Chapter 27: Album Sells Huge

On the night the recording work concluded, Xiang Qian stood alone on the rooftop of the recording studio, gazing at the night view of Weiduoliyagang. The night breeze was slightly cool, ruffling his hair.

"Qianzai," Zhou Huimin's voice came from behind, "why are you here alone?"

Xiang Qian did not turn around, merely saying softly, "Thinking about some things."

Zhou Huimin walked to his side and handed him a cup of hot coffee: "The press conference is tomorrow; are you nervous?"

Xiang Qian took the coffee; his fingertips accidentally brushed against hers, causing both of them to startle slightly.

"It's fine," he took a sip of coffee, "but what about you? Have you decided on a name for the album?"

Zhou Huimin gazed at the neon lights in the distance and said softly, "I want to call it 'Starlight'."

"'Starlight'?"

"Mm," she turned to look at Xiang Qian, her eyes sparkling in the night, "just like these songs you wrote for me, illuminating my musical path like starlight."

Xiang Qian looked into her eyes, momentarily speechless. The night breeze swept past, carrying the saltiness of the sea and the faint fragrance from her hair.

The next morning, the banquet hall of the Peninsula Hotel was packed with reporters.

"Mr. Wu," a reporter wearing glasses raised his hand to ask, "I heard that you personally handled all the lyrics and compositions for this album, and it only took a few short days. Is this true?"

Xiang Qian sat on the stage, his expression calm: "It is true."

An immediate uproar erupted from the audience below.

"This is incredible!" another female reporter exclaimed, "Can you reveal the inspiration behind the creation?"

Xiang Qian's gaze casually swept over Zhou Huimin, who was sitting nearby: "Inspiration given by life."

Zhou Huimin noticed his glance, and the tips of her ears turned slightly red.

When it was Zhou Huimin's turn, the reporters became even more enthusiastic.

"Miss Zhou, the lyrics of the song 'A Love for a Lifetime' are very moving; did you have any special feelings while singing it?"

Zhou Huimin held the microphone, her voice gentle: "Every time I sing this song, I am reminded of..." She paused, "reminded of some very beautiful scenes."

One week later, the albums were officially released.

"Rebirth" and "Starlight" swept across major music charts with the force of thunder. In radio stations, on streets and in alleys, songs from these two albums were playing everywhere.

"This is insane!" Sun Li rushed into the office holding sales reports, "First-day sales have broken records! 'Let Me Happy, Let Me Sad' and 'A Love for a Lifetime' have already topped the charts in the first two positions!"

Zhou Huimin clapped her hands happily: "Wonderful!"

Xiang Qian, however, seemed distracted, staring fixedly at his mobile phone.

"Qianzai?" Zhou Huimin touched his arm, "What's wrong?"

Xiang Qian locked his phone screen: "Nothing."

In the evening, Xiang Qian walked alone on the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui. A sound system shop by the roadside was playing "Huo Yuanjia"; the powerful rhythm caused passersby to stop and listen.

"Qianzai."

At this moment, someone caught up from behind and patted his shoulder; turning his head, he saw it was Cheng Long.

"Big Brother, how did you come to be here?"

"I just asked Ah Min, and she said you might be around here. Congratulations on the album's huge success. By the way, my senior brother Hong Jinbao wants to meet you; do you have time?"

"Of course I have time," Xiang Qian said with a smile, "Big Brother's senior brother is my Big Big Brother."

Hearing this, Cheng Long instantly broke into laughter: "Alright, I'll take you to meet him tomorrow; at this hour, he is probably still on the film set."

"Okay, Big Brother," Xiang Qian then said to Cheng Long, "by the way, can you come help film the music video for 'Huo Yuanjia'?"

"No problem," Cheng Long replied, patting his own chest.