Chapter 7: The One I Love for a Lifetime

(Shaw Brothers Company, President's Office)

Li Ling held a folder, standing respectfully before Mr. Shaw's desk: "Sixth Uncle, this amateur selection indeed has a few promising talents, especially that young man named Wu Xiang Qian."

Mr. Shaw set down his teacup, raising an eyebrow: "Oh? The one who sang 'Let Me Be Happy, Let Me Be Worried' and 'Silence Is Gold'?"

"Yes," Li Ling nodded, admiration in her eyes, "his vocal prowess is impressive, and his songwriting ability is even more astonishing. During yesterday's re-audition, even Leslie praised him highly."

Mr. Shaw pondered for a moment, his fingers lightly tapping the table: "Focus on him; the contract terms can be generous. Don't let other companies poach him."

Li Ling smiled: "Understood, Sixth Uncle."

Zhou Huimin held Xiang Qian's arm as the two strolled down the bustling street. She wore a pale yellow dress today, making her skin look like snow, her smile bright.

"Qianzai, where shall we eat?" she asked, tilting her head.

Xiang Qian affectionately pinched her nose: "What do you want to eat? I'll treat."

Zhou Huimin's eyes lit up: "I heard a new Western restaurant opened in Lan Kwai Fong; shall we try it?"

"Alright, whatever you say."

Under the soft lighting, the two sat facing each other. Zhou Huimin cut a small piece of steak and held it to Xiang Qian's mouth: "Taste it?"

Xiang Qian smiled, opened his mouth to take it, and nodded exaggeratedly: "Mmm! Delicious! But..."

"But what?"

"But it's not as sweet as my Ah Min."

Zhou Huimin instantly blushed, playfully slapping him: "Smooth talker!"

Xiang Qian laughed heartily, taking her hand: "I'm serious. Being with you, everything tastes sweet."

At night, the bar's lights were dim, the music soothing. Xiang Qian and Zhou Huimin sat in a corner booth, two cocktails placed before them.

Zhou Huimin took a sip of wine, then suddenly looked at Xiang Qian with sparkling eyes: "Qianzai, I have a request..."

"Hmm? What request?"

"Could you..." she lowered her head shyly, "improvise a song for me? Right here."

Xiang Qian paused, then smiled: "Now?"

Zhou Huimin nodded, expectation in her eyes: "I want to hear a song you write for me, the one and only kind."

Xiang Qian looked at her expectant gaze, thought for a moment, drained the wine in his cup, and stood up: "Alright, stay seated."

He walked to the small stage in the center of the bar and whispered a few words to the singer who was playing and singing. The other person smiled, nodded, and handed him the guitar.

Xiang Qian took the guitar, tested the sound, and spoke into the microphone: "Hello everyone, sorry to interrupt. I'd like to sing an improvised song for my girlfriend; I hope no one minds."

The patrons in the bar immediately cheered, some whistling, others clapping.

"Sing!"

"Handsome guy, go for it!"

Zhou Huimin sat in the audience, hands cupping her face, her eyes full of sweetness.

Leslie Cheung and Anita Mui were sitting by the railing on the second floor; hearing the commotion, they looked down.

"Eh?" Anita Mui raised an eyebrow.

Leslie Cheung looked over and said with a smile: "Wu Xiang Qian, a very talented young man."

Anita Mui rested her chin on her hand, intrigued: "Improvisation? Interesting."

Xiang Qian took a deep breath, his fingers lightly plucking the strings as a melodious intro slowly rose. He looked tenderly at Zhou Huimin and began to sing:

"From the past until now, what's gone will not return; red fallen leaves lie buried deep in the dust..."

His voice was clear and deep with emotion, the lyrics flowing like poetry. The noise in the bar gradually quieted down; everyone was captivated by his singing.

Zhou Huimin stared at him, her eyes gradually filling with tears.

"In the sea of bitterness, love and hate rise and fall; in this world, fate is hard to escape; to be close yet unable to approach, perhaps I should believe it is destiny..."

On the second floor, Anita Mui's eyes widened slightly: "These lyrics..."

Leslie Cheung sighed softly: "Absolutely brilliant."

Xiang Qian's fingers lightly pressed the strings, and the singing gradually ceased. He looked at Zhou Huimin and said softly: "This song is called 'The One I Love for a Lifetime'; it's for my Ah Min."

The bar erupted in enthusiastic applause and whistling. Zhou Huimin could hold back no longer; she stood up, rushed onto the stage, and threw herself into Xiang Qian's arms.

"Qianzai..." her voice choked, "I love this song so much, I love you so much..."

Xiang Qian hugged her tightly and whispered in her ear: "Me too. The one I love for a lifetime is only you."

Anita Mui turned to Leslie Cheung and smiled: "Leslie, this young man is extraordinary; you must introduce him to me."

Leslie Cheung nodded with a smile: "Certainly; I was just thinking of collaborating with him."

Xiang Qian and Zhou Huimin walked hand in hand down the street illuminated by flashing neon lights.

"Qianzai," Zhou Huimin suddenly stopped, "will you always write songs for me?"

Xiang Qian turned, cupped her face, and said seriously: "Not just songs; I will also write a lifetime of stories for you, our story."

Tears shimmered in Zhou Huimin's eyes; she rose on her tiptoes and kissed him lightly on the lips: "It's a promise."

Xiang Qian smiled, pulling her into his embrace; in the night, their figures stood closely intertwined.