broke, the breakfast shop opened, and the aroma of soy milk filled the air. I asked my mother, ‘Can we buy a cup of soy milk?’ My mother said it was a waste of money. We should go home and cook porridge with leftover rice. We shouldn't drink that soy milk. Tears welled up in my eyes. I started work at 8 a.m., finished at 5 p.m., then went to class, and by midnight, I was out posting flyers. I couldn't even afford a cup of soy milk."
 
    The prolonged lack of sleep was too much for a teenager in her growth phase. Later, Zhan Ya Wen often fainted in the middle of class, which made her famous throughout the school.
　
    Zhan Yawen’s close friend from Xinmin Commercial and Industrial Vocational School, Xin Meizhu, recalled, “During class, Zhan Yawen’s face would turn completely pale, and she wouldn’t say a word. By the time she collapsed, we realized something was wrong. Everyone panicked—what should we do? What should we do?” We rushed to take her to the hospital, but since we were on the fifth floor and couldn’t lift her, we had to tear down the school curtains and use them as a makeshift stretcher. We placed Zhan Yawen on the stretcher, with multiple people holding it from all sides, and carried her to the hospital. This incident made Zhan Yawen famous throughout the school.
 
    After years of mental and physical torment, Zhan Yawen began seeking solace in religion during her vocational school years and came into contact with Buddhist teachings.
 
    Xin Meizhu said, “During breaks, she would gather a group of people and start talking about Buddhism. Many people listened, but at first, everyone was just curious and listened casually. However, she spoke very seriously and never stopped. Since we only had a superficial understanding of Buddhism, she made a special effort to explain it in detail. Everyone listened, but it was like trying to understand thunder through a duck’s ears.”
 
    In 1985, Zhan Yawen graduated from Xinmin Commercial and Industrial School but did not pursue a career in mechanical drafting. Instead, she applied for a position as a nursing assistant at an obstetrics clinic, where she handled tasks ranging from registration to administering injections and assisting with childbirth.
 
    Two years later, in 1987, her younger sister also graduated from the Business Department of Xinmin Commercial and Industrial School and started working at a traditional Chinese medicine clinic. At that time, their former singing teacher, Lai Qingmu, had just established Ya Lv Records and was in need of singers. He recalled this pair of sisters who had not been in contact for seven years.
 
    Zhan Yawen said, "The founder of Ya Lv Records, Lai Qingmu, said that he was starting a record company, urgently needed singers, and suggested that the sisters return to sing." He believed he wanted the younger sister, not me, as he thought I couldn’t sing. He asked me to sing a line for him to listen to, and after hearing me, he said, ‘You can sing!’ He then suggested that the sisters sing together, forming the Sakura Sisters.
 
    At the time, the sisters sang some Taiwanese oldies and Japanese enka-style ballads, naming themselves Sakura, which made sense given the Japanese enka influence in their music. They made an agreement with the record company: first, no contracts; second, no advertising or promotion; third, no sister photos on the album cover.
 
    In 1980, the Sakura Sisters debuted, initially specializing in covers of Mandarin and Taiwanese oldies. This duo was actually the two sisters, Zhan Yawen and her sister. As their albums sold well, three years after their debut, Zhan Yawen released her first solo album, “It Was You Who Hurt My Heart,” which sold nearly a million copies. On average, they released four albums per year, and the income from these albums allowed the sisters to repay their family's debts within five years.
 
    Due to her strong Buddhist faith, Zhan Yawen once considered becoming a nun at the age of 26 in 1993, but she ultimately decided to dedicate herself to volunteer work and charitable causes. She began participating in counseling programs for inmates, and over time, she became the first volunteer counselor and artist to be awarded the title of “Ambassador for Rehabilitation” by the Ministry of Justice.
 
    Zhan Ya Wen rose to fame from central and southern Taiwan, and the Sakura Sisters debuted, selling well at night markets.
 
    In 1980, under the name Sakura Sisters, Zhan Ya Wen and her sister debuted. Concerned about the instability of a singer's income, the two continued to work at their respective clinics and jobs to earn money. They specifically made a three-point agreement with Ya Lian Records, refusing to seek excessive exposure or promote their music.
 
    Zhan Yawen stated, “We believed that without exposure, I could take on multiple jobs, and I thought that was fine! We never considered that being a singer or a musician could earn a lot of money. We never thought about it. We just saw it as a job, a salary. We were just ‘singing workers.’”
 
    Their signature song, “Sing a Song of the Moon in My Hometown,” is hummed by people all over Taiwan.
 
Sing a song of the moon in my hometown.
The golden moon shines dimly.
Tonight it rises again.
Five-colored neon lights
You are more beautiful than the moon.
I wish I could be like the moon.
With stars accompanying me to the ends of the earth
The moonlight is enchanting, so cute.
The moonlight warms those who are away from home.
Friends who miss home, let's sing together.
Sing a song about the moon in my hometown.
On the fifteenth night in a foreign land,
The Mid-Autumn Moon appears.
I miss the moon in my hometown tonight.
It must be more beautiful than the moon here.
I wish I were like the moon.
So I could see my hometown.
The enchanting moonlight is so cute.
The moonlight warms those who are away from home.
I want to get together with my friends at home.
Let's sing a song about the moon in our hometown.
 
    The album “Sakura Sisters Singing” initially consisted mostly of covers of old Taiwanese and Mandarin songs, but later, Zhan Yawen rewrote the lyrics to Japanese songs and re-released them. For example, “Nameless Flower”:
 
Fly, fly, and fly.
Butterflies and dragonflies fly up to the sky.
Bloom, bloom, bloom.
Fragrant flowers with no name
The south wind blows a fragrance.
I don't know what flowers are blooming.
Does the wind know? Does the wind know?
What is the name of these flowers?
Their fragrance fills the mountains.
I ask who they bloom for.
I don't know if they are red, white, or blue.
Fragrant flowers with no name
Beautiful youth is lost.
The past cannot be regained.
One year passes after another.
Time does not start over.
 
    Zhan Yawen did not go through large record companies but sold her albums at night markets. However, the sisters' moving harmonies quickly won over fans in central and southern Taiwan and among the lower classes.
 
    Zhan Ya Wen's close friend Wang Caihua said, “When I was at home, I often heard my father humming Zhan Ya Wen's songs. Then, we saved every penny to buy her albums.”
 
    Zhan Ya Wen's close friend and producer Hong Rongliang said, "What's amazing about Zhan Ya Wen is that
 
    These songs didn't need any promotion, but wherever you went—in every taxi, every factory, every store—you could hear their voices. They were so harmonious that you could tell it was two people singing, yet their voices blended perfectly. I think that kind of harmony can only come from sharing the same blood, the same DNA.
 
    During the Sakura Sisters era, they released an average of four albums a year, each selling over 100,000 copies, with pirated copies rampant, though this indirectly boosted their popularity. In 1991, Zhan Yawen began releasing solo albums with her unique singing style. Her first album, It Was You Who Hurt My Heart, sold nearly a million copies.
 
    Zhan Yawen's lyrics for “It Was You Who Broke My Heart” made her famous overnight.
Opening this old letter
The contents speak of your changing feelings toward me.
So sad, so sad.
After all this time
Still unable to let go
Perhaps someone else is more loving than me.
Can't you see my heart for you?
No lingering feelings for the past
You are heartless, you are heartless.
You broke my heart.
 
    Chen Wei-xiang (founder of Da Xin Records) said, “Zhan Ya-wen's singing style is      something that most Taiwanese singers don't have. She has a touch of Japanese enka, and she knows how to use it perfectly.”
 
    All the lyrics on Zhan Yawen's first solo album were written by her. At the time, the record company was small and couldn't afford to buy songs or lyrics, so the boss encouraged Zhan Yawen to try her hand at songwriting, which allowed her to begin to showcase her creative talent.
 
    Taking a step toward becoming a nun, nearly ending her singing career, devoting herself to volunteer work, and creating a new path in life
　
    Despite receiving arbitrary pay from the boss, after five years in the industry, the debt of the Zhan family was finally paid off. In 1993, at the age of 26, Zhan Ya Wen, who had been exposed to Buddhism for a long time, unexpectedly developed the desire to enter the monastic life. Worried about her family's opposition, she secretly made preparations but was discovered by her parents at the last moment.
 
    Zhan Yawen stated, “I have always loved praying since I was a child. I feel it is innate. By the time I released my fourth album, I had already made up my mind. After this album, I would become a nun. Before deciding to become a nun, I had already started taking Buddhist studies classes.”
 
    Zhan Yawen's mother, Yan Chunmei, said, “The record company boss called me and said my daughter wanted to become a nun. I felt like I had been struck by lightning.”
 
    Zhan Yawen said, “My mother slapped me. It was the hardest slap I had ever received in my life. The force of the slap left me speechless. Her frantic, almost crazy state made us fear she might do something reckless.”
　
    Under family pressure, Zhan Yawen abandoned her plan to become a nun, but that slap nearly derailed her entertainment career.
 
    Zhan Yawen explained, “After visiting an ENT specialist, I found out that my eardrum was perforated on one side. However, I didn’t tell my family. The doctor said the hole was too large and needed to be repaired, but I didn’t get it fixed. Under certain conditions, at certain angles or points, I would suddenly hear a loud boom, which is a serious issue for musicians—it means I can’t sing.”
 
    The rupture of her eardrum impacted her singing career, and coupled with the guilt of hurting her parents' hearts, Zhan Ya Wen decided to practice at home and vowed to the Bodhisattva to make amends through good deeds. She began visiting terminally ill cancer patients in the hospital and later started interacting with inmates. Zhan Ya Wen increasingly dedicated her time to volunteer work.
 
    Zhan Ya Wen stated, “All my debts have been paid off, and my family's life is stable. I feel it's enough. I don't think singing is the path I want to take, and the entertainment industry isn't what I'm pursuing. At that moment, I felt I wanted to give back. I should let go of the work around me and leave the music industry. During the years I was away, I didn't release any albums and started doing volunteer work.”
 
    After volunteering for about one or two years, one day, Zhuang Wenping, the founder of Taichung Broadcasting Station, called me and said, “I want you to host a program about charity.” I was so happy. The Bodhisattva is so compassionate. Finally, a path has been guided for me, allowing me to have a job and do what I love most.
 
    Through the radio waves, one letter after another from inmates in various prisons shared their heartfelt stories, becoming the station's signature program. The show was called “Every Day Spring Laughter.”
 
    Listeners who had concerns or issues could seek guidance from her. Besides hosting the program three days a week, she also spent three days each week visiting prisons to teach and chat with inmates, encouraging them.
 
    Zhan Yawen stated, “There were so many inmates, and the letters were endless. You realize that there are so many stories in life, and behind each inmate, there are so many stories waiting to be uncovered. These stories often involve orphans, elderly people living alone, and other issues that stem from the inmates' backgrounds.”
 
    Fortunately, the perforated eardrum, which was initially deemed irreparable, miraculously healed after two years.
 
    Not long after, Chen Weixiang, the chairman of Daxin Records at the time, came knocking on her door, persuading her to return to the music industry. At the time, several record companies were approaching her, but Chen was different from other record company bosses. His personality was so compelling that Zhan Yawen couldn’t resist. Just as she was about to go on the radio, his call came in. Zhan Yawen replied, “I'm sorry, I'm on the radio right now.” He said, “Agree immediately, and I'll hang up right away.” He kept insisting, for a long time, for over a month, nonstop. Finally, one day, Zhan Yawen said, “Alright, I'll do it.”
 
    In 2003, Zhan Yawen agreed to join Da Xin and used the song “Those Who Long for Home,” which she had written based on her experiences with prisoners, as the lead single for her debut album.
 
    This song can be described as a song that urges wayward sons to return home. “Those Who Long for Home”:
Ah~ It's like someone is calling me~
Abandoning their parents and their name　
Willingly letting others call you a vagabond
Loyalty and honor, gambling with your life for love
Down and out, with no friends in sight
Those who long for home, their hearts ache with sorrow.
Their eyes are dim; not a single tear falls.
I beg the moon in my hometown.
To light the way home
Remind the lost
Vagabonds in a foreign land
Walking in the dark as usual.
People call me a vagabond.
My parents worry, and my lover misses me.
This kind of life will never be happy.
Those who miss home feel heartache and pain.
Their eyes are dim and dry.
I beg the moon in my hometown.
To shine light on the path home
Remind the lost
Vagabond in a foreign land
 
    Another song from the same album by Zhan Yawen, “Old Father” (lyrics by Zheng Jinyi and Chen Weixiang), also caused a great stir.
 
    If you are moved, please call your father.
A man sits alone outside; that is my father.
Loneliness is his companion; the past is his cup of tea.
I send the moon to deliver my letter to him. I wonder if he will receive it.
I can't help but miss you, everyone at home, big and small.
What's left on my father's face is the price our family paid.
A pair of hands, a pair of shoes, step by step, he led us through life.
My father's whole life, when you think about it, he never really enjoyed it.
If it weren't for filial piety, there would be no opportunity, because a person only has one father.
A man lying alone in his room—that was our father.
Missing him is like missing his cotton quilt, wanting to cut a piece off.
I sent a letter to my mother through the stars, but I don't know if she received it.
I told her I would be a good child, take care of my father, and live to be 102 years old.
The blood flowing through my father's body is the same blood that flows through mine.
A blade of grass, a drop of dew, generation after generation, for thousands of years.
My father's life, when you think about it, doesn't have much time left.
If we don't have filial piety, we won't have a chance, because we only have one father.
Because of my father, even if I had money, I wouldn't be able to buy it.
 
    Zhan Yawen said, “When I read the lyrics of ‘Old Father,’ I cried. When I think about my father's life, he never really enjoyed it. I believe this is true for many parents.”
 
    “Those Who Long for Home” sold over 300,000 copies in just half a year. Chen Wei-xiang reportedly spent 43 million on promoting the album and recouped the investment within six months. At this stage, Zhan Ya-wen abandoned her previous stance of never doing promotions and even agreed to appear on TV shows.
 
    Zhan Yawen stated, "Someone once said to me, ‘You're not very attractive; you're plain, so you lack confidence.’ But to be honest, I've always been confident. I've never thought I was ugly. In the past, I believed that the safer I was, the better; the more comfortable I was, the better; the more ordinary I was, the better. So I later realized that Mr. Chen was right. He forced me to face the media, and gradually I discovered that it was a powerful force. After the exposure, the work I did in prisons became smoother and smoother. Later, when I went to prisons, I wasn’t alone—many fans followed me."
 
    Zhan Yawen’s care for inmates made her the first volunteer educator and artist to be awarded the title of “Ambassador for Rehabilitation” by the Ministry of Justice. She even visited the home of an inmate she had never met before to see his sick mother. Upon hearing this, the inmate was so moved that he resolved to reform himself. After his release, he appeared on a program with Zhan Yawen to celebrate their reunion.
 
    Remember when Zhan Yawen appeared on the “Birthday Star” segment of the “Min TV Variety Show” on December 3, 2004? The host asked Zhan Yawen to look behind her, and there stood You Zhenqi, an inmate she had previously counseled, who had asked her to visit his mother.
 
    During her time at Daxin Records, Zhan Yawen's popularity soared. She released five albums, nearly all of which achieved outstanding sales, with some even claiming that pirated copies exceeded one million copies. Each album earned her over one million dollars, and she also received royalties based on sales. Her popularity rivaled that of Taiwanese pop divas Jiang Hui and Huang Yiling. As a result, she was dubbed the “Night Market Jiang Hui—The Queen of the South.”
 
    Zhan Yawen's entertainment career followed a pattern of growing success. After joining Daxin Records, her singing career flourished even more. Each album release brought substantial earnings from royalties and sales commissions. Although her personal life took a turn in 2006 when her eight-year marriage came to an end, she went on to establish her own career, boldly taking on management and creation. In 2008, she won her first Golden Melody Award for Best Mandarin Female Singer, marking a significant milestone in her career. From then on, Zhan Ya-wen integrated charity work, volunteerism, and her singing career, earning her the title of “Charity Queen of Music.”
 
Positive Creation: A Journey of Life and Achieving New Heights
　
    Zhan Ya-wen has always emphasized that she does not rely on her appearance for success. Throughout her career, she has rarely been involved in scandals or romantic relationships. It wasn’t until 1998, at the age of 31, that she married the music video director she had been collaborating with for four years.
 
    After marriage, the couple lived apart due to work commitments, spending little time together in Taipei and Taichung. As their interests drifted apart, their marriage lasted only eight years before ending in divorce in 2007. Since then, Zhan Ya-wen has chosen not to discuss the matter further.
 
    Zhan Yawen stated, “I have always been too afraid to sing ‘Single Singer,’ not even daring to practice it. I aspire to become a wise woman.”
 
    The impact of the divorce, coupled with feelings of uncertainty about her singing career, led Zhan Yawen to temporarily put everything aside and go on a journey to clear her mind. She unexpectedly fell in love with the culture and beauty of Penghu.
 
“Penghu Love Song”:
Narration: At eighteen, I sent you off to Taiwan, our eyes red with tears. Each tear weighed a pound, falling to the ground, leaving it empty.
The south wind blows on the coast; seabirds accompany the fishing boats.
The seawater that flows from Taiwan, does it have any news for me?
The cool taste of the ocean, the warm taste of human kindness, and dreams full of anticipation.
The sunset over Xiyu, the bustling city of Magong, those who left their hometowns will return here.
Penghu, the name of my hometown, the beautiful name of my hometown
The northeast wind blows along the coast; the wind grows colder after the Mid-Autumn Festival.
The white clouds drifting over Taiwan, do they carry news of him for me?
The warm roof tiles, the old stone walls, waiting for someone to come home, lonely.
The white sand at dusk, the sound of the waves at Fenggu, and those who crossed the sea will return here.
Penghu, the name of my hometown, the beautiful name of my hometown.
 
    In 2007, Zhan Yawen began buying land, growing vegetables, and registering as a resident in Penghu.
 
    Amidst the roaring waves of Penghu, Zhan Yawen decided to establish her own studio. In 2007, she created and released her first album, 《Life’s Highway》, which was made entirely according to her own vision:
 
A lone figure walks silently, heading toward an unknown future.
The moon along the way secretly watches, illuminating the silhouette of an innocent person.
Along the way, they quietly remind me, reminding me that the road ahead is difficult.
Loneliness is the name of a foreign land, my companion.
The road of life goes straight ahead, and success is a stretch of the road.
For those who go out into the world, hard work is the capital, and ambition is the only support.
The road of life goes straight ahead, and the correct path is a stretch of the road.
As a person, accept your lot, but don't accept your fate; strive to win or lose without fear of others laughing at you.
Those in a hurry walk silently; the future must be seized.
The streetlights along the way sneak a peek, illuminating a faint human silhouette.
All along the way, they quietly remind me, reminding me that the road ahead is difficult.
Loneliness is the name of a foreign land, my companion.
The road of life goes straight ahead, and success is a stretch of the road.
The capital of those who go out into the world is hard work, and ambition is the only thing to rely on.
The road of life goes straight ahead, and the correct path is a stretch of the road.
Regardless of success or failure, win or lose, give yourself a round of applause for encouragement.
Zhan Yawen stated, “I happened to meet some people I had once inspired and mentored, some former inmates who were once naive children. Now they collect trash because they've been released from prison. They said they're not afraid of the smell; they're not afraid of people laughing at them. Though I made mistakes in the past and followed my friends' lead, my life's script was written by others. But now, I'll write my own script and walk my own path.”
Zhan Yawen, who debuted 20 years ago, finally won the Golden Melody Award in 2008. She tearfully told her parents, “The daughter of a worker hasn't let you down.” It was like a thunderclap from the heavens—the winner of the Golden Melody Award was none other than Zhan Yawen!
 
    Zhan Yawen's dedication was recognized by the Golden Melody Awards judges, and her album “The Road of Life” was nominated for the 19th Golden Melody Awards in 2008 and even won the award. This was her first time receiving the honor of “Best Mandarin Female Singer” in her 20-year career.
 
    Zhan Yawen shared, “When they called my name, I couldn't believe it. I opened my mouth and thought, ‘It's really me!’ When I stepped onto the stage, there was only one thought in my mind: my parents. I wanted to tell them, ‘You always said that workers never amount to anything that the daughter of a worker would never succeed. But today, I haven't let you down!!!”
 
    Since 2007, Zhan Yawen has been holding concerts, interacting with her fans in a more direct and intimate way.
 
    Zhan Yawen's close friend and producer Hong Rongliang said, "The most classic moment is during the encore, when everyone starts requesting songs, and once she walks into the audience and mingles with them, you feel like she's become one with them. She’s like a friend to these people. Every fan knows her songs by heart, singing along to every one. When Zhan Yawen sings until she cries, the audience cries with her; when she laughs, they laugh with her.
 
    Zhan Yawen stated, “If an album doesn't have a story, I now discipline myself not to release it. So many fans are asking when the next album will come out. I say, "I don't know." I don't know either. When will I write the songs? I don't know. I must have a moment that moves me; I must have a real-life case to present authentically.”
 
《Wang Shi Zai》:
Under the scorching midday sun
Without shoes, stepping on sticky glue
His body and clothes are black and dirty; he doesn't know how to change.
In the park at midnight, on a chair
He silently returns to sleep.
Who is he? He misses his mother.
The dark rain gets heavier and heavier.
The dim streetlights
Shine on his body, covered in plastic bags
One by one, warm gifts
There is care and love here.
Not to be thrown away, but to be cherished and remembered.
I heard that when she was little, she was naked at home; her life was so hard.
Her parents were beggars.
After she got married, she raised her children with great care.
But her parents treated her badly.
Whose mother is she? A mother with no one to love
There are many with the same name but different lives.
Silent cries, bitter to the heart
Friends, don’t wait—what are you waiting for?
Whose mother is she? A mother with no one to love
Friends, don’t wait—what are you waiting for?
 
    Zhan Yawen wrote this song of life called “Wang Shi Zai”: This lonely old woman, this wandering old woman, she roams the streets in a rural area of Changhua. Every day she carries a pile of plastic bags. People ask her, “What are these bags for?” They're used and discarded—they're trash.”
 
    But the old woman's response to the journalist was, “Every bag is filled with gratitude and thanks. These were given to me by many people. This one is cool; this one is warm. So, with a heart full of gratitude, when asked if she has children or grandchildren, she says, ‘Yes, they are filial!’ That's all she can say, nothing more.”
Zhan Ya Wen has many more songs about life, such as “Auntie.”
The environment is harsh, and I have no relatives to blame.
In this world, people care only about money, and reality makes the heart grow cold.
Thinking of my children, I work myself to death to earn money, even if others look down on me.
I hope my children will grow up to be men who will not abandon me. Auntie, you are a poor and unfortunate woman.
The dream of this world is empty, and my beautiful youth is like yesterday.
The years have left wrinkles on my white hair, and the dyed flower buds no longer smell sweet.
Thinking of my child, I endure hardship without complaint. Now I have grandchildren to support.
Raising a child is hopeless. Auntie, you poor, unfortunate woman.
The environment is harsh, and my heart is heavy. I have no relatives and no one to blame.
The world is cold and cruel, and people only care about money. Human relationships are so cold and heartless.
Thinking of my son, I would risk my life to earn money, even if others looked down on me.
I hope my son will grow up strong and not abandon me. Auntie, you poor, unfortunate woman.
 
    “Auntie,” though a song about family affection, is of a different genre. She has been a prostitute since her youth, and even as a grandmother, she continues to work as a prostitute. Her daughter abandoned her with her grandchild, leaving her with no one to support her. Yet she perseveres, determined to raise her grandson. Since she began writing songs, Zhan Yawen has never truly poured her heart into a song for her father.
 
    Zhan Yawen later wrote another song, “The Dearest Person,” whose melody she composed with great calmness and simplicity. Yet when sung, it stirs a turbulent emotional current within her:
 
From childhood, you beat me most harshly, doubting I was your own child.
Since I was little, you scolded me the most, thinking that you didn't love me.
As I grew up, I came to understand that your lessons were words of care.
I cherish them in my heart and encourage myself secretly, while always appearing strict on the outside.
From my youth to old age, I worked hard, thinking that you couldn't sit still.
After your hair turned white, I realized how unfilial I was.
 
    Every lyric written by Zhan Yawen is a song of life, simple yet moving?
 
    Zhan Yawen said, “As I grew older, I came to understand that I have never sung this song well, including when I recorded it. I wasn't satisfied with the recording, and singing it live is even worse. Too many memories come flooding back.”
 
Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, she persists in singing with love.
    Zhan Yawen hopes for the safety and well-being of her fellow countrymen, but her own health has been plagued by issues.
 
    In 2014, she was diagnosed with a tumor in her throat. In 2018, she lost the ability to produce saliva, often suffered from shortness of breath, and fainted unexpectedly. She takes over 40 pills daily. In early 2021, she lost 8 kilograms due to loss of appetite, and in March, she was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, with damage to the left side of her brain. She was shocked, thinking, “It feels like heaven is playing a joke on me.”
 
    Zhan Yawen's close friend and music producer Xu Changde stated, “Actually, Zhan Yawen told me about this situation half a year ago. She kept going for checkups because she was just suspicious. After being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease recently, she started taking new medication, which led to the sudden weight loss. She had already been having trouble sleeping, and now it's even worse. Plus, she's malnourished, so she barely keeps anything down.”
 
    Zhan Yawen has suspended all album promotions to focus on treatment and rest. She also posted a message reminding herself to slow down, learn not to fear the new lifestyle, and cherish what she has now.
 
    Zhan Yawen has delved into the depths of life, personally writing, composing, and performing the song “Mutual Blessings”:
 
Fate—it's hard to explain, sometimes sweet, sometimes bitter.
There is no need to complain! There is no need to envy others. Just go with the flow for now!
There is no need to ask me if I am okay. Let us sincerely wish each other well.
Live each day with dedication and attitude.
There is no need to ask me if I am okay. I know you will be happy.
Wishing you peace, good fortune, and happiness.
 
    Zhan Yawen is forever grateful to everyone and emotionally describes her journey: "Treating Parkinson's disease is like climbing a mountain—hardship and hope go hand in hand." She persists in being a hardworking singer who accepts her fate but never gives up.
 
    From head to toe, from childhood to adulthood, Zhan Yawen’s life is filled with stories of challenging life’s limits, yet she never forgets her original aspirations, practicing public welfare and charity. She empathizes deeply, writing one life song after another, and persistently refuses to give up, continuing to sing with love. Everyone possesses the “negative film” of life:
 
The negative film of life captures one’s destiny.
A thin photo album records the journey of life.
Color and black and white, beauty and ugliness, are all the same.
Every cry and every laugh are all preserved.
A journey, short or long, near or far
The scenery along the way, sometimes sunny, sometimes cloudy
A beautiful sunrise climbs the mountain.
One step at a time toward the colorful sunset.
A limited number of film frames, capturing a fantastic moment.
Happiness has no map, but bridges and roads pave the way for destiny.
A thin photo album records a lifetime journey.
Color and black and white, beauty and ugliness, are all captured.
Every cry and every laugh are preserved.
A journey, short or long, near or far
The scenery along the way, sometimes sunny, sometimes cloudy
The rocky road is not left for others to choose.
Good and bad are all part of life.
The film of life, a wonderful roll
Everyone has a “North Star” to guide them through life:
The North Star guides the way. A ray of hope in the darkness
Life has already come this far. What is there to fear after all the hardships?
I dare not ask for more. I work hard just to eat three meals a day.
Is this hope too much to ask?
Dreams fall to the ground, but crossing this hurdle with determination will lead to victory.
The North Star, hidden by winter clouds, will slowly reveal its light.
Life has brought us this far. What is there to fear after enduring so much hardship?
I dare not ask for more. I work hard just to eat three meals a day.
Is this hope too much to ask for?
Dreams fall to the ground, but crossing this hurdle with determination will lead to victory.
Everyone has their own “happiness allergy”:
A love affair, only cherished when it's over
A person, only understood after knowing them for a long time
Happiness! It's allergic to me, so it's gone.
Don't talk about love, don't talk about affection; there's no fate.
A tough exterior hides a crying heart.
Cut your hair short; don't keep it for anyone.
A stubborn smile to numb the pain
Scars will heal; let the heartless not disturb.
A heart that values emotions is ineffective.
A person who is clever for a moment has no lasting skill.
Happiness! It’s allergic to me, so it’s long gone.
 
    Don’t talk about feelings, don’t “Don’t talk about love, there’s no fate to stay
On Christmas Eve, December 25, 2021, Zhan Yawen held a concert titled “Let's Escape Together” at the Taipei Arena, keeping the entire island awake. At the beginning of the concert, Zhan Yawen and her sister Zhan Yayun, dressed as “Sakura Sisters” in limited-edition Christmas kimonos, sang songs like “Wooden Clog Taps,” “Hardworking Workers,” and “The Voice of the Heart,” among over fifty life-affirming tracks, dispelling shadows and singing of hope until the performance reached its perfect conclusion. As a result, fans urged them to change their name to “Taiwan Sisters,” and Zhan Yawen joyfully exclaimed, “Wow! That's amazing!”
 
    In summary, Zhan Yawen's performance was not a farewell but a new beginning, a fresh start. She encouraged everyone to dance away life's entanglements, urging those facing challenges to persevere and never give up. She emphasized that others' lessons should never be taken as one's own and urged everyone to love life and embrace endless possibilities.
 

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