He later tried to make a living by acting and being a variety-show host. This time, he got to collaborate with his friends onstage as a singer.

He says the cohesion in the group enables him to enjoy singing onstage again.

"I became fearless with them standing by my side. Singing with them summoned up memories of our youth," he adds.

Tang Yuan, producer of the reality show, says the show also aims to present the diversity of friendship.

"People long for others' company, particularly after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. And friendship is a kind of relation that empowers us," she says.

She hopes that the show could remind viewers of their happy time spending with their friends at concerts, to heal them emotionally.

Contact the writer at xingwen@chinadaily.com.cn