Chapter 293: If Only Back Then

The year-end was drawing near, and the streets of Jingcheng were already hung with red lanterns, while shops looped festive New Year songs.

Xiang Fei sat in the car, casually flipping through that day's newspaper—

"Anita Mui Concert Countdown — Star-Studded Guest Lineup"

"Ip Man Box Office Breaks 100 Million; Zhao Wenzhu and Liu Yifei Become the Year's Hottest CP"

"Huaxia Sports — Fei-Min Huayi All-Star Lineup"

Bai Long glanced through the rearview mirror: "Fei-ge, heading straight home?"

"Mm." Xiang Fei folded the newspaper and looked out the window.

The car pulled into the villa compound; the enormous house was cold and quiet. The housekeeper had already gone home for the New Year, and not a trace of festive warmth lingered in the rooms.

Xiang Fei stood in the center of the living room and suddenly felt a strange sense of unfamiliarity.

In the study, the desk lamp cast a warm yellow glow.

Xiang Fei took out a notebook, his wrist hovering for a moment, then wrote four bold, vigorous characters — "If Only Back Then"

After writing those four characters, he stared at them, lost in thought.

His phone suddenly buzzed — a text from Zhou Huimin:

"Yangyang misses you and insists on calling you."

The corners of Xiang Fei's mouth lifted unconsciously; he immediately dialed the number. On the other end, Yangyang's little face squeezed into frame: "Daddy! When are you coming back?"

"Very soon," Xiang Fei said softly. "Have you been listening to Mommy at home?"

Zhou Huimin's voice came through the phone: "He took his toys apart again today."

Father and son chatted for a long time. After hanging up, the study fell silent again. Xiang Fei looked at the "If Only Back Then" on his notebook.

Early the next morning, news that Xiang Fei had returned to the capital spread through the industry.

"Ah Fei!" Han Shanping was the first to call. "I heard you're back in Jingcheng? Why didn't you say so earlier!"

Xiang Fei laughed: "Uncle Han, it was a last-minute decision, so I didn't want to disturb you all."

No sooner had he hung up than Wang Zhongjun's call came in: "Director Xiang, are you free tonight? Let's grab a meal together?"

"I've got plans tonight. How about another day."

Wang Zhongjun wouldn't give up: "Then tomorrow? I've got a project I want to discuss with you."

"We'll talk after the New Year," Xiang Fei said, his tone gentle but firm. "During this period I just want to focus on preparing for Sister Mei's concert."

After hanging up, Xiang Fei was eating when Cai Wen called: "Ah Fei, why did you suddenly come back?"

"Sister Mei's concert invited me," Xiang Fei said, peeling an egg in his hand. "How's the company been lately?"

"Pretty good," Cai Wen's voice came through the phone. "We just signed a few new artists, and Jay Chou's new album is selling like crazy."

In the afternoon, Xiang Fei brought Bai Long to Leslie Cheung's villa.

The moment he rang the doorbell, Anita Mui's laughter rang out from inside: "It must be Ah Fei!"

The door opened; Anita Mui was wearing a well-tailored ladies' suit, a list still in her hand: "You're finally here!"

Leslie Cheung poked his head out from the kitchen: "Find a seat yourself, I'm making coffee."

Various materials were scattered around the living room, and the concert's run sheet lay on the coffee table. Xiang Fei picked one up and glanced at it: "The guest list isn't finalized yet?"

Anita Mui collapsed onto the sofa: "It's killing me! Everyone wants to come, but there's only so much time."

Xiang Fei unhurriedly took out last night's notebook and handed it to the two of them.

Leslie Cheung took it and looked: "'If Only Back Then'? Just wrote it?"

"Mm, wrote it last night." Xiang Fei took a sip of coffee.

Anita Mui leaned over to look: "Wow, even the song title has a story. Sing it for us, quick!"

Xiang Fei smiled helplessly, walked to the piano and sat down. His slender fingers settled on the keys, and the prelude flowed out slowly—

"Why were you so good to me back then,

And why

Have you grown so cold now

…

Red rain pours, stirring up memories — how do they sink?

Your beautiful eyes, just like back then,

Drift through my heart

At the ferry's edge, our last parting left a final full stop

If only with you it were still like the first meeting

Why must we grieve the farewell"

Anita Mui's eyes gradually welled up; Leslie Cheung leaned against the piano, humming softly along.

When the song ended, Anita Mui clapped: "Brilliant! This song has to go into the concert!"

Leslie Cheung looked thoughtful: "Ah Fei, this song is about..."

"Lovers breaking up." Xiang Fei closed the piano lid and changed the subject. "Sister Mei, may I see the guest list?"

The three of them gathered around the coffee table and began an animated discussion. Anita Mui crossed out a few names: "These few have scheduling conflicts."

Leslie Cheung pointed at another: "This one's vocal prowess isn't up to par."