Chapter 4: Heartbeat

Xiang Qian sat at the dining table, having dinner with his parents. Several home-cooked dishes were laid out on the table, the atmosphere warm and harmonious. 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 the Shao Group is holding a talent show. I want to participate."

His mother's eyes lit up upon hearing this, and she smiled as she said: "A talent show? That's great news! Haven't you always loved singing? This is an opportunity."

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

Xiang Qian felt a warmth in his heart, smiling as he said: "Thank you, Dad, Mom. I will definitely work hard."

His mother picked up a piece of meat and placed it in Xiang Qian's bowl, smiling as she said: "Eat more, so you'll be energetic when you go to sign up tomorrow."

Xiang Qian nodded: "Mm, I will."

With his guitar on his back, Xiang Qian stood before the registration desk for the Shao Group talent show. People came and went at the desk, the scene bustling and lively. He took a deep breath, walked 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 as she said: "Alright, please fill out this registration form."

Xiang Qian took the form and carefully filled it out. After finishing, he handed the form back to the staff member, smiling as he said: "I've finished filling it out."

The staff member took the form, glanced at it, and smiled as she said: "Your qualifications are very good. Come directly for the preliminary round tomorrow."

Xiang Qian nodded: "Alright, thank you."

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

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

"It's Zhou Huimin!" Xiang Qian's heart gave a jolt, his heartbeat instantly quickening.

Zhou Huimin seemed to sense his gaze, turned around, and their eyes met. The two locked gazes, and Zhou Huimin's face instantly flushed red; she lowered her head and hurried away.

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

He took a deep breath, hurried after her, and called out: "Zhou Huimin, please wait!"

Zhou Huimin stopped, turned around, her face still bearing a hint of blush, and asked in a low voice: "Are... are you calling me?"

Xiang Qian walked up to her, smiling as he said: "Yes, I'm Wu Xiang Qian. We met earlier at the talent show interview."

Zhou Huimin nodded, saying softly: "Hello."

Xiang Qian smiled: "Hello."

Zhou Huimin's face turned even redder; she lowered her head and said no more.

Seeing her shy manner, Xiang Qian's affection grew even stronger. He smiled and said: "Zhou Huimin, I'd like to be friends with you. Is that okay?"

Zhou Huimin looked up, glanced at Xiang Qian, a flicker of hesitation passing through her eyes, but she finally nodded: "O-okay."

Xiang Qian felt a surge of joy, smiling as he 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 slip of paper, saying softly: "Thank you... I will contact you."

Xiang Qian nodded: "Alright, I'll wait for you."

The two exchanged a smile, the atmosphere becoming more relaxed. Zhou Huimin said softly: "Then I'll go first. Goodbye."

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

Zhou Huimin turned and left. Xiang Qian stood where he was, watching her back, a sweet feeling surging within him.

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