Chapter 11: Gifting

"What? I still have to keep competing?" Xiang Qian stared at his manager Sun Li in shock.

Sun Li pushed her glasses up, her tone brooking no argument: "Article Seven of the contract clearly states that signed artists must comply with the company's promotional arrangements. This competition is the best promotional opportunity."

Xiang Qian irritably scratched his hair: "But I've already signed! What's the point of the competition for me?"

"The point is huge," Sun Li flipped open a folder, "First, maintain exposure; second, set an example for the other newcomers; third..." She paused meaningfully, "Escort Zhou Huimin."

Hearing Zhou Huimin's name, Xiang Qian's bravado instantly deflated a few notches.

Zhou Huimin was doing her makeup. Seeing Xiang Qian come in with a dark expression, she quickly stood up: "Qian-zi, what's wrong?"

Xiang Qian dropped into the chair beside her: "Sister Sun insists I keep competing."

"Isn't that great?" Zhou Huimin's eyes lit up, "We can be together..."

"Great how?" Xiang Qian cut her off, "I was planning to focus on writing songs." He turned to look at Zhou Huimin in the mirror, "And this time I'm planning to do a cover, not an original."

Zhou Huimin covered her mouth in surprise: "Why? Everyone's looking forward to your new song!"

Xiang Qian gave a mysterious wink: "That's called hunger marketing—make them look forward to my new song even more."

The host announced: "Please welcome contestant number twelve, Wu Xiang Qian, performing 'Only Fond of You'!"

Disappointed murmurs immediately rose from the audience:

"A cover..."

"I thought there'd be a new song."

On the judges' panel, Zhang Guorong frowned slightly, while Huang Zhan and Xu Guanjie exchanged a puzzled glance.

The music started, and the moment Xiang Qian opened his mouth, the entire hall fell silent:

"Sorrows I can't wave away, bitterness I can't dispel, why is my heart so empty..."

His clear, crystalline voice rendered this classic to perfection, even adding a touch of youthful vigor beyond the original.

Huang Zhan was the first to pick up the microphone: "Technically flawless, emotional delivery spot-on. But..." he hesitated, "99 points—one point deducted because I'd rather hear your original."

Xu Guanjie chimed in with a smile: "Same feeling. You sang well, but I'm also giving 99."

Zhang Guorong spoke last, his eyes probing: "Qian-zi, are you playing mind games with us?" Seeing Xiang Qian smile without answering, he raised his score card as well, "99 points—saving one point for your next time to amaze me."

The whole hall burst into laughter.

After the competition ended, Xiang Qian charged into the top twelve.

Zhang Guorong stopped Xiang Qian in the corridor: "Qian-zi, may I have a word in private?"

The two came to a quiet lounge. Zhang Guorong got straight to the point: "I want to buy the rights to 'Silence Is Gold'."

Xiang Qian raised an eyebrow: "Why suddenly, Big Brother..."

"This song suits me very well," Zhang Guorong rarely showed such a serious expression.

Xiang Qian was silent for a moment, then suddenly smiled: "No need to buy—I'll give it to you, Big Brother."

Zhang Guorong's eyes widened in surprise: "What did you say?"

"I said," Xiang Qian enunciated each word, "this song is a gift to you, Big Brother—not a single cent."

Zhang Guorong frowned: "No, that's too valuable."

"Big Brother," Xiang Qian said sincerely, "Consider this song my thank-you gift."

Zhang Guorong tried to say more, but Xiang Qian jumped in first: "If you can't accept it, how about granting me one condition?"

"What condition?"

"Look after A-Min for me," Xiang Qian's gaze was firm, "She needs more guidance in the competition."

Zhang Guorong smiled knowingly: "So that's what you were waiting for. Alright, I promise you."

When Xiang Qian told Zhou Huimin the news, the girl was so excited she could barely speak coherently: "Big Brother... really going to coach me?"

"Not just that," Xiang Qian said smugly, "He also agreed to be your guest performer at the finals."

Zhou Huimin's eyes suddenly reddened: "Qian-zi... why are you so good to me?"

Xiang Qian gently wiped away her tears: "Silly, because you're worth it."

When Sun Li learned of this, she stamped her foot in fury: "Wu Xiang Qian! Do you have any idea how much 'Silence Is Gold' is worth? You just gave it away like that?"

Xiang Qian unhurriedly took a sip of tea: "Sister Sun, trading one song for Zhang Guorong's favor—is that a loss?"

Sun Li froze, then suddenly saw the light: "You kid... had this planned all along?"

Xiang Qian smiled without a word, a shrewd glint flickering in his eyes.