YI QUNLIN, a construction worker known for his viral public piano performances on a pedestrian street in Huaqiangbei, one of the world’s largest electronics markets, has received an invitation to attend the 2024 Spring Festival Gala.

CCTV reporters visited Shenzhen on Thursday to deliver the special invitation to Yi.

In a clever surprise, the reporters hid an envelope under the piano fallboard in advance and asked Yi to play a song while entering his dormitory.

Although Yi agreed, he initially overlooked the envelope. Upon a reminder from the reporters, he opened the envelope to discover the 2024 Spring Festival Gala invitation. Overwhelmed with excitement, Yi’s hands shook as he happily exclaimed the five characters on the invitation that translated to “Spring Festival Gala is waiting for you.” He added, “I have dreamt about this.”

Yi, who hails from an obscure village at Huarong County in Hunan Province, practiced piano in his hometown when he was a young boy. Over 20 years ago, he moved to Shenzhen to work as a construction worker.

Yi never expected to play the piano again on the streets of Shenzhen. He said, “When people applaud for me, I feel good.”

On Friday, Yi expressed his desire to seek guidance from the renowned pianist Lang Lang if given the chance. Netizens rallied to help Yi reach out to Lang, who, in response, gave a thumbs-up to Yi’s “spirit of loving life” in a Weibo post last night. “Looking forward to meeting you!” Lang said. (Wang Jingli)