Chapter 4: Heart Stirred

Xiang Qian sat at the dining table, eating dinner with his parents. Several home-style dishes were laid out on the table, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere. Xiang Qian picked up a bite of food, hesitated for a moment, then spoke: "Dad, Mom, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."

His father looked up, smiling as he asked, "What is it? Go ahead and say it."

Xiang Qian put down his chopsticks and said seriously, "I heard Shaw Brothers is holding a talent show, and I want to participate."

Upon hearing this, his mother's eyes lit up, and she smiled, saying, "A talent show? That's wonderful! Haven't you always loved singing? This is a great opportunity."

His father also nodded, saying, "Yes, it's good for young people to try new things. We support you."

Feeling warmth in his heart, Xiang Qian smiled and said, "Thank you, Dad, Mom. I will definitely work hard."

His mother placed a piece of meat into Xiang Qian's bowl, smiling as she said, "Eat more, so you'll be full of energy when you go to register tomorrow."

Xiang Qian nodded. "Mm, I will."

Carrying his guitar on his back, Xiang Qian stood before the registration desk for the Shaw Brothers talent show. The area was bustling with people coming and going. Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward and said to the staff member, "Hello, I'd like to register for the talent show."

The staff member looked up, glanced at Xiang Qian, a flicker of admiration passing through her eyes, and smiled, saying, "Alright, please fill out this registration form."

Xiang Qian took the form and began filling it out carefully. Once finished, he handed it back to the staff member, smiling as he said, "I'm done."

The staff member took the form, glanced over it, and smiled, saying, "Your qualifications are quite good; you can proceed directly to the preliminary round tomorrow."

Xiang Qian nodded. "Alright, thank you."

With his guitar on his back, Xiang Qian walked home in high spirits. As he walked, he hummed a tune, thinking about the upcoming competition.

Just then, he spotted a familiar figure not far ahead. It was a girl wearing a white dress, her long hair cascading over her shoulders, exuding a pure and innocent aura. Xiang Qian paused for a moment, then recognized her—Zhou Huimin.

"It's Zhou Huimin!" Xiang Qian's heart skipped a beat, his heartbeat instantly accelerating.

Zhou Huimin seemed to sense his gaze; she turned her head and met Xiang Qian's eyes. Their gazes locked, and Zhou Huimin's face immediately flushed red. She lowered her head and quickly walked away.

Xiang Qian stood rooted to the spot, a strong impulse surging within him. He murmured to himself, "Zhou Huimin... I will marry no one but her in this life."

Taking a deep breath, he hurried after her, calling out, "Zhou Huimin, please wait!"

Zhou Huimin stopped and turned around, a faint blush still on her face, and asked softly, "Are... are you calling me?"

Xiang Qian walked up to her, smiled, and said, "Yes, I am Wu Xiangqian. We saw each other earlier at the talent show audition."

Zhou Huimin nodded slightly and whispered, "Hello."

Xiang Qian smiled. "Hello."

Zhou Huimin's face turned even redder; she lowered her head and fell silent.

Watching her shy demeanor, Xiang Qian felt even fonder of her and smiled, saying, "Zhou Huimin, I'd like to be friends with you. Is that okay?"

Zhou Huimin looked up at Xiang Qian, a hint of hesitation flashing in her eyes, but she eventually nodded. "O... okay."

Delighted, Xiang Qian smiled and said, "That's wonderful! Here's my contact information; we can chat sometime when you're free."

He took out a slip of paper, wrote down his phone number, and handed it to Zhou Huimin.

Zhou Huimin took the note and whispered, "Thank you... I will contact you."

Xiang Qian nodded. "Good, I'll be waiting."

The two exchanged a smile, and the atmosphere became relaxed. Zhou Huimin said softly, "I'll be going now. Goodbye."

Xiang Qian nodded. "Goodbye, take care on your way home."

Zhou Huimin turned and left. Xiang Qian stood there, watching her retreating figure, a sweet feeling welling up in his heart.

"Zhou Huimin... I will definitely win you over," Xiang Qian murmured, a trace of determination flashing in his eyes.