Chapter 9: Leslie Cheung's Invitation

The host's booming voice rang out: "Next, please welcome contestant number 20—Wu Xiang Qian!"

Xiang Qian turned to look at Zhou Huimin beside him, suddenly cupped her face, and gently kissed her forehead: "Wait for me."

Zhou Huimin's face instantly flushed to her ears, yet she nodded firmly: "Go for it!"

Xiang Qian, holding his guitar, walked onto the stage. Under the spotlight, his silhouette appeared exceptionally distinct. He bowed slightly to the judges' panel and the audience: "Hello, judges. Hello, everyone."

Huang Zhan flipped through the scoring sheet in his hand, his brows furrowing slightly: "Wu Xiang Qian, your entry song column is blank?"

Xiang Qian touched his nose, somewhat embarrassed: "Actually... I just finished writing this song backstage."

A sudden uproar erupted below, with someone hissing: "Too arrogant!"

Sam Hui's face darkened: "Young man, a competition is not a game."

Leslie Cheung said nothing, but his eyes also carried doubt.

Xiang Qian took a deep breath, bowed to the three judges, then stood straight holding his guitar: "Thank you, teachers, for your advice. This song is called 'Scoundrel'. I hope everyone likes it."

As the intro began, the originally noisy venue suddenly fell silent. Xiang Qian's slightly hoarse voice rose:

"I occasionally get drunk, I love freedom very much..."

Huang Zhan's originally serious expression gradually softened, Sam Hui's eyes widened slightly, and Leslie Cheung revealed an understanding smile.

"Once said I'd quit smoking, but said it and that was it..."

When singing the chorus part, Xiang Qian's gaze unconsciously drifted toward Zhou Huimin below the stage, his eyes holding a gentle smile:

"But you would die to support me in being a person..."

As the final note fell, the venue was silent as a grave. Suddenly, the audience erupted in thunderous applause, with some even standing to cheer.

Sam Hui was the first to pick up the microphone, speaking excitedly: "Incredible! The lyrics of this song are written so realistically, and the melody is so catchy! I give you a full score!"

Huang Zhan pushed up his glasses: "I take back my doubt just now. The completion of this song is extremely high, completely unlike an improvised creation. Full score!"

Leslie Cheung picked up the scoring card with feigned seriousness: "99 points."

A sudden uproar erupted below, and only then did Leslie Cheung explain with a smile: "I'm afraid if I give a full score, this kid will get arrogant."

A wave of kind laughter immediately filled the venue.

Zhou Huimin excitedly threw herself into Xiang Qian's arms: "Qian Zai! You are too amazing!"

Xiang Qian smiled and caught her: "How was it? Did I not lose face for you?"

"How could I!" Zhou Huimin's eyes sparkled, "All three judges praised it endlessly!"

At this moment, the host announced: "Since contestant Zhou Huimin received a full score in the first round, according to the competition rules, she will advance directly to the top 12 finals."

Zhou Huimin covered her mouth in surprise: "I... I don't have to participate in the second round?"

Xiang Qian affectionately ruffled her hair: "My A-Min is just that amazing."

The night was deep, and Xiang Qian and Zhou Huimin walked out of the television station hand in hand. Suddenly, a familiar voice came from behind:

"Qian Zai! A-Min!"

The two turned around and found Leslie Cheung standing under a streetlamp, waving at them.

Zhou Huimin whispered in surprise: "It's Brother!"

Xiang Qian hurriedly pulled her over: "Brother, is there something wrong so late?"

Leslie Cheung smiled and took off his sunglasses: "I just finished dinner with Sister Mei and happened to see you." He paused, "Qian Zai, are you interested in being a guest at my concert?"

Xiang Qian's eyes widened: "Wh... What?"

Zhou Huimin excitedly pinched Xiang Qian's arm: "Qian Zai! Brother invited you to his concert!"

Leslie Cheung laughed at their reaction: "Next month I have a concert at the Hong Kong Coliseum. I want to ask you to sing 'Scoundrel' and 'The One I Love'."

Xiang Qian was so excited he lost his train of thought: "Of... Of course I'm willing! This is my honor!"

Leslie Cheung patted his shoulder: "Then it's settled." He turned to Zhou Huimin, "A-Min should come too. You two can sing a duet."

Zhou Huimin covered her mouth in surprise: "I... Can I come too?"

"Of course," Leslie Cheung winked, "I really have high hopes for you two golden couple."

Zhou Huimin skipped all the way like a child who had received candy: "Qian Zai! We are going to the Hong Kong Coliseum! On stage with Brother!"

Xiang Qian smiled watching her joyful state: "Are you happy?"

"Extremely happy!" Zhou Huimin suddenly stopped, looking at him seriously, "Qian Zai, thank you."

"Thank me for what?"

"Thank you for appearing in my life," Zhou Huimin's eyes shimmered with tears, "Thank you for writing songs for me, and taking me to see a broader world."

Xiang Qian's heart warmed, pulling her into his embrace: "Fool, this is just the beginning."

The night breeze gently brushed, the two shadows closely intertwined under the streetlamp.