It’s always heartwarming when celebs show love for their fans. But few gestures are as poignant as Chinese singer-actor Liu Yuning’s quiet tribute to a fan who never got to see him perform live.

The 35-year-old singer, best known as the lead vocalist of the band Modern Brothers, held his Shenzhen concerts last weekend.

Amid the cheering crowd, one empty seat stood out.

Photos shared by a concertgoer revealed that Row 22, Seat 9 had been left unoccupied. On it sat a bouquet of white roses and lilies — a touching tribute that moved netizens and sparked discussion online.

The seat wasn’t randomly chosen. It was reserved for a fan, whose fan club number was 229.

She had been a supporter of Yuning’s music for years and it was her dream to attend one of his concerts.

But sadly, she passed away from illness in 2019 at the age of 17, before she got the chance.

In her final letter, she wrote: “My biggest regret is not being able to keep supporting Modern Brothers.”

When Yuning found out about this, he reserved the seat - Row 22, Seat 9 - for her at his very first concert after her passing.

He then made a promise: “I’ll leave a seat for you at every concert. Don’t forget to come.”

And he's kept his word.

At every one of his shows for the past six years, Row 22, Seat 9 was left empty, adorned with a bouquet of white flowers and a glowing light stick so that “if the night gets too dark, she’ll still be able to find her way home.”

According to fans, the white flowers symbolise “pure love,” and the silver ribbon tied around the bouquet represents eternal remembrance.

The florist who prepared the flowers said that Yuning’s team placed the order 10 days before the concert and politely asked if it they minded making a memorial bouquet.

The florist had no objections. “It wasn’t until today, when I saw so many people reposting this story, that I understood the significance behind it,” the florist shared.

Each year, on July 29 — the anniversary of the fan’s passing — Yuning reportedly sends her a bouquet and posts a tribute in her memory.

Photos: 刘宇宁/Weibo, 扒扒狐/Baidu, 酥酥尖叫姬/XHS