Chapter 14: The Guest Performance Ends

The stage lights came back on; Zhang Guorong had changed into a silver suit, the wisps of hair on his forehead still damp with sweat. He raised the microphone, his voice slightly hoarse:

"Thank you, everyone! That song 'The Wind Continues to Blow' was for all my friends who support me."

Below the stage, glow sticks merged into an ocean, and screams rose one after another.

Zhang Guorong suddenly smiled mysteriously: "Tonight we have a special guest; can you guess who it is?"

As the intro to "Heart's Debt" began, Mei Yanfang slowly rose from the center of the stage, a red dress stunning the entire venue.

"It's Sister Mei!"

"Anita! Anita!"

The audience instantly erupted. Mei Yanfang's lazy yet magnetic voice echoed through the Hong Kong Coliseum.

Xiang Qian and Zhou Huimin watched, captivated, from the side stage.

"Sister Mei's presence is too powerful..." Zhou Huimin whispered in admiration.

Xiang Qian squeezed her hand: "In a moment, we must also give our best performance."

When the song ended, Zhang Guorong put his arm around Mei Yanfang's shoulder: "Next, Ah-Mei and I will bring you a new song."

He looked toward the side stage: "I want to thank the original creator of this song—Wu Xiangqian. Thank you for the gift!"

The music started; Zhang Guorong and Mei Yanfang sang "Silence Is Golden" as a duet, the fresh arrangement adding even more charm to an already moving song.

After the song, Zhang Guorong wiped away sweat: "As everyone knows, I rarely introduce newcomers at my concerts."

Mei Yanfang picked up the thread: "But these young people are worth making an exception for."

Zhang Guorong nodded: "They are not only immensely talented, they have also brought us surprises."

He turned and pointed to the large screen: "Please welcome—Wu Xiangqian! Zhou Huimin!"

The four stood at the center of the stage; Zhang Guorong sang first:

"Even if fate is turbulent and wandering,"

"Even if fate is twisted and bizarre,"

Xiang Qian and Zhou Huimin joined in afterward; their seamless call-and-response filled this fast-paced song with tension.

When they reached the chorus, Zhang Guorong suddenly took Mei Yanfang's hand, and the two improvised a simple dance step.

"Wow!" Zhou Huimin's eyes widened in surprise; she nearly forgot the lyrics.

Xiang Qian, quick-eyed and quick-handed, filled in her part, then smoothly took her hand and spun her around.

As the tempo quickened, the audience spontaneously stood up and clapped along to the rhythm.

The roar of "Red Sun! Red Sun!" nearly blew the roof off.

Mei Yanfang leaned close to Xiang Qian's ear and shouted: "Qian-zai, this song is going to be a huge hit!"

When the song ended, Zhang Guorong stood on stage panting, hand on his waist: "Getting old, getting old; I can't dance anymore."

Mei Yanfang teased: "Leslie, weren't you dancing quite happily just now?"

Zhang Guorong handed the microphone to Xiang Qian: "Now it's the young people's turn."

The familiar melody rose; Zhou Huimin's clear voice instantly quieted the noisy venue.

When she sang "In the sea of bitterness, love and hate arise," Zhang Guorong and Mei Yanfang listened quietly at the backstage entrance.

"This girl has a boundless future," Mei Yanfang said softly.

Zhang Guorong smiled: "Qian-zai has good taste."

When Xiang Qian sang "Scoundrel" solo, many in the audience below were already in tears.

A middle-aged male fan shouted: "Qian-zai, I understand you!"

This drew waves of good-natured laughter from those around him.

In the dressing room, Zhang Guorong opened a bottle of champagne: "To our success tonight—cheers!"

Zhou Huimin took a small sip and choked, coughing violently.

Xiang Qian immediately patted her back: "Drink slowly."

Mei Yanfang grinned mischievously: "Ah-Min, do you want big sister to teach you how to drink?"

Zhang Guorong smoothed things over: "Don't teach the little one bad habits."

Before seeing them off to their car, Zhang Guorong suddenly grew serious: "Qian-zai, remember the feeling of tonight."

Mei Yanfang added: "This is only the beginning; your road is still long."

Zhou Huimin hugged her bouquet, her eyes reddening: "Tonight feels like a dream..."

Xiang Qian pulled her into his embrace: "In the future, we will have many more nights like this."

The car drove away from the Hong Kong Coliseum; in the rearview mirror, the massive arena's lights gradually dimmed, but the stage in their two hearts was shining brightly.