Chapter 8: The Competition Venue

(Backstage at Shaw Brothers Television, early Monday morning)

Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains into the dressing room, where Xiang Qian and Zhou Huimin sat side by side on a long bench with eyes closed, resting their spirits. People came and went around them; staff members bustled about, while other contestants prepared nervously.

"Qian-zai, I'm so nervous..." Zhou Huimin whispered, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes.

Xiang Qian opened his eyes, turned his head to look at her, and gently took her hand. "Don't be afraid. Just pretend there's only me in the audience."

Zhou Huimin took a deep breath and nodded. "Mm!"

Just then, a staff member approached. "Miss Zhou Huimin, you're next. Please get ready."

Zhou Huimin jumped to her feet. Xiang Qian stood up as well and gave her a light hug. "Good luck, my Ah-Min."

Dressed in a long white gown, Zhou Huimin walked slowly onto the stage. Under the spotlight, she looked as beautiful as an elf bathed in moonlight. Seated below were three judges: Zhang Guorong, Huang Zhan, and Xu Guanjie.

"Hello, esteemed judges. I am Zhou Huimin," she said with a slight bow, her voice soft. "Today, I will sing 'A Love for a Lifetime.' This song..." She paused, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. "...was custom-written for me by Xiang Qian."

A murmur rippled through the audience, followed by waves of discussion from the seats.

Zhang Guorong's lips curved slightly upward, his eyes holding a knowing smile. Of course he knew the origin of this song—he remembered that day at the bar when Xiang Qian had improvised this very piece, "A Love for a Lifetime," for his young girlfriend.

Huang Zhan adjusted his glasses and asked curiously, "Custom-written? Does that mean you two are...?"

Zhou Huimin's face flushed even deeper, but she summoned her courage to reply, "We are very good friends."

The audience immediately erupted in good-natured catcalls; some whistled, others clapped.

Xu Guanjie smiled. "Ah, youth is wonderful! Alright, begin your performance."

Zhou Huimin closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and a melodious tune slowly began to play. Her voice was clear and ethereal, like spring water flowing through a mountain ravine, as she poured out the emotions of "A Love for a Lifetime":

"From the past until now, once gone, it never returns..."

The audience gradually fell silent, all captivated by her singing. Zhang Guorong closed his eyes slightly, tapping his fingers lightly on the table as if immersed in the music.

"In the sea of bitterness, love and hate rise; in this world, one cannot escape fate..."

As she reached the climax, Zhou Huimin's gaze instinctively drifted toward the backstage entrance—Xiang Qian was standing there, giving her a thumbs-up. Her heart instantly settled, and her voice became even more moving.

When the final note faded, the venue fell silent for a few seconds before exploding into thunderous applause.

Zhang Guorong was the first to pick up the microphone. "Ah-Min, both the melody and lyrics of this song are extremely beautiful, and your interpretation has given it a soul. Full marks!"

Huang Zhan also nodded in admiration. "The compositional level of this song is exceptionally high, and your voice and emotional expression fit it perfectly. I also give full marks."

Xu Guanjie laughed teasingly, "Young people, the power of love is truly great! This song reminds me of my own youth. Full marks!"

Zhou Huimin's eyes reddened slightly as she bowed deeply. "Thank you, esteemed judges!"

As soon as Zhou Huimin stepped off the stage, Xiang Qian rushed to meet her, lifting her up and spinning her around. "My Ah-Min was amazing!"

Zhou Huimin wrapped her arms around his neck, beaming. "It's all because your song was written so well!"

Just then, a low voice came from nearby. "This song is indeed quite good."

The two turned to see Wang Jie leaning against the wall, watching them with a calm gaze.

Xiang Qian set Zhou Huimin down and smiled as he extended his hand. "Hello, I am Wu Xiangqian."

Wang Jie shook his hand. "Wang Jie." His tone was indifferent, yet a hint of appreciation lingered in his eyes. "Your composition has a lot of flavor."

Xiang Qian smiled modestly. "Thank you. I also really like your songs."

Wang Jie raised an eyebrow. "Oh? You've heard me sing?"

Xiang Qian suddenly realized he had slipped up—Wang Jie wasn't famous yet! He quickly covered, "I meant that your voice sounds like that of someone born to sing."

Wang Jie chuckled lightly, said nothing more, and turned to leave.

Just as Zhou Huimin and Xiang Qian sat down, a sunny, handsome young man approached. "Hi, I'm Li Keqin."

Xiang Qian's eyes lit up—the future "Flawless" God of Songs! He greeted him warmly, "Hello, I am Wu Xiangqian, and this is Zhou Huimin."

Li Keqin smiled as he sat down. "Ah-Min's performance just now was spectacular; that song was truly wonderful."

Zhou Huimin smiled sweetly. "Thank you. Qian-zai wrote it."

Li Keqin looked at Xiang Qian, admiration in his eyes. "Impressive. You can both sing and compose."

Xiang Qian waved his hand. "Just lucky, that's all. By the way, what song are you preparing to sing?"

Li Keqin scratched his head. "I chose Senior Xu Guanjie's 'Voice of a Wanderer.' I hope I don't mess it up."

Xiang Qian patted his shoulder. "Don't worry. You'll definitely do great."

The three judges were discussing the previous performance.

Xu Guanjie sighed with emotion. "Young people these days are truly remarkable. The lyrics to 'A Love for a Lifetime' were written with great depth."

Zhang Guorong smiled. "Indeed. Especially considering he composed it on the spot, it makes it even more exceptional."

Huang Zhan flipped through the list. "Next is... Wang Jie? He has chosen an original song titled 'One Game, One Dream'."

Xu Guanjie raised an eyebrow. "Oh? There are quite a few original songs today."

A glint of anticipation flashed in Zhang Guorong's eyes. "Interesting."

A staff member approached. "Mr. Wu Xiangqian, you are contestant number 20. Please get ready."

Xiang Qian stood up. Zhou Huimin grabbed his hand. "Good luck!"

Xiang Qian leaned down and lightly kissed her forehead. "Wait for me to return."

Zhou Huimin nodded, her face flushed. "Mm!"