Chapter 6: A Bond of Love

Xiang Qian sat at the desk, fingers lightly tapping the surface, humming the melody of "Silence Is Golden." His mother pushed the door open, holding a bowl of steaming hot sweet soup.

"Qianzai, still practicing songs so late?" His mother placed the soup on the table. "For tomorrow's re-audition?"

"Yes, Mom," Qianzai took the soup, scooped a spoonful, "This song is very special; I want to sing it well."

His father stood at the doorway, asking curiously, "What song is so important?"

"'Silence Is Golden'," Qianzai smiled mysteriously, "A song... no one has heard yet."

Mother and father exchanged a glance; though puzzled, they still encouraged him, "Then practice well, don't stay up too late."

The broadcast hall was more formal than the initial audition, filled with Shaw Brothers executives and judges. Xiang Qian made final preparations backstage, palms slightly sweaty.

"Nervous?" A gentle voice came from behind. Xiang Qian turned back and saw Zhou Huimin smiling at him.

"A little," Xiang Qian honestly admitted, "So many big shots down there."

Zhou Huimin gently held his hand: "Don't be afraid; you were so amazing in the initial audition, this time will definitely be fine."

Her hand was very soft; Xiang Qian immediately felt his heart race: "Thanks... did you pass the re-audition?"

"Passed," Zhou Huimin's face flushed slightly, "You do your best too!"

"Number 29, Wu Xiang Qian!" The staff member's voice rang out.

Xiang Qian walked to the center of the stage with his guitar, lights shining on him. He took a deep breath and looked at the judges' panel—besides the familiar Li Ling and Ni Kuang, several unfamiliar faces were there today.

"Hello judges, I am Wu Xiang Qian; today I bring an original song, 'Silence Is Golden'."

As the first chord sounded, the entire broadcast hall fell silent. Xiang Qian's clear voice, combined with the beautiful melody, made everyone hold their breath.

"The night wind is cold, looking back alone at old matters and past dust..."

When the chorus part sounded, a man wearing sunglasses on the judges' panel suddenly sat upright. Xiang Qian noticed this detail; his heart skipped a beat—could that be...

"Having learned a lesson, guided by the scriptures..."

The final note fell; the broadcast hall was utterly silent. Suddenly, that man in sunglasses was the first to stand and applaud: "Good! Too good!"

The other judges then woke as if from a dream, rising to applaud one after another. Li Ling clapped excitedly: "This melody, these lyrics! Qianzai, did you really write this?"

"Yes," Xiang Qian answered without changing his expression, "I created it recently."

"Come to the competition next Monday," Li Ling said to Xiang Qian, suppressing her inner excitement.

At that moment, the man in sunglasses removed his glasses, revealing a handsome face—it was Leslie Cheung!

"Xiang Qian, right?" Leslie Cheung stepped forward, eyes shining with appreciation, "This song... is very special. I like it very much."

Xiang Qian was so excited he could hardly speak: "Brother! I am your fan!"

Leslie Cheung smiled and patted his shoulder: "Have tea together sometime?"

"Of course!" Xiang Qian nodded hurriedly.

"Qianzai! You are too amazing!" Zhou Huimin chased up from behind, her face flushed, "Even Brother praised you!"

Xiang Qian was still immersed in the joy of meeting his idol: "I didn't expect to meet Brother Rong either... no—" Zhou Huimin suddenly stopped, looking down and playing with her hem: "Um... Qianzai..."

"Hmm?" Qianzai turned to look at her.

"I... I have something I want to say to you..." Zhou Huimin's voice grew quieter and quieter.

Xiang Qian's heart raced: "What do you want to say?"

Zhou Huimin took a deep breath, summoned her courage, and lifted her head: "I... I like you! Since the first time I saw you, just..."

Xiang Qian froze, then a brilliant smile bloomed on his face: "Amin, I like you too."

"Really?" Zhou Huimin's eyes lit up, then she shyly lowered her head again, "I thought... you only cared about music..."

Xiang Qian gently held her hand: "Music is important, but you... are more important."

Zhou Huimin's face turned red like a ripe apple; she whispered softly: "Then... are we now..."

"Boyfriend and girlfriend?" Xiang Qian suggested with a smile.

Zhou Huimin nodded, a sweet curve rising at the corners of her mouth: "Mm!"

The two walked hand in hand under the sunset, their shadows stretched very, very long.