When the “All-Star Creation” series developed to the fourth season, and for the first time based on an all-female contestant, this stage once again became the focus of the whole city’s attention, sparking a new wave of “star-making fever.” Finally, a new eight-member female group COLLAR was officially born on January 12 this year.
Since the 99 Strong Stage, they have overcome numerous obstacles and finally stood out to enter the final top ten. Each of the eight girls who eventually formed the group has a unique personality. Guided by fate, they come together to learn and support each other in the pursuit of their dreams. Among them are the seasoned dancers Shen Zhenqiao (Gao) and Li Xinling (Sumling), with a dance experience of no less than a decade. Both have always lived for dance and danced for a living. Interestingly, they have known each other since childhood, once having a teacher-student relationship, and now they unexpectedly reunite at COLLAR.
The fate of the two, indeed, is written like this. Even though the two have debuted for several months, their emotions are as deep as family, sisters, but now they look back at the fate between them and marvel at the mystery, all in silence. From being amateurs to becoming a popular new generation girl group, how do the two, whose relationship and identities have undergone a sudden change, feel? Taking on the role of captain, how does Gao digest this responsibility? And with plenty of performance experience, how does Xinling, who has transitioned from a backup dancer to the forefront, approach such a change?
This month, we meet Gao and Xinling, and listen to their love story.
“I feel that we have a connection from a past life.”
What left a deep impression was that the final of “Produce Camp 4” was held on the evening of Christmas Day last year, December 25th. Their performances, even if not necessarily the highest-voted, are still very memorable and leave a lasting impression. Gao, who took the stage first, broke the norm by actively interacting with the audience from the moment she appeared, instantly heating up the atmosphere. Starting with a rare rapping performance, followed by a locking solo, she definitely shone – no wonder her performance became the focus of the highest click-through rate after the competition.
However, what was even more unexpected was that Sumling, who should have focused on dance, instead put on a tailored outfit to perform a rendition of Faye Wong’s classic song “Idiot,” challenging the difficulty with thoughtful arrangement and lyrics. At the end, the song switched to a Cantonese version, showcasing Li Xinling, who has always wanted to push herself, in a serious yet surprising manner. The results were also as expected, with both of them achieving good results. Gao even bravely won the runner-up honor, writing a beautiful chapter for this dream-chasing journey.
With COLLAR officially formed and debuted, Gao was appointed as the captain, while Sumling was invited to join the girl group as a member. In just 4 months, COLLAR has already released their second hit song “Never-never-land”. From the day of the finals to now, have these two, who have new identities and roles, digested the changes during this time?
Gao shared first: “Actually, I have been in a very panic state.” She explained: “At first, I would think a lot, but then I realized that I shouldn’t care too much, just be my true self. So now my mood is getting through the struggling stage, gradually finding determination and the feeling of moving forward with them.” Sumling then said: “I am still in the learning stage, whether it’s performing on stage, filming, speaking, etc., I want to make more progress; and also starting to get used to being a public figure, realizing that my every word and action will affect others, whether it’s good or bad, so I want to do better in all aspects.”
Whether it’s COLLAR, Gao, or Sumling, at this stage, it’s like the beginning of an adventurous journey, still experiencing ups and downs, sometimes fierce competition, sometimes peaceful joy. But from their sharing, you can feel that even if things develop faster than expected, they are also looking for ways to calm themselves and their inner selves while working hard to perform.
The process of adaptation may not be easy, but with mutual support and encouragement along the way, it may give oneself the strength to move forward. Compared to other members of the group, Gao and Sumling actually knew each other early on, and it was rare to meet again on the stage of stardom, and even more fortunate to advance to the finals together, and what is even more precious is that the two of them eventually debuted as a girl group together; It is rare to have them both interviewed this time, and couldn’t help but ask them: “How did you feel when you found out you were debuting together?”
“You go first, remember how it felt when we debuted together?” Sumling said to Gao with a smile.
Gao shared: “I am very practical, because I have been worrying about joining the group myself. Even though I found out that you have successfully joined the group, I still think to myself: ‘What should we do?’… But, I know that if I have to join the group, and have you walking this path with me, I am very happy. I feel more comfortable, maybe not as worried or scared… Because at that moment I knew I had to be the captain, but knowing you are there, I feel much more at ease. You have always given me a sense of security.”
Thinking back to the scene at that time, Gao also doesn’t forget to taste that sweet taste again. She then asked, “What about you? What are your feelings?”
Actually, when Manager Wing called to inform me about joining the group, my first question was: “Who else is on the team?” Of course, she couldn’t answer me at that moment, but I really wanted to join because I know that in the future, we all have to walk together, so I want to know who is accompanying me. Later, I said, “But if Gao is there, I’m willing too.” Because I know that as long as you are there, the atmosphere will naturally be good, and everyone will be more united. Sumling looked at Gao and shared this.
Sumling explained that from debut to now, she has always been thinking about the relationship between herself and Gao. Based on her superstition, she has always believed deep down that the two of them are destined to be together. “All along, I never thought we would reach that stage, nor did I think we would end up together, and in the middle, we weren’t in the same group. Yet, in the end, we can meet again at COLLAR. I feel like we must have had some connection in our past lives. Maybe we were together… I don’t know what we did.” Sumling said with a smile, and then Gao continued, “I think we must have been people who fought with sticks together.”
After experiencing the past six months, even Gao has the same feelings. Faced with such a wonderful twist of fate, the two of them have no way to explain the connection between them. But that’s just how interesting life is. Since fate has already been written, they should cherish each other, not only each other, but also the other six sisters in the team, because meeting and knowing each other is a blessing.
The greatest energy you have always given me is: being a very kind person.
Being a captain not only requires strength, but character is especially important. Gao is the only contestant in “Produce Camp 4” who has been praised by all the judges, including Sister Flower, for possessing the qualities of a captain. Sumling and Gao have known each other since college, with Sumling even being Gao’s dance teacher. After many years of knowing each other, how do they evaluate each other? We have arranged a special segment for them to ask each other questions in this interview.
“I think you are a more low-key person.” Sumling began with this.
She shared: “First of all, she must be slow to warm up, not the kind of noisy, crazy woman. She is a more down-to-earth, stable, observant person. She can be very cautious in some areas; but after getting to know her, she is actually a very warm, caring, highly tolerant person who doesn’t mind much about winning or losing or keeping score. I think her biggest quality is, from the time I met you until now, you have always given me the greatest energy: you are a very kind person, always thinking of others, not just yourself, so you are a very kind ‘little lamb’.”
Sumling bluntly stated that compared to before, the current Gao has gradually learned to protect himself, no longer as prone to making mistakes or getting hurt as before when facing anything, now more capable of fighting for himself, “but still very kind, very solid like a Capricorn. It must be step by step stacking things up, very slowly, step by step to build everything.”
On one side, listening to Xinling carefully counting Gao’s personality traits, on the other side, seeing Gao looking at Sumling’s sharing with a clear gaze, presenting a scene of good friends exchanging thoughts, which has not been seen in “All Star 4” or COLLAR interviews.
When asked if her past experience of wanting to give up dancing had any impact on her ability to take on the role of captain, Gao admitted that although it did, her love for dancing ultimately led her to persist in holding both positions, teaching dance as well as being a captain. It is because of this unwavering love that Gao resumed teaching, but she shared that the real positive influence on taking on the role of captain came from a group of “kids.”
“Because I teach children, besides teaching them dance moves, I also have to think about what I can give them, how to teach parents to help children practice, and so on. I think these experiences greatly help me interact with others, especially when it comes to being appointed as team captain.” Gao shared earnestly. Teaching children is one thing, but being a girl group captain seems to be different. Facing teammates with different personalities, including Sumling who used to be her teacher, everyone has transformed from competitors to allies and family. What insights has Gao gained from her time with them?
No intention.
Gao explained that he has never liked deliberately socializing or communicating with people, especially when he is the team leader. Trying to be friendly with anyone deliberately often backfires. “If it becomes deliberate, it is not a natural thing, and I firmly believe that relationships that start this way are not genuine and quickly fade away.” While others may focus on techniques and channels when it comes to socializing and communicating, for this observant girl, the quality of communication is far more important than quantity. “Actually, I don’t put in a lot of effort to understand everyone or communicate with everyone. Because, some things do need time to develop slowly.”
Gao laughed and felt fortunate to have created an interesting atmosphere with a few teammates, making it easier to get along than expected. But words of encouragement are always generous! “I often praise them. Even if it’s a joke, I think more kind words will make people happier.” Gao understands that as a public figure, receiving criticism is common, but she believes that the more this happens, the more important it is not to just criticize freely. She feels that COLLAR currently needs confidence, to know what their strengths are. “I really think everyone will enhance themselves. Confidence comes from your efforts, so if you work hard enough, you will have enough confidence.”
What does it mean to be a team leader, what kind of responsibility is it? For Gao, perhaps it is not a topic to learn at the moment. What is needed now is “expanding energy” or “amplifying everything”. Just as she jokingly talks about her strengths, which is liking to discover the good in others, “I only see the strengths of others with one eye, and I don’t see the weaknesses of others too much.”
“When you rush around and make quick decisions, you always give me a new scene.”
“What do you think of me in your mind?” Sumling asked Gao, turning his head.
“I feel like you are completely opposite to me.” Sumling understands Gao’s personality very well, and Gao actually sees through Sumling as well. After hearing Gao’s answer, Sumling nods in agreement without saying a word.
“Yes, we come from two different extremes.”
Gao continued, “But I think this complement is quite good. Sometimes when you rush around, or make some quick decisions, it’s a new scene for me. And when I follow you to play, I also find it quite fun.” Sumling responded, “Let’s just try it out.”
The two of them exchanged words, each taking turns speaking. Even though Sumling was a completely different person in Gao’s eyes, their conversation fully revealed the understanding they had established early on. After listening to Gao’s sharing, one can probably try to understand the girl in front of them with lively eyes and occasional laughter before asking Sumling any questions. So, what kind of person does Sumling see themselves as?
This question can be fully reflected from her sharing. Participating in “All Star Academy 4”, Sumling also has her own story – originally a professional dancer, Sumling has participated in performances of all sizes for over a decade, collaborating with numerous celebrities. However, due to the burden of work, she missed many opportunities to do what she wanted to do. It wasn’t until the appearance of “All Star Academy 4” that she gathered the courage once again to pursue her dreams. However, what is curious is whether the decision behind this is actually facing more real pressure or self-imposed pressure?
“The pressure of reality is not actually that great. Because I am not pursuing a high materialistic lifestyle, I focus more on inner enjoyment, so the pressure from within should be greater.” Sumling continued to share, “Because I don’t deliberately set a path, or say ‘I must achieve this, achieve that,’ because some people like to write ‘To-Do Lists,’ but I don’t; everything I do is completely spontaneous.”
Influenced by her personality, Sumling believes that many things in life are already arranged and predetermined. The small self can only do its best in the present moment. “Whatever is in front of me, I must do it to the best of my ability, and then the heavens will naturally lead me down that path, so I don’t feel any particular pressure about my future.” Before her debut, she taught dance classes, but she couldn’t help but admit that the pressure actually comes from her own expectations, especially during rehearsals, rehearsals, and performances. Sumling always strives for perfection, aiming for flawlessness, and jokingly says that the ones who suffer the most are often her students.
Among the many performances mentioned in “All Star 4”, if we were to count the most impressive one by Sumling, apart from the final, it must be “Lady Legend” – with those stylish and sexy dance moves, exuding an irresistible charm. Interestingly, when it comes to charm, Gao has a completely different opinion, and Xinran’s opinion is also different.
“When she is most charming, it is when she shows her contrasting cuteness,” Gao shared.
Sumling never thought of herself as a charming person – on the contrary, she revealed that Shen Zhenqiao in reality is more feminine and understands charm better than her. She also mentioned that the term “charm,” for her, is actually more like the values, worldview, and aesthetics accumulated from various experiences in her life, and then presented or emanated from her life and performances, which can be temperament or personal content.
On the contrary, Gao, who has known Sumling for a long time, can see another side of her, as she said: “Because in my eyes, you used to be a very strong woman, always giving off a domineering feeling. However, after getting to know you, I began to discover some of your ‘silly’ and ‘clumsy’ aspects.” Gao bluntly stated that Sumling often gives off a more mature vibe – Sumling interjected, saying: “Supposed to be very mature” – she usually likes to think about many things and situations, but in reality, in her daily life, she is actually quite “scatterbrained”, often loses things, and runs around everywhere. It is this cute contrast that reveals an unexpected side to the outwardly glamorous Gao.
Besides charm, it is not difficult to find that Sumling’s vitality has not diminished. “I believe a big reason is because of my background in studying art,” she describes herself as never being one to follow the rules, and the need to constantly conduct research during her studies has cultivated a habit of frequent contemplation, making it easy for her to stay in her mind, jokingly saying that she is often trapped in her own world, “So I am often in a state of operation, always thinking: ‘I want to try everything’.” Gradually, this has led to an increase in vitality, even though in past interviews she has been asked many times, Sumling can only smile bitterly without any substantial reason or incentive, but the only thing that can be certain is that this seems to have originated from within her.
“I don’t think everything has to be equated with anything,” she said. “My own idea is that being twenty doesn’t necessarily mean being childish, being in your thirties doesn’t necessarily mean being mature, being in your forties doesn’t necessarily mean anything, being in your sixties doesn’t necessarily mean retirement is near. If everything is equated, it will be very depressing. I prefer to discover different possibilities. Maybe this kind of thinking makes me more open-minded and sometimes a bit more unconventional.”
Regardless of how sharp the public opinion is, Sumling ultimately fulfilled the promise she made when she participated in “Star Making 4” and created her own legend; Speaking of this, what is the biggest motivation to embark on a new journey at this stage of life?
“Maybe it sounds a bit exaggerated or presumptuous, but I do feel a slight sense of ‘mission’ lingering in my heart,” Sumling said subtly. She admitted that she enjoys sharing her interests with others, which led her to become a teacher. Additionally, she truly loves dancing and performing, and has been influenced by art since childhood. Over the years, she has been committed to sharing the beauty within it with those around her. However, as a dance teacher, she could only reach a limited audience, so she decided to take a chance and step onto the stage of “Produce 101.” “I love this culture, I just want more people to know about it, to make it even better.”
Sumling firmly believes that popular culture is a key way to reach a wide audience. She advises that in the future, in her creative work such as music videos, she will incorporate better art direction and concepts to make everyone feel the beauty of art. “This is my greatest motivation, or you could say, the core idea that supports me through tough times.”
“Courage” and “satisfaction”
Gao’s reference to the complementary relationship between them actually hovered over their conversation during the interview, not obvious but quite interesting. With only a short (almost) three months since their debut, Sumling and Gao once again demonstrate that kind of tacit understanding of one concave and one convex, in terms of what kind of self they want to present in the future.
Gao said first: “Actually, I’m still a bit unclear until now. Because in the past, I didn’t need to think about this question, but when you stand in front of the stage, you have to think seriously; but do you really need to think so much? Because I actually have many aspects, but I feel that my inner character doesn’t need to be deliberately revealed, so I leave it to the audience to discover, I just need to continue being myself.” As for Xin Ling, she casually replied: “I’m very greedy, I want to handle everything in the aspects of ‘song, film, TV, dance’. But, this is just a result, in terms of characteristics, I hope to present to the audience, feel that I have a kind of perseverance or a sense of perseverance.” This texture of character, soft and hard, at the same time, is rarely seen on the screen, right?
At the end of the interview, she asked them a rather thought-provoking question: “As a part of COLLAR, what do you most want to gain from this identity?”
A relaxed and pleasant conversation suddenly welcomed a moment of silence, both of them lost in thought.
Gao replied, “If I assume – I assume that we will have many opportunities to perform, maybe on stage, many opportunities to sing, dance, and even many new opportunities, such as maybe filming a show? Maybe filming a drama? Maybe filming a movie? Right now, I have just taken a step and entered this rich world. I feel that in the future, we will meet and face more people and things, so what I most want to have is the ‘courage’ when facing these opportunities. I really need – courage and original intentions, most importantly.”
Sumling, who concluded, also said slowly: “I hope to get a sense of ‘satisfaction’. I feel that sense of ‘satisfaction’ really comes from the basics, which is performing. Because I am someone who really enjoys performing; I have been performing since I was young, and when I perform, I can be most myself. I am afraid that I won’t have the opportunity to perform again, because many other jobs may not be related to performing. I hope to continue using performing to gain a sense of satisfaction and to bring a different feeling to the audience.”
Having experienced and sacrificed, Gao and Sumling, who have officially debuted, may still be exploring at this stage. What challenges lie ahead, and what surprises will COLLAR bring? I believe that both of them, as well as the entire team, are feeling extremely excited. Now, let us patiently wait with them.
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Executive Producer：Angus Mok
Producer：Vicky Wai
Photography：Karl Lam
Videography：Andy Lee, Angus Chau
Styling：Vicky Wai
Make Up：Kineks Ho, Janice Wong
Hair： Vic Lai, Taurus Lee
Video Editor：Andy Lee
Editor：Carson Lin
Designer：Edwina Chan
Wardrobe：Max Mara, Boss, Claudie Pierlot, COS
