Chapter 9: Zhang Guorong's Invitation

The host's resonant voice rang out: "Next, please welcome contestant number 20—Wu Xiangqian!"

Xiang Qian turned to look at Zhou Huimin beside him, suddenly cupped her face, and lightly kissed her forehead: "Wait for me."

Zhou Huimin's face instantly flushed red to her ears, yet she still nodded forcefully: "Go for it!"

Xiang Qian walked onto the stage holding his guitar; under the spotlight, his silhouette appeared exceptionally distinct. He bowed slightly to the judges' panel and the audience: "Greetings, esteemed judges. Greetings, everyone."

Huang Zhan flipped through the scoring sheet in his hand, his brows knitting slightly: "Wu Xiangqian, your entry for the competition song is blank?"

Xiang Qian touched his nose, looking somewhat embarrassed: "Actually... I just finished writing this song backstage."

The audience below immediately erupted in an uproar; someone let out a boo: "So arrogant!"

Xu Guanjie's expression darkened: "Young man, a competition is no child's play."

Although Zhang Guorong said nothing, doubt was also visible in his eyes.

Xiang Qian took a deep breath, bowed deeply to the three judges, then stood upright holding his guitar: "Thank you, teachers, for your advice. This song is called 'Rogue,' and I hope you all enjoy it."

As soon as the intro began, the previously noisy venue suddenly fell silent. Xiang Qian's slightly hoarse voice rang out:

"Sometimes I get drunk, loving freedom very much..."

Huang Zhan's originally serious expression gradually softened, Xu Guanjie's eyes widened slightly, and Zhang Guorong revealed a knowing smile.

"Once said I'd quit smoking, but words are just words..."

When singing the chorus, Xiang Qian's gaze involuntarily drifted toward Zhou Huimin below the stage, his eyes filled with a gentle smile:

"But you stubbornly support me to be a person..."

As the final note faded, the venue was deathly silent. Suddenly, the audience erupted in thunderous applause, with some even standing up to cheer.

Xu Guanjie was the first to pick up the microphone, saying excitedly: "Incredible! The lyrics of this song are written so realistically, and the melody is so catchy! I give you full marks!"

Huang Zhan pushed up his glasses: "I withdraw my earlier doubts; the completeness of this song is extremely high, nothing like an impromptu creation. Full marks!"

Zhang Guorong pretended to be serious as he picked up his scoring paddle: "99 points."

The audience below immediately erupted in an uproar, at which point Zhang Guorong smiled and explained: "I'm afraid if I gave full marks, this kid would get proud."

The venue immediately filled with good-natured laughter.

Zhou Huimin excitedly threw herself into Xiang Qian's arms: "Qian-zi! You're amazing!"

Xiang Qian smiled as he caught her: "How was it? Didn't disgrace you, did I?"

"How could it!" Zhou Huimin's eyes sparkled brightly, "All three judges were full of praise!"

At this moment, the host announced: "Since contestant Zhou Huimin received full marks in the first round, according to the competition rules, she will advance directly to the Top 12."

Zhou Huimin covered her mouth in surprise: "I... I don't have to participate in the second round?"

Xiang Qian doted on her, ruffling her hair: "My Ah-Min is just that talented."

Night had deepened as Xiang Qian and Zhou Huimin walked out of the television station hand in hand. Suddenly, a familiar voice came from behind:

"Qian-zi! Ah-Min!"

The two turned around to find Zhang Guorong standing under a streetlamp, waving at them.

Zhou Huimin whispered in surprise: "It's Brother!"

Xiang Qian quickly pulled her over: "Brother, is something the matter so late at night?"

Zhang Guorong smiled as he removed his sunglasses: "I just finished dinner with Sister Mui and happened to see you two." He paused, "Qian-zi, are you interested in being a guest at my concert?"

Xiang Qian's eyes widened: "Wh... What?"

Zhou Huimin excitedly pinched Xiang Qian's arm: "Qian-zi! Brother is inviting you to his concert!"

Zhang Guorong was amused by their reaction: "Next month I have a concert at the Coliseum, and I'd like to invite you to sing 'Rogue' and 'A Love for Life.'"

Xiang Qian was so excited he became incoherent: "Of... Of course I'm willing! It would be my honor!"

Zhang Guorong patted his shoulder: "Then it's settled." He turned to Zhou Huimin, "Ah-Min, come along too; you two can perform a duet."

Zhou Huimin covered her mouth in delighted surprise: "I... I can too?"

"Of course," Zhang Guorong winked, "I have high hopes for you two as a golden couple."

Zhou Huimin skipped all the way, like a child who had received candy: "Qian-zi! We're going to the Coliseum! Sharing the stage with Brother!"

Xiang Qian smiled watching her jubilant expression: "Happy?"

"Ecstatic!" Zhou Huimin suddenly stopped walking, looking at him seriously, "Qian-zi, thank you."

"Thank me for what?"

"Thank you for appearing in my life," Zhou Huimin's eyes shimmered with tears, "Thank you for writing songs for me and leading me to see a broader world."

Xiang Qian felt a warmth in his heart and pulled her into an embrace: "Silly girl, this is just the beginning."

The night breeze brushed gently as their shadows huddled closely together under the streetlamp.