Chapter 7

(Shaw Brothers Studio, President's Office)

Li Ling held a folder, standing respectfully before Shaw Yifu's desk: "Uncle Six, this amateur selection indeed yielded a few promising talents, especially that young man named Wu Xiangqian."

Shaw Yifu set down his teacup, raising an eyebrow: "Oh? The one who sang 'Let Me Be Happy, Let Me Worry' and 'Silence Is Gold'?"

"Yes," Li Ling nodded, admiration in her eyes. "Not only is his singing superb, but his compositional ability is astonishing. During yesterday's second round of auditions, even Leslie praised him endlessly."

Shaw Yifu pondered for a moment, tapping his fingers lightly on the desk: "Keep a close watch on him. The contract terms can be generous; do not let other companies poach him."

Li Ling smiled: "Understood, Uncle Six."

Zhou Huimin, arm linked with Xiang Qian's, strolled along the bustling streets. She wore a pale yellow dress today that made her skin appear as fair as snow, her smile bright and radiant.

"Qian-zai, where shall we eat?" she asked, tilting her head.

Xiang Qian affectionately pinched the tip of her nose: "What do you want to eat? My treat."

Zhou Huimin's eyes lit up: "I heard a new Western restaurant opened in Lan Kwai Fong. Shall we try it?"

"Alright, I'll follow your lead."

Under soft lighting, the two sat facing each other. Zhou Huimin cut a small piece of steak and held it to Xiang Qian's mouth: "Taste?"

Xiang Qian smiled, opened his mouth to accept it, then nodded with exaggerated enthusiasm: "Mmm! Delicious! But..."

"But what?"

"But it's not as sweet as my Ah Min."

Zhou Huimin's face instantly flushed; she playfully swatted him: "Smooth talker!"

Xiang Qian laughed heartily, taking her hand: "I speak the truth. When I'm with you, everything tastes sweet."

That evening, the bar was dimly lit with soothing music playing. Xiang Qian and Zhou Huimin sat in a corner booth, two cocktails before them.

Zhou Huimin took a sip of her drink, then suddenly looked at Xiang Qian with sparkling eyes: "Qian-zai, I have a request..."

"Hmm? What request?"

"Could you..." she lowered her head shyly, "improvise a song for me? Right here."

Xiang Qian paused, then smiled: "Now?"

Zhou Huimin nodded, expectation in her eyes: "I want to hear a song you write for me, something unique."

Xiang Qian gazed at her hopeful expression, thought for a moment, then drained his glass, stood up, and said: "Alright, stay seated."

He walked to the small stage in the center of the bar, whispered a few words to the singer currently performing. The singer smiled, nodded, and handed over his guitar.

Xiang Qian took the guitar, tested the tuning, and spoke into the microphone: "Hello everyone, sorry to interrupt. I'd like to sing an improvised song for my girlfriend. I hope you don't mind."

The patrons in the bar began cheering; some whistled, others clapped.

"Sing!"

"Handsome guy, go for it!"

Zhou Huimin sat below, cupping her face with both hands, her eyes filled with sweetness.

Zhang Guorong and Mei Yanfang were sitting by the railing on the second floor; hearing the commotion, they looked down.

"Eh?" Mei Yanfang raised an eyebrow.

Zhang Guorong looked over and smiled: "Wu Xiangqian, a very talented young man."

Mei Yanfang rested her chin on her hand, intrigued: "Improvisation? Interesting."

Xiang Qian took a deep breath, his fingers gently plucking the strings as a melodious intro slowly rose. Gazing tenderly at Zhou Huimin, he began to sing:

"From past to present, once gone, it never returns; red fallen leaves, buried deep within the dust..."

His voice was clear and deeply emotional, the lyrics flowing like poetry. The noise in the bar gradually subsided, everyone captivated by his singing.

Zhou Huimin stared at him in a daze, her eyes gradually moistening.

"In the bitter sea, love and hate arise; in this world, fate is hard to escape. Though kin, we cannot draw near; perhaps I should believe it is destiny..."

On the second floor, Mei Yanfang's eyes widened slightly: "These lyrics..."

Zhang Guorong sighed softly: "Unparalleled."

Xiang Qian's fingers gently muted the strings, his voice fading. He looked at Zhou Huimin and said softly: "This song is called 'Love of a Lifetime,' dedicated to my Ah Min."

The bar erupted in enthusiastic applause and whistles. Zhou Huimin could no longer hold back; she rushed onto the stage and threw herself into Xiang Qian's arms.

"Qian-zai..." her voice choked with emotion, "I love this song so much, I love you so much..."

Xiang Qian held her tightly, whispering in her ear: "So do I. The love of a lifetime is only you."

Mei Yanfang turned to Zhang Guorong with a smile: "Leslie, this young man is extraordinary. You must introduce him to me."

Zhang Guorong nodded with a smile: "Certainly. I was just thinking of collaborating with him myself."

Hand in hand, Xiang Qian and Zhou Huimin strolled along streets glittering with neon lights.

"Qian-zai," Zhou Huimin suddenly stopped walking, "will you keep writing songs for me forever?"

Xiang Qian turned, cupped her face, and said seriously: "Not just songs. I also want to write a lifetime of stories for you—our stories."

Tears shimmered in Zhou Huimin's eyes; she stood on tiptoe and lightly kissed his lips: "It's a promise."

Xiang Qian smiled and pulled her into an embrace; in the night, their figures stood closely intertwined.