Chapter 11: Gifting

"What? I still have to continue competing?" Xiang Qian stared at his agent, Sun Li, in shock.

Sun Li pushed up her glasses, her tone brooking no argument: "Clause seven of the contract clearly stipulates that signed artists must comply with promotional activities arranged by the company. This competition is the perfect promotional opportunity."

Xiang Qian irritably ruffled his hair: "But I've already signed! What significance does the competition hold for me now?"

"Significance? Plenty," Sun Li said, opening a folder. "First, maintain exposure. Second, set an example for other newcomers. Third..." She paused meaningfully. "Help escort Zhou Huimin."

Hearing Zhou Huimin's name, Xiang Qian's momentum immediately waned.

Zhou Huimin was applying makeup when she saw Xiang Qian enter with a dark expression; she quickly stood up. "Qianzai, what's wrong?"

Xiang Qian plopped down on the chair beside her. "Sister Sun insists I continue competing."

"Isn't that great?" Zhou Huimin's eyes lit up. "We can be together..."

"Great my foot," Xiang Qian interrupted her. "I originally planned to focus on writing songs." He turned to look at Zhou Huimin in the mirror. "Moreover, this time I plan to do a cover, not an original."

Zhou Huimin covered her mouth in surprise. "Why? Everyone is expecting your new song!"

Xiang Qian winked mysteriously. "It's called hunger marketing; it will make them anticipate my new song even more."

The host announced: "Please welcome contestant number twelve, Wu Xiangqian, performing 'Just Like You'!"

Disappointed murmurs immediately rose from the audience:

"A cover..."

"I thought there would be a new song."

At the judges' table, Zhang Guorong frowned slightly, while Huang Zhan and Xu Guanjie exchanged puzzled glances.

As the music began and Xiang Qian opened his mouth, the entire hall instantly fell silent:

"Sorrow cannot be waved away, bitterness cannot be scattered; why is my heart so empty..."

His clear and bright voice interpreted this classic masterpiece to perfection, even adding a touch of youthful vitality absent from the original.

Huang Zhan was the first to pick up the microphone: "Flawless technique, and the emotional expression is spot on. However..." He hesitated slightly. "99 points. I deducted one point because I wanted to hear your original more."

Xu Guanjie smiled and added: "Same here. Well sung, but I also give 99 points."

Zhang Guorong spoke last, a look of inquiry in his eyes. "Qianzai, are you playing psychological warfare with us?" Seeing Xiang Qian smile without answering, he also raised his scorecard. "99 points. Saving one point for you to stun me next time."

The whole hall burst into laughter.

After the competition ended, Xiang Qian broke into the top twelve.

Zhang Guorong stopped Xiang Qian in the corridor. "Qianzai, let's talk privately."

The two went to a quiet dressing room. Zhang Guorong got straight to the point: "I want to buy the copyright for 'Silence is Golden'."

Xiang Qian raised an eyebrow. "Brother, why the sudden..."

"This song suits me very well," Zhang Guorong said, rarely showing such a serious expression.

Xiang Qian fell silent for a moment, then suddenly smiled. "No need to buy it. I'm giving it to you, Brother."

Zhang Guorong widened his eyes in surprise. "What did you say?"

"I mean," Xiang Qian said, enunciating each word clearly, "this song is a gift for you, Brother. Not a penny required."

Zhang Guorong frowned. "No, that's too valuable."

"Brother," Xiang Qian said sincerely, "consider this song my token of gratitude."

Just as Zhang Guorong was about to speak further, Xiang Qian cut him off. "If you feel uneasy about it, Brother, then agree to one condition of mine."

"What condition?"

"Take care of Ah Min for me," Xiang Qian said with determined eyes. "She needs more guidance during the competition."

Zhang Guorong smiled with understanding. "So that's what you were waiting for. Very well, I agree."

When Xiang Qian shared this news with Zhou Huimin, the girl was so excited she became incoherent. "Brother... he's really going to guide me?"

"Not only that," Xiang Qian said proudly. "He also agreed to be your guest performer at the finals."

Zhou Huimin's eyes suddenly turned red. "Qianzai... why are you so good to me?"

Xiang Qian gently wiped away her tears. "Silly girl, because you deserve it."

When Sun Li learned of this, she stamped her feet in anger. "Wu Xiangqian! Do you have any idea how much 'Silence is Golden' is worth? And you just gave it away?"

Xiang Qian calmly took a sip of tea. "Sister Sun, is it a loss to trade one song for Zhang Guorong's favor?"

Sun Li paused, then suddenly realized. "You kid... you planned this all along?"

Xiang Qian smiled without answering, a shrewd glint flashing in his eyes.