Chapter 8: Competition Venue

(Shaw Television Station Backstage, Monday Morning)

Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains into the dressing room, where Xiang Qian and Zhou Huimin sat side by side on a bench, eyes closed to rest. People came and went around them; staff bustled back and forth, while other contestants prepared nervously.

"Qian Zai, I'm so nervous..." Zhou Huimin said softly, her fingers unconsciously twisting the corner of her clothes.

Xiang Qian opened his eyes, turned his head to look at her, and gently took her hand: "Don't be afraid. Just pretend there's only me in the audience."

Zhou Huimin took a deep breath and nodded: "Mm!"

At that moment, a staff member approached: "Young Lady Zhou Huimin, you're next. Please prepare."

Zhou Huimin jumped to her feet. Xiang Qian stood up too, giving her a gentle hug: "Go for it, my A Min."

Dressed in a long white gown, Zhou Huimin walked slowly onto the stage. Under the spotlight, she was as beautiful as an elf beneath the moonlight. Three judges sat in the audience—Leslie Cheung, Wong Chan, and Michael Hui.

"Good evening, judges. I am Zhou Huimin," she bowed slightly, her voice soft. "The song I will perform today is 'The One I Love'. This song..." She paused, a faint blush rising on her face. "... was custom-made for me by Xiang Qian."

A murmur of surprise swept through the audience, with whispers rising from the crowd.

Leslie Cheung's lips curved slightly upward, his eyes holding a knowing smile. Of course, he knew the song's origin—that day at the bar, Xiang Qian had improvised this "The One I Love" for his young girlfriend.

Wong Chan adjusted his glasses and asked curiously: "Custom-made? You two are...?"

Zhou Huimin's face turned even redder, but she still summoned the courage to say: "We are good friends."

Immediately, a wave of good-natured teasing erupted from the audience; some whistled, others clapped.

Michael Hui chuckled: "Young people are great! Alright, begin your performance."

Zhou Huimin closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and a melodious tune slowly rose. Her voice was clear and ethereal, like a mountain spring, gently conveying the emotions of "The One I Love":

"From the past until now, what has passed will never return..."

The audience gradually fell silent, everyone captivated by her singing. Leslie Cheung closed his eyes slightly, tapping his fingers lightly on the table, as if immersed in the music.

"In the sea of bitterness, love and hate rise; in this world, fate is hard to escape..."

When reaching the climax, Zhou Huimin's gaze unconsciously drifted toward the backstage entrance—Xiang Qian was standing there, giving her a thumbs-up. Her heart instantly calmed, and her singing became even more moving.

As the final note fell, the venue fell silent for a few seconds, then erupted into thunderous applause.

Leslie Cheung was the first to pick up the microphone: "A Min, both the melody and lyrics of this song are very beautiful, and your interpretation has given it a soul. Full marks!"

Wong Chan also nodded in admiration: "The composition level of this song is extremely high, and your voice and emotional expression match it perfectly. I also give full marks."

Michael Hui joked with a smile: "Young people, the power of love is indeed great! This song reminds me of my own youth. Full marks!"

Zhou Huimin's eyes grew slightly red as she bowed deeply: "Thank you, judges!"

As soon as Zhou Huimin stepped off the stage, Xiang Qian rushed over, lifting her up and spinning her around: "My A Min is amazing!"

Zhou Huimin wrapped her arms around his neck, smiling brilliantly: "It's all because your song is so well-written!"

At that moment, a low voice came from beside them: "This song is indeed good."

The two turned their heads and found Wang Jie leaning against the wall, looking at them with a calm gaze.

Xiang Qian set Zhou Huimin down, smiling as he extended his hand: "Hello, I am Wu Xiang Qian."

Wang Jie shook his hand: "Wang Jie." His tone was light, but his eyes held a hint of appreciation. "Your compositions have a unique flavor."

Xiang Qian smiled modestly: "Thank you. I also like your songs very much."

Wang Jie raised an eyebrow: "Oh? You've heard me sing?"

Xiang Qian then realized he had slipped up—the Wang Jie of now wasn't famous yet! He quickly covered: "What I mean is, your voice sounds like someone who knows how to sing."

Wang Jie chuckled lightly, said no more, and turned to leave.

Just as Zhou Huimin and Xiang Qian sat down, a sunny, handsome young man approached: "Hi, hello. I am Li Keqin."

Xiang Qian's eyes lit up—the future "Flawless" God of Songs! He greeted warmly: "Hello, I am Wu Xiang Qian, and this is Zhou Huimin."

Li Keqin sat down with a smile: "A Min's performance just now was wonderful. That song was really pleasant to hear."

Zhou Huimin smiled sweetly: "Thank you. Qian Zai wrote it."

Li Keqin looked at Xiang Qian, his eyes filled with admiration: "Impressive. You can both sing and write."

Xiang Qian waved his hand: "Just good luck. By the way, what song are you preparing to sing?"

Li Keqin scratched his head: "I chose a song by senior Michael Hui, 'Heart of a Rogue'. I hope I won't mess it up."

Xiang Qian patted his shoulder: "Don't worry. You'll definitely make it."

The three judges were discussing the previous performance.

Michael Hui sighed: "Young people these days are truly remarkable. The lyrics of 'The One I Love' are written with great depth."

Leslie Cheung smiled: "Yes, especially considering he improvised it, it's even more rare."

Wong Chan flipped through the list: "The next one is... Wang Jie? He has chosen an original song called 'A Game of Dreams, A Game of Love'."

Michael Hui raised an eyebrow: "Oh? Quite a few original songs today."

A hint of expectation flashed in Leslie Cheung's eyes: "Interesting."

A staff member approached: "Mr. Wu Xiang Qian, you are contestant number 20. Please prepare."

Xiang Qian stood up. Zhou Huimin grabbed his hand: "Go for it!"

Xiang Qian leaned down and kissed her forehead gently: "Wait for me to come back."

Zhou Huimin nodded, her face flushed: "Mm!"