Seven years after battling cancer, Zhu Xun, a host at CCTV who has just entered her fifties, has sparked discussions with her special action at 2:30 AM. This media personality, who has faced life and death challenges, embodies the simplest truth about life — every age should have the courage to start anew. The incident traces back to last Thursday night. While the entire city was asleep, a studio in Sanlitun was lit with dim lights. With her hair tied back in a neat ponytail, Zhu Xun, wrapped in a beige knit sweater, was reviewing the project proposal with several partners. “Adding accessible pathways to the audience area” and “reserving time for elder Q&A in the interactive segment” — these repeatedly scrutinized details are part of her three-month preparation for a cultural exhibition aimed at benefiting the community.Her assistant later revealed that the meeting, originally scheduled for the afternoon, was delayed due to sudden heavy rain affecting equipment transport, leading to this special “night shift”.Those familiar with Zhu Xun know this is not her first time breaking conventions. Twelve years ago, during her treatment for thyroid cancer, she insisted on organizing interview materials for “Folk Songs of China” in her hospital room; eight years ago, she returned to host “Star Boulevard” even though her voice had not fully recovered.Now, facing the milestone of turning fifty, she has instead unleashed a stronger creative energy.“Working late at night is indeed a challenge to physical strength, but thinking about allowing retired workers to enjoy more performances and giving community elders the chance to step onto the stage they long for, really motivates me.”
In an interview, her eyes still sparkled with the enthusiasm she had twenty years ago when she first joined CCTV. This project, which carries the artistic dreams of countless ordinary people, is now in its final sprint phase. From the details of the plan that have been announced, there will be interactive concerts between community choirs and professional singers, joint exhibitions of elderly calligraphy and painting enthusiasts with young creators, and micro-stage plays adapted from stories of the common people. Unlike the grand narratives of traditional galas, Zhu Xun’s team focuses more on uncovering the shining points in ordinary people.“Life will eventually come to an end, but every age can tell a wonderful story.” As she said at the project launch meeting, this may be the key to attracting many middle-aged and elderly volunteers to participate actively.Now, facing various speculations online, Zhu Xun maintains her characteristic bright smile. When asked about the title “The Hardworking Lady”, she shakes her head with a smile: “I’m just making up for the courage I lacked when I was young.” And when we pressed her on why she chose to work late at night, she gave a delightful answer: “I’m busy with field research during the day, so I need to carve out quiet time to refine the details — besides, who says those over 50 can’t have the right to work overtime?”This culturally vibrant project is set to debut next month. When we asked about the most touching moment during the preparation process, Zhu Xun paused for a moment and recalled a detail: during a late-night rehearsal, seventy-year-old dance leader Aunt Wang took the initiative to teach her how to use a new stage controller. “You see, age is never a reason to stop trying.” She tucked a strand of silver hair behind her ear, as the morning light outside broke through the night sky.