Chapter 14: After the Sing-Along Ends

The stage lights came back on. Zhang Guorong had changed into a silver suit, the wisps of hair on his forehead still damp with sweat. He raised the microphone, his voice slightly hoarse:

"Thank you, everyone! That song just now, 'The Wind Blows On,' is for all the friends who support me."

Below the stage, glow sticks merged into an ocean, screams rising and falling in waves.

Zhang Guorong suddenly smiled mysteriously: "Tonight there's a very special guest—any guesses who?"

As the prelude to "Heart's Debt" began, Anita Mui rose slowly from the center of the stage, a sweep of red dress stunning the entire hall.

"It's Sister Mei!"

"Anita! Anita!"

The audience erupted instantly. Anita Mui's languid, magnetic voice echoed through the Hong Kong Coliseum.

Xiang Qian and Zhou Huimin watched, transfixed, from the side stage.

"Sister Mei's presence is just too powerful..." Zhou Huimin murmured in awe.

Xiang Qian tightened his grip on her hand: "Later we have to bring our best form too."

When the song ended, Zhang Guorong put an arm around Anita Mui's shoulder: "Next, Ah Mei and I are going to bring you a new song."

He looked toward the side stage: "I want to thank the original writer of this song—Wu Xiang Qian. Thank you for your gift!"

The music began. Zhang Guorong and Anita Mui sang "Silence Is Gold" together, and the brand-new arrangement added even more charm to a song that was already moving.

When the song ended, Zhang Guorong wiped the sweat from his brow: "You all know I rarely introduce newcomers at my concerts."

Anita Mui picked up the thread: "But these two young people are worth making an exception for."

Zhang Guorong nodded: "They're not only brimming with talent—they've brought us a surprise as well."

He turned and pointed at the big screen: "Please welcome—Wu Xiang Qian! Zhou Huimin!"

The four of them stood at the center of the stage. Zhang Guorong was the first to open his mouth:

"Though fate may toss us to and fro"

"Though fate may twist in strange, bizarre ways"

Xiang Qian and Zhou Huimin joined in afterward; the four's seamless round-robin singing filled this fast-paced song with tension.

When they reached the chorus, Zhang Guorong suddenly took Anita Mui's hand, and the two of them improvised a few simple dance steps.

"Wow!" Zhou Huimin widened her eyes in surprise, nearly forgetting the lyrics.

Xiang Qian, quick-eyed and swift, covered her part and smoothly took her hand and spun her around.

As the tempo picked up, the audience rose of their own accord and began clapping along to the beat.

The chant of "Red Sun! Red Sun!" nearly lifted the roof.

Anita Mui leaned close to Xiang Qian's ear and shouted: "Qian-zi, this song is going to be a huge hit!"

When the song ended, Zhang Guorong stood on stage panting, bracing his waist: "Getting old, getting old, can't dance anymore."

Anita Mui teased: "Leslie, weren't you dancing just fine a moment ago?"

Zhang Guorong handed the microphone to Xiang Qian: "The stage is yours youngsters from here on."

The familiar melody began, and Zhou Huimin's crystalline voice silenced the noisy hall in an instant.

When they reached the line "In the sea of sorrow love and hate arise," Zhang Guorong and Anita Mui listened quietly at the backstage entrance.

"This girl has a limitless future," Anita Mui said softly.

Zhang Guorong smiled: "Qian-zi's eye isn't bad."

When Xiang Qian sang "The Rogue" solo, more than a few audience members below were already in tears.

A middle-aged male fan shouted: "Qian-zi! I get you, man!"

Drawing a wave of good-natured laughter from those around him.

In the dressing room, Zhang Guorong popped open a bottle of champagne: "To our success tonight—cheers!"

Zhou Huimin took a small sip and choked, coughing uncontrollably.

Xiang Qian hurriedly patted her back: "Drink it slowly."

Anita Mui grinned mischievously: "Ah Min, want big sis to teach you how to drink?"

Zhang Guorong smoothed things over: "Don't lead the youngster astray."

Before seeing them off to the car, Zhang Guorong suddenly turned serious: "Qian-zi, remember how tonight felt."

Anita Mui added: "This is only the beginning. You two still have a long road ahead."

Zhou Huimin clutched her bouquet, her eyes reddening: "Tonight felt like a dream..."

Xiang Qian drew her into his arms: "From now on we'll have many more nights like this."

The car pulled away from the Hong Kong Coliseum. In the rearview mirror, the lights of the massive venue gradually dimmed, but in the hearts of the two of them, the stage was shining brighter than ever.