Chapter 6: Sealing the Affection

Xiang Qian sat at his desk, fingers lightly tapping the surface as he hummed the melody of "Silence Is Golden." His mother pushed open the door, carrying a steaming bowl of sweet soup.

"Qian-zi, still practicing singing so late?" His mother set the soup on the desk. "Is it for tomorrow's second round?"

"Yes, Mom," Qian-zi took the bowl and scooped a spoonful. "This song is special; I want to sing it well."

His father stood in the doorway and asked curiously, "What song is so important?"

"'Silence Is Golden,'" Qian-zi smiled mysteriously. "A song... no one has heard yet."

His mother and father exchanged a glance; though puzzled, they encouraged him, "Then practice well, but don't stay up too late."

The studio was more formal than during the preliminary round, filled with Shaw Brothers executives and judges. Backstage, Xiang Qian made his final preparations, his palms slightly sweaty.

"Nervous?" A gentle voice came from behind. Xiang Qian turned to see Zhou Huimin smiling at him.

"A little," Xiang Qian admitted honestly. "So many big shots in the audience."

Zhou Huimin gently took his hand. "Don't be afraid. You were so impressive in the preliminaries; you'll definitely do fine this time."

Her hand was soft, making Xiang Qian's heart race instantly. "Thanks... Did you pass the second round?"

"I passed," Zhou Huimin said, her face flushing slightly. "Good luck to you too!"

"Contestant number 29, Wu Xiangqian!" A staff member's voice announced.

Xiang Qian walked to the center of the stage with his guitar as the spotlight fell upon him. He took a deep breath and looked toward the judges' panel—besides the familiar Li Ling and Ni Kuang, several unfamiliar faces were present today.

"Greetings, esteemed judges. I am Wu Xiangqian, and today I present an original song titled 'Silence Is Golden.'"

As the first chord rang out, the entire studio fell silent. Xiang Qian's clear voice, paired with the beautiful melody, made everyone hold their breath.

"The night wind blows cold; alone, I look back on past events and dust..."

When the chorus began, a man wearing sunglasses in the judges' row suddenly sat up straight. Xiang Qian noticed this detail, and his heart skipped a beat—could that possibly be...

"Having learned from lessons, guided by the scriptures..."

As the final note faded, the studio remained utterly silent. Suddenly, the man in sunglasses was the first to stand and applaud. "Excellent! Truly excellent!"

The other judges then woke as if from a dream and rose to applaud one after another. Li Ling clapped excitedly. "That melody, those lyrics! Qian-zi, did you really write this?"

"Yes," Xiang Qian answered without changing expression. "It's something I composed recently."

"Come participate in the competition next Monday," Li Ling said to Xiang Qian, struggling to suppress her excitement.

At that moment, the man in sunglasses removed them, revealing a handsome face—it was Zhang Guorong!

"Xiang Qian, is it?" Zhang Guorong stepped forward, admiration shining in his eyes. "This song... is very special. I like it very much."

Xiang Qian was so excited he could barely speak. "Brother! I'm your fan!"

Zhang Guorong smiled and patted his shoulder. "How about having tea together sometime?"

"Of course!" Xiang Qian nodded eagerly.

"Qian-zi! You're amazing!" Zhou Huimin caught up from behind, her cheeks flushed. "Even Brother praised you!"

Xiang Qian was still immersed in the joy of meeting his idol. "I didn't expect to meet Brother Rong either... I mean—" Zhou Huimin suddenly stopped, lowering her head to fiddle with her hem. "Um... Qian-zi..."

"Hmm?" Qian-zi turned to look at her.

"I... I have something I want to tell you..." Zhou Huimin's voice grew quieter.

Xiang Qian's heart raced. "What is it?"

Zhou Huimin took a deep breath, summoned her courage, and lifted her head. "I... I like you! Ever since I first saw you, I..."

Xiang Qian froze, then a brilliant smile bloomed on his face. "Ah Min, I like you too."

"Really?" Zhou Huimin's eyes lit up, then she shyly lowered her head again. "I thought... you only cared about music..."

Xiang Qian gently held her hand. "Music is important, but you... are more important."

Zhou Huimin's face turned as red as a ripe apple. She whispered, "Then... does this mean we are now..."

"Boyfriend and girlfriend?" Xiang Qian suggested with a smile.

Zhou Huimin nodded, a sweet curve lifting the corners of her mouth. "Mm!"

The two walked hand in hand under the setting sun, their shadows stretched long and long.