[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-hong-kong-1984":3,"chapter-hong-kong-1984-hong-kong-1984-entertainment-empire-chapter-9":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Hong Kong 1984: Rise of the Cultural Empire",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2223672,4066,"Chapter 9: Zhang Guorong's Invitation","hong-kong-1984-entertainment-empire-chapter-9",9,"\u003Cp>The host's resonant voice rang out: \"Next, please welcome contestant number 20—Wu Xiangqian!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiang Qian turned to look at Zhou Huimin beside him, suddenly cupped her face, and lightly kissed her forehead: \"Wait for me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Huimin's face instantly flushed red to her ears, yet she still nodded forcefully: \"Go for it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhan flipped through the scoring sheet in his hand, his brows knitting slightly: \"Wu Xiangqian, your entry for the competition song is blank?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiang Qian touched his nose, looking somewhat embarrassed: \"Actually... I just finished writing this song backstage.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The audience below immediately erupted in an uproar; someone let out a boo: \"So arrogant!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Guanjie's expression darkened: \"Young man, a competition is no child's play.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Zhang Guorong said nothing, doubt was also visible in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as the intro began, the previously noisy venue suddenly fell silent. Xiang Qian's slightly hoarse voice rang out:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sometimes I get drunk, loving freedom very much...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Zhan's originally serious expression gradually softened, Xu Guanjie's eyes widened slightly, and Zhang Guorong revealed a knowing smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Once said I'd quit smoking, but words are just words...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When singing the chorus, Xiang Qian's gaze involuntarily drifted toward Zhou Huimin below the stage, his eyes filled with a gentle smile:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But you stubbornly support me to be a person...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the final note faded, the venue was deathly silent. Suddenly, the audience erupted in thunderous applause, with some even standing up to cheer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Guorong pretended to be serious as he picked up his scoring paddle: \"99 points.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The venue immediately filled with good-natured laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Huimin excitedly threw herself into Xiang Qian's arms: \"Qian-zi! You're amazing!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiang Qian smiled as he caught her: \"How was it? Didn't disgrace you, did I?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How could it!\" Zhou Huimin's eyes sparkled brightly, \"All three judges were full of praise!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Huimin covered her mouth in surprise: \"I... I don't have to participate in the second round?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiang Qian doted on her, ruffling her hair: \"My Ah-Min is just that talented.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Qian-zi! Ah-Min!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two turned around to find Zhang Guorong standing under a streetlamp, waving at them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Huimin whispered in surprise: \"It's Brother!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiang Qian quickly pulled her over: \"Brother, is something the matter so late at night?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiang Qian's eyes widened: \"Wh... What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Huimin excitedly pinched Xiang Qian's arm: \"Qian-zi! Brother is inviting you to his concert!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.'\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiang Qian was so excited he became incoherent: \"Of... Of course I'm willing! It would be my honor!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Huimin covered her mouth in delighted surprise: \"I... I can too?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course,\" Zhang Guorong winked, \"I have high hopes for you two as a golden couple.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiang Qian smiled watching her jubilant expression: \"Happy?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ecstatic!\" Zhou Huimin suddenly stopped walking, looking at him seriously, \"Qian-zi, thank you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank me for what?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"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.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiang Qian felt a warmth in his heart and pulled her into an embrace: \"Silly girl, this is just the beginning.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The night breeze brushed gently as their shadows huddled closely together under the streetlamp.\u003C\u002Fp>",853,"2026-06-17T20:24:38.058Z",1,"Qwen3.5 397B","01acffacc7c38001d524ffaa33bfaae987139b20ae9680f71aaee86eefd95728","hong-kong-1984-entertainment-empire-chapter-10","hong-kong-1984-entertainment-empire-chapter-8",152,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fhong-kong-1984-rise-of-the-cultural-empire-cover.jpg"]