Chapter 18: An Unexpected Surprise

Zhou Huimin stood beside the piano, her fingertips lightly tapping the keys, while Zhang Guorong stood at her side; the two were rehearsing "Silence Is Gold."

"Ah Min, the transition in this phrase could be a bit softer," Zhang Guorong instructed gently. "Yes, just like that; keep the emotion restrained."

Zhou Huimin nodded and sang it again: "In the unseen, it was long ago destined whether you are rich or poor..."

Zhang Guorong smiled with satisfaction: "Very good; sing it exactly like this tomorrow."

Li Keqin and Xu Guanjie were adjusting the microphones.

"Brother Sam, should we lower the key for 'Walk the Path of Life' tomorrow?" Li Keqin asked.

Xu Guanjie waved his hand: "No need; the original key is fine. Your vocal range is perfectly capable."

He patted Li Keqin on the shoulder: "Rest assured; with me here, tomorrow is secured."

Xiang Qian paced back and forth anxiously, phone pressed to his ear: "Sister Mei, is there really no way to find some time?... Alright, I understand."

Hanging up the phone, he sighed. Anita Mui had a sudden scheduling conflict and could not serve as his guest singer.

"This is troublesome..."

Just as he was worrying, a hearty laugh echoed from the end of the corridor. Xiang Qian looked up and immediately widened his eyes—

Cheng Long was striding over with several staff members, seemingly having just finished a film promotion.

Xiang Qian took a deep breath, jogged over, and blocked Cheng Long's path, first bowing deeply: "Hello, Big Brother Cheng Long!"

Startled by this sudden gesture, Cheng Long soon recognized Xiang Qian: "Eh? Aren't you that... Wu Xiangqian?"

"Yes, yes, it's me!" Xiang Qian nodded hurriedly. "Big Brother Cheng Long, I have an impertinent request..."

Cheng Long sized him up with interest: "Let's hear it?"

Xiang Qian got straight to the point: "I would like to invite you to be my guest singer for the finals!"

"Me?" Cheng Long pointed at himself and burst into laughter. "Little brother, you've got the wrong person. Who doesn't know I sing off-key?"

Yet Xiang Qian looked utterly serious: "Big Brother Cheng Long, although singing is not your forte, your stage charisma is unmatched! What the audience loves is your genuine nature!"

Cheng Long stroked his chin: "You kid really know how to talk..."

"However..." Cheng Long suddenly grinned cunningly, "I have a condition."

Xiang Qian nodded immediately: "Name it!"

"Write me a song," Cheng Long said, blinking. "The kind that becomes an instant hit on every street and alley!"

Xiang Qian's eyes lit up: "No problem! How about 'A Man Must Strengthen Himself'?"

Cheng Long paused in surprise: "Did you just make that up?"

Xiang Qian smiled mysteriously: "I tailored it for you long ago; I just didn't expect to meet you today."

Intrigued, Cheng Long said: "Sing a bit so I can hear?"

Xiang Qian cleared his throat and began to hum: "Proud qi, proud laughter amidst ten thousand waves; hot blood, hotter than the red sun..."

After only two lines, Cheng Long slapped the table in acclaim: "Excellent! I'll take this song!"

He threw an arm around Xiang Qian's shoulders: "Let's go; straight to the rehearsal room now. We'll finalize tomorrow's song too!"

Looking at the sheet music, Cheng Long frowned: "'Huo Yuanjia'? I've never sung this song before."

Xiang Qian handed him a bottle of mineral water: "It's very simple. I'll sing the verses, and you handle the chorus and the martial arts performance section."

"Martial arts performance?" Cheng Long's eyes lit up. "That's my specialty!"

Xiang Qian smiled: "Exactly! You fight while singing; it will absolutely stun the entire audience!"

Cheng Long enthusiastically gave it a try: "Huo Huo Huo..."

"Perfect!" Xiang Qian gave a thumbs-up. "Just like that!"

At two in the morning, the rehearsal room was still brightly lit.

A staff member yawned: "Brother Long, should we take a break..."

"Take a break for what!" Cheng Long exclaimed, full of energy. "One more time!"

Turning to Xiang Qian, he said: "Little brother, your big brother here either doesn't do something, or does it to the very best!"

Moved, Xiang Qian nodded: "With those words from you, we are sure to blow the roof off tomorrow!"

Early the next morning, Zhou Huimin met Xiang Qian in the dressing room and asked in surprise: "Why are your eyes so red?"

Xiang Qian gulped down some coffee: "I rehearsed all night with Big Brother Cheng Long."

Just then, Cheng Long pushed the door open, looking spirited: "Morning, little brother. Who is this?"

"My girlfriend," Xiang Qian said, smiling at Zhou Huimin. "Big Brother, how is the preparation going?"

Wearing an expression that said 'I understand,' Cheng Long looked at Xiang Qian, then patted his shoulder: "Rest assured; today, your big brother will definitely not embarrass you!"

Blushing, Zhou Huimin asked curiously: "What song are you two going to sing?"

Cheng Long blinked mysteriously: "Top secret! We'll give you a surprise later!"

Seeing Cheng Long, Li Keqin was so surprised his jaw dropped: "Brother Long? How are you..."

Xu Guanjie was also quite taken aback: "Ah Long, are you crossing over into singing?"

Cheng Long laughed heartily: "I'm here to support the young folks!"

Zhang Guorong walked over and said to Xiang Qian with profound meaning: "You kid always manage to surprise people."