Chapter Forty-Six: Zhou Huimin’s First Time in Hung Hom

“In the blink of an eye, we already have five songs. Time really flies,” He Shouxin remarked.

“Yes, and look at the singers backstage—each one growing more anxious as they wait their turn,” Yu Zheng added with a gesture.

“But everyone, don’t worry. Five songs remain. Before we announce the next five, let’s take a short break.”

“As you all know, at the very start of this year, a new star emerged in the music scene—a beautiful presence and an enchanting voice. In just one week, her album achieved gold status.” He Shouxin left the statement hanging, but the audience had already started calling out her name.

“It’s truly incredible for a newcomer. But who is she, really?”

“Some of you have already guessed. Please welcome Zhou Huimin—Amin, Vivian!”

“She’ll be performing a new song, ‘My Pride.’ Please welcome her!” Yu Zheng announced.

As his words faded, the gentle notes of a piano began to play. A spotlight swept across the rear of the stage, illuminating a figure with long hair cascading over her shoulders, dressed in a flowing white pleated gown of gauzy fabric, as she slowly emerged from the back.

“Pride in your eyes, rewriting the rest of my life for me. In your gaze, I found the confidence I had lost. Only then did I realize that being loved allows me to live with such courage. I’m honored that your eyes can guide me, lighting my way among the clouds. See me fly, I’m proud to fly up high. Not swayed by the pressure, only because you support me. Believe me, I can fly, I am singing in the sky. If I am considered a miracle, it’s because you make it so joyful…”

With her tender voice and the beautiful melody, this touching ballad floated from the stage and filled the entire stadium.

Two rows of ballet dancers in white gauze skirts stepped lightly onto the stage in time with the gentle music. With piano and violin as their accompaniment, the stage seemed to blossom with white flowers, and Zhou Huimin was the purest and most beautiful among them. Especially as she sang, the sparkling lights that shone upon her resembled fireflies dancing among the blossoms, creating a visual spectacle that deeply moved the audience.

“My Pride” was, after all, one of Joey’s signature songs. In 2003, it had swept the music awards, winning accolades at the Metro Radio Hit Awards, the Top Ten Songs Gold Awards, and the Global Chinese Supreme Song Award, among others—its popularity was undeniable.

In Yan Xu’s view, Zhou Huimin’s voice was on par with Joey’s—perhaps even more so when singing love songs, as her voice carried an intimacy that Joey’s lacked. For an inspiring ballad like this, she was the perfect fit. Her appearance outshone Joey’s as well, and it was as if her fame, already blazing, was being stoked to even greater heights.

“…let me fly, I’m proud to fly up high. Not swayed by the pressure, only because you support me. Believe me, I can fly, I am singing in the sky. If I have a miracle, it’s only happiest with you…”

The moving melody and memorable lyrics not only provided the audience with an auditory and visual feast but also invited them to softly hum along.

“We did it—we really did it!” Watching Zhou Huimin on stage and the audience’s enthusiastic response, Lu Guanting shook Yan Xu’s arm in excitement.

“I told you there was nothing to worry about.” Yan Xu replied with a smile, quietly unclenching his fist at last.

Zhou Huimin’s performance of “My Pride” was no less impressive than the top ten songs selected earlier. When the song ended, the applause echoed throughout the venue, and countless people in the audience and watching from home were introduced to this pure and beautiful newcomer.

After the awards ceremony, for the passionate audience, it was all over—left only with memories to savor. But for the stars, everything was just beginning.

The celebration banquet followed immediately after the ceremony—a time for celebrities to mingle and for record companies and artists to deepen their ties.

For Yan Xu and his Dragon Clan Records, it was their first official foray into this circle. To everyone in the industry, their company was still a newcomer. At the banquet, Lu Guanting had long since disappeared, networking tirelessly to expand the company’s influence. Apart from a few representatives from other labels coming over to chat with Zhou Huimin, Yan Xu stood by, more an observer than a participant.

“These people from the other labels are bold—knowing you’re with Dragon Clan and still trying to poach you in broad daylight,” Yan Xu remarked, watching as Zhou Huimin accepted yet another business card. Though it was uncertain whether she would become a superstar, tonight’s awards had certainly won her recognition and attention from many record companies; in just a short time, several companies had come to cozy up to her, including some industry heavyweights.

“My contract is with you. Don’t worry—I’m not going anywhere,” Zhou Huimin said, linking her arm through his with a comforting smile. “Besides, no other record label boss would write songs for me. Even if I became a superstar, I’d still be tied to you.”

“Now you make it sound as if you’re planning to marry me,” Yan Xu teased.

“Who wants to marry you? Don’t flatter yourself,” Zhou Huimin pouted, her small nose crinkling cutely.

“I’m not flattering myself—even if you wanted to marry me, I wouldn’t dare. I don’t want people saying I abducted an underage girl,” Yan Xu replied with a laugh.

“Underage? Have you forgotten I’m already eighteen—thanks to you,” Zhou Huimin said. In truth, she wasn’t yet eighteen; Yan Xu had gotten her a fake ID so she could attend the premiere of her first film.

“Well, that saves me from having to buy you a birthday gift then. I was just worrying about what to get you for your eighteenth,” Yan Xu joked.

“What? No, you still owe me a present,” Zhou Huimin protested at once.

“Don’t worry, I’m just teasing you,” Yan Xu said as she shook him almost to pieces.

“Speaking of gifts, I actually have one for you now.” Yan Xu mysteriously pulled a check from his jacket pocket. “This is part of your earnings from your first album. I thought I’d give it to you now—wouldn’t want you accusing me of mistreating my artists.”

“This much?” Zhou Huimin’s eyes widened in astonishment at the figure—two hundred thousand. She had never seen so much money in her life.

“That’s not much; it’s only a portion. Your album’s only been out two weeks—there’s a long way to go yet. And since your performance tonight was so good, sales will at least double. In fact, Ting and I have decided to add ‘My Pride’ and its Mandarin version to the remaining albums, rearrange a few songs, and release a New Year’s edition soon. If all goes well, we’ll push your album to double platinum.” Yan Xu explained. This was a trick he’d picked up from other companies—squeezing every bit of value from an album by adding remixes, Christmas versions, or new arrangements to spark fresh sales runs.