This week’s Sound of Stories feature is “Flawless World”, a song that has been haunting me since the premiere of the Chinese period fantasy drama “Xing Luo Ning Cheng Tang”, or “The Starry Love.” It’s my understanding that there are two versions of this song: the original by the iconic Sa DingDing and a cover by Mao Buyi.
Admittedly, this song was my introduction to both of these musicians as my experience with Chinese music is limited. I found myself drawn to both versions for different reasons. The lyrics are the same, but the delivery and tone of each was worlds apart, bringing wholly diverging experiences.
Sa DingDing's Original Version of "Flawless World"
Sa DingDing’s vocals in “Flawless World” are ethereal and theatrical. She has high, trembling, and breathy notes that bring a sense of elation and urgency. Each line breathing into the next, rising higher to a heavenly chorus. You can feel the truth of the lyrics ringing through each line, like a journey into an unknown fate.
The balance of modern and traditional Chinese music is surprising, reminding me of theater in the way it uses textured sounds (broken glass, playful bright flutters of a flute at pleasant odds with the steady hum of a low flute, electronic mix, and the rhythem of her vocals) to pull the listener into a timeless story. Th experience is unexpected, otherworldly, and burgeoning with emotion.
Mao Buyo's Cover of "Flawless World"
Mao Buyi’s cover of “Flawless World” is more melancholic and intimate. He delivers the song with low, breathy vocals that fade into hesitant whispers. In fact, the opening song is a subtle hum that eases the listener into a feeling of solace.
There is a sense of urgency, longing, and affection that resonates from the opening stanza, and it builds stronger throughout the song before receding back to softer notes. It was like listening to a love letter, one full of quiet need and lingering hope. Or like standing on the edge of the world as everything but this very moment, receded from the shore
The instruments were simple and traditional; the most notable, to me, were the soft piano, qin, and flute notes woven behind the lyrics. It didn’t feel theatrical, but soulful and thoughtful.
Between the two songs, Buyi’s version most resonated with me. I’m someone who enjoys the more unhurried and melancholic songs. That said, I don’t think this is an issue of determining which song is better. The existence of two contrasting versions means there are at least two different ways for listeners to engage with “Flawless World.“
The Best of Both Versions
For the uncompromising listener who ever wondered what both versions of the song would sound like with both Sa Ding Ding and Mao Buyi’s vocals, a small channel dedicated to original soundtracks (Chinese OST) granted that wish. The song has since gone viral, with more than 22k views, as fans of the show and its OST rushed to hear such a unique duet by Mao Buyi and Sa DingDing.
The results are imperfect, with audio jumping in a few places, but that’s expected considering the different pacing of each song. Still, this version is surprising beautiful, with Mao Buyi and Sa DingDing singing side-by-side, as if in an otherworldly duet.
Mandarin lyrics
你说 光啊 掠过 双生的花
流落 在 沧桑的悬崖
我听 风啊 抚痛 谁的脸颊
纷飞出 海底沙
多想陪你穿越过 忧伤的夜霞
我们携手 跌宕的天涯
错换的时空 吹乱了鬓发
再苦 也不怕
你是我心中的月牙
我的萤光 闪烁成年华
如果泪落下
凝作 心花
多想陪你穿越过 命途的灯塔
我们携手 取彼此牵挂
回眸的深处 情思都驻扎
再远 也抵达
你是我心中的月牙
我的萤光 闪烁成年华
如果泪落下
凝作 心花
我是你心意的不化
别问星河 爱无需回答
为你燃亮吧
天地 无瑕
我是你心意的不化
天地 无瑕
English lyrics
You said that light passes by the twin flowers,wandering on the cliffs of vicissitudes. I listen to the wind and caress whose cheek, fly out of the ocean sand.
How I want to accompany you through the sad night glow. We join hands in the ups and downs of the world. The misplaced time and space blew the hair until it was messy. No matter how dangerous it is, I’m not afraid.
You are the crescent moon in my heart, my radiance, condensing into days. If I do shed tears, they will turn into flowers in my heart. I am your everlasting love. Never ask the galaxy, love need not answer. I’ll shine for you, in this flawless world.
I want to accompany you through the lighthouse of destiny. We’ll join hands to care for each 0ther. In the depths of looking back, the emotions are all stationed.No matter how far it is, I will arrive.
Regardless of which song we listen to, there is an unwavering message of love that transcends momentary trials. In the face of whatever might come—misfortune, obstacles, external objections, fate—it does not change the history, love, and enlightenment gained.
There are no regrets, no wishing things were different, and no hesitation.
Together, the love shared can conquer whatever the universe throws at it.And the love is also a source of strength and motivation to keep facing trials together. At least, that’s my takeaway here.
This feature focus on “Flawless World” was originally published on Bookish Valhalla in 2022, when the editor (Ari Land) book blogged under the pen name Ari Augustine. It was originally part of a “Sound of Stories” series that explored audible mediums of storytelling, including music and audiobooks. It was updated and republished to Story Alchemy on June 3, 2025.
