LayarHijau – Every Liu Yuning concert draws thousands of fans. Waves of glowing light sticks fill the venue as cheers erupt the moment the Chinese singer and actor steps onto the stage.
Yet among the packed audience, one seat is always left empty.
It is Row 22, Seat No. 9.
A single white rose rests on the chair alongside an official light stick that is never switched on.
The empty seat is not the result of a ticketing error or a last-minute cancellation. It represents a promise Liu Yuning made after one of his fans passed away in 2019—a promise he has continued to honor for the past seven years. On July 29, 2026, he paid tribute to her for the eighth consecutive time since the tradition began in the year of her passing.
Liu Yuning is widely recognized as both a singer and actor, starring in hit Chinese dramas including The Long Ballad, The Legend of Anle, A Journey to Love, The Prisoner of Beauty, and A Dream within a Dream. Before establishing himself as one of China’s most sought-after actors, he first rose to fame as the lead vocalist of Modern Brothers after the band’s street performances went viral on Douyin in 2018.
Behind his remarkable career lies a story that has touched countless people over the years. Reported by several Chinese entertainment outlets, including Sohu Entertainment and Modern Express, the story of a 17-year-old fan, an empty concert seat, and a promise that has never been broken has become one of the most moving examples of the bond between an artist and his fans.
Fan No. 229
On July 29, 2019, a 17-year-old fan passed away.
According to information shared within Liu Yuning’s fan community and later reported by Chinese entertainment media, she was known simply by her membership number—229—in his official fan club.
Her real name has never been revealed. Neither Liu Yuning nor his team has disclosed personal information about her or her family, choosing instead to respect their privacy.
The cause of her death was only described publicly as an illness, without any additional details.
What mattered most to those who knew her story was not her identity, but her dream.
Before she died, her greatest wish was to attend one of Liu Yuning’s concerts in person. She wanted to see the artist whose music had helped her through difficult days.
That dream never came true.
A Promise Made in Grief
To understand why Liu Yuning’s promise carries so much meaning, it’s important to look at where he was in his career at the time.
According to NetEase Entertainment, Liu Yuning began pursuing music professionally in 2014. His breakthrough came four years later when videos of him performing cover songs went viral on Douyin, launching him into mainstream success.
When Fan No. 229 passed away in July 2019, Liu Yuning had only recently become a household name. His schedule was packed with recordings, promotions, and acting projects as his career continued to take off.
Amid that whirlwind of success, he paused to mourn.
Then he made a promise.
“At every concert, I’ll save a seat for you.”
It wasn’t announced through a press conference or turned into a publicity campaign.
It was simply a promise.
And one he intended to keep.
A Tradition That Never Stopped
Since 2019, Liu Yuning’s official studio has posted a bouquet of white roses on social media every July 29 in memory of Fan No. 229.
The posts are often accompanied by heartfelt messages, including phrases such as “总有人，会停留” (“There will always be someone who stays”) and “最美不过同行过” (“Nothing is more beautiful than having walked the same journey together”).
On July 29, 2026, the studio once again shared a bouquet of white roses to honor the late fan. The post marked the eighth consecutive annual tribute since the tradition began in 2019. Although seven years have passed since her death, the first tribute took place that same year, making this year’s remembrance the eighth in a row.
Over time, the tradition has attracted widespread attention across China. Every July 29, the story resurfaces on Weibo, where fans share photos, memories, and messages about Fan No. 229 and Liu Yuning’s unwavering promise.
Chinese entertainment outlets, including Tencent News, Sohu Entertainment, and Modern Express, have also covered the tradition on multiple occasions, highlighting the empty seat that has become a symbol of remembrance.
At every concert, Row 22, Seat No. 9 is deliberately left unoccupied.
A single white rose is placed on the chair alongside an official light stick.
The white rose represents remembrance and respect, while the unlit light stick symbolizes a fan who can no longer be there in person but whose presence is still felt.
Even though Liu Yuning’s concerts regularly sell out within minutes, that seat is never offered for sale.
Seven years later, Row 22, Seat No. 9 remains empty at every performance.
Fans have also noticed another touching detail.
When performing the song “Ru Yue” (“As Promised”), Liu Yuning has occasionally appeared onstage wearing a white shirt and a black bracelet. Many longtime fans believe the outfit serves as another quiet tribute to Fan No. 229.
With lyrics centered on promises and reunion, the song has taken on a deeply personal meaning for those who know the story behind the empty seat.
Seven Years of Keeping a Promise
Seven years may not sound extraordinary.
In the fast-moving entertainment industry, however, maintaining the same act of remembrance year after year is anything but ordinary.
Since 2019, Liu Yuning has never missed the annual tribute. Over those seven years, he has honored Fan No. 229 eight consecutive times.
Each time the story returns to Weibo, thousands of comments pour in from people who say they are moved by his consistency.
“It’s not marketing,” one Weibo user wrote. “It’s a level of sincerity that’s becoming increasingly rare in the entertainment industry.”
For many fans, Liu Yuning’s actions demonstrate that the relationship between an artist and supporters goes beyond ticket sales or popularity rankings.
To him, Fan No. 229 was not simply another name on a membership list. She was someone who had believed in him and deserved to be remembered.
His annual tribute has also shaped the culture of his fan community.
Every July 29, fans don’t just remember Fan No. 229—they also remind one another to show kindness, offer support, and cherish the people around them.
A Promise That Never Fades
When the concert ends, the cheers gradually disappear.
The audience heads home.
Stage lights go dark, and the venue slowly empties.
Yet one seat remains exactly as it was before the show began.
A white rose.
An unlit light stick.
And an empty chair in Row 22, Seat No. 9.
The flower may eventually be replaced at the next concert, but the promise remains unchanged.
For seven years, Liu Yuning has continued to leave that seat empty.
By 2026, he has paid tribute to Fan No. 229 eight consecutive times—a quiet tradition that has never needed grand announcements to leave a lasting impact.
In an era where memories are easily buried beneath endless social media feeds, Liu Yuning has chosen to remember.
For many people, Seat No. 229 is no longer just an empty chair.
It has become a lasting symbol of loyalty, gratitude, and a promise that continues to live on long after the final encore.
